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ScorecardAnamul Haque helped Dhaka to a lead of 297 with his knock of 118•BCB

Rajshahi Division need another 246 runs on Day 5, with 10 wickets in hand, to take the National Cricket League title. Set 297 for victory by Dhaka Division, Rajshahi went to stumps 51 for no loss, scoring at a healthy 4.78 in the 10.4 overs they got to bat on the penultimate day in Mirpur.Dhaka’s total was built on solid centuries by Anamul Haque and Mehrab Hossain Jr. Resuming on 97 for 3, just 63 ahead, overnight batsmen Mehrab and Mahmudullah added 28 runs before offspinner Farhad Hossain got Mahmudullah to hole out. At that, Anamul, who had retired hurt on Day 3, returned to the crease and built a patient fifth-wicket stand with Mehrab. When left-arm spinner Saqlain Sajib had Anamul stumped for 118, the pair had added 166 runs.Thereafter, a bulk of the scoring was done by Mehrab, while his team lost wickets in quick time at the other end. Mehrab departed for 116 and Dhaka lost their last four wickets for 12 runs. Saqlain, who had picked up two wickets late on Day 3, snagged three more, to finish with 5 for 109 off a marathon 46 overs.With a little over a day’s play left, the target of 297 put the game in the balance. Dhaka will hope for the Day 5 pitch to deteriorate considerably, while Rajshahi will want Junaid Siddique to continue where he left off on Friday – he launched the chase with five boundaries, going to stumps 31 not out off just 35 balls.

David Moyes enjoyed a successful season with West Ham, coming so close to a Europa League final appearance whilst securing European football (Europa League or Conference League) for another season is enough to make the Hammers faithful enjoy their summer.

Moyes will be looking to sign players of quality that could take them to the next level and the work starts now. He may have already found a big upgrade in Kurt Zouma.

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The manager has been tracking Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd for a while now and a recent report from the Guardian states that Moyes is working on a deal to sign the player ahead of next season.

A bid of around £20m could be enough to convince Rennes to sell Aguerd according to the report and this could represent excellent value for money.

West Ham have had their fair share of issues in the heart of defence this season, with Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna suffering injuries, with the latter being ruled out since November. Craig Dawson is 32 and Issa Diop has been poor, ranking fourth out of the centre backs with a WhoScored average of just 6.46.

The Morocco international is a clear upgrade on Zouma. He has won 71% of his aerial duels compared to 67.9 for the Frenchman. Aguerd has also made more tackles and interceptions (30 and 52) in comparison to Zouma (11 and 46).

These stats prove that the defender could be the rock and the ball-playing defender that GSB and Moyes has been searching for and this could make a big difference next season.

The media have referred to him as the “real boss” of Rennes and this leadership quality combined with the obvious maturity of the player could only enhance the heart of the West Ham defence.

AND in other news, 11 games, 0 goals: Bilic made “huge mistake” on WHU dud who cost £2.5m per yellow card

Clint McKay, the right-arm bowler, is out of contention for the World Cup after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left foot

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jan-2011

Clint McKay, the right-arm bowler, is out of contention for the World Cup after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left foot. McKay, who grabbed 27 wickets at 19.59 for Australia in 2010, requires an operation and faces a 10-week recovery.The news is another blow for Australia, who still hold the No.1 ranking in ODIs and are aiming for their fourth World Cup in a row at the tournament starting next month. Australia’s final 15-man squad for the event will be named next week.McKay, 27, was Man of the Match in Australia’s last one-day international, taking 5 for 33 against Sri Lanka in November, and he collected three wickets in the Big Bash game for Victoria in which he felt pain in his foot.”Obviously his workload over the past two years has been a lot higher – he’s played for Australia, he’s played some cricket in England as well – but he’s been good considering the workload he’s had,” Victoria’s physiotherapist Thihan Chandramohan said in The Age. “It’s the first major injury that’s put him out for a long period … and it’s one that’s hard to prevent because it’s just related to the bone not handling the load that’s going into it.”McKay is hoping he can be fit for the start of the IPL in April, although that might be a little too ambitious. He was signed to Mumbai Indians for $US111,000.

Khurram Manzoor scored a match-saving unbeaten hundred as the first unofficial Test between Pakistan A and West Indies A at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent ended in a draw

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Nov-2010West Indies A 305 for 3 decl (Brathwaite 130, Edwards 94, Babar 3-122) drew with Pakistan A 156 for 1 (Manzoor 100*, Brown 1-57)
ScorecardKhurram Manzoor scored an unbeaten hundred as the first unofficial Test between Pakistan A and West Indies A at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent ended in a draw. In a match badly affected by rain, West Indies made 305 for 3 declared in their first innings. Pakistan responded strongly, reaching 156 for 1 by close of play on the final day.After the third day’s play was washed out due to rain, West Indies, who were on 216 for 1, began the final day positively. Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed for 130, but Kirk Edwards was solid before he was out for 94. His dismissal prompted West Indies’ declaration 20 minutes after the lunch break. Zulfiqar Babar picked up all the three wickets to fall.Pakistan began strongly with the openers, Manzoor and Umair Khan, putting on 51. Khan was out lbw to Odean Brown but Manzoor and Umar Amin kept the West Indies bowlers at bay. While Amin dropped anchor, making a sedate 27 in 107 minutes, Manzoor did the bulk of the scoring, reaching his century off 154 balls, with eight fours and two sixes before stumps were drawn.The second unofficial Test begins on November 24 at the same venue, but the weather forecast suggests that rain could play spoilsport again.

Renowned Glasgow Rangers bloggers Four Lads Had a Dream hailed John Lundstram as an ‘absolute monster’ in their Scottish Cup semi-final clash on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Crunch clash at Hampden

The Gers faced another huge game after their Europa League heroics on Thursday night, taking on Celtic for a place in next month’s Scottish Cup final.

It ended up being a tense afternoon for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, who went behind after Greg Taylor’s strike but responded thanks to captain Scott Arfield’s equaliser.

Extra-time was required to separate the two sides, with the Gers eventually prevailing to reach the final thanks to Fashion Sakala’s late strike.

The Latest: Lundstram’s influence hailed

Taking to Twitter during the match, Four Lads Had a Dream lauded Lundstram’s influence at Hampden Park:

“Been the better team but nothing to show for it. Playing ourselves into trouble the only times they have threatened. John Lundstram playing like an absolute monster. Wee bit more quality in transition needed. C’mon Rangers.”

The Verdict: Superb effort from midfielder

Lundstram hasn’t always had a big impact since trading Sheffield United for Rangers last summer, but this was undoubtedly one of his stronger days at the office.

He was a dominant presence in the middle of the park, as he hit the post with a stunning long-range effort in the first half, and the frustration that was met with him being substituted summed up his performance, as he came off to a standing ovation.

The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell added to his praises, claiming that he was ‘superb’ and ‘got through a power of work’.

The hope is that Lundstram can continue this form until the end of the season, as van Bronckhorst’s men look to narrow the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race and win the Europa League.

In other news, a transfer expert has dropped some summer Rangers transfer news. Read more here.

Everton are in a vulnerable position after getting tied up in a relegation battle that could see the club drop out of the Premier League for the first time ever, however, this hasn’t stopped Lampard from eyeing up opportunities to strengthen his squad this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton have expressed an interest in Huddersfield Town player and Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill as a potential signing this summer.

However, the Italian journalist goes on to suggest that the Merseyside club will face big competition from other Premier League sides, with Leicester City and Southampton also named interested parties.

The next John Terry

The 19-year-old defender has been making a name for himself during his loan spell at the John Smith’s Stadium, playing a crucial part in Huddersfield Town’s fantastic season that has seen them earn a comfortable spot in the top six, keeping the dreams of Premier League promotion alive with a huge chance of sealing a play-off spot.

And Colwill, who has been tipped to go to “the top” by Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberan, is the third-highest rated player in the Terriers’ squad, for good reason – with the youngster winning an average of 64% of his duels, being successful with 75% of his dribbles and making 4.2 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game.

Indeed, the Chelsea academy graduate has been shades of the Everton boss’ former teammate John Terry following his performances and progress at centre-back in West Yorkshire, as well as his time in the Chelsea youth setup, with his resilience, aggressive style of play and leading presence in the back-line emulating that of his self-confessed inspiration.

The Toffees could have an advantage in their pursuit for the youngster due to Frank Lampard’s close connection with Chelsea as a result of his legendary status earned at the club throughout his playing career, so, if the London club did see themselves in a position to sell Colwill this summer, there would be a great chance for the 43-year-old to secure his signature over any competitor.

Everton will surely be looking to strengthen their defensive line next season and with Lampard’s experience in turning Chelsea youth players into superstars – after giving both Mason Mount and Reece James their Premier League debuts – a move to work under the former Premier League midfielder and Chelsea legend will be an extremely attractive prospect for Colwill.

AND in other news: Lampard must ruthlessly axe £92k-p/w Everton “leader”, he’s been a “complete disaster”

ScorecardJames Vince played stylishly until he was dismissed by Steven Croft for 33•PA Photos

Jimmy Adams and Sean Ervine made half-centuries as Hampshire gained the upper hand at the Rose Bowl where Lancashire are seeking to remain the only unbeaten team in the County Championship.Lancashire began the second day at 262 for 8 and added another 21 runs but when bad light brought a premature end, Hampshire were four runs ahead at 287 for 6. Simon Kerrigan was out at 267 when Lancashire resumed their first innings and 16 runs later Gary Keedy was bowled by former Lancashire all-rounder Dominic Cork.Cork finished with figures for 4 for 57 and there were two wickets each for David Balcombe and spinner Danny Briggs. Hampshire made a dismal start to their reply with England candidate Michael Carberry bowled by Glen Chapple without scoring from the third ball of the innings.Adams was dropped at the wicket by Luke Sutton off the bowling of Tom Smith when on 18, and Lancashire paid the penalty as he and Michael Lumb put on 117 for the second wicket. Lumb, out of form after England’s Twenty20 success in the Caribbean, began to show signs of returning to his best by hitting eight fours in his 48 before he lofted Sajid Mahmood to fine leg where Kerrigan held the catch.Adams went on to make 72 before he was third out at 160 when he edged Keedy to wicketkeeper Sutton after hitting 11 fours in his 158-ball innings. Neil McKenzie was fourth out at 179 and James Vince was in prime form until he was lbw to Steven Croft for 33 at 255.But big-hitting Ervine was not to be denied and he smashed his way to a rapid 56 in an innings which included five fours and a six before he gave Chapple his second success of the innings. Cork and Michael Bates, making his debut, took the score past the Lancashire total before bad light intruded.Chapple finished the day with two for 48 and Keedy’s 19 overs brought figures of 2 for 45. Ervine’s 56 came from 77 balls but there was little in the wicket to encourage the Lancashire bowlers in the way that it had helped Hampshire on the first day. Adams’ half-century was his seventh of the season and put Hampshire in a powerful position at the end of the second day.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is prioritising a move for Lautaro Martinez ahead of Paulo Dybala in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), who claim that the Spurs manager has decided the Inter Milan centre-forward is his preferred target at the end of the current campaign, with the 52-year-old said to have shelved his interest in a move for the soon to be out of contract Juventus forward as a result.

Conte can forget Dybala with Martinez

While it is true that a move for Dybala would more than likely be the cheaper option of the two signings, it is not difficult to understand why Conte would prefer to land Martinez ahead of the Juventus playmaker.

Firstly, the £63m-rated striker and the Tottenham boss already have a relationship, with the 24-year-old having scored an extremely impressive 40 goals and registered 19 assists over his 97 appearances under Conte at Inter Milan.

Secondly, 17 of these goals and ten of these assists came in the Nerazzurri’s Scudetto-winning campaign last time out, with the €125k-per-week (£105k-per-week) forward proving to be a key player in the Italian’s first-team squad.

Indeed, over the Argentina international’s 38 league outings in 2020/21, the player who Roberto Rojas dubbed an “absolute goal machine” averaged an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as the Inter’s third-best player.

Furthermore, Tottenham’s need for a new centre-forward is much greater than their need for another attacking midfielder or winger, as, should the £220k-per-week Dybala indeed go on to join Spurs, he would be fighting with the likes of Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn for a starting spot in Conte’s side.

Lastly, considering the fact that Martinez is four years Dybala’s junior, the former is certain to have a much greater resale value further down the line.

As such, it would indeed appear wise for Tottenham to prioritise a move for the £70m Inter sensation ahead of the Juventus man who Antonio Cassano claimed is “not a champion” and “does not make the difference” this summer, as Martinez very much looks to be a much better fit for Conte’s side in almost every department.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Alasdair Gold reveals fresh Spurs development, Antonio Conte will be fuming

With Wolves manager Bruno Lage previously sharing his need for the Midlands club to bring in a new centre-back during the current January transfer, it seems as though they can forget about signing one potential candidate that could have ticked all the right boxes for Lage.

What’s the news?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say on Wolves’ chances of signing Lille defender Sven Botman, who the club were linked with during the previous summer transfer window.

He said: “They were interested in Sven Botman last summer but weren’t able to sign him. Obviously, his price tag has gone up, so he seems a bit of an unrealistic target right now.”

Since joining Lille back in the 2020 summer transfer window from Ajax after working his way through the Dutch side’s youth ranks, the 22-year-old has gone on to make 66 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with two goals and two assists along the way.

Fans will be gutted

As well as Lage being disappointed at having a potential centre-back option such as Botman becoming an unlikely signing for the Old Gold from a financial point of view, the fans at Molineux will surely be disappointed by this latest claim and not seeing a young promising defender such as Botman join their club.

With the Dutchman racking up an average of 5.1 clearances per game for Lille in Ligue 1 this season, this would put him neck and neck with Romain Saiss at Wolves in the Premier League, showing he’s capable of being a useful defensive asset.

Also, with Botman having made more blocks per game (1.1) than any other Lille player and more than any other Wolves player has this season, it could be worth the Old Gold finding out just what sort of money it would take to sign him and then see if they would be willing to pay it to satisfy Lage and please the fans.

Moving forward, if Botman is now an unrealistic target for Wolves, they should now be doing all they can to find a suitable centre-back option to come in and strengthen Lage’s side at the back to help them continue their impressive defensive record of having kept eight clean sheets so far this season.

In other news: Shi heading for Wolves transfer disaster on £100k-p/w star, Lage would be furious – opinion

Since their promotion to the Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers have spent some hefty transfer fees on players, with the likes of Raul Jimenez (£30m), Fabio Silva (£35.6m) and Nelson Semedo (£37m) joining for mouth-watering sums.

Of course, if Wolves are to become European regulars, more deals of this magnitude will have to be made. However, it must be remembered that the West Midlands club have been able to strike bargain deals with Conor Coady arguably the best example in recent seasons.

The then-Championship club signed the then-midfielder for £2m from Huddersfield Town in July 2015 after the Englishman had spent a season with the Yorkshire club following his release from Liverpool where he’d played as a schoolboy.

Fast forward six-and-a-half years and Coady is now 28, an England regular and Wolves’ captain.

In his first campaign at Molineux, the 28-year-old made 37 Championship appearances as Wolves finished 14th in the second-tier, whilst his market value dipped slightly, going from £1.8m to £1.58m and wouldn’t increase again until September 2017.

September 2017 marked the early stages of what would go on to be Wolves’ title-winning campaign that saw them promoted to the Premier League, with Coady playing 45 out of their 46 league matches. It was also the first season where the defender had spells as captain.

Whilst being a Premier League regular for a side that has finished seventh twice and 13th, the Wolves captain’s value has steadily increased with the steepest increase in market value coming between July and October 2020 where the Englishman went from £16.2m to £22.5m, his current value.

That period of time also saw Coady make his senior England debut, hence the value increase as he went on to be described as “phenomenal” by Dave Edwards.

Having been bought for £2m, the Wolves defender is now worth over ten times that figure, with this campaign arguably being his best for the Golden Boys so far.

With Bruno Lage’s men the Premier League’s second-best defence, Coady has been instrumental in helping contribute to that feat. The skipper has missed just three minutes of top-flight football this term and there is little indication that that run will end any time soon.

Moreover, it is well documented that his value as a player doesn’t just help the football club but his value as a human being too, with the captain heavily influential with the football club and the work it does in the community of Wolverhampton.

Now a key member in the current England group, the defender is playing his best football at 28 and will surely go on to become a legend in this part of the West Midlands.

In other news: £37k-p/w waster may have cost Wolves a shot at silverware