All posts by h716a5.icu

Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne suffered a serious injury in Belgium’s opening Euro 2020 encounter.

The 25-year-old collided with Russia’s Daler Kuzyaev around the 27-minute mark on Saturday evening, suffering a double fracture in his eye socket, Sky Sports News reported.

Roberto Martinez’s men went on to record a comfortable 3-0 victory in St Petersburg, but Castagne will play no further part in the tournament.

“Really bad news, sad to see Timothy Castagne is going to be out of the tournament,” said Martinez after the game.

“He’s had images taken, he’s got a double fracture, and now we’ll take the necessary treatment.”

Castagne enjoyed an impressive maiden campaign in English football throughout 2020/21 following a £21.5m move from Serie A outfit Atalanta.

He made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes, scoring two goals and providing four assists as the Midlands outfit narrowly missed out on a Champions League qualification spot.

A timeframe hasn’t been placed on Castagne’s recovery time just yet, but news that one of his key first-team players is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines will surely leave Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers gutted.

The current FA Cup holders will be looking to break into the top four next term, and they will need their star performers to be fit in order to achieve that goal.

With fellow full-back James Justin also expected to be out for many months as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury, this is a potentially significant setback in Rodgers’ summer plans.

Leicester were already expected to be in the market for a new defender following the departure of experienced duo Wes Morgan and Christian Fuchs, but they may feel the need for further reinforcements depending on the severity of Castagne’s situation.

Belgium take on Denmark in their next Group B encounter on Thursday 17 June, although they’ll have to do so without their first-choice right-back.

And, in other news…Rudkins masterclass: LCFC must seal £17m “goal machine” this summer, Rodgers needs him 

A number of Manchester City fans are delighted after it emerged the Citizens are in fact looking to hold on to Aymeric Laporte this summer.

The centre-back, who signed for the club in 2018, had a fantastic impact early on his City career, making 35 appearances in the Premier League during his first full season (Transfermarkt) as the Citizens won the title and achieving an impressive 7.05 average match rating from WhoScored in 2018/19.

However, his playing time has reduced since then, both due to injury and team selection decisions from Pep Guardiola. As such, it had been reported that he could make the move to Barcelona (ESPN).

However, for those who want Laporte to stay at the Etihad Stadium, there has been a positive update. As per AS, City are now looking to keep the £40.5m-valued Spain international (Transfermarkt) at the club this summer, while the Premier League champions do not intend to sign another centre-back this summer.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the reports that Laporte looks set to remain at the Etihad.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Laporte news

“Yessss”

Credit: @SilvaSpecial27

“Nicee”

Credit: @McfcNathan2nd

“Please be true”

Credit: @godswill_ukpong

“Yes please”

Credit: @BluuMoonRising

“That’s what I like to see on a Sunday morning”

Credit: @Emmekia_Green16

“good”

Credit: @Ethan4707

In other news, lots of Man City fans want the club to sign this Euro 2020 star.

Heavy rain that swept through the country on Monday put a stop to Hampshire 2nd XI’s good start in the ECB Second XI Trophy Final against their Kent counterparts on Monday at the Rose Bowl.

Vic Isaacs09-Sep-2002Heavy rain that swept through the country on Monday put a stop to Hampshire 2nd XI’s good start in the ECB Second XI Trophy Final against their Kent counterparts on Monday at the Rose Bowl.Asked to bat first under dull and overcast skies and on a damp outfield from the morning showers, Hampshire rose to the challenge, courtesy of a spirited innings from Alex Morris, who hit 38 in just 31 balls.But he became the first of James Hibberd’s two wickets in successive deliveries as Morris was bowled going for an expansive drive, and then Lawrence Prittipaul edged his first delivery to first slip.Hibberd, a Southampton born all-rounder who still plays local club cricket for Southern Electric Premier League side Calmore Sports is one who perhaps has slipped the Hampshire net, after playing twice in the Under 19 Championship winning side of 1999.Earlier, skipper Jason Laney was dismissed after making just four but James Adams and Morris ensured Hampshire got off to a good start nonetheless, and they will be looking to advance when play, weather permitting, resumes in the morning at 11:00am.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that Reds youngster Liam Millar looks set to leave, with Michael Edwards working his brilliance again.

Jurgen Klopp is expected to make some new signings this summer, but other players could also be heading the other way. The Liverpool manager could generate transfer funds by getting rid of unwanted talent, perfecting his squad ahead of the 2021/22 season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Millar is a player who seemingly has no future at Anfield, having made just one first team appearance for the Reds, coming in an FA Cup clash with Shrewsbury Town in February 2020.

The Canada international is set to join FC Basel according to the Liverpool Echo, with the Swiss club’s second offer accepted by Liverpool. A seven-figure bid is rumoured as Millar’s time on Merseyside seemingly reaches its final stages.

If that materialises, it would represent another significant sale for a Liverpool fringe player under Edwards’ tenure, adding to the £23.5m reaped for Rhian Brewster, £19m for Dominic Solanke and £15m for Jordon Ibe.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-5/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Millar latest

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the impending exit of Millar.

“Looool how have we managed that then?”

Credit: @lfc_rhys

“Edwards at it again”

Credit: @DyerThomas

“There’s no way we’re pulling 7 figures for these names”

Credit: @lewis7i

“If he was anywhere near good enough he would have been around the first team already, deadwood”

Credit: @CallumWillmott1

“Yes finally deadwood getting out”

Credit: @Afzz05x

“Already he’s made up for the millions lost by Wilson and #76 disasterclass”

Credit: @ryaneades10

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a hugely exciting talent this summer. Find out who it is here.

When Lt

Imran Naeem Ahmad20-Oct-2002When Lt. Gen Tauqir Zia took over as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board in 1999, he perhaps did not realize that whatever he would do, it would come under microscopic analysis and rapt scrutiny.Two years and 10 months on, he chooses to quit, not because of any wrong he did but for the disgraceful second Test defeat the Pakistan suffered at the hands of Australia in Sharjah this month.President Gen Pervez Musharraf, the PCB Patron, fortunately did not accept the resignation, as he felt Tauqir was the right man to handle the hot seat of Pakistan cricket and that it was inappropriate for him to go with the World Cup just a stone’s throw away.Tauqir has had to take a lot of criticism virtually throughout the time he has been in charge of the sport that attracts attention for every little move you make -good or bad. Ask the chairman and he would tell you that all his efforts are genuinely aimed at improving the country’s cricket and making Pakistan team the top side again, as they were some months ago.Before Tauqir decided to resign, he drew criticism no matter what he did. Whether it was the induction of new players, hiring or firing of a coach, or axing a few senior cricketers, there was bound to be criticism. But it has been criticism for the sake of it because critics tend to forget that this man who is at the helm today has done so much for our cricket that none of his predecessors could think of doing.If starting the national and the regional academies is not a good step, then what is? If promoting cricket at the junior level, ignored previously, is not beneficial then what is?Today we have an under-15 side that is in the process of being selected for this December’s Junior Asia Cup in the UAE. There’s an under-19 team that took part in the Junior World Cup in New Zealand this year and then we have Pakistan ‘A’ that beat their opposite number from Sri Lanka only recently. If this is not good for our cricket, then what is?Thanks to Tauqir, cricket is flourishing at the grassroots level because that is where back up to the national team would eventually come from. Today we have players such as Yasir Arafat and Najaf Shah, who have the potential of serving the national team. Good for our cricket, isn’t it?Talk of infrastructure development and the PCB has chalked out a systematic plan with some of the main stadiums being upgraded and club grounds at various centres to be developed. Only a mad-hatter would say it is bad for our cricket.PCB managers in the past never initiated any systematic infrastructure plan and if Tauqir has had the vision and the guts of doing so, he certainly deserves credit.Tauqir does want to do more but his lieutenants, including Ramiz Raja are letting him down. A good part of the year, he is globetrotting commentating on one match after the other. How could he justify his job at the PCB, one fails to understand. Similarly, the selectors too have left a lot to be desired, their wrongs not reflecting well on the general.While his aides could be doing a better job, for now we need to thank president Musharraf for having averted a major crisis on the eve of the World Cup that could have effectively ruined Pakistan’s chances in the tournament. A good decision for our cricket, isn’t it?

Craig Spearman will mark his return to cricket in New Zealand by leading a strong-looking Central Districts team for their two-day warm-up match with Wellington at Wanganui starting on Wednesday

Lynn McConnell18-Nov-2002Craig Spearman will mark his return to cricket in New Zealand by leading a strong-looking Central Districts team for their two-day warm-up match with Wellington at Wanganui starting on Wednesday.Spearman will take on the role in the absence of Jacob Oram who is required to be at the TelstraClear Black Caps camp in Christchurch this week. Also at the High Performance Centre at Lincoln University will be Mathew Sinclair and Glen Sulzberger.The Central Districts side to play the opening State Championship match, against Otago at Wanganui’s Victoria Park will be named after the warm-up match on Thursday.An interesting feature of the squad is the return to the upper levels of the game of leg-spinner Greg Loveridge.Central Districts will be in the rare position, by New Zealand standards at least, of having two leg-spinners pushing for a place in the side. Tim Anderson is also in the squad named.Also back for the side is wicket-keeper Martyn Sigley. He spent last summer in South America and over the past two winters has been working as physiotherapist for the Kent county side in England.He and Bevan Griggs will be contesting the position this year.The full CD squad is: Craig Spearman, Peter Ingram, Mathew Sinclair, Glen Sulzberger, Jacob Oram, Jamie How, Greg Todd, Peter McGlashan, Greg Loveridge, Bevan Griggs, Martyn Sigley, Michael Mason, Lance Hamilton, Brent Hefford, Tim Anderson.Andrew Schwass was unavailable due to injury.

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass believes that Andy Carroll would be content with a short-term deal at a Championship club.

The 32-year-old injury-hit forward has endured a disappointing return to Newcastle – scoring just once across the last two seasons and is out of contract at the end of this month.

Carroll has been offered an extension at St James’, although despite proving his fitness last season, was hardly used by Steve Bruce.

Bruce has four strikers on his books but used the likes of Callum Wilson and Joelinton ahead of the ex-West Ham man, who started just four Premier League games and played only 21 minutes in the second half of the campaign.

Carroll’s only goal came against Leicester in early-January, and Windass exclusively told Football FanCast that he wouldn’t be short of offers should he consider dropping down to the Championship for the first time for more than a decade:

“Andy Carroll has got to get fit, got to get his body right. I don’t know what he does off the field, but his body isn’t right, and he’s got to work hard on his body.

“In terms of his injuries, he’s doing something wrong. I would take him all day long if he’s a Championship manager. Short-term deal or give him a year contract on £10,000-£15,000 per-week, I’m sure he would take it.”

SYDNEY, Nov 14 AAP – Test batsman Darren Lehmann and South Australian opener David Fitzgerald stood up against a star-studded NSW and set the Redbacks off to a blazing start in their Pura Cup cricket match at the SCG today.

Valkerie Mangnall14-Nov-2002SYDNEY, Nov 14 AAP – Test batsman Darren Lehmann and South Australian opener David Fitzgerald stood up against a star-studded NSW and set the Redbacks off to a blazing start in their Pura Cup cricket match at the SCG today.NSW captain Steve Waugh’s decision to send SA in to bat on a green wicket in gloomy conditions appeared to have backfired before Brett Lee took his third five-wicket haul in as many innings to put the visitors at 5-319 at stumps.By the close of play on day one, John Davison was not out nine and Shane Deitz was on four following a record 191-run stand between Lehmann and Fitzgerald.Lehmann fell just shy of his century with 97 while Fitzgerald carved out an elegant 153, the pair’s partnership SA’s best for the second wicket against NSW at the Sydney ground.SA went into the match severely undermanned with Test paceman Jason Gillespie being rested and star batsman Greg Blewett on Australia A duties.To make matters worse, Redbacks bowler Damien Fleming was a late withdrawal with a shoulder injury and batsman Chris Davies pulled out with a hamstring complaint last night.NSW on the other hand had Michael Bevan, Michael Slater, Simon Katich and Stuart MacGill joining Lee and the Waugh brothers.Lee continued his campaign for a Test re-call following his 10-wicket haul against Tasmania last weekend in response to his axing from the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.The 26-year-old, who was today predictably selected in Australia’s 12-man squad for next week’s Adelaide Test, took all of the Blues’ wickets to finish with 5-80 from 25 overs.After an initial five-over spell, Lee returned to the attack in the 20th over and struck with a sizzling third delivery.The ball struck Ben Johnson’s bat high as the left-hander fell backwards and the ball popped into the air, finding the safe hands of Steve Waugh, running in from gully to take a strong catch diving forward and dismissing the batsman for 29.The Blues missed out on taking another wicket in the first over after lunch when Fitzgerald, on 30, edged a Don Nash delivery with SA on 1-83.Wicketkeeper Nathan Pilon – standing in for Australia A gloveman Brad Haddin – got his hand to the ball as he stretched forward and to his right but failed to take the difficult chance.Pilon also spilled a chance off Lehmann when he was on 47 and the score 1-131.Attempting to take a catch off the bowling of Nathan Bracken, Pilon dived across first slip Katich but the ball bounced off his glove and hit Katich on the chin, forcing the fielder off the ground for treatment.The Blues introduced Mark Waugh, the man Lehmann replaced in the Test side, in a bid to break the partnership, but to no avail and SA went to tea at 1-209.It was not until Lee was brought back into the attack half an hour after the break that the breakthrough came, the paceman clean bowling Lehmann with the first ball of his spell.Fitzgerald took SA past the 300 mark before Lee found a top edge to have him caught behind.Lee then dismissed Ben Higgins (13) and Mark Higgs (0) with successive balls.

Many Everton fans have been left to buzz as a transfer update emerged involving Allan.

Speaking on the Radio Goal broadcast on the Kiss Kiss Napoli station (via Area Napoli), journalist Valter De Maggio has shared that the central midfield player has told him that he will be staying at Goodison Park, and that he is ‘very happy’ there.

Allan ahs been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer window, to reunite with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti.

However, it seems as if he is set to stay at the Merseyside club, which has come as a welcome relief to several Toffees supporters, given how much of a key player he is for them.

In the 2020/21 season, the Brazilian played in 26 games in total, tending to start more often than not when he was available (Transfermarkt).

Everton fans on Allan transfer update

These Blues buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“Great news if true.”

Credit: @lewissefc

“This is the kind of content I like to read”

Credit: @PaulDevine70

“PLEASED to hear it. It would be nice to see him fully fit and playing, in an Everton shirt.”

Credit: @danexadmirer

“Got to love him after the season he’s had and still wanting to stay at the Blues despite the only reason he joined, has left. Hoping for a masterclass from him this season!”

Credit: @KingKierxn

“Great news. When fully fit he’s one of the best we’ve had since Peter Reid. Always looking for a forward pass, hates giving the ball away. An animal in midfield”

Credit: @paulbhankinson

“Very good to hear if correct. We can’t afford to lose his excellent work in our midfield.”

Credit: @PeterPapadopo11

In other news, find out what recent image has Evertonians fuming here!

Entertainment won’t be lacking at the Basin Reserve in Wellington over the next five days – that’s the view of New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as he takes on India in the first of two National Bank Series Tests

Lynn McConnell11-Dec-2002Entertainment won’t be lacking at the Basin Reserve in Wellington over the next five days – that’s the view of New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as he takes on India in the first of two National Bank Series Tests.Fleming said the pitch for the match is one of the hardest he has seen at the ground.”There is great grass cover.”I was fortunate enough to play on it a week ago and it had good bounce and I think that it will be great. It will provide some entertainment,” he said.Whether New Zealand’s batsmen would be key contributors to the entertainment factor was not quite so certain.Fleming said it was a fine line between being entertaining and taking undue risks.”If we get the opportunity we’d like to because scoring is one way of putting pressure back on the bowlers.”It does really depend on what you’re delivered. On these types of wickets, if it does nip around too much, one may have your name on it,” he said.It also came down to the individual approach of players.”We’ve got different styles of players all the way through our innings. Some are instinctively attacking, others are more circumspect.”All I’m saying to our guys is look what’s best for you in the current situation, then just trust it,” he said.While a lot had quite rightly been made of the wicket, it all still came down to basic technique.”We haven’t got a secret technique of playing a green seaming wicket that is going to help us. Nothing can really help you if it nips around quite a bit.”I guess it just comes down to your basic technique and in their [India’s] batting order there are some of the finest techniques in the game so they should be able to adjust and they should be able to adapt,” he said.If there was an advantage to the home side it was in their knowledge of the conditions.Fleming said he was happy with his attack because the bowlers concerned were thinking players who had been thinking for quite a while about the task in front of them in this series.It was tough on bowlers when a green wicket was laid on, because everyone’s expectations were that they should be able to move the ball around.It was like the pressure that goes on a batsman to score heavily when he is confronted with a flat pitch.”There’s a certain amount of nervousness about having to perform, and needing to perform. Sometimes that can lead to over-effort and a bad bowling performance. We’ve talked about that and looked at that already,” he said.”We just need to go about our business and even forget about the fact that it might be a big green seamer. We just have to be workmanlike.”Indian coach John Wright had given New Zealand’s solitary spinner Daniel Vettori something to work on when claiming there was only one world-class spinner in the match, Harbhajan Singh because Vettori’s average was a little high to suggest he was in world-class.”So he’s got a point to prove here,” Fleming said.Wright was a significant advantage for India going into the game, as Fleming acknowledged.”Not only has he been successful with them, but he has very good knowledge of how New Zealand wickets traditionally play.”Finally, there is the underlying knowledge that after the recent upheavals in cricket in New Zealand, when first-class players resorted to strike action during contract negotiations, the players will be under even closer scrutiny from the local public.”It’s an important time for a number of reasons for us.”We’re building up a pretty good record at home, like the 1980s, and we want to respond well,” he said.There is every chance circumstances will give New Zealand every opportunity to put their case over the next five days.Given their lack of cricket, New Zealand face the tougher test, but India have not won a match in New Zealand since 1975/76, they have their own demons to face.