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KARACHI, April 28: Former captain Saeed Anwar has been asked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to practice with the national squad for the first of the two Tests against New Zealand, starting at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore Wednesday

Our Sports Reporter29-Apr-2002KARACHI, April 28: Former captain Saeed Anwar has been asked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to practice with the national squad for the first of the two Tests against New Zealand, starting at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore Wednesday.Saeed, who has been out of action for a while because of a wrist fracture, was however, not among the 15 players named Sunday by the national selection committee.One significant omission from the national side is Faisal Iqbal, the right-handed batsman. Faisal, nephew of ex-Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad, was controversially included in the Sharjah Cup squad as a non-playing (16th) member.Misbah-ul-Haq’s excellent form in the recent domestic first-class season earns him a recall to the Test squad. He made 28 in the final One-day International against the Kiwis Saturday.As widely expected, leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has also been recalled to the squad. He last played against the West Indies in the ‘home’ series in Sharjah in February.The 15-man squad is: Waqar Younis (captain), Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Abdul Razzaq, Rashid Latif, Wasim Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Misbah-ul-Haq, Danish Kaneria, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Sami.

Liverpool are expected to sign RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate this summer, with the Bundesliga outfit waiting for official confirmation that they will pay his £30.2m release clause.

What’s the story?

The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his centre-back options ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, and now a deal looks set to be completed.

According to Sky Sports, Konate’s imminent arrival is just dependent on the Reds paying Leipzig the required fee, with Die Roten Bullen already eyeing up his replacement.

Klopp is making a mistake

Current centre-back options Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all suffered serious injuries last season, forcing the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to fill in at the heart of defence, meaning Liverpool have prioritised that area of the pitch in the transfer window.

The 2019/20 Premier League champions made the bold decision not to replace Dejan Lovren 12 months ago after the Croatia international joined Zenit St Petersburg in an £11m deal.

It left Klopp with just three recognised senior centre-backs in his first-team squad, but by January all of them had picked up season-ending issues.

Therefore, focussing on bolstering the centre-back position makes perfect sense for the Merseyside outfit. However, signing Konate does not.

Although the former France Under-21 international in undoubtedly an extremely talented player with bags of potential, he has already incurred his fair share of fitness problems, despite being just 22 years old.

The youngster started just eight league games in 2020/21, failing to start three Bundesliga matches in a row all season. An ankle injury picked up in December kept Konate on the sidelines for two months, with Dayot Upamecano and Willi Orban keeping their place in the starting XI upon his return.

As per Transfermarkt, the former Sochaux man has already missed 405 days of action through injury in his fledgling career, totalling 46 fixtures where he’s been forced to watch from the stands.

With Liverpool’s season being destroyed by a plague of injury issues, it’s hard to fathom why Klopp has turned to a man who’s already effectively missed a year of his career through a string of fitness concerns to solve the problem.

Konate appears fast, strong, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and an accomplished passer, but if he spends half his time in the physio’s room, then Liverpool are back to square one.

While it’s hard to criticise Klopp’s previous endeavours into the transfer market, this is a deal that seems almost impossible to justify, given the huge risks attached.

And, in other news…Liverpool eye move for “clinical” £795k-p/w gem, Edwards must stay clear 

West Ham are reportedly close to sealing one of their first signings of the summer…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, the Irons have been talking to Barcelona over the last few days to finalize an agreement for the transfer of left-back Junior Firpo.

The 24-year-old is believed to be costing around €16m (£14m) with add-ons but the Hammers face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Southampton, who too have held discussions over signing him.

He has struggled for game time at the Nou Camp and as per the report, the Catalan outfit have rejected all loan advances with an option to buy as they want to cash in on the £9m-rated defender.

Bargain business

This could present a pretty nice deal for David Moyes.

A new left-back is probably quite low down the list of priorities for the East Londoners, with the need to find a new striker and a desire to sign Jesse Lingard permanently probably sitting top of the tree.

However, for just £14m, this seems like shrewd business from David Sullivan and the rest of the club’s hierarchy.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-news-irons-transfer-gossip-rumours-more-moyes-striker-gsb” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Both Aaron Cresswell – Moyes’ current first-choice – and Arthur Masuaku – the deputy – have endured stints on the treatment table this season, especially the latter, who missed the Irons’ final seven league games.

Firpo may have fallen out of favour under ex-Everton boss Ronald Koeman, starting only seven times across all competitions, but he remains only 24 so a lot of his abilities, which WhoScored list as being ‘defensive contribution,’ ‘passing’ and ‘holding onto the ball’ are surely still key to his game.

It’s easy to forget that this is a player that was once linked to Manchester City for €60m (£52m) whilst still at Real Betis before Barcelona won the race for his signature.

The Hammers could be getting him for a fraction of the price.

Furthermore, he was once touted for big things by legendary defender Eric Abidal, who told Diario Sport (via Tribuna):

“He’s a player with a lot of potential. He could be one of the best left-backs in the world. I always tell him that he must work hard and be aware of the (style of) play. He’s going to get better, for sure. It’s always difficult to get started at Barca.”

That is hugely encouraging considering just how good a player Abidal was on his day and it only further suggests why West Ham could be edging closer towards an absolute bargain piece of business.

Sullivan must make sure he gets this one over the line.

AND in other news, Irons insider drops teasing Jesse Lingard transfer claim that’ll have fans buzzing…

The sons of both Bradmans – white and black – decided against playing cricket for a career

Special Correspondent29-May-2002The sons of both Bradmans – white and black – decided against playing cricket for a career. But while Sir Don’s son even changed his surname to eliminate any public scrutiny, Linsworth Headley, George Headley’s eldest son, kept his, even as he excelled in a different field. Linsworth Headley finished sixth in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games in the 100m and fourth in the 4x100m relay.His father accumulated 2190 runs in 22 Tests at an average of 60.83, notching up a startling 10 hundreds in those matches. George Headley played for the West Indies between 1921 and 1948 with a consistency comparable only to Bradman’s, but, even though arguably the Caribbean’s greatest ever batsman, he was not honoured with a knighthood.”Had he gotten it, he would have been happier,” says Linsworth Headley. “You see, he got nothing while he was alive. We now have his statue at Sabina Park, a road here is named after him – but he could not see these things. He didn’t know how to drive, and he had no car. But whenever he was out of the house, within five minutes he was picked up by a car. He was known as the People’s Champion.”The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) seems to have been lax in preserving Headley’s heritage. His house was destroyed completely in a flood, along with any memorabilia it may have contained.His son now stays at one of the posher areas of Bridgetown, Barbados. Sabina Park may have honoured his father with a statue, but Linsworth is not sent any complimentary tickets by the Bridgetown Board for Test matches at the Kensington Oval.”I have to buy tickets to see the match. But entering the ground gives me a pleasure that cannot be compared to any other, since I watch the matches in my father’s stand and feel really proud of him,” says Linsworth.That the media dubbed his father the Black Bradman hardly gets under his skin. “I have heard that another section of the media named Sir Don as the White Headley,” he says. “I am not a great follower of cricket, but I heard that Sir Don had problems when he played on wet wickets, and my dad had no such problems.””My dad was never after material gain,” he continues. “That is why we couldn’t even find his bat, pads or gloves in our house. But the respect he receives even now is a real honour for a sportsman who gave everything for the betterment of his country’s cricket.”George Headley married twice, with Linsworth being the son from his first wife, Reena. Reena is now 87 and stays at an old-age home in Bridgetown, her memory almost gone.”Dad sent me to university,” says Linsworth. “I got a degree in business administration. Following my success in the Olympics and studies at university, Dad was happy that his son had done something. And I’m honoured to be his son too.”

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed its national selection panel of Sir Richard Hadlee (chairman), Ross Dykes and Brian McKechnie have had their contracts extended until the end of May 2003

New Zealand Cricket21-Jun-2002New Zealand Cricket has confirmed its national selection panel of Sir Richard Hadlee (chairman), Ross Dykes and Brian McKechnie have had their contracts extended until the end of May 2003.This will take the selection panel through the World Cup in South Africa during February and March 2003, and the tour of Sri Lanka in April and May 2003.The contracts were originally due to expire on July 1, 2002. The previous practice has been to offer contracts for a two-year period.New Zealand Cricket operations manager John Reid said the extension of the current contract was designed so that in future contract cycles would fall into the middle of the period between World Cups.”In terms of supporting the TelstraClear Black Caps’ World Cup planning and strategy there is obviously sound reasoning behind wanting to ensure the opportunity for change is at a time reasonably spaced between World Cups.”The selection panel is one of the key ingredients in the strategic approach to World Cups and New Zealand Cricket believes this change to their contract period will benefit future planning,” Reid said.

A number of Liverpool fans have been questioning Nat Phillips finishing third in the Reds’ Player of the Year rankings despite his impressive form.

Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to salvage their season, coming third in the Premier League against all odds, despite many obstacles along the way. A superb end to the campaign, which saw 26 points taken from the last 10 games, allowed them to secure Champions League football for 2021/22.

One player who played a big part in Liverpool’s strong end to the season was Phillips, who was drafted in to deal with a centre-back injury crisis. The 24-year-old performed admirably, despite his limitations and inexperience, becoming something of a cult hero with many supporters in the process.

It has been revealed that Phillips finished third behind Mohamed Salah and Fabinho in the Player of the Year stakes in what arguably comes as a surprise despite there not being a huge amount of competition.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-4/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans not impressed with Phillips ranking

These Liverpool supporters believe it is an over-the-top reflection of how good Phillips actually was, providing their thoughts on Twitter.

“Great player but… third????”

Credit: @lucyyloux

“Lol I appreciate what Nat did to come in and play hard in defence, but he’s not better than VVD, Gomez, Matip or Konate. Was usually very hit or miss. Easy to see why fans have grown fond recently hence him finishing 3rd here”

Credit: @HomestyleMelt

“Joke”

Credit: @WWKurdistani

“How many times was he allowed to vote for himself?”

Credit: @Rayted_Are

“We’re ill man”

Credit: @MartinKnowsBall

“Nat Phillips 3rd in POTY loool”

Credit: @arindamlfc11

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been mocking a bizarre transfer story involving the Reds. Read more here.

Queens Park Rangers have been dealt a huge blow to their hopes of bringing Ryan Porteous to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scottish Sun, who claim that Turkish giants Galatasaray have now entered the race for the Hibernian centre-back, with the Super Lig side believed to be preparing an offer for the 22-year-old in the coming weeks.

Porteous had previously been linked with a move to QPR, with it being reported that the Rs’ director of football Les Ferdinand had been personally scouting the £630k-rated man over the course of last season.

However, with the potential of playing Champions League football for Galatasaray next season, should the Turkish side indeed go on to make an offer for the youngster, they would very much appear to be in the driving seat for his signature.

Warburton will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Porteous was for Hibernian last year, news of Galatasaray’s interest in the defender will undoubtedly come as a gutting blow for Mark Warburton, who will be hoping to build a side capable of mounting a push for the play-offs next term over the summer.

Indeed, over his 34 Scottish Premiership appearances last season, the 22-year-old helped Hibs keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and winning 6.9 duels per game.

These metrics saw the £2.7k-per-week centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Jack Ross’ seventh-best performer in a Hibernian side that finished in third place in the Scottish top flight.

As such, the addition of Porteous to Warburton’s options in the centre of defence ahead of next season would have provided the 58-year-old with very impressive depth in the position, with the 22-year-old’s potential signing coming after QPR’s capture of Jordy de Wijs from Hull City.

Although, the reports would appear to suggest that Galatasaray have not firmed up their interest with a concrete offer just yet, meaning that, at present, there still remains a slither of hope regarding a deal for the man Darren McGregor dubbed a “top player.”

As of now however, Porteous may not be on his way to QPR, and Warburton will be desperately disappointed.

In other news: Warburton heading for grave mistake that could see QPR miss out on “incredible” target

Somerset Sabres include Paul Jarvis, in place Graham Rose who is being rested, in their line this afternoon for their NUL Division One clash against Yorkshire Phoenix at Scarborough

Richard Walsh14-Jul-2002Somerset Sabres include Paul Jarvis, in place Graham Rose who is being rested, in their line this afternoon for their NUL Division One clash against Yorkshire Phoenix at Scarborough.Thirty seven year old Jarvis retired from the first class game at the end of the 2000 season to allow him to concentrate on his career outside of cricket, but he has remained living in Bath, and plays cricket professionally for a club side in South Wales.Kevin Shine told me: “When we knew that we had a bowling problem for Sunday we made contact with `Jarv’, who was delighted to come out of retirement to help us out. He has kept himself pretty fit playing one day cricket in South Wales, and is still a quality cricketer.”The coach continued: “The weather is expected to be good here so they are anticipating a large crowd this afternoon. Scarborough can be a pretty daunting place to play in front of a big crowd but `Jarv’ is a fantastic competitor, and a great performer, so he will just get on and do the job for us.”In his twenty seasons in first class cricket Paul Jarvis had an impressive record in one day cricket. He played in 16 one day internationals and took 24 wickets at a cost of 28 runs each.In the one day league he played in 163 matches, and took 231 wickets at an average of 23.15. In the two seasons that he played for Somerset Paul Jarvis played in 22 matches, and took 30 wickets at an average of 31.66.His last match for the Sabres was against Leicestershire at Grace Road in September 2000. Earlier that year he played against Yorkshire at Scarborough, where he helped the Sabres to a two wicket victory over his former county by taking 3 for 23.All Somerset fans will be hoping that ` Jarv’ can help the Sabres to another victory this afternoon.

Glasgow Rangers star Glen Kamara was on the verge of a move from Ibrox to the 22-time Russian champions last summer.

The Lowdown: Interest rises in Kamara

After playing a big role for the Gers in their Premiership title success last term, there has been plenty of interest in the Finland international from south of the border.

The likes of Watford (Gianluigi Longari), Arsenal (Give Me Sport) and Leeds (TEAMtalk) are all said to have been in pursuit of the 25-year-old, but it appears he could have made a move further afield 12 months ago.

The Latest: Failed move emerges

As per soccer.ru, Zarema Salikhova, the wife of Spartak Moscow owner Leonid Fedun, has revealed:

“Offered last summer when Souchek refused. The footballer was ready to move, in the course of negotiations the price was brought down to 5 million. Plays in Scotland, a family nest in Finland. I really wanted to play closer to home. Comfortable for him. Breeding negative feedback. So I think: would he have strengthened Spartak or, thank God, he hadn’t bought it?”

The Verdict: Worth a lot more

The Gers signed Kamara from Dundee in January 2019 for just £50,000 (Transfermarkt) – £5m would have represented a huge profit. However, after the Gers’ success this term and also appearing in and impressing at the European Championships, Kamara’s value will have gone through the roof.

Last year, it was suggested by The Athletic that Kamara is worth £10m – a considerable fee – and, if he is to leave this summer, the Ibrox outfit will surely be looking for an even bigger fee than that considering their success this term.

Ross Wilson and co will be counting their lucky stars that a deal didn’t go through last year.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid as this video emerged.

Despite being a Saturday the County Ground at Taunton was a hive of activity this morning

Richard Walsh27-Jul-2002Despite being a Saturday the County Ground at Taunton was a hive of activity this morning.Outside fast bowler Richard Johnson was running laps round the ground alongside one of the club physio’s Ross Dewar, and the signs are looking good for him to be fit to play in the C and G semi final against Kent.`Johnno’ has been missing from the scene since he injured his hamstring against Warwickshire at Edgbaston five weeks ago, but he hopes to play in a club game on Sunday, and providing there are no after effects he will be back to spearhead the Cidermen’s attack on Thursday.Alongside the Academy Fitness Centre a forklift truck has been delivered in readiness for the erection of the portable stand that is expected to take place at the start of this week.Meanwhile inside the Colin Atkinson Pavilion the office staff were busy dealing with telephone and personal sales for the remaining 500 tickets for the semi final.By the time that the office shut at lunchtime a fair number of these had been sold.Accounts manager John Fitzgerald told me: "Any remaining tickets will be sold to personal callers only on Monday, between 9am and 5pm. After that there will be no further tickets sold."