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Stoke City are reportedly set to sign Brighton and Hove Albion defender Leo Ostigard on a season-long loan deal, according to Football League World.

The lowdown

The 21-year-old caught the eye with some strong performances for Coventry City last season in a loan spell with Mark Robins’ side as they finished 16th in the Championship table.

The centre-back is down the pecking order in Graham Potter’s plans with Brighton and Hove Albion though, with the likes of Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk ahead of him at this moment in time. He has just one year remaining on his current contract with the Seagulls, but it doesn’t seem as though he has much of a future with the Premier League outfit.

Coventry manager Mark Robins was full of praise for Ostigard for his contributions towards the club in his loan spell last term, saying: “When he came in yesterday, he was upset at leaving, he drove all the way from Brighton just to say goodbye which was a mark of him, and he’s been brilliant, just outstanding.”

The latest

A host of Championship clubs were rumoured to be interested in a deal to sign Ostigard this summer, with TEAMtalk revealing that Stoke were rivalling Middlesbrough, Barnsley, Bournemouth, Fulham and Sheffield United for the Norwegian.

Football League World have exclusively revealed that Stoke are close to securing a deal to sign the Brighton defender. It’s also claimed that a medical is underway over a move, as the Potters look to add depth to their defensive options this summer.

The verdict

This is a smart bit of business by the Sky Blues, as Ostigard has already shown that he can perform to a high standard in the Championship with Coventry last season.

The defender had an average WhoScored rating of 6.73 last term, which put him fifth in the list of Coventry City’s best performers in the 2020/21 season. He particularly excelled in the air, winning five headers per game – of Stoke’s regulars, only Harry Souttar could exceed that average.

The Potters have already added Ben Wilmot to their squad to replace Nathan Collins, but additional strength in depth and competition for places is the ideal dilemma to have for Michael O’Neill. Given the level of interest in Ostigard, it represents quite a coup for Stoke to fend off the competition for him.

Darren Gough’s final appearance at Headingley before retirement ended in a sodden abandonment against Warwickshire, but the Yorkshire supporters may not have seen the last of him after all

Cricinfo staff10-Sep-2008
More good times? Darren Gough is meant to be retiring, but it may be the case © Getty Images
Darren Gough’s final appearance at Headingley before retirement ended in a sodden abandonment against Warwickshire, but the Yorkshire supporters may not have seen the last of him after all.He has been approached by Yorkshire, and a few other counties, to play Twenty20 next season and says he will consider the offers after the winter. The IPL has also come calling. Retirement in the modern game doesn’t always mean the end.”Yorkshire are keen for me to play for them next year in Twenty20 and I’ve had a couple of offers from other counties,” Gough told the “If I am going to play Twenty20 next year, then realistically it would be for Yorkshire, but I’ve just told the club to plan ahead as normal and we’ll see where we are next March,” he added. “I’ll have to see how I feel after the winter because my body might be 100 per cent by then or it might be in bits, but I’m not going to rush into anything.”It will come down to what is right for both parties at the time. It might not be right for Yorkshire or for me, but if Yorkshire do need someone and I’m okay, then I’m an obvious candidate.”Gough’s Championship appearances have become fewer and fewer during his final season but he has remained a regular in one-day cricket. Typical of Gough he still believes he can perform in limited-overs cricket and is weighting up an IPL deal.”I’ve also had a lot of IPL interest because they know I can still perform in the one-day game,” he said.

It has been ten years since Ricky Ponting first landed in India to play a Test, and he’s more desperate than ever to score some runs

Sriram Veera06-Oct-2008
Ricky Ponting on facing Harbhajan Singh in 2001: “I was always trying to find a different way to play, fearing that one delivery I guess” © Getty Images
It has been twelve years since Ricky Ponting first landed in India to play a Test. Four visits, eight Tests and an average of 12.28. Ponting failed in the one-off in 1996, in 1998 against Anil Kumble and Venkatapathy Raju but the ambush by Harbhajan Singh in 2001 is what really haunts him.”That first dismissal in the first Test was where it all started for me,” Ponting said in Hyderabad. Tellingly, it was Harbhajan’s first delivery to Ponting in Test cricket. The ball looped, gripped, and turned in viciously. Ponting, on 0, lunged to defend but the ball lobbed off the bat and pad to short leg.It was the beginning of the end for him. “I was always trying to find a different way to play, fearing that one delivery I guess,” he said. In the second Test, he fell playing off the back foot in the first innings and attempting to sweep in the second. In the final Test he returned to those signature fatal lunges. Ponting’s humiliation was total; Harbhajan had taken him out five times in five innings in the series.It was time for introspection. “The reason for my poor performance was that I didn’t trust myself; I didn’t trust my technique,” Ponting said. “I ended up getting stumped, caught at bat-pad sweeping. I tried almost everything and nothing worked. Every time I tried something, I got out pretty soon after. They are the lessons to be learnt I guess from coming here.” In 2004 his failure in the only game he played can be discounted as it came on a devilish spin track in Mumbai.Having burnt his fingers trying various options, Ponting said he was going to stick to one game plan this time. “I have spoken to a lot of guys this week about working out a style of playing you think is going to work for you … and when you have worked it out, making sure you stick to it. Even if you do get out a couple of times early, you know that if you stick to those things that have worked for you in the past, some will go your way and you will end up scoring some runs. I have to be strong and stick to what I know is going to work.”The Hyderabad tour game, in specific Ponting’s practice routine in the nets, offered some clues to his thought process. He was seen getting outside the line of the turning ball by taking an off-stump guard against the offspinners as a possible preparation for Harbhajan.His record against Harbhajan is awful: eight dismissals from nine games at 9.50. The worst bit about that stat is it includes games in Australia. Harbhajan knows he owns Ponting. When asked about the secret of his stranglehold, Harbhajan recently said, “He hasn’t batted for long enough against me, so I don’t know.”The reason for my poor performance was that I didn’t trust myself; I didn’t trust my technique. I ended up getting stumped, caught at bat-pad sweeping. I almost tried everything and nothing worked. Every time I tried something, I got out pretty soon afterRicky Ponting on his travails in IndiaPonting searches for his own repartee. “Sri Lanka is probably the hardest spinning condition to play in. I have got a record there, as good as anybody, and against a set of bowlers a whole lot more skilled than Harbhajan might be.”He maintains his travails against Harbhajan were not “much of a mental thing”. The problem, according to him, is the first 10-15 minutes against spin. “That’s the challenging period. When you look at it, whenever I have got out to spin, it has been very early on. He has obviously had a very good run against me. He did that in the 2001 series and even back in Australia in the last series, he got me out three times in the Test series.”What gives him confidence that he can succeed this time? Ponting is drawing self-belief from his improved technique after his duels with Muttiah Muralitharan and sessions with India’s former coach Greg Chappell. “It’s about getting through that initial period. I feel like I have got the technique now to get through that,” he said. “My record everywhere else is great. I have enjoyed having Greg Chappell around. He’s obviously a great player in his own right and a very good coach.”I discussed a few different things with him, as most of our batters probably have. They are the little things that you need here. Sometimes, it’s just the real fine-tuning sort of thing that you might need with your technique to do well. One of our strengths is that a lot of our batsmen, in particular, talk amongst themselves about little things they might do, techniques they might use in different conditions. I am in good shape.”Ponting is desperate to remove the Indian spin asterisk from his career record. “It means a lot to me to do well here. I haven’t done well here in the past. So I guess it’s my turn now, my time now to stand up and make sure I am scoring some runs. I have had pretty much six weeks without any batting at all, trying to get over this wrist injury and it has come along pretty well. I just have to keep working hard and push myself and everything will then look after itself.” Ponting’s greatest test of character begins this Thursday and will run through this month. It is the battle of the series.

The Express and Star reporter Luke Hatfield expects midfielder Connor Hourihane to leave Aston Villa before the window closes.

Hourihane joined from Barnsley more than four years ago and proved key in Villa’s promotion back to the Premier League – contributing to 19 goals in the 2018-2019 campaign as Dean Smith’s side were successful through the play-offs.

He continued his excellent goalscoring form in the topflight, netting seven goals in all competitions, whilst chipping in with five assists as Villa avoided relegation at West Ham on the final day.

However, the arrival of Ross Barkley on loan from Chelsea last summer saw Hourihane restricted to just a handful of Premier League appearances before Christmas.

Such was Hourihane’s frustrations, he dropped back into the Championship – joining Swansea on loan for the remainder of the campaign in January and scored five goals in 22 outings as the Welsh outfit reached the play-off final.

Hourihane returned to the frame at Villa this summer and was involved against Newcastle, although he was an unused substitute.

With that in mind, Hatfield told The Transfer Tavern that he expects the 30-year-old to be moved on before Tuesday’s deadline:

“There will be a few at Villa that will probably head out. Connor Hourihane is one, he’s almost certain to head out on loan.

“He won’t see any first-team opportunities for Villa barring loads or suspensions of injuries. He’s a great player, particularly at Championship level, so I can imagine there will be a Championship club keep on him.”

Sri Lanka moved into fourth place in the ICC rankings following their series win over India, swapping places with England who slip to fifth after their loss to South Africa

Cricinfo staff12-Aug-2008Sri Lanka moved into fourth place in the ICC rankings following their series win over India, swapping places with England who slip to fifth after their loss to South Africa.India remain in third, but are now only one point ahead of Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka are not due to play another Test until they visit England next May but, if Australia beat India convincingly when they visit there later this year, Sri Lanka could still move into third. It is so close at the top that if India win that series convincingly they can leapfrog South Africa into second place.

ICC Test Championship

11 Aug 2008

Team Matches Points Rating

Australia 26 3597 138 South Africa 34 3953 116 India35 3819 109 Sri Lanka 283032 108 England 38 3965104 Pakistan 19 1895 100 New Zealand 21 1738 83 West Indies22 1791 81 Bangladesh 140 0

Leeds United have reportedly pulled out of a summer move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, with other targets now being considered.

The Lowdown: Woodman catches Leeds’ eye

Marcelo Bielsa will need to sign a new ‘keeper this season, with Kiko Casilla completing a season-long loan move to Elche earlier this week. While Illan Meslier will likely continue at Leeds’ first-choice stopper next season, having an able deputy is of the utmost importance.

Woodman is one player who has been linked with filling the Casilla-shaped void, having only managed four first team appearances for Newcastle.

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The Latest: Whites pull out of deal

There has now been a twist in the saga, however, with Football Insider claiming that Leeds have ‘ended their interest’ in the 24-year-old, who has been called ‘excellent’ by Swansea City manager Steve Cooper, despite submitting an offer to sign him on loan with a view to a permanent deal only a few days ago.

Levante’s Dani Cardenas and Valerenga’s Kristoffer Klaesson are mentioned as the two front-runners to come in instead, with the pair both seen as cheaper alternatives to Woodman, who turned down Leeds’ advances due to his reluctance to play second fiddle to Meslier at Elland Road.

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The Verdict: Key summer addition

It is vital that Leeds bring in the right replacement for Casilla, should the unthinkable happen and Meslier pick up a long-term injury or drastically lose form.

The Frenchman has shown how influential the role of a goalkeeper can be, keeping 11 clean sheets as Bielsa’s team finished ninth upon their top-flight return, so the Whites need to decide if Cardenas or Klaesson is the right choice having ended their interest in Woodman.

Both targets are still young and maturing – they are 24 and 20, respectively – so either could mature at Elland Road (just like the 21-year-old Meslier has done) and become a reliable squad option.

In other news, Leeds are thought to be interested in signing a 24-year-old this summer. Find out who it is here.

Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign Mikkel Damsgaard in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Damsgaard impresses

Many of the club’s supporters might not have heard of the 21-year-old before Euro 2020, but they’ll certainly know his name now.

He was nothing short of sensational in the tournament for Denmark before they were beaten 2-1 after extra time by England in the semi-finals at Wembley, all with huge pressure on his shoulders to replace Christian Eriksen.

Described as ‘phenomenal’ by team-mate Kasper Schmeichel after an eye-catching performance against Russia in the group stage, Damsgaard scored two goals, including a stunning free-kick against England in the semi-finals, and recorded one assist at the tournament (Sofascore).

The Latest: Damsgaard eyed

As per Calciomercato, Everton have joined the race to sign him ‘in the last few hours’ along with Merseyside rivals Liverpool, while Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, West Ham United and Leicester City have all shown an interest in the past.

Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and AS Roma are also interested in signing the Sampdoria ace, who is quoted to cost in the region of €30m (£25.6m).

The Verdict: Sign

Damsgaard could well be the missing piece of the puzzle that the Toffees need in order for them to qualify for European competition next year.

Fresh of the back of his Euro 2020 heroics, he should certainly have a lot of momentum going into the new season, and at just 21 years of age, he still has a lot of potential to fulfil.

With a whole host of other clubs in line for his signature, the Blues will likely need to act quickly in order to secure his services.

In other news, find out what recent news has left these Evertonians buzzing

Matt Maher has dropped a promising update on the future of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish… 

What’s the talk?

According to Matt Maher of the Express & Star, Aston Villa are determined to keep hold of star player Jack Grealish this summer and will look to rebuff any interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.

The report claims that Villa are preparing to offer him a significant wage increase from the £125k-per-week he is currently earning in an attempt to stop him from completing a switch to The Etihad.

Fans will be buzzing

Villa fans will be buzzing with this update as it is a promising piece of information in regards to the hopes of Grealish remaining at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.

This news comes shortly after Football Insider reported that City are lining up a £90m offer for the midfielder, which is said to have piqued his interest.

However, the club are seemingly ready to counter that by offering him fresh terms. Hopefully, awarding him a lavish new contract will change his mind and convince him to stay ahead of next season. This would leave fans on cloud nine as there is no doubting his importance to Dean Smith’s side.

Grealish averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.56 in the Premier League last season, the highest of any Villa player, as he provided six goals and 10 assists from 24 starts.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola made his feelings on Grealish clear back in 2019. The Spaniard called him “incredible” and admitted that he was too expensive to sign at the time. 

He told The Mirror:

“He’s incredible.

“A top player. I’m happy he [initially] stayed in the Championship to defend his club.

“He’s a talented player who always creates something.

“An exceptional player but too expensive for Manchester.”

This shows that there has been a long-standing interest from the ex-Barcelona man in Grealish and that level of determination to sign him could be an attractive proposition for the winger.

Villa fans will be hoping, however, that this update on the club’s attempts to pin him down to an extended deal will override that and allow them to continue to enjoy watching him dazzle in the Premier League in claret and blue next season.

AND in other news, “Villa are willing to accept that” – Journalist drops verdict on AVFC star amid £60m claim…

Chris Gayle’s unbeaten 110 secured West Indies a seven-wicket win over the hosts Canada in the final of the Associates Tri-series

Cricinfo staff24-Aug-2008
Scorecard
Chris Gayle’s big hitting has dominated attacks all over the world © Eddie Norfolk
Chris Gayle showed he was a class above his opponents with an unbeaten 110 that secured West Indies a seven-wicket win over the hosts Canada in the final of the Associates Tri-series. Chasing the home team’s 179, Gayle thrashed 14 fours and six sixes during his 77-ball stay as his side stormed to the title.The force of Gayle, the visiting captain, was so strong that the match ended with 22.3 overs remaining. “It was good to get among the runs again and make a contribution to the victory,” Gayle said. “I got a good start and decided I would capitalise and make the most of it today. Some people may want to say, ‘just Canada no big thing’, but it is always good to get a ton. I’m truly happy.”Sewnarine Chattergoon, the other opener, helped Gayle with 23 while the wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh chipped in with 29. The debutant Balaji Rao Dorakanti collected both Baugh and Leon Johnson, but it was too late to alter the course of a one-way contest.Jerome Taylor’s three strikes and two from Nikita Miller helped West Indies smother Canada, while three run-outs, including two from Brendan Nash, added to the difficulties. Rizwan Cheema, the Man of the Series, stood tall at the top of the order with 61 off 45, but nobody was able to lift the tempo when he fell at 99 for 4.”It was an overall team effort and I’m delighted with the way we performed to win and win in style,” Gayle said. “We came with a specific game plan and we stuck to it. Canada played well in the earlier matches and we wanted to make sure we did not let them have too many opportunities. We wanted to make sure we played better cricket than they did.”As expected, West Indies went through the tournament undefeated, but Gayle remained pleased with the results. “Overall I would say we had a very good tour,” he said. “It gave some new players an opportunity to showcase their skills and they took the chances with both hands.”

According to a report by Corriere di Verona, via Sport Witness, West Ham United are now among the clubs interested in signing Hellas Verona and Czech Republic midfielder Antonin Barak.

The Lowdown: Czech raid…

West Ham’s interest in Czech internationals has been well documented over the last year, coming after they completed the brilliant double signing of Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal from Slavia Prague.

Indeed, the duo have impressed during their time in east London, with many more names from their nation duly linked with following suit.

Ondrej Kolar, Adam Hlozek, Alex Kral and David Zima have all been touted with possible moves to the Irons, and another name from that neck of the woods has now entered the fray.

The Latest: West Ham join race to Barak…

As per Corriere di Verona, via Sport Witness, West Ham now want Barak, who was a mainstay for the Czech Republic over their Euro 2020 campaign. They aren’t the only interested party, though, with Inter Milan, Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt also eyeing a move.

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It is explained that his club are not keen on the idea of selling him this summer but could very well allow him to leave for the right price. Interest has apparently flourished around Barak in recent months and an auction could soon open for his services.

The Verdict: Lingard alternative?

West Ham reportedly want a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, a new striker and fresh centre-back option first and foremost this summer window (Claret & Hugh).

It is unclear what the future holds for Lingard, though, and Barak could come as an alternative if the Irons cannot bring the Englishman back to east London.

Quite the physical presence at 1.9m (6 foot 2), he racked up seven goals and three assists in 32 Serie A starts over 2020/21 (WhoScored). He is also valued at a meagre £12.6m by Transfermarkt, pointing to a potentially cut-price option.

Hellas Verona originally believed that his value could sky rocket close to €20m (£17.1m) if the Czech Republic got past Denmark in their Euro 2020 quarter-final on Saturday, but their exit means that this isn’t possible.

That could be a boost for GSB and the Hammers if they wish to add the 26-year-old to their growing Czech contingent at the London Stadium.

In other news: ‘Concerning West Ham’…Journalist makes transfer claim involving ‘amazing’ ace, find out more here.