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Fabio Paratici is looking to leave an instant mark on Tottenham Hotspur if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to InterLive, Spurs’ newly-appointed director of football is planning a double raid on Serie A champions Inter Milan, identifying Stefan de Vrij and Marcelo Brozovic as key summer targets.

It’s thought that the Italian is prepared to offer €47m (£40m) for the pair of them, with €25m (£22.5m) of that being on the Croatian midfielder Brozovic, who is out of contract in 12 months time.

Shades of Modric

Spurs are pretty stacked in the midfield department right now but the futures of several fringe players are up in the air, with the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks mooted with departures.

Brozovic would certainly be an upgrade on both of these players, so it’s no surprise to see Paratici interested.

The 28-year-old has been compared to legendary Premier League midfielder Frank Lampard due to his playing style, something that has since been reinforced by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho as recently as this week.

Inter’s industrious dynamo can start from deep in the engine room and make late runs into the box but also carries enough aggression and ability to be a nuisance for the opposition’s attackers.

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Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of Croatia’s Euro 2020 opener with England, Mourinho claimed:

“Brozovic is the top of the top. He’s a fantastic player,” he said. “Aggression but at the same time, great technique and arrival in the box and coming from a more defensive position.”

Brozovic provided two goals and six assists, and averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.4 key passes per game this season, via WhoScored – further highlighting just how good a box-to-box playmaker he is.

He has been said to have a “compass in the foot” by former boss Luciano Spalletti, so perhaps Spurs would be getting their next Luka Modric or at least a player of that ilk.

It’s hard to recollect a time that either of Winks or Sissoko turned a game on its head with pinpoint passing and vision, something that the Croatian brought to White Hart Lane for many seasons and what Brozovic would undoubtedly add to the current squad.

Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, Paratici must look to sanction this move this summer and if he does, Spurs’ team would once again be graced with the presence of an excellent Croatian midfielder, just like it was when Modric was running games at White Hart Lane.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal a dream signing in Spurs swoop for £45m-rated “monster”…

Leicestershire Foxes banished lingering relegation fears with a convincing five-wicket victory over Yorkshire Phoenix while among those looking likely candidates for the drop, Nottinghamshire Outlaws beat Somerset Sabres by 69 runs

Ralph Dellor18-Aug-2002
KevinPietersen – blistering innings
Photo CricInfo
Leicestershire Foxes banished lingering relegation fears with a convincing five-wicket victory over Yorkshire Phoenix while among those looking likely candidates for the drop, Nottinghamshire Outlaws beat Somerset Sabres by 69 runs. In Division Two, Hampshire Hawks had a five-wicket victory over Essex Eagles and Surrey Lions had their promotion prospects dented when Derbyshire Scorpions had a four wicket win at The Oval.Yorkshire Phoenix relied heavily on two batsmen to reach their total of 229 for six in 45 overs against Leicestershire Foxes. Matthew Elliott with 109 and Anthony McGrath (78) came together when the fourth wicket fell with the score on one, but they were not parted until there were 182 on the board. The Foxes got home with two balls to spare thanks to 85 from Darren Stevens and 60 not out from Mohammad Kaif.Kevin Pietersen set up the Nottinghamshire Outlaws’s victory over Somerset Sabres with an innings of 122 and not even the presence of Andrew Caddick in the attack could deny him his century. The bowling honours on the day went to Bilal Shafayat who took four for 35 as the Sabres were cut to pieces early on. They were 11 for four in not time at all and then, when they showed signs of a possible recovery, Shafayat stepped in to snuff it out.There were half centuries for Andy Flower and Darren Robinson in a solid Essex Eagles batting performance but the battle of the birds went the way of Hampshire Hawks as John Francis with 84 not out and a fifty from Will Kendall took the home side home with an over to spare.Only an innings of 78 from Mark Ramprakash held Surrey Lions together in the face of some steady bowling from the Derbyshire Scorpions attack. The total of 190, however, proved to be well within the Scorpions’ reach as they got to their target in 38.5 overs with five wickets in hand. Steve Selwood was top scorer with 50.

Test discard Faisal Iqbal was named Thursday to lead Pakistan ‘A’ in the forthcoming home series against Sri Lanka ‘A’

Khalid H. Khan13-Sep-2002Test discard Faisal Iqbal was named Thursday to lead Pakistan ‘A’ in the forthcoming home series against Sri Lanka ‘A’.The junior selection committee headed by former Pakistan skipper Zaheer Abbas also included all-rounder Azhar Mahmood in the 16-man squad, which was approved by the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Lt Gen Tauqir Zia.Faisal’s elevation to captaincy is a clear indication that he is being groomed for the future. He had previous experience of leadership at the junior level, first having captained Pakistan to the final of the inaugural Under-15 World Cup six years ago in England and then leading the Under-19s.However, as usual the selectors sprang a few surprises by ignoring the claims of Salim Elahi and wicket-keeper Atiq-uz-Zaman, both having played in Tests and One-day Internationals not long ago.The inclusion of controversial Junaid Zia, however, raises quite a few eyebrows.He had been reported for throwing on no less than four occasions in the Junior World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year by various umpires and match referees, including Asoka de Silva, the Sri Lankan umpire now on the ICC’s elite panel.Mohsin Kamal, now coach of Bangladesh, was assigned the task of rectifying Junaid’s suspect action.But the question arises how come there is sudden lack of depth in the pace bowling department that they were forced to call up someone like Junaid.At the same time, why the selectors decided to invite only a handful of pacers when the probables were finalized. Instead they flooded the list with as many as 11 batsmen, of which eight have been retained in the final squad.Therefore, Zaheer and his selection panel of Rashid Khan, Sultan Rana and Farrukh Zaman were left with no choice but to pick Junaid, after Mohammad Akram (opting for greener pastures in England) and Mohammad Zahid (fitness problems) were not considered.With the pitch at Faisalabad likely to aid quick bowlers, Junaid’s chances of finding a spot in the XI are bright because Abdul Rauf and Umar Gul are the only other specialist pacers.Umar Gul’s inclusion is thoroughly deserved. The Peshawar lad, who also represented the country in the Junior World Cup, is a fine prospect for top honours and he’s already held in high esteem by those who have seen him in action.Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan is almost certain to miss out in the presence of Azhar Mahmood, now fighting to regain form and reviving hopes of joining his senior team colleagues.Zahid, meanwhile, will be considered for the second ‘Test’ if he regains full fitness by then. Otherwise, the injury-prone fast bowler may only feature in the three-match one-day series.Qaiser Abbas, the left-handed all-rounder, Yasir Arafat, Kamran Sajid and young wicket-keeper Amin-ur-Rehman have been listed for one-dayers.The Sri Lankans, led by Test all-rounder Thilan Samraweera, arrive Saturday. The four-day ‘Tests’ are slated for Faisalabad (Sept 17-20) and Multan (Sept 23-26), followed by one-dayers at Multan (Sept 28), Faisalabad (Oct 1) and Lahore (Oct 2).Pakistan ‘A’ squad: Faisal Iqbal (captain), Imran Farhat, Taufiq Umar, Hasan Raza, Naved Latif, Yasir Hameed, Bazid Khan, Asim Kamal, Azhar Mahmood, Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Rauf, Junaid Zia and Irfanuddin.

Last month, Celtic supporters were rocked by the news that David Turnbull could take his career south of the border after just a year at the club.

He wouldn’t be the first Hoops player to do that, nor will he be the last. However, the fact that he didn’t earn a single minute of action at Euro 2020 should help the club’s cause.

An impressive tournament for the 21-year-old with Scotland will have sent scouts into overdrive but he merely sat in the shadows, still awaiting his second international cap.

Considering the Bhoys are set to lose Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer, this may come as a relief.

Turnbull was their most notable player last term and in the course of scoring ten goals and registering eight assists, he was named Celtic’s Player of the Season.

His numbers were eye-catching for a side who played the vast majority of the campaign without a proper winger.

Mohamed Elyounoussi found the net on 17 occasions but played a lot of his football as a centre-forward next to Edouard.

Attacking midfielder Ryan Christie was forced to play in an unnatural position on the flanks as James Forrest sat out with an injury. Sadly, that role for Christie didn’t go according to plan.

Very rarely did the Scot get in behind, instead favouring to come short and cut inside. He found the net 13 fewer times than he did in 2019/20, exacerbating the need for a direct winger.

Fortunately for Celtic and Turnbull’s creativity, they could find the answer to their woes this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-transfer-news-posetcoglou-ryan-delap-wyke” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

The Hoops are in a chase to sign Fenerbahce winger Bright Osayi-Samuel but face competition from rivals Rangers after they reportedly lodged a bid this week.

His arrival at Paradise would be a brilliant piece of business. Described as a player who “terrifies defenders” by QPR boss Mark Warburton, he is also known for his “blistering pace.”

The 23-year-old showcased that regularly last term, completing 2.8 dribbles per game on his way to registering eight goal involvements.

During his first 12 months at Celtic, Turnbull was a creative marvel but wasn’t afforded the opportunity to play balls in behind with his perfect weight of pass. One of the rare occasions we did get to see that in action was on the penultimate weekend of the campaign.

Karamoko Dembele raced in behind against St Johnstone and then latched onto a brilliant through ball by Turnbull to find the back of the net. Dembele may be ready for more first-team minutes this season but Osayi-Samuel is proven.

The idea of seeing Celtic’s star man sliding balls into a player who is so dangerous for the opposition is a mouth-watering thought.

If the Hoops want to score more goals then that method is certainly one Ange Postecoglou and Dominic McKay should entertain.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon delivers exciting Celtic transfer update, fans should be delighted…

SYDNEY – Beleaguered Test batsman Mark Waugh says he is confident he cando well against England in the coming Ashes series if the Australianselectors give him the opportunity to play.

AAP24-Oct-2002SYDNEY – Beleaguered Test batsman Mark Waugh says he is confident he cando well against England in the coming Ashes series if the Australianselectors give him the opportunity to play.Waugh returned to Australia this morning with his position undercontinued scrutiny after averaging just 20 in the three-Test seriesagainst Pakistan.But the middle order batsman believes he’s playing as well as hisbrother, Test captain Steve, who scored a century in the final Test.”I’m batting well enough. In the first Test, I let a good chance slip bythere in making 55 and the Tests in Sharjah – they were pretty goodbatting wickets,” Waugh said.”I was a bit disappointed not to make runs, especially in the last Testbut these things happen.”Asked if his form merited selection for the opening Ashes Test, Waughreplied: “you’re asking the wrong person, I’m not a selector, I’m aplayer.”Fast bowler Brett Lee, whose position is also under fire after a leanseries against Pakistan, said he was happy with the way he bowled in thefinal Test and it was just a matter of him being patient.Meanwhile Australian one day captain Ricky Ponting said he expectsEngland to be “cherry ripe” by the time the first Test in Brisbanestarts in two weeks.England lost its opening tour match by 58 runs to an ACB chairman’s XIbut Ponting believed they would improve considerably with a few moregames.

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as a fresh update emerged on Rafael Benitez.

As per Sky Sports, the former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle boss is set to be appointed as the new manager at Goodison Park as early as next week.

He has agreed key aspects of his deal with the Toffees as they provisionally plan to confirm his arrival on Tuesday.

It is not surprising at all to see so many Evertonians strongly against his imminent appointment, given his past connections with Liverpool, with whom he won the Champions League back in 2005.

The Spaniard also previously called the Blues a ‘small club’ after a draw in the Merseyside derby in February 2007, and it seems that many Toffees fans have not forgiven him for that.

Everton fans on Benitez manager update

These Everton supporters fumed as the update on Benitez was shared across Twitter, with one accusing club owner Farhad Moshiri of being “absolutely clueless”:

“If Rafa becomes #Everton Manager, I’ll park my support into the deepest underground garage on earth until he’s gone. …and I know I am not alone…”

Credit: @SoccerExc

“Moshiri is absolutely clueless in how to run a club”

Credit: @scoobyefc

“Will be the same situation @Everton in 15 months, with another veteran manager coming in for a big paycheque and zero planning for the future. Don’t understand the club any more”

Credit: @R_Cog

“We’re an actual circus of a club. If Twitter thought I liked a rant before this season will be next level”

Credit: @MartinLobb6

“Oh god”

Credit: @wineandlemonad1

“Must visit Dr for anti angry meds”

Credit: @Phil16551649

In other news, find out what big transfer claim has been dropped about one Everton target

Opener Kamil Khan struck a whirlwind unbeaten century as Rafiq Shirazi Memorial CC trounced Asghar Ali Shah CC by 105 runs in the Aga Khan Gymkhana Ramazan Cricket Tournament at AKG Ground here Monday

Sports Reporter12-Nov-2002Opener Kamil Khan struck a whirlwind unbeaten century as Rafiq Shirazi Memorial CC trounced Asghar Ali Shah CC by 105 runs in the Aga Khan Gymkhana Ramazan Cricket Tournament at AKG Ground here Monday.Right-hander Kamil hammered 123 off mere 66 deliveries and dominated the innings throughout.Wasim Naeem hit 57 off 42 balls with six fours while adding 134 for the first wicket with Man-of-the-Match Kamil, who stroked 11 fours and as many as seven sixes.Kamil’s brilliant cameo enabled Rafiq Shirazi Memorial CC reach 247 for two in their allotted 25 overs.Asghar Ali Shah CC, in reply, mustered only 142 for seven in 25 overs. Brothers Kamran Hussain, the left-hander, and Turab Hussain scored 32 and 31 respectively.Leg-spinner Zafar Ali bowled tightly to capture three for 19 in five overs, including one maiden over. Off-spinner Saif Khan chipped in with two for 12.Summarised scores: RAFIQ SHIRAZI MEMORIAL CC 247-2 in 25 overs (Kamil Khan 123 not out, Wasim Naeem 57, Imtiaz Safdar 29, Shahid Dawood 26 not out).ASGHAR ALI SHAH CC 142-7 in 25 overs (Kamran Hussain 32, Turab Hussain 31; Zafar Ali 3-19, Saif Khan 2-12).Tuesday’s fixture: Total Energy v Mohammad Hussain CC at 1.00pm.

Manchester United fan and social media influencer Mark Goldbridge got plenty of Aston Villa fans talking on Tuesday with his comments on Jack Grealish.

A number of Villa supporters were quick to give their immediate thoughts after the Youtuber suggested the AVFC captain ‘should be wearing a United shirt’.

Grealish once again impressed on the international stage, with his influential display off the bench helping England into the quarter-finals of the European Championships following a 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley.

The 25-year-old played the pass for Luke Shaw to set up Raheem Sterling to open the scoring before setting up captain Harry Kane late on to seal the win.

Goldbridge posted this on Tuesday evening on Grealish, claiming he should be wearing a United shirt.

“Grealish should be wearing a United shirt. He thought he was coming to United and we bottled it by going for the cheaper option as ever”

It seems to be quite the turnaround from Goldbridge, whose post last year appeared to point at a preference for a deal for Donny van de Beek over the Villa man.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Goldbridge’s Twitter post last night, with one describing it as ‘weird’.

“Keep crying mark once a villan always a villan”Credit: @Rio_Wickham”this guy”Credit: @domwrighht”What a weird tweet. About to sign yet another deal with the club he is so desperate to leave BTW”Credit: @DonCorl38152157″Ha ha ha ha ha ha what a joke UTV”Credit: @PhilCookes”Cringe”Credit: @HarryUTV”HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA”Credit: @maxavfclove

In other news: Villa interested in Man Utd defender, find out more here. 

Kerala fought back in their second innings after conceding a three-run lead to Goa at the end of the third day of the plate group encounter being played at Kochi

Staff Reporter15-Nov-2002Kerala fought back in their second innings after conceding a three-run lead to Goa at the end of the third day of the plate group encounter being played at Kochi. A century from new recruit Sujith Somasunder and a 54 from the other opener Manimandiran Sorab saw the hosts reach 245-4 when stumps were drawn.Earlier, Goa, who began the day at 195-8, made 214 in their first innings before being dismissed. The last man to be dismissed was No. 9 Sanjay Dahad who made 85.At Nagpur’s Vidarbha Cricket Association ground, Saurashtra’s last-wicket pair of Feroz Bambhaniya (50*) and Jolly Jobanputra (52), went on to add a further 45 runs as the visitors managed to gain a 12-run over Vidarbha. With the hosts struggling in their second innings – they were 148-8 when the third day’s play ended – Saurashtra now seem poised to register an outright win.The Air Force Station ground at Delhi, meanwhile, saw Services middle-order batsman Yashpal Singh make a swashbuckling 240 off just 342 balls. Yashpal’s contribution and a 120 from the other overnight not out batsman Jasvir Singh ensured that their team reached 491-8 declared in their first innings.Tripura, in reply, had made 304-8 thanks in main to a 83 from opener Riteesh Jaiswal and a 45 from Subal Chowdhury. After the duo’s dismissal, Gourpada Bhanik (38*) and Sujit Roy (35*) ensured that Tripura retained the slimmest chance of gaining the first innings lead with an 75-run partnership for the unbroken eighth wicket. Off-spinner Sanjay Dhull, playing in only his second match, was the most successful bowler for Services with a haul of 4-92.

Manchester United reportedly want to make two further summer signings after they secure the signature of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

What’s the story?

According to well-known journalist and transfer expert Duncan Castles, the Red Devils are lining up a central midfielder and a right-back after the proposed arrival of Varane.

United recently announced the purchase of Jadon Sancho in a £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears to be intent on making further additions to his first-team squad.

Fans will be delighted

Speaking on a recent episode of the Transfer Window podcast, Castles disclosed where the Old Trafford outfit are looking to strengthen over the coming months.

“They have Sancho secured with Dortmund, apart from fine details, and ready to start pre-season as soon as he can after England’s European Championship campaign,” he said.

“Solskjaer’s been provided with an incredible degree of attacking resource. He’s been provided with a huge amount of money to improve in defence.

“He has a midfield where a player like Donny van de Beek, who was wanted by Real Madrid, is barely used last season. (He) still wants other reinforcements in midfield and right-back as well,” added Castles.

Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has been strongly linked with a move to United in recent days, while Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier is thought to on Solskjaer’s wish list for the right-back position.

It remains to be seen whether the 20-time English champions can secure their first-choice transfer targets ahead of the upcoming campaign, but news that they’re targeting three more signings will surely delight the club’s supporters.

The Red Devils have undoubtedly made progress under their Norwegian boss, securing consecutive top-four finishes since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement under his tutelage, but they’re also enduring their longest trophy drought in over 30 years.

Signing star names such as Sancho, Varane and Camavinga will bring an added pressure to the red half of Manchester next season, and the pressure to secure some silverware will be much greater than in recent campaigns.

And, in other news…Concerning update emerges over MUFC’s pursuit of £38.5m “leader”, Ole may be gutted