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Sunderland are interested in a deal to bring Stephen O’Donnell to the Stadium of Light this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that Lee Johnson’s side are ready to make a move for the Motherwell right-back in the summer transfer window, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus holding the belief that a deal would cost the Black Cats less than £500k.

The League One side have been linked with a number of players in the 29-year-old’s position in recent weeks, most notably Nottingham Forest’s Jordan Gabriel.

However, with Blackpool also thought to be keen on the 22-year-old, Sunderland now look to have turned their attention in the market towards the Scotland international, who has two years left to run on his contract at Fir Park.

Major coup

Considering just how short Johnson’s squad currently is in options at right-back, in addition to how impressive the Motherwell captain has been for both his club and country in recent seasons, it is unsurprising to learn of Sunderland’s interest in a move for O’Donnell.

Indeed, over his 34 Scottish Premiership appearances for Graham Alexander’s side last term, the £810k-rated man helped his side keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, two clearances and winning 4.5 duels per game.

The defender also helped his side out in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 key passes per match.

These returns saw the £1.2k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.73, with his performances playing a key role in his club securing survival in the top flight of Scottish football.

This league form saw O’Donnell earn a call up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland side for Euro 2020 this summer, with the 29-year-old highly impressing for his country, most notably in the 0-0 draw with England.

In the stalemate, the right-back made two tackles, one clearance, two key passes and won three duels, seeing him earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.2 – the second-best of any Scotland player on the day.

As such, it would certainly appear as if the defender would be quite a major coup for the Black Cats ahead of the new League One season, leading us to believe Louis-Dreyfus should do all he can to get a deal over the line for O’Donnell in the coming days.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops two-word Sunderland transfer update that will have fans buzzing

Shoaib Akhtar has been named in Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, which was announced on Tuesday

Cricinfo staff12-Aug-2008Pakistan squad for Champions TrophyShoaib Malik (capt), Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal (wk), Bazid Khan, Khalid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Iftikhar Anjum, Abdur Rauf, Saeed AjmalShoaib Akhtar capped an ultimately inevitable but nevertheless remarkable comeback into the Pakistan side, being named in the 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy. The inclusion became inevitable only recently after various, protracted legal battles were semi-won and other fast bowlers suffered injuries or became embroiled in doping scandals; it is remarkable because only in April was he banned for five years by the board, his career seemingly over.Kamran Akmal also made a mildly surprising comeback into the squad, having lost his place to Sarfraz Ahmed during the Asia Cup, due mainly to exceedingly poor form behind the stumps. But Pakistan’s selection committee has banked on Akmal’s batting strength and experience.Umar Gul has also been included after his rib injury was cleared by the board’s medical committee. Gul, who picked up the problem during the Asia Cup, has not bowled since then and didn’t do so during the practice games in Multan last week. Shahid Afridi and Salman Butt also made the squad despite missing the trial games. Afridi was attending to a domestic problem and had been under pressure over his poor recent form, while Butt had just recently undergone appendicitis surgery.As ever, however, the headlines will go to Shoaib. He was named in a preliminary list of probables after the Lahore High Court temporarily suspended an 18-month ban imposed on him by the PCB, itself reduced from the initial five-year punishment. Since then he has worked his way back steadily to some kind of fitness – he last played an international last year in India – choosing to opt out of a training camp to work on his own.He then impressed in the trial matches, where witnesses said he bowled with sustained speed ad accuracy. “We held two trial matches where Akhtar proved his fitness and he is willing to return and since he is determined he is an asset for Pakistan,” chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed told a news conference.The PCB has also apparently softened its stance over the question of an outstanding fine they said Shoaib had to pay before he was cleared to play. Shoaib has refused to pay the Rs 7 million fine while he waits for the court to rule on whether it will overturn the ban, a decision expected to be made once courts restart in September.”His lawyer has argued that Akhtar can pay the fine once the appeal against the reduced ban is heard in the court, so we have decided to keep the legal matter and cricket separate,” PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said.Mohammaf Yousuf’s opting out of the tournament as it was played during Ramadan has led to the recall of Bazid Khan, son of Majid, while a place has also been found for the young Karachi opener Khalid Latif.Pakistan, hosting the tournament for the first time from September 12, is drawn in the same group as India, Australia and the West Indies, against whom they open the tournament.

Donald Peters, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive, has said the board will agree to Pakistan’s request for a two-Test series in November only after receiving the approval of the players’ association

Cricinfo staff14-Sep-2008
West Indies might land in Pakistan only after assessing the security situation in the country © AFP
Donald Peters, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive, has said the board will agree to Pakistan’s request for a two-Test series in November only after receiving the approval of the players’ association.”The Pakistan Cricket Board made a formal request for West Indies to play two Test matches in November,” Peters told in London. “We now have to wait for approval from the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) and it has to be confirmed by the WICB before we can confirm the matches will take place.”Peters indicated he was in favour of going ahead with the tour, but said the WIPA might make a decision only after appraising the security situation in the country. “I am currently trying to fast-track that process so that we can get that done as quickly as possible and hopefully agree on the tour,” he said. “Whether we can get that approval from the Players’ Association, however, will depend on their analysis of the security situation in Pakistan.”West Indies were invited last week for a Test series in Pakistan as the PCB desperately looked for alternatives following the postponement of the Champions Trophy due to security concerns. Pakistan had earlier, albeit unsuccessfully, tried to arrange a tri-series in South Africa and an ODI series against Sri Lanka.

An update has emerged regarding Everton’s interest in Brazilian left-back Guilherme Arana.

What’s the talk?

According to Brazilian outlet Torcedores (via TEAMtalk), Everton are interested in signing Atletico Mineiro full-back Guilherme Arana.

The report claims that the Toffees have been sending scouts to watch him play for Brazil at the Olympics, where he is playing alongside Richarlison. They are in the quarter-finals of the competition, with the Blues continuing to track his progress.

Fans would love him

Marcel Brands must sanction a swoop for the left-back this summer as he could be a quality addition to the squad heading into next season, while the fans would likely love him.

Everton are short on cover in the full-back areas and Arana could be a much-needed signing to bolster the depth of Rafa Benitez’s squad. Lucas Digne is the first-choice on the left-hand side of the defence and there is no need for him to be immediately replaced, but behind him there is little in the way of competition.

Niels Nkounkou is still very raw, while Ben Godfrey was forced to play at left-back at times last season as a right-footed centre-back naturally, and bringing Arana in could alleviate any need to do that again. Not only would Digne have a serious challenger for his place in the team, it would also allow the former Norwich man to focus solely on playing at centre-back instead of filling in at full-back.

André Jardine, Brazil’s coach at the Olympics, heaped praise on the 1.76m (5 foot 9) beast as he said of the 24-year-old: “He is going through a spectacular phase, he was the best full-back at the last Brazilian Championship, with a great resourcefulness, defensively and offensively.

“His big message at the last Championship was that he scored goals, gave assists, he even scored a goal on our last call. I talk to Franco a lot. With his approval on the left-back, he really meets the Brazilian National Team. Arana fills our eyes with us at the club and here.”

This illustrates that Arana bombs up and down the left flank as he is able to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. Everton fans would likely appreciate him working hard to get up the pitch, as Digne does, whilst potentially offering some assists and goals from the back.

He has one assist in three games at the Olympics and has averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.10 in Tokyo. Therefore, he could be a quality signing for the Blues in an ideal position, and one who Everton supporters would surely love to see competing with Digne for the left-back spot next season.

AND in other news, Brands must “raise the bar” by landing “phenomenal” £195k-p/w colossus for Everton…

Emmerson Trotman, the former Barbados batsman, has been appointed as a coach at the Barbados Cricket Association

Cricinfo staff03-Oct-2008
Emmerson Trotman, the former Barbados batsman, will be a coach at the Barbados Cricket Association © Allsport UK Ltd
Emmerson Trotman, the former Barbados batsman, has been appointed as a coach at the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA). He was coach of the Netherlands national team until 2004 and helped them qualify for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa during his eight-year term.Trotman, 53, holds a Level 4 coaching certificate from the England and Wales Cricket Board and a Level 3 from Cricket South Africa. “I always wanted to give something back to what I’ve learnt in Barbados,” he told . “It’s a good challenge here. There is so much talent that you can work with. I’d be happy to take them to a new level.”You can’t change the guys. They have their own style. You just have to guide them in the right direction, just adjust one or two things. They mostly need to be guided in the right direction, more management stuff.”Trotman played for Barbados between 1976 and 1983 before his participation in the rebel tours to South Africa in the eighties ended his career in the West Indies. He remained in South Africa and represented Border for eight seasons.The BCA also appointed Vasbert Drakes, who was the Barbados coach last year, as a full-time coach.

An exciting claim has emerged over West Ham’s prospective takeover bid this week…

What’s the word?

PAI Capital, the investment group behind a recent £400m offer for the East London outfit, have provided some insight into their offer and plans.

Last month, the Daily Mail first reported the interest, with sources claiming that the proposal would hand manager David Moyes with significant transfer funds, and help transform the London Stadium and the surrounding areas.

This was rejected by the Irons’ majority shareholder David Sullivan. He told The Athletic that the informal approach was “derisory” and “vague”, also suggesting that PAI Capital “had zero interest in the football side and saw it as a property move.”

Now they have broken their silence through a representative, who spoke to Hammers News.

“PAI Capital’s plan is to develop the club within a viable business model that guarantees long term to compete at the top level of English football,” they revealed.

“In case our takeover is successful, there will be a budget allocated to strengthen the squad. The scale of the follow-up investment directly depends on the price we will end up paying for the purchase of the club.

“PAI Capital has an experienced and solid team that developed a clear vision for the club going forward in case our take over is successfully completed.

“We will release more information and the vision in due course.”

Time to go, GSB?

Well, that certainly starts to rebuff the claims from Sullivan, especially with further news likely in due course.

There are a couple of key takeaway points from this statement that should leave many around the London Stadium absolutely buzzing. Firstly, it appears they are very committed to this deal and are likely to pursue it as much as they can – unlike previous takeover bids.

Secondly, whilst they still have a lot to prove, there does seem to be some footballing reasons behind the bid, especially as they would back the manager in the transfer market.

That’s yet to really happen this summer, with the Hammers only signing one senior player, which is amongst the lowest in the division.

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GSB’s relationship with the West Ham fanbase has been rocky for several years now. Last year, fans protested against the board before games against Everton and Liverpool.

Some of the banners read: “Run like a circus – Owned by clowns” and “GSB out – Sold a dream, delivered a nightmare.”

That was a direct consequence of their relegation battle in 2019/20 but by the end of the subsequent summer, the Irons faithful were up in arms against Sullivan, David Gold and Karen Brady once again following the sale of promising starlet Grady Diangana.

Therefore, if PAI are as serious as they seem to be, then there’s reason to get excited because it’s one foot in the right direction, in terms of finally getting rid of GSB.

The two parties may be far apart in their respective valuations of the club but this is merely the beginning. You can’t help but feel there is plenty more to come in this saga – and that’s certainly a good thing.

AND in other news, Moyes could land West Ham another Antonio in 22-goal “machine” once likened to Mbappe…

Sheffield United have been handed a major boost in their bid to bring Ben Davies to Bramall Lane this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sheffield Star, who claim that the Liverpool centre-back is high on Slavisa Jokanovic’s list of transfer targets in the summer window, while the 25-year-old is extremely keen on the idea of securing a move to the Blades.

The report goes on to relay the comments of the United boss following his side’s opening day defeat to Birmingham City, with the 52-year-old appearing very much open to adding a number of new signings to his squad before transfer deadline day.

He said: “We are making plans. But I am really thinking about my people and trying to help everyone here become better about what we do – myself included. Of course, though, there is a plan and we are still working [towards that].”

Jokanovic will be buzzing

With both Kean Bryan and Phil Jagielka having left the club upon the expiry of their contracts at Bramall Lane at the end of last season, and Jokanovic having so far failed to replace either player with a new face this summer, the news that Davies is eager to link up with the Serbian’s side is sure to have left the 52-year-old buzzing.

While Davies is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool since joining the Reds in a rather unusual transfer earlier this year, the defender proved in his time with Preston North End that he is an extremely capable player in the second tier of English football.

Indeed, over his 19 Championship appearances for the Lilywhites last season, the £2.7m-rated man helped his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 4.3 clearances and winning 4.9 duels per game.

These returns saw the player Jurgen Klopped dubbed a “leader” earn a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as the club’s second-best performer in the league.

As such, taking into account just how short United are of options in the centre of defence, as well as Davies’ fine displays with Preston, it would appear highly advisable for Jokanovic to do all he can to get a deal over the line for the centre-back this summer, as the potential transfer would seem to suit all parties involved.

In other news: Jokanovic could be heading for grave Sheff Utd error over “fantastic” £900k-rated gem

Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand captain, has said he’s “pretty happy” with the team’s win in the Test and ODI series in Bangladesh

Cricinfo staff29-Oct-2008
Daniel Vettori led from the front, scoring 130 runs and taking 14 wickets, during New Zealand’s 1-0 win in the Tests against Bangladesh © AFP
Daniel Vettori has said he’s “pretty happy” with the team’s win in the Test and ODI series in Bangladesh, but the New Zealand captain knows the upcoming two-Test series in Australia will be a different challenge altogether.”It will be two contrasting situations obviously,” Vettori said. “The type of wickets there [in Australia], and Australia being the No. 1 side in the world compared to Bangladesh being down at the bottom. It’s going to be a tough test but this series [in Bangladesh] mainly got guys back to cricket. It gave the guys the chance to go and bat for a long time. It is better to have played on this tour than it is going to Australia with no cricket at all.”The second Test in Mirpur was ruined by rain, denying New Zealand the chance of sealing the series 2-0. The visitors, though, suffered a scare in the first Test in Chittagong. “There are parts of the game we are disappointed with like when Bangladesh were on top in parts of the first Test,” Vettori said, “Overall I think we showed that we were the better side and we probably would have come away with a 2-0 result if there was more time.”At the outset of the tour, which began with three ODIs, Vettori had said he expected nothing less than a 3-0 win. The result would have pushed New Zealand up to No. 2 in the ICC ODI rankings, but they were beaten in the first match. “In the first one-dayer Bangladesh played really well and we were a little under done and played poorly. It’s as simple as that,” he said. “But we rectified the problems as the tour went on and showed that we can compete and do well in these conditions. I don’t think at any stage our side underestimated Bangladesh.”From the start I had said that it was going to be a difficult tour so while we didn’t quite get the results we were after in terms of a 3-0 one-day series win, everything else went to plan.”The majority of New Zealand’s squad hadn’t played a Test in the subcontinent, and Vettori said the experience would help them. “I am one of those who would constantly push players to get better. Jesse [Ryder] played very well in the first innings [in the second Test] with Brendon McCullum and that set us up for a score. I am always asking more of them but understanding at the same time that they are quite an inexperienced group, apart from Brendon, who has only played a few Test matches in the top five.”Vettori admitted beating Australia will be a tough proposition, despite their recent 320-run loss in the second Test against India in Mohali. “They are still the No. 1 side in the world and they are going to be incredibly difficult to beat,” Vettori said. “India played really well to beat them in the last game and from my experience of the Australian team they tend to come back stronger. So it is going to be a real hard ask.”

Australia should consider playing both Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson in the first Test against New Zealand, according to the former captain Steve Waugh

Cricinfo staff15-Nov-2008
Shane Watson had success with the ball in India but he might yet lose his spot for the first Test against New Zealand © Getty Images
Australia should consider playing both Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson in the first Test against New Zealand, according to the former captain Steve Waugh. The idea has also won qualified support from Michael Hussey, who believes Watson can do the job as the third fast bowler provided he does not have to send down so many overs that his injury-prone body is in danger of breaking down.Symonds has been Australia’s regular Test No. 6 in the past couple of years and Watson took on the role during the recent tour of India. Both men have been named in the 13-man squad for the Gabba Test, which starts on Thursday, and Waugh said it should not be assumed that one of them would miss out.”It’s a difficult choice,” Waugh told the . “But Watson did very well [in India] and he might come in as a third quick. I think Australia would like to have both those players in the team if they can.”Symonds has struggled for batting form at first-class level but in his first match back in Australian colours, in the Twenty20 game against the All-Stars on Friday, he struck 45 from 35 balls. Ricky Ponting, Australia’s captain, believes Symonds is one of those players who lift at the highest level.”It is the same with a lot of those really talented players,” Ponting said. “Michael Clarke is a good example of that, his average is probably low 40s at state level and mid 40s, 45 at Test level.”He’s like Gilly [Adam Gilchrist], if he gets in and gets going a Test match can change very, very quickly. You almost need that sort of player in that one to six role, he’s good at batting with the tail, you know he can clear the fence in that situation and keep the scoreboard ticking over.”But if Symonds does regain his No. 6 position it creates a question for the selectors on whether to include Watson as well, and if so, who misses out. Jason Krejza would be desperately unlucky to be dropped after taking 12 wickets on debut and Stuart Clark, although he did not play in Nagpur, would be a valuable member of the attack at the Gabba.Using Watson as the third seamer and batting him at No. 7 would be a bold move but his bowling form in India was impressive and he was Australia’s third leading wicket taker with ten victims. But Watson is enjoying a rare injury-free year after his past few seasons have been constantly interrupted by fitness concerns, particularly hamstring problems, and Hussey hopes Watson is not asked to compromise his body with too great a workload.”His bowling is very under-rated, he’s always had good pace,” Hussey told . “In the last Test he got 4 for 40 in the second innings on a pretty flat wicket where he swung the ball.”I think he could do a pretty good job in that role. What he’s been through in the last couple of years though you wouldn’t want him bowling 30-odd overs in a match, you’d rather him bowling 15-20.”The selectors will release one member from the 13-man group on Tuesday and the final makeup of the side might not be decided until the morning of the match. Clarke and Brett Lee, both of whom lost significant weight in India due to viruses, are expected to be fit for Thursday’s Test.

Liverpool have received an injury boost ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Burnley, with Curtis Jones set to be available for the game.

The Lowdown: Jones missing for Norwich win

The Reds won 3-0 at Norwich City on Saturday, but they had to do it without Jones, who suffered a concussion in the friendly win over Osasuna.

Instead, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita made up the midfield, as Jurgen Klopp’s side cruised to victory.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The Latest: Youngster back for Burnley

Liverpool have been boosted by the news that Jones will be available for Saturday’s visit of Burnley, however, having recovered from his setback.

That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who also claim that Jordan Henderson and Thiago should be in contention, after playing in a behind-the-scenes friendly at Anfield on Sunday.

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The Verdict: Impact

Jones might not yet be a regular starter for Liverpool, but he is an immense young talent who chipped in with four goals and five assists last season. Goal involvements from midfield have often been lacking at Anfield, meaning Jones’ ability to link with the front three is a big boost.

Having him back only increases the midfield options at Klopp’s disposal, giving him an enviable selection headache ahead of the game.

It could be that Fabinho returns against Burnley, perhaps in place of the disappointing Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Keita’s impressive pre-season could keep him in the starting XI. Will Klopp swap experience for exuberance and give Jones a place over Milner?

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming after an update emerged regarding the Reds. Read more here.