West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has signed to play in Kent Spitfires’ opening four matches of the Vitality Blast.The World T20 champion, who made his name hitting four successive sixes in the final over of the 2016 final against England, will join the Spitfires squad before the opening group match agaist Surrey on July 6.Brathwaite can at least be confident of getting on the field at Kent. He has yet to figure for Surisers Hyderabad in this season’s IPL, a continuation of his inactivity when he played only twice for Delhi Daredevils in 2017.It will be the first experience of county cricket for Brathwaite, who has played three Tests, 28 ODIs and 25 T20s for West Indies, and who said Sam Billings had been instrumental in persuading him to sign during conversation at IPL and BBL when they have been team-mates.”I have a good relationship with Sam, having played in the same team at the IPL and BBL,” he said. “Sam chatted to me about the opportunity to join and has told me a lot about the great support and atmosphere on T20 nights.Brathwaite has also played for both Sydney Sixers and Thunder in the Big Bash League as well as Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.Kent director of cricket Paul Downton said: “Carlos is a proven match winner. He is an explosive ball striker and a skilful white-ball bowler with good variations and extensive experience in the 20-over format. I’m sure he’ll make an impact in his brief spell with the Spitfires.”Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will succeed Brathwaite as the squad’s second overseas player ahead of a likely debut against Sussex Sharks at The Spitfire Ground on July 27.
Liverpool have justifiably been focussing on the rebuild of their midfield this summer after a lacklustre campaign, but there is still a requirement for defensive reinforcement.
What's the latest on Piero Hincapie to Liverpool?
German outlet Sport Bild has claimed that while Liverpool are interested in Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Piero Hincapie, the Bundesliga outfit would only listen to exorbitant offers and have set a ballpark price tag of £60m.
According to Spanish sources, Jurgen Klopp views the talented Ecuadorian defender as perfect to complement the established pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…
It now remains to be seen whether the Anfield side would acquiesce to such demands, but undeniably, the club would immensely benefit from a fresh face to bolster the backline.
How good is Piero Hincapie?
Last season, the Reds failed to qualify for the Champions League after seven successive years and shipped 47 goals – having finished second on 92 points the season prior, conceding just 26 strikes.
While Hincapie would not arrive and revolutionise the defence, the 21-year-old would provide cover for the aforementioned central defenders and grow into his skin under Klopp's stewardship, edging closer to a starring role at Anfield over the next few years.
He already boasts the skills requisite for success at a top-class outfit, ranking among the top 16% of positional peers for passes attempted, the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 15% for successful take-ons and the top 11% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.
Hailed as a "prodigy" by editor Jose de Jesus Ortiz, the £34k-per-week talent could serve as the perfect heir to Joel Matip's position in the Liverpool defence, with the veteran Cameroonian ace now in the final year of his contract with the Premier League outfit.
Matip, aged 32, also plied his trade in the German top-flight before moving to Liverpool, joining the side from Schalke on a free transfer in 2016, since making 187 appearances and winning the whole gamut of silverware under Klopp.
Like Hincapie, Matip offers much to his team's offensive efforts, ranking among the top 4% of centre-backs for goals, the top 12% for passes attempted and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90.
Because of this, the Leverkusen gem looks to be a tailor-made replacement for his distinguished confrere, and given that he is also left-footed, he would slot right into the desired transfer plans of the Anfield side.
Matip favours the right side, but by replacing him with a naturally efficient left-footer, the domino effect could pay dividends for the squad's cohesion and fluidity, allowing Van Dijk to shift onto his right and perhaps finally restore the equilibrium.
Matip also fell further and further into obscurity last season, starting just three of the final 15 league matches of the season as the Reds enjoyed a late-season purple patch, and was criticised for his "awful" displays by CBS reporter Nico Cantor.
The time for change is now on Merseyside, and given Hincapie's age and profile as a centre-back, he would surely be the perfect option to strengthen Liverpool's defence.
It now just remains to be seen whether Klopp and co will discuss terms with Bayer Leverkusen when the German side are demanding such an exorbitant fee.
تحدث طارق ذياب لاعب منتخب تونس الأسبق والمحلل الرياضي الحالي، عن مواجهة الأهلي والترجي، في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
الأهلي يستضيف الترجي، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي في إياب نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، لحسم الفريق الفائز باللقب القاري للعام الحالي 2024.
وقال طارق ذياب في تصريحات عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “الأفضل في إفريقيا، الأهلي والترجي والفرق المغربية، الترجي في آخر 10 سنوات فاز باللقب 3 مرات، إن شاء الله نشاهد مباراة أفضل من الذهاب”.
طالع أيضاً.. تشكيل الأهلي أمام الترجي في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. من بديل علي معلول؟
وأضاف: “الفريقان يمتلكان حارسان جيدان، وبطبيعة الحال مباراة الذهاب كان هناك خوف من الهزيمة، ولم نشاهد فرص خطيرة إلا هجمة واحدة للترجي، لكن مباراة اليوم أعتقد أنها ستكون مختلفة”.
وواصل: “ما ينقص الترجي أنه فريق بدون خبرة عكس الأهلي، لكني متفائل، لأن الأحمر مستواه متذبذب، وهناك لاعبين تراجع مستواهم، ولم نشاهدهم في مباراة الذهاب، مباراة ليست سهلة على الأهلي حتى على أرضه وأمام جمهوره، الترجي يلعب أفضل خارج ملعبه، والأحمر سيكون مهاجمًا، يبقى فريقًا كبيرًا يستغل الأخطاء الدفاعية”.
وأتم: “تقريبًا 90 دولة تشاهد مباراة اليوم، لم نر مباراة جيدة في الذهاب، لكن اليوم ستكون جيدة”.
Australia captain Steven Smith is closer than ever before to matching Don Bradman as the top-rated batsman of all time, according to the ICC rankings for Test batsmen
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Dec-20170:47
Steven Smith, the run machine
Australia captain Steven Smith is closer than ever before to matching Don Bradman as the top-rated batsman of all time, according to the ICC rankings for Test batsmen.Smith, who scored 239 to lead Australia to regaining the Ashes in Perth, increased his ratings points tally from 938 to 945 at No. 1, surpassing his previous best of 941 after the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.He is second on the all-time list along with former England batsman Len Hutton, and no one else apart from Bradman – who has 961 points – has ever achieved a higher tally.Smith earned seven points after his performance at the WACA led Australia to victory by an innings and 41 runs, overtaking the highest career tallies of Peter May, Ricky Ponting and Jack Hobbs. His Test batting average of 62.32 is only behind Bradman’s 99.94 on the list of best averages for batsmen who have played at least 20 innings. And he’s number one currently ahead of India captain Virat Kohli by 52 ratings points. By the time the Boxing Day Ashes Test begins, Smith would have been at the No. 1 ranking for two years.Reflecting on his double century, Smith said he had never felt better at the crease than the first part of his innings on the second day. “I think that first night I was on, as you say,” he told . “I was in the zone, and everything hit the middle of the bat. I felt incredibly good…that first night was probably as good as I’ve felt.”Smith currently has 426 runs at 142.00 in the Ashes which also included his unbeaten 141 which set up Australia’s opening victory in Brisbane. Darren Lehmann, Australia’s coach, said Smith has taken his game to new level.”He’s running pretty hot isn’t he? I’ve been lucky enough to see all of his Test hundreds. So for me, seeing him evolve from that first Test hundred at the Oval to now – he just changes his own plans to what the bowlers are doing and what the wicket’s doing, and what the game needs. He’s gone to another level, which is pleasing.”
Manchester United are believed to be showing an interest in Nice defender, Jean-Clair Todibo, with the Frenchman having been mooted as a new centre-back recruit for the Red Devils this summer, amid the uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire's future at the club.
How much would Todibo cost?
According to Daily Mail journalist, Simon Jones, the Old Trafford outfit are likely to make 'further moves' after having agreed a £72m deal for Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, having reportedly been 'courting agents and players' in their search for a new midfielder, a new goalkeeper and a new central defender.
With regard to their interest in strengthening the heart of the defence, Todibo is said to be among the targets being considered by manager Erik ten Hag, having 'come back into the reckoning' amid his strong showings in Ligue 1 of late.
Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…
If United are to make a move for the former Barcelona asset, prior reports in Spain – via Football365 – have indicated that the 23-year-old could command a fee of around £26m, having spent the last two-and-a-half years back in his native France.
How good is Todibo?
Having begun his career on the books at Toulouse, it is fair to say that the 6 foot 3 titan's subsequent move to Camp Nou in 2019 failed to bear fruit, with the young defender having been restricted to just five first-team appearances for the Catalan giants, after spending much of his time at the club out on loan.
As Jones indicated in his report above, however, the £20k-per-week ace has been 'much-improved' since making the move to Nice in February 2021, with talent scout Jacek Kulig lauding him as "one of the most underrated CBs in Europe at the moment".
Also tipped to be "a big bargain" for any potential suitor this summer, as per Kulig, Todibo could represent a dream option for Ten Hag in front of recent arrival, Andre Onana in the sticks.
Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The demanding stopper only recently caught the headlines as a result of his rant towards former skipper, Maguire during the 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, with the former Inter Milan star having seemingly been unhappy with a 'slack pass' from the struggling Englishman, as per BBC Sport's Simon Stone.
A notable issue with the former Leicester City man in recent times has been his shortcomings in possession, with The Athletic's Adam Crafton notably stating during the FA Cup win over Fulham last season that the 30-year-old was "slow to release the ball" .
Onana – and the rest of United's defensive unit – should not face the same problems with Todibo, with the one-time Benfica and Schalke loanee particularly comfortable at playing out from the back as he ranks in the top 12% among his European peers for progressive passes and in the top 5% for successful take-ons, while Maguire ranks in just the bottom 47% and the top 38% for those same two metrics, respectively.
With United's new 'keeper seemingly "exceptional" with regard to his distribution – according to Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola – the 27-year-old will love the chance to be able to link up with a player like Todibo who will take the ball without hesitation.
Equally, the latter man also boasts the benefit of his ball-winning prowess which could help to ease the pressure on Onana between the posts, with the former France U20 international ranking in the top 8% for tackles made – a greater record than both Maguire (bottom 15%) and Raphael Varane in that regard (bottom 16%).
With that man Varane – who has endured repeated injury woes – also not particularly adept at playing out from the back as he ranks in just the top 48% for progressive passes and the top 28% for successful take-ons, it would be no surprise if Todibo was to quickly cement himself as the long-term partner to Lisandro Martinez, ahead of Onana.
Tom Curran is in line for a maiden ODI cap, after his impressive T20 debut earlier this year, while Chris Woakes is fit to return after missing most of the Champions Trophy with injury
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Sep-2017Tom Curran is in line for a maiden ODI cap, after his impressive T20 debut earlier this year, while Chris Woakes is fit to return after missing most of the Champions Trophy with injury but there was no room for Mark Wood in England’s limited-overs squads to take on West Indies this month.England T20 squad
Eoin Morgan (capt), Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey
Wood was a member of the side that reached the Champions Trophy semi-finals, where England lost to eventual winners Pakistan, but has not played since suffering a heel injury during the Test series with South Africa.Sam Billings and Steven Finn, who replaced Woakes after he suffered a side strain in the opening match of the tournament, are the other members of the Champions Trophy squad to miss out for five ODIs against West Indies. Billings has been a regular in limited-overs squads over the last two years but has also dropped out of T20 contention – perhaps in part due to Dawid Malan’s performance on debut against South Africa in June.Malan was Man of the Match after scoring 78 in Cardiff as England won the series, during which Curran took five wickets at 11.00 and impressed with his pace and variations. Both are included for the one-off T20 against West Indies at Durham on September 16, but there was no room for Mason Crane or Liam Livingstone, who made their debuts in the same series.England ODI squad
Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes
Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali have also been rested from the 14-man T20 squad. That means Stokes will miss the opportunity to play for England on his home ground for the second year running, having missed last year’s Sri Lanka Test at Chester-le-Street through injury.The selection otherwise continues England’s greater commitment to fielding full-strength teams in limited-overs series, but does mean that Joe Root, the Test captain who is named in both squads, will not have any opportunity for rest ahead of the winter’s Ashes commitments.Curran was previously called up for England’s one-day squad in the Caribbean in March but did not play in the three-match series against West Indies.Despite their ODI success over recent times, England may have a decision to make at the top of the order. Jason Roy was dropped during the Champions Trophy, having scored 51 runs in eight innings, with Jonny Bairstow taking his place at opener for the semi-final, though Roy has subsequently rediscovered some form with Surrey.
Fulham are the "most serious" side interested in signing Leicester City full-back Timothy Castagne this summer, according to reports.
Who will Fulham sign?
Marco Silva's side are still yet to confirm an official signing this summer as we slowly approach the beginning of August, a face which may worry some of the club's supporters.
Fulham enjoyed a solid first campaign back in the top flight after sealing promotion from the Championship in 2022, but if they don't build upon that success this window, next season could come as concerning.
Strengthening in key departments is a necessity for every serious Premier League side this summer but Silva's men are yet to do so, despite the plethora of links to players both abroad and domestically.
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, USA international Sergino Dest, Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah, Roma defender Roger Ibanez and Man United's Fred have all been linked with moves to Craven Cottage in the last month – yet these haven't materialised thus far.
Fulham's manager is also stalling on signing a new contract with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, so this next year could well be crucial in determining the club's long-term ambitions.
It's clear the west Londoners are attempting to strengthen their ranks but have been unlucky so far, and according to reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard, they hold a very firm interest in Castagne.
Leicester's Timothy Castagne
The Belgium international, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is also attracting attention from both Bournemouth and Crystal Palace but it is Fulham who are "most serious".
Kinsella wrote for The Standard:
"Fulham appear to be the club most seriously interested in the versatile full-back but no club is currently in advanced talks for the defender.
"Silva has seen defenders Cedric Soares and Layvin Kurzawa return to their parent clubs after loan spells.
Kenny Tete’s future is also not fully secured with Premier League rivals currently eyeing up a move."
How good is Timothy Castagne?
The 33-cap defender is a very experienced head, having played in a host of major tournaments for Belgium, including three different World Cups and a European Championship.
Castagne was also a regular for Leicester last season, proving undroppable under both Brendan Rodgers and Dean Smith. The 27-year-old started 36 league games, scoring two goals and providing three assists, and he also comes as a very versatile option.
Castagne can play in a host of different positions, including across the entire defensive backline at both centre-back and full-back. The former Atalanta star is also able to operate on either the right or left flank, making him an enticing option for Silva (WhoScored).
Former Leicester boss Rodgers, speaking after the Foxes signed Castagne in 2020, heaped praise on the player's speed and work ethic.
“I’ve watched Timothy Castagne for a number of years – he fits the profile of how I want to work," said Rodgers.
"He’s fast, non-stop running – he wants to score but he can defend – good composure. He’s a brilliant signing for us. He’ll prove to be a really good asset for us.”
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing for the potential exit of free-scoring talisman, Harry Kane, with the Lilywhites believed to be showing an interest in Lille striker, Jonathan David.
What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?
With Kane now into the final year of his contract, the likes of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be eyeing up a possible summer move, with it yet to be seen if the Englishman will be leading the line for Ange Postecoglou's side next term.
As a result, French outlet L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), are reporting that the north London outfit are eyeing a possible successor to the 29-year-old in the form of David, with the Premier League side said to be 'observing' the Canadian international.
If Spurs are to strike a deal for the former Gent starlet, the belief is that the Ligue 1 side have slapped a €60m (£51m) asking price on the 23-year-old, with the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea and PSG all showing an interest at present.
How good is Jonathan David?
Lauded as a "phenom" by journalist Tony Marinaro, the Brooklyn-born marksman has undoubtedly sparked some real excitement due to his displays in France of late, having netted 58 goals in just 136 games for his current side.
The 5 foot 9 ace – who also boasts 25 goals in just 42 outings for his country at senior level – had also previously sparkled during his time in Belgium after bagging 37 goals in only 83 appearances in all competitions, proving that he can offer a clinical presence in attack.
That being said, however, transfer insider Dean Jones recently suggested that top-flight rivals Manchester United had been left rather unimpressed after watching David in action, having not been "wowed" by the in-demand hitman.
That may be a cause for concern for Postecoglou and co, as should the fact that the Lille man is also said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with former Chelsea flop, Timo Werner, according to FBref.
Timo Werner for Chelsea
That likeness is notably seen by the pair's inability to offer a real physical focal point in attack, with the RB Leipzig asset ranking in just the bottom 2% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for aerial duels won, while his Canadian counterpart ranks in just the bottom 4% in that regard.
The two men are also alike due to their desire to run in behind at any given opportunity, rather than dropping deep to link play, with David ranking in the top 10% for progressive passes received, while Werner is only just ahead as he ranks in the top 5% in that regard.
In the case of the latter man, that desire to rely on his speed and ability to stretch a defence ultimately failed to prove fruitful during his time at Stamford Bridge, with the German hotshot scoring just ten goals in 56 Premier League games after signing from Leipzig on a £45m deal in 2020.
Despite being a player who can "devastate with his pace" – according to talkSPORT's Tony Cascarino – Werner was unable to match his prior goalscoring exploits in the Bundesliga, having scored 28 league goals during the 2019/20 campaign, prior to moving west London.
Much like the "erratic" 27-year-old – as described by pundit Gabby Agbonlahor – David has also blossomed outside of England thus far, although his reliance on utilising his speed may not pay off in the Premier League, having been noted for his "directness" by ex-Arsenal man, Thierry Henry (CBS Sports, 22/02/2022, 19:45) – who also suggested not to "ask him to come to play or assist", as that doesn't appear to be his game.
For the £51m fee that has been suggested, Spurs may wish to acquire a more proven, all-round option to lead the line next term, with it yet to be seen if David could truly be a worthy successor to Kane at N17.
Dave Cameron has been re-elected for a third consecutive two-year term as WICB president. Cameron was the lone nominee for the position, and received 12 votes at the WICB Annual General Meeting on March 26 in Barbados. Emmanuel Nanthan, WICB’s vice-president for the last four years, was also set to be re-elected for a third consecutive stint in the position.Despite being an imposing figure within the WICB, Cameron has not been a popular administrator in the West Indies. Throughout his tenure, Cameron’s policies and decisions have been criticised by many former cricketers as well as by fans. The absence of any opposition on the WICB board has been the main reason Cameron has managed to continue as the head of the WICB.Nonetheless some on the WICB board remain sceptical of Cameron. One director, who has been part of the WICB board and observed Cameron closely, felt the Jamaican takes things “personally”, which does allow for constructive discussion.According to this director Cameron needs to focus on improving his relations with WICB board going forward. “He needs to temper himself. It seems to me he still does not have confidence in some directors. The trust is not there. It is also because if some people speak out at meetings, he will feel that those people are against him. But all those people want is the best of West Indies cricket. He takes everything personal, as if they are attacking him.”The director, who wished to remain anonymous, also felt that Cameron “favours” some territorial boards more than others. Asked why the board would elect him for a third successive term, the director said that those who oppose him “prefer to remain silent and go with the status quo”.With West Indies having already missed out on the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, the priority now is to make sure they receive direct entry for the 2019 ODI World Cup, instead of having to go through the qualifier. To achieve that goal, the WICB recently made fresh appointments, hiring former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams and former Australia batsman Stuart Law in important roles. Adams took over as director of cricket from Richard Pybus, while Law was named as West Indies’ coach after the sacking of Phil Simmons last September.It is also understood that Cameron, along with new WICB chief executive officer Johnny Grave, will travel to India to finalise the schedule for the limited-overs series scheduled in July.
Manchester United are considering entering the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.
Could Man United sign Mbappe this summer?
The Red Devils appear to be on the hunt for a new marquee striker this summer ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge.
The club have a shortage of centre-forward options and could even move on Anthony Martial over the coming months, with the Frenchman one of 13 players up for sale.
Mbappe has been a player that has been mentioned, with potential new owner Sheikh Jassim reportedly planning a sensational move for the PSG forward.
Jassim feels like Mbappe “belongs” at Old Trafford, however, the Qatar group are still awaiting to see if their takeover bid will be accepted by the Glazers. However, there has been a further update on Mbappe regardless of who is in charge of United, with the forward entering the final 12 months of his PSG contract.
The Sun provided an update on Mbappe’s future, claiming any club who want to sign him over the coming months will need to pay £250m-plus – a figure which would smash the current transfer record at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are named alongside Liverpool and Real Madrid, with the report stating that the Red Devils are considering entering a transfer bidding war, although they add that the ongoing ownership questions at Old Trafford could hamper their ability to do business at that level.
PSG starKylian Mbappe
Has Kyllian Mbappe ever scored against Man United?
Mbappe, dubbed "electric" by journalist Matt Lawton, is a name known around the world and has contributed to an incredible 310 goals in 260 games for PSG. Still just 24 years of age, the France international also has 40 goals in 70 games for his country, including a hat-trick in the World Cup final last year.
Therefore, you can see why the forward would command such a huge fee and why Jassim would want to bring him to Manchester, possibly winning over supporters straight away, should a takeover go through.
Mbappe has played against United on four occasions in the Champions League, winning twice and losing the other two. He scored his first goal against the Red Devils back in the 2018/19 season at Old Trafford, and who knows, he could be looking to find the back of the net in Manchester on a regular basis if a transfer gathers pace.