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Former Manchester City defender Michael Ball reckons a switch to the Etihad Stadium could hinder Antonee Robinson’s career.

According to The Mirror, the Premier League champions are targeting a move for the USA left-back, who was recently relegated with Fulham.

Robinson joined the Londoners from Wigan 12 months ago, although that deal only came around soon after the 24-year-old had seen a sensational move to AC Milan collapsed in January 2020.

But the defender put the disappointment of that failed transfer behind him to feature 28 times in the Premier League for Fulham in what was his first taste of top-flight football.

And the flying winger is now on the radar of Pep Guardiola, who’s still not been able to find a settled left-back despite having the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo, who is predominantly a right-back, at his disposal as potential options.

But former Citizen Ball doesn’t think he would play regularly at the Etihad and has advised Robinson to decide against a possible move.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“I don’t think a move to Manchester City would help him. I think he needs to stay at a team to develop, gain experience and play week in, week out.

“Of course, he will like the links, but will he play week in, week out? I don’t think he will, so it would hinder his career.”

Ashley Giles has threatened to take legal action over comments that there is a conflict of interest between his roles as Warwickshire’s director of cricket and an England selector

Cricinfo staff02-Oct-2008
Warwickshire earned Championship promotion with Ashley Giles in charge © Getty Images
Ashley Giles has threatened to take legal action over comments that there is a conflict of interest between his roles as Warwickshire’s director of cricket and an England selector.”I have never used my position as an England selector to tell players that their prospects of playing international cricket will be enhanced if they join Warwickshire,” Giles told the . “I have done everything above board. I have spoken to Hugh Morris, the managing director of England Cricket, and believe that I have his full support and I hope that will continue.”But if people start making statements about me they should be careful. If I feel their claims are ruining my reputation and becoming defamatory then I shall seek legal advice.”Derbyshire have become the latest county to complain about the influence Giles can have when he is searching for new players because of his England role.”Along with several other counties, we feel there is a definite conflict of interest,” Tom Sears, Derbyshire’s outgoing chief executive told the . “It is not appropriate that Ashley Giles is a national selector and a county’s director of cricket.”Hugh Morris said he would look into it. We weren’t the first county to raise our concerns and we won’t be the last. Middlesex, Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire all share our views.”However, the only major player who has agreed to join Warwickshire is Rikki Clarke, after leaving Derbyshire with a month of the season remaining. The club did make official 28-day approaches to a number of other players, including Gloucestershire’s Alex Gidman, but nothing has come of them.

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has been blown away by a transfer claim involving Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane and Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

The Lowdown: City pull out all the stops?

As August 31 approaches with time running out to land one of their top targets in Kane, reports have recently detailed that City could pull out all the stops to finally sign him.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Sky Blues are ‘really pushing’ for him while the Daily Mail highlight just how far they are willing to go.

The Mail claim that City could now offer Spurs the chance to sign Bernardo in a swap deal for Kane and it is believed, in terms of cash, they could also go as high as £130 million.

The Latest: Campbell blown away…

Speaking to FI, reacting to this news from the Mail, Campbell has been blown away by the ‘huge’ update and believes signing Bernardo in exchange plus £130m would be a ‘great deal for Spurs’.

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“Wow, now that would be a great deal for Spurs,” explained the former Premier League striker.

“That is for sure because Bernardo Silva is a fantastic player.

“The question is, will Spurs bite? That is the key. I don’t think Daniel Levy is going to make compromises over this one.

“£130million plus Silva is a lot of money plus a top player. Now if that does not get the juices flowing for Spurs, I really do not know what will. Huge.”

The Verdict: Bang on the money…

Landing a player of Bernardo’s calibre whilst receiving a nine-digit fee would be a major offer and one chairman Daniel Levy would be foolish not to consider.

Kane, at 28-years-old, is slowly but surely approaching the twilight phase of his career – with there being an argument that Spurs should cash-in while they still can.

Given the player’s own desire to leave and Tottenham’s need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy, not entertaining a generous offer of that ilk would be questionable to say the least.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘Buzzing’, ‘Game changer’…Tottenham fans erupt as ‘beautiful’ news confirmed, find out more here.

Chris Adams refused to comment on speculation that he was set to retire, saying he ‘hoped to remain at the club in some capacity’ next season

Cricinfo staff27-Sep-2008Chris Adams’ last act as Sussex captain was to ensure that the county he guided to three Championship titles in five seasons start the Michael Yardy era in the top flight.Adams’ 11-year tenure has produced eight trophies, and the warmth with which he was applauded to and from the middle by a large Hove crowd spoke volumes about how he is regarded in these parts.Although he has one year left on his contract, there remains speculation that today’s breezy run-a-ball 35 would be his last innings, and he refused to say anything other than he “hoped to remain at the club in some capacity” next season.He has made no secret of his desire to move into administration, and the departure of Sussex’s chief executive Gus Mackay to Surrey earlier this month heightened rumours that he was being lined up as his successor.”I have no offers for any job at the moment,” he told The Argus. “At the moment my only option is to carry on playing, there is nothing at this time which will stop me from doing that. But I know that in cricket things can change quickly. I will be applying for the chief executive’s job here and other things might happen, we’ll just have to wait and see.”Referring to his successor as captain, he said that he “would have hated to see someone coming in from outside”, and the same views might be applicable to the chief executive’s vacancy. The coming weeks are likely to see some intense behind-the-scenes negotiations.Looking back on his time as captain, Adams said he didn’t want people to feel sad at his going. “This is an exhilarating time as we have so much to look forward to. Peter Moores and I said we wanted to create the team of the decade, and I think we just about achieved that. The challenge is now to take that into another decade and drive forward.”

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has hailed Toby Alderweireld’s official exit from Tottenham Hotspur to Al-Duhail whilst explaining why it is an ‘exciting’ move.

The Lowdown: Alderweireld bids farewell…

Following winger Erik Lamela out the door, defender Alderweireld has now officially waved goodbye to Spurs after six years in north London.

The Belgian signed for Tottenham in the summer of 2015 from Atletico Madrid and went on to make 236 appearances in all competitions for the club (Transfermarkt).

Managing director Fabio Paratici is in the midst of a major summer rebuild at Spurs with Alderweireld now becoming another player to part ways.

The Latest: Robinson hails move to Qatar…

Speaking to Football Insider amid this big exit news, Sky pundit and former Spurs keeper Robinson believes this is an exciting opportunity for Alderweireld in the middle-east.

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Indeed, the ex-England internationals it could be ‘special’ to play in Qatar, especially during a World Cup year in 2022.

“I was working there throughout the Euros and the infrastructure that has been built is incredible so I understand Alderweireld’s move,” Robinson said.

“The stadiums, the training grounds and the football setup is top class. All of the stadiums there are connected by an electric rail and are purpose built for football. There’s no running tracks around them.

“If you had a chance to go there at a stage of your career, you would.

“The football isn’t great there, yes. But to have the opportunity to play there in a World Cup year will be special. I understand why he is making the move because it is a very exciting time to be over there.”

The Verdict: Unique experience?

Hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has been met with protests, controversy and scandals at the very highest level of football (The Times).

In that sense, you could argue Alderweireld’s choice to swap England for Al-Duhail will, at the very least, be a unique and eye-opening experience as he gets to witness first hand the tournament’s anticipation after years of build up.

However, the fact he has signed a contract until 2024 indicates he isn’t just there to experience the World Cup atmosphere, and you’d certainly expect it will be a lucrative move for the former fan favourite as he enters the twilight years of his career.

In other news: ‘Massive’, ‘Exactly what Levy wants’…Sky pundit also excited by Spurs stadium news, find out more here.

Noel Whelan believes that Celtic would be getting a good deal if they can garner around £15 million for the sale of Kristoffer Ajer to Brentford [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Incomings and outgoings expected at Celtic this summer

Fresh in the door at Parkhead, newly appointed Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou will be desperate to get his house in order ahead of a crucial upcoming season for his side.

Acquiring some high-profile talent will be essential for the Aussie to really kick this squad on and challenge Rangers, but moving top assets on to fund such transactions will also be a pressing priority for the 55-year-old.

The Latest: Whelan ecstatic as Celtic encounter potential Ajer windfall

One player who looks set to move on is 23-year-old Ajer, who was reported to be ‘close’ to a £13.5 million move to Brentford last week.

Likely to include add-ons within the agreement, pundit Whelan was ecstatic in his evaluation of recent developments surrounding the burley Norwegian in an interview with Football Insider, stating:

“I mean, wow, if they can get close to £15million for him, that will go a long way. That kind of money could be used to bring in a couple of top signings and Celtic desperately need new faces.

“I don’t like the way Ajer has gone about his business. It’s not good to have players at a football club who don’t want to be there. You cannot turn their thinking around.

“If they can get £15million it would be a good bit of business. It’s a very good price for a player who has just one year left on his contract.

“From Ajer’s point of view, he needs a move to the Premier League. He needs a change of scenery.” [Football Insider]

The Verdict: Ajer sale would be good business for Celtic

Upon reflection, the former Leeds United man is right to point out the need for Celtic to command a respectable fee for someone as talented as Ajer.

In 2020/21, the giant stopper was in excellent form, registering six goal contributions in 46 appearances for Celtic; two goals and four assists [Transfermarkt].

Impressing with his desire to dispose of dangerous situations at the back, the former IK Start defender averaged 3.4 clearances per game in the Scottish Premiership across the piece [WhoScored]. Full of experience for someone at such a young age, he has won eight trophies throughout his time in Glasgow.

Progressing forward, Celtic should look to complete the sale of the Norway international in order to avoid losing him for free in 2022.

In other news, a reporter has their say on the future of a Celtic talisman.

Manchester United have reportedly made their move for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, with the German giants now set for talks with their prized asset.

What’s the story?

According to SportBILD’s head of football Christian Falk, the Red Devils have offered the 26-year-old a more lucrative contract offer than his current club, although negotiations with the Bundesliga champions will now take place.

He tweeted: “Update Goretzka: @ManUtd offer @leongoretzka_ a higher salary than @FCBayern. The next round of negotiations with Bayern will follow”.

Goretzka’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2022, so he could leave Bayern on a free transfer in just 12 months’ time.

Fans will be buzzing

News that United’s hierarchy have made a formal approach for Goretzka will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing with excitement.

The £63m-rated gem has established himself as one of the world’s best central midfielders in recent years, scoring 25 goals and providing 27 assists in 112 appearances for Die Roten.

His powerful and energetic performances have caught the eye of several onlookers since his arrival at the Allianz Arena three years ago, including new Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who said: “Leon is one of the best box-to-box players in Europe. He has incredible goal threat and knows when to bomb forward.”

Goretzka’s domineering displays and impressive trophy haul of three Bundesliga titles, one Champions League crown and two DFB-Pokals have seen his stock rise exponentially in recent years, and United may view him as the perfect replacement for Paul Pogba.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in recent days, leaving United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to search for a potential replacement.

In Goretzka, the Norwegian would be signing a readymade heir for Pogba, and one who has proven himself to be a top-class operator and natural winner at the highest level.

Fans of the 20-time English champions will surely be urging the club’s chiefs to get this deal over the line irrespective of Pogba’s future, adding another quality addition to Solskjaer’s ranks as United plot their way back to the summit of English football.

In other news…talkSPORT drop intriguing Man Utd transfer update that should leave fans concerned 

Talat Ali, the Pakistan team manager, has played down the PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf’s remarks to the management

Cricinfo staff13-Jun-2008
Talat Ali: “This is not the first time that the chairman has written to the team” © Getty Images
Talat Ali, the Pakistan team manager, has played down the PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf’s scathing remarks to the management following the side’s 140-run defeat to India in the Kitply Cup. Ali said the media was making a big issue of Ashraf’s email which was leaked to the Pakistan press on Wednesday.”It happens every now and again,” Ali said of Ashraf’s email, which, among other things, criticised Shoaib Malik’s captaincy and fitness, and picked out Kamran Akmal for “unsporting behaviour” after he claimed a catch that he hadn’t taken cleanly.”There is nothing new to it,” Ali said. “This is not the first time that the chairman has written to the team. He has a right to ask me anything and it is nothing abnormal.”Ali refused to divulge details of the email and said it was a board matter. “When we win, we do analyse the victory and when we lose we analyse the defeat. It’s normal that people ask what went wrong with this kind of performance.”On Thursday the board sacked Saleem Altaf, a senior board official, reportedly after alleging that he has leaked sensitive information to the press. Though it seemed initially that the leaked email was the reason for his sacking, it seems unlikely to be the case.

With the Euros having ended earlier this week, typical silly season antics are back on the menu. During the massive European international competition, many transfer deals were held off, but now, with nothing but preseason friendlies on the calendar, the transfer market is getting back into the swing of things. With that, comes the rumors and speculation about where many of Europe’s top talents are going. In this article, we’ll go over five of the top potential transfers to watch out for. The transfer season is always an exciting time. If you’re looking to add some skin in the game, check out the outright betting options at Casumo!

Jadon Sancho

Dortmund’s explosive right winger caused a lot of heartache last year to the citizens (no, not that kind!) of Manchester, as after a drawn out transfer saga BVB Dortmund eventually pulled the plug. A year later, Manchester United have once again chased the 21-year-old right winger, especially after his respectable 36 goal contributions across all competitions in the 2020-2021 league campaign. Compared to last year’s demands, BVB Dortmund’s price tag on their young talent is greatly reduced: the current understanding is that the winger will likely cost around 80 million pounds sterling, compared to the 110 million pounds quoted last summer.

Erling Haaland

With a stunning 41goals and 12 assists across all campaigns, it’s no wonder the biggest players in football are eyeing the Leeds-born Norwegian centre forward. Reportedly, Champions League winners Chelsea, and Premier League winners Manchester City are interested, and certainly in need, of the prolific goalscorer. It’s often thought Haaland is Madrid bound, but as Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has said, moves like Haaland may not be in the cards for Los Blancos as they struggle to remain debt free in a post-COVID market. There is a possibility that the BVB Dortmund striker stays an extra year with the side, as next year, a 75 million Euro release clause may become active, making him much more affordable than the 150-million-euro price tag suitors are currently quoted. Further complicating a potential move for Haaland is his agent, Mino Raiola, who is demanding an exorbitant fee for any transfer.

Kylian Mbappe

Paris Saint Germaine’s star striker, Kylian Mbappe, has just one year left on his contract, leaving his parent club with an urgent situation: either sell now to reclaim some value from him, or retain him for one more year, and potentially lose him on a free deal, assuming he does not renew his deal. The President of PSG’s rather assured remarks insisting that it would be impossible to lose Mbappe on a free next year indicate a willingness on the part of the Parisians to keep hold of him, as well as a lack of desire to sell him, meaning Mbappe may be offered a behemoth contract to keep him playing at Le Parc des Princes.

Eduardo Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga, the Rennes wonderkid, is a primary target of the Red Devils this transfer session, especially as he has just one year left on his contract. They’re currently in the pole position for the French midfielder, but they have to act fast as both local rivals Manchester City and London based Chelsea have contacted the young star’s agent. Due to the club’s poor finances thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it’s looking increasingly likely that United will be able to snap up the player at a 25-million-euro steal.

Raphael Varane

The experienced, veteran defender Raphael Varane is linked to a move to the British Isles this summer, after having spent ten years with Los Blancos. Even though Varane is willing to wait an extra year to let his contract expire, Manchester United is likely to act fast to bolster their defense in order to mount a proper title charge. The current stumbling block is agreeing a transfer fee with Real Madrid, who are likely willing to sanction a deal to avoid allowing the defender to leave on a free transfer.

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced that Gerard Elias, QC, the Chairman of the ECB’s Discipline Standing Committee, has decided that no disciplinary action will be taken against Darren Gough over his recently reported public

Media Release13-Dec-2002The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced that Gerard Elias, QC, the Chairman of the ECB’s Discipline Standing Committee, has decided that no disciplinary action will be taken against Darren Gough over his recently reported public criticism of ECB Chairman, Lord MacLaurin. He has, however, today written a private letter to Darren Gough regarding his comments.The ECB also confirmed that Mr Elias was not asked to consider any aspect ofDarren Gough’s and Andrew Flintoff’s alleged behaviour at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre prior to the Ashes tour. The ECB has not received any formal complaints in this regard, despite newspaper speculation to the contrary.