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Journalist Liam Kennedy has told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Newcastle United to ramp up their interest in Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury as they close in on a deal for Joe Willock.

Willock, who is set to join Newcastle from Arsenal for around £20m, and Choudhury are both midfielders manager Steve Bruce wants in his squad.

According to The Athletic, Choudhury is a player prominent in Bruce’s thoughts and was targeted by the Magpies back in January.

Ultimately, with the Willock saga coming to an end, Kennedy believes Newcastle will now turn their attention to another midfielder like Choudhury. The Shields Gazette reporter said to TT in a chat:

“When Newcastle United are freed of the burden of Joe Willock, then I think you’ll see the likes of Hamza Choudhury and others, with the meagre budget that they have but loan spots to play with as well, I think you’ll see Newcastle United ramp up their business in that department.

“Choudhury will be in that conversation, no doubt.”

Choudhury certainly does look like a realistic option for Newcastle as they look to add some more energy and tenacity to their midfield.

The 23-year-old was barely used by manager Brendan Rodgers in the Premier League last season, so a move to St. James’ Park, in search of more game time, may be something that interests him.

Sheffield United are rumoured to be interested in a deal to sign Manchester United midfielder James Garner on loan, according to The Sun.

What’s the story?

Garner is contracted with Manchester United until the summer of 2022, and it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll feature for their senior side anytime soon.

The midfielder spent last year’s campaign on loan with both Watford and Nottingham Forest, where he made a mixed impact with both Championship teams.

The Sun claim that Sheffield United are keen on finalising a loan agreement for Garner, who evidently made a good impression on Slavisa Jokanovic last term.

The Blades will be looking to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, after their relegation from the top-flight last season.

‘Next Michael Carrick’

Football Insider have recently claimed that Manchester United are preparing to loan out Garner ahead of the new season after they’ve held contract talks with him over a long-term deal at Old Trafford.

Sheffield United are likely to be alerted to this rumoured update on the midfielder’s future, and they’ll be hoping they can beat a number of teams to land his signature this summer.

It has previously been reported that the likes of Forest were also keen on signing Garner on a temporary basis this summer, although it remains to be seen as to which club is leading the race at this stage.

Garner caught the eye with some strong performances for the Reds last season in particular, with the 20-year-old having an average Whoscored rating of 6.98 from the 2020/21 campaign, which put him top in the standings of Forest’s best performers.

He’s a solid performer in the defensive side of the game as well, with Garner averaging two tackles a game, as well as 1.7 interceptions per game. 

The Manchester United youngster also has an eye for a pass, with a pass accuracy of 80.9% during the 2020/21 season, which makes for strong reading compared to the majority of his former Nottingham Forest teammates.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær has previously likened Garner to Michael Carrick, who spent time at Old Trafford during his playing career.

“I believe he’s got the chance to have a great future, he knows we believe in him, we’ve got great faith in him as the next Michael Carrick.

“I know he’s young and I know it’s not fair on kids to compare to great players like Michael was, but he’s the same mould, he plays simple passes, plays through the lines.”

Sheff United have a number of strong options available to them in a similar position to Garner, but you would imagine that the 20-year-old could learn a considerable amount from the likes of Ollie Norwood, John Fleck and Sander Berge in the future, which would make this a fantastic signing for Jokanovic’s side if they can pull it off.

Blades supporters should be buzzing about this potential agreement with Garner, as it’d be a real statement of intent about their ambitions of returning to the Premier League this season, as he has shown he’s more than good enough to be playing for a team challenging for promotion.

The Blades are set to take on Birmingham City in their season opener, in what could potentially be a tricky test for them at Bramall Lane and hopefully for their fans, they’ll have Garner in the starting line-up.

Ahead of Ireland’s clash against Namibia – the Intercontinental Cup leaders – their captain, William Porterfield, has welcomed back a number of key players and is ready for the challenge of trying to lead his team into the final

Cricinfo staff01-Oct-2008
William Porterfield: ‘We know what it feels like to win and we are hungry for more success’ © Getty Images
Ahead of Ireland’s clash against Namibia – the Intercontinental Cup leaders – their captain, William Porterfield, has welcomed back a number of key players and is ready for the challenge of trying to lead his team into the final.As it stands, Namibia are odds-on to make it to the final, with 102 points – six ahead of Kenya who are in second place. Ireland are down in fourth position on 72 points but, crucially, have a game in hand; if they secure the maximum 40 points from the last two matches (they face Kenya later this month), they’ll be through to the final.It is a tall ask, but Porterfield remains confident his side have what it takes. “We have pretty much a full-strength squad, which is a great boost for us,” he said. “There is great variation in our batting and bowling. We are fortunate to have a number of left-handers in the batting line-up. No-one enjoys bowling to a right-left partnership so that is certainly an advantage for us.”Also, our bowling attack has variation. It’s good to have big Boyd [Rankin] back. He has been playing well for Warwickshire lately and he always offers something different. His extra height gives him more bounce and that could be crucial on the good batting track in Namibia.”Having Trent [Johnston] back in the squad is good news for us – it’s a real boost to the strength of the squad given what he can do with both bat and ball. He enjoys the four-day format and his experience will be invaluable to me as captain. I’ve learned a lot about the four-day game playing for Gloucestershire but I will also be drawing on Trent’s experience as well as others in the team.”With the likes of Kyle McCallan, Andrew White and Kevin O’Brien, there will be no shortage of experience for Porterfield to lean on, though there are also a number of new faces keen to demonstrate their potential, not least the talented trio of Gary Wilson, Andrew Poynter and Phil Eaglestone.For all their confidence, however, Ireland are facing the tournament’s in-form team who are unbeaten in their six matches.”Namibia are a good side. They haven’t lost a game in this year’s cup and it won’t be easy to win. But if we just concentrate on doing what we do well and play to the best of our ability, the result should look after itself,” said Porterfield. “This is a must-win game for us. Then we have to go to Nairobi and beat Kenya as well. To win the Intercontinental Cup for the third time in a row would be massive for us. We know what it feels like to win and we are hungry for more success.”This is a big year ahead for us. Apart from the Intercontinental Cup, we will play some ODIs in Nairobi against Kenya and Zimbabwe and then in 2009 we have the World Cup Qualifier and the ICC World Twenty20 so there will be plenty of opportunities for us.”Play gets underway on Friday in Windhoek.

Ian Chappell, the former Australian captain, has said that attempts at altering the ball have come about as a result of the laws of the game moving in favour of the batsmen

Cricinfo staff26-Aug-2008
Simon Jones was one of the bowlers who troubled Australia with his swinging ball in the 2005 Ashes, perhaps thanks to Marcus Trescothick chewing Murray Mints © Getty Images
While dismissing Marcus Trescothick’s revelation as a publicity gimmick, former Australia captain Ian Chappell, has said that attempts at altering the ball to induce assistance for the bowlers are a result of the laws of the game moving in favour of batsmen.In his autobiography , Trescothick admitted he used mint-induced saliva to keep the shine on the ball during the 2005 Ashes. “I think it’s pretty silly of Marcus Trescothick to come out and say it but obviously he’s trying to sell some books,” Chappell told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Tuesday. “I’ll think you find that bowlers have been doing things to the ball since cocky was an egg.”One of the reasons why that happens is the legislators always seem to come down on the side of the batsmen,” he said. “We saw recently with the ludicrous situation with Kevin Pietersen changing hands and becoming a left-hand batsman, they came down on the side of the batsman.”They never seem to come down in favour of the bowlers,” Chappell said, while emphasising that swing bowling made Tests more interesting to watch.”Swinging the ball is terribly important to the game of cricket,” he said. “It is like legspin bowling; to bowl good leg spin you have to pitch the ball up, if you pitch the ball up somebody might whack it for four. They might also nick it and get caught at slip.”You’ve got to do anything you possibly can to keep swing bowling and legspin bowling in the game of cricket.”Chappell felt swing made contests more even between bat and ball. “The series in 2005 is certainly in my opinion the most memorable Test series that I’ve seen,” he said. “So much of that had to do with the fact the ball was swinging. If the ball is swinging then the scores aren’t going to be too big.”Terry Alderman, the former Australian bowler who had a wonderful record in the Ashes, wasn’t too perturbed with Trescothick’s revelation. “He has retired now and he has just written that to sell the book,” Alderman told . “I’ve never heard of that working. How much difference could a breath mint make?”

Celtic Way journalist Anthony Haggerty believes Celtic may have to ‘bite the bullet’ and secure Aaron Hickey’s return to Parkhead.

Hickey, who was born in Glasgow, had a spell in the Bhoys’ youth academy before moving onto Heart of Midlothian in 2018.

The 19-year-old left-back departed Scotland for Serie A side Bologna in September 2020.

However, it seems as though Hickey could be set to return to his homeland less than 12 months after heading to Italy as Celtic are keen to acquire his services.

The Bhoys have already seen a £3.5million bid rejected by Bologna for the star on Ange Postecoglou’s radar, with boss Sinisa Mihajlovic claiming he wants to keep the Scotsman, but they are likely to return with another offer.

Lengthy lay-offs, both through injury and after contracting coronavirus, led to Hickey being restricted to just 12 appearances last season.

But Haggerty, a reporter for The Celtic Way, believes new boss Ange Postecoglou should make signing Hickey a priority if the price is right.

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Haggerty said: “I think Celtic would baulk at paying £5million for a player they had in the door. It’s an admission of not being able to see what others saw but they might have to bite the bullet on that one at some point if they really like him and think he can do a job.

“At Bologna, they rate him really highly. Celtic may have to say they called it wrong and here’s a second chance.”

Albie Morkel, the South Africa allrounder, is already assured of taking part in the Twenty20 Champions League. However, he is desperate to add a third team to his list as he prepares for his stint with Durham

Cricinfo staff10-Jun-2008
Albie Morkel is used to Twenty20 success and wants to add Durham to his list © Getty Images
Albie Morkel, the South African allrounder, is already assured of taking part in the Twenty20 Champions League, having qualified with both the Titans from South Africa and Chennai in the IPL. However, he is desperate to add a third team to his list as he prepares for his stint with Durham.It isn’t clear which team will have first call on his services in the Champions League, but at the moment Morkel is just concentrating on bringing some of his IPL form to the North East.Morkel hit 243 runs at 34 during the tournament and also collected 17 wickets at 23 with his nippy pace bowling. “I think my bowling can be very effective but in Twenty20 it tends to be your hitting that comes to the fore,” he told the .”I didn’t know a great deal about Durham before I arrived but it’s a beautiful part of the world and the facilities are excellent. I’m here for the cricket though and I’m very much looking forward to it. I did OK in India so I’m hoping to build on that”Morkel will play alongside his former South Africa team-mate Shaun Pollock, who has joined Durham on a Kolpak deal for the Twenty20. “He’s one of the great players and it’s fantastic for me to be playing in the same side as him,” said Morkel. “We are both motivated by different things – he is coming to the end of his career and wants to remind people of his abilities. I’m just getting into my stride and want to make an impression.”Pollock said that while his key role is helping Durham to Twenty20 success he also wants to pass his knowledge onto the youngsters. “We are here to perform, but we also want to help to bring on some of the talented younger players here,” he told the .”I remember when I was a young player what an impact Malcolm Marshall had on my career when he came to play for Natal. He gave me a lot of self belief, and there might just be two or three things I can say or do which can help the young guys at Durham.”

Aston Villa could land a transfer bargain in recently released Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli this summer.

What’s the story?

With Tom Heaton having already made his departure to Manchester United, and Lovre Kalinic returning to Hajduk Split for a season-long loan, Dean Smith’s side are very short on goalkeeping cover for number one Emi Martinez.

Now, The Daily Mail claim that the Midlands club are one of a number of teams interested in picking up Bettinelli on a free transfer this summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal also said to be in the running for the 29-year-old.

He’s silenced Aston Villa before

The 6 foot 4 titan spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship, but has played in the Premier League before with Fulham, with former Cottagers boss Scott Parker raving about the kind of professionalism and character that he’s shown.

He said: “I’m fortunate enough to have both of them – (Marcus) Bettinelli and him (Marek Rodak). They’re both very good ‘keepers. At this present moment in time Rodak’s got the shirt.

“(But) I know for sure, when I talk about character, that there’s someone behind him in Bettinelli who’s got plenty of that and will push, and push, and push. Like I said, I’m in a very fortunate position to have two such good ‘keepers.”

Villa will know first-hand just how good Bettinelli can be on his day, having been an instrumental part of the side that beat the Midlands club twice back in the 2017/2018 season when Steve Bruce was in charge.

The 29-year-old shot-stopper kept clean sheets both home and away, registering Sofascore match ratings of 7.1 and 7.0 respectively. Despite facing a total of 19 shots at his goal over the two encounters, Villa simply couldn’t find a way past the former England U21 international.

Being available on a free, and having had previous top-flight experience too, Bettinelli seems like the perfect back-up option to Martinez for next season, and it’s a move Johan Lange must absolutely make to reinforce the club’s goalkeeping positions.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa target is an upgrade on El Ghazi…

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes that other clubs were keen on signing Jack Harrison prior to his permanent move to Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Harrison signs permanently for Leeds

Harrison has been a huge player for the Whites, scoring 18 goals and registering 20 assists in 128 appearances and thriving under the management of Marcelo Bielsa.

The 24-year-old has now joined Leeds on a permanent deal reportedly worth £11m, having spent the previous three seasons on loan at Elland Road, coming as a huge boost to the Yorkshire club.

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The Latest: McLeish makes claim

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish claimed that other clubs would have been interested in acquiring Harrison’s services, such is his quality. The 62-year-old said:

“It is outrageous money when you think about it back in my day. In this modern-day, it is a great signing. He’s been a great player for Leeds, no doubt about it.

“The fact that Leeds stayed in the Premier League in a very, very comfortable position, kind of emphasises that.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt other clubs would have been looking at him because he’s had a great season.

“I think he could slot in most of the teams in the Premier League. If not the top two but possibly everyone else.”

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The Verdict: Superb signing for Whites

It was vital that Leeds signed Harrison permanently given the influence he has had at Elland Road, having being hailed as ‘brilliant’ by former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson in the past.

Only Patrick Bamford (17) scored more than his eight goals in the Premier League for Leeds last season and his pace on the counterattack and impressive work rate have been key to the Whites’ success.

The hope is that Harrison will continue to mature as a player in the coming years, becoming even more of a hero at Elland Road.

In other news, a key update has been provided on Leeds’ pursuit of one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Ricky Ponting didn’t mean to sound desperate, but at the end of the first Test he struggled to contain his thoughts on Michael Clarke and Matthew Hayden coming back

Peter English26-May-2008
Brett Lee picked up two wickets as he worked in partnership with Stuart Clark, who captured 5 for 32 © AFP
Ricky Ponting didn’t mean to sound desperate, but at the end of the Test, which was secured by some brilliant bowling from Stuart Clark, he struggled to contain his thoughts on Michael Clarke and Matthew Hayden coming back. Apart from Ponting and Andrew Symonds, who collected a double of 70 not out and 79, the top-order batting was a serious concern at Sabina Park, and the prospect of two main men returning excited Ponting.”Clarke will obviously come back in,” Ponting said before correcting himself slightly as the camera showed Clarke standing next to Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors and the man who makes those decisions. Hayden’s achilles has been improving and he planned to have a centre-wicket practice once the post-match presentation had cleared.”Hayden has been getting around a lot better over the last couple of days,” Ponting said. “Hopefully both those guys come up alright and we’ll get them back in the side sooner rather than later.”After two poor openings – Australia were 37 for 2 in the first innings and 18 for 5 on day four – Ponting needs his pillars on duty. West Indies are also hopeful of Chris Gayle and Jerome Taylor, two of their major weapons, being available in Antigua from Friday.Brad Hodge made useful contributions in both innings, but Clarke’s arrival in the West Indies from compassionate leave means the Victorian will probably be squeezed off the tour. If Hayden comes back, Simon Katich will also lose his spot in the team following his 12 and 1 at the top of the order.The look of the Australians after the match was more relief after Clark had captured 5 for 32 and West Indies had fallen for 191, giving the tourists a 95-run win. “We had our up-and-down moments right through the course of the game,” Ponting said. “The first couple of days we dominated, then West Indies did well to fight back late on day three, taking those four wickets. It got them back into the game.”Symonds’ innings yesterday was crucial for us, it got us back in front. Then Clark and Brett Lee led the way outstandingly well today. It turned out being a terrific Test.”Clark was superb and he and Lee, operating in partnership, made sure the game was sealed by lunch. “The wicket was good for bowling, a little up and down,” Clark said. “They were nice conditions, and it was my day here.”Ponting was also impressed by the performance of his leading fast men. “The way we went about it today, that was really Test cricket,” he said. “We didn’t give them any easy runs in the first session. The bowlers stuck to their jobs manfully, and that was the turning point in the game.”He saved special praise for Clark’s achievements since joining the Test team in 2006. “How could you not admire what he’s done,” Ponting told reporters after play. “He’s averaged 20 in 16 or so Test matches, and that’s a really great achievement, especially when he hasn’t bowled with the new ball on a lot of those occasions.”And we’re playing on a lot pitches like this, where you just have to go against what you do in Australia and find different ways of working batsmen over and getting them out. Whatever the situation required, you know that he’ll come in and get the job done for you. Whether it be a seaming pitch or something like the one in this match. He’ll give you what is expected and what the team requires.”

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), yesterday confirmed that the 4-year sponsorship deal with S.M

Derrick Nicholas19-Oct-2002The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), yesterday confirmed that the 4-year sponsorship deal with S.M. Jaleel & Co., the bottlers of Busta soft drink, have come to end. This, after the Trinidad-based soft drink manufacturer did not renew its sponsorship agreement for the upcoming West Indies first-class championship.Acting CEO of the WICB, Roger Brathwaite, indicated the agreement was greatly beneficial for both cricket and the sponsors. In commenting on the sponsorship agreement Brathwaite said: “Busta’s commitment came at a critical point in West Indies cricket and they have made a significant and lasting impact.”Brathwaite also thanked S.M. Jaleel & Co. for their “support over last four years during which time the soft drink manufacturer contributed to the continued growth of West Indies cricket.”S.M. Jaleel & Co. took over sponsorship of the regional first-class championship in 1998, in a deal worth in excess of US $2 million. This, after the previous year’s championship was played without any sponsorship, and was simply called the President’s Cup.The competition was previously sponsored by Shell Antilles & Guianas Ltd. for 22 years and then by Red Stripe Beer.The WICB is currently in negotiations with new sponsors for the 2003 series. It is not yet clear if a new sponsorship agreement would be in place before the start of the 2003 domestic championship which is expected to start in January.At least one international team is expected to compete in next year’s competition, along with the West Indies ‘B’ team. Both England ‘A’ and Bangladesh ‘A’ have taken part in the West Indies domestic championship since 2001.