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The allrounder said Australia don’t want to peak too early ahead of the T20 World Cup

Daniel Brettig in Melbourne11-Feb-2020

Ellyse Perry brings out the sweep•Getty Images

Ellyse Perry has admitted that not all has been smooth-sailing for Australia in the lead-up to their upcoming face-off against India in the triangular series final on Wednesday, as the hosts lost two games out of four (one of them in a Super Over against England) in the competition – the same as the other two teams in the fray. The final, to be played at Junction Oval, will be a key signpost on Australia’s road towards the T20 World Cup final at the MCG on March 8, the showpiece event a major chance for the women’s game to build on its already spectacular growth in terms of broadcast audiences and attendances.Perry, who was awarded the Belinda Clark Medal for 2019 on Monday, however, is confident that the team’s long-term plans, namely that which places her in the middle-order beneath Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner and captain Meg Lanning, are the right ones to tackle a global tournament.Losses to England and India meant that the Australians needed to beat England in their final qualifying match on Sunday to ensure they reached the final, something they did off the back of their powerful pace-bowling contingent, of which Perry is undoubtedly the spearhead. They will be hoping to repeat that performance against India, who had boldly chased down a target of 174 on Saturday with a starburst of shots that left Lanning’s team looking occasionally bereft of answers.”I think it’s been mixed actually. This series has been really important for us in terms of our preparation and ironing out a few kinks,” Perry said. “I think we’ve played a lot of cricket over the last 12 months, more so than we ever have, and it’s something that the boys have dealt with for a long, long period of time but it’s something we’re still coming to grips with and trying to understand.”Initially, when we came back together it’s almost been a little bit rusty, but certainly as the series has gone on and the more time we’ve spent together we’ve been a lot more clinical in the way that we’ve played. So, I think it’s been perfect that we’ve had such a competitive series against two of the other nations in the world that are the best at the moment.”Wednesday will be a great challenge against India given that the last game they chased down a pretty imposing total with relative ease, but you don’t want to be peaking too early, and the fact that we’ve improved as we’ve gone on in this series sets us up really nicely leading into the World Cup. In saying that I think it’s going to be a huge challenge and this series has really highlighted that as well.”A portentous phase of the previous India match arrived when Perry and Rachael Haynes were unable to build on the rapid scoring of Gardner and Lanning earlier in the innings, as they cobbled 22 from 3.1 overs after the duo, part of the top four, had piled up 79 in 7.1 overs together. That deceleration was critical to India being handed a chase that was steep but still gettable. Perry acknowledged it was vital to get the middle-order functioning effectively, in line with Australia’s plans first set down by Lanning and coach Matthew Mott ahead of the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean in 2018.”Our eight batters all open for their BBL clubs, so it’s probably not unique to me; it’s relevant across the whole group,” Perry said. “Something we did about 18 months ago leading into the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies was really nail down specific roles within our batting line-up. It’s lovely to have as much depth as we have in our batting line-up but with that comes having some clarity around how each of us should be playing and the strengths of each player.Ellyse Perry, winner of the Belinda Clark medal poses with David Warner, winner of the Allan Border medal•Getty Images

“Particularly in that middle-order there’s a really clear understanding of what each of us needs to do and how we play those roles, so we really enjoy that challenge. When you walk out to open, it’s always the same situation, you face the first over, the first ball, it’s always the same, whereas in the middle-order you can come in early or could be coming in at the end and try to elevate the runs you’ve scored.”It’s been a really nice challenge and something that all of us in the middle-order are quite flexible and adaptable with, and as a formula it’s worked for us in the last 18 months we’ve done it, too.”Thinking keenly about the bigger picture is a part of what has made Perry such a formidable athlete and leader for the game in Australia, as befits a cricketer whose autobiography was titled “Perspective”. She said that the looming home World Cup would be key to her ultimate goal for women’s cricket, that it becomes a self-sustaining and profitable business – in terms of ticket sales and broadcast rights – for generations to come.”The opportunities are massive. There’s a real appetite within the group to continue to grow the women’s game, on Australian shores but also abroad. So, this women’s World Cup is the first of those incredible opportunities and knowing that there’s a goal to fill the MCG for the final the team wants to be there, very much so, and that’s the challenge in front of us,” she said. “But going further forward it’s about continuing to develop things and to me the WBBL is the showpiece of women’s cricket in this country.”I’d love to see it get to the point down the track that it’s elite, it supports itself, so the revenue we generate through ticket sales and broadcast deals and those kinds of things means it’s really standing on its own feet. That in my mind is really the Mecca of women’s cricket.”There’s so much to work on, there’s plenty of opportunity there and, importantly, all the girls see that and really want to be a part of contributing to that, and whether that happens in the generation I play in or generations to come, it doesn’t really matter because I’ve contributed at some point or another. That’s been a true highlight and something I’ll always savour.”

Without their allrounder going into the series, losing their in-form opening batsman to injury during the series decider, India found a way to win

The Report by Sidharth Monga19-Jan-2020
Without their allrounder going into the series, losing their in-form opening batsman to injury during the series decider, India found a way to win the three-match ODI series against Australia despite losing all three tosses. Australia’s decision to bat first left Virat Kohli smiling ear to ear, his bowlers only widened that smile by keeping Australia down to 286 despite a Steven Smith century, but the chase was not your regular stroll that the scoreline suggested. On a testing, slow pitch, Rohit Sharma scored a special century to negate the challenge.In the final equation, on a pitch that spinners from both sides were a threat, the two main quicks from either side proved to be the difference. Jasprit Bumrah was stellar in conceding just 38 in his 10 overs, and Mohammed Shami took wickets with the new ball and old. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, though, were a big letdown for Australia, conceding 130 runs in 16 wicktless overs between them, which meant when the spinners and Josh Hazlewood bowled well, Sharma and Kohli were not under any asking-rate pressure.Australia’s team management had stayed at the ground till late on match eve to know dew wouldn’t play a big role. Combined with a dry pitch, and their own suspect middle order, they wanted runs on board. Shami dealt those hopes a big blow in the first exchanges despite a wayward – eight wides in first three overs – by both of India’s opening bowlers.In the fourth over, Shami got the ball to shape up to swing back into David Warner, but leave him upon pitching, taking the edge. This was a dismissal from an opening hour of a Test match. Bumrah’s edge over Aaron Finch was apparent again with two runs off 13 legal deliveries. Even when India removed Bumrah after just three overs, the edginess remained, especially with Navdeep Saini bowling the eighth over for just two runs.In the ninth over, Finch went for perhaps a highly risky single to Jadeja at point, but Smith was the bigger culprit in not trusting the call from the non-striker. The run-out left Finch furious, and Smith with a big task of shepherding the suspect middle order. Except that he was met in the middle by his clone Marnus Labuschagne, who has quickly shown he doesn’t need much shepherding. Yet, had Kuldeep Yadav collected a slowish throw cleanly he might have run Labuschagne out to make it 57 for 3.4:10

Bowlers set up series-clinching win for India

That error survived, Smith and Labuschagne pulled Australia out of that crisis, taking them into the last 20 overs with eight wickets in hand. This time Labuschagne reached his maiden half-century too. However, just like the last match, Ravindra Jadeja had begun to frustrate the batsmen with tight overs. In partnership with Yadav and Shami, he strung together 45 deliveries without a boundary. Then he had Kohli helping him in the 32nd over.At a close extra cover, Kohli made an excellent diving save to his left to deny Labuschagne a boundary first ball. To the third ball, he dived to his right to dismiss Labuschagne after a maiden fifty. An experiment to pinch-hit with Mitchell Starc lasted three balls with a slog sweep ending up with deep midwicket. Before this double-wicket maiden, at 173 for 2 in 31 overs, Australia were looking good for a score in the vicinity of 320 despite that recent slowdown.If Starc’s dismissal was a sign the pitch was not the usual flat Bangalore surface, Smith’s failure to place the ball in the coming overs only reinforced it. A mix of orthodox and reverse sweeps from Alex Carey gave Australia some momentum in a run-a-ball 58-run partnership, but the moment Carey tried to hit a six even he ended up miscuing Yadav to deep cover. Add to it the reverse swing India extracted, and Smith had to recalculate and target only the very last overs.Smith threatened a final kick with 25 off eight deliveries, but Shami not only had him caught at deep midwicket, he also ensured there was no annoying cameo from the tail.It was obvious fairly early this was not going to be an easy chase. Not often in ODI cricket do you see two fairly close lbw appeals, three plays and misses and one edge falling short against Sharma in the first 10 overs. Also just as rare is Sharma taking extra risks and scoring 41 runs in those 10 overs.Mohammed Shami celebrates the wicket of David Warner•Associated Press

This was a delicate situation. Shikhar Dhawan had injured himself while fielding. KL Rahul was opening with him after having kept for 50 overs. The ball was doing a bit off the seam. India’s batting more or less went till No. 6 Jadeja. Rohit, though, backed himself and knew he couldn’t let India fall behind the game by the time spin came on.So when Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa and Hazlewood put the squeeze on, taking Rahul’s wicket and conceding 35 in the next 10 overs, India could sit back and absorb that pressure. And when pressure was built, Finch didn’t go to his main bowlers to go find the breakthrough. He gambled. First with Labuschagne, then with himself. Twenty runs in two overs. Pressure off. And when Finch finally brought his main bowlers, they released the pressure further. Before Rajkot, Starc had taken a wicket at least in his previous matches; now he had two wicketless outings.Not that Sharma really needed freebies. He knew Kohli was going to set up to play till the end. He kept taking calculating risks, hitting six sixes in his innings, reaching his hundred with India’s score only 154. When he did perish, he did so trying to put the chase beyond doubt, looking to hit his seventh six. It left India 81 to get in 80 balls, and if there were any nerves with a shortened batting line-up, the king of chases was there to soothe them.In Kohli’s company, Shreyas Iyer too made a mini comeback from a mini slump. Kohli missed out on a century, but by the time he fell for 89 India needed just 13 from 25.

Christian Eriksen has opened up on his Manchester United future amid talk of transfer interest being shown from former club Ajax.

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Danish midfielder joined Red Devils in 2022Into the final year of his contractBelieves in himself despite limited game timeWHAT HAPPENED?

The Denmark international linked up with the Red Devils as a free agent in 2022, with serious health concerns being put behind him. The classy midfielder penned a three-year contract at Old Trafford, which has a little under 12 months left to run.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ERIKSEN SAID

Eriksen was restricted to 28 appearances last season, and only 12 Premier League starts, but he has said of his immediate plans as speculation regarding a return Amsterdam rages: “I have one year left so for me I am a United player. I haven't been told leave or extension, so in that sense I have one year left on the contract and I feel good, my family is feeling good living in Manchester and United is a nice club. In terms of the football you want to play as much as possible. But also you think in terms of: 'How do I see myself? How do I fit into the team?' And in those terms I feel good. I feel that I am in a good place.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

United are currently on tour in the United States, with Eriksen enjoying this trip more than one from 2023 – when Erik ten Hag’s side trained in New Jersey and San Diego and flew out to games in Houston and Las Vegas. With the Red Devils now based in Los Angeles, Eriksen added: “There were a lot of flights in between, there were a lot of short trips for one or two days in this city and then the next one. It did feel like a lot of stuff was going on in a very short period. This is also going to be a lot of stuff, but it does feel different already. If we speak next year or in two weeks' time maybe I can say it was better or worse, but it's feeling better.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

United, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at SoFi Stadium, have friendly dates with Real Betis and Liverpool to come before returning to England for the traditional Community Shield curtain-raiser against arch-rivals Manchester City on August 10.

England’s established opener will walk out alongside a familiar face in Mount Maunganui

George Dobell in Mount Maunganui18-Nov-2019Rory Burns has only played a dozen Tests but looks set to link-up with his fifth* opening partner later this week in Mount Maunganui. But this time, at least, there will be a familiar face at the other end when he takes strike.While Dominic Sibley may have left Burns’ county, Surrey, a couple of years ago, the pair played a huge amount of cricket together as they were growing up. As well as providing many lifts to training and matches, Burns was also at the other end when Sibley made his Surrey debuts for the first-team and the seconds, as well as his debut in an England shirt last week in Whangarei. (Indeed, it is probably a reflection of England’s reliance upon private schools that three of England’s last four openers – Burns, Sibley and Jason Roy – all attended Whitgift.)ALSO READ: England settle for draw in tour matchAs a result, Burns is well placed to offer a view on Sibley’s capabilities as opener.”I’ve known Sibbo for – we were trying to work it out the other day – since I was 12 or 13,” Burns said. “I don’t really remember him at school because I left Whitgift at 16. But I remember seeing him down at academy stuff, Surrey stuff and he only lives a town down so I gave him a lot of lifts when he was coming through in the second team. I remember driving him to most of those games. I won’t have to drive him to this week: we’ve got the coach”It would be a pretty cool feeling to open with him on his Test debut, too. I’m very proud of him to have got to where he has, particularly having left Surrey and doing what he’s done at Warwickshire. That’s a testament to him as a character.”He showed all his attributes: his determination and his character to bat for days at a time, to put up the weight of runs he did and to bat the number of balls he did in tricky conditions you get in county cricket with a lot of assistance for bowlers a lot of the time. He’s earned his spot.”While Burns is somewhat defensive of Roy’s record – and not just because Roy served as one of his best men only a few weeks ago (Surrey seamer Matt Dunn was the other) – he accepts that Sibley may be more obviously suited to the role of Test opener.”Obviously Jason’s main grounding is white-ball cricket, but his red-ball cricket is very good as well. I don’t think we can judge him on his Test career batting out of position,” Burns said. “But I think him and Sibs’ styles are slightly different. Sibs is more traditional in terms of opening the batting in red-ball cricket because that’s where he’s learned most of his stuff.”His concentration levels and determination to go about that process are his strong points. He likes batting time, he can bat days at a time and he’s willing to grind bowlers down and not necessarily race away at the start of an innings. He’s willing to build an innings and wait for people to come to him and pick them off when he can. Sibbo was the standout batter in the country regardless of position.”Dominic Sibley removes his helmet on reaching three figures•Getty ImagesThere is little doubt Sibley has earned this opportunity. He not only scored more than 300 more runs than any man in Division One of the Championship in 2019, he faced more than a thousand deliveries more than anyone else in that division. But the New Zealand bowlers will have noted that he was struck on the grille of the helmet by an excellent short ball during the game against the New Zealand A side and flashed at one outside off stump a few minutes later. More short balls are likely.As for Burns, he is probably as established as any England opener since the years of Andrews Strauss and Alastair Cook. He has already achieved something Cook never could – a century in a home Ashes series – while his tally of runs in that series (390) also surpassed anything Cook ever achieved against Australia at home. Bearing in mind how tough opening the batting was in the summer of 2019 – David Warner averaged 9.50, remember – his average of 39.00 was a fine effort.He has also looked an asset in the field, taking some sharp catches in the cordon, and there have been early whispers that he could, one day, emerge as a leadership contender.”You’re never truly settled because there’s always another Test coming,” Burns said. “New Zealand have got a fine bowling attack to try and expose any weaknesses in your game. It’s a summer to build on for me, but at the end of it there were a few scores I left out there. So there’s a lot to keep improving upon.”There sure is. But, in picking two specialist openers to combat the new ball, England are, at last, giving themselves the best opportunity to improve in New Zealand.*Oh, and just in case you are wracking your brain trying to remember Burns’ Test opening partners, they are: Keaton Jennings, Joe Denly, Jack Leach and Roy.

Manchester United fans have slammed the club for the deal to sell Donny van de Beek for a fraction of the cost they paid for the Dutch midfielder.

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• Man Utd to sell van de Beek
• Fans slam 'disaster' deal
• Midfielder to play Champions League

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Girona have agreed a deal with United to sign van de Beek in a move that would end the former Ajax player's nightmare spell in Manchester. According to Relevo, an initial €500,000 (£423,000/$542,000) fee has been agreed between the two clubs, significantly less than the £35m (€41m/$45m) they spent on Van de Beek in 2020.

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• Getty
  

  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  One United fan @utdscope posted on X was simple in his assessment. They said: "Disaster of a deal."

  Simon Walkden shared the sentiment, saying: "We are so bad at buying and selling players for good value."

  Fans could not believe the low fee. @UtdTata tweeted: "500k is just crazy."

  @Aig_space said: "Please ….this must be a joke"

  @LeLenchLALxUTD found the humour in the deal, saying: "Bro worth a bag of chip."

  Another fan, Christopher Skanes, was particuarly critical of the deal. He said: "He should be going for 10x that, at the very minimum."

  Not all United fans were unhappy, and @adam_dworak was able to find some positives. He said: "On one hand, it's funny, but on the other hand, it's better than nothing. Additionally, the club gets rid of his salary from the payroll."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the initial fee is low, Fabrizio Romano has shared further details about the figures involves and United will reportedly earn more than just half a million Euros when all is said and done, with 'easy' add-ons up to €4/5m and more on top of those.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VAN DE BEEK?

  Van de Beek will have a chance to rebuild his career and recapture his potential as he completes a permanent move to Girona. The Spanish side will also allow van de Beek the chance to impress in the Champions League just as he did for Ajax as he burst onto the scene.

There has been a suggestion that Tottenham have gone the extra mile to woo a summer transfer target.

Spurs set sights on new attackers for Postecoglou

Despite the abundance of wingers and forwards in their squad already, recent reports suggest that manager Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy wish to add another star wide player.

Tottenham think "pacey" striker is ideal for Ange, could now open talks

The Lilywhites apparently want a new forward.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 8, 2024

They're among the contenders to sign Wolves star Pedro Neto later this year (Fabrizio Romano), and it is believed they wanted to make a marquee winger move in January but didn't quite have the funds to facilitate it (Miguel Delaney).

They ended up bringing in Timo Werner on a loan deal from RB Leipzig, with his deal thought to include an affordable buy option. The German's start to life in north London has been solid, bagging a goal and two assists in the league so far, but his reputation as a wasteful finisher still precedes him.

He bagged his first goal in a Spurs shirt against Crystal Palace last weekend but squandered a glaring one-on-one opportunity, highlighting the weaknesses in his game.

Another more lethal attacking option that Tottenham have their eye on is Palace star Eberechi Eze. The £77 million Englishman has bagged six goals this season, and Spurs have been linked with a move for Eze by reliable media sources.

Suggestion Spurs have gone extra mile to tempt Eze

Journalist Tom Allnutt, making an interesting claim, suggests Spurs may have gone the extra mile to tempt Eze with a grand seat and nice day out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – with his family and entourage given the executive treatment last weekend.

“It was interesting to me that Eze and his entourage had basically a full box to themselves at Tottenham," said Allnutt on the Tottenham Way podcast (via TBR).

"I don’t know if that’s entirely normal for an opposition player to have a whole suite of their friends and family and presumably, a couple of agents. I know Eze belongs to Base who are an agency very connected with Spurs. But I did wonder if there was a bit of wooing going on there. I wonder if they gave Eze and his pack a very nice day out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. I don’t know, maybe that’s just me contemplating."

The 25-year-old's proven top-flight quality and status as a homegrown player makes him a very enticing prospect for Postecoglou. His personality profile has also been lavished by those who've worked with him before.

"I wish I could tell you that I taught him a lot but it is what he taught me," said Eze's former coach at QPR, Paul Hall, to Sky Sports.

"He taught me humility. He taught me to be patient with players and understand that it is a journey. He is definitely one of the best players that I have worked with. The best people, too.

Palace 3-2 Sheffield United

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Palace 3-2 Wolves

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Palace 2-3 Everton

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Palace 3-1 Brentford

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Sheffield United 1-0 Palace

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"I cannot think of anyone in football who has reached those heights and remained so humble. He never takes the glory for himself. He always gives the glory back to God. You cannot not like that. It is just so endearing and you do not really see that every day.

"He is the most beautiful person I think I have met in football. His family are so balanced and all nice people. I have never seen him lose his temper. He is really geared up to making it and not just making it but everyone being happy that he is making it."

Les Bleus' talisman was forced off in their opening game of the tournament on Monday, and his country now face a potential reckoning in his absence

This was surely a far cry from how Kylian Mbappe envisaged his return to the European Championship stage; yet to get off the mark in the continental tournament, he would have had Austria in his sights ahead of France's Euro 2024 opener. As it was, Les Bleus would require a first-half own goal to edge their Group D rivals, and their talisman was forced off after a sickening collision left him with a broken nose.

The French camp is now anxiously awaiting the prognosis of the injury, which may require surgery, with a blockbuster group-stage clash with the Netherlands to contend with on Friday. The worst-case scenario is that Mbappe will be sidelined until the quarter-finals, if France get that far, and he will need to wear a protective mask regardless.

But irrespective of whether he is available or not, the blunt performance against Austria demonstrated once again that the World Cup runners-up need their supporting cast to step up, and their skipper's potential absence will only intensify that need.

Getty ImagesFateful moment

Down the years, major tournaments have been punctuated by those moments on which a nation's fortunes can pivot; David Beckham's kick-out in 1998, Wayne Rooney's injury at Euro 2004, Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in 2006, Frank Lampard's 'ghost goal' at the 2010 World Cup, Luis Suarez's handball at the same tournament – the list goes on.

France now find themselves at a crucial juncture, and if they are unable to overcome their own deficiencies, then Mbappe's broken nose could be added to that list when all is said and done.

The moment itself seemed innocuous, but Mbappe's bloodied face told a different story. Rising to meet a cross in the dying embers of the game, the attacker inadvertently headed the shoulder of Austrian defender Kevin Danso after connecting with the ball, leaving him with a crooked, swollen nose and blood-stained shirt.

"He's got a really bad nose," France manager Didier Deschamps said after the game. "We'll have to wait and see, the medical staff are dealing with it. We'll have to see what's going to be done and then how long it will take. It's very bad news for us tonight. Obviously, the French team with or without him, this is not the same thing. I hope he can be there."

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesUncertain prognosis

An injury to one of the tournament's biggest superstars has inevitably led to speculation over just how long France's talisman will be absent for, with a group-stage showdown against the Dutch to come on Friday. The reported worst-case scenario is that he will be sidelined for up to 15 days – ruling him out of the rest of the group phase and a last-16 clash should France qualify as expected.

For their part, the French federation have confirmed Mbappe will undergo treatment, but the injury does not require surgery immediately. Instead the 25-year-old will be required to wear a protective mask when he is back on the grass.

"Kylian Mbappe has returned to the base camp of the French team. He will undergo treatment in the coming days, without undergoing surgery immediately. A mask will be made so as to allow the number 10 of the French team to consider resuming competition after a period devoted to treatment," the FFF said in a statement.

According to Mbappe will miss Friday's clash with the Netherlands at the very least having had his nose put back into place in the dressing room before being taken to hospital in Dusseldorf.

GettyFluffing their lines

Even before Mbappe's injury late in the game, France's performance exemplified the need for more from their supporting cast and that they cannot simply rely on moments of inspiration from their captain. Indeed, the only goal of the game came indirectly as a result of his clever play down the right flank; after he had evaded two defenders to reach the byline, his clipped, awkward cross was inadvertently turned into the net by Austria defender Max Wober.

The likes of Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembele were unable to shoulder the attacking burden, while Randal Kolo Muani was ineffective off the bench and fellow substitute Olivier Giroud spurned a good opportunity, too.

Thuram was a particularly guilty party, testing the goalkeeper from a tough angle but failing to make the most of two far more presentable opportunities inside the penalty area. Elsewhere, Griezmann couldn't stretch to get on the end of a fine cross, and Dembele's end product was typically lacking.

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GettyMbappe not blameless

That is not to say that Mbappe is beyond reproach, however, as the superstar could have single-handedly put a hard-fought contest out Austria's reach.

In first-half stoppage-time, the new Real Madrid forward was played in over the top by an inch-perfect, lofted through ball from Griezmann, but he was unable to bring the ball under his spell, as a poor first touch took him too close to the goalkeeper, who was able to pounce after standing his ground.

Mbappe's worst moment came early in the second period, though, as he was once again picked out over the top and sprinted through on goal. This time, despite having what felt like all the time in the world, Les Bleus' talisman contrived to plant his shot wide of the post, much to his own disbelief.

Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United were close to signing an international defender in January who has since moved elsewhere.

Leeds sign Connor Roberts

The Whites cut short Djed Spence’s loan spell from Tottenham last month, while also allowing Luke Ayling to head to Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season. That left Daniel Farke with hybrid right-back options in Archie Gray, Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton.

However, on deadline day, Leeds managed to secure the services of Burnley right-back Connor Roberts until the end of the season.

The Wales international already appears to have his eyes on a potential permanent Elland Road deal, with Roberts saying “Football's a funny game, so I'll be doing my very best to make a good impression on and off the pitch and maybe in the future it can change from the straight loan but yeah, at the moment it's just come here try and help on and off the pitch.

“The aim is to get promoted and whether that means me playing half the games, all the games, only a few games, it doesn't really bother me. I just want to want to be smiling with the rest of the lads come the end of the season.”

However, before Roberts arrived, it appears as if Leeds were close to signing a different defender.

Leeds were close to signing versatile defender

Hay shared a recap of Leeds’ January transfer business in a detailed round-up for The Athletic on Friday, including how Spence turned up late for the meeting where he found out his loan spell was being cut short.

In his report, the reliable Leeds journalist said that the club were close to signing Daiki Hashioka, who has since moved to England with Luton Town, with the Whites even going as far as drawing up the necessary paperwork.

“Earlier in the window, Leeds believed they were close to the signing of Japan international right-back Daiki Hashioka and had begun drawing up paperwork, only to swerve away from the 24-year-old after he picked up an ankle injury playing for Belgian side Sint-Truiden. The injury was minor but Leeds suspected there was a risk of a recurrence, clearing the way for Luton Town to take him for just under £2million ($2.5m).”

After joining Luton, manager Rob Edwards was quick to praise Hashioka, saying: “‘Hashi’ is a versatile defender who can play anywhere along the backline and, having met him I know he’s going to fit into the group really, really well.

“He’s got a great attitude and has a real desire to come and play for Luton Town. He understands we’ve got a good squad, and knows he’s got to fight for his opportunity. And he will – he’s really looking forward to the challenge of being here. He’s someone who is comfortable in possession, aggressive, and wants to defend. I’m delighted he’s with us.”

It is a case of what if for Leeds and Hashioka, so it’ll be interesting to see how he fares in the top-flight, especially if Leeds are up there with him next year.

Former footballer Massimo Brambati has claimed, after hearing from an agent friend, that West Ham have made a late January offer to sign a new transfer target for David Moyes.

West Ham enjoying busy end to January

This morning, West Ham finally confirmed the signing of England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips on a season-long loan deal with a rumoured option to buy.

Related All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

Posts ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

The 28-year-old comes in as technical director Tim Steidten's first winter signing, and will provide solid midfield depth alongside the likes of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek.

West Ham have struggled in the middle of the park when Alvarez in particular has been unavailable, so Phillips' addition not only provides an experienced partner for the Mexican, but also a quality alternative.

Widespread reports claim the Hammers are also attempting to strike a late deal for FC Nordsjaelland winger Ibrahim Osman. The 19-year-old, who is a product of the "Right to Dream" academy in Ghana like West Ham star Mohammed Kudus, is a pretty raw talent but Moyes' side have moved quickly this week as they aim to secure his services.

West Ham are currently in talks to sign Osman before February 1, while the likes of Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma could depart Rush Green to make way (ExWHUemployee).

It's been a busy last few days in east London as the club seek to back Moyes with fresh faces, and it's now believed West Ham have made a late offer to sign an unfamiliar name.

West Ham lodge late Valentin Carboni bid

According to Brambati, speaking to TUTTOmercatoWEB Radio this week, West Ham have bid £11 million to sign Valentin Carboni from Monza this month.

However, the forward wasn't too keen, and is said to have rebuffed the approach from them. Commenting on the futures of a few up-and-coming Argentine talents, Brambati explained:

"The truth is one: an agent friend of mine was in Riyadh for lunch with Ausilio, I know that West Ham offered 11 million pounds for Carboni, who is at Monza, but he responded in spades. For Soulè an offer arrived from Crystal Palace and Juve said no and 22 for Yildiz and he said no. It seems that Ausilio said that I'm alone, because Zhang hasn't been seen for six months. This is why Lautaro and the agent also have doubts about the ownership, the ones we have. Lautaro no longer asks for 6-7 million, if Haaland gets 30 maybe he he has a Real Madrid that gives him 15 or a City that gives him 17".

Valentin Carboni's best league games for Monza – 23/24

Match Rating (via WhoScored)

Frosinone 2-3 Monza

8.32

Monza 1-2 Juventus

7.30

AC Milan 3-0 Monza

6.56

Monza 1-1 Udinese

6.45

Verona 1-3 Monza

6.37

The 18-year-old has made 14 Serie A appearances this season, scoring two goals and assisting two others, but it appears West Ham have some convincing to do if they're to make another offer. Interestingly, Carboni has been likened to former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

Newcastle United's talks with an "exceptional" with £150,000-a-week player are now believed to be advancing, according to a fresh transfer update.

Newcastle want Tonali replacement

The Magpies have had to battle through adversity for much of this season, with endless injuries making it hard for them to replicate last year's form. The addition of Champions League football has arguably taken its toll on the squad, with many players being sidelined with fitness issues amid the uptick in matches.

Newcastle have also suffered the major setback of Sandro Tonali being banned for 10 months for betting offences, meaning he won't be back until early next season. That has heightened the need for a new midfielder to arrive during the January transfer window, with the Toon arguably looking a little short in that area currently.

Kalvin Phillips has arguably emerged as the frontrunner to head to St James' Park, having fallen completely out of favour at Manchester City. He knows that he needs regular minutes to feature prominently for England at Euro 2024, and he could be a regular for the Magpies.

Newcastle in advanced talks with Kalvin Phillips

According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Newcastle's talks with Phillips are now believed to be advancing as they look to get a deal over the line.

The report said: "Manchester City are in talks with both Newcastle United and Juventus regarding sending Kalvin Phillips out on loan, TEAMtalk can reveal. Eddie Howe is keen to add players to his Newcastle United squad in the January transfer window as his side battle for a place in Europe again to prevent their season fading into disappointment.

"One major source of frustration has been record signing Sandro Tonali receiving a lengthy ban. The Italian international is out for 10 months due to breaches of gambling rules whilst he was still at AC Milan.

"Newcastle are in advanced talks with Manchester City over the potential signing of the midfielder, with talks between the clubs moving in a positive direction. However, Juventus are also in the mix."

This is an exciting Newcastle transfer update, with the Magpies and Phillips feeling like a match made in heaven in terms of how they could suit each other's needs.

As mentioned, the £150,000-a-week 28-year-old will be desperate for a fresh challenge instead of warming the substitutes' bench every week, and he could provide Eddie Howe with the energy and quality that he so craves without Tonali around.

While Pep Guardiola appears happy to see Phillips leave City next month, the legendary Spaniard has still spoken highly of him in the past, saying:

"Kalvin is exceptional in many things. Why he doesn't play? Rodri is key for us. Never, ever makes one action against mates that play or trains bad. I'd love to give him as much minutes as possible."

Newcastle eyeing move to sign "fantastic" gem ahead of PL rivals for Howe

The Magpies could win the race ahead of Chelsea…

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 22, 2023

At this point, it would be a surprise if Phillips didn't end up joining Newcastle, and he could make such a positive difference in their top-four push in the Premier League.