An EFL club’s sporting director has said he is expecting to sell a West Brom transfer target for a record fee, as the Baggies reportedly eye a move for him.
West Brom look to stay top of Championship
Carlos Corberan’s side will once again go bouncing into this weekend’s action top of the Championship, following a near-perfect start to the season. The only points they have dropped came at home at Leeds United last month, and they look primed for an automatic promotion push.
On Saturday lunchtime, West Brom make the trip to a Sheffield Wednesday side who haven’t won since the opening day of the campaign, only drawing once in the league since then, suggesting that three more points for Corberan’s men should be expected at Hillsborough.
Jayson Molomby for West Brom.
There are doubts over Jayson Molumby’s fitness going into the clash with the Owls, though, which will act as a concern, given his status as arguably one of the first names on the team sheet.
While things at the Hawthorns appear to be going very smoothly at present, it is also important that the club continue to look at potential new signings, and it looks as though they are keen on swooping for a prized player at an EFL club.
Sporting director could sell West Brom target for record fee
According to a new report from The Boot Room, West Brom are one of the clubs interested in signing Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon. Burnley, Norwich and Hull City are also in the mix to snap up the 23-year-old, and sporting director Jez George has admitted that a record move in the seven-figure range could happen.
“It’s about career progression and the right club. So, if the right club comes in with the right financial package for Ethan that could be life changing, quadrupling his wages, and it is an absolutely huge number for Lincoln City, then as a football club we have to look at that.”
Erhahon may be plying his trade in League One currently, but he is a standout midfielder in the division and could be a great squad player for West Brom. During the Scot’s six-year stint at Scottish Premiership side St Mirren, manager Stephen Robinson heaped praise on his ability on the ball in tight areas.
“It’s when you land on the ball and the game’s in transition, then it’s about taking the pressure off yourself and using the ball. Ethan gives us that. That’s what we did in the last game when we beat them. We bought passes and took a bit of ownership of the game and it gets you higher up the pitch. It’s something he definitely brings to the table.”
Left for £16m: West Brom hit gold selling ace who’s now worth millions less
West Bromwich Albion sold this star on at the best possible time.
1
By
Kelan Sarson
Sep 26, 2024
At 23, Erhahon has plenty more improving to do, and has arguably outgrown Lincoln at League One level, so West Brom should do all they can to beat others to his signature, having been capped by Scotland across three different youth age groups.
Abi Freeborn’s star turn with bat and gloves not enough to break Lightning’s duck
ECB Reporters Network25-Aug-2021
Tash Farrant had a strong hand in her side’s victory•Getty Images
Abi Freeborn’s heroics with the bat and gloves were not enough to break Lightning’s duck in the Charlotte Edwards Cup as South East Stars triumphed by 28 runs at Guildford.Freeborn became the first wicketkeeper in the tournament to record four dismissals in an innings, all stumpings, before blazing 61 from 50 balls in the visitors’ total of 147 for 7.Despite that, they came up well short of Stars’ 175 for 6 – the second highest score of the competition – as Alice Davidson-Richards top-scored with an unbeaten 41 from 25.Alice Capsey and Tash Farrant, both members of Oval Invincibles’ Hundred-winning side last weekend, contributed 38 and 35 respectively to set up the victory that nudged Stars closer to clinching a semi-final spot.Bryony Smith set a belligerent tone to the Stars’ innings after they were put in, clubbing Sophie Munro for two boundaries in her 16 from 12.Munro took her revenge, persuading Smith to miscue to mid-on, but the opener’s departure paved the way for Capsey to launch a spirited assault against Lightning’s attack.The Stars batter survived two close calls – an on-drive just short of the diving Teresa Graves before she had scored and Shachi Pai’s drop at backward square leg – to rattle up 38 from 28, including four fours and a six.Although Lucy Higham’s flight accounted for Capsey, who was bowled giving her the charge, Stars skipper Farrant and Davidson-Richards seized the baton with a partnership of 52 from 31.Farrant dominated the stand, cutting and switch-hitting at will to accumulate 35 from just 18 deliveries before she became the third of Freeborn’s four victims.Two of those came off medium-pacer Sonia Odedra, the pick of Lightning’s bowlers with 2 for 20 despite taking some late punishment from Davidson-Richards, who slammed two sixes off the final over from Grace Ballinger.The 176 target looked a tall order for Lightning, who had only once posted three figures in the competition so far, but Freeborn gave them hope with some fiery Powerplay hitting as she flayed Emma Jones for three fours and a six in the same over.However, the rest of her team-mates struggled to get on top of the Stars’ spinners, with Smith taking 2 for 18 and Capsey 2 for 28.Farrant eventually had Freeborn caught at cover and, despite Pai’s useful 24, Stars closed out the win without difficulty.
Everton have struggled during the opening few weeks of the season, losing all three of their Premier League games so far.
Progression into the next round of the EFL was secured, but a win over Doncaster Rovers was also expected. Sean Dyche is now under pressure to get things right in the top flight, otherwise the Toffees could face yet another relegation battle.
Everton manager Sean Dyche
Dyche made his eighth signing of the summer before the window closed by luring Armando Broja to Goodison Park. Could he help the club remain in the top flight?
Armando Broja’s Premier League statistics
The Albanian striker made his Premier League debut during a loan spell with Southampton in the 2021/22 campaign, scoring six goals for the Saints that season.
He returned to the Blues for the following campaign yet could only manage one league goal due to suffering a cruciate ligament injury in December 2022, keeping him out for nine months.
Armando Broja celebrating a goal for Chelsea.
The striker has been plagued with injury problems throughout his young career thus far, and he could be missing until November due to an Achilles issue.
This means Dyche won't be able to see the best of Broja until potentially the new year, indicating that he will have to stick with those at his disposal.
Goals
1
Assists
1
Shots per game
0.6
Successful dribbles per game
0.7
Total duels won per game
1.9
Big chances created
1
Could the manager perhaps call on a young talent who has made the move to Merseyside this summer as a potential replacement for the injured loanee? As he may have to gamble sooner rather than later.
Omari Benjamin could solve Broja blow
After impressing during his trial at the club, Omari Benjamin signed a three-year deal with the Toffees ahead of the new season.
During his time at Arsenal, Benjamin showcased his glittering talents for the U18 side, scoring 18 goals in just 33 appearances, emerging as one of the brightest young talents at the club.
His move to Finch Farm, however, came as a surprise, but it is clear Dyche has an outstanding talent in his U18 squad who could potentially gain senior opportunities this term.
Jeorge Bird, a youth reporter for Arsenal, heaped plenty of praise on the centre-forward back in 2022, saying: “Omari Benjamin looks like a good prospect. Can play up front or out wide. Has been prolific for the U16s this season. Wales youth international.”
The youngster has also shone for the Wales U19 side, scoring once in five games while even grabbing an assist, showcasing his qualities on the international scene.
Dyche will continue to use Dominic Calvert-Lewin as his main striker, but if anything were to happen to him, don’t be surprised to see Benjamin receive a call-up to the senior side.
If so, Benjamin certainly has the confidence to make quite an impression in the senior ranks should a chance arise over the next few months.
No doubt about that.
Everton ace was boldly sold by Dyche, now he's outscoring Calvert-Lewin
He enjoyed a very successful 2023/24 campaign away from Goodison.
The Reds ripped right through Tottenham and will now sit at the top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day.
Liverpool will go into Christmas four points clear at the top of the Premier League table and with a game in hand after they thrashed Tottenham 6-3 on Sunday.
Arne Slot's men were imperious from start to finish in north London and made their shorthanded hosts pay for their naive nature with a ruthless performance.
Midway through the first half, the Reds had their opener. An exceptional cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold from the right channel found Luis Diaz in acres of space, and the Colombian headed past Fraser Forster to give his side the lead.
Ten minutes before the break, Liverpool had a second. Andy Robertson's delivery caused trouble for Archie Gray and Djed Spence, who collided with Dominik Szoboszlai going up for the floated cross, and Alexis Mac Allister beat Forster to the loose ball to poke home.
However, Tottenham pulled one back before the interval. Mac Allister lost possession to Dejan Kulusevski midway inside his own half, allowing James Maddison to take over possession and fire one past Alisson from just outside the box. The Argentine claimed a foul by Kulusevski led to Maddison pinching the ball, but neither the referee nor VAR were interested in his complaints.
But there was still time for the Reds to restore their two-goal advantage heading into half-time. A long ball from Alexander-Arnold straight down the middle caught Spurs high up the pitch. Szoboszlai headed on for Salah to race in, and the Egyptian returned the ball to his Hungarian team-mate to slip under Forster.
Shortly after the restart, Liverpool scrambled in their fourth. A quick breakaway saw Cody Gakpo square for Szoboszlai, who was twice denied by Gray before Salah forced the ball in at the third attempt.
Liverpool got their fifth with their next attack, carving right through Spurs with ease as Szoboszlai squared for Salah to tap into an empty net.
Tottenham kept up the fight and were rewarded with a superb goal of their own. Dominic Solanke dropped deep to drag the centre-backs up, and he found Kulusevski with a lovely dink before he provided the finishing touches from a close distance.
With under 10 minutes remaining, Solanke scored one of his own after peeling away from Virgil van Dijk to slide in a headed ball back across goal from Brennan Johnson.
The home crowd started to believe their side could mount a comeback, but those hopes were extinguished when Salah teed up Diaz for his second of the game and the last of Sunday's nine goals.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Alisson (6/10):
Couldn't do much about Tottenham's goals, though he did concede three of them. Brought some cheers from the away end by turning Brennan Johnson and made an excellent save to keep out Johnson late in the day.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (9/10):
What a player, whew. Every ball he struck was with such precision and intent, totally deserving of his assist. Liverpool need to sort his contract saga out as soon as possible – it would be a disaster if he started next season at Real Madrid instead.
Joe Gomez (7/10):
Silently solid once again in the absence of Ibrahima Konate. Never too troubled when having to cover Alexander-Arnold up against Son, while was hardly of blame for Spurs' strikes.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10):
Harsh critics would accuse the Liverpool captain of toning down the intensity when Liverpool were way out in front but threatening to cave in. To be truthful, he was largely fine and unable to realistically do a lot about Spurs' goals.
Andy Robertson (6/10):
The Scot was in dire need of a steady showing after a torrid season by his own standards to this point. To Robertson's credit, he nullified the tandem of Kulusevski and Porro, then came up with a delicious ball for Liverpool's second goal. However, allowing Johnson to win the header for Solanke's goal goes down as a blemish.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Ryan Gravenberch (9/10):
Pretty much unstoppable in the midfield battle. Tottenham players bounced right off the Dutchman with a whimper and he breezed past them with such ease.
Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):
Gave Liverpool some breathing space with their second goal of the evening, before putting them in trouble when robbed of possession leading to Maddison's strike before the break. Nonetheless a fine performance. Subbed off for Jones with Liverpool 5-1 up.
Dominik Szoboszlai (9/10):
One of the Hungarian's best-ever performances for the Reds, crashing the box with force and giving the rugged Dragusin quite the physical battle too. Cautioned for tugging Bissouma.
Getty Images SportAttack
Mohamed Salah (10/10):
You think you've seen it all from Salah, and then he goes and delivers a masterclass like this. The scary layer to his performance is it felt he hardly got out of second gear, and now the first player in Premier League history to register double figures of goals and assists in a season before Christmas. An utterly ludicrous player and a modern-day legend. Given a rest when taken off for Elliott.
Luis Diaz (9/10):
Took up the invitation to run at Tottenham's extremely high line, and without a quick defender like Micky van de Ven to pin him back, Diaz had the freedom of Tottenham High Road. A fine striker's goal got Liverpool off the mark. Came off for Nunez towards the end.
Cody Gakpo (6/10):
Liverpool were feasting all day long, though Gakpo seldom got in on that act despite being afforded space to gallop into by Porro. That's the beauty of the Reds though, even if one player has a so-so performance they will still be fine. Booked for a cynical foul on Sarr and replaced by Jota.
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Subs & Manager
Diogo Jota (6/10):
Unable to use his fresh legs to give Tottenham any further bother himself.
Curtis Jones (6/10):
Kept play ticking when Liverpool needed to try and kill the game for good.
Harvey Elliott (N/A):
Brought on late on for Salah.
Darwin Nunez (N/A):
Replaced Diaz but didn't have time to score himself.
Arne Slot (9/10):
Liverpool look unbelievably complete despite only half a season under the Dutchman's management. They threw Spurs about like they were bottom-half fodder.
Jack Leach in line for recall as England fined 40% of match fees for slow over-rate
George Dobell07-Jun-2021England have added Dom Bess to their squad for the second LV= Insurance Test against New Zealand at Edgbaston.Bess, the offspinning allrounder, has effectively been called up to provide cover for Jack Leach. While Leach, England’s first-choice spinner, is understood to be fully fit, current Covid protocols render it complicated and time-consuming to bring players into the squad from county cricket.Bess arrived in Birmingham on Sunday night, having taken four wickets earlier in the day to help Yorkshire to victory in their County Championship game against Sussex. After two days of managed isolation and testing, he will be free to train with the rest of the squad on Wednesday.Related
'I really did start hating cricket' – Bess bounces back
Bess the architect of unlikely Yorkshire victory over Sussex
Boult in line to play second Test after relaxed quarantine in UK
“The reason we’ve added Dom is that any cover we may need has to be in here with us,” Chris Silverwood, the England coach, said. “If Jack was to feature, we would need back-up for him in terms of concussion replacements and things like that.”If we are looking at playing a spinner and Jack were to get injured leading into the game, then we will need someone else there as well. It’s making sure we cover that.”Are we expecting a spinning wicket? We will see when we get there, but I’m making sure we’ve got every base covered.”While Bess is not expected to play in the second Test, it seems safe to assume England are highly likely to recall Leach on a surface which has tended to provide assistance to spin in recent years, not least after they were fined 40% of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first Test.Chris Broad of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after England were ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. As Joe Root pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, there was no need for a formal hearing.In the past, such an incident would have left Root sitting uncomfortably heading into high-profile series against India and Australia, but captains are no longer suspended for over-rate penalties.Still, the extent of the fines may well impact England’s team selection for the second Test, with Leach set to come into the side after they did not include a specialist spinner for the first Test – the first time they had done so at home since 2012.
We're a fickle bunch, us Liverpool fans. We spend the summer crying out for signings, and now that FSG look to be moving to sign a world-recognised player, we meet the news with grumbles.
It's a chorus alright, but it's not in unity, more of a mix of voices, some optimistic, some frustrated, some just a bit on the fence. And that's probably okay.
Federico Chiesa is a talented player. After Euro 2020 (held in 2021 due to COVID) his stock was sky-high, having played an instrumental role in Italy's triumph, defeating England in the final to lift the trophy. Journalist Zach Lowy even praised him for his "absolutely world-class" performances.
Matches (starts)
7 (4)
Goals
2
Touches*
25.9
Shots (on target)*
2.4 (0.9)
Pass completion
80%
Big chances created
3
Dribbles*
1.3
Total duels won*
2.9
He was one year into his Juventus career, signing from Fiorentina in a £54m deal, initially a two-year loan move before concluding for a permanent fee. The road since has been paved with setbacks, but Liverpool recognise Chiesa's quality, and might just prove to complete the most astute of signings in the coming days.
Why Federico Chiesa is worth the effort
Let's take a look at why Chiesa might be worth the hassle. But of course, before we do so, it would be remiss to neglect the elephant in the room: his injury record.
Chiesa does not boast a fitness history to be desired, having missed a significant chunk of his four-and-a-bit-year stay in Turin. Still, no one's perfect…
This takes us to Chiesa's finest attributes: as per FBref, Chiesa ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 17% for passes attempted per 90.
Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.
Taking those metrics, we get a nice little picture of the style that the 26-year-old (27 in October) would bring to Merseyside, adding depth and dizzying creative quality.
He's progressive and (this bit's important) he's principally found on the right side of the frontline, albeit spending most of the past year in a repackaged centre-forward role at Juventus. This means that Mohamed Salah would have some competition, a foil, to ensure that Arne Slot has the tools to succeed across multiple fronts – the Champions League awaits, after all.
Right winger
130
42
22
0.49
Left winger
72
15
16
0.43
Attacking midfield
71
15
10
0.35
Centre-forward
17
3
4
0.41
Liverpool, more to the point, are being 'opportunistic' this summer, and Chiesa fits the bill in that regard. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Reds would pay around €15m (£13m) to sign the talent, who has entered the final year of his contract at Juventus.
So, a 'world-class' player, adding depth, without breaking the bank. There are promising signs you know, for this is a little-risk, potential high-reward venture.
Juventus winger Federico Chiesa
Chiesa's versatility also means that he can operate across a range of positions without upsetting the existing crop. Luis Diaz, for example, would have sweated over his future had Anthony Gordon been signed from Newcastle United earlier in the summer.
As it stands, the Colombian is set to play a crucial role in the first season of Slot's reign, and so it's even better that Liverpool are addressing the final chink in their frontline armoury without running roughshod over Diaz's position in the first team.
Why Liverpool have hit the jackpot with Luis Diaz
Diaz is one of the best wingers in the Premier League, but he's faced criticisms for his lack of potency in front of goal. An electrifying presence with a ceaseless tank, the 27-year-old invariably started on the left wing for Liverpool last season.
One of Jurgen Klopp's mainstays, he has been dubbed a "livewire" by journalist Peter Hall in the past, though a return of only 13 goals and five assists across all competitions last season was admittedly something that could have been better – especially since he played in 53 fixtures, starting 42.
A goal and assist apiece as Slot's unit defeated Brentford 2-0 last weekend has set his season off to a flyer, and more displays of that calibre will leave those calling for his head rueing that misguided stance.
Slot has flat-out rejected the notion of his sale this summer. Barcelona have been lurking, but it hasn't come to anything and a late-window swoop is decidedly unlikely given the Catalan club's initial struggles to register Dani Olmo, a versatile winger.
Would they even have been able to meet Liverpool's valuation for the Colombia international? Diaz, after all, is one of Europe's finest wide forwards.
Luis Diaz's market value in 2024
Diaz joined Liverpool from Porto over in Portugal for an initial £37m fee in January 2022, ostensibly to replace Sadio Mane, who was expected to leave and indeed joined Bayern Munich that coming summer.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz
The maverick might not be putting in Salah-like numbers in front of goal, but he's hardly ineffective. In the top flight last year, he featured in 37 matches and started 32, with his consistency and energy proving to be invaluable for the Reds, who won the Carabao Cup and – unsuccessfully – fought for gold across every other front.
It wasn't the easiest of years for Diaz either, for he had only just recuperated from a long-term knee injury that ruined the prior campaign, suffering further woe due to an alarming familial situation involving his father, now resolved.
Matches (starts)
37 (32)
2 (2)
Goals
8
1
Assists
5
1
Touches*
43.8
47.0
Shots (on target)
2.5 (0.9)
3.0 (1.0)
Big chances missed
13
1
Pass completion
85%
92%
Key passes*
1.8
3.5
Dribbles*
1.8
3.0
Ball recoveries*
3.4
5.0
Total duels won*
4.6
7.0
His start to life under Slot, a control-focused coach with a love for the technical side of the game, promises much. Diaz is a sharp player and he could be set for his finest year yet – his opening form certainly suggests as much.
Liverpool is right to plug out the din of the transfer market and retain the services of this wild, wonderful player who has plenty still to give. Signing Chiesa, with this in mind, is an excellent idea.
For £13m, Liverpool have got themselves a bargain deal for a player who can augment without affecting, negatively.
And rightly so. While cut-price, Chiesa would not total the kind of value that Diaz pins to his shirt. Indeed, reports from Spain in July suggested that Liverpool had responded to Barcelona's advances by slapping a €75m (£63m) price tag on the left winger.
That means that Diaz is worth about 384% more than the Italian. To put that another way, Chiesa is worth nearly five times less than Liverpool's indefatigable superstar.
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Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?
He's here to stay, a player of talent and gusto. A forward who might not have that golden Midas touch, but offers skills in other areas that propel Liverpool toward their lofty goals.
Chiesa's coming in, and it's a good thing. It's certainly better than signing an exclusive left-sided forward who would have hampered Diaz's hopes of succeeding this season.
Talks being held: Liverpool consider late bid for £75m Van Dijk successor
FSG may be willing to sanction a deal before the week is up…
قاد المصري مصطفى محمد فريقه نانت لتعادل إيجابي بهدف لمثله أمام أولمبيك ليون، مساء الأحد، بمنافسات بطولة الدوري الفرنسي.
والتقى نانت وليون في مباراة بالجولة التاسعة عشر من الدوري الفرنسي، حيث تعادلا بهدف لمثله.
وشارك مصطفى محمد كبديل في الدقيقة 69، وسجل هدف تعادل نانت في الدقيقة 90 من اللقاء.
وحصل مصطفى محمد على تقييم 7.2 من 10 بحسب شبكة “سوفا سكور”، وأحرز هدفًا وسدد تسديدتين على المرمى.
وأهدر مصطفى محمد فرصة كبيرة لنانت، ولمس الكرة 11 مرة خلال 21 دقيقة، وبلغت دقة تمريراته 75%.
وفي التحامات الكرات الأرضية، فاز مصطفى محمد بـ2 من 3، وفقد الاستحواذ 5 مرات، وتم ارتكاب خطأ ضده، واستخلص الكرة مرتين. ملخص لمسات مصطفى محمد في مباراة نانت وليون بـ الدوري الفرنسي
Veteran ready to bat at No. 3 after being recalled to T20I squad to face Sri Lanka
Matt Roller01-Mar-2021
Chris Gayle last played for West Indies at the 2019 World Cup•Getty Images
Chris Gayle is targeting a third T20 world title as he returns to West Indies colours for the first time since the 2019 World Cup, and says that he is willing to fulfil whatever role is asked of him in the team’s bid to retain the trophy in India this year.Gayle, 41, has only ever opened the batting in T20I cricket and had almost exclusively batted at the top of the order in his franchise career before the start of the 2020 IPL. But after starting the tournament out of the Kings XI Punjab side, he hit 395 runs in nine innings at No. 3 for the franchise, averaging 43.88 and striking at 144.16.In a press conference in Antigua on Monday, two days before the series opener against Sri Lanka, Gayle said that he was happy to bat wherever Kieron Pollard and Phil Simmons asked him to, saying that he would be “the best in the world” regardless of where he came in. He is one of four openers in the 14-man squad, along with Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons and Andre Fletcher.”It seems like I’m the No. 3 specialist now,” he joked. “It was a role that the coach, Anil Kumble, asked me to play. He did mention it before the IPL actually started, which I had no problem with and then eventually, when I actually got the chance, they wanted my experience at No. 3 because Mayank [Agarwal] and KL Rahul were going great guns at the time.”It’s not a problem. I’m good at playing spin, I’m as good at playing fast bowlers as anyone as I’m an opener. But with West Indies cricket, whatever role they want me to play, I’m willing to play that particular role. We haven’t fully discussed it but I’ll get a bit of a heads up and work out what to look forward to in this particular series and down into the World Cup.Related
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Chris Gayle set for West Indies T20I return
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Phil Simmons: Sri Lanka series first step to finalise 'make-up of our team' for T20 World Cup
“If it’s opening, I’m ready, No. 3, No. 5 – I’m pretty much flexible. I will still be the best No. 5 in the world, best No. 3 in the world.”Gayle admitted that he had considered walking away from the game, and that he had planned to focus his efforts on the franchise circuit as he heads into the twilight of his career, but that he found it impossible to turn down a West Indies call-up because “that’s where my heart is”.”I thought about actually walking away from the game and then people said: ‘No, don’t do it, don’t do it. Stay and play as long as possible.’ So I decided I’m actually going to continue playing. I wasn’t actually thinking down this road. I was like, I’m going to play franchise cricket, entertaining people as much as possible, and whatever is left to offer within the game from Chris Gayle, I want to exploit around the world.”When I got the call and they asked if I’m willing and interested, I said: ‘Yes, I want to play for West Indies’. That’s where my heart is. I’m never going to turn down anything pertaining to West Indies cricket at this particular time. So I came back from Pakistan to be a part of the set-up leading into the World Cup so we can have a unity within the group, and then hopefully we can win this T20 trophy.”At 41, that’s what actually gets me through on a daily basis: it’s more mental than physical to me. It’s the willpower of the mind. The mind still wants to be out there and be out there on the park, still executing from a batting point of view and still having fun. That’s what gives me that extra drive to continue playing. If the mind stops operating like that for me, then I’d have to ask myself a big question there, but for now, it’s the mindset.”The mindset is still good. I’m still looking after myself, I still do my training. Most people say ‘are you on a diet?’ I still eat properly, I still eat what I want, I still have my fun. I make sure I have a clear mind at all times. Once you have a clear mind you can be free to do whatever you want.”Chris Gayle was part of West Indies’ 2016 World T20 triumph•Getty Images
Gayle wants ‘three T20 titles under my belt’Gayle said that while his short-term ambition was to win this month’s three-match series against Sri Lanka, the “bigger picture” was all about defending West Indies’ world title. Gayle is one of eight men who won both the 2012 and 2016 finals, and said that he hoped his return would not distract from the team’s long-term preparations for the tournament.”I know being back, it might be a little bit of attention, but I don’t want it to go in that regards to be honest with you,” Gayle said. “We’re looking at things as a team point of view. Pollard is a very strong captain [and] we have a lot of very, very good-quality players within the team. I want to win the series. I want to get off to a good start. It’s really good to be back. Hopefully I can perform, help the team, and put the team in a winning position.”I want to accomplish, starting off by winning the series, but the bigger picture is actually to get three T20 titles under my belt. That’s actually the goal I’m setting in my head by winning the T20 World Cup. We have quite a few series coming up and we have a lot of cricket leading up to that. We’ll try and take as much as possible out of these series coming up.”The World Cup is still a long way off but by the time you quint [blink] it’s World Cup time. So we have to try and keep the energy, keep fit, be ready and show the region what we are capable of with these particular guys.”
Yuvraj Singh could be back in the Indian domestic circuit early next year, after being named in Punjab’s 30-man list of probables for the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali (T20) Trophy, to be played in January.Related
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Singh, now 39, had announced his retirement from international – and IPL – cricket in June last year, but was requested by Puneet Bali, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) secretary, last month to come out of retirement and play for Punjab in all formats. As things stand, with Singh having taken part in the Global T20 Canada and the Abu Dhabi T10 tournaments since retirement, his participation for Punjab will have to be cleared by the BCCI, because the board considers players to have officially retired before providing them NOCs for overseas leagues.A final decision is expected after December 20, the deadline date set by BCCI for state associations to finalise the transfers and granting no-objection certificates.Bali confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Yuvraj had been training with the Punjab squad and would perform the role of the mentor-cum-player once BCCI gave the green signal. “No he hasn’t been (named in the squad) because we are just waiting for the nod from the BCCI to come yet,” Bali said. “He has been selected in the camp, but it is subject to approval and confirmation from BCCI.”The BCCI plans to host the national T20 championship from January 10 to January 31, with the venues to be announced in a few days’ time, and the teams would need to assemble at the respective bio-secure hubs across the country by January 2. Sran returns to Punjab fold too Barinder Sran, the 28-year-old left-arm seamer who played six ODIs and two T20Is in 2016, has also been included in the probables’ list, after having switched to Chandigarh last year.Prior to the start of the last season, Sran finalised his transfer to Chandigarh after being left out of Punjab’s Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over competition) squad. At the time, he had said that he did not want to “waste the entire season” because of the snub, and opted for the switch instead.Punjab have lost a number of key players to other states in recent years. Among them are Manan Vohra, who had moved to Chandigarh like Sran, Jiwanjot Singh (Chhattisgarh) and Taruwar Kohli (Mizoram).Punjab probables: Mandeep Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Salil Arora, Gitansh Khera, Ramandeep Singh, Sanvir Singh, Karan Kaila, Rahul Sharma, Krishan Alang, Sandeep Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Ikjot Singh, Naman Dhir, Abhishek Gupta, Himanshu Satyawan, Gurkeerat Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Anmol Malhotra, Aarush Sabharwal, Abhinav Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Mayank arkande, Baltej Singh, Siddharth Kaul, Barinder Sran, Gurnoor Singh, Harjas, Abhijit Garg, Kunwar PathakSreesanth finds place in Kerala longlist Sreesanth has moved a step closer to a return to competitive cricket after being named in Kerala’s 26-strong probables’ list for the Mushtaq Ali trophy, reported.Thirty-seven-year-old Sreesanth, whose BCCI ban for spot-fixing ended earlier this year, had resumed training in June, including with the Kerala Under-23 team and a few senior players at a KCA facility in Ernakulam.Giving Sreesanth company in the list of probables were star players like Sanju Samson, Sachin Baby, Jalaj Saxena, Robin Uthaapa and Basil Thampi.
Todd Boehly and the wider Chelsea recruitment team are now seriously considering a "high profile" swap deal, as they continue their widely reported battle to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.
Palace offer Olise new contract to fend off Chelsea
As reported by Fabrizio Romano this week, the Olise saga has taken yet another twist. Indeed, the reliable transfer journalist broke news that Palace have offered Olise a new contract in an effort to thwart Chelsea, much like they did last summer, but Enzo Maresca's men are still pushing for an agreement and won't give up the chase.
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Emilio Galantini
Jun 20, 2024
"What I can reveal is that, in the last two days, Crystal Palace have offered Olise a new contract," wrote Romano on his Dailybriefing.
"Olise was also close to joining Chelsea last summer before Palace offered him a new deal, and now this summer they are trying exactly the same strategy. Now it’s up to the player, and Palace have given permission to Chelsea, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich to talk to the player.
Michael Olise's top flight stats for Crystal Palace – 2023/2024
Total (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances
19
Goals
10
Assists
6
Minutes per goal
128
Minutes played
1,278
"At the moment, Chelsea are really pushing and are prepared to pay what Palace want for Olise, and they are also pushing on the player side. Chelsea believe that to agree personal terms with the player will mean getting the deal done.
"Despite Palace offering Olise a new deal, Chelsea are really pushing and insisting and doing their best to land the French winger."
If the 22-year-old puts pen to paper on fresh terms just one year after his last extension, it would be an undoubted blow to Chelsea's transfer plans over Olise, as his current deal is said to contain a complex £60 million exit clause.
Michael Olise for Crystal Palace
The proposed new deal could in theory raise his release clause or just put Palace in an even stronger negotiating position. Depending on the details of Olise's contract offer, Chelsea will be hoping he doesn't sign-off on it, as the Blues seek to back Maresca with the signing of a proven Premier League star.
There have been reports that Chelsea could tempt Palace with player-plus-cash offers for Olise. High-earning winger Raheem Sterling has been floated in Chelsea talks for Olise, according to some media sources, but now another one of Maresca's squad is being mentioned as a possible makeweight.
Chelsea seriously consider Trevoh Chalobah swap deal for Olise
According to GiveMeSport, the player in question is versatile ace Trevoh Chalobah. The Cobham academy ace started 10 of Chelsea's final 15 league games of the 2023/2024 season, after working his way back under Mauricio Pochettino following a first half of the season blighted by injury.
Trevoh Chalobah
However, Chelsea could still elect to sell the 24-year-old, as per numerous reports in the last few months. Now, GMS state Chelsea are seriously considering a "high profile" Olise swap deal involving Chalobah.
They add that the Englishman may have already played his last game for Chelsea if all goes to plan, but it remains to be seen if this is something Palace boss Oliver Glasner and chairman Steve Parish entertain.