Newcastle United have walked away from a deal to sign an exciting new defender, with a fresh report detailing the reason why he’s no longer wanted in the Premier League.
Where are Newcastle in the table?
In the top-flight this season, Eddie Howe’s side have won four, lost three and drawn one of their opening eight fixtures, meaning that they find themselves eighth in the table, and here is how all of those matches have played out so far:
Aston Villa (5-1)
West Ham (2-2)
Manchester City (1-0)
Brentford (1-0)
Liverpool (2-1)
Sheffield United (8-0)
Brighton (3-1)
Burnley (2-0)
The Magpies also haven’t had it easy considering that several players are currently missing through injury, including the likes of Joelinton, Joe Willock and Sven Botman, and with the latter’s absence highlighting the lack of options at centre-back, that’s an area that the hierarchy are looking to address in January.
Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio has been a long-term target for the club, with Liverpool and Manchester United also credited with an interest, as per the same outlet, but should any of his three potential suitors decide to pursue a deal, it won't come cheap.
The Portugal international still has another four years remaining on his deal which has a £52m release clause included (Sporting CP contracts), so Ruben Amorim’s side are in a very strong negotiating position, and that’s apparently one of the reasons why the 22-year-old has been removed from the radar in the northeast.
Goncalo Inacio transfer update
According to Portuguese outlet Radio Renascenca, sharing a transfer update on Goncalo Inacio (via Sport Witness), Newcastle have “edged away” from a move for the colossus in January.
Magpies chiefs believe that their former target has “no evolution”, and therefore, they “refuse to go crazy” over a player that they are not impressed by.
In addition, St. James’ Park chiefs think Sporting’s prized asset is too expensive with the above figure it would take to reach an agreement, so it would appear that this is a deal that is definitely off the cards.
Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
How good is Goncalo Inacio?
Standing at 6 foot 1, Inacio is currently averaging 2.4 clearances and 1.6 aerial wins per game in Liga Portugal (WhoScored – Inacio statistics). He provides a real physical presence at the heart of Sporting’s backline, and it may have been a mistake for Newcastle to end their pursuit.
The Almada native, who is naturally left-footed, is also capable of contributing to efforts at the opposite end of the pitch having posted 19 involvements, 11 goals and eight assists, in 132 senior appearances in his homeland (Transfermarkt – Inacio statistics).
Furthermore, Inacio, who has been dubbed a “leader” by BBC writer Premier League Panel, knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured four trophies during his time at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, so he would be able to match the winning mentality of the squad who are already in NE1.
The development adds to a state of instability in Australian cricket the midst of concurrent reviews into CA: one into the culture of the organisation and another tackling the behaviour of the men’s national team
Daniel Brettig31-May-2018Iain Roy, Cricket Australia’s head of integrity and the conductor of the rapid investigation into the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, has been summarily removed by the governing body even as reviews into its culture and conduct continue.In December 2013, Roy had been promoted to head a unit specifically created to deal with integrity issues around the game that were raised by a report into CA’s codes, policies and practices in this area by the former AFL executive Adrian Anderson. Roy’s removal took place a matter of days after the release of an Al Jazeera documentary raising questions about the involvement of Australian players in corrupt activity.However, the greater question surrounds yet another major change to the organisation amid two concurrent reviews into CA: a wider cultural review being undertaken by The Ethics Centre (which has a CA director, Michelle Tredenick, on its board), and a more focused review chaired by the former Test batsman Rick McCosker tackling the behaviour of the men’s national team. Its facilitator, Peter Collins, is a longtime paid consultant of CA.Roy’s exit, which took place on Tuesday, was a surprise to many at CA, only a week after the former Board director Kevin Roberts was promoted to the post of chief operating officer beneath the chief executive James Sutherland. The position is one that Sutherland had previously baulked at creating, but which now strongly suggests that the chairman David Peever is intent upon installing the ambitious Roberts as Sutherland’s eventual replacement.When the Newlands scandal took place, Sutherland’s first action was to send Roy and the team performance manager Pat Howard to Cape Town to conduct a code-of-conduct investigation into the events of the match. The result was Roy’s recommendation that the captain Steven Smith and his deputy David Warner be banned for 12 months for conduct contrary to the spirit of the game, and Cameron Bancroft for nine months. Smith and Bancroft were banned from taking any leadership positions in Australian cricket for 12 months, and Warner for life.Within CA, there had been a level of satisfaction about the fact that the episode had progressed from Bancroft’s appearance on the Newlands replay screen to the players’ acceptance of heavy sanctions inside two weeks. However there was the administrative wrinkle of the Western Australian Cricket Association having to approve Bancroft for club cricket participation due to its rules being different to those of New South Wales, the state of Smith and Warner.Even so, Roy’s sudden exit adds to a state of instability at CA, as priorities compete between the reviews, a goal to find an extra AUD 20 million in grassroots funding by cutting corners from the administration following last year’s failed attempt to remove a fixed-revenue percentage from the MoU with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, and the political machinations around the Board, Sutherland and senior management.Since the reviews were instituted, a swathe of staff have been removed from the recast game development portfolio, the head of marketing has left, while the Board director Bob Every quit well before his term was due to expire after a series of disagreements with Peever. In the meantime, the coach Darren Lehmann was replaced by Justin Langer on a four-year contract. Roy’s removal has only added to the appearance of an uncertain picture for the organisation, and lent weight to queries over whether the reviews are of any genuine significance.All this despite the signing of an AUD 1.18 billion broadcast rights deal with the Fox Sports and Seven networks in April, trumpeted by CA as a landmark deal in its balance between preserving a significant free-to-air presence for the game while also offering up the sort of blanket coverage of the game to be provided by Fox creating a dedicated cricket channel. How its many talking heads will address the sort of upheaval seen at CA in recent weeks remains to be seen.
Leeds United knew it was going to be tricky to pick up a result on the road at Brentford.
After all, heading into this Premier League showdown at the G-Tech Community Stadium, Keith Andrews’ Bees had only lost once on their own turf from eight contests, with wins against Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Liverpool sticking out.
Thankfully, though, football is sometimes not played to the script, as Leeds clinched a late leveller against the West Londoners to extend their own unbeaten run in the league to three matches.
One star stood out so much for Daniel Farke’s visitors that he could now be considered the Whites’ best signing since Raphinha entered the ranks for only £17m, with the Brazilian now a world beater on the books of Barcelona.
Why Raphinha is Leeds' best recent signing
The number 18 would dazzle Premier League defences from minute one of his arrival, with his former boss Marcelo Bielsa stating that he adapted “very quickly” to what was expected of him in the high-intensity environment of the English game.
Indeed, the £17m signing would have plenty of end product to go alongside his audacious tricks and flicks, with his debut season seeing him bag six goals and pick up nine assists.
Georginio Rutter is, of course, fondly remembered for his equally entertaining spell at Elland Road, but it would take the £35.5m recruit far more time to settle in his new surroundings, next to Raphinha, instantly being thrown in and thriving.
Moreover, for such a modest fee, it’s hard to argue against the South American being one of Leeds’ best modern pick-ups, with the Whites throwing lots of cash on unsuccessful attackers since Raphinha’s two-season stint at the club.
The eye-watering £21m addition of Luis Sinisterra stands out in that regard with the Colombian making just 26 appearances in West Yorkshire.
Thankfully, in the summer, Farke and Co spent their money more wisely, with Noah Okafor up to two Premier League goals already as a smart £18m investment.
But, he isn’t the summer arrival who can now be heralded as Leeds’ best acquisition since the memorable days of Raphinha.
Leeds star becoming their best signing since Raphinha
Farke was a relieved figure at the full-time whistle, with Leeds fully deserving of a share of the points.
Still, it would take all the way up to the 82nd minute mark for Leeds to clinch a draw, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin popped up with a “touch of quality” again – as the Athletic’s Beren Cross labelled it – when calmly directing an inviting Wilfried Gnonto delivery past a stationary Caoimhin Kelleher.
Calvert-Lewin hasn’t had a good few years when it comes to scoring goals but he’s not a man in form, continuing to bail his side out of some sticky situations.
That header was his fourth goal on the trot in the Premier League for his new team. Raphinha would also regularly come in clutch for the Whites, away from being an entertaining star, with his final ever goal for the West Yorkshire titans helping survival to be secured against – coincidentally – Leeds’ opponents on Sunday.
Leeds must be thanking their lucky stars now that they gambled on the Sheffield-born striker’s services in the summer, with the deal to bring in the 28-year-old on a free transfer looking like a steal, much like Raphinha, as the goals keep flowing for the reinvigorated marksman.
Games played
253
Minutes played
16,709 mins
Goals scored
62
Assists
18
Hat-tricks
1x
Leeds would have known that if they could get the very best out of Calvert-Lewin again, away from his recurring injury troubles, that they would be beaming ear to ear about the shrewd decision to pick him up, with the in-form number nine boasting a hefty 62 Premier League goals across his up-and-down playing days.
He will hope these injury problems have passed now, with Farke declaring him an “unbelievable human being” after the 1-1 draw in London, amid shouts, too, from the German that he is one of “the best English strikers we have here in the Premier League”.
Leeds will need to ensure they don’t get too carried away, though.
Still, if Calvert-Lewin were to keep up this red-hot goalscoring form across the whole season, survival should be comfortably reached, which will surely only solidify his label as being one of the club’s best recruits since Raphinha briefly called the Premier League home.
Leeds star who "bodied Thiago" may be on borrowed time in Farke's new system
This Leeds United star may already be on borrowed time in Daniel Farke’s new system.
Dinesh Karthik’s tactics have been called into question in KKR’s two losses so far this season. Now he must match wits with the man who led KKR for seven years, winning two titles
The Preview by Alagappan Muthu15-Apr-20183:53
Agarkar: I’d go with Curran over Johnson in KKR XI
Big PictureThey say they’ve parted on good terms, but neither Kolkata Knight Riders nor Gautam Gambhir will want to let off-field lovey-doveyness infect their on-field mission. The former captain is returning for a scalp.Both of KKR’s losses have come from tactical blunders – keeping Vinay Kumar for the last over of a tense chase against Chennai Super Kings and mismanaging of resources against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dinesh Karthik is chained to a harsh spotlight and now he has to face the man against whom he will always be judged.Gambhir could not expect better circumstances for his return to Eden Gardens. He isn’t quite Sourav Ganguly stepping up in opposition colours and sparking widespread emotional turmoil but the atmosphere should still be interesting to behold.In the news Knight Riders’ Kamlesh Nagarkoti has been ruled out of the season without playing a single match, with Karnataka seamer Prasidh Krishna replacing him Chris Morris, it is understood, missed Daredevils’ previous game with illness. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit on MondayESPNcricinfo LtdThe likely XIsKolkata Knight Riders: 1 Chris Lynn, 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Robin Uthappa, 4 Nitish Rana, 5 Dinesh Karthik (capt & wk), 6 Shubman Gill, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Shivam Mavi, 9 Mitchell Johnson, 10 Piyush Chawla, 11 Kuldeep YadavDelhi Daredevils: 1 Gautam Gambhir (capt), 2 Jason Roy, 3 Rishabh Pant (wk), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Shreyas Iyer, 6 Vijay Shankar, 7 Dan Christian/ Chris Morris, 8 Rahul Tewatia, 9 Shahbaz Nadeem, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Trent BoultStats that matter Sunil Narine loves bowing at Daredevils. He has got 20 wickets from 11 innings – his second best against IPL teams, after his 26 against King XI – coupled with an economy rate of 6.3 Shahbaz Nadeem has an IPL economy rate of 7.16. That puts him at No. 9 among the 29 spinners who have delivered at least 500 balls in the tournament. For added context, a vast majority of those who have fared better tend to be considered A-list bowlers: Harbhajan Singh, R Ashwin, Narine, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shakib Al Hasan, Anil Kumble, Rahul Sharma, Johan Botha A pick-me-up for the local fans ruing defeat at Eden: the four times Knight Riders reached the IPL knockouts, they had won only four or fewer matches at home. Of course, when they won the title in 2014, they only played four games in Kolkata. When they did the same in 2012, they won only three out of seven on their own turf Since hitting three 80-plus scores in a row in 2014, Glenn Maxwell has been dismissed for 20 or less 34 times in 50 IPL inningsStrategy puntIs there a cure for Lynnsanity? Possibly. He has been dismissed by a left-arm spinner four times in the seven IPL innings he has faced one. Furthermore, take a look at his head-to-head with Shakib Al Hasan in T20 cricket: four innings, three wickets and only 11 runs off .Fantasy pickThere are several bankable players to choose from here – Narine, Russell, Lynn – but won’t most of the guys you’re playing against be thinking along those very same lines? So why not a gamble? Why not Rishabh Pant, who at No. 3 will get enough time in the middle to collect points for you (with the added bonus of helping his team, of course). He should also offer a few add-ons for catches and/or stumpings. And he’s not half bad against spin, specifically legspin: 115 runs off 78 balls while being dismissed only twice in 12 innings. Translation: average of 57, strike-rate 147.Quotes”As a young player trying to find your feet, you don’t always get to bat where you’re used to. It’s the same with bowlers. Most teams have a number of experienced players, not many are playing 18-year-olds. I think [here] they’re backed just by the fact that they’re in the team.”
Mikel Arteta has unearthed a new wave of talent at Arsenal since his arrival as manager, abolishing the lacklustre targets attributive to life outside of Europe’s elite at the Emirates.
The Spaniard took charge of his former club in 2019, taking the reins from former manager Unai Emery who was dismissed due to poor form almost a month before his compatriot was appointed.
During his time as the boss so far, the 41-year-old has faced the highs and lows of leading the first team, with the peak being the Gunners’ second-place finish last season, in which they battled Manchester City to the line for the Premier League title.
It wasn’t meant to be as Pep Guardiola’s treble winners claimed the prize, though the growth of the squad was evident, telling of the security of Arteta’s personnel choices through the years of his own development as a coach.
The former Everton whiz was questioned for previously dropping the likes of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from his squad, despite the duo being star names at the club at the time.
Things prevailed in the manager’s favour, but the glittery pair weren’t the only names that fell out of favour with the cut-throat coach, with an academy graduate also denied the chance to continue his journey with Arsenal.
How long was Hector Bellerin at Arsenal?
In 2022, former Gunners right-back Hector Bellerin closed the door on his 11-year association with the north Londoners, arriving as a 16-year-old to the Hale End academy in 2011 from the infamous La Masia set up in Barcelona.
During that time, the Spaniard rose through the ranks of the academy to make his way into Arsene Wenger’s first team, leaving the Emirates with three FA Cups and 239 senior appearances under his belt.
In 2014, the defender made his full debut for Wenger’s side in the Champions League, starting at right-back against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park in what ended in a 2-0 defeat for the visitors.
Hector-Bellerin-Arsenal
The 19-year-old had a difficult time in Germany during his high-pressure full debut, however the struggles didn’t cause Wenger to turn his back on the teen, who went on to make 20 Premier League appearances that season.
It subsequently marked the beginning of a new chapter in the first team for the youngster, who became a regular at the end of the Frenchman’s reign and during Emery’s tenure.
In 2016, Bellerin was handed a new six-year contract, where he was dubbed as having an “absolutely huge” potential by Wenger, who had nurtured the defender into one of the most dangerous attacking full-backs in the Premier League.
As highlighted by FBref based on his statistics in the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, Bellerin ranked in the top 3% of full-backs in the league for his ability to get forward, recording an average of 9.82 progressive passes received per 90.
What was Hector Bellerin’s highest market value?
The four-time capped Spain international’s form in the English top-flight saw his market value soar to a high of €40.8m (£35.5m) in 2017, as generated by Football Transfers’ expected transfer value, suggesting just how much he’d be worth in today’s window. In fact, one report in 2018 even suggested he could be sold for as much as £50m if any interested teams came forward with a bid.
Nowadays, we know too well the importance placed in having an attack-minded full-back, however, things just didn’t work out the way they were projected to for the Barcelona academy product in north London.
What happened to Hector Bellerin?
In January 2019, shortly after Arteta’s arrival as manager, the Bellerin suffered a highly-feared anterior cruciate ligament rupture during the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates.
The defender made his comeback in November 2019 after an extensive and gruelling period on the sidelines, however by early December, the Spaniard was out again due to a hamstring injury.
Former Southampton defender Cedric Soares was introduced in the summer of 2020, which allowed Arteta to rotate between the two players, however, the arrival of a new right-back gave the manager a taste of life without Bellerin.
hector-bellerin-arsenal
Between the highs of Wenger’s guidance with him as a youngster and Arteta’s arrival, the full-back faced a huge dip in form, which some would say could be a result of his traumatic knee injury.
His lower level of performance can be identified when comparing his season averages, where he recorded just 6.12 progressive passes received per 90 in 2020/21, to the highs of 9.82 in the 2017/18 campaign.
The Spaniard registered an average of 2.48 progressive carries per 90 in the 2017/18 term, compared to his average of 1.98 per 90 during the 2020/21 Premier League season, telling of his reduced output on the right side.
In the summer of 2021, Arteta welcomed both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White to the Emirates, two talents capable of playing at right-back, signalling the beginning of the end for Bellerin, who was shipped on loan to Real Betis for the 2021/22 season.
Hector Bellerin's league appearances since leaving Arsenal, via Transfermarkt
Season
Club
League
Appearances
2022/23
Barcelona
La Liga
3
2022/23
Sporting CP
Liga Portugal
10
2023/24
Real Betis
La Liga
3
When he returned from his loan, it was abundantly clear that the 28-year-old had no place in Arteta’s plans going forward, which ended his time in north London as he returned to Barcelona on a free transfer.
The defender’s homecoming didn’t go quite as planned, as he was reduced to just three LaLiga appearances before leaving to join Sporting CP in January 2023 on a short contract until the summer.
This summer, the Spaniard finally found sanctuary by returning to his boyhood club Real Betis, where he will endeavour to rebuild his career after years of limited game time.
What is Hector Bellerin’s market value now?
From a market high of £35.5m in 2017, Bellerin’s value has dropped dramatically, with CIES Football Observatory now valuing the Betis defender at just €5m (£4m).
At the point of his move from Arsenal, Arteta praised his countryman as being an “exceptional player”, leaving people wondering just what could have been for the Hale End graduate had he not suffered the injuries he did at senior level.
hector-bellerin-real-betis
Despite a dip in form and prolonged desire for new surroundings, Bellerin will be remembered in north London as a player who went above and beyond for the club, both on and off the pitch in Islington.
After 11-years, the time of his departure prevailed to be the right decision considering how Arsenal’s defence has developed, and the decline in the Spaniard’s form and market value.
The funk was on a roll in Jaipur as Rajasthan Royals surprised Chennai Super Kings with a much needed victory
ESPNcricinfo staff12-May-20181:53
Rahane will be the man for us in coming matches – Unadkat
Tough conditions can bring about some compelling cricket, and a few rather quirky ideas. Such was the case in Jaipur when Rajasthan Royals experimented with Ben Stokes opening the batting. Now he had never done so in the IPL. His team was fighting to stay alive in this IPL. Chennai Super Kings had put up a better-than-par score of 176 on the board. There was a fair bit of risk. But Shane Warne just said why not.The Royals’ mentor did offer a more nuanced explanation, which Jos Buttler relayed to the host broadcaster at the end of a match-winning unbeaten 95 off 60 balls. “At the half time. He [Stokes] was just struggling a little bit with his hamstring, whether it was cramp or something else, he was struggling with his running. And as we’ve seen on this ground, actually in the middle overs, trying to push twos and run hard when boundaries are a little harder.”Shane Warne sort of said why don’t you go at the top and play with some freedom and try and see if that comes off because he felt like he was going to find it hard in the middle with his running. I kept nicking the strike off him at the top, but it was a nice experiment and I think Shane Warne has obviously been a proactive guy and thought why not, let’s try it.”The change in batting order may have forced Chennai Super Kings to basically use up their spinners in the Powerplay on a pitch where, once the ball got soft, it became hard to hit.Fancy tactics aside, Stokes made only 11 runs and Royals needed someone to bat through the innings. Buttler did just that. He wanted to be there at the end so badly that he stowed away his usual flamboyance. A batsman renowned for his shots behind the wicket when the pressure was on scored only 21 runs between backward point and backward square leg. There was, however, one moment of brilliance when he reverse-swept the medium-pace of Shane Watson for four in the 16th over.1:15
Buttler played a great lone hand – Fleming
“I’m 100% committed when he’s at the end of his mark, really. I just felt like we needed a boundary, and actually, watching KL Rahul bat here the other day in the last over, against Jaydev, he played a few reverse sweeps and that made me think maybe that was a good option. It’s a shot I’m quite confident with and I wasn’t really finding the boundary elsewhere.”Keeping in mind how hard it was to time the ball when pace was taken off it, Royals made a conscious push during the Powerplay, with Buttler scoring 40 out of 57 runs.”I had some interesting conversations at the time out. Initially, we were going well and it was just trying to keep that going. I talked about just trying not to lose my intent. You know, [in] a few games, having come out of the Powerplay, I’ve felt like I’ve lost that boundary option so I was trying to [address] that.”And as we saw when we bowled, how it got harder and harder, the decision was whether we try to win the game earlier, and get it down to nearer a run a ball for the last three or four overs or trying to take it deep. And I think we were sort of a little bit taken [aback] by what bowlers they bowled at certain times and it dictated [our plans] a bit.”Cue some good fortune as well. Buttler was dropped three times – two rather difficult return catches to Watson and Dwayne Bravo and one with MS Dhoni diving full length to his left to hunt down a failed scoop shot. And he needed a big-hitting bailout from K Gowtham who struck two sixes in the penultimate over to bring the equation down from 28 off 12 to only 12 off 6.”Krishnappa Gowtham, as well, coming in and hitting sixes. He’s done it time and time again this IPL and that takes a huge amount of pressure off me. And when you get to 12 off the over, you’re always just thinking it’s always two hits away. I got quite lucky, few half chances going down and the guys running into each other when DJ would’ve probably caught that.”
As Leeds United romped to a convincing 3-0 win over Watford at the weekend, it proved a welcome return to the starting XI for experienced ace, Liam Cooper, with the Scotland international filling the void of the suspended Joe Rodon at centre-back.
Having been hampered by a foot injury in recent weeks, the club captain slotted in smoothly as Daniel Farke's side claimed a fourth successive clean sheet, the long-serving asset notably winning eight duels on the day after expertly taking the sting out of the Hornets.
Such a standout display from the 32-year-old – in which he simply 'thrived', according to Leeds Live's Beren Cross – showcased just what he can offer to the side when fit and available, albeit with the Hull-born having too often been on the treatment table in recent years.
Leeds defender Liam Cooper.
That has ensured that the £25k-per-week defender has proven somewhat unreliable of late after regularly being struck down with injury, with Farke likely to need to look elsewhere to find a long-term solution in that role moving forward.
With Cooper – who has racked up 268 appearances for the club to date – also now in the final year of his contract at Elland Road, it remains to be seen if that deal will be extended any time soon, thus throwing into doubt his place at the club.
Players
Appearances
Liam Cooper
268
Stuart Dallas
267
Luke Ayling
261
Sam Byram
151
Patrick Bamford
151
Illan Meslier
134
Pascal Struijk
106
Stats via Transfermarkt
Having even been linked with a departure from the Yorkshire giants over the summer, the Whites may need to have a contingency plan in place if and when the long-serving skipper does depart.
Who could replace Liam Cooper at Leeds?
With Robin Koch and Max Wober having moved out on loan during the recent window, it is fair to say that Leeds aren't particularly blessed with too much depth in the centre-back department, despite bringing in the aforementioned Rodon from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Welshman – like Spurs colleague Djed Spence – is only at Elland Road on a temporary basis, however, thus ensuring that he may not be an ideal candidate to replace Cooper in the long-term, with it yet to be seen if a permanent deal will be agreed at the end of the season.
With Pascal Struijk the only other senior option in the defensive ranks, a worthy successor to Cooper could emerge in the form of Charlie Cresswell, with the 21-year-old having "really impressed" while on loan at Millwall last season, as per manager Gary Rowett.
Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell.
The 6 foot 4 ace – who scored five times last season during that temporary stint – isn't the only emerging talent that Farke could look to, however, with former Celtic starlet Leo Hjelde also someone to consider as a possible firm fixture in the backline for years to come.
How good is Leo Hjelde?
The Norwegian colossus – who arrived from Glasgow back in 2021 – has endured a difficult season thus far after being hooked at half-time in the opening game draw with Cardiff City, as well as in the Carabao Cup victory over Shrewsbury Town last month.
Those displays had come with the 20-year-old lining up at left-back, however, with Farke potentially missing a trick by not placing the Nottingham-born gem at centre-back – a role he has previously thrived in.
leo-hjelde-leeds-united-championship
During a prior stint on loan at Scottish side, Ross County, the exciting talent was even likened to current Liverpool icon, Virgil van Dijk as an indication of his sky-high potential, with manager John Hughes having stated back in April 2021:
"Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk – trust me on that. The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men's football and standing up to it – it's been a wonderful experience for Leo."
Hughes was again effusive in his praise for Hjelde when speaking about him last year, stating that the the-teenager had a real "swagger" about him, while also hailing the 6 foot 2 ace as an "athlete" and "very good" technically.
While thus far restricted to just eight first-team appearances for his parent club, the versatile asset – who was linked with a move to Serie A this summer – also proved his talent on loan at Rotherham last season, with it looking as if "Leeds have got a real proper centre-half on their books" if he "fulfils his potential", according to Hughes.
How did Leo Hjelde get on at Rotherham?
Much like during his time north of the border, the rave reviews came flooding in amid Hjelde's short time with the Millers, with journalist Paul Davis having hailed him as a "player of Premier League talent" who is "already a quality Championship player".
Also described as a "revelation" by Davis for his quality on the ball, the Norway U21 international made 13 Championship appearances in total during that loan spell, enjoying a solid record of 1.3 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game – a similar record to what Cresswell achieved at Millwall (1.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game).
A talent with "real maturity" despite his relative youth – according to Davis – the elegant asset will likely be hoping to kick on from that promising temporary stint by forcing his way into Farke's plans this season, despite having been on the periphery of late.
leo-hjelde-leeds-united-championship
For Leeds to potentially have their own version of Van Dijk on their hands – a player once described as the "best centre-half of all time" by pundit Michael Owen – is a hugely exciting prospect, with it perhaps time that he is given a chance to shine in the centre of defence at Elland Road.
With Cooper unable to be relied upon due to his injury woes, and with Rodon potentially only set to stay for a season, Hjelde could be a figure for Farke to build his defence around for the long-term, alongside the likes of Cresswell and Struijk.
While something of a bit-part player during his two years at Leeds so far, the Scandinavian star could be something of a secret weapon that is just waiting to be unleashed this season.
Heather Knight, Nat Sciver and Anya Shrubsole are named among the Five Cricketers of the Year, while Virat Kohli is Leading Cricketer in the World
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Apr-2018The 2018 edition of has continued to break new ground, with three members of the England Women’s World Cup-winning team named among the Five Cricketers of the Year: Anya Shrubsole – who also becomes the first woman to feature on the cover – Heather Knight and Nat Sciver.For the second year running, Virat Kohli is named Leading Cricketer in the World – matching Virender Sehwag’s achievement in 2008 and 2009 – while another of the competitors in the Women’s World Cup final at Lord’s, India captain Mithali Raj, wins the Leading Women’s Cricketer accolade. Afghanistan’s teenage sensation, Rashid Khan, is the inaugural winner of a new award for the foremost T20 player in the game.Previously, only two women have won places among ‘s Five – Claire Taylor (2009) and Charlotte Edwards (2014) – a tradition that dates back to 1889 and is judged on performances during the English summer, with no player able to be named more than once.Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 2018•WisdenAlongside Shrubsole, Knight and Sciver, West Indies’ batsman Shai Hope, scorer of twin hundreds in a famous win at Headingley, and Essex’s Jamie Porter, the seamer who helped lead them to a first County Championship in 25 years, make up the Five Cricketers of the Year for 2017. Winners receive a commemorative edition of the Almanack, which is published on Wednesday.Lawrence Booth, the editor of , praised Knight’s role in lifting the World Cup as “the culmination of a personal tour de force that helped change women’s cricket for ever” and said no stroke was more memorable in 2017 than Sciver’s flick through the legs, christened the “Natmeg”. On Shrubsole’s match-winning turn at Lord’s, he added: “She finished with figures of six for 46, the best in a World Cup final, and the status of a national hero.”While the women’s game may enjoy a higher profile than it has ever done, Booth writes in his Editor’s Notes that there remains work to be done and calls for a statue to be erected of the pioneering Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who died last year. “If Barnsley and Hobart can honour Dickie Bird and David Boon, Lord’s can find room for Rachael Heyhoe Flint – preferably in the Coronation Garden behind the Pavilion, casting a mischievous eye in the direction of WG.”Although has only singled out the world’s best male cricketer since 2003, Kohli is the third player to win it twice – after Sehwag and Kumar Sangakkara – and the second to do so in consecutive years. The women’s award is only in its fourth year, with Raj the first Indian to be honoured.”For the second year in a row, Indian captain Virat Kohli is ‘s Leading Cricketer in the World,” Booth said. “In all formats in 2017, he scored 2,818 runs – more than 700 ahead of Joe Root in second place. Three of his five Test hundreds were doubles, and the other two unbeaten, and his 1,460 one-day international runs were unsurpassed.”Mithali Raj made it an Indian double after she was named the Leading Woman Cricketer in the World. In the course of captaining her country to within a whisker of the World Cup title, she became the leading run-scorer in the history of women’s one-day internationals, and completed her seventh successive half-century, another record.”Elsewhere in the Almanack, Booth describes England’s Test team as “going backwards” and is critical of the ECB’s handling of the Ben Stokes affair. There is praise, however, for increased engagement with the UK’s South Asian communities. “This is about more than doing the right thing, and bringing a passionate group in from the cold. It is a matter of survival.”
There has been a "new" update on West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen and a proposed contract extension at the London Stadium.
Latest West Ham news
David Moyes and his Hammers side have started the new Premier League campaign in fine fashion overall; sealing impressive wins over big-spending Chelsea, high-flying Brighton and newly-promoted Luton Town.
Building upon their Europa Conference League triumph last season, some of West Ham's summer arrivals have quickly taken to life in east London.
Midfielders Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse perform as if they've been at the club for years, while Ghana star Mohammed Kudus arrives with an exciting reputation.
West Ham recorded their first defeat of the season on Saturday as European champions Man City clinched a 3-1 win courtesy of goals from Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.
However, given they're arguably the best side on the continent right now, supporters can forgive Moyes' side and look forward to their next league game away to Liverpool.
Jarrod Bowen new contract
West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen.
One of West Ham's star players has been England winger Bowen, who has racked up three goals and one assist in just five league appearances so far.
The 26-year-old struggled in parts last campaign but has since returned to form; dazzling as one of West Ham's main attacking outlets alongside Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio.
Antonio has reportedly already signed a new deal at West Ham, and the Irons are apparently really pushing to tie down Bowen on top of him.
That is according to Irons reporter Toby Cudworth, who writes on X and in a co-wrote article for 90min that a fresh terms are on the cards for Bowen.
West Ham are apparently confident they can get him to sign and remain "hopeful" of him putting pen to paper as "negotiations continue".
"NEW: West Ham hopeful Jarrod Bowen will sign contract extension as negotiations continue," wrote Cudworth on X.
"Current deal runs out in the summer of 2025, incredibly he has only missed 2 PL games since joining in January 2020."
For 90min, Cudworth writes with fellow reporter Graeme Bailey that West Ham are working hard to seal a new and improved deal for Bowen.
How good is Jarrod Bowen?
West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen.
The former Hull City star has been a revelation since joining West Ham in January 2020.
Over his 163 appearances in all competitions, Bowen has 43 goals and 32 assists to his name, with Sky pundit Paul Merson also branding him "outstanding" and "underrated".
“Jarrod Bowen is someone who got recognition on the grandest stage recently as he made his England debut, but I still believe he’s underrated,” Merson said to Sports Keeda last summer.
“He’s an outstanding player and has gone from strength to strength since swapping Hull City for West Ham – I can’t believe it took so much time for Gareth Southgate to call him up.
“When West Ham have a big game coming up, he’s a player – along with Declan Rice – who gets rested and that just shows how much he’s grown in stature. Come to think of it, he reminds me of a forward version of James Milner – reliable, honest and works his socks off for the team."
Centuries from Mahidul Islam Ankon and Ashok Menaria, meanwhile, steered Khelaghar Samaj to a seven-wicket win against Agrani Bank
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Feb-2018In the first thriller of this season’s Dhaka Premier League, the eighth-wicket pair Mohammad Enamul and Taijul Islam guided Mohammedan Sporting Club to a three-wicket win over Prime Bank Cricket Club. Chasing 260, Mohammedan slipped to 205 for 7 when they lost their top-scorer Raqibul Hasan, who made 64. From there, Enamul and Taijul added an unbroken 55 in 54 balls to steer their side home. Taijul, who came in at No. 9, made 35 off 36 balls, while Enamul made 32 off 33.The match at the BKSP-3 ground began in spectacular fashion when Prime Bank, who were sent in to bat, were reduced to 36 for 6 in the 14th over. Taijul and Bipul Sharma shared five of those wickets but Al-Amin and Ariful Haque staged a fine recovery, adding 161 for the seventh wicket. Al-Amin made 110 off 126 balls with nine fours and two sixes while Ariful struck four sixes and as many fours in his 100-ball 87. With Delwar Hossain clattering a 14-ball 25 at the end, Prime Bank eventually posted 259 for 9 in their 50 overs.Mahidul Islam Ankon and Ashok Menaria struck centuries to power Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity to a seven-wicket win over Agrani Bank Cricket Club in Fatullah.Ankon and Menaria got together with their side in trouble at 40 for 3 in the tenth over with their side chasing 261. They went on to add an unbroken 221 for the fourth wicket, as Khelaghar sped to their target in 47.4 overs. Ankon’s unbeaten 115, his maiden List-A century, included four fours and six sixes, while Menaria struck nine fours and three sixes in his 112-ball 113.Agrani Bank, who had opted to bat first, had posted 259 for 8 with eight of their batsmen getting to 20 but only one – the No. 7 Jahid Javed (54 off 56 balls) – getting to a half-century.Shinepukur Cricket Club rode on half-centuries from Towhid Hridoy and Afif Hossain to beat Kalabagan Krira Chakra by six wickets at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. They added 84 for the fourth wicket in a chase of 233. Afif top-scored with an unbeaten 67 off 70 balls, with seven fours and two sixes, while Hridoy struck five fours and a six in his 71-ball 63.Batting first, Kalabagan reached 232 for 9 thanks to Akbar-ur-Rehman’s 71, which included four fours and two sixes. He added 64 for the fifth wicket with Mahmudul Hasan, who made 52. Later in the innings, Abul Hasan blasted six fours and a six in an unbeaten 27-ball 47. Shuvagata Hom took three wickets.