All posts by h716a5.icu

Mauricio Pochettino's appointment during the off-season ensures the Chelsea head coach has a chance to run the rule over his players – of which there are many – before the Premier League season kicks off in early August.

It is set to be another busy window at Stamford Bridge, with numerous players linked with moves away and others being touted as possible replacements or indeed upgrades.

While it is true Chelsea are in need of a prolific goalscorer, the club cannot continue to throw large sums of money around in the hope of landing the perfect fit.

With Christopher Nkunku set to officially arrive from RB Leipzig this month in a deal worth over £50m, it looks increasingly likely that the Blues will splash out a further £30m to sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.

But the Blues may already have a new signing of sorts in their ranks ready to step up and play alongside Nkunku when needed.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Pochettino is ready to give Armando Broja a chance to shine during pre-season, amid previous suggestions the striker could be used in part-exchange to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Is Armando Broja good enough for Chelsea?

Broja has spent 14 years on Chelsea's books, but with his 22nd birthday fast approaching, he has made just 13 Premier League appearances for the Blues.

After catching the eye on loan with Southampton in 2021-22 courtesy of a nine goal haul, Broja was finally given a run in the Chelsea side last season, only to sustain a knee injury during the winter break that curtailed his season after just 12 league games.

On the basis of those appearances, though, Broja showed he deserves another shot. He scored at a rate of 0.30 goals per 90 minutes, as per FBref, which was bettered last season by only Joao Felix (0.38) among Chelsea players.

Rather tellingly, though, Broja's figure of 0.30 came from an expected goals (xG) value of 0.24, compared to 0.47 for Joao Felix, suggesting he converted more times than expected based on the quality of his chances, whereas the opposite was true for the latter.

That is further reflected in the shots on target metric, with Broja – on as little as £40k-a-week, according to Capology – doing so from 83.3% of his attempts. The next-best Chelsea player in that regard was Noni Madueke with 50%.

When you also factor in the Albania international's team-high 0.61 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, which considers passes, take-ons and fouls directly prior to a goal, plus his 2.73 aerial duels won per 90 – only two others fared better – it is hard to argue against Pochettino not using Broja.

As Albanian coach Sergio Porrini said last season: "With the necessary comparisons, he's somewhat reminiscent of [Rafael] Leao in how unstoppable he becomes if he stretches the ball into space On the other hand, he is less good with his back to goal, in the construction of the action, but in the spaces he is devastating."

That is not to say Jackson is not a great striker himself – 12 goals in 26 LaLiga appearances last season tells you all you need to know – but Chelsea may well have an answer to their problems already raring to go without the need to waste more money.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is said to have been left impressed by Ryan Mason after their meeting on Friday at Hotspur Way.

Does Ryan Mason have managerial offers?

The 32-year-old former Spurs midfielder once again took the reins in north London following the departure of Antonio Conte and then Cristian Stellini.

Results were certainly mixed and Mason was unable to help the Lilywhites secure a spot inside the European places despite their emphatic victory on the final day of the season.

But now there is the prospect of Mason coaching under another manager in north London having already worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Conte.

With two stints now under his belt as the caretaker manager at Tottenham, perhaps he may view this as the perfect opportunity to take a managerial role for himself.

There have been reports suggesting the Englishman has interested suitors from the Championship including Swansea City.

However, after a meeting with Postecoglou last week in north London, it now seems as if the 32-year-old will be remaining at Spurs for the foreseeable future.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed the Australian manager was left seriously impressed with the Spurs coach:

"And from what I understand, Postecoglou was impressed with Mason, Mason was impressed with what Postecoglou had to say. And despite the fact that there's a few clubs interested in Mason, two or three in the Championship, a couple across Europe, Postecoglou convinced him; 'No, stick around with me'."

Who will be Postecoglou's coaching staff?

The Australian's arrival in north London has not come without some hiccups with Celtic holding firm over keeping their coaching staff who worked under the 57-year-old.

Indeed, it has been reported the Bhoys have a clause in the coaches' contracts which means they are unable to follow Postecoglou should he leave the club.

This does leave Spurs in a bit of a tricky spot with most managers usually bringing their own staff with them when they move clubs.

But it seems as if these concerns are not disrupting Tottenham's efforts to improve their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Reports now suggest the Lilywhites are moving in on a potential deal to bring in their next goalkeeper for the future with talks ongoing over a move for David Raya.

After a disappointing campaign, change is seemingly on the menu in north London for this summer and perhaps keeping a familiar face around in Mason will be a positive move.

It has been suggested in the past that the players at Hotspur Way have a lot of respect for the £58k-per-week Mason and he will provide Postecoglou with a clear understanding of the club's values.

John Hastings has said he was “very disappointed” and “pretty shocked” to be left out of Australia’s ODI squad earlier this week

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-20162:38

‘I was very disappointed not to be in that side’ – Hastings

The omission of John Hastings from Australia’s one-day squad this week left the fast bowler understandably miffed, given that no bowler in the world has more ODI wickets in 2016 than his tally of 29. Hastings broke a finger during the Matador Cup last month but has declared himself fully recovered and is due to return for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield on Saturday.However, despite his outstanding one-day form for Australia this year, Hastings was overlooked when Australia on Wednesday named a 14-man squad for next month’s Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series against New Zealand. Instead, Australia’s attack will be led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who were both rested from the recent series in South Africa, and Pat Cummins.Allrounders James Faulkner, Mitchell Marsh and the uncapped Hilton Cartwright also offer seam-bowling options for the three-game series. Hastings said interim chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns had called him to explain his omission and said that the return of Hazlewood and Starc, combined with the fact that Hastings had not played for a month, led to the decision.”I was very disappointed – I was initially pretty shocked, to be honest,” Hastings told reporters in Melbourne on Friday. “I felt my performances over the last 12 months had probably stacked up and in my mind, I’m 100% fit.”I know I haven’t played a lot of cricket, but five and a half months of not playing cricket and then going over to Sri Lanka without a game, it didn’t really stack up for me. So yeah, I was very disappointed not to be in that side.”Hastings picked up a career-best 6 for 45 against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in August, having embarked on that tour with no cricket behind him since the IPL in April. Australia play five ODIs at home against Pakistan in January before travelling to New Zealand for a return Chappell-Hadlee Series, and Hohns told Hastings he remained in the selectors’ thoughts.”He [Hohns] just said I haven’t really been playing much and the big boys were back, so that’s all I can take,” Hastings said. “For me, I don’t really have a vessel to get back into that side. The Matador Cup is gone and my next white-ball game will be on Boxing Day, so for me, hopefully I get a game tomorrow in the Sheffield Shield, but other than that, it’s really all I can do.”I’ve taken the most one-day international wickets in the world this year, so obviously I’m disappointed not to be there. But if they think those guys can do a better job, then that’s fair enough, I can cop that. I just have to try to go back and prove people wrong again.”

Babar Hayat and Ashuman Rath’s put on an unbroken 120-run stand to take Hong Kong to victory by 7 wickets (D/L)

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Nov-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
File photo – Babar Hayat scored a career-best 82* and claimed the Man-of-the-Series award as he led Hong Kong to a series win•ICCHong Kong captain Babar Hayat scored a career-best 82 not out to take his team to a seven-wicket win (D/L method) in the rain-affected third ODI against Papua New Guinea and claim the series 2-1.Hong Kong, who were set 245 to chase, found themselves struggling at 61 for 3 by the 14th over before 19-year-old Anshuman Rath (52*) joined his captain to steady the innings. The pair had put on 109 and taken Hong Kong to 170 for 3 when rain halted play in the 33rd over.The delay lasted for more than an hour and forced the implementation of the Duckworth-Lewis method. Hong Kong’s revised target was 178 in 38 overs. They achieved it promptly after play resumed, as Rath brought up both the win and his fourth ODI fifty with a boundary.Earlier, Rath took 3 for 25 – his third consecutive three-wicket haul – including two wickets off consecutive overs as PNG’s top order failed to capitalize on a 56-run opening stand and fell to 79 for 4 in a span of eight overs. But a late surge from No. 7 batsman Mahuru Dai lifted them to 244 for 7. Dai scored an unbeaten 76 off 62 balls. Sese Bau (44) and Vani Morea (35) were the only other batsmen to score more than 30 for PNG.Anshuman Rath was named Man of the Match, while Babar Hayat claimed the Man-of-the-Series award after scores of 77, 0, and 82*.

Glasgow Rangers are in talks regarding a summer swoop to bring Cyriel Dessers to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

The Nigeria international is a striker who currently plays his football for Cremonese having moved there from KRC Genk last summer, and during his debut season at the Giovanni Zini Stadium, he clocked up a total of 29 appearances under Davide Ballardini.

The Scottish Daily Mail (via Ibrox News) first credited Michael Beale with an interest in the 28-year-old and revealed that he was one of the names “on a list” of targets being considered for the upcoming window, and it wasn’t long before the boss made his opening move.

The Daily Record earlier this month reported that the Light Blues had submitted a seven-figure bid for the Serie B forward after seeing their initial offer turned down which resulted in the two parties getting locked in talks, though it would appear that there has now been a successful breakthrough in negotiations.

Are Rangers signing Dessers?

According to Football Insider, Rangers are "pursuing" a move for Dessers with talks firmly "underway" ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Cremonese striker has been a target north of the border for "some time" and it's stated that a fee of £5m "could be enough" to get a deal over the line this summer.

The Italian outfit are looking to "trim costs" following their recent relegation so are resigned to selling some of their prized assets, one of those being the attacker who could well be on his way to Glasgow.

Rangers have confirmed that Alfredo Morelos has left the club upon the expiration of his contract so Beale will need a natural centre-forward to replace him, and having been described as someone who is “awkward to play against” because of his physical strength by journalist Josh Bunting, Dessers could be the perfect successor.

The Stirr Associates client, who has the versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline, posted 13 goal contributions (ten goals and three assists) from 32 appearances in all competitions last season so was prolific in the final third, but he also posed a threat when he wasn’t on the scoresheet.

Dessers ranked in the 92nd percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and recorded 49 shots over the course of the term which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef, so should he sign on the dotted line, it would be a massive coup for Beale.

Manchester United are "pushing" to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Plettenberg has recently confirmed that Man United are "monitoring" Leon Goretzka's situation at Bayern Munich, ahead of a potential summer swoop, however the midfielder has made it clear that he wants to stay with the German club.

As such, the Red Devils may continue to pursue other targets, including Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, who they have recently shown a "serious" interest in, and Mount, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting he is "keen" to move to Old Trafford.

Journalist James Ducker recently claimed that United are set to make a £50m bid for the 24-year-old, with the Blues set to demand even more, however a more recent update indicates that a deal could be done for cheaper.

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg confirmed that Erik ten Hag has set his sights on the Englishman, while he also offered some clarity on the price Man United can expect to pay.

The Sky Sports reporter said: "Been told MUFC is pushing a lot! Ten Hag and the bosses share the same opinion about him: They definitely want him! Within the club all are convinced of him.

"Understand he will decide between ManUtd or Liverpool. Price valuation at this stage: €45-50m with bonuses included."

Will Man United sign Mason Mount?

The Red Devils are set to do battle with their bitter rivals for the England international, and one potential advantage they have is that Champions League football is on offer at Old Trafford next season, while Liverpool had to settle for the Europa League.

As such, a move to Man United is surely a very attractive proposition for the Chelsea star, and there is evidence he would be a quality addition to the squad, particularly if he is available for just €45m – €50m (£38m – £43m).

Hailed as "exceptional" by former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel, the maestro is very astute defensively for an advanced midfielder, ranking in the 87th percentile for tackles completed per 90 over the past year.

While the midfielder's form dipped in the Premier League last season, scoring just three goals, he has previously proven himself as a real threat on the front foot, amassing more goal contributions than any other Chelsea player in the 2021-22 campaign.

Mount would be a solid addition to Ten Hag's squad, and it is promising news that he could be available for less than previous reports suggested.

On the eve of completing 15 years in international cricket, Mashrafe Mortaza has high hopes for the Bangladesh team’s future

Mohammad Isam07-Nov-2016Mashrafe Mortaza has said he sees a bright future for Bangladesh, provided young players are given the right environment to develop. The limited-overs captain completes 15 years in international cricket on Tuesday, becoming the longest-serving international cricketer in the country’s Test status era.Mashrafe, who made his debut against Zimbabwe in November 2001, said that the players also must remain eager to perform, and focus on hard work to bring out their individual potential.”I am sure that Bangladesh will achieve many things in the next 15 years,” Mashrafe told ESPNcricinfo. “We have to take care of the players, and by that I mean we have to create an environment for them. We have to keep them in the right process. The players also need to remain hungry.”We will achieve things in 15 years that we cannot imagine now. But, for it to happen, we have to head in the right direction. It is not that we didn’t have talented players in the past, but they were wasted. There has to be hard work to make use of the talent. If we can do these things properly, we will get better.”Mashrafe, who is seen as a vital cog in Bangladesh’s ODI success over the last two years, predicted that Bangladesh’s Test team would improve significantly, especially after having figured out a way to compete against teams like England, whom they beat in a Test match last week.”Our Test ranking will get much better in the coming years. We need to have specific targets since now we have also realised that we can win Tests in home conditions. We had done the same in ODIs, so I believe that the boys will do better. We will have a higher win percentage at home.”Mashrafe added that a strong group of fast bowlers would also help the team when they played overseas, which should be part of their long-term planning. “We have good fast bowlers so we also have a better chance of doing well abroad. But there has to be long-term planning. Our coaching staff, including those in the High Performance programme, are preparing them to that tune.”Meanwhile, senior batsman Tamim Iqbal said that Mashrafe’s presence had been a significant boon to Bangladesh cricket over the past 15 years.”In our Bangladesh team, Mashrafe is the character who fulfills the team. He plays a big role by being the elder brother, friend and father figure,” Tamim said. “He may be just five years older than most of us, but I see that many see him as a father figure. I know a lot of guys who will take the direction Mashrafe tells them to.”His presence is very important. You cannot buy his character with a million dollars, nor by being the captain or a performer. He is such a character, everyone is drawn to him. I would say that his character played a massive role in raising our cricket to this stage.”

Aston Villa are in talks with the agent of the Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio over a potential summer transfer to the Premier League.

How much does Asensio earn?

It was a season to cherish for Villa with the arrival of Unai Emery seeing their fortunes change dramatically as their relegation fears turned into European ecstasy.

Although Villa have finished in the European spots, they still need to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

However, on the back of their showings this season, there will be a lot of confidence oozing out of this current Villa side.

But with potential European football to consider, the Spanish manager may be hoping to add further quality and strength in depth over the coming months.

And it seems they are already looking to address the extra quality with the links to the likes of Asensio who is expected to depart Real Madrid this summer.

Indeed, the £163k-per-week star is believed to be subject of interest from the Premier League side who have held talks with Jorge Mendes ahead of the summer window.

And speaking on his Here We Go podcast, the Italian journalist has shone some light on the latest surrounding the Spaniard's future:

"His agent, Jorge Mendes is speaking to Aston Villa to Paris Saint-Germain, where Luis Campos was already informed of the situation of Asensio last summer then in January, he's always been around this Asensio situation and Italian clubs. But Aston Villa and PSG looks like they are really determined to sign Marco Asensio."

How old is Asensio?

The 27-year-old is expected to become a free agent over the coming weeks which will allow him to depart the Bernabeu as a free agent.

And whilst he still has plenty of years left in the tank, he would arrive at Villa Park with plenty of experience playing at the ver top level.

Indeed, the Spaniard has played a whopping 285 times for Madrid across all competitions and 59 of those games have come in Europe's elite competition.

However, this could potentially raise some concern as to whether Villa may prove the most desirable option for Asensio over the coming weeks/months with Paris Saint-Germain said to be showing an interest.

The Ligue 1 champions would be able to offer Asensio the ability to showcase his talent in the elite European competition, whereas, Villa still need to qualify for Europe's third-tier competition.

But one thing which may work in their favour is having Emery in the dugout as their manager with the Spaniard potentially proving a real plus point in Villa's approach.

The 51-year-old was hailed by Gary Neville earlier in the season with the Sky Sports man suggesting the Spaniard was viewed as a "god" back in his homeland.

If this is the case, could this make Villa a real option for Asensio this summer?

The Lodha Committee has asked two banks not to disburse funds from the BCCI accounts to the state associations with regard to two decisions taken at the board’s emergent working committee meeting

Nagraj Gollapudi03-Oct-20161:44

Anurag Thakur on the supposed restrictions on BCCI payments

The Lodha Committee has asked two Indian banks not to disburse funds from the BCCI accounts to the state associations with regard to two financial decisions taken at the board’s emergent working committee meeting on September 30.At the meeting on Friday the BCCI decided that all its full members – with the exception of the out-of-favour Rajasthan Cricket Association – would get INR 10 crores as an increment to the state associations’ existing infrastructure subsidy of INR 60 crore. The working committee also decided that money received from the broadcaster as compensation for the cancellation of the Champions League T20 would be distributed among the BCCI’s full members.The committee said it had issued such a directive to the banks because the BCCI’s decision to disburse such funds was not in line with the recommendations of the Lodha report, which the Supreme Court said the board must adopt in its order on July 18.”It has come to the notice of this Committee that certain decisions have been taken at the ‘Emergent Working Committee’ meeting of the BCCI on 30th September 2016 to disburse large funds to the various member associations,” the Lodha Committee said to Bank of Maharashtra and Yes Bank in an email that was also copied to BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and chief executive Rahul Johri. “You are aware that by way of this Committee’s direction dated 31.8.2016, no further decisions were to be taken regarding the future apart from routine matters. The disbursement of these amounts are not routine, and in any case, not emergent.”The banks were told that the BCCI had “breached” the Supreme Court order by failing to comply with the first round of timelines set by the Lodha Committee, the deadline for which was September 30. At its special general meeting on October 1, the BCCI accepted some of the Lodha Committee’s recommendations when the court had said it had to implement everything it had passed.”You are also aware that the BCCI has chosen to breach the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court as well as the first set of timelines set out by this Committee which includes the Fund Disbursement policy to be framed by 30.9.2016,” the committee said in its email. “As the status report is to be taken up for directions by the Hon’ble Court on Thursday, 6.10.2016, you are hereby directed not to take any steps towards financial disbursement of the amounts as resolved/approved after the direction dated 31.8.2016. Any violation of this direction will be placed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for appropriate directions.”The emergent working committee meeting, which preceded the SGM that was eventually adjourned on September 30, was not made public by the BCCI. It is understood that the agenda and the minutes of both the working committee meeting as well the SGM, which eventually took place on October 1, were not sent to the Lodha Committee.The Lodha Committee, ESPNcricinfo has learned, was concerned about the two specific financial decisions because they involved large amounts. In the BCCI’s annual report, released on September 23, Chaudhry had said the board “received a compensation of INR 1607.58 Crores (net of payment made to foreign boards) on account of termination of the rights agreement” for the Champions League Twenty20, which was discontinued last year.As for the infrastructure subsidy, BCCI president Anurag Thakur had said that it would be increased to INR 70 crore from the 2016-17 financial year – INR 10 crore more than what the board had decided in the annual report.  The subsidy is granted to states based on the claims and relevant documentation submitted, along with independently authenticated certificates of chartered accountants, which should meet the norms set by the board.

Middlesex’s lead has been trimmed by Yorkshire to four points after a rain-affected round and James Franklin knows that there is still lots of good cricket to play if they are to end their title drought

Jon Culley03-Sep-2016Warwickshire 172 and 120 for 4 drew with Middlesex 242 and 267 for 7 dec (Robson 74, Eskinazi 53)
ScorecardSteven Finn has not played since a hamstring injury in the final Test•Getty ImagesMiddlesex remain the Division One leaders but by less of a margin than that with which they began after the weather ultimately left them frustrated at it did Yorkshire.As they seek to stay in front and win the County Championship title for the first time since 1993, Middlesex now lead Yorkshire by four points, down from five, this match called off as a draw after bad light forced the players off following just 56 minutes of action, the first two sessions having been lost to rain.The results mean that the likelihood of the final round of the season, in which Yorkshire have to go to Lord’s, being the deciding round is slightly greater, although if either side is to seize a clear advantage before then it is Yorkshire, with their next two matches at home, who look the more likely.Middlesex are away for their next two, against Nottinghamshire and Lancashire, although their chances there will be boosted by the return to their attack of Steven Finn from injury and fellow seamer Tim Murtagh from international duty. Finn has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury on the final day of England’s fourth Test defeat to Pakistan three weeks ago.”Having Steven back will be a real boost,” Middlesex captain James Franklin said. “We all know what he can do if he is on song and he is champing at the bit to be back playing cricket and maybe helping us push for the title.”Franklin, who will be leader on the field for the remainder of the campaign with Adam Voges unable to return, admitted the possibility of winning the title is adding an extra buzz in the dressing room but stressed that keeping their advantage would be tough.”I’d be lying if I said there was not talk in the group about the title but we know there are still 72 points available and it is not only about ourselves and Yorkshire, with Somerset still hunting,” he said. “Twelve days is a lot of cricket to be played and every game in this division is tough whether you are playing teams at the bottom of the table or in contention at the top. We know we are going to have to play very good cricket in those 12 days if we are to come out on top.”At Edgbaston, it seemed unlikely any play would be possible as rain teemed down throughout the scheduled morning session, leaving puddles on the outfield. But a dry interlude allowed some intensive mopping up and had the light been good enough the minimum 36 overs left when play began at 3.45pm may well have been bowled, perhaps a few more with spin used at both ends.They had intended to give Warwickshire a burst of Toby Roland-Jones at the start but with the floodlights on they were obliged to bowl off-spinner Ollie Rayner and left-arm spinner Ravi Patel in tandem from the start or risk leaving the field earlier still.In the event, it was debatable whether Middlesex would have been able to claim six more wickets to win the match. Rayner managed to winkle out Chris Wright, the nightwatchman, with the last ball of his fourth over but Ian Bell and Sam Hain used their feet well against the turning ball and had kept their wickets intact for 11.4 overs more when umpires David Millns and Martin Saggers decided the floodlights were providing more illumination than the natural light.Asked whether Middlesex might have given themselves a better chance had they pushed on towards a declaration position more quickly on the third day, captain James Franklin admitted it was a tricky decision.”The overhead conditions made it more difficult on Friday and I think Warwickshire bowled pretty well at us,” he said. “We felt we had to get to a certain point before we could really kick on.”Before that, 240, 250, 260 was well within the realms of Warwickshire and had the weather not come it would have left them a lot of time to get that, so it was a balancing act. In the end the weather had the last word anyway.”Middlesex are the only side to have beaten Yorkshire in the Championship in the last three seasons but Franklin does not believe that record will have any bearing if the meeting at Lord’s on September 20 does turn out to be a winner-takes-all showdown.”I don’t think our record against Yorkshire gives us any kind of advantage,” he said. “They are such a good team and they have proven that in the last two years. Obviously we would back ourselves to beat them but we can’t look too far ahead.”Before that we have two games against Nottinghamshire and Lancashire, which will not be easy. We are in with a shout but we are going to have to play very well.”