All posts by h716a5.icu

Recent reports have suggested that Southampton striker Michael Obafemi could be included in a deal for Adam Armstrong this summer, which could effectively allow Ralph Hasenhuttl to kill two birds with one stone.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Obafemi could be sent to Blackburn on a permanent deal as a makeweight in the signing of Armstrong, who has been heavily linked with a move to St Mary’s in recent weeks.

The report suggests that Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray is a fan of Obafemi and with Southampton some way off the Championship side’s current valuation for the forward, a deal could well go through if he is sent to Ewood Park along with an increased offer.

Should Southampton do this deal?

Obafemi featured for just 57 minutes of Premier League football last season, as he fell behind the likes of Nathan Tella and Dan N’Lundulu in the pecking order in Hasenhuttl’s side, despite boasting a decent amount of first team experience.

During his Saints career thus far, the Republic of Ireland striker has made 38 appearances, contributing five goals and four assists, which included three in the top-flight in the 2019/20 season, so it is definitely fair to suggest that he regressed last season.

Hasenhuttl has questioned his attitude in the past, saying:

“He still has a lack of professionalism in his whole life.”

“This is a young guy who must learn quickly. If he does this and gets more physical, fit and can make this workload for a longer time, then he has a big future.”

Therefore, it would not be a huge blow for Southampton to lose him this summer, especially when you consider that his contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

In return, they would be getting a player who finished second to only Ivan Toney in the Championship goalscoring charts last season, with Armstrong hitting 28 goals in the second tier and one in the League Cup for an impressive season tally of 29.

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Mowbray was full of praise for the former Newcastle United man last season, saying:

“He’s a boy really, but his explosive pace at the top end of the pitch allows you to play both ways, to not be overly concerned if you’re pinned back around the edge of your box because one pass releases pressure to someone like (Harvey) Elliott to play the pass that he can hit just leaving it in the space for the speed and dynamic movement of Armstrong – it’s a devastating effect for the team.”

Therefore, Hasenhuttl should definitely consider sending Obafemi to Blackburn in order to bring in Armstrong this summer, as he could be a superb option for the Saints to have next season.

And, in other news… Southampton can sign their ideal Vestergaard heir with swoop for £3.15m-rated beast

There was never really any doubt that Waqar Younis would lead Pakistan in the World Cup

Omar Kureishi25-Dec-2002There was never really any doubt that Waqar Younis would lead Pakistan in the World Cup. There was a lot of kite-flying and because the PCB maintained a silence , this kite-flying acquired a measure of credibility.It has been the PCB’s policy to appoint a captain on a series basis. It has adhered to this policy.It makes sense since form and fitness are of paramount importance and Waqar is no spring-chicken and is a high-risk when it comes to injuries. He is not alone in this as younger fast bowlers are falling by the wayside and are being patched-up and sent into battle.India rested Zaheer Khan in the one-day series against the West Indies, Mervyn Dillon pulled out of the tour of Bangladesh, Chris Cairns is still not fit to bowl, England seem to lose a fast bowler per match Allan Donald is being kept wrapped in cotton-wool and Zimbabwe had all its pace attack unfit, Muttiah Muralitharan is recovering from a hernia operation and Shane Warne has done his shoulder and is doubtful for the World Cup and our own Shoaib Akhtar has returned home to nurse a gammy knee.The PCB chairman has now confirmed Waqar as captain and hopefully the only kite-flying that will be done will be during the forthcoming basant.I think that Waqar will be the first to admit that he is no Imran Khan, Imran had the special gift of getting the best out of his players, even those he may not have personally liked. Like all humans, he had his likes and dislikes. He never allowed this to influence the way he handled the team.Waqar has never concealed that he is uneasy with Wasim Akram in the team. That, at least, is the perception and the selection of the playing eleven on tour has been whimsical. But he has done the job and led from the front and picked up wickets and given Pakistan the breakthrough. He has even started to make a few runs. The PCB has reposed confidence in him. This should cheer him up.The team management had asked for Saeed Anwar for the Test matches and the selection committee has sensibly refused to panic. Saeed should have been on the South Africa tour from the onset. There is no doubt that he was short of match-practice. But he is a near-certainty for the World Cup and he needs to get into the groove by playing domestic cricket. Pakistan will need his experience in the World Cup. He has time enough to get in the right frame of mind.We knew that the tour of South Africa would be a hard one but the margin of 4-1 is not a proper reflection of the difference between the two teams. Pakistan bowlers did everything asked of them but the batting seems to show no sign of the toughness that is required against quality opponents. The running between wickets left much to be desired, a sign that reflects not enough homework is being done on this vital aspect of the game.Running between the wickets is about judgement but it is also about communicating with one’s partner. There are only three calls, yes, no or wait. Simple words that do not put any stress on the mind and are unambiguous, not subject to interpretation, nor a basis for negotiation.While we are focused on the World Cup, a Test match comes around that is far more gripping than anything that the one-day version can dish out. Such a Test match was the one that was played at Hamilton between India and New Zealand.New Zealand won it in a tight finish. The first day’s play was washed out. But two days and a session were enough to get a decision. The wicket was certainly lively and the ball seamed but it was certainly not dangerous. Far too much was being read into it, the fault lay not in the wicket but in the lack of technique that was needed to cope with the moving ball. Far too used to batting-friendly pitches, this one had some juice. It was a low-scoring match, too much for batsmen of either team.In the days when wickets were not covered and we would get ‘sticky dogs’ there were batsmen who had developed special skills to play on them. I would like to see more pitches like the one at Hamilton. Batsmen have it far too good. They have all the protective gear while the fast bowlers can bowl no more than two bouncers per over.New Zealand were without Cairns. He is expected to play as a batsman in the one-day series. But probably will be fully fit for the World Cup. With the West Indies beginning to re-group. New Zealand the West Indies are two ‘outsiders’ that look most threatening for the World Cup.The West Indies will have Carl Hooper and Dillon back but there seems to be no news about Brian Lara, beyond, that he is unfit. But no progress report has been forthcoming. But not just the West Indies but cricket needs Brian Lara, still a prince among batsmen. But in Ramnaresh Sarwan and Marlon Samuels, they have two batsmen in the mould of Rohan Kanhai and that is high praise.

Middlesex have reached an agreement with their London rivals, Surrey, to play their Twenty20 Cup quarter-final at The Oval

Cricinfo staff26-Jun-2008Middlesex have reached an agreement with their London rivals, Surrey, to play their Twenty20 Cup quarter-final at The Oval between July 7 and 9, because the first Test between England and South Africa will be taking place at their home ground, Lord’s, at the same time.A six-wicket victory over Sussex on Wednesday guaranteed Middlesex’s place at the top of the South Division of the Twenty20 Cup, but the Lord’s Test means they will not be able to fully exploit their home advantage. According to their chief executive, Vinny Codrington, there had been discussions about playing the match on their out-ground at Uxbridge, but the ECB have granted Middlesex special dispensation to head south to The Oval.Middlesex will have to wait until the final round has been completed this evening before learning who they will face in the quarter-finals, but tickets for the match went on sale at 9:30am on Friday. Surrey and Middlesex members will be permitted free entry to the ground, whilst members of the opposition will have to purchase their ticket but will gain access to the OCS Stand’s coveted Roof Terrace. Tickets are available online from www.surreycricket.com or by calling 08712 461 100.Middlesex will get a sneak preview of the conditions at The Oval when they take on Surrey in front of a capacity crowd in their final match of the South Division tonight, when they will be going for their eighth win in ten matches.

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield expects Aston Villa to target Burnley winger Dwight McNeil if they cannot persuade Arsenal to sell Emile Smith Rowe.

Villa boss Dean Smith has been keen to bolster his options after a promising second season back in the Premier League.

However, he has been frustrated in his attempts to sign attacking midfielder Smith Rowe, with Arsenal rejecting two big-money bids for the 20-year-old.

It has been reported that Villa will return with a third bid for the England under-21 international, although it is clear the Gunners do not want to sell as they are looking to tie Smith Rowe down to a new five-year deal.

As a result, McNeil has been identified as an alternative to Smith Rowe, much to the delight of the club’s fans.

Despite being just 21, the winger has already made 96 Premier League appearances, contributing seven goals and 16 assists.

Burnley will not want to lose their talisman, but Hatfield has tipped Smith to plot a move if Smith Rowe commits his future to Arsenal.

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Hatfield said: “The question, I suppose, is with Burnley. Would they be willing to sell him? They have got new owners in so are they looking to keep hold of players like that, or is there a price tag which both clubs can agree on?

“I think Villa are favouring Smith Rowe over him, judging by the interest we have seen there and the bids they have put in. But maybe he could be a back-up option if the Smith Rowe stuff doesn’t work out.”

According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria.com, West Ham United have held talks with the agent of striking target Paul Onuachu and detailed how much they are willing to pay Genk for his services.

The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing Onuachu…

Numerous claims from Nigeria have emerged over these last few weeks as manager David Moyes expands his net far and wide in search of a new forward.

Onuachu is apparently a name who has caught the Scotsman’s eye and allnigeriasoccer.com even claimed that he personally told West Ham hierarchy to table an official bid for the player.

OwnGoalNigeria also said last month that West Ham believed they were in ‘pole position’ to sign the player, with this same website now bringing a fresh update.

The Latest: West Ham approach agent…

As per the African source, GSB and West Ham have approached Onuachu’s agent with talks now held over how much they would be willing to pay Genk for his services.

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Indeed, the Hammers are apparently offering ‘in excess’ of €15 million (£12.8m), but this is €10 million (£8.5m) lower than what the Belgian club will ‘likely settle for’.

Preliminary talks have ‘taken place’ but it has now emerged that West Ham have threatened to walk away from a deal if an agreement can’t be reached by the ‘first week of next month’.

A source close to Onuachu’s situation, speaking to OwnGoalNigeria.com, describes it as a ‘mess’ – with his asking price apparently ‘scaring away suitors’ despite the fact he ‘wants to leave’.

The Verdict: Blow for the Irons?

Even though West Ham shouldn’t pay over the odds for a forward who has only scored prolifically in the Belgian and Danish top flights (Transfermarkt), he still arguably has the credentials to succeed under Moyes.

Lauded as a ‘huge’ and ‘very strong’ striker by Nigeria international teammate Kenneth Omeruo (omasports.com), he also notched a phenomenal 35 goals in all competitions for Genk over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt).

He would, in our opinion, be the ideal striking signing to bolster West Ham’s options and provide sufficient cover for Michail Antonio.

However, as per this claim, the Irons appear to be that bit further away from securing his signature.

In other news: ‘What a day’, ‘On my knees’…ExWHUemployee’s update has some West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

A summary of the latest action in the County Championship

Cricinfo staff11-Jul-2008First Division
Nic Pothas held Hampshire together with 62 against Lancashire © Getty Images
A 214-run stand for the third wicket between centurions Anthony McGrath and Jacques Rudolph lifted Yorkshire to 359 for 5 on day one against Kent at Canterbury. Having added 97 with Adam Lyth (50) after the early loss of Andrew Gale, McGrath found a solid ally in Rudolph and the two clicked away at a good rate. McGrath’s 144 from 226 balls was his first hundred of the Championship season, while Rudolph’s unbeaten 121 was the fourth of season in which he has amassed 677 runs. Yasir Arafat took two wickets after McGrath fell with the score 341 for 3, but Rudolph and Matthew Hoggard held out until stumps.Nic Pothas’ hardworking 62 held Hampshire together against Lancashire at The Rose Bowl as the visitors shared the wickets around. Pothas, who came close to being run out by Lou Vincent before he had scored, battled hard against a strong attack after the top slipped to 85 for 4. Michael Carberry fell in the first over of the match, offering Glen Chapple a return catch, and Andrew Flintoff removed his former team-mate John Crawley with an edge to slip. Pothas took two sixes off Gary Keedy but finally fell having a wild slash at Chapple, sending an outside edge to Flintoff at second slip.For John Ward’s summary of Nottinghamshire’s match against Surrey at Trent Bridge, click here.There was no play at Chester-le-Street between Durham and Somerset.Second DivisionRain limited the action to 33.5 oversat Bristol, but there was enough time in between the showers for the Gloucestershire bowlers to put Middlesex under pressure, the visitors struggling to 73 for 4. Jon Lewis accounted for the wickets of Billy Godleman (0) and Ed Joyce (13), while Steve Kirby had Dawid Malan smartly held by William Porterfield at second slip. In the 12th over Shah retired hurt with a knee problem, and though he was later to return, his stay was brief when he edged a short delivery to the wicketkeeper, Steve Snell. Eoin Morgan was on 23 before bad light curtailed a miserable first day for Middlesex.At Derby, only 30.1 overs were squeezed in due to rain, but it was enough for Derbyshireto reach 111 for 3 against Leicestershire. The visitors elected to field first and soon had Derbyshire 15 for 2. Chris Rogers dug in for 52 off 89 balls, adding 96 with Wavell Hinds, and was last out when play was called off. Hinds was unbeaten on 33 from 62 balls, with two boundaries.Just 4.2 overs of play were possible at New Road as Northamptonshire progressed from their overnight 134 for 6 to 153 for 6, with enough time to shade a first-innings lead of seven over Worcestershire. The two South Africans, Nicky Boje (18) and Lance Klusener (14) are the not-out batsman going into the third day.No play was possible between Glamorgan and Essex at Cardiff.

A round-up of the latest Pro40 matches as Surrey and Hampshire collect victories

Cricinfo staff17-Aug-2008Division OneJames Adams’ career-best 86 guided Hampshire to a five-wicket win against Somerset at Taunton. His 98-ball innings ensured the visitors eased home to their adjusted target with seven balls to spare. He added 95 with Chris Benham to make sure the run chase was completed in efficient style. Somerset fell away after a positive opening from Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick, who was caught at mid-on, and slipped to 87 for 4. James Hildreth (47) and Wes Durston (42) repaired the damage with a stand of 82, but Liam Dawson took two key wickets and Hampshire kept control at the death.Lancashire suffered their third washout of the season as they shared the points with Middlesex at Old Trafford. There were just occasional showers during the afternoon, but the heavy overnight rain had left the outfield saturated. This was the final match of the season at Old Trafford as the outfield is now being dug up and relayed while Lancashire finish 2008 at outgrounds. At least the early call-off allowed everyone the chance to watch Manchester United take on Newcastle a few hundreds up the road.

Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Nottinghamshire 4 3 10 0 6 +0.451 760/135.2 717/138.5 Sussex 5 2 1 02 6 -0.543 593/108.4 654/109.0Hampshire 5 2 2 0 15 +0.285 812/141.5 777/142.5 Somerset 5 2 3 0 0 4-0.192 1114/196.5 1144/195.3 Gloucestershire 41 1 0 2 4 -0.111330/53.5 337/54.0 Worcestershire 3 11 0 1 3 +1.304 373/65.0272/61.2 Middlesex 3 1 10 1 3 +0.295 403/80.0 362/76.2 Lancashire 4 0 1 03 3 -4.200 84/25.0 189/25.0Durham 3 1 2 0 02 +0.044 693/114.2 710/118.0

Division TwoStewart Walters fell nine runs short of a maiden one-day century, but his 91put Surrey on course for a welcome victory as they beat Northamptonshire by 63 runs at The Oval. Surrey produced a display of attacking batting, led off by James Benning’s 46-ball 55 as he and Walters added 89 for the second wicket. Walters then held the innings together as the middle order all chipped in. He hit 10 fours and two sixes before being bowled by Jason Brown with his century in sight. Northamptonshire suffered a horror start as they sank to 7 for 3 in the third over, but they didn’t give up without a fight. Rikki Wessels struck his first limited-overs century, an even 100 off 86 balls, adding 107 with David Sales for the fourth wicket. But no one else could stay with him and he became a first wicket for Robert Frylinck, a 23-year-old South African Kolpak making his debut.

Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Essex 5 4 01 0 9 +1.367 858/142.5 798/172.0 Kent 3 2 0 01 5 +1.152 418/70.2 337/70.2Warwickshire 3 2 1 0 04 +0.533 753/120.0 689/120.0 Glamorgan 3 2 1 0 0 4+0.190 639/110.1 619/110.2 Yorkshire 32 1 0 0 4 -0.259690/120.0 679/113.0 Derbyshire 3 12 0 0 2 -0.084 720/115.4757/120.0 Surrey 4 1 30 0 2 -0.785 635/135.0 741/135.0 Leicestershire 5 0 3 11 2 -0.526 1043/160.0 1126/159.5Northamptonshire 3 0 3 0 00 -1.482 548/117.0 558/90.3

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey, according to the print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (via Metro). 

The lowdown – Record breaker

Ramsey left Arsenal to join Juventus in the summer of 2019 after signing a pre-contract agreement. His £400,000-per-week deal made him the highest-earning British player ever on base salary (via BBC Sport).

Over his two seasons at the club, Ramsey has made 65 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing as many assists (via Transfermarkt).

He’s suffered nine separate injuries in Turin, but all have been minor. None have kept him out for more than five matches.

The 30-year-old represented Wales at the European Championships earlier in the summer, with his goal against Turkey on Matchday Two setting Robert Page’s side on their way to a victory which all but secured a Round of 16 spot.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has described Ramsey as an ‘outstanding technician’, while club team-mate Federico Chiesa says he is a ‘very intelligent’ footballer.

The latest – Wolves in the running

The report says that Wolves are in the running to sign Ramsey, whom Juventus are open to selling.

But they could face competition from Tottenham Hotspur. New managing director of football, ex-Juve chief Fabio Paratici, is apparently a big admirer of the Welshman.

The verdict – Unlikely

In one sense, Wolves may have an upper hand here. Surely Ramsey wouldn’t consider joining Arsenal’s arch-rivals, even if he was intent on returning to the Premier League.

But then on the other hand, there’s the salary. You’d think he’d have to express a willingness to take a huge pay cut for the deal to be viable. For context, Wolves’ top earner, Joao Moutinho, earns £100,000 per week.

Ramsey may also have offers from clubs who will be playing in Europe next season. Ultimately, then, this deal may simply be unrealistic, but he is certainly a quality player when fit so fans may want to keep an eye on this rumour over the coming weeks.

In other news, some fans vented their frustration as this transfer update emerged.

New Zealand Under-19s were denied in their quest to level the three-match series against England, with a thrilling tie at Hove. Chasing 238, New Zealand appeared to be on course but Liam Dawson (5 for 39) caused mid-order panic before Luke Fletcher took t

Cricinfo staff12-Aug-2008
Scorecard
Alex Wakely cracked 64 in England’s 237 during a thrilling match at Hove © Getty Images
New Zealand Under-19s were denied in their quest to level the three-match series against England, with a thrilling tie at Hove. Chasing 238, New Zealand appeared to be on course but Liam Dawson (5 for 39) caused mid-order panic before Luke Fletcher took the last wicket of the final ball.Alex Wakely spearheaded England’s 237, continuing his fine form with another fifty, and shared in a powerful opening partnership of 110 with Alex Hales. New Zealand’s opening bowlers, Andrew Mathieson and Greg Morgan both leaked boundaries, though Mathieson recovered with Wakely’s wicket – but not after he had crashed 64 from 47 balls.New Zealand fought back strongly thereafter, with their two spinners – Nick Beard and George Worker – seven wickets apiece as England’s innings fell away.Like England, New Zealand’s openers got off to a fine start in pursuit of 238 as Michael Bracewell (47) and Worker (41) put on 88, and there were useful contributions from Kane Williamson (28) and Fraser Colson (24). However, after William Beer broke through the top three, Dawson ran through the middle-order as New Zealand slipped to 185 for 8.Beard (23) and Morgan (32) gave New Zealand genuine hope, however, with a bristling 51-run stand as the tourists inched closer. But Morgan fell with two runs needed before Fletcher bowled Beard with the scores level, to record a memorable tie.

Southampton were regularly linked with a move for Olivier Ntcham in the past and now that he has been released, Ralph Hasenhuttl should consider bringing him in.

What’s the word?

Southampton were linked with a move for the French midfielder last November but he ended up remaining at Celtic, before joining Marseille on loan in the winter transfer window.

Strangely, his transfer there led to Andre-Villas Boas resigning as manager and the French club did not exercise their option to buy the 25-year-old after he made just four Ligue 1 appearances in total last season.

It was confirmed yesterday that the midfielder had left Celtic, meaning that he is now available to sign on a free transfer.

Should Southampton sign Ntcham?

Although he may have struggled to impress in Marseille, Ntcham’s performances at Celtic in prior seasons suggest that he could be an excellent addition to Hasenhuttl’s side at Southampton this summer.

The Frenchman made 147 appearances for the Hoops in total, contributing 24 goals and 13 assists, helping Celtic win three Premiership titles during his time at the club.

Southampton have a good history in signing players from Celtic too, with Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama and Stuart Armstrong three players who proved to be bargain additions at St Mary’s, so there is no reason why Ntcham couldn’t also be a success, especially on a free transfer.

The former Manchester City youngster predominantly features in central midfield, a position which Hasenhuttl has suggested that Southampton will look to strengthen in this summer, so his signing would make a lot of sense.

He has featured across the midfield and the attack in his career thus far which suggests that he is very versatile, which is another quality Hasenhuttl likes his players to have.

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The 25-year-old, who was dubbed a “powerhouse” earlier in his career, would be a very low-risk transfer for Southampton this summer and could fill the hole left by Mario Lemina’s departure, so Martin Semmens should definitely consider bringing him to St Mary’s on a free transfer.

And, in other news… Tom Leach shares update on “outstanding” Saints star that will delight fans