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Newcastle United journalist Chris Waugh says he can’t see Steve Bruce’s position coming under threat ‘any time soon’. 

The lowdown

Newcastle find themselves in 18th place after following up a 4-2 defeat against West Ham United on the opening weekend with a 2-0 loss at Aston Villa on Saturday.

As Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder notes, the Magpies have now lost 13 games over the course of the calendar year, and only Southampton and Burnley have suffered more top-flight defeats since New Year’s Day.

Back in March, Bruce was able to survive after a 3-0 defeat to relegation rivals Brighton and Hove Albion left his side teetering just two points above the drop zone. He subsequently steered them to a 12th-place finish.

The latest

After the defeat at Villa Park, Waugh was asked by a supporter in a Q&A for The Athletic if Bruce’s job is ‘really ever going to be under threat’.

The journalist replied that he expects the hierarchy to maintain their policy of keeping faith in the manager, even to the point where it may not seem ‘wise’ to do so, saying: “The hierarchy stuck by him last season and have done with previous managers, perhaps beyond when was wise. I think they’ll do likewise this season as well.”

The verdict

There may come a point – perhaps if the long-mooted takeover goes through – that Newcastle need to dispense with Bruce to realise their lofty ambitions.

Realistically, he’ll probably guide them to a steady lower mid-table finish this season, and those in situ might simply be happy with that.

It’s also worth acknowledging that we are only two games into the new season, and there’s a week of the transfer window still to go, so the activity on that front over the coming days could alter the picture somewhat.

In other news, Lee Ryder was critical of this man’s performance against Villa. 

An update has emerged on Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Massimo Luongo, regarding interest in his services from abroad.

What’s the talk?

According to the Sheffield Star, Perth Glory are interested in signing Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Massimo Luongo before the end of the transfer window in Australia.

The report claims that the ex-QPR man’s current injury could prevent him from making the switch, although Perth are yet to make an official offer for his services.

Nightmare

Dejphon Chansiri must avoid a Sheffield Wednesday nightmare by refusing to part ways with Luongo in the coming weeks. The Owls chief must reject all offers for the Australian midfielder as he could play a key role for the club in League One this season.

Luongo is expected to return from injury in the next few weeks and hopefully, he can return to the side and continue to make an impact on the pitch for Darren Moore. He has already given supporters a glimpse of what he is capable of doing in the third tier, putting in a sublime performance against Rotherham last month.

The 28-year-old recorded a WhoScored rating of 8.33 as Wednesday beat Rotherham 2-0 away from home. He won two aerial battles, seven tackles, and one interception, whilst also making three clearances and a block. Going forward, he completed three dribbles and created one chance, whilst also being fouled twice.

This highlights the standard he is capable of reaching in League One and why keeping him at Hillsborough should be a priority for Chansiri in the coming weeks. Moore would surely be fuming if the owner decided to sell a player of Luongo’s quality with the season already well underway.

Ex-Owls boss Garry Monk lauded Luongo last year as one of the team’s top players in the Championship.

He said:

“I think he has been one of our best performing players in terms of consistency across all the games that he has played so far. He is a great lad. He is a quiet leader.

“I have asked more of him vocally to come out of his shell. I think you have seen in some of the games that he is no afraid to say what he wants to say. We need that and I have tried to encourage that.”

This goes further to shows how highly rated the £14k-per-week enforcer is, with Monk even praising him at Championship level. Luongo is a player who has the ability to help Wednesday get promoted and someone who could make the step up to the second tier should they achieve that aim.

With the transfer window now closed in England, Wednesday would only be able to dip into the free agent market between now and January, which is another reason why Moore will be fuming if Chansiri sells Luongo now.

AND in other news, 64% duels lost: Sheffield Wednesday dud with 0 key passes let Moore down in August…

Jesse Ryder has promised to repay the faith of the New Zealand selectors after he was chosen in the Test squad to tour Bangladesh

Cricinfo staff13-Sep-2008
Jesse Ryder is back in favour after embarrassing himself in a Christchurch bar earlier this year © Getty Images
Jesse Ryder has promised to repay the faith of the New Zealand selectors after he was chosen in the Test squad to tour Bangladesh. Ryder is likely to make his Test debut on the trip after playing his initial ODIs in February, the same month that he severely injured his right hand when he punched a bar-room window in a late-night incident in Christchurch.The long recovery meant he was unavailable for New Zealand’s tour of England and Ryder instead had to work his way back into contention via an Emerging Players Tournament in Australia. The selectors were impressed with his efforts as he captained the New Zealand side to the title, and Ryder said he was “stoked” to be back in the senior squad.”There definitely can be no more stuff-ups otherwise I’m gone,” Ryder told the . “I’m stoked they have shown faith in me so it is good to be back in there and hopefully I can establish my spot now.”Ryder said there would be no chance he would touch alcohol during the Bangladesh tour. “There will be nothing, I won’t be [drinking],” he said. “I’ll stick to what has been sorted for me by my support crew. Just one day at a time.”Ryder is likely to slot straight into the Test top order with James Marshall and Peter Fulton both overlooked for Bangladesh, having made the trip to England. Ryder was originally named in the ODI squad for England but his hand needed more recovery time, although he is certain it is now right.”The hand was fine through that [the Emerging Players Tournament], I didn’t have any problems,” he said. “I’m not feeling anything at all, apart from the odd bit of stiffness. There were no problems fielding in Australia.”

Leeds United have been handed a transfer boost in their chase to sign Wolfsburg star Josip Brekalo.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that the Croatia international is a target for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this summer as they look to bolster their options out wide.

German publication Kicker has now delivered a boost to the Whites’ chances of signing the 23-year-old, revealing that many of the clubs who like Brekalo actually do not have the funds required to complete a transfer.

The report adds that, while there is a long queue of admirers for him, Wolfsburg’s demands have put off most of the prospective suitors.

Helder Costa can now leave

Leeds’ interest in Brekalo is perfectly timed, with reports suggesting that Helder Costa could be on his way out of the club this summer.

Football Insider have reported in recent months that Jorge Mendes is working hard to find the Portuguese winger a new club, with La Liga said to be his preferred option, and that would leave a gap in Bielsa’s squad out wide.

Costa endured a nightmare campaign in the Premier League last term for Bielsa’s side, scoring just three times and providing only three assists in 22 top-flight games.

And, after a particularly disappointing performance against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, former Leeds man Noel Whelan slammed the winger, saying: “The one player that disappointed me was Helder Costa. Once again he was poor. There is something there that is not right because Poveda came on and did more in that short time than Costa did in the 60 minutes he was on the field.

“He is fourth in the pecking order in terms of wingers for me. Poveda has to come before him now. He plays it safe and he’s negative. For a player that cost £16m, I need to see a hell of a lot more from him. At least Poveda runs at people. He is positive and that is what a winger should do. Costa has been a massive flop. A real disappointment again.”

In Brekalo, Leeds would be getting someone who not only is exciting with the ball at his feet, but also has an end product to his game. The Croatian bagged seven goals and set up another three in 29 Bundesliga outings last term, including a superb hat-trick in his penultimate game of the season against Union Berlin.

Goal’s Bundesliga journalist Ronan Murphy offered his thoughts on the Croatian on Twitter, saying: “The less said about his off-field antics the better, as he should leave his on-field performances do the talking. Able to unlock defences and strong cutting in to shoot, he will torment defenders everywhere.”

Able to play on either flank like Costa has done for Leeds, the £26m-rated Brekalo could come in and be a fine replacement for the Portuguese winger, thus allowing the Whites to get rid of someone who just hasn’t produced the goods often enough.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have had a bid accepted for this player…

Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Santo is expected to favour a two-man attack when the new season gets underway in just over three weeks time.

That’s according to the Telegraph’s Matt Law, who claims that the newly-appointed head coach is seeking a proven Premier League centre-forward to lead his line alongside Harry Kane.

As a result, Southampton striker Danny Ings has emerged as a top priority for the 47-year-old boss but he won’t be easy to prise away from the south coast, even if he’s out of contract next summer.

The Saints will demand in excess of £20m for their leading talisman, justifiably so. He’s found the net 38 times in the last two seasons alone, taking his total to 55 in 140 top-flight appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Indeed, Ings meets the ‘proven’ criteria but should the Lilywhites risk investing such a substantial amount into an injury-prone 29-year-old?

Perhaps not. Instead, Nuno may well already have a potential solution to his problem right under his nose in Dane Scarlett.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-team-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

Of course, the 17-year-old is an immensely raw talent but glowing endorsements of his quality just do not stop flowing in around the club right now.

Former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is a massive fan of his, having granted him his professional debut last season – speaking in The Times, the ‘Special One’ tipped the teenager for international stardom.

“‘I know he’s still very young, just 17, and it is probably too early for the next World Cup, but Tottenham Hotspur have a striker in Dane Scarlett, who, if everything goes well, is going to be phenomenal. For England, there is lots of promise,” he said.

It echoes his previous comments, where he dubbed Scarlett a “diamond” with “incredible potential” to BT Sport (via talkSPORT).

“Dane has incredible talent,” claimed Mourinho, before later adding: “I don’t want that so I don’t want to speak too well about him. I just want to say that he will be 17 next month and I want him to be part of the first-team squad next season.”

Nuno has actually been getting a look at him throughout pre-season and he’ll surely be delighted with what he’s seen so far. The academy goal machine bagged against Leyton Orient and impressed from the bench against Colchester United.

Scarlett has scored 26 goals in 28 appearances across the U23 and U18 squads since his breakthrough, leading to Spurs legend Ledley King dubbing him a “natural finisher” before comparing him to Kane, via football.london.

On the above evidence, Nuno could well save chairman Daniel Levy at least £20m this summer by unleashing the 17-year-old gem.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops huge Spurs transfer claim…

Pakistan and Bangladesh face off for the sixth time in the last two months. Though Pakistan will be expected to win, beating Bangladesh at home may not be as easy

The Preview by George Binoy in Mirpur07-Jun-2008Match factsSunday, June 8
Start time 15.00 (local), 9.00 (GMT)
Will Sohail Tanvir have another standout tournament … © TigerCricket.com
The Big PictureThe tournament opener between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be the sixth time the teams are playing each other in the last two months. Bangladesh had toured Pakistan for five one-dayers in April, a series that the hosts won 5-0. Though Pakistan will be expected to win tomorrow, beating Bangladesh at home may not be as easy.While the rest of the world was besotted with the IPL, the Bangladesh players have spent their time training and trying to rectify individual weaknesses. Jamie Siddons, their Australian coach, said the practice sessions couldn’t have gone better. Whether their outstanding practice will translate into a match-winning performance remains to be seen.In such a short tournament, the result of every match is vital. The team that loses on Sunday will most likely have to depend on a three-way tie, unless rain intervenes, to progress to the finals. In such a scenario, the challenge for Pakistan’s players, many of whom featured in the IPL, is to readjust their playing styles from Twenty20 to one-day mode.Form guide – Bangladesh Last five matches: LLLLL (most recent first)
Player to watch: Despite Mohammad Ashraful’s woefully inconsistent performances, he remains Bangladesh’s brightest batting talent. His recent form has been poor – 416 runs in his last 20 innings – but coach Jamie Siddons says he’s been working on a new cut shot to play at deliveries he used to let go.Form guide – Pakistan Last five matches: WWWWW (most recent first)
Player to watch: Sohail Khan, Mohammad Asif’s replacement in the squad, picked up a record 91 wickets during the Pakistan domestic season, his first. He made his debut against Zimbabwe earlier this year and has taken four wickets in three ODIs. Also watch out for Pakistan’s biggest IPL flops – Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi.Team newsBangladesh have left out top-order batsman Nazimuddin and allrounder Mehrab Hossain jnr from their XII for tomorrow’s match, while uncapped Dolar Mahmud may have to wait on the sidelines.Bangladesh (probable): 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2 Shahriar Nafees, 3 Mohammad Ashraful (capt), 4 Raqibul Hasan, 5 Alok Kapali, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza, 9 Farhad Reza, 10 Abdur Razzak, 11 Shahadat Hossain.Pakistan have plenty of new players in their squad but they are likely to go with the tried and tested. Fawad Alam, the left-arm spinner and batsman, may get a look in if the pitch is on the slower side.Pakistan (probable): 1 Salman Butt, 2 Kamran Akmal (wk), 3 Younis Khan, 4 Mohammad Yousuf, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq, 6 Shoaib Malik (capt), 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Fawad Alam, 9 Iftikhar Anjum, 10 Sohail Tanvir, 11 Umar Gul.
… or will Bangladesh pull off an upset? © TigerCricket.com
Pitch & conditionsThe pitch is expected to be slow and Ashraful said a total of around 250 would be competitive. The weather, however, is a concern with June marking the start of the monsoon. It has been raining over the last week but on the eve of the match it remained largely dry, although dark clouds meant the pitch and outfield were kept under wraps.Stats and triviaShahid Afridi had a dud of an IPL, averaging 10.12 with the bat. With no specialist spinner in the side, Pakistan, though, will rely on his bowling – he had picked up 12 wickets at 16.33 apiece in the five-ODI series at home against the same opposition. Bangladesh’s batting is weakened by the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who’s gearing up for academic examinations. Shakib was their leading run-getter in Pakistan, and even scored a fighting 108 in the loss in Multan.Salman Butt amassed 451 runs in the home series, and would be looking to punish the Bangladesh bowlers yet again.Quotes”Obviously my performance in the IPL was really good. I want to carry the success to this tri-series to cement my place in the team. I recently started playing for the country. It is a big responsibility. I am improving day by day.”
Sohail Tanvir, the Pakistan left-arm fast bowler, who was by far the best bowler in the IPL.”On a given day we can beat any team. We are improving and have a strong bench strength, with youngsters raring to get the national call. We need more time to rise higher. Everyone is learning at the moment.”
Mohammad Ashraful, the Bangladesh captain, on his team’s future.”Not really. All our players average in the 20s or less. If one goes out, another one comes in with 20. My job is to make the ones averaging 20 average 35. If he was averaging 35 it would have been a huge blow for us.”
Jamie Siddons, the Bangladesh coach, on his team missing Aftab Ahmed

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce is an admirer of Manchester United defender Phil Jones but would prefer to take him on a free transfer rather than a loan, according to 90min. 

The lowdown

Jones last played a Premier League match a full 18 months ago, having been sidelined for the entirety of the 2020/21 season with a knee injury, but he is a vastly experienced defender with exactly 200 top-flight games under his belt.

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh reported earlier in July that signing a centre-back was one of Newcastle’s priorities this summer, and the prospective signing of Raphael Varane may well push Jones further down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The latest

According to 90min, Manchester United are said to be ‘particularly eager’ to find a new club for Jones this summer, so they could waive their right to a transfer fee. Newcastle are one of ‘a number of clubs’ interested in the 29-year-old, with Bruce ‘convinced’ that the player can still deliver at the highest level.

The Toon would be reluctant to allocate one of their two domestic loan slots to Jones, and even if the 20-time champions are indeed ‘prepared to let… [him] leave on a free transfer’ the Red Devils may have to pay a portion of his £110,000-a-week wages.

The verdict

To what extent would this deal be viewed as a risk? On the one hand, Newcastle may end up investing relatively little money in Jones.

On the other, if he is their only addition at centre-back, it’s a clear gamble. He will need to build back up to full match fitness, and even then there will be question marks over whether he can recapture his pre-injury levels given his record in that regard during his career.

The Magpies would be better off pursuing Jones’ team-mate Axel Tuanzebe, who Newcastle also like, if the money involved is reasonable.

In other news, this defensive midfielder wants to join Newcastle.

Brian Lara began the day against the Kenyan bowlers in unconvincing fashion before easing himself into the kind of form that makes some people rate him second to none with the willow.Scoring his 15th ODI ton – although perhaps not one he’ll treasure – Lara spurred West Indies on to a victory that will have helped salvage some pride after their loss against South Africa.The West Indies scored 261/6 and the Kenyans, despite a committed knock of 93 by skipper Steve Tikolo, could only muster 232 runs in their reply. Beating Kenya by 29 runs the men from the Caribbean will now have to pray that some miracle occurs when Kenya and South Africa meet. Tikolo’s team not only have to win, but must do so by a large margin.That Lara was not at his best was evident early on. The trademark shots, lashed with a slicing arc of the bat, appeared every now and then, but the ball did not disappear to the outfield as it usually does. As it turned out it was not a question of bad form. As soon as he completed his innings of 111 (137 minutes, 120 balls, eight fours, two sixes) he was examined by a doctor.Frequent breaks in his innings had suggested leg cramps, understandable in the unbearable humidity. But doctors were sufficiently concerned to rush the left-hander to hospital, where he will remain for tests and observation for 24 hours. An ICC release confirmed afterwards that he has suspected hepatitis.The Kenyans let themselves down in the field. The bowling was ragged and a more organised side than the West Indies would have made the Africans pay more dearly. Usually so athletic and agile, the Kenyans could hold on to their catches. No doubt coach Sandeep Patil will be organising extra fielding drills.Shivnarine Chanderpaul was one beneficiary. First when he had scored just three by Thomas Odoyo at fine-leg off the bowling of Martin Suji and later when a relatively easy chance at short mid-wicket was floored by Ravindu Shah. Tony Suji was the unfortunate bowler on this occasion.In the first game against South Africa, the Guyanese southpaw struggled, scoring 45 off as many as 98 balls. Today, he made 43 before falling to Maurice Odumbe – Kenya were let off lightly.But dropping Lara, however, is a different proposition altogether. When he was put down by Tony Suji at long-on Lara had 61 to his name. He made sure that the lapse cost Kenya an additional 50 runs.Even with a brisk opening partnership of 60 between Chris Gayle (33) and Chanderpaul, the West Indies found the going tough. Run scoring proved difficult, particularly against Odumbe’s off-spin. After 45 overs the score was a mere 204.Then came a spell of batting that made all the difference between the two sides.Wavell Hinds used the long handle to good effect smiting 20 runs off seven balls including a dramatic hit that sailed over extra cover for six. Fifty-seven runs came off the last five overs and West Indies had a respectable if not spectacular 261 to defend.When West Indies took the field, minus Lara, they had several points to prove. Mervyn Dillon would have been keen to snare a few wickets and restore his confidence after the game against South Africa where he conceded 16 runs including a wide at a crucial moment. It was, however, left-armer Pedro Collins who struck first, removing Kennedy Otieno for a duck.Ravindu Shah played some elegant strokes in his 27 but was undone by the leg-breaks of Mahendra Nagamootoo.Tikolo, widely-recognised as the best batsman in the world not to be playing Test cricket, dominated the Kenyan innings. Shoring up the middle-order with a 91-ball 93 he showed that Kenyans aspire to being competitive at the highest level. Inventive in his stroke play, he kept the scoreboard ticking over and the fielders on their toes until being cleaned up by a Dillon yorker. With dismissal of Tikolo in the 47th over the Kenyans did not have the resolve to go all the way and were all out for 232.

Tottenham Hotspur must beat their arch-rivals to the signature of Houssem Aouar this summer…

What’s the word?

French journalist Julien Laurens, who has appeared on ESPN and BT Sport, has claimed that Spurs have entered the race to sign the long-time Arsenal target.

He tweeted: “Being told that Tottenham have now also entered the race for Houssem Aouar. Arsenal are still keen on the Lyon playmaker but Spurs are in the conversation too now.”

Back in September 2020, the Gunners had a bid rejected by Lyon for their star midfielder, as per The Guardian, and evidently they have retained their interest in him this transfer window.

Get it done!

If the Lilywhites can beat their arch-rivals to the 23-year-old, then sporting director Fabio Paratici deserves a lot of praise as he’ll be signing someone capable of getting the club rocking again.

Spurs suffered one of their poorest seasons in recent times, slipping down to seventh in the table and missing out on a place in either the Champions or Europa League for the first time in over a decade.

Several midfield options also appear to be on the chopping block, including Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks, so there could certainly be a spot for Aouar to fill ahead of next season.

Valued at €30m (£26m), the French dynamo has been a regular source of goals and creativity from a deeper role, having provided 24 goals and 25 assists since the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

The impressive numbers don’t stop there as, throughout his entire career, Aouar has averaged 2.1 dribbles, 1.8 shots, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

It’s no wonder the Lyon maestro has been compared to Andres Iniesta – a player capable of pulling the strings from the no.8 role – as well as being dubbed “an exceptional talent” and lauded for his “special” qualities.

“I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time,” claimed Get French Football News journalist Adam White to Football FanCast.

“I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield. He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent.”

On the above evidence, Aouar could be a mouthwatering prospect in Spurs’ current engine room and as such, he could be the sort of signing to get fans excited after a dismal and negative 12 to 18 months.

Paratici must do all he can to secure the 5 foot 9 gem.

AND in other news, Paratici could secure Spurs’ best signing since Son with £34m-rated “absolute beast”…

England and India will host the next two ICC Champions Trophy’s, accordingto Malcom Speed, Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC).Speed, speaking at the launch of the ICC Champions Trophy 2002, which is tobe staged in Sri Lanka, confirmed that England would be the hosting countryin 2004, with India holding it in 2006.This year’s ICC Champions Trophy, formerly known as the ICC Knockout, whichwill be the third of its kind after earlier tournaments in Bangladesh 1998and Kenya 2000.Both those tournaments were straight knockout events – this time the tenTest nations plus Holland and Kenya will be spilt into four groups of threewith each team guaranteed a minimum of three games.The winner of each group will progress straight into the semi-finals.There will be 15 games in just 18 days with all the matches being played atColombo’s two premier venues: Sinhalese Sports Club and PremadasaInternational Stadium.Sri Lanka and Pakistan will kick off the tournament when they take on eachother under lights on September 12.”Every Test playing country is committed to sending their strongest teams tothe ICC Champions Trophy and this gives Sri Lankan fans the chance to seetheir hometown heroes take on the best players in the world,” said Speed.This year’s tournament will also see the wider use of technology, withumpires able to refer all decisions, including lbw appeals, to thetelevision umpire.The ICC are using the event as an experiment, trying to ascertain whether agreater use of technology will improve decision making without undulyslowing the game.”The ICC is going about it with an open mind,” said Speed. “We don’t want tomake the umpires robots, but are offering them the best use of technology toassist them in their decision making. Everyone wants to see that the rightdecisions are made. If it is not successful we will discontinue it.”The ICC hopes that all television decisions will be made within 20 seconds.The ICC Champions Trophy plays a pivotal role in the development of the gameby raising funds through the sale of media and sponsorship rights.The last tournament in Kenya raised US $ 13 million and the ICC areconfidant this will be surpassed this year, providing valuable funds for theglobalisation of the game.