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Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri could be edging closer to a departure from Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to reports in France (via Football League World), Napoli and Galatasaray are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 30-year-old ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

The report continues by stating that the Serie A side are contemplating an offer for the Ivory Coast international as a result of an injury crisis, however, it is not mentioned whether they would want to sign the midfielder on a permanent or temporary basis.

It is also stated that, with Seri now entering the final year of his contract in west London, should the Cottagers wish to receive any kind of transfer fee for their £27m 2018 signing, they will have to do so this summer.

Stealing a living

It would be a difficult argument to make that Seri has been a successful signing for the Cottagers, as the midfielder has made just 36 appearances in all competitions over his three years at the club, having been twice sent out on loan – firstly to Galatasaray and most recently to Girondins Bordeaux.

Indeed, in the one full season the 30-year-old has spent at Craven Cottage following his arrival, the £3.6m-rated man failed to live up to expectations, averaging a disappointing WhoScored match rating of 6.55 over his 32 Premier League appearances back in the club’s 2018/19 campaign.

And, considering the man Xavi once claimed possesses “Barca DNA” is reported to earn a princely £65k-per-week at Fulham – the second-highest salary in the current Cottagers squad.

It would indeed appear highly advisable for Marco Silva to do all he can to move the midfielder on this summer, particularly as it seems the Portuguese boss has no intention of utilising Seri this season, with the former OGC Nice man being an unused substitute in the club’s season-opening fixture against Middlesbrough last weekend.

The diminutive 5 foot 6 ace would be merely stealing a wage by not playing and festering away in the reserves all season. It’s time to be ruthless and shift him out before this month’s transfer deadline.

In other news: Transfer update emerges on £22.5m-rated “machine”, Fulham fans will be devastated

Glasgow Rangers fans are not best pleased with an official club update ahead of fans being able to return to stadiums in the Premiership this coming weekend.

The Gers will kick off their 2021/22 campaign on Saturday afternoon against Livingston at Ibrox. Rangers, of course, won the league in style last term and will therefore be looking to defend their title – unfortunately, fans were unable to attend grounds across Scotland due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Fortunately, this season, some fans will be able to watch the games at stadiums – 23,000 will attend for the opener at Ibrox (The Herald). However, the pandemic is not yet over, meaning there will be a number of restrictions and rules still in place. This does not seem to have gone down too well with the supporters at all.

The news of the rules were shared on Twitter by Rangers’ official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the news below

“But at end of game everyone can leave at same time. Don’t understand that lol.”

Credit: @dave_n84

“Then come full time ye see everyone pile oot together”

Credit: @darin1872

“Looks like something Nicola Sturgeon would put out as her roadmap out a lockdown.”

Credit: @StevenWFox2

“Shocking the way tickets are distributed all fans or no fans unfair on the ones left out. All paid season tickets and getting nothing but rtv which i can get cheper than a season ticket. Playnig on the fact we love our club”

Credit: @robertarthur83

“I do what I want mr rangers”

Credit: @troikadeus

“Complete nonsense”

Credit: @Agchef1

In other news, this pundit slams Alfredo Morelos after a recent update.

Aston Villa fans have been handed an exciting transfer update about their side’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are eyeing up a swoop for the Jamaican winger this summer as they look to bring in some new faces ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign next month.

And now, The Express and Star’s Matt Maher has said: “The clubs are currently in talks over a deal but while Leverkusen accept the 23-year-old is likely to move on this summer, they will not let him go on the cheap.

“Bailey, who scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga last season, has emerged as one of Villa’s top targets as they look to bolster their attacking ranks. Boss Dean Smith also has a serious interest in Burnley’s Dwight McNeil and it is thought Villa are prepared to make one more big-money signing.”

Fans will be buzzing

The £31.5m-rated Bailey enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga last season, bagging an impressive 15 goals and providing another 11 assists to boot too.

Ajax’s former youth coach Ronald de Boer once said of Bailey: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points.”

And, having been involved in signing him in the first place, Leverkusen’s sporting director, Rudi Voller, added: “He’s got extraordinary pace, he’s very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department.”

Villa fans will rightly be buzzing at the news that the club have opened talks over signing Bailey, with the tantalising prospect of seeing him line up alongside the likes of Jack Grealish and Emi Buendia in a fluid front three just behind Ollie Watkins something to get very excited about.

The fact that Villa are being aggressive in the transfer market – having of course looked to sign Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe – is a real indication of just how keen they are in taking that next step in the Premier League.

Fans will be very excited with how things are shaping up at Villa Park this summer.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece drops Villa claim on Anwar El Ghazi…

Andre Botha struck an unbeaten 41-ball 62 which included four fours and two sixes to take Ireland to 161 for 6, before their bowlers combined to bowl out Bangladesh A for a paltry 79 to complete an emphatic 82-run win in Eglinton

Cricinfo staff28-Jun-2008
Scorecard
Andre Botha struck an unbeaten 41-ball 62 which included four fours and two sixes to take Ireland to 161 for 6, before their bowlers combined to bowl out Bangladesh for a paltry 79 to complete an emphatic 82-run win in Eglinton.Junaid Siddique chose to field in blustery conditions, and except for the dismissal of Thinus Fourie in the second over by Mahmubul Alam, things weren’t rosy the visitors. Paul Stirling, with 20, initially gave the momentum to Ireland’s innings, before Botha, first with Reinhardt Strydom (30 off 32) and then Trent Johnston (21 off 10) went into attack-mode. The most successful bowler for Bangladesh was Naeem Islam, who picked up three wickets, including that of Strydom, with his offspin.Bangladesh had a disastrous start to their chase when they lost Imrul Kayash on the second ball, done in by a direct hit from Stirling. The middle order then faltered against the seamers, Fourie, Botha and Johnston, who took a wicket apiece. They were also hampered by two more run outs – those of Siddique (from a direct hit from Andrew Poynter) and Suhrawadi Shuvo. Bangladesh had fallen to 66 for 6 by the 12th over, after which Kyle McCallan hastened their end with three quick wickets.

Manchester City have been credited with an interest in Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo recently and if he were to sign for Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, he could be a huge upgrade on Benjamin Mendy.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, City have opened talks with the Liga NOS side over a potential move for the Spanish full-back, with Benfica expected to demand around €30m (£25.6m) for his signature.

Whilst transfer stories regarding Harry Kane and Jack Grealish’s potential moves to the Etihad are always likely to dominate the news, Grimaldo could prove to be a very shrewd acquisition by the Citizens this summer.

Although they are arguably well-stocked at left-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo both impressing there last season, with Nathan Ake and Mendy providing back-up, only the Frenchman is a natural in that position and Grimaldo would be a big upgrade on the former AS Monaco man.

Would Grimaldo be an upgrade on Mendy?

Last season saw Mendy manage just 13 appearances in the Premier League, in which he earned a disappointing 6.62 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which ranked him as the third-worst performer in Guardiola’s side of those who made at least 10 top-flight appearances.

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Grimaldo meanwhile, would contribute an impressive two goals and nine assists in 31 Liga NOS appearances, averaging an impressive 7.18 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Therefore, when you also consider Mendy’s horrific injury record during his time at Man City, it seems clear that signing a more consistent, less injury-prone left-back as his replacement would be good business for Guardiola’s side this summer.

The former Barcelona man is highly rated in Portugal, with Benfica’s sporting director Tiago Pinto singing his praises in 2020, saying:

“For me, Grimaldo is one of the best five left-backs in Europe. Many Benfica players are ready to, someday, play in a world-class team. Grimaldo is good enough to play for any side right now.”

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Therefore, Txiki Begiristain should definitely be looking to bring in the Spanish full-back, as he could definitely prove to be a success at the Etihad.

And, in other news… Imagine him and Foden: Txiki can secure City’s long-term future with “very strong” 19 y/o

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club held it’s annual “End of Season AwardsDinner” on Thursday 26 September at The Holiday Inn Filton when the following awards were presented.Merchant Investors Players Player of the Year was presented by Mike Newnham,Managing Director of Merchant Investors to Craig Spearman

Mohammad Kaif stood firm as the Indian tourists battled to a draw in their three-day match with West Indies A at Arundel

Sean Beynon18-Jul-2002Mohammad Kaif stood firm as the Indian tourists battled to a draw in theirthree-day match with West Indies A at Arundel.Kaif made 77 after the fall of early wickets had threatened to embarrass the Indians. At one stage, the West Indies’ reserves had reduced VVS Laxman’s side to 149/6, a fragile lead of 136.Seamer Jermaine Lawson seized wickets at regular intervals. The 20-year-oldJamaican returned figures of six for 76 his first five-wicket haul in 15 first-class matches. The Indians were dismissed for 255, the match effectively safe.West Indies A never looked like chasing 240 at six runs an over. Daren Gangawas clean bowled early by Ajit Agarkar, with Devon Smith, Donovan Pagon andLendl Simmons following in quick succession as the score slipped to 57/4. Ryan Hinds (10 not out) and Dwayne Bravo’s unbeaten 15 ensured there were no final twists and both captains settled for the draw.Kaif, whose unbeaten 87 led India to an extraordinary win in the NatWest series last week, remained confident throughout. He added 85 in as many minutes for the seventh wicket with Dinesh Mongia (27).Kaif hit eight fours and a six in his 126 ball-knock. He hits well through the covers and latches on to anything short with a textbook pull. The youngster looks to be another impressive find in an astonishing batting line-up. He will not play in the Test matches unless there are injuries.Lawson struck early on the third morning, picking up the impressive youngster Parthiv Patel for 20. Opener Wasim Jaffer eased to a competent fifty before he was brilliantly caught by a diving Ryan Hinds for 52. Jaffer hit seven boundaries in a confidence boosting innings heading into next week’s first Test with England.Laxman, batting in an unusually defensive style, blunted the opposition for an hour before giving a catch to stand-in keeper Lendl Simmons as Marlon Black claimed his first wicket.With the game almost safe, Lawson picked up Mongia and Agarkar in successiveballs. Simmons took another catch to give Reon King a second wicket, whileLawson wrapped the innings up as Ganga caught Kaif.This West Indian team is developing well; they are playing positive, livelycricket and appear to have shed the downcast, sloppy attitude that wassymptomatic the early part of the tour. They play Warwickshire on Saturday,eager for another strong showing.

Celtic are interested in signing Rennes defender Brandon Soppy, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Soppy profiled

Soppy is 19 years of age and is under contract with the Ligue 1 side until 2022.

The France youth international has made 11 senior appearances for Rennes so far. He is primarily a right-back but has also turned out as a centre-back.

He is on £2,500 per week with his current employers and holds a Transfermarkt valuation of £6.3m –  the 31st highest for players born in 2002.

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The Latest: Romano’s Twitter post

Romano posted on Twitter on Saturday night, describing Soppy as a ‘huge talent’, with talks opened between Celtic and Rennes.

However, he appeared to make a slight mistake by claiming that Soppy was a left-back target, tweeting: “Celtic are interested in signing Brandon Soppy from Rennes [19, huge talent] as new left back. Talks opened – but there are also French clubs in the race.”

L’Equipe backed up Celtic’s interest on Sunday morning, claiming that Rennes will set the bar at €5m (£4.27m).

The Verdict: Right-back additions are needed

Following the permanent exits of Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed earlier this year, Celtic are in need of right-back reinforcements rather quickly – Anthony Ralston is currently their only natural option in that role.

It’s an area of the pitch where Ange Postecoglou wants to recruit before the Hoops’ Champions League qualifier, and Soppy could be a better target than Sheffield United’s George Baldock, for whom Celtic were willing to pay £8m.

Soppy is nine years Baldock’s junior, is valued at £1.8m more than the Blades man and would more than likely be a better long-term addition.

Celtic aren’t the only side interested in the teenager, though, so they may have to act fast and possibly pay over the odds for his services.

In other news: ‘We’re a mess’ – Many Celtic fans fume as ‘mental’ news is confirmed. 

The India ‘A’ tour of South Africa took another backwards step in Pietersburg when they were easily beaten by 4 wickets by a very enthusiastic South Africa Country Districts XI

Keith Lane16-Apr-2002The India ‘A’ tour of South Africa took another backwards step in Pietersburg when they were easily beaten by 4 wickets by a very enthusiastic South Africa Country Districts XI.Batting first the Indians could only muster 180 before being bowled out in the 49 th over. The only batsman to perform was Abhijit Kale opening the innings and ending on a well deserved 71.The bowling honours were shared by the Country District bowlers with J Krynauw from Boland ending with the best figures of 3/25 from his nine overs. The bowlers were well assisted by some great fielding with all players prepared to throw themselves at anything to save a run. A fielding lesson from the District players a lot of the more fancied teams could have learnt from.Country Districts were cruising to an easy win when Mohammad Kaif came on late in the innings to take 3/14 in four overs. At that point the stage for the win had been set by a solid partnership between A Galloway (68) and JP Michua (73). The winning runs coming in the 40 th over.

The latest name linked in Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search will surely have Harry Kane worried…

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the North London outfit’s newly-appointed sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is pushing hard to secure former Wolves boss Nuno Santo in what has been described as a “major coup” for the club.

It’s thought that the Italian is the driving force behind Spurs’ sudden U-turn on the 47-year-old, who was quickly ruled out following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in mid-April.

Everton and Crystal Palace have been interested in appointing him but the Portuguese remains out of work heading into pre-season.

Bye-bye Kane!

Nuno has plenty of credentials to be considered for the role, having guided Wolves into the Europa League in their very first season back in the big time but he’s simply not the right fit for Spurs’ ‘DNA’ or needs.

And this will surely push Kane ever so much closer to the exit door after reports suggested that he has reiterated his desire to leave the club during the current transfer window, as per Sky Sports.

It is widely believed that chairman Daniel Levy is after an attack-minded head coach who can commit to the development of its young prospects, with the likes of Oliver Skipp, Jack Clarke and Ryan Sessegnon on the fringes of the first-team.

Well, Nuno’s final season at Molineux provides some insight as to why he might be a very disastrous choice for Paratici.

His Wolves side bagged only 36 goals from their 38 league matches, some 15 fewer than a season earlier and the lowest of any team sitting 16th or above. Even relegated West Brom were only one behind their final total, which is damning.

Of course, some of that can be attributed to the absence of Raul Jimenez but his replacement, Fabio Silva, only found the net four times in 32 appearances and that should concern Spurs’ leading talisman greatly.

Indeed, it’s thought that this perceived negative brand of football was one of the reasons behind Fosun’s amicable split with the former goalkeeper, with it being confirmed two days before the final day that he was going to leave by mutual consent.

Wolves have since replaced him with a manager that registered a 103-goal season at his former club, so that tells you all you need to know.

Something that has since backed this up is a claim from BirminghamLive reporter Alex Dicken, who told football.london: “It wasn’t always pretty to watch and some coaches, namely Maurizio Sarri, criticised their lack of intent in games, but during those first three seasons it worked.

“It was frustrating how slowly Wolves started games and there are some damning statistics about their lack of goals in the first half of matches under Nuno. That could have just been a coincidence, but more likely it was down to the way Nuno set his team up.

“This is why I would be so surprised if Spurs appointed him. The style of football wouldn’t be dissimilar to Jose Mourinho’s, but Nuno boasts nothing like his compatriot’s trophy record.”

Overall, the Midlands side managed a measly 1.18 goals per game in the Premier League under Nuno, which is a drastic decrease from Mourinho’s 2.01 goals per game record at Spurs – and he’s said to have “sucked the culture out of the club.”

Furthermore, ex-Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinso has revealed another concerning reason over the club potentially appointing the Portuguese, he told Football Insider:

“I heard from my sources that he wants 15 or 20 backroom staff members coming with him but I cannot see that happening at Spurs because Daniel will not want to do that because it will be very expensive.”

On the above evidence, it’s hard to see Spurs suddenly winning the sort of silverware that Kane is desperately craving and it’s not like he’s certain to thrive in what seems like such a negative system.

He may well want to leave even more if Nuno is hired.

AND in other news, Forget Nuno: Paratici can revive Spurs by hiring “wonderful” 57 y/o with 67% win rate…