Manchester United have added Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez to their shortlist of potential left-back signings this summer.
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The bad news is seemingly never-ending for Newcastle United, who remain on course to miss out on a European place in the Premier League with injuries continuing to pile up and their hopes of landing a defensive reinforcement significantly decreasing.
Eddie Howe came ever so close to enjoying the perfect afternoon when his side eased past rivals Sunderland to advance in the FA Cup, but Joelinton's injury quickly marred an otherwise successful day. The joy of derby day victory has since taken a step back in the headlines after updates emerged on the extent of the Brazilian's injury, which will keep him sidelined for six weeks.
Howe told the media, via Fabrizio Romano: “He’s set to miss a minimum of six weeks, it is a real blow for us. He has a problem with his tendon in his quad. He is very disappointed."
This will see the midfielder miss a number of important Newcastle fixtures, including games against Manchester City, Aston Villa and potentially even Arsenal in what are all crucial days in the Magpies' bid to mount a comeback in the race to secure a European spot. The bad news doesn't end there either, with reports now suggesting that a European club have dealt Newcastle a transfer blow.
According to HITC, Barcelona will refuse to sell Ronald Araujo in the current transfer window, the summer transfer window or even any future window as they stand firm on their decisions to keep hold of the star defender.
This comes amid reported interest from Bayern Munich as well as Premier League sides Newcastle, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. It's a particular blow for Newcastle, who so desperately need defensive reinforcements, given their lack of centre-back depth.
Araujo's stats show that he'd instantly become Newcastle's best defender and would likely play a crucial role in helping the Magpies to reach their ambitious Champions League goals once again. PIF will have to look elsewhere for a leading defender it seems, however, after Barcelona's staunch verdict amid interest in their centre-back.
|
Domestic League Stats 2023-24 |
Progressive Carries per 90 |
Progressive Passes per 90 |
Tackles Won per 90 |
Aerial Duels Won per 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ronald Araujo |
1.67 |
5.88 |
0.88 |
2.89 |
|
Sven Botman |
0 |
2.53 |
0.93 |
2.27 |
|
Fabian Schar |
0.79 |
3.98 |
0.84 |
1.78 |
Looking at the numbers, it's no real shock that Araujo has been at the centre of praise during his time in Spain, including from Barcelona manager Xavi, who told the pressure via the club's official X account: “I’m very happy to have Ronald on the team. He has such a great personality. He celebrates everything and to have that type of profile as a defender, to be so engaged with the team, and celebrate everything is hard to find. We welcome him with open arms because it’s spectacular to see him train, he’s so positive, he has an excellent character and that’s fundamental to us.”
Leeds United jumped up into second place in the Championship on Friday night as they secured a 1-0 win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Wilfried Gnonto scored the only goal of the game as the Whites ran out fairly comfortable winners in a game they dominated and, perhaps, should have won by more goals.
Championship top six (via Sofascore)
Team
Position
Matches played
Points
Leicester
1
29
69
Leeds
2
30
60
Ipswich
3
28
59
Southampton
4
28
58
West Brom
5
28
45
Coventry
6
29
44
Daniel Farke's side created plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net, as Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter both missed big chances, but came away with all three points thanks to their one strike.
Gnonto caught the eye with his excellent display in place of the injured Dan James but the real hero of the night for the German head coach was towering defender Joe Rodon.
Wilfried Gnonto's match-winning contributions
The Italy international has had to wait patiently for his opportunity to impress in the Championship and grasped his opportunity to impress with both hands.
Junior Firpo's searching pass forward had too much on it for Georginio Rutter and Gnonto was intelligent enough to run across from his right wing position to pick the ball up and then expertly finish to make it 1-0 in the 48th minute.
He also completed 100% (25/25) of his attempted passes as the young gem held onto possession and played a part in his side's dominance of the ball.
However, the former Zurich star did not create a single chance for his teammates and that is an area he could look to improve in, with 0.3 key passes per game and zero 'big chances' created in the league this season.
Joe Rodon's defensive dominance at Ashton Gate
Whilst Gnonto deserves plenty of credit, as explained above, for his contributions, the real hero of the night for Farke was his Tottenham Hotspur loanee at centre-back.
Andy Hinchcliffe, who was the co-commentator on Sky Sports' live coverage of the game, described Rodon's last-ditch defending as "outstanding" for Leeds towards the end of the game.
The Whites enjoyed 61% of the ball and the hosts only mustered seven shots on goal, with one on target, and that was helped by the Wales international's strong play in and out of possession.
On the ball, Rodon had 99 touches of the ball – more than any other player on the pitch – and completed 88% of his attempted passes throughout the game, as he dictated play from the back and made sure that Leeds played through the thirds with poise and control.
Off the ball, the 26-year-old titan made a few vital contributions. He made two clearances and one block for his side and they all came within the last ten minutes of the match as Bristol City started to push for an equaliser with balls into the box.
Rodon made one huge block to stop Illan Meslier from being worked after a dangerous cross was sent into the box and the aforementioned Hinchcliffe described his subsequent header clear as "towering".
Therefore, the Spurs loanee, who dominated with three of his five duels won, was the real hero thanks to his composed and assured play in possession and his vital contributions within his own box to stop the hosts from equalising late on.
England have confirmed their squad numbers ahead of Euro 2024 and they may have revealed Trent Alexander-Arnold's role for Gareth Southgate's side.
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England announce squad numbers for Euro 2024Alexander-Arnold handed the number eight jerseyCould hint at Liverpool man playing a midfield roleWHAT HAPPENED?
England's preparations for Euro 2024 were rocked by a 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final warm-up match at Wembley on Friday. Gareth Southgate's side are now days away from their opener against Serbia and have revealed their squad numbers for the tournament in Germany. Alexander-Arnold's shirt number provides a big clue as to his role in the team.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Alexander-Arnold wears the number 66 for Liverpool. However, UEFA's rules state that players have to wear a shirt number between one and 26. As such, the Reds star has been handed the iconic number eight jersey worn by the likes of Jordan Henderson, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The number is usually handed to midfielders and this could hint at the 25-year-old being given a role in the centre of the field rather than at right-back.
Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Real Madrid starlet Jude Bellingham has also worn the number eight for Southgate's side. However, the 20-year-old has impressed at Santiago Bernabeu in an attacking role and the same role could be assigned to him by Southgate. As such, Bellingham has been handed the number 10 jersey, with Harry Kane taking over the number nine kit.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
The Three Lions will now begin their Euro 2024 campaign with a clash against Serbia on Sunday, June 16 at Arena AufSchalke.
England have handed Lions call-ups to Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley, two young openers who could come into Ashes contention, for next week’s four-day match against Australia A at Canterbury.Sibley, of Warwickshire, is currently the leading run-scorer in Division One of the County Championship, with 922 at 70.92, while Kent’s Crawley is fourth with 639 at 42.60. Both are set to make debuts for the Lions, alongside Gloucestershire batsman James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson, who are included in a provisional XI.There has been much uncertainty around England’s Test top three, following the retirement of Alastair Cook and the absence of a regular No. 3. Andy Flower, the Lions head coach, suggested that the players selected would be “looking to stake a claim” for the Ashes, with Sibley perhaps the leading candidate after a stellar run of form.Sibley helped Warwickshire win promotion last season and started 2019 by extending a sequence of hundreds to six in successive first-class matches. This week he compiled a career-best 244 against Kent at Canterbury, overhauling the 242 not out he made as a teenager at Surrey in 2013 (making him the youngest double-centurion in Championship history).”We’re really looking forward to a great challenge against a very experienced Australia A side, some of whom will be looking to stake a claim for Ashes selection,” Flower said. “We’ve got a very good squad of players travelling with us to Canterbury; one that’s more than capable of delivering a positive result.”Lions selection is always tricky. We’ve got an eye on the England team’s short-term needs ahead of a busy winter schedule, but we’re looking at some medium- and long-term prospects as well. We also need to respect the counties’ needs during this busy time in the domestic season.”While some players will be playing at this level for the first time, there is plenty of experience in our squad too. This will be a great learning opportunity for all these players and a chance to test themselves against a strong opposition.”There is England experience in the side, with wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, who played five of six Tests over the winter, batsman Ben Duckett and spinner Jack Leach among those previously capped. Somerset’s Lewis Gregory, who is the leading pace bowler in the Championship with 44 wickets at 12.93, won an England call-up in 2015 but has yet to feature at international level.Also included are Essex seamer Jamie Porter, who was close to a Test cap last summer; Lancashire’s rapid young faster bowler Saqib Mahmood; and Hampshire batsman Sam Northeast, who will be a contender to captain the side.England Lions squad: James Bracey, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Lewis Gregory, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Sam Northeast, Jamie Porter, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley
تقدم فريق وست هام بهدف عكسي في المباراة الجارية أمام ليفربول ببطولة كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية، قبل أن يدرك الريدز التعادل سريعًا.
ويلتقي ليفربول ووست هام اليوم الأربعاء ضمن مباريات بطولة كأس رابطة المحترفين الإنجليزية “كأس كاراباو”.
وسجل جاريل كوانساه هدفا عكسيا في مرمى فريقه ليفربول في الدقيقة 21 من عمر اللقاء ليمنح وست هام الهدف الأول. هدف وست هام الأول أمام ليفربول
وعقب 4 دقائق، مرر فيديريكو كييزا كرة إلى ديوجو جوتا ليدرك التعادل لليفربول في الدقيقة 25. هدف جوتا في مباراة ليفربول ووست هام
ولمشاهدة أحداث مباراة ليفربول ووست هام لحظة بلحظة بالفيديو من خلال الرابط.
In a position of strength in the January transfer window, Aston Villa aren't backing down in the pursuit of an attacking reinforcement for Unai Emery before the end of the month. A top target now reportedly wants to complete a winter move.
Aston Villa transfer news
Competing for a place in the Premier League's top four, a move to Aston Villa is arguably one of the most attractive prospects around as things stand. The Midlands club are in the middle of a project that only looks likely to get better under Emery, and that has seen them linked with moves for the likes of Hakon Valdimarsson and Kosta Nedeljkovic in deals to reinforce Emery's backline. The Villans' main focus has also been on pursuing a deal to sign Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers, however, having seen offers knocked back already.
In the face of rejection, the Midlands club have not backed down though. According to Fabrizio Romano in the last 24 hours, NSWE and Aston Villa have submitted an "improved, significant new offer" for Rogers, who wants to complete a move to Villa Park this month. Romano posted the news on X, saying he is Emery's priority target.
With just over a week left until the window slams shut, it will be interesting to see whether Boro's resolve is finally broken by Villa's persistent pursuit of Rogers. Given that he now reportedly wants to complete a move too, Emery and co could be closer than ever to getting their man.
"Strong" Rogers can provide attacking depth
Whilst Rogers' goal involvements stand out this season, scoring six and assisting a further nine in all competitions, his versatility hands him the potential to become invaluable under Emery. Morgan can play in any position across the frontline, giving Villa added depth on either wing and for star striker Ollie Watkins. The forward has been at the centre of praise amid speculation over a potential Midlands switch, including from X account TalkinTactics, who posted:
As Villa push on to potentially secure a place in the Premier League's top four this season, depth could prove to be the key, and Rogers could be a huge part of that. The left-winger has already proved his ability to score against Premier League opposition, having found the back of the net in Middlesbrough's shock first-leg victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
After submitting another offer, it's clear that Villa are not backing down, creating for an interesting last 11 days in the January transfer window.
The future of a "vital" Sheffield Wednesday player has been decided ahead of the summer transfer window, according to an update from reliable journalist Alex Miller.
Sheffield Wednesday contract news
The Owls picked up a massive 2-0 victory away to Millwall on Saturday afternoon, keeping their hopes of survival alive in the Championship with one of their most important victories of the season to date.
Danny Rohl continues to do an admirable job since replacing Darren Moore earlier in the campaign, even if results are far from perfect, and the hope is that he can inspire his side to safety between now and May.
Once the end of the season arrives, there could be something of an exodus at Hillsborough, considering how many established players are out of contract with the Owls in 2024.
That includes last season's League One playoff final hero Josh Windass, who could potentially leave on a free transfer, should an extension not come his way, or he decides he wants a new challenge. The same applies to midfielder Will Vaulks, who is a key figure in the middle of the park when he is fit.
Legendary fan favourite Barry Bannan also falls into that category, as does centre-back Dominic Iorfa, so it could be a summer of real change, and a lot could depend on whether Wednesday have avoided relegation from the Championship or not.
Barry Bannan to stay at Sheff Wed
Writing on X, Miller claimed that Bannan will stay put at Sheffield Wednesday this summer, still being considered an important figure by Rohl.
"Barry Bannan is approaching the end of his Wednesday contract. Asked in December, he seemed uncertain over his future. Danny Rohl was unequivocal answering where Bannan will play his football next season. It doesn't get much clearer than this."
Bannan has been a genuinely superb player for Wednesday over so many years, and he is now arguably one of the best in the club's history given his technical ability and longevity, making a whopping 389 appearances for the Owls in total.
Bannan was described as an "intelligent" and "vital" player for Wednesday by Moore during his time as manager, and Rohl clearly thinks the same.
At 34 years of age, the Scot arguably isn't quite the force he used to be, which is only natural, but he is a footballer who relies more on talent than pace, so there is no reason why he can't still be an important figure at Hillsborough for a few more years, dictating matches just like he did at Millwall this weekend.
A short-term extension is a no-brainer and the hope is that Bannan is still playing Championship football next season, being rewarded after showing so much loyalty during the League One days.
Appearances
389
Goals
30
Assists
65
Lahore University of Management Sciences struck a partnership with the PCB in 2016 which now sees the fifth ICC-accredited biomechanics facility in the world set up in Lahore
Umar Farooq25-Jul-2019Ten years of planning to get an ICC-accredited biomechanics facility built in Pakistan has finally translated into tangible results, with the facility set up at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) securing ICC accreditation. That makes it the fifth lab in the world to be ICC-accredited, joining those in Brisbane, Chennai, Loughborough and Pretoria.With the much sought after accreditation secured, the lab can now carry out official bowling tests of international and domestic bowlers whose actions are reported for being illegal.”The accreditation of the biomechanics lab at LUMS is a significant development and it is a step in the right direction in line with PCB’s aim of equipping the board with modern and world-class facilities,” PCB managing director Wasim Khan said. “The facility will help us identify and rectify faulty bowling actions at an early stage. In the past we didn’t have a testing centre and a number of Pakistan bowlers were called both at the domestic and international level and then had to undergo remodelling of their action, often at a stage where it was tough for them to regain their effectiveness.”The lab will also be available to players from around the world and we will work closely with the ICC to make the facility readily available for testing of suspect bowling actions. The facility won’t be restricted for bowling actions only and players at all levels can sort out their technical deficiencies through biomechanical analysis under the supervision of coaches and experts.”The PCB first planned to set up a biomechanics lab in 2008 under the chairmanship of Nasim Ashraf. The equipment was purchased with a view to having a facility up and running at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) by December that year. But a change in board administration, as well as an ensuing financial crunch, led to the project being stalled. Plans to revive it in 2013 were further hampered by a battle for board control between Zaka Ashraf and the current chairman Najam Sethi.But in 2016, under the tutelage of then chairman Shaharyar Khan, the PCB formed a partnership with LUMS that allowed the university to use the equipment the PCB had bought in 2008, and set up a lab on its premises.Mian Muhammad Awais, an artificial intelligence professor, has overseen the running of the lab since the day it was installed in LUMS. He has been working with the ICC over the last year and, as part of the accreditation process, travelled to Pretoria twice to understand how to use and apply ICC protocol for testing. In most cases, whenever a bowler undergoes a test, an ICC official is also present to ensure protocols are followed, especially with regards to guaranteeing bowlers under testing in the lab are accurately replicating actions they use in competitive matches.James Ngoche examines footage of his action•ESPNcricinfo Ltd./Umar Farooq”It’s good for the country and for the cricketers in the country as well,” Awais told ESPNcricinfo. “We have been accredited by the ICC and this facility is going to help the region as well. I want to see players from around the region come to this laboratory to have their actions tested, but most of all, this facility has already proved beneficial for local players in Pakistan. We have a good set of professional coaches who are working with us, and we are growing dramatically after very humble beginnings.”Obviously we started from scratch with a lot of questions raised about whether we would be able to manage it, but here we are now, with ICC accreditation. There are people like Muddassar Nazar (NCA director) and Hissan ur Rehman (PCB) who have dedicated themselves to making this venture successful. Now we have in place a much-improved facility, and also ICC accreditation. This is our asset and it is there for cricketers across the country to utilise it. The scope of this biomechanics lab isn’t limited to simply testing the legality of bowling actions, it will also help enhance the performance of cricketers, with our research likely to contribute to producing better cricketers in the country.”The original equipment the PCB had purchased – a number of high-speed cameras and markers which cost nearly half a million dollars – still meets the requirements of the ICC. They have upgraded to the required software that allows every report of an action from around the world to be reviewed and validated centrally by the ICC.Over the last three years, the lab has been working with the PCB to help international bowlers rehabilitate their bowling actions. Kenya offspinner James Ngoche was tested at the facility in August 2016 while he was in Lahore as part of a training programme.Given Pakistan’s history with illegal actions over the years, the facility may best be utilised for bowlers while still in the first-class set-up, or even for bowlers set to participate in the Pakistan Super League. Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez are a couple of high-profile recent bowlers who were handed bans because of illegal bowling actions, while over the past two decades, Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir Ahmed and Shoaib Malik were also reported.In the aftermath of Ajmal’s suspension in 2014, the then head of PCB domestic cricket Intikhab Alam said they had identified 35-40 bowlers in domestic cricket whose actions were faulty. The lab later tested over 24 bowlers, with most of their actions found to be exceeding the 15 degrees level limit of tolerance permitted under the regulations.
GOAL spent the day with midfield stars Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, revealing the chemistry that fuels USMNT
"I'm sorry, guys, I'm sorry. Let me just get my laughs out."
Weston McKennie is struggling to keep it together. He's on set shooting a pre-Copa America commercial for Truly and, while no one is panicking just yet, McKennie's giggles are delaying the production. This particular shot requires a shirtless McKennie to open a can and stare down the camera with a straight face. Because of those laughs, McKennie is now more than 25 cans in, and he's starting to feel it.
"My fingers are starting to hurt!"
The production team is watching on, largely laughing along, but they aren't alone. Seated in the back of the gym-turned-studio is McKennie's U.S. men's national team teammate Tyler Adams, who has already nailed his scene. His spot was short and sweet; McKennie's, though, was taking a lot longer.
"Weston's the better actor," Adams admitted to GOAL, despite what everyone else on set has seen so far. "Weston loves this. He lives for this. He's gonna need his own channel someday. He's gonna have, like, a Pat McAfee Show."
For this shoot, Adams has been cast by Truly as the straight man to McKennie's comedian. He's comfortable in the role, largely because he's been living in it for more than a decade. The two met as teenagers and McKennie was always … well, himself. McKennie has been getting his laughs out since the beginning, and Adams has always been along for the ride.
Almost always, anyway. Their relationship wasn't always like it is today. At one point, they were competitors at the youth national team level. There was never jealousy or animosity, but there was some bitterness, at least initially.
Now, all these years later, there are mostly just laughs. Many laughs. As the two gear up for another huge moment in their careers, they're doing so together, looking to add this summer's Copa America to the long list of accomplishments they've achieved side-by-side.
"We have so many moments and stories together," Adams says, "and we laugh every time we see each other. Sometimes, we won't talk for months, for one reason or another, but it's always like we never left. It's just cool to have a friend like that, someone you can rely on."
There are few people on the planet who know McKennie better than Adams and vice-versa. It's a relationship that has been and remains massive for the USMNT, and it's one that began long before McKennie and Adams found themselves in World Cups or on commercial sets.
Ahead of the Copa America, GOAL spent the day with McKennie and Adams to learn about their friendship, the moments that made them who they are, and how these two longtime friends became the heart and soul of the USMNT.