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A century from opener Jai P Yadav and handy contributions from Harvinder Singh, Zakir Hussain and Shreyas Khanolkar helped Railways secure the vital first innings lead on the third day of the Irani Trophy

Staff Reporter01-Nov-2002A century from opener Jai P Yadav and handy contributions from Harvinder Singh, Zakir Hussain and Shreyas Khanolkar helped Railways secure the vital first innings lead on the third day of the Irani Trophy. The Ranji Trophy champions made 316, which gained them a lead of 50 runs. The Rest of India openers, however, made a strong start, wiping out the lead while putting on 84 runs for the unbroken first wicket before stumps were drawn.Railways made a poor start to the day when Jacob Martin was dismissed after having added just one run to his overnight score of 25. Yohannan, who dismissed the veteran batsman, went on to strike another vital blow when he removed No. 6 Raja Ali with the next ball. Khanolkar, who replaced Ali, managed to prevent the hat-trick, but by the time Yohannan had completed his over, Rest of India were on top with Railways being reduced to 136-5.Khanolkar’s confident outing with the bat against the West Indies, though, helped him to provide Yadav with the support he needed to resuscitate the Railways innings. The duo put on a vital 68 runs for the sixth wicket before Khanolkar was dismissed for 36.Yadav, for his part, went on to complete a well-deserved ton before he was eighth man out with the score on 209. At that stage, Railways were once again in danger of conceding a lead, but a hard-hitting 59 off 83 balls by Harvinder, an innings that included as many as five sixes, propelled them to 316 all out.Openers Akash Chopra and Wasim Jaffer, who had put on 90 runs for the opening wicket in the first innnings, continued the good work when Rest batted for the second time. The duo put on 84 runs before play ended. Chopra was batting on 41 while Jaffer was on 38.

Patrick Vieira will have no problem attracting big names to Crystal Palace, according to Carlton Palmer.

Former Arsenal captain Vieira succeeded Roy Hodgson as the Eagles’ new manager earlier this month.

His appointment came after chairman Steve Parish had initially been frustrated in his attempts to attract a new boss, having ended negotiations with Nuno Espirito Santo and seen former Borussia Dortmund chief Lucien Favre turn down the opportunity to move into the Selhurst Park dugout.

Vieira will have to lead a squad rebuild ahead of the new season kicking off next month after Palace allowed several players to run down their existing contracts.

Eleven players saw their deals expire at the end of June, although some may return following talks with Vieira.

Palmer, who won 18 England caps in his playing days, has backed Vieira to make some eye-catching new signings and also welcome some free agents to south London.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Palmer said: “Patrick is well-known in the game and has a good reputation. People will want to come and play for Patrick Vieira so if he can get one or two players in on frees and has £80million, he can use that wisely.

“I don’t think Patrick will be going out to sign anybody for £40million, but he certainly needs to bring in five or six players to strengthen the squad.”

Wolves are still said to be favourites to land Olympiakos goalkeeper Jose Sa, following an intriguing update by Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Lowdown: A busy start to Wolves life for new manager Bruno Lage

As Wolves prepare for life under Bruno Lage in 2021/22, there has been no shortage of discussion regarding the reshaping of their first-team roster.

On the one hand, star men Adama Traore and Ruben Neves have been linked with high-profile moves away from Molineux [Sportsmole].

Conversely, the West Midlands club are known to have been plotting advances for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale alongside Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

However, a new target has seemingly emerged in the form of the Olympiakos stopper.

The Latest: Wolves remain front-runners on one condition

As it stands, Wolves are set to be frontrunners despite competition from the likes of Atletico Madrid for Sa’s signature [Sport Witness], if Rui Patricio leaves.

That information has been shared by Sportime.gr reporter Chorianopoulos on Twitter, as he dropped the latest on the current situation, stating:

“According to @diarioas Jose Sa is in Atletico Madrid ‘s list (among 5 candidates). According to our sources at @sportimegreece Wolves are the favorites atm to sign Olympiacos GK if/when Rui Patricio leaves for Roma” [Sport Witness].

The Verdict: Sa would be a good replacement for Patricio

Losing current goalkeeping number one Patricio would be a huge blow to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Nevertheless, his prospective replacement Sa could be another excellent asset between the sticks, should he make the move.

Ever-present for Olympiakos this term, he made 44 appearances for the Greek outfit, achieving 19 clean sheets in the process [Transfermarkt].

Never afraid of the big occasion, his shot-stopping heroics earned him the Greek Super League goalkeeper of the year title in 2020 [90Min].

He boasts an impressive resume, having won two Greek top-flight titles and a domestic cup, alongside winning the 2017-18 Liga NOS with former club Porto [Transfermarkt].

At 28-years-old, there is every chance that Sa could be a dependable figure between the sticks for Wolves for years to come. As the club step up their summer recruitment drive, the Portugal international could be a quality replacement if Patricio is lured away.

In other news, Wolves fans react to a potential signing update.

An update has emerged on Crystal Palace target Tammy Abraham, regarding Aston Villa’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer and are facing competition from Aston Villa.

The report claims that Dean Smith’s side are expected to make a sizeable transfer offer for the Blues forward and Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he will not be part of his plans at Stamford Bridge moving forward, with Timo Werner preferred ahead of him in the pecking order.

Fans would love him

Steve Parish must ensure that he is able to seal a deal for Abraham ahead of Villa this summer as the Palace fans would love him at Selhurst Park. The English hitman is a proven player at Premier League level and could be the club’s starting number nine for many years to come, with Christian Benteke recently signing a two-year deal but heading into his 30’s.

Outside of Wilfried Zaha and the Belgian attacker, Ebe Eze was the next highest scorer for the club with four strikes in the league. This suggests that Palace are in desperate need of additional goal threats and Abraham could be exactly what they need, given his quality at this level.

In 2019, ex-Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand compared him to Ivorian legend Didier Drogba in how he holds the ball up and helps his teammates, highlighting the 23-year-old’s ability and showing why he could be a superb signing for the Eagles.

He told BT Sport, as transcribed by The Express:

“I saw elements in Tammy’s game today that I hadn’t seen as much that I’d have liked to. His hold-up play, coming to the ball and bringing others into play.

“First half, one ball went up to him, Didier Drogba-esque, chests it down for someone, runs on for the next phase – I think he’s developing nicely. He’s scoring goals, he’s scoring different types of goals and I think he’s a threat.”

The £50k-per-week beast has an impressive goalscoring record throughout his career. He excelled at Championship level whilst on loan to Bristol City and then Aston Villa, scoring 48 goals in 78 matches in the second tier.

Initially on loan at Swansea and then in the first-team at Stamford Bridge, Abraham continued finding the back of the net after making the step up to the Premier League. The towering centre-forward has scored 26 goals and provided eight assists in 89 top-flight appearances, whilst only starting 52 of those matches  – averaging a goal every two starts.

This is why Palace fans would love him at the club as he has a track record of scoring goals in this country. Therefore, he could be a safer option than a player who has never played in England and may not be able to adapt to the way football is played, making them a risky signing.

AND in other news, Parish must sanction Palace swoop for £13m-rated “technician”, fans would love him…

Stoke City are considering a move to take Corry Evans to the bet365 Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Michael O’Neill’s side are set to battle Cardiff City for the signing of the Blackburn Rovers defensive midfielder, who will become a free agent upon the expiry of his current contract at Ewood Park at the end of the month.

The report goes on to suggest that the 30-year-old could be a target to replace the club’s potentially outgoing midfielder Sam Clucas, who has been heavily linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion.

O’Neill must move

Despite having missed large spells of last season due to a number of injuries, Evans nevertheless put in a number of solid performances for Blackburn when he did make it out onto the pitch.

Indeed, over his 18 Championship appearances for Tony Mowbray’s side last term, the £360k-rated midfielder registered two assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.1 tackles, one interception and winning 2.3 duels per game – with these returns seeing the Northern Ireland international earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.74.

And, with Clucas appearing to be on his way out of the bet365 Stadium this summer, the £14k-per-week Evans could well be a solid and cost-effective replacement for the 30-year-old midfielder, and one who O’Neill will certainly know how to get the best out of.

Having made 66 appearances for Northern Ireland, a great deal of which came under the current Stoke boss, the previous relationship between the player and manager could well see Corry flourish following a move to Stoke, as well as being a factor that could help the Potters land the midfielder ahead of Cardiff.

So, it would seem as if the 30-year-old – dubbed a “fantastic” player by Mowbray – and Stoke would be something of a match made in heaven, leading us to believe that it would highly advisable for the club to get a deal over the line for the Blackburn man this summer.

In other news: Get him gone: O’Neill must ruthlessly axe “quality” £1.8m-rated Stoke flop this summer

With Rodrigo failing to deliver the goods last season, Leeds might be in the market for another striker this summer.

However, former Sheffield United frontman Dean Windass doesn’t think that Eddie Nketiah will be on Marcelo Bielsa’s wish list for a second time.

The Arsenal youngster spent the first half of the 2019-2020 season on loan at the Elland Road outfit, and impressed for the Yorkshire outfit, scoring five times in less than 700 minutes of first-team action. Given that he did only play less than 700 minutes, rarely starting, it makes Football Insider’s report about a potential return a surprise.

Due to that lack of game time, he was recalled by Arsenal in that January and became a regular for Mikel Arteta’s team until the end of the campaign.

But the striker’s opportunities were extremely limited last term, making just four Premier League starts and played a mere 104 minutes in the league after Christmas.

With Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang clearly ahead of him in the Arsenal pecking order, the 22-year-old might have to look elsewhere to get regular game-time.

But Windass exclusively told Football FanCast that Leeds won’t be that club:

“I think he will stay at Arsenal. He’s seen it, tried and tested it, he did very well, but I think there’s better players than him, and I think Arteta will try and get him in his team next season.”

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce could sign a new Allan Saint-Maximin in Independiente starlet Alan Velasco.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the Mapgies are credited with interest in the 18-year-old, but it’s fellow Premier League side Brighton who are looking to steal a march in the race to sign him this summer.

The report claims that Graham Potter’s side are preparing a new offer for the versatile winger after having their £6m bid rejected.

Newcastle’s new Saint-Maximin

After watching Saint-Maximin turn into a real fans’ favourite at St James’ Park thanks to his incredible skills and flashiness, the Magpies could find a younger version of the Frenchman in Velasco.

As per The Monaco Tribune, in the 2019/20 season, “his 5.90 dribbles per game, 3.71 fouls suffered pg, 3.2 touches inside the box pg, 2.7 progressive runs pg, 1.77 accurate crosses pg and 1.52 shot assists pg highlight his class”.

Those stats are very much reminiscent of Saint-Maximin, especially the dribbles and fouls drawn per game – the Frenchman has made a mockery of many a Premier League defender, and gets scythed down for his troubles when they get beaten or let their frustrations get the better of them (as per WhoScored, he averaged 3.8 dribbles and was fouled 1.8 times per match in the Premier League last season).

Former manager Fernando Beron’s praise of Velasco shows just how alike the two are on the pitch. He said: “He is bold. In one on one he dribbles without problems and that marks his personality. If he grows, I have no doubt that the club has a diamond in the rough. He is a humble, educated kid. I see him with his head screwed on. He doesn’t show arrogance at all and always wants to learn.”

Argentinian journalist, Seba Ongarelli, who follows Independiente, said: “He is highly-rated in Argentina. He is nicknamed ‘La Joya’, which is the jewel because of his potential. Independiente is one of the biggest clubs in Argentina and he is wearing the number 10 shirt. He is so fast and skilled with the ball. He has already proved that he is a good player.”

Velasco himself has said: “In recent times, I have been learning to pass the ball more and to assist. Now, I want to work to improve my dead-ball execution. I can play in all three attacking positions: left, right or off a central striker. I am a fast player, and I always look to win my battles.”

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The £10.8m-rated gem seems like he has the world at his feet, just like Saint-Maximin appears to have the inner confidence to take people on at will and always looking to make things happen.

At just 18, he has all the time in the world to develop into a real superstar at St James’ Park if he comes to Tyneside.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce could land Joe Willock’s dream midfield partner in this Premier League starlet…

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Sheffield United’s next manager will have less control than Chris Wilder, and control is what forced the 53-year-old out in the first place.

Wilder left Sheffield United back in March, with the Blades glued to the bottom of the table, and the club have since confirmed that there is a five-man shortlist of managers who could potentially succeed him.

That shortlist includes Paul Heckingbottom, who was put in interim charge following Wilder’s departure from Bramall Lane.

For Palmer, handing someone like Heckingbottom the job would suggest that the club want an individual who is going to allow them to call the shots, perhaps taking on more of a head coach role rather than a manager one.

On Sheffield United’s manager situation, the ex-Sheffield Wednesday player told TT in an exclusive interview:

“This might be an issue in terms of why Chris left the club because if they put somebody like Paul, you’ve got to remember now, if you put somebody like Paul in there and they could perhaps call the shots with Paul.

“But if you get a manager worth his salts, you’re not going to be able to call the shots. He’s going to want to run the club the way that he wants to run the club. And, you know, I think in the end that was the issue with Chris Wilder – they were trying to bring in a director of football.”

In terms of external candidates, Club Brugge manager Philippe Clement is one name that has been linked with the job in recent days.

Heerenveen striker Henk Veerman believes that Glasgow Rangers target Joey Veerman will leave the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers linked with Veerman

As the Gers prepare for next season and a potential Champions League run, they will be looking at new targets as a result. As such, they are said to be eyeing midfielder Joey Veerman.

They are among a number of clubs interested in his services, along with the likes of Atalanta and PSV Eindhoven (Voetbal International).

The Latest: Teammate expects departure

Henk Veerman, who also plays for Heerenveen but bears no relation to Joey, believes that the 22-year-old will move on during the transfer window. He told podcast Omrop Fryslan (via Voetbal Primeur):

“Then it changes enormously. That is a serious problem for me. I have read things about Atalanta Bergamo, Rangers FC, Celtic, PSV, Ajax and AZ. I expect him to go to one of those clubs. I also think Joey is an added value for every club in the Netherlands.”

The Verdict: Good news for Rangers

It looks like one of the Gers’ targets will be available this summer, and if they can capture his services, he could prove to be a very useful player. Veerman has managed nine goals and 11 assists in all competitions from the middle of the park this season, adding to the five of each he picked up for his current club in the previous campaign (Transfermarkt).

Currently valued at £7.65m by Transfermarkt, he is unlikely to come cheap. However, if Steven Gerrard is particularly eager to take him to Ibrox, perhaps Ross Wilson and co should sit up and take note, given his abundant goal contributions in recent months and the seemingly strong prospect of him leaving Heerenveen.

In other news, some Rangers fans don’t want to sign this striker.

Southampton picked up a valuable point as they drew 1-1 with Leicester City on Friday night despite playing the majority of the game with 10 men.

Jannik Vestergaard was sent off after just 10 minutes after catching Jamie Vardy following a loose touch, which may have left Southampton fans fearing a repeat of the 9-0 home defeat against the Foxes in 2019, when Ryan Bertrand also received an early red card.

However, Southampton rallied and still looked to go forward, taking the lead in the second half thanks to James Ward-Prowse’s penalty, although Jonny Evans levelled the match with a header. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side battled hard and were able to hold on for a valuable point, which will surely delight the Austrian manager.

Unfortunately, not all of his players contributed as much as he would’ve hoped, with Takumi Minamino particularly disappointing with his performance.

As per SofaScore, the on-loan Liverpool man earned a poor 6.4/10 rating for his display, which was the joint-worst of any player who started the game bar Vestergaard. The Japan international, who joined Liverpool for £7.25m, was on the pitch for 76 minutes but had just 26 touches of the ball and only completed seven of his 12 passes, resulting in a poor 58% accuracy rate.

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Not only was this the fewest passes from any player to feature for more than 30 minutes, it was also significantly fewer than the 23.7 passes per game he has averaged with Southampton in the Premier League this season, and much poorer than the 71.7% pass accuracy he has registered with the Saints.

Despite being involved so little, the 26-year-old – who reportedly earns £75,000 per week at Liverpool – still managed to lose possession eight times, whilst he was successful in just three of his 11 duels (SofaScore). Minamino was also unsuccessful with every single cross, long ball and dribble he attempted during the game, which emphasises just how poor he was at St Mary’s last night.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431″]

Therefore, you could say that Hasenhuttl was justified in his decision to leave him out of the side so often in recent weeks, and after another poor display, it would perhaps be a surprise to see him feature again before the end of the season.

In other news… Hasenhuttl handed golden chance to axe “outstanding” dud, Gao will be delighted