All posts by h716a5.icu

India’s ODI captain has hinted that Jemimah Rodrigues will make way for her return from illness rather than the experienced Punam Raut

Annesha Ghosh in Baroda14-Mar-2018For a batting line-up, relying too much on one player can become a way of inflicting self-harm. On Monday, this showed most tellingly when an unwell Mithali Raj sat on the sidelines and watched India’s top six batsmen squander away starts. Even a gritty lower-order fightback proved insufficient to prevent Australia from going 1-0 up in the ODI leg of their tour.Raj’s team-mates, however, will derive much confidence from her participation in catching drills and a fairly long hit in the nets on the eve of Thursday’s second ODI, a must-win game to keep the three-match series alive. “I’m on a recovery path. I’m definitely better than what I was,” Raj, the ODI captain, said at the pre-game press conference on Wednesday, minutes after she wrapped up her training session at the Reliance Stadium in Baroda.The statement and her demeanour during training suggested she is most likely returning to the starting XI and taking back the captaincy from her deputy Harmanpreet Kaur. This was also her first media appearance during the series, as a bout of fever had forced her to depart from training early on Sunday.On Monday, the cavalier shot selection that cost openers Punam Raut and Smriti Mandhana their wickets after they had got their eye in was a reminder of the inconsistency that runs through India’s line-up, and of how much it missed Raj’s solidity. For her part, Raj has faith in the ability of her team-mates to pull the team through even when she isn’t around.”Consistency I can’t say, but, yes, this team, without me, is still good enough,” Raj said. “It’s just that they need to believe in themselves as much as I believe in them that they are capable of scoring runs.”After their previous defeat to Australia in the group stage of last year’s World Cup, Raj had lamented the other senior batsmen’s failure to take responsibility in clutch situations. In the recent past, too, amid an otherwise prolific run during the South Africa tour, India posted below-par totals and went on to lose when Raj was dismissed for single-digit scores in the third ODI and the third T20I.”Everything is a process, and it’s gradual. Overnight a team doesn’t become bad, or become the best,” Raj said when asked what the future holds for the Indian side without herself and Jhulan Goswami, who has been sidelined from the series with a heel injury.”There’s a certain period of time the team needs to come into a position. It is much better than what it was earlier. I’m sure you’d agree with that: none of top five stayed [in the first ODI] and yet we reached 200. There is still time for these girls to come into a position where they can hold the responsibility of the team on their shoulder.”Harmanpreet Kaur plays a glance down the leg side•Getty ImagesWhile acknowledging the need for setting “bigger targets” to stand a chance against a reinvigorated Australian team, and calling for “more discipline from the spinners”, Raj suggested that adapting to a switch between formats – India are coming off a five-match T20I series in South Africa – may have contributed to the batsmen’s inability to drop anchor when needed. “We’re coming from the T20 format, the last match we played was in the T20 format, so maybe we’ll see a different batting unit tomorrow.”Raj also heaped praise on 18-year-old allrounder Pooja Vastrakar and wicketkeeper-batsman Sushma Verma for their contributions in an area that has time and again cost India matches: their lower-order batting.”For the last couple of years, I wanted the lower middle order to contribute with some runs. I’m happy to see she [Vastrakar] stepped up and Sushma again to get the team to the respectable total of 200. It’s just that they probably won’t get to bat every match, but whenever they do, they contribute. It gives them more confidence as players.The World Cup final was one example of India’s lower-order failure costing them a match they could, and probably should, have won. Chasing 229, India collapsed from 191 for 3 to 219 all out. Raj reiterated the importance of a “30-odd” from one of the lower-order batsmen in such situations.”Those are the matches where we expect them to score runs and step up. So these knocks will give them the confidence to perform in similar situations.”Raj also hinted that the 17-year old Jemimah Rodrigues, who made her ODI debut on Monday, would have to make way for the captain’s return rather than the more experienced Raut, especially in light of Raut scoring a brisk 37 on Monday and Rodrigues managing only 1.”I think tomorrow’s XI will give you the answer,” Raj said. “But doesn’t mean that after a game if [younger players are] sitting out, doesn’t mean they are dropped. As a youngster, you have years in front of you, so you have opportunities knocking at your door. It’s just that on that day you may not be a fit in the best XI.”

As Newcastle United marked their return to the Champions League with a commendable goalless draw away to AC Milan on Tuesday evening, it proved to be a relatively unhappy return to San Siro for Magpies midfielder, Sandro Tonali.

How did Tonali perform against AC Milan?

Signed from the Serie A giants on a £55m deal this summer, the Italy international was the most high-profile addition of the window for Eddie Howe's side, with the Tynesiders looking to kick on from their impressive fourth-place finish last term.

Despite the excitement surrounding the prospect of partnering the 23-year-old alongside Bruno Guimaraes in the centre of the park, it has not been the dream start for the playmaker thus far, even after netting on debut in the 5-1 victory over Aston Villa.

The one-time Brescia maestro subsequently started in the defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion – while being substituted in all three – having also sat out the recent win over Brentford, in preparation for the return to Milan.

That 'homecoming' did not go smoothly, however, with Tonali 'rather useless in possession as he failed to pose a threat to his former team' – according to GOAL's Peter McVitie – with his lack of impact showcased by the fact that he made just 20 touches in his 72-minute outing, while also losing the ball on nine occasions.

Having also committed four fouls and won just one of his six total duels, as per Sofascore, it may be time for Howe to consider shaking things up by removing his new man from the side, as 'midfield questions continue to be asked' – according to The Chronicle's Lee Ryder.

Who could replace Tonali?

Against Stefano Pioli's side, the northeast side had lined up with a midfield trio of Sean Longstaff, Guimaraes and Tonali, prior to the latter man being withdrawn in the closing stages in favour of promising youngster, Elliot Anderson.

72 minutes played

20 touches

7/10 passes completed

9x possession lost

1/6 duels won

4 fouls

0 key passes

1 shot blocked

6.4 match rating (worst of any starting player)

Stats via Sofascore

The former Bristol Rovers loanee – who has been likened to Paul Gascoigne in the past – has featured in every game so far this term and even started against the Bees at the weekend, having been handed his chance amid injuries to the likes of Joe Willock and Joelinton.

With 35 first-team appearances under his belt for the St James' Park outfit, the 20-year-old does only have a solitary assist and no goals to show for it thus far, ensuring that he still has work to do to establish himself as a regular fixture in the side.

The Whitley Bay-born starlet – who has courted the attention of both England and Scotland at senior international level – is not the only academy asset who could be worthy of a chance to shine, however, with young Lewis Miley also a figure that Howe may look to despite his relative youth.

Who is Lewis Miley?

Rather than turning out for Newcastle's U19s in the UEFA Youth League, the 17-year-old was included as part of the matchday squad for the senior side's trip to Milan, showcasing just how highly regarded he is by Howe and his staff.

While the teenager was not able to get on the pitch for the midweek clash, he has already made his senior debut after coming on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw away to Chelsea on the final day of last season.

That promotion to the first-team set-up has been warranted amid the youngster's fine displays in the youth ranks in recent times, having notably contributed seven goals and assists in just 13 appearances for the club's U21 side.

The England U19 international – whose brother Jamie is also on the books at St James' Park – was rewarded for such form after being handed his first professional contract back in May, having even featured for Howe's side during the World Cup break last year against Riyadh.

Such great strides would suggest that Miley is not too far away from being given a proper chance to prove himself at first-team level, with the likes of Tonali – and Anderson – needing to watch out as their starting berths could be under threat sooner rather than later.

How good is Lewis Miley?

The fact that at 17 the Englishman is already in the manager's thinking is a clear indication of his talent, with respected insider Ryder having previously hailed the academy star as a player who has "bags of potential", following the announcement of his new deal.

Young Miley was also the recipient of hefty praise from Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope after starting in the pre-season friendly clash with Chelsea back in July, with the reporter providing a glowing review of his performance in that 1-1 stalemate:

"Lewis Miley has been Newcastle's best player so far. And that isn't in the context of him only being 17 years old. He's just simply been their best player. So elegant on the ball & brave in how he uses it."

A silky and classy operator in possession, the Stanley-born sensation could offer a real creative spark to the Magpies as a link between the midfield and attack, with journalist Mark Carruthers having hailed the emerging superstar as "a powerful runner, [with] good close control and can pick a pass".

As Carruthers also stated, it looks as if Newcastle have a "real player" on their hands with regard to the 6 foot 1 maestro, with the wait now on to see if his chance will come in the first-team this season, amid the club's current midfield woes.

Of course, it would be a gamble to turn to such a raw and youthful talent as the answer to Howe's concerns in that department, yet the fact that Miley was included for the trip to San Siro shows that he is certainly in the thoughts of the Newcastle boss.

ECB’s standards of corporate governance ‘fall well short of what’s acceptable’, says former Somerset chairman

George Dobell07-Mar-2018A county chief executive has called for an independent inquiry into the ECB’s decision to make payments to Test-hosting grounds, in the wake of the resignation from the ECB Board of Andy Nash, the former Somerset chairman, who cited standards of corporate governance which “fall well short of what’s acceptable”.Nash, once tipped as a potential successor to Colin Graves as ECB chairman, was responding to revelations – published by The Times in recent days – that several Test-hosting counties will receive large payments (understood to be GBP500,000 a year) in years they do not host Tests. These payments, Nash alleges, were agreed without the ECB board’s approval or even knowledge.As a former Somerset chairman, Nash was alarmed that the payments would marginalise the 10 non-Test hosting clubs and “clearly signals to many a move to promote eight counties as the first among equals”.It is not hard to understand Nash’s concerns. In recent days Hampshire – a club who will benefit significantly from the arrangement – have announced the signing of Sam Northeast in the face of substantial opposition from other counties. Kent, Northeast’s club since his schooldays, will not benefit from the payments. Is it fair, Nash asks, for such counties to be disadvantaged in these situations? Equally, is it fair that a club such as Glamorgan – that has seen loans of public money written off and has a modest record of producing England players – is rewarded with extra funds?It is also understood that Nash’s attempts to raise his concerns in recent days have been most unwelcome to members of the ECB executive – especially Graves – and he therefore came to the conclusion that he could serve no further purpose on the board.”I hereby resign with immediate effect from the ECB Board,” Nash wrote in a letter to Graves.”I’ve recently become concerned that the standards of Corporate Governance at ECB are falling well short of what’s acceptable and in all conscience I can’t allow myself to continue to be associated with it.”I would be failing in my duty as a director if I didn’t bring these to the Board’s attention and this I’ve tried to do. The current fiasco over the actual / alleged / planned payments to TMGs is an exemplar. Whether intentional or not it clearly signals to many a move to promote 8 Counties as the first among equals. As an ardent supporter of the 18 FCCs this is not a direction of travel I can live with.”It’s also come to my attention in the last 24 hours that my actions as a listening and conscientious NXD are sadly misunderstood and misinterpreted by yourself. I sincerely regret that because all I want is the best for the game and for good governance of the ECB.”I wish English cricket every future success: it’s been an enormous privilege to serve this great game as a County Chairman and ECB Board Director since 2004.”At this stage, the resignation is only an embarrassment to an ECB executive that have talked a good game about corporate governance – Tom Harrison, the chief executive, even used it as mitigation for Ashes defeat. But it has the potential to become much more serious.In the event of an independent inquiry, one obvious area of interest would be the on-going situation whereby Yorkshire, who fared well both in major match allocations and in terms of being awarded the right to host one of the new T20 teams, owe family trusts set up by Graves over GBP20 million. Those Grave trusts also retain a right of veto over who joins or leaves the Yorkshire board.Graves, it might be remembered, left the room when the ECB Board approved the recent major match allocations, as he accepted there was the possibility of a perception of conflict of interest. But did he leave the room when Durham were stripped of their Test status, or when the chairman’s meeting rejected the ECB’s own working-party recommendation into a future T20 competition featuring promotion and relegation rather than the new-team version?There may also be scrutiny of a letter, signed by Graves and sent to Somerset, at a time when the club was faltering in their support of the new-team competition. In the letter, Graves seems to imply that Somerset would be well placed as a future host of one of the new teams, though they subsequently missed out on that opportunity. ESPNcricinfo understands that Somerset did briefly consider a legal challenge to that decision but have been assured they will be better served, in the long term, if they accept their fate.And that may be considered the nub of the problem. For too long, deals have been conducted out of sight and scrutiny. For too long, counties have been forced into acquiescence by offers of patronage or fears of retribution. The ECB, who insisted on non-disclosure agreements during the debate over the future direction of domestic T20, has now reacted to recent negative publicity by threatening to report anyone suspected of ‘leaking’ information to the media to their new regulatory committee designed to uphold standards of integrity. Does that sound like an organisation that welcomes scrutiny and openness?Nash had served as a board member and county chairman for more than a decade but this act, bringing to light the high-handed management of the game, may prove to be his most influential moment.

Newcastle United's transfer window was largely driven by the narrative of long-term strategy, with Eddie Howe's side making requisite moves to preserve the club's newfound prominence.

Indeed, following the lucrative PIF takeover and consequent appointment of Howe in the later stage of 2021, the Magpies swiftly rose from their lowly Premier League position, then utilised the new affluence as the framework for a successful season, defying expectations with a fourth-placed finish last term.

Now with Champions League football on the horizon, the outfit's future is one of immense promise, and despite a stuttering start to the present season, the St. James' Park side will be confident of further promise this year.

How much did Newcastle spend this summer?

Newcastle's squad has very much been reformed since the momentous club takeover, and after such solid work over the past 20 or so months, moves were made this summer to consolidate this new position of power.

Indeed, Sandro Tonali was signed from AC Milan for £55m to bolster the midfield, while the prolific Harvey Barnes was swiped from relegated Leicester City in a £39m deal; young dynamos Tino Livramento (£32m) and Lewis Hall (£28m obligation) were both signed for large fees to bolster the backline, with the aces playing left and right back respectively.

These signings have not quite had the desired, instantaneous effect – even if Tonali and Barnes did both score on their debut during a 5-1 rout over Aston Villa in August – with the last three matches resulting in defeat against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Anthony Gordon, a £45m acquisition from Everton in January, has started the season confidently and looks a fine replacement for the mercurial Allan Saint-Maximin, who left the club for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in a £23m transfer this summer.

However, the true heir to that throne may lie outside English shores right now, with Magpies talent Yankuba Minteh thriving out on loan in the Netherlands.

Who is Yankuba Minteh?

Signed from Danish side Odense Boldklub in July for roughly £6m, the 19-year-old Gambian forward completed an instant loan move to Dutch champions Feyenoord this summer, with Howe's view that he will be integrated into the squad next season.

Praised for his "high potential" by Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth, Minteh excelled in Denmark last season and posted four goals and six assists from 18 matches for his former outfit, heralded as a "special" talent by one Danish scout for his dynamism and electricity in attacking transition.

And now, in the early phase of the current campaign, the winger is already being lauded for his efforts in the Eredivisie, netting a delightful goal in Feyenoord's last match, artfully weaving around the keeper with a graceful gait before nonchalantly firing into an open net to cap off a convincing 5-1 victory over Utrecht.

Given his innate dribbling abilities and finesse on the ball, Minteh could indeed prove to be the perfect successor to Saint-Maximin's position in the Tyneside squad, replacing the fleet-footed Frenchman and perhaps even surpassing his quality at the club.

As per FBref, Minteh has averaged 9.23 progressive carries per game so far with Feyenoord, dazzling with his ball progression and destructive qualities in bringing the ball upfield.

This bears a semblance to Saint-Maximin, who currently ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries per 90 (7.29), by this measure, Minteh is on his way to becoming one of the most prolific ball-carriers in the game.

Once hailed a "wizard" by 90min's Graeme Bailey, Saint-Maximin was never the most consistent of goalscorers and only scored 13 goals for Newcastle across 124 appearances, and given Minteh's early promise and "magic" ability to rival the 26-year-old's – as claimed by Odense's chief executive Steffen Nielsen – the Gambian could surpass his performances.

Howe likely did the right thing in loaning him out this season, with Barnes and Gordon expected to get the majority of the match action on the wings, but neither boast the same intrinsic level of explosiveness, and Minteh could be a unique and frightening weapon once deployed on Premier League defences.

Arsenal's hopes of competing across multiple fronts were dealt with a hammer blow just days after their opening clash of the season against Nottingham Forest.

Summer signing Jurrien Timber had looked at home in a red and white shirt since making the move from Ajax but picked up an injury and had to be substituted in that clash, meaning Mikel Arteta and co may well have to enter the transfer market again before it closes for business on Friday evening.

What happened to Jurrien Timber?

The Dutchman went down in the first half of that 2-1 win over Forest two weeks ago. However, the club's medical department deemed him fit enough to walk out for the second period.

Sadly, the defender went down again shortly after the break. This time he was unable to continue.

A knee problem was the cause of his withdrawal and indeed, he now won't play again for a considerable period of time.

Arsenal confirmed Timber had suffered an ACL injury, meaning he had to go under the knife before starting a long rehabilitation period.

When will Jurrien Timber return from injury?

It is widely expected that the 22-year-old will miss a large chuck, if not all of the 2023/24 campaign through his injury.

It has been suggested that ACL injuries typically keep a sportsperson out for a period of seven to nine months depending on the severity of the issue.

That would mean that Timber could return at any point between April and May. It's likely given a lack of match fitness that May would be the earliest we see Timber back in action for Arsenal if his recovery goes according to plan.

Who could replace Jurrien Timber at Arsenal?

Reports have suggested that Arteta may well place his trust in young Reuell Walters. However, with the transfer window still open, Barcelona's Eric Garcia has been noted as one potential option by Football Transfers.

Garcia left the Arsenal boss' former employers, Manchester City, in 2021 to rejoin his boyhood club and has gone from strength to strength.

Aged 22, the same as Timber, there are many similarities between the two, meaning the Spaniard could well be the perfect replacement.

The 6-foot centre-back, who can also play as a holding midfielder or at right-back, boasts the same versatility that made the ex-Ajax defender such an attractive proposition.

Crucially, the "extraordinary" Garcia – as dubbed by Barca boss Xavi, also boasts the same technical ability, notably when it comes to his passing ability. Considering he learnt his trade in La Masia, that is hardly a surprise.

Indeed, according to FBRef, the young £23m-rated defender ranks inside the best 1% of centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes, the best 3% for progressive carries and the best 5% for pass completion rate.

Timber, on the other hand, also ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes and the best 3% for progressive carries. His pass completion rate, which sees him sit in the top 2% across the continent, is even better than Garcia.

The parallels are clear, then. These two budding young defenders love to play on the front foot and love to play their way out of trouble.

Arsenal lost a great deal when Timber was ruled out for such a long period of time but in Garcia, they would land a like-minded player who can help to relieve the burden put on William Saliba's shoulders. It may also help to move Thomas Partey from his role on the right-hand side of defence into midfield again. That can only be a plus point as far as the Gunners are concerned.

Middlesex have made Dawid Malan club captain and that begged the question whether a man with leadership ambitions might one day fill the most demanding role of all

David Hopps01-Feb-2018Dawid Malan did not break into England’s Test side until shortly after his 30th birthday, but what odds that one day – even if just fleetingly – he might captain England?That thought might have crossed the mind of more than a few people when Middlesex announced that he had been appointed as their new club captain. Here is the chance he has long yearned for to make an impression.The need to find Joe Root occasional rest periods will exist as long as he remains a multi-format player, the vice captain Ben Stokes is facing charges of affray and the player who stepped into that role in Australia, James Anderson, is approaching the end of his career.Malan, one of the few figures to emerge in credit after England’s 4-0 Ashes thumping, struck a maiden Test hundred in Perth and showed resilience throughout, gaining a reputation as a tough cricketer with an appetite for the challenge. Even if he just steps in for a day, his odds have tightened considerably compared to only six months ago.Middlesex have been heavily reliant upon overseas players to lead the club in recent seasons as Angus Fraser, their managing director of cricket and also an England selector, testified.But Malan’s stock has risen and, with a certain irony, he has been entrusted with the job just as England can be expected to make more demands on his time.Malan takes over the captaincy of the club in all formats, with Sam Robson appointed as his four-day vice-captain. Middlesex will appoint a stand-in captain in T20 and 50-over cricket only if should that prove necessary.It has taken almost 350 appearances for Middlesex across all formats, with him amassing more than 14,000 runs in the process, including 23 centuries, before he was appointed – although he did lead Middlesex in the NatWest Blast in 2016 and also led the England Lions to a tri-series win against Pakistan-A and Sri Lanka-A in the same year, impressing Andy Flower along the way.Fraser said: “In recent years Middlesex Cricket have looked at overseas players and new signings to captain the club but I now feel the time is right for players from within to take on major leadership roles.Dawid Malan slugs one to the leg side•Getty Images”Since my return to Middlesex there have been a number of players who have developed from promising youngsters into high quality and highly-respected figures in domestic cricket. No player has done this more than Dawid Malan and that is why I am delighted he has taken up the offer to be club captain.”Dawid has always held the desire to captain teams and we have for some time believed he has had the potential to captain the club, hence his appointment as T20 captain in 2016. Along with the belief I have that he will become an excellent leader, Dawid stands out because he is somebody who we believe will do the job for several years.Fraser conceded that England absences complicated the issue but said that such considerations should not prevent Malan from gaining his rightful rewards. It is a view recently taken by Yorkshire with Gary Ballance and, somewhat controversially, by Kent with Sam Billings, a decision that will see Sam Northeast leave the club.”England commitments – and I hope Dawid continues to thrive as an international cricketer – may mean we do not see him for periods of the season but, in my mind, that should not stop the right man from holding the position he deserves to hold,” Fraser said.”In light of this Middlesex Cricket have made Sam Robson vice-captain in County Championship cricket. Sam is another player that has been developed by Middlesex and is a cricketer that is ready to take on further responsibility and new challenges. The pair of them will bring fresh ideas and energy to the County Championship cricket we play.Fraser also had warm words for the outgoing captain James Franklin, the New Zealand allrounder, who he said had “selflessly stepped in to fill a leadership hole.”So Malan as an England captain, however briefly? It might be seen as a bizarre suggestion, but there was a time when people would have scoffed at the thought that Paul Collingwood, by then pushing 34, would be the man to lead England to their only success in a major ICC tournament.

Mitchell Starc said that Steven Smith did not consult his fast bowlers before opting not to enforce the follow-on on the third day of the second Ashes Test

Daniel Brettig at Adelaide Oval04-Dec-2017Mitchell Starc revealed that Australia’s captain Steven Smith did not consult with his pace bowlers before deciding not to enforce the follow-on ahead of the night session on the third day of the Adelaide Ashes Test.With a 215-run lead, Smith could have sent Joe Root’s Englishmen back in to bat a second time in the evening, but instead chose to bat again and extend the lead. James Anderson and Chris Woakes then moved the pink ball around under lights to claim four wickets, including those of Smith and David Warner, before the close.”We didn’t [get asked] tonight. He’s the captain, he makes the decisions,” Starc said when asked whether the bowlers were consulted about their willingness to bowl again. “There’s two full night sessions to go – we had a tough session with the bat but there’s a lot of cricket to go and a lot of batting in the sheds with Shaun and Tim. But in terms of the follow-on it’s all up to Smithy.”We know the night sessions are the toughest, but to be four down, we still know we’ve got a good lead and there’s two night sessions to go. Once the sun comes out tomorrow it’s the easiest time to bat through the day so we’ll get some runs there and build on our lead and then some exciting cricket to come.”[There are] pros and cons to both decisions I’m sure and we’ll look to build on our lead, give the bowlers a bit of extra time to come out fit and firing for that second innings and hopefully knock them over.”Starc pointed out that rain on the second evening had reduced the amount of time England needed to bat against the pink ball on a pitch juiced up by evening moisture. Equally he said Australia, who bowled a decidedly full length when they got their chance with the ball, had noted how the visitors had missed the chance to take wickets earlier in the game by bowling too short.”England have only had to [bat at night] for 10 overs so far and if they really want to win this Test match they’re going to have to go through two night sessions, so great signs for us with the ball if you look at that session we just saw with the bat,” Starc said. “With a lead of 260 going into a day session, we’re still very much in the driver’s seat.”We did mention watching from the change rooms they did bowl a lot shorter than they would’ve liked and we saw after that first session they made an effort to bowl fuller and brought dismissals into the game. That’s something we spoke about as a bowling group, making sure we bowled a fuller length throughout the whole innings. They’ve got their length sorted now but that’s also something we can take on for our stuff as the game goes on as well.”

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson this summer and more details regarding the potential transfer have now emerged.

What's going on with Dean Henderson?

The Eagles are looking to sign a new 'keeper between now and the end of August when the window slams shut, with Vicente Guaita expected to move on.

It is Henderson who has reportedly emerged as a target for Palace in recent days, with the 26-year-old's plans a little up in the air at the moment. It is clear that Andre Onana has come in as first-choice between the sticks at United, while a return to Nottingham Forest hasn't developed, having been on loan there last season.

The one-cap England international is at a point in his career where he wants to be playing regularly, especially as it would aid his chance if making the Three Lions' squad for Euro 2024 next summer.

Now, a fresh update regarding Palace's interest in Henderson this summer has emerged, with a move looking increasingly likely.

Will Crystal Palace sign Dean Henderson?

According to a key update from talkSPORT, Palace's plan is to sign the Englishman on loan this summer, potentially snapping him up on a permanent basis next year, and talks are now underway:

"Crystal Palace have held talks with Manchester United over a deal to sign Dean Henderson, talkSPORT understands. Palace boss Roy Hodgson has been desperate to sign a new goalkeeper after Vicente Guaita told the club he wanted to leave.

"And talkSPORT understands that discussions held are with regards to a loan move with the option to make the deal permanent.

"The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and helped them stay in the Premier League. A permanent move to the City Ground had been expected but a deal could not be struck with United."

This could be the ideal scenario for all parties, allowing Henderson the move away that he needs, but giving Palace a season to assess whether he is worthy of being a permanent signing or not.

The United man has certainly proved his worth in the past, impressing at Forest last season before an injury ended his campaign prematurely, being hailed as "incredible" by Antonio Conte.

Henderson could be a really strong signing and an upgrade on Guaita, assuming the latter moves on, and at 26, he is still young for a goalkeeper and should only improve as the years pass, particularly if he can enjoy regular starts moving forward.

He is an extremely confident player who has total faith in his ability, and if were to come in and hit the ground running for Palace, he could help elevate them to another level moving forward, proving to be good with the ball at his feet and an expert shot-stopper.

To have played for both England and United speaks volumes, and while a move away from Old Trafford makes sense now, 13 clean sheets in 29 appearances for arguably the biggest club in the world is a good return, also winning an FA Cup along the way.

Tottenham Hotspur are acclimatising to life under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou in the early stages of the new season.

They are also getting used to the absence of Harry Kane, and journalist Rudy Galetti has given an update on the search for his replacement.

Who will replace Harry Kane at Spurs?

The long and drawn-out process of Harry Kane’s departure from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finally reached its conclusion earlier this month.

Kane is a legend in that half of north London, and so the Spurs faithful will have been glad that he at least chose the Bundesliga over a Premier League rival when angling for a move.

The England captain’s time in the German top flight has got off to a strong start with a goal, assist and three points to boast from the season opener.

He played a very intelligent ball through for Leroy Sane to open the scoring against Werder Bremen before getting in on the act with one of his textbook finishes on Friday night.

Tottenham’s attentions can now turn towards replacing their all-time top scorer, a very sizeable pair of boots to fill.

Football Insider is reporting that one of the names on the Lilywhites' wishlist is Gift Orban, who plays his club football in Belgium with Gent. The Nigerian striker is just 21 years old, so would be brought into the squad as a player for the present and the future.

What has Rudy Galetti said about the Gift Orban rumours?

Rudy Galetti offered his opinion on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Orban as they look to fill the Harry Kane-sized void.

Speaking recently to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Tottenham are seriously interested in Gift Orban. They are targeting him as one of the possible replacements for Harry Kane.

"After approaching the representatives of the striker, the pace of a potential deal is a little bit slow. Spurs, in fact, want to negotiate a fair price with Gent, but the Belgian club seem to be quite adamant in their position for the Nigerian player.

"The Belgian club already set the price for Gift Orban at around €30m or €35m. The price is considered a bit high by Tottenham.

"Gent, today, don't want to lower their request. They are still in talks, so let's wait for the developments, which are expected in the next days."

What is the latest Tottenham transfer news?

There may not be much more business to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if Ange Postecoglou’s recent quotes are anything to go by.

He said: “Our focus at the moment is trimming the squad down and seeing where that takes us in terms of reinforcements.”

That being said, Spurs are being linked with a familiar face, as reports suggest they could reunite with defender Clement Lenglet.

The Frenchman was on loan at the club from Barcelona and he remains excluded from Xavi’s plans at the Nou Camp, having not featured in the squad for the season-opening draw with Getafe.

Elsewhere, there were previous murmurs of the Tottenham boss being an admirer of Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson – and they, of course, have money to spend following the sale of Kane.

A number of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have raised concerns over the PCB’s decision to allow contracted players to play in the T10 League, which starts in the UAE on Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2017A number of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have raised concerns over the PCB’s decision to allow contracted players to play in the T10 League, which starts in the UAE on Thursday.The franchises fear the league could emerge as a potential threat to the value of the PSL itself. A central point in their concern also revolves around Salman Iqbal, owner of the Karachi Kings franchise, who is president of the T10 League and whose broadcast company is part of the management, while Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar was not allowed permission by the PCB to launch his own league in association with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).Current PSL champions Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi was most trenchant in his criticism, who as champions have the most to lose if the PSL is adversely affected. “It’s the PCB’s responsibility to improve the PSL and protect the stake of Pakistan cricket,” Afridi told ESPNcricinfo.”Franchises are not the rights holders of the league but we are the important entity running the show and signed to do so for ten years. We worked so hard to build this brand collectively. If the PCB will not protect our interest, then who will?”How can the PCB undermine its own league and kill the hype of its own tournament by allowing top contracted players to play in another league taking place at the same venue just a month earlier? It might work well for some individuals but it does not help Pakistan cricket at all. There is a value of our players and you cannot sell out our players in bulk. There is a big possibility it will come back to bite us.”PCB chairman Najam Sethi had broached the subject first in a routine meeting with PSL stakeholders last month. He reportedly asked each team if they had any concerns, only to found out that a majority of the teams did. A basic presentation by Iqbal was rebutted by Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi, while Lahore Qalandars questioned the support given to a league mainly backed by non-Pakistani investors.During another meeting, there was a suggestion that a vote be carried out to determine a future course of action, only for the idea to be dropped after the majority of franchises expressed reservations in allowing players to participate in the T10 League. Sethi, however, had the authority to take the final decision as PCB chairman, and allowed players to participate. He assured teams that they would continue to monitor the T10 League and promised the PCB would withdraw its support should the PSL be threatened.A PCB spokesman said the PCB had been assured there was “no conflict of interest with the PSL”. He also said the date of the T10 tournament had been changed from February to December after the PCB said the former was not acceptable to them. “The organisers wanted the PCB to issue NOCs to Pakistan players free of cost, like it’s done for other boards. But since no reciprocity was involved in their case, the PCB demanded a hefty fee in exchange and obtained $400,000.”Lahore Qalandars – as well as Peshawar – also confirmed that they were indirectly approached at a very early stage in the inception of the league and offered to become a party in it. But the business proposition was turned down because it was understood to be counter-productive to their brand. Iqbal was himself initially against allowing Pakistan players in the T10 League.”There are genuine concerns raised by a majority of PSL teams and the issue needs to be sorted with due diligence,” a Qalandars official told ESPNcricinfo. “Allowing marquee players into other leagues that have the potential to undermine the PSL is a point of concern.”Quetta’s owner, meanwhile, had been seeking permission from the PCB to buy a team in the Emirates League in the UAE but had not received permission. During the meeting, the owner of Gladiators didn’t object to supporting the T10 League, but underlined the PCB’s “double standard” in not allowing one owner to buy a team, and discouraging another for associating with other leagues in the UAE.Not least of the impacts of the league will be that the final round of Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, will be played without a number of big names who will be playing in the UAE this weekend. Pakistan players in the T10 League include Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal and Hasan Ali.The final QeA round begins on December 15 with eight teams competing for a place in the final.