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Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted over a transfer update involving Arsenal star Bukayo Saka as manager Jurgen Klopp personally sets his sights on the youngster.

The Reds, currently nine points off Premier League leaders Manchester City with a game in hand, are seemingly playing catch up in the title race as Klopp aims to keep chase.

As the January transfer window looms, it is believed that both Liverpool and their manager are eyeing a fresh addition to strengthen their attack as news emerges on Gunners ace Saka.

According to journalist Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfer Window podcast, Klopp is now personally considering a move for the England international.

As well as this, the 20-year-old is apparently ‘interested’ in a move to Anfield as Reds fans erupt over both the player and Klopp’s transfer stance on Twitter.

Liverpool fans erupt…

Given Saka’s obvious quality and versatility, it’s little wonder supporters are talking on social media – with one calling the Three Lions ace a would-be ‘great singing’.

According to WhoScored, the versatile player, who can operate as a left-back and across the midfield, has averaged more shots per 90 in the Premier League this season (2.2) than any Liverpool player bar front trio Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota.

Meanwhile, Saka has also managed a higher amount of completed dribbles in that time than most of Klopp’s squad apart from Salah and Mane (WhoScored) – explaining why lots of fans want to see him swap London for Merseyside.

Find all of their best reactions to this transfer development down below, where one fan called for a swap deal involving Mane as the Senegal international endures his worst stint of form since joining the club:

“Wow”

Credit: @wolveriffverine

“PLS I BEG”

Credit: @ben_ftbl

“please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please”

Credit: @LFCdav0

“Mane + 35 mil… who says no?”

Credit: @J_H1719_

“Get it done”

Credit: @10lfc100

“Would be a great signing”

Credit: @LFC_EmlynTheRed

“Woah”

Credit: @charlielfc

“Would take him all day long”

Credit: @shanerobinson81

In other news: ‘Ahhhh’, ‘Oh my days’, ‘Don’t gas me’…Many Liverpool fans buzz as FSG also eye ‘perfect signing’, find out more here.

Gemaal Hussain confirmed his position as the leading wicket-taker in County Championship cricket this season by taking his tally to 29

11-May-2010
Scorecard
Gemaal Hussain confirmed his position as the leading wicket-taker in County Championship cricket this season by taking his tally to 29 as Leicestershire were made to follow on at Bristol. The 26-year-old Gloucestershire seamer claimed 3 for 26 to help skittle the visitors for 102 in reply to 376.Anthony Ireland and James Franklin had identical figures of 3 for 21, whileWill Jefferson top scored with 51. Leicestershire made a better fist of things second time around and closed on 122 without loss, still 152 behind, with Matt Boyce 59 not out and Paul Nixon unbeaten on 50.Earlier in the day Gloucestershire had added 62 to their overnight score of 314 for 6, Steve Snell and Hussain both contributing 28. Matthew Hoggard finished with 4 for 67 from 25 overs.It meant the home side earned four batting points, their first on home soilthis season. Soon a seam attack without the rested Steve Kirby hadLeicestershire in all kinds of trouble as left-armer Franklin sent back Boyce and Nixon in the space of four deliveries during an excellent new-ball spell.Lunch was taken at 40 for 2 and that became 68 for 4 as James Taylor andAndrew McDonald fell cheaply to Hussain and Ireland respectively. Jefferson stood firm to reach his half century off 62 balls, with eight fours, but there were still only 73 runs on the board when he was bowled driving atIreland.The tall opener had twisted an ankle taking a quick single in the first over after lunch and did not appear when his team batted for the second time. There was little first-innings resistance from the Leicestershire tail, although Claude Henderson hit four fours in his 28 before being last man out, Jonathan Batty taking a fifth catch behind the wicket to give Franklin his third wicket.Hussain, who had made only one Championship appearance before the start of this season, again impressed with his lively pace and ability to swing the ball as well as dart it about off the seam.But any hopes Gloucestershire had of winning inside two days were soon dispelled as Nixon replaced Jefferson at the top of the Leicestershire order and helped Boyce see out day’s remaining 43 overs without undue alarm. Boyce reached his fifty off 108 balls, with six fours, while Nixon looked equally secure in following suit off 137 deliveries with four boundaries.

Celtic are looking to bring two further wide attacking additions to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that a Celtic source has revealed that Ange Postecoglou is hoping to make Benfica winger Jota a permanent part of his first-team squad this month, in addition to signing another wide forward before the end of the current transfer market – with one of the 56-year-old Bhoys manager’s targets for the position reported to be Nimes winger Zinedine Ferhat.

However, a recent report by French media outlet RMC Sport claimed that the Bhoys will face a stern battle for the forward this month, as reigning Ligue 1 championship LOSC Lille have now entered the race for the 28-year-old’s signature – while both Montpellier and Saint-Etienne are also believed to be interested in the Algeria international.

Postecoglou must move

Considering just how impressive Ferhat has proven he can be in one of Europe’s big five leagues, it would indeed appear highly advisable for Postecoglou to do all he can to seal a deal for the 28-year-old this month, despite the setback of LOSC Lille’s interest in the forward.

Indeed, over his 33 Ligue 1 appearances in Nimes’ 2020/21 campaign, the £4.05m-rated winger was in remarkable form for the Les Crocodiles, scoring six goals, providing ten assists – with only Memphis Depay setting up more goals that season – and creating nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.9 shots and making 1.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £13k-per-week winger earn a rather extraordinary seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him by far and away as his side’s best performer in the top flight of French football.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Ferhat would make a near-perfect addition to Postecoglou’s current options out wide, particularly considering the fact that the forward would more than likely be available on a cut-price deal this winter – as his current contract at the Costieres Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season.

However, Lille’s reported interest in the 28-year-old will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Celtic’s chances of landing the Algerian this January, as the champions of France will not only be able to offer Ferhat a bigger wage packet than the Bhoys, but they can also offer him the lure of Champions League football.

In other news: “Advanced stage..”: Joseph drops huge transfer update that’ll have Celtic fans buzzing

Gordon Drummond has been named as captain of the Scotland team that will take on Holland in the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup fixture in Deventer June 10 to 13, and the solitary ODI in Rotterdam on June 15

Cricinfo staff03-Jun-2010Gordon Drummond has been named as captain of the Scotland team that will take on the Netherlands in the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup fixture in Deventer June 10 to 13, and the solitary ODI in Rotterdam on June 15. He takes the reins from Gavin Hamilton who is unavailable due to business commitments. Ryan Watson and Omer Hussain also miss out for the same reason, while Dewald Nel is out injured. Freddie Coleman was not considered for selectionOpening batsman Preston Mommsen is the only uncapped player in the side. The 22 year-old has been in fine form recently, scoring an undefeated hundred in the Scotland Lions’ win against Leicestershire second XI, and recently completed his four-year residency after migrating from South Africa.Aberdeen-born Josh Davey will replace Simon Smith in the squad for the solitary ODI that follows the four-day fixture. The 19 year-old Davey has turned out for Middlesex in two CB40 games this season.”Josh is a young cricketer who has been making excellent strides forward this year. He has scored a lot of runs in the Middlesex second team and had a few first-team opportunities. He will be a great addition to our squad,” Peter Steindl, the head-coach, said about the young allrounder.Four-day squad: Gordon Drummond (capt), Douglas Lockhart, Preston Mommsen, Qasim Sheikh, Richie Berrington, Neil McCallum, Gregor Maiden, Majid Haq, Moneeb Iqbal, Matthew Parker, Gordon Goudie, Ross Lyons and Simon Smith.ODI squad: Gordon Drummond (capt), Douglas Lockhart, Preston Mommsen, Qasim Sheikh, Josh Davey, Richie Berrington, Neil McCallum, Gregor Maiden, Majid Haq, Matthew Parker, Gordon Goudie, Moneeb Iqbal and Ross Lyons.

Newcastle United journalist Luke Edwards has offered his reaction to the news that Magpies target Chris Wood may have a release clause in his contract. 

The lowdown

Edwards broke the news on Sunday that the Tynesiders had approached Burnley over a deal for the 30-year-old.

Eddie Howe’s side are set to be without their top scorer Callum Wilson for up to eight weeks after he picked up an injury, although Newcastle fans may have doubted whether a move for the New Zealand international was realistic given that the two clubs are relegation rivals – the Clarets are 18th, level on points with the Magpies (albeit with two games in hand).

However, Edwards then said that he was ‘hearing Chris Wood might have a release clause’, before expressing greater confidence in the information in a follow-up tweet in which he described the £5.4m-rated striker a ‘priority target’ for the Tynesiders.

The latest

After learning of the development, The Telegraph journalist tweeted: “Oooooohhh hearing Chris Wood might have a release clause in his contract. Haven’t had it confirmed yet but that would explain why #nufc have pursued it when it didn’t immediately make much sense given Burnley would be selling to a relegation rival.”

He signed off the tweet by adding: “More to follow? Perhaps.”

It remains to be seen just how much Newcastle will be required to pay for the £50,000-per-week striker.

The verdict

Newcastle’s shock FA Cup defeat at the hands of League One Cambridge United laid bare the importance of adding cover for Wilson. On Saturday, Howe deployed the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser, but his team still couldn’t find the net; and after the game, the manager admitted that the absence of a ‘focal point’ cost them.

Signing Wood, who has hit double figures in each of the last four full Premier League seasons, would fill the gap left by Wilson’s enforced absence. It would have the significant added benefit of weakening relegation rivals Burnley, who would be left without their leading marksman from 2020/21.

Therefore, this potential transfer has the ability to greatly alter the picture at the bottom of the table between now and the end of May.

In other news, this Premier League centre-back is also a potential target for Newcastle

Plays of the Day from the third one-day international between England and Australia at Old Trafford

Brydon Coverdale at Old Trafford27-Jun-2010Decision of the day
After Shaun Tait and Doug Bollinger bowled out in their desperate late attempt to bring Australia back into the game, Ricky Ponting was left with an interesting decision. England needed three runs and Australia wanted one wicket from the 50th over, but Ponting could not turn to Tait, Bollinger or Ryan Harris. Would he trust Steven Smith, who had bowled well and collected two wickets, and hope the tailenders miscued trying for the winning runs? Or would he opt for the more tried and tested James Hopes? Ponting went for Hopes, Tim Bresnan got a thick edge for four from the first ball of the over, and that was that.Surprise of the day
There were pessimistic rumblings that the spectators at Old Trafford would leave the ground in droves when England’s World Cup match against Germany kicked off at 3pm. Even Andrew Strauss’s decision to send Australia in was greeted with light-hearted cynicism: did he just want his boys to be in the dressing room to watch the football later in the day? In fact, very few people – a couple of hundred at most – left the ground, although many had headphones on to hear the commentary from Bloemfontein. There were plenty of backs to the cricket within the corporate boxes, and when Germany scored the first goal a loud muttering rippled through the crowd.Unwelcome reception of the day
The dismissal of Kevin Pietersen isn’t usually a cause for great optimism from an English crowd. But when he was walking off after poking a return catch to Shaun Tait, the fans suddenly erupted with cheers and hooting – a delayed appreciation of Tait’s sharp take, perhaps? No, they had all just heard through their earpieces that Matthew Upson had scored a goal at the World Cup to bring England back to 2-1.Sponsor of the day
Given the sporting rivalries of England this afternoon, one of the major sponsors at Old Trafford was especially notable. As the sightscreen rotated after every over, it advertised Wolf Blass Wines – a company founded by a German immigrant in Australia.The point of the day
Old Trafford has welcomed a new addition with the official opening of The Point, which is advertised as a conference or reception centre that can host 1000 people. It’s essentially a big red, rectangular box that, until the rest of the ground is redeveloped, looks as odd in its historic surroundings as the Lord’s media centre. Andrew Flintoff was on hand to cut the ribbon and open the venue, which also provided a handy balcony from which to view the cricket. Or, once the football started, from which to retreat and concentrate on the television.Arrival of the day
The absence of key bowlers has been one of Australia’s problems, though not as much as their batting, in this series, so it was interesting to note that Mitchell Johnson has now joined the touring party. Johnson was ruled out of the one-dayers with an infection in his right elbow, which was not strapped as he donned a baseball glove and played backstop for the fast bowlers as they warmed up on the field during the innings break. Don’t expect a miracle comeback from Johnson during the ODIs though; he’s much more likely to make his return for the Twenty20s against Pakistan.

The ICC is set to hold its annual conference week from Sunday, which will culminate in the inauguration of Sharad Pawar as the seventh ICC president

Cricinfo staff26-Jun-2010The ICC is set to hold its annual conference week in Singapore, which will commence on Sunday with a meeting of the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) and conclude with the inauguration of Sharad Pawar as the seventh ICC president. Pawar will succeed David Morgan who finishes his two-year term next week. The ICC executive board is also set to discuss the nomination of John Howard for the role of vice-president, which has been marred by controversy with a number of boards opposing his candidature.Since his days as Australia’s prime minister, Howard has endured a torrid relationship with Zimbabwe cricket, often being a vocal critic of Robert Mugabe’s regime. South Africa and Zimbabwe initially expressed their opposition to Howard’s nomination, and they were later joined by Sri Lanka, leaving him vulnerable to being disqualified. Howard recently met with ZC chairman Peter Chingoka and managing director Ozias Bvute in a “friendly, constructive and frank” exchange of ideas, following which there are indications that Zimbabwe may change their stand on the issue.”A section of the international media has erroneously created the impression that we have been at the forefront of a motion to block Mr Howard’s nomination. This is not only maliciously incorrect but also ignores the fact that our structures dictate that such a decision can only be taken by the ZC Board which is in fact still to meet and state a position on the matter,” Bvute said.Bvute also indicated that past tensions are unlikely to influence Zimbabwe’s final decision. “We are not vindictive people regardless of how badly we have been portrayed and treated in the past. Our concern has and always will be the welfare of the game. Our final decision and vote will be guided by what is in the best interest of cricket in this country.”Chingoka however, was non-commital on the issue. “I don’t have much to say, we had a friendly discussion, it was very constructive, we were very honest and frank with each other. The matter will be discussed by the ICC, so I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to say any more,” he was quoted in the .Another pressing issue that will be addressed at the CEC meeting is to do with the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the period of 2012-20, in particular the introduction of greater context and content for international cricket. The subject has already been under consideration by a working group consisting David Collier (England and Wales), Nishantha Ranatunga (Sri Lanka), N Srinivasan (India), James Sutherland (Australia) and Dave Richardson (ICC general manager – cricket). An ICC event covering both the Test and ODI formats is likely to be discussed.The ICC executive board will also receive a recommendation from the CEC on the implementation of the decision review system across the board in Test cricket, as well as in the 2011 World Cup. Additionally, the CEC will consider and recommend to the board the eligibility rules and the stand-out period for moving from Associate to Full Member status.The executive board will receive updates on the formulation of the ICC strategy for the period 2011-2015, and the design of mandatory safety and security regulations drawn up by Security Task Force, chaired by Lord Paul Condon, set-up following the Lahore attack last year.The board will also consider Seychelles’ application for Affiliate Membership of ICC. If successful, Seychelles will become the 105th Member of the ICC. Meanwhile, the ICC Associate and Affiliate Members will nominate their ICC executive board director representatives, who serve a two-year term, at their meeting on 28 June 2010.The schedule of meetings is as follows:Chief Executives’ Committee: June 27 and 28
Associate Members: June 28
ICC Executive Board: June 29 and 30
IDI Board: June 30
Annual Conference: July 1
The ICC board meetings will be attended by the the ICC president, vice-president and chief executive, in addition to representatives from the ten Full Members and three Associate Member representatives. The full list of attendees is as follows:David Morgan (ICC president), Sharad Pawar (ICC vice-president), Haroon Lorgat (ICC chief executive), Ijaz Butt (Pakistan), Julian Hunte (West Indies), Peter Chingoka (Zimbabwe), Giles Clarke (England and Wales), Jack Clarke (Australia), Alan Isaac (New Zealand), Mustapha Kemal (Bangladesh), Shashank Manohar (India), Mtutuzeli Nyoka (South Africa), DS de Silva (Sri Lanka) and three Associate Member representatives (TBD on June 28)

The 4th Official has now dropped some big Glasgow Rangers transfer news involving John Souttar.

The Lowdown: Pre-contract agreement

The Ibrox faithful have already signed Souttar on a pre-contract agreement from Hearts, as he only has six months left on his deal.

However, it seems as if they are now exploring the possibility of bringing him in in the January transfer window, instead of waiting until the summer when he becomes a free agent.

Souttar has been a constant for Hearts in the Premiership this term, starting 19 games and scoring three times.

The Latest: Offer made

As per insiders The 4th Official, a respected podcast who regularly break Gers news on their official Twitter page, the Teddy Bears have now submitted a ‘substantial offer’ in order to try and sign Souttar in this window:

“According to multiple sources I have spoken with, Rangers have made a substantial offer to land John Souttar from Hearts in this window.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It will certainly be exciting for Light Blues fans if they are able to land Souttar in this window, instead of waiting until the summer.

A lot of their current central defenders face uncertain futures given their own contract situations at the club, and so bringing Souttar in this month would give him more time to settle in under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Comparing him to Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun in the Premiership so far this season, the Scotland international is actually averaging more interceptions, clearances and blocks per game (WhoScored) than both, suggesting that he would be an upgrade on what GvB currently has at his disposal.

He is also just 25 years of age, and so could be a mainstay in the team for years to come.

In other news, find out whose display against Stirling Albion was slammed here!

Alan Isaac, the candidate who replaced John Howard as Australia and New Zealand’s nominee for the ICC vice-presidency, has supported the creation of a window in the Future Tour Programme for the IPL

Cricinfo staff31-Jul-2010Alan Isaac, the candidate who replaced John Howard as Australia and New Zealand’s nominee for the ICC vice-presidency, has supported the creation of a window in the Future Tour Programme for the IPL. The ICC had earlier ruled out accommodating lucrative Twenty20 leagues in the already cramped international calendar, but Isaac said that was likely to change as the ICC’s sub-committee is working on remodelling the FTP.”The Future Tours Program has to allow the IPL, because unless it is accommodated we will end up with more challenges,” Isaac told the . ”There will be more pressure put around the scheduling of ICC events [such as World Cups and the Champions Trophy], and those ICC events are so critical to members because of the revenue generated.”It has to be worked into the Future Tours Program because there is a demand and an interest. The players seem to like it, and there is more money coming into the game. ‘The sub-committee work is being done on that basis [that the IPL will be part of the FTP].”Isaac, the New Zealand Cricket chairman, replaced former Australia prime minister John Howard as the ICC vice-president nominee following Cricket Australia’s refusal to choose another candidate. Howard’s nomination was blocked last month in Singapore by members from six countries. After being told by the ICC board to find another option by August 31, New Zealand asked Sir John Anderson, the country’s original recommendation, to reconsider. When Anderson refused Isaac, 58, stepped forward.Isaac said Anderson’s decision to decline contesting was unexpected. ”He shocked me when he said he wasn’t available, then encouraged me to make myself available,” Isaac said. ”That was the first time I started thinking about the role. I don’t see myself as second or third choice, ultimately I will be judged on the work that is done.”Isaac conceded that the ICC has had its share of criticism on the way it works and how certain powerful members like India have got their way. He said India have a very significant role to play in the game’s governing body in terms of the revenue they generate.”I think one of the most important things is that we work to enhance the reputation of the ICC,” Isaac said. ”The media are quite critical of it, sometimes justifiably, and lots of decisions it makes get criticised. Each member around the table has got their own issues and agendas, I understand that, it is about leading everyone in a common direction.”There is no doubt [India] are powerful, that is a matter of fact. When the ICC sells its commercial rights a lot of that comes from India, that is the commercial reality and we have got to recognise that. The Indian officials I have dealt with in my 20 months at the ICC have been really good to work with, there are no issues at all.”

Newcastle United have added two players to their ranks this month as PIF begin to flex their financial muscles at St James’ Park.

Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have become the first acquisitions of the new era but there is still plenty of work to be done before the window closes on January 31st.

What’s the word?

Newcastle are facing difficulties in their bid to bring Diego Carlos to the northeast of England with Fabrizio Romano claiming on Thursday evening that a bid had been knocked back.

However, some early morning transfer news from West Ham insider – ExWHUEmployee – was a little more encouraging.

He provided an update on Jesse Lingard from West Ham’s point of view with the Irons interested in re-signing the England international this month.

His update came amid Newcastle’s bid to sign the attacking midfielder. However, after Craig Hope revealed that a move had been rebuffed, Ex seemed to be more upbeat about the Magpies’ hopes.

Indeed, he went as far as to suggest he was already on his way to link up with Eddie Howe’s men.

He said: “I have tried to get a clear answer on the Jesse Lingard situation. Rumours are that he is set to join Newcastle on loan after they agreed to match his £100k a week salary (and more) as well as paying a fee. Whereas Manchester United will not agree a deal with us due to being in competition with them for a Champions League spot.”

Fans buzzing

Newcastle have found life incredibly tricky in the transfer market this month and thus, the idea of a player being on the verge of joining will surely leave supporters elated.

However, when it’s someone of Lingard’s quality, they will only be more delighted.

The Toon Army saw the benefits of adding well in January last year when they welcomed Joe Willock to St James who was a roaring success.

He eventually became a permanent signing last summer after scoring a mightily impressive eight goals.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Lingard was also lighting up proceedings during a temporary stint at the Hammers.

His form in east London was immense, racking up nine goals and five assists in just 16 outings. It’s that type of form that has seen his stock and reputation increase with plenty of eyes now cast in his direction with the January window ongoing.

Lingard has only found the net on two occasions this term but has found regular minutes hard to come by. Therefore, a move elsewhere makes sense and Newcastle will be hoping he chooses them this winter.

If the rumours are true and he really is on his way to join the Magpies, supporters will be extremely pleased. This is a player who will add more vibrancy, personality and style to their forward line.

AND in other news, “From sources” – Fabrizio Romano drops big NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…