All posts by h716a5.icu

Rangers are reportedly interested in signing Rijeka midfielder Ivan Lepinjica this summer and should he join Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox ahead of next season, it could prove to be a repeat of two superb signings made by former Gers sporting director Mark Allen.

Reports from Croatia claim that Gerrard’s side are keen on the in-demand midfielder, who has attracted interest from Chelsea in the past, and could look to bring him in on a loan-to-buy deal this summer.

Rangers have enjoyed a lot of success in signing from the Croatian league in the past, with both Borna Barisic and Nikola Katic having impressed at Ibrox since their arrivals from NK Osijek and Slaven Belupo respectively.

Barisic joined in 2018 after impressing Gerrard with his performances for Osijek against Rangers in a Europa League tie and has gone on to make 112 appearances for the Teddy Bears, contributing an impressive seven goals and 32 assists, whilst he was instrumental in the unbeaten league campaign last season.

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Katic, meanwhile, joined in 2018 and has gone on to make 59 appearances for Gerrard’s side, contributing six goals and three assists from centre-back and surely would have had a big part to play last season had he not been ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury.

Both have earned caps for the Croatian national side and Lepinjica therefore will perhaps feel that a move to Rangers could help him establish himself in Zlatko Dalić’s side in the near future should he have a similarly impressive impact at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old has been a regular in Rijeka’s side in the past few seasons, making 70 appearances in total, in which he has contributed two goals and two assists.

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Therefore, signing the £450k-rated youngster on a loan-to-buy deal could prove to be a very smart piece of business by Ross Wilson this summer. if he is anywhere near as good as Katic or Barisic, then he would surely be appreciated by Gerrard, and it could even prove to be a repeat of the superb deals negotiated by Wilson’s predecessor Mark Allen.

And, in other news… Rangers may already have their Davis heir in never-before-seen “mountain”

West Bromwich Albion are interested in a deal to bring Sam Clucas to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that the Baggies have registered their interest in the Stoke City central midfielder ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

It is reported that, with the 30-year-old entering the final year of his contract at the bet356 Stadium, should the Potters receive an offer of around their £3m asking price for Clucas, they would be willing to greenlight his departure this summer.

Ismael must move

With it appearing increasingly likely that Valerien Ismael will be taking over at The Hawthorns in the coming days, the Frenchman will almost certainly be dipping into the transfer market in a bid to fire West Brom back to the Premier League at the first time of asking next season.

And, considering just how impressive the former Swansea City midfielder was for Michael O’Neill’s side last season, there would certainly seem worse candidates to become Ismael’s first signing as the new West Brom manager this summer.

Indeed, over his 24 Championship appearances for the Potters last term, the £2.25m-rated Clucas scored two goals, provided three assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 1.7 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £33k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Stoke’s joint third-best performer in the second tier of English football.

And, with Conor Gallagher having moved back to Chelsea following the completion of his loan deal with the Baggies, central midfield could well be an area in which Ismael will look to bring fresh faces over the coming months.

As such, with Stoke reportedly only wanting a rather modest £3m in order to part with the man whom Gabriel Agbonlahor dubbed a “quality” player, it would appear to be highly advisable for the Frenchman to do all he can to get a deal over the line for Clucas, as not only would the midfielder add some quality to the Baggies midfield, but he would also be a signing who would represent incredible value for money.

In other news: Get it done: Lai must sanction West Brom summer swoop for “outstanding” 32 G/A machine

Newly appointed chairman of selectors Brijesh Patel will try to persuadeJavagal Srinath out of retirement

CricInfo20-Sep-2002Newly appointed chairman of selectors Brijesh Patel will try to persuadeJavagal Srinath out of retirement.India take on West Indies in a three Test and seven one-day series at homesoon after the ICC Champions Trophy and Patel wants Srinath to reconsiderhis decision to retire from Test cricket..Patel said: “I will definitely be speaking to Srinath about playing Testmatches again.””The new ball attack is a bit of a worry,” said Patel.Patel, as secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, has tried tomake Srinath reconsider before.Srinath has repeatedly claimed that the strain of playing Test cricket wastoo much for him and that he would prefer to concentrate on the shorterversion of the game in the lead up to the forthcoming World Cup in SouthAfrica.The 33-year-old Karnataka mediumpacer hung up his boots after India’s tourof West Indies, where he was visibly flagging at the end of five Tests.Since then Srinath has been ignored by the selectors for the one-dayers.Whether the revamped selection committee can persuade the mediumpacer,currently playing for Leicestershire in the English county circuit, toreturn to the game remains to be seen. Only two days ago Srinath scalpedfour wickets in seven balls including a hat-trick against champions Surrey.Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has often said that he wanted Srinath tore-consider his position and return to the side.

Leicestershire have signed England one-day international all rounder Jeremy Snape

Leicestershire CCC05-Nov-2002Leicestershire have signed England one-day international all rounder Jeremy Snape. The 29-year-old off-spinner and middle order batsman has agreed a three year contract.Kevin Hill, Leicestersahire’s general manager said: “The club is delighted and excited that Jeremy has agree to join us. He will add considerable experience and ability to the Leicestershire team, and his enthusiasm and desire will help the club strive for continued success.”Snape arrives at Grace Road after four years with Gloucestershire where he was part of the side that won a total of five trophies in 1999 and 2000. But last season, despite being in the England one-day squad, Snape was unable to hold down a regular place in the Gloucestershire team.He said: “There were well documented internal problems which I would rather not comment on any further.”I was keen to secure my cricketing future before leaving for Australia on November 24 for the one day series there, and I am delighted to have joined Leicesteshire.”It is exciting to be part of what they have planned for the future and I feel I can help them move forward. I want to be part of it and, while I am experienced, I am also young enough to make a new start.”It is a new challenge for me and I am very excited by it.I have a great winter to look forward to – and now a great summer as well.”Snape will be part of England’s one day squad in Australia and hopes to clinch a place in the World Cup squad in South Africa.

West Bromwich Albion are interested in a deal to bring Jack Hendry to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Valerien Ismael is keeping a close eye on the situation of the 26-year-old centre-back ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

It is reported that Hendry will complete a £1.8m move from Celtic to KV Oostende in the coming days after the Belgian side activated an option to buy clause in the defender’s loan deal.

However, the Jupiler Pro League team are believed to be willing to immediately move the seven-cap Scotland international on this summer, should they receive a bid in the region of £5m.

Ismael must move

Considering just how impressive Hendry was for Oostende last season, it is not difficult to understand why Ismael is considering a move for the centre-back this summer.

Indeed, over his 30 Jupiler Pro League appearances for Alexander Blessin’s side last season, the £8k-per-week defender helped his team keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.6 interceptions, one tackle, 4.1 clearances and winning 4.8 duels per game.

The 26-year-old also impressed in an attacking capacity for his club, scoring two goals and providing one assist, in addition to making an average of 0.2 key passes per league fixture.

These returns saw the £3.15m-rated man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Oostende’s third-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football.

Furthermore, with Ismael reported to have been an admirer of the £3.15m-rated Hendy during his time at Barnsley, as the Frenchman likes defenders who are comfortable bringing the ball out from the back, with West Brom having much greater financial capacity than the Tykes, as well as considerable more pull due to stature of the club, a move for the man whom Brendan Rodgers dubbed a “fabulous” player would very much appear to be on the cards for the Baggies in the summer transfer window.

And, having looked at Hendry’s stats for Oostende last season, it would indeed appear as if the 26-year-old would make a fine addition to Ismael’s options in the centre of the West Brom defence next season, leading us to believe the 45-year-old should do all he can to get a deal over the line for the Scot this summer.

For just £5m, it could be a massive bargain, especially when you consider the finances put behind moves for players like Charlie Austin and Oliver Burke in the past.

Ismael must urge Guochuan Lai to make the move this summer.

In other news: Get it done: Ismael must sanction West Brom swoop for “exceptional” £41k-p/w dynamo

If you take a look down a list of Celtic’s current options, it’ll quickly become apparent that they have a whole host of areas they need to strengthen.

The Hoops’ defence will be of great concern after shipping 16 more goals than their biggest rivals last term while there is a big void in midfield that’s been left behind by Scott Brown.

On the chalkboard

The Bhoys have been linked with a number of central midfielders during the ongoing transfer market.

PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Ali McCann is on their radar while Lewis Ferguson has been touted as a potential acquisition as well.

Brown’s departure has left a hole that needs filling while Olivier Ntcham’s potential exit will place greater importance on strengthening the middle of the park.

Liam Shaw has arrived from Sheffield Wednesday but he’s still particularly raw.

According to Celtic Now and Forever, the Hoops now have Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic in their crosshairs.

Dialogue has been opened with the Italian club about a potential move but it’s one that could be rather expensive. Prior reports stated he was valued at £8.5m, close to Celtic’s record signing; Odsonne Edouard.

This would be a tremendous pick-up but you have to take it with a pinch of salt given his price tag.

That being said, Ange Postecoglou will have money to spend if they fetch hefty sums for Kristoffer Ajer and Edouard.

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Lukic is an all-action midfielder, someone who scored three times for Torino last term. His numbers weren’t too impressive in league action but he has been a star for his country, Serbia.

After shining at the U21 European Championships in 2019, he was described as a player of the “highest quality,” by World Football Scout.

He has taken on the mantle excellently since progressing into the senior side.

Lukic made three tackles per game in the Nations League, more than any Celtic player in the Premiership last term, while he also provided two key passes.

Of those who played in green and white last season, only David Turnbull and Ryan Christie bettered that statistic.

Composed in possession of the ball, the 24-year-old can dribble past players and advance towards goal, producing 1.3 shots per match. Based on those numbers, it would appear that Lukic is a classic box to box midfielder.

Ntcham has been Celtic’s go-to man in that department over the last few years so Postecoglou could welcome a like for like replacement here.

With the Australian favouring an intense and quick route to goal, Lukic’s playstyle could be perfect for the new Hoops boss.

AND in other news, £15k-p/w liability must never play under Ange at Celtic, Lennon dubbed him “stupid”…

BRISBANE, Nov 2 AAP – Experienced Queensland batsmen Stuart Law and Martin Love posted half-centuries as the Bulls made England toil on the first day of the three-day tour match at Allan Border Field.

AAP02-Nov-2002BRISBANE, Nov 2 AAP – Experienced Queensland batsmen Stuart Law and Martin Love posted half-centuries as the Bulls made England toil on the first day of the three-day tour match at Allan Border Field.At tea, the Bulls were 3-217 with Love unbeaten on 66 and a cautious Andrew Symonds on five.Law was the only man out in the middle session, nudging a return catch to Andrew Flintoff (1-44) after a well-made 68 in a partnership of 128 with Love.Law and Love looked confident at the crease against the attack which England seems certain to take into the first Test at the Gabba on Thursday.Andrew Caddick (2-45) took two wickets in the first session during an encouraging opening spell but the tourists have struggled for breakthroughs.Simon Jones (0-46) has bowled too short at times despite bothering the Bulls with some dangerous deliveries outside off-stump.Flintoff had bowled 11 overs in a confident sign he had recovered from a double hernia operation in time for the Test.Englishman Mark Butcher provided a worrying moment when he slammed into the fence when stopping a shot from Law reaching the boundary.Butcher appeared to be hurt but seconds later he ran back to his fielding position.

HOBART, Nov 24 AAP – After more twists than a whodunnit, the Pura Cup match between NSW and Tasmania in Hobart is finely poised.

Don Woolford24-Nov-2002HOBART, Nov 24 AAP – After more twists than a whodunnit, the Pura Cup match between NSW and Tasmania in Hobart is finely poised.The Tigers, after being down and out shortly before lunch today, roared back through Damien Wright and Shane Jurgensen to rout the formidable Blues batting lineup for 86 and give itself a victory target of 256.At stumps on day three, they were 3-98, needing a further 158, with Michael Di Venuto 44 and Dan Marsh 18.Whatever the outcome, and the Tigers’ fragile batting this season suggests they’ll struggle to notch their first win, they’ve turned a one-sided match into a tense struggle as 18 wickets fell for 225 runs over a long and enthralling day on a sometimes spiteful Bellerive Oval wicket.The Blues started the day in fine fettle as the Tasmanian lower order folded, the last five wickets adding only a further 41 runs in 75 minutes.With Don Nash taking 6-48, the Tigers were all out for 224, a deficit of 169 runs.NSW captain Simon Katich opted not to enforce the follow-on, a decision he must soon have wondered about as Jurgensen struck.Jurgensen was lethal for Tasmania late last season, but so far this season has been less effective as he strove for extra pace and lost his immaculate control.After talking with former fast bowling stalwart Mark Ridgway last night, he bowled a little fuller and in the Glenn McGrath corridor.In four overs before lunch he accounted for the three dangerous Michaels – Slater, Bevan and Clarke – all for ducks.After the break, he quickly dismissed Matthew Phelps before Wright took over, starting with Mark Waugh for three.Following brief resistance from Katich (21) and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (24), Wright scythed through the lower order.The Blues limped past 84, their lowest score against Tasmania, before losing their last three wickets without addition to Wright’s second, fifth and sixth balls of his 16th over.Wright finished with a career best 6-39 while Jurgensen had 4-29 from 12 overs.The pair was assisted by some fine catching, notably wicketkeeper Sean Clingeleffer’s acrobatic legside effort to dismiss Bevan and Di Venuto’s low second slip catch to end the brief stay of Waugh, who looked a shadow of his once peerless self.The 256 target was always going to be a big challenge for Tasmania and it started badly, losing captain Jamie Cox, Michael Dighton, who’s been its nearest to an in-form batsman, and Scott Mason cheaply to slump to 3-43.But Di Venuto curbed his natural impetuosity in a 186 minute vigil and with the out-of-form Marsh also sticking doggedly, the Tigers crept nearer their mark without further loss.They shouldn’t have. In a final twist, leg spinner Stuart MacGill dished up a rank full toss in the last over of the day, Di Venuto momentarily forgot himself and whacked it hard and high to mid on, where substitute Corey Richards dropped what would have turned the game firmly back in the Blues’ favour.

Sunderland are set to complete the signing of exciting West Brom youngster Tyrese Dyce, according to a fresh report which emerged on Tuesday.

The Lowdown: Johnson plans for promotion push

The Black Cats came agonisingly close to securing promotion to the Championship last season, falling short after a League One playoff defeat to Lincoln City.

It is now Lee Johnson’s job to mastermind another promotion push in 2020/21, with new signings potentially needed in order for that to happen.

The Latest: Black Cats to sign Dyce

According to Football Insider, Sunderland have ‘agreed a deal’ to sign Dyce, with the 20-year-old’s West Brom contract expiring on Wednesday.

A club source has confirmed that he is set to join on a free transfer when his Baggies deal expires, having scored two goals and registered three assists in 22 Under-23s appearances for the Baggies.

The Verdict: Long-term prospect

While Dyce may not immediately arrive as a key first-team player, he is a long-term prospect with lots of potential, rather than a quick fix who could end up leaving after one season.

The youngster could possibly end up being a strong backup for Callum McFadzean at left-back, assuming he makes impressive early strides at the Stadium of Light, and the fact that he would cost nothing makes it less of a risk.

In other news, a pundit has slammed Sunderland for one key reason. Read more here.

Hampshire off-spinner Shaun Udal has had surgery to cure a long-term ankle problem after he was overlooked as a replacement for England’s troubled Ashes tour.

CricInfo03-Dec-2002Hampshire off-spinner Shaun Udal has had surgery to cure a long-term ankle problem after he was overlooked as a replacement for England’s troubled Ashes tour.Udal, 33, had put off the operation to have two screws removed from his ankle in the forlorn hope that he might be added to Nasser Hussain’s injury-hit squad.England’s decision to opt for Yorkshire’s Richard Dawson in place of Ashley Giles, who has broken his wrist, persuaded Udal to undergo surgery beforeChristmas. He is confident of being fit for the start of the 2003 season.Udal, who played 10 one-day internationals for England between 1994 and 1995,said: “The injury is one that has been bothering me for a while.”It got to the point where I had to make a decision on the operation because otherwise I’d have had to have it in the new year and I would have been struggling to be fit in time.”