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Broadcaster seeks to capitalise on ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to spread the sport to wider UK audience

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jul-2019The World Cup final on July 14 could become the first men’s international fixture to be televised on free-to-air TV in the UK since the 2005 Ashes, after Sky Sports reneged on its previous stance and announced that it would be lowering its paywall in the event of England making it through next week’s semi-final at Edgbaston.England’s victory over New Zealand at Chester-le-Street last week guaranteed Eoin Morgan’s men a place in the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1992, when they beat South Africa at Sydney but went on to lose in the final against Pakistan at Melbourne.England have not contested a final on home soil since 1979, when they lost to West Indies at Lord’s, and Sky’s executives have recognised the historic opportunity that this contest could represent, to spread the sport to as broad an audience as possible.Sky UK and Ireland Chief Executive Stephen van Rooyen said: “We are proud to be the broadcaster for a home Cricket World Cup – one of the world’s biggest and most exciting sporting events.”Our aim has always been to celebrate what could be a ‘once in a generation’ moment of a home team in a big final on home soil. So, if England reach the final, we will make the match available to everyone so the whole country can be part of a rare and special big sporting moment.”Sky’s decision comes after their coverage of the tournament had been overshadowed in the UK by the women’s football World Cup, which has been broadcast throughout by the BBC. England’s semi-final against the USA on Tuesday drew 11.7 million viewers, the BBC’s biggest television audience of the year. England’s World Cup cricket fixtures, by contrast, have drawn an average of 450,000.The contrast was addressed earlier this week by the England fast bowler, Liam Plunkett, who was asked on BBC 5 Live whether he would support calls for the final to be made more accessible to the English public.”I’m not sure they’re going to do it, but it would great for everybody to be able to watch that,” Plunkett said. “Playing for England, you’re the pride of the country and you want people to be able to access that and watch that. I’m not sure it’s going to happen but for the guys, you want as many people to watch it as possible.”It’s always nice to be on a bigger platform,” Plunkett added. “Hopefully people tune in to watch that game. It would obviously be great to have as many people watching as possible, we feel like we’ve built something special here as a team. It would be nice to go all the way and to have big numbers watching that final if we get through and win, that would be huge.”A proportion of free-to-air cricket access was already set to be reinstated from next year onwards, with the advent of the ECB’s new 100-ball competition, after Sky agreed to cede some of its exclusivity to the BBC as part of a new £1.1billion rights deal from 2020-2024.Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive who brokered the deal, recently described Sky as “cricket’s best friend” – the broadcaster has been involved in cricket since 1990 and has been the exclusive partner for home internationals since 2006 – and Plunkett later tweeted to clarify his remarks.”Sky Cricket are an incredible partner for the game and have been for the past 20+ years,” he wrote. “I was asked a question & I never said that it should be on FTA. My words have been twisted & the headline is misleading. The whole country is behind us. Keep believing.”There are no details yet as to where the match would be broadcast if England did make it through. The BBC and Channel 4, the last two free-to-air channels to broadcast international cricket, would be options, although Sky might also consider making the match available via YouTube, which was the approach taken by BT Sport for the all-English Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur last month.

Jurgen Klopp called it time on his stint with Liverpool earlier this year and the German has revealed his plans for the future.

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• Klopp says an emotional goodbye to Liverpool
• Targeted by multiple top clubs for move
• Reiterates that he will take a hiatus from management

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  On Sunday evening, Klopp got the farewell of a king from Liverpool players and fans at Anfield as he led the side for the last time during their 2-0 win over Wolves. During his departure announcement, the German had already made it clear that he would not be joining another club at least for another season as he wanted some much-needed rest from football.

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• WHAT KLOPP SAID

  Speaking to the media, Klopp said [via ESPN]: "I don't know exactly why nobody believes I probably will not be a manager again. But I understand because obviously, it seems to be a drug – it looks like that because everybody comes back and everyone works until they are 70-something.

  "I always had the idea that I would not do that that long. Look, other people are smarter, other people can do it in different ways. I have to be all-in, I have to be the spark, I have to be the energy, I have to be all these kinds of things and I'm empty. That's it.

  "My biggest worry today was that [goalkeeper coach] John Achterberg was coughing all the time next to me and I thought I would wake up and I'm ill because he did his coughing in my direction!

  "I have to start with the rest now and then we will see. But it's not now that I feel already and [think about] maybe the next opportunity.

  "You only have to look outside which clubs are obviously available and stuff like this. There will be opportunities, but I don't sit here and think, 'Maybe in a year's time I take that.' At this moment, it's see you later.

  "I love all and everything about the club, but it's time for me to go. But look, it's not burning behind me and that gives me a good feeling."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Klopp will leave the Merseyside club after a gruesome nine years at the helm. The German only won eight trophies during the tenure, however, he leaves the club as a fan favourite having transformed the club's dwindling fortunes to a standing where they can compete for trophies over the coming few years, even without him.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR KLOPP?

  The German had been linked with multiple clubs when he announced his exit, however, he has doubled down on his decision to leave the management course for the foreseeable future and will only make a return if he wishes to some time in the future.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em jogo válido pelo jogo de ida da final da Copa do Brasil 2020, Grêmio e Palmeiras se enfrentam neste domingo (28), às 21h (horário de Brasília), na Arena do Grêmio, em Porto Alegre-RS.

>> Confira o ranking dos clubes brasileiros com mais participações na Libertadores

A partida, inicialmente marcada para as 16h deste domingo, passa para as 21h após pedido do governo do Rio Grande de Sul para evitar aglomerações. O mudança também alterou a grade de programação da Globo. O jogo da volta será no próximo domingo (7), às 18h, no Allianz Parque.

Os clubes possuem, juntos, oito títulos de Copa do Brasil – cinco dos gaúchos e três dos paulistas.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras contrata lateral de 16 anos para reforçar a basePalmeiras26/02/2021PalmeirasBoletim: mudança na final da Copa do Brasil e atualização sobre BorréPalmeiras26/02/2021Futebol NacionalCBF confirma mudança do horário da final da Copa do Brasil para as 21h de domingoFutebol Nacional26/02/2021

O Palmeiras, atual campeão Paulista e campeão da Libertadores, passou por Bragantino, Ceará e América-MG para chegar à decisão do nacional. Já o Grêmio, por sua vez, atual campeão gaúcho, para chegar à final da Copa do Brasil, eliminou Juventude, Cuiabá e São Paulo.

Grêmio x Palmeiras será transmitido pela Rede Globo, TV aberta para todo o Brasil, com narração de Luis Roberto, comentários de Paulo Nunes e Roger Flores, Sandro Meira Ricci na Central do Apito, Fernando Becker e Marco Aurélio Souza nas reportagens.

No SporTV, TV por assinatura para todo o Brasil, terá a narração de Luiz Carlos Jr, comentários de Ricardinho (por vídeo) e Paulo Vinicius Coelho, Paulo César de Oliveira na Central do Apito, Paula Menezes e André Hernan nas reportagens.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Na manhã deste sábado, no CT da Base, a equipe sub-23 do Corinthians empatou em 1 a 1 com o Marília, jogo-treino que marcou a estreia do ex-jogador Danilo como treinador da equipe de Aspirantes. O ídolo alvinegro se mostrou satisfeito com o que viu em campo após período apenas de treinos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansNa estreia do técnico Danilo, time sub-23 do Corinthians empata em jogo-treino com o MaríliaCorinthians27/02/2021CorinthiansCorinthians divulga lista de inscritos para o Paulistão-2021; confiraCorinthians27/02/2021CorinthiansVeja quais jogadores, entre reforços e promovidos, tiveram mais oportunidades no Corinthians em 2020Corinthians27/02/2021

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Em entrevista publicada no Twitter oficial do Timão, Danilo falou da importância desses jogos-treino durante a preparação para o Campeonato Brasileiro da categoria, que tem estreia programada somente para junho. De acordo com o treinador, testes como esse mantêm os jogadores ativos.

– Foi um jogo muito bom, a gente vem de um período de treinamento de 25 dias já, e esses jogos-treino são uma base muito boa para a gente definir a equipe. Lógico que o Campeonato Brasileiro ainda está longe, estreia só em junho, mas eu acho que esses jogos de alto nível, como o de hoje contra o Marília, são fundamentais para a gente manter os meninos ativos – comentou.

Danilo também ponderou a diferença que é o ritmo de treino e o ritmo de jogo, além disso exaltou a qualidade do time profissional do Marília, que fez um duelo duro e teve até a oportunidade de virar o placar no segundo tempo. Para ele, isso engrandece ainda mais a atuação do Corinthians sub-23 neste sábado.

-Treinar é uma coisa, jogar é outra, então hoje a equipe foi muito bem, contra uma equipe muito boa do Marília, e conseguimos fazer um grande jogo.

A equipe de transição do Timão seguirá treinando e promovendo jogos-treinos durante a temporada enquanto o calendário da categoria não tem início.

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Danilo fala sobre sua primeira partida no comando dos Aspirantes do Corinthians.

O Timão sub-23 empatou em 1 a 1 com a equipe do Marília, em um jogo-treino, na manhã deste sábado.

Boa sorte na sequência do trabalho, professor!#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/GBkAe7y2lC

— Corinthians (@Corinthians) February 27, 2021

Wolverhampton Wanderers failed to earn their second consecutive victory in the Premier League following a narrow 3-2 defeat to Fulham on Monday night.

Gary O'Neil's men got back into the game on two separate occasions, having fallen behind early to an Alex Iwobi strike before a Willian brace from the spot, in quite controversial circumstances, handed the hosts all three points.

Wolves have now conceded more penalties than any other team in England's top-flight but one player in particular, who conceded a foul inside the penalty area, was the worst player on the pitch and certainly contributed to the disappointing stoppage-time defeat.

Wolves' game vs Fulham in numbers

Matheus Cunha equalised for the visitors in the 22nd minute before Hwang Hee-chan levelled the game once more with 15 minutes remaining on the clock. However, a questionable foul on Harry Wilson in the dying embers of the game allowed Fulham to clinch the points. While Wolves certainly may feel aggrieved, Fulham were statistically better.

According to Understat, Wolves had just 0.82 non-penalty expected goals (npxG) on the night from a total of 10 shots compared to Fulham's 0.97 npxG from 12 opportunities at goal. Although each team had six shots on target, the hosts boasted three big chances during the game, while O'Neil's side had two as the game coincidentally finished 3-2.

Wolves' tactical game plan against the Cottagers was to sit back and soak up pressure from Fulham before hitting them on the break once possession was recovered.

O'Neil's men had just 40% of the ball and a Passes allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA) rate of 34.64, as per Understat. This is incredibly high.

Essentially, Wolves were allowing Fulham to make almost 35 passes on average before intervening with a defensive action and winning the ball back. Dropping off so much invited pressure onto the backline and one Wolves player crumbled.

Nelson Semedo's stats vs Fulham

Nelson Semedo put in a disastrous display in London and played a hand in the first two goals that Wolves conceded. Firstly, the Portuguese fullback failed to block the passing lane into Antonee Robinson before the American drove the ball low and hard into the penalty area for Iwobi to tap in from a few yards out to bag his first goal for Fulham.

Then, just a few minutes after the interval, Semedo lunged into a tackle on Tom Cairney and gave away Wolves' first penalty of the game, although it's certainly debatable whether or not referee Michael Salisbury made the right call. Either way, it typified a night where the right-back didn't deliver.

Indeed, it wasn't just the helping hand in Fulham's goals that proved Semedo struggled over the course of the match. The wingback was handed a Sofascore rating of 5.9 during the game which was the lowest on the pitch across both teams. Semedo won merely one of his five total duels against the Cottagers up against Willian and Robinson on that side while committing two fouls and not completing or even attempting a single tackle.

Additionally, the ex-Barcelona defender lost possession 19 times which was more than any other Wolves player, according to Sofascore. This was made worse by the fact that Semedo failed to put a single cross into the box despite being one of O'Neil's only wide outlets.

This season, Semedo has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.77 and even boasted a 7.2 match rating in Wolves' outing versus Tottenham Hotspur prior to the international break. There shouldn't be calls to drop him from the team but Semedo will definitely want to forget his performance at Craven Cottage.

Arsenal have been handed a boost after learning that one of their key first-team players is set to return from injury after the international break, following a fresh update.

Arsenal injury news

The Gunners have Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber on the sidelines with their own respective problems as it stands, and they recently had another squad member join them in the treatment room.

During the Premier League 5-0 victory over Sheffield United last month, Mikel Arteta’s side secured an emphatic win over the recently promoted team, but they were noticeably without the services of an integral feature and indeed their club captain.

The Emirates Stadium manager confirmed that Martin Odegaard had been playing through injury and was therefore dropped against the Blades, and he later missed the next two top-flight matches vs Newcastle United and Burnley with hip problems.

The Norwegian attacking midfielder has made a total of 120 appearances since making the permanent move to the capital from Real Madrid back in 2021 (Transfermarkt – Odegaard statistics), so following a positive update, supporters will be pleased to hear the latest on the fitness of the 24-year-old skipper.

Mikel Arteta provides update on Martin Odegaard

Speaking during his post-match press conference after Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Burnley, Arteta confirmed that Odegaard will return for Arsenal upon the conclusion of the international break.

As quoted by the club’s official website, he said: “I don’t know. I’m going to have a meeting now with the medical department to understand everybody’s situation and I think he is going to be back after the International break but I don’t know exactly what the decision is and the communication at the moment.”

Odegaard's "phenomenal" impact at Arsenal

Since putting pen to paper at Arsenal, Odegaard has become a real fan favourite and he quickly displayed the leadership qualities required to be named captain by Arteta, therefore, it will be a huge boost for the Spaniard to have his central talisman back at his disposal upon return to action.

Sponsored by Nike, the left-footed ace has clocked up 45 involvements (29 goals and 16 assists) during his time at the club, and even when the end product isn’t there, he is constantly able to cause problems for the opposition’s defence.

Edu’s £240k-per-week earner (Arsenal salaries), currently ranks in the 99th percentile for shots by players in his position (FBRef – Odegaard statistics), highlighting his desire to hit the back of the net, with his ability to orchestrate moves in the final third having seen him described as a “phenomenal” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Additionally, Odegaard is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including three in the midfield and the same number across the frontline, so for such a well-rounded individual, his imminent return will be music to the ears of those at the Emirates.

نجح فريق ليفربول في تحقيق الفوز على نظيره مانشستر يونايتد بنتيجة 3/0، في اللقاء الودي الذي جمع بين الفريقين.

وواجه ليفربول خصمه الإنجليزي مانشستر يونايتد، على ملعب “ويليامز بريس”، في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، استعدادًا للموسم الجديد.

وشارك الدولي المصري، محمد صلاح، في مواجهة اليوم أساسياً منذ بداية المباراة، حتى الدقيقة 66.

اقرأ ايضاً.. محمد صلاح يرد.. ماذا لو لعب ميسي في الدوري الإنجليزي؟

افتتح فابيو كارفاليو التسجيل لصالح ليفربول عند الدقيقة 10 من صناعة ديوجو جوتا، بعدما نجح في مراوغة كاسيمرو ثم التسديد بالقدم اليسرى في مرمى أونانا.

ومنع كيليهر هدفين محققين للتسجيل لصالح مانشستر يونايتد، الأولى كانت عن طريق ميسون ماونت، والثانية من ماركوس راشفورد.

وبصناعة رائعة من النجم محمد صلاح، تمكن كورتيس جونز من تسجيل الهدف الثاني في شباك مانشستر يونايتد بحلول الدقيقة 36.

في الشوط الثاني ومع الدقائق الأولى، أهدر سكوت ميكتوميناي هدفًا محققًا لـ مانشستر يونايتد من داخل منطقة جزاء ليفربول.

وبحلول الدقيقة 61، أحرز كوستاس تسيميكاس هدف ليفربول الثالث، بعد متابعته لتسديدة ديوجو جوتا التي تصدى لها أونانا، لتصل الكرة إلى اللاعب اليوناني ليضع الكرة بالشباك.

ولم يخض محمد صلاح المباراة بأكملها، حيث أجرى آرني سلوت عدة تغييرات في الدقيقة 65، وخرج المصري وسط تحية الجماهير الحاضرة في الملعب. ملخص لمسات محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد

جدير بالذكر أن المواجهة المقبلة لفريق ليفربول ستكون أمام إشبيلية، يوم الأحد المقبل، 11 أغسطس، على ملعب “أنفيلد”.

وقدم بطولات تغطية مباشرة لمباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد الودية من خلال هذا الرابط.  اهداف مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد اليوم

Australia have pencilled in Aaron Finch and Travis Head for Test debuts against Pakistan next month, with Michael Neser also making a strong case for inclusion, according to captain Tim Paine. All three were included in the Australian XI to play Pakistan A in a four-day warm-up game in Dubai, starting on Saturday.Paine is preparing to lead Australia in the Test team’s first assignment since Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for their part in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal – absences which leave a particular hole in the tourists’ batting. Finch, an experienced white-ball opener, is set to make a Test bow alongside Matt Renshaw at the top of the order, with Head, who also offers a spin-bowling option, likely to bat at No. 5 or 6.The team named to play Pakistan A is “pretty close to what we’ll go with” for the first Test in Dubai, said Paine, although he suggested players outside the XI could still make a case for inclusion. Neser and Mitchell Starc will provide the pace options, supported by Paine’s newly elected vice-captain, Mitchell Marsh, while slow left-armer Jon Holland has been selected to partner Australia’s premier spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Aus XI to play Pak A

Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland

Ashton Agar has also now joined up with the squad, and could come into contention if conditions dictate, while the veteran Peter Siddle, who last played a Test in November, is the other option to take the new ball with Starc. Paine called Neser, who made his one-day debut on Australia’s tour of England in June, a “really, really skilful all-round cricketer” and an “exciting option”. “He’s someone in these conditions who could thrive,” Paine said.”The squad is really flexible,” he added. “When we get to the first Test and we assess the conditions, we can play two quicks, three spinners, whatever scenario’s presented by the Test wicket, we’ll have a team that we think will do well in those conditions.”The process to appoint Paine’s deputies, Marsh and recuperating quick Josh Hazlewood, has been indicative in the change of direction initiated by Justin Langer, who replaced Darren Lehmann as head coach after the tour of South Africa. Marsh and Hazlewood were among those put forward for leadership roles by their team-mates, and then selected as vice-captains after making presentations to a panel including Langer, selection chairman Trevor Hohns, and CA board director Mark Taylor.”Really happy with them,” Paine said. “Both are really trusted, respected guys in our team, both really deserve it. We went through a really rigorous process to get the role, so really happy for both of them.”I think it was really important to have the players’ buy-in. Everyone went through that process, myself included. I think it was good for the players to be able to voice their opinion and have a say in who leads them, and it was also great for the guys that have been nominated to go through the process and be interviewed. It’s something we don’t normally do and a good experience.”Justin Langer talks to his players at practice•Getty Images

While unlikely in practice, Paine suggested it was theoretically possible for him to have lost his position as captain if he were not among the six – which also included Finch, Head and Alex Carey – who received the most nominations from the group.”Obviously I came across the captaincy in not-ideal circumstances, so to go back into the pool and be voted back out by your peers is great,” Paine said. “It means a lot to all three of us that we’ve been voted in by our peers.”I’d imagine so [on the possibility of losing the captaincy], probably wouldn’t have been my call. We took it very seriously. The players had their say and then there was process after that as well. It wasn’t done to tick boxes it was to make sure we have the right people leading this team going forward.”As well as regenerating the culture within the team, Paine reiterated that Australia were intent on changing their tactics in an attempt to win away to Asian opposition for the first time in seven years. On Australia’s last visit to the UAE, in 2014, they lost 2-0 – crushed by 221 runs and 356 runs in the two Tests – and Langer has challenged this squad to “leave the egos at home” in order to practise a more attritional approach to batting than on previous tours.”Australia teams of the past haven’t had huge success here in Dubai, in Asia in general, so it’s an exciting opportunity,” Paine said. “We’ve got a bit of a different group, some younger guys have come in. Big challenge but a really exciting opportunity, we’ve been working really hard on the style of cricket we want to play over here in the last week. We’ve got a bit more training and a tour game to come to keep nailing it down. If we do everything we’ve talked about, we’ll be more than competitive.”We’ve spoke about little ways we change. Traditionally, Australian teams have been really aggressive and tried to take the games to opposition. I think over here in particular, you’ve got to be really patient and I guess try and stay in the game for as long as you game. We know that the first three days here can move really slowly, the pitches are generally really flat, then the last two days, it can start to spin and reverse and the games in the back end move really quickly.”It’s about being really patient, really disciplined. JL spoke a little bit about leaving our egos at home, particularly as a batting group, and being prepared to bat for a long, long time. If we can do that we can have some success.”

Aston Villa are relishing life under Unai Emery, as the Midlands side continue to climb the table and enjoy the new peaks to their success.

The Spaniard arrived when the Villans were sat in 16th place under Steven Gerrard, and inspired his inherited squad to finish in a European spot and claim 7th place after a heroic run of form in 2023.

Back in August, only Pep Guardiola had won more Premier League points than Emery in 2023, highlighting just how much of an influence his guidance has had on the same team that were struggling for points not even a year ago.

The four-time Europa League winner installed a new breath of fresh air to Villa Park, with times being tough in spells prior to his landing in Birmingham.

One area that the former Arsenal and PSG boss has bolstered is the pull that Villa have in the transfer window, highlighted as they welcomed five new faces of high calibre to the squad this summer.

The Villans haven’t always found such ease in landing their targets, with plenty of talent linked over the years going on the find sanctuary elsewhere and show those in the Midlands what they’re missing.

Rewind back to 2018, and Steve Bruce had taken charge of Villa’s push for promotion in the 2017/18 Championship season, missing out in the play off final to Fulham to see them remain in the second-tier for a third consecutive campaign.

The club’s transfer prospects were integral to them fighting for promotion once more after the summer of 2018, with one name listed as a potential capture that is currently outperforming Emery’s heroes today.

Did Aston Villa nearly sign Niclas Fullkrug?

In May 2018, news in Germany reported Villa’s interest in Hannover striker Niclas Fullkrug, who was in demand in England following his impressive performances in the Bundesliga.

In the 2017/18 campaign prior to the transfer window, Fullkrug netted 14 league goals in a tough term for Die Roten who finished 13th while their striker ranked at 3rd in the Bundesliga’s scoring charts.

That season at Villa, Albert Adomah ended the campaign as the side’s top scorer on 14 goals in the second tier, prompting a slight need for change to the front line with Bruce’s midfield men contributing more than their designated strikers.

As reported by BILD, the Villans were joined by Newcastle United, Leicester City, Watford, Cardiff City and Fulham in their admiration of Fullkrug, who could have been the man to ease the pressures on scoring.

BILD had an understanding that Hannover wouldn’t listen to offers below €10m (£8.6m) for their sharpshooter, which was evidently a price too high as he remained in his homeland by the time the transfer window had closed.

It wasn’t the last time that the now 30-year-old would be linked with a move to England, as this summer he told BILD, relayed by Fussball News, how he “could have gone to England” prior to his move to Borussia Dortmund in August.

How much is Niclas Fullkrug worth?

Dortmund paid a fee in the region of €13m (£11.2m) to capture the forward’s signature this summer, with him once again being the subject of transfer rumours due to his high-scoring tallies in the Bundesliga.

Though Fullkrug didn’t leave Hannover during the summer of Villa’s reported interest, he did depart to rejoin his former club Werder Bremen the year after in 2019, joining for a fee of €6.3m (£5m).

Now, as listed by CIES Football Observatory, the German international is valued at just €10m (£9m), telling the story of the difference in value in England and Germany, with fellow 30-year-old striker Harry Kane moving to Bayern Munich for £100m.

While Kane scored 30 Premier League goals last term to bolster his price tag, Fullkrug was just 14 league goals behind him in the 2022/23 campaign, suggesting that Villa and other clubs could have picked up a bargain by signing him when interest was swarming.

How many goals has Niclas Fullkrug scored?

Goals have been a consistent theme in Fullkrug’s career in his homeland, with his current domestic tally sitting at 146 goals in 381 games representing a host of German clubs.

His strong form over the past few years was rewarded internationally, as he was handed his national team debut by Hansi Flick in 2022, where he has since gained nine caps and scored seven goals.

After joining Bremen from Hannover in 2019, the goals kept coming for the striker, who was once dubbed “clinical” by scout Cal Murray, who also described the German as a “great finisher”.

During his four-year stay at Bremen, the 30-year-old scored 46 goals, with 19 of them coming in the decisive 2021/22 season that saw Bremen get promoted back to the top flight thanks to his contributions.

His consistent scoring streaks make it easy to see why Bruce was interested in the prospect of bringing the forward to the Midlands, with what has come since being interesting reading for those at Villa.

What is Niclas Fullkrug doing now?

Last season, the Hannover-born whiz found the net 16 times in 28 Bundesliga appearances, meaning that he outscored Villa talisman Ollie Watkins who claimed 15 goals in 37 Premier League appearances in 2022/23.

In 133 Bundesliga games in his career thus far, Fullkrug has bagged an impressive 46 goals and provided a further 11 assists, with that a remarkably similar record to what Watkins has achieved in England's top flight, having scored 44 goals and registered 17 assists in 117 games to date.

As highlighted in the table below, there are also direct similarities between the two forward’s games, with their averages per 90 last campaign suggesting just how much Fullkrug offers to his side in comparison to Watkins, who is adored in Birmingham.

Watkins vs Fullkrug 2022/23 averages per 90

Ollie Watkins

Niclas Fullkrug

Non-penalty goals

0.40

0.40

Total shots

2.42

2.69

Progressive passes

1.12

3.27

Shots on target %

53.6%

43.2%

All figures via FBref

While not many would trade the Englishman considering the form he has been hitting under Emery’s guidance, it epitomises the quality that Bruce could have captured for his Villa side for a mere price of just £8.6m.

Who did Villa sign instead of Fullkrug?

It wasn’t all doom and gloom at Villa for Bruce that summer, as they recruited Tammy Abraham on loan from Chelsea in a move that proved pivotal to the Villans’ promotion to the Premier League, as he netted 26 league goals.

The Englishman did of course return to his parent club at the end of that season, in a bittersweet goodbye from Villa Park, who were eternally grateful for his contributions to their push for the top-flight.

Looking back, the signing of Fullkrug could have been a strong move for Bruce, who would have found the missing piece to his puzzle in the German international, who continues to show his worth in the Bundesliga.

From £8.6m to outscoring Watkins, Villa could have struck gold by unearthing the status of Fullkrug in the Premier League, however, things just weren’t meant to be for both player and club.

Leeds United continue to keep themselves in promotion contention regarding the Championship and journalist Phil Hay has reacted to something hilarious he witnessed in the aftermath of his side's clash against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Leeds United updates: Norwich victory, Farke reaction, Summerville latest

On Saturday, the Whites completed an incredible comeback to swat aside promotion rivals Norwich City in the Championship, as an own goal from Shane Duffy and a double from Crysencio Summerville sealed a dramatic late victory for Daniel Farke's men on the road.

The Whites have now moved up to third spot in the English second tier and have managed to put together an impressive three-game winning streak, further cementing their credentials as contenders to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Cited by Leeds Live, Leeds United boss Farke was delighted with the fight his players showed to claw back a disadvantage to claim three points at Carrow Road against one of his former clubs, saying:

"Normally at HT you are disappointed when you are 2-0 down, but we said we had to keep going and hold our nerve. Have to use it and be more clinical. The only thing I can criticise is the defending could have been quicker or sharper. Their second goal, he is able to beat five of our players before scoring.

"We keep going and we have a great chance to take the points. The lads fulfilled my wishes and turned the game completely. All the praise to the players."

Netherlands Under-21 international Summerville was at the centre of the Whites' fightback against the Canaries and has been attracting plenty of interest in his services over recent weeks due to his positive performances.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has issued a Leeds United transfer update involving Summerville, stating on social media platform X:

"Crysencio Summerville with a brace today vs Norwich — he rejected several clubs in the summer to stay at #LUFC and feel key player there. Bournemouth, Everton and Burnley were all interested. …and more PL clubs are now monitoring Crysencio towards the January window."

Leeds United's last five results – Championship

Competition

Opponent & result

Venue

Sky Bet Championship

Norwich City 2-3 Leeds United

Carrow Road

Sky Bet Championship

Leeds United 2-1 Bristol City

Elland Road

Sky Bet Championship

Leeds United 1-0 Queens Park Rangers

Elland Road

Sky Bet Championship

Southampton 3-1 Leeds United

St Mary's Stadium

Sky Bet Championship

Leeds United 3-0 Watford

Elland Road

Leeds United news – Phil Hay reaction

In the aftermath of Leeds United's triumph over Norwich City, Athletic journalist Hay managed to see the funny side of events after the Whites secured victory in Norfolk after something hilarious happened following the final whistle. Hay stated on social media platform X:

"Fantastic result. Angry Norwich fan in front of us screaming at LUTV commentators to shut up as they lap it up. Own goal changed everything, Farke's switches worked superbly, quality finishing from Summerville and three huge points. That puts Leeds in third. #lufc."

Despite their woes of relegation last term, Leeds look to be in a better place now and positivity has returned at Elland Road, with Farke's tenure continuing to go from strength to strength in 2023/24. Next up for the Whites is another tough test away to Stoke City, where they will hope to maintain their solid form to edge closer to the automatic promotion slots.