Scorecard
ECB Women’s Development XI cruised to a seven-wicket victory against Ireland to win the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier competition in Stirling.Continuing their impressive form after defeating Scotland the game before, captain Jo Cook won the toss and put Ireland into bat on a surface looking helpful for the bowlers. A sensible decision soon seemed inspired when ECB Women’s Development XI ran through the Ireland top order to leave them floundering on 72 for 5. It was Deanna Cooper who made the initial breakthrough, trapping Eamer Richardson in front and thereafter it was a procession.Laura Delany tried her best to stand firm while wickets tumbled around her but when she fell for 36 to become the first of three wickets for Alex Hartley, there was not much left for Ireland. Only the top three reached double figures as Ireland were bundled out for 105.The ECB Development XI made the conditions look far more benign as they rattled off the total in just over 26 overs, losing three wickets along the way. Fran Wilson (35) led the way before before Kathryn Doherty (13) joined MacLeod at the crease to hit the winning runs.MacLeod was untroubled throughout and hit five boundaries in her unbeaten 42 to carry the side to the title. “We kept them down to a good run rate early, the pitch made it hard for them to get our spinners away,” she said after the match. “We started reasonably steady, but with our top order putting away the bad ball we managed to keep the run rate ticking over. I’m really happy with the win, it’s great how we have progressed as a team throughout the tournament.”Reflecting on the performance of the side throughout the competition Paul Shaw, the ECB performance manager, said: “This tournament has provided us with a number of great opportunities for our young players. It has been very pleasing to see the players progress both as individuals and cricketers, cumulating with a professional performance against Ireland today.I would like to thank Phil Hudson and the ICC for organising this tournament and giving the ECB this very importance development opportunity.”

Brendon McCullum will return to the top of the order for New Zealand’s Tests against India, set to open with Martin Guptill after playing at first drop during the past two series. Daniel Flynn, BJ Watling and Rob Nicol were all given a chance to partner Guptill during New Zealand’s past two series, against South Africa and West Indies, but that won’t be the case this time around.”Martin Guptill and Brendon will open the innings,” the New Zealand captain Ross Taylor told reporters in India after the squad touched down ahead of the first Test, starting in Hyderabad on Thursday. “Brendon batted well here on previous occasions and, hopefully, he will continue in the same vein in the upcoming Tests.”McCullum’s highest Test score, 225, came on New Zealand’s most recent Test tour of India, during the Hyderabad Test of 2010-11. McCullum and his team-mates don’t have long to acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the first Test, but Taylor said the players were familiar enough with India that he was confident they could adjust quickly.”We would certainly like to put some good plans in place and be positive about the way we look to play. India is a familiar place for a lot of us,” he said. “We have played well here and are looking forward to the contest.”New Zealand are coming off a demoralising tour of the West Indies in which they lost the Tests and limited-overs legs comprehensively. They also lost 1-0 last time they visited India for Tests, but their bowlers at times left the Indian batting in positions of trouble, and their batting clicked, the highlights being McCullum’s double-century and a debut hundred by Kane Williamson.Harbhajan Singh rescued India from dicey positions in the series, scoring two centuries and a fifty. Taylor said the side would nevertheless take heart from that tour.”We hadn’t had bad memories the last time we played here. Brendon got 225. We had our opportunities but Harbhajan batted well and took the game away from us. However, it is a different time of the year, and hopefully, we will continue to play well.”Daniel Vettori, with 14 wickets, was the highest wicket-taker in the series. Taylor said his spinners would be keen to take advantage of the conditions. “They have a few spinners in their side and we don’t play lot of spinners back home,” he said. “It will be a good challenge and we are looking forward to put India under pressure.”He said India played well at home and his side would have to take that into account. “India is always tough in their home conditions. Whether they play north or down south they play very well. We should be careful about the reverse swing and the spinners. We have to learn quickly through the series.”The two-Test series will be followed by two T20Is in September as a prelude to the World T20.

Everton fans have been reacting to the latest claims that Carlo Ancelotti is seeking out his former defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.

According to Calciomercato, the Napoli centre-back is ready to leave the Serie A club with the Toffees boss wanting to spark a reunion at Goodison Park. The source claims that the Italian has a ‘special’ relationship with the 28-year-old but other teams such as Newcastle, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keen.

Did he really play for us?! No Everton fan has managed to name all of these obscure Toffees players….

Aurelio De Laurentiis is after €100m (£87.6m) for the Senegalese international’s services, although he could budge for something less.

And fans in Merseyside appear to be torn by the prospects of signing Koulibaly, some citing the fee and others his age whilst a few believe he’d be a fantastic upgrade to the central defensive position.

The Napoli colossus has played 21 times this campaign, including twice against local rivals Liverpool in the Champions League, helping his side keep a clean sheet in their group opener back in September.

Here’s how the Toffees faithful have been reacting to the news…

AND in other news, Everton fans hope the club steers clear of this loan flop…

Tottenham and Arsenal are battling to sign Chelsea star Willian on a free transfer this summer, according to The Telegraph via @RickSpur. 

Willian’s contract is set to expire in June and he has been linked with a move to North London, with reports suggesting he could reunite with his old boss Jose Mourinho.

Chief football writer Matt Law has revealed Spurs are preparing themselves for a transfer market in which they will only be able to spend money on free agents, loans, or by organising swap deals.

Ever since he arrived at Stamford Bridge from Anzhi Makhachkala for £31.95m all the way back in 2013, the dead-ball-specialist has won the Premier League twice, the Europa League, the FA Cup and League Cup. He also picked up the Copa America trophy with Brazil last year (Transfermarkt).

Despite his age, the Brazilian hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down anytime soon, as he has the second-highest WhoScored rating out of the entire Chelsea squad. The 31-year-old has scored 5 goals and created 5 assists in the English top flight this season, taking 1.9 shots per game, averaging 1.8 key passes, and successfully completing 1.9 dribbles on average (via WhoScored).

Admittedly, this may be a deal Daniel Levy chooses to avoid, as it is unlikely the veteran will be a part of Mourinho’s plans in the long-term future.

He is keen to stay in London and play in the Premier League as his family have now settled in the country.

However, it is worth remembering a large section of the THFC faithful still harbour lingering animosity towards the winger, after he infamously snubbed Tottenham for the Blues despite having already taken his medical tests.

It is therefore understandable as to why loads of Spurs fans slammed Willian’s transfer update, with one supporter lamenting “please no.”

Meanwhile, another added this is the “same old Spurs.,” in reference to the fact that they will not be spending significant money in the summer. Again it is easy to see why they would say this, given in the 18/19 season they didn’t spent a single penny on transfer fees (Transfermarkt).

Scroll through some of the scathing reactions so far…

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Willian in the upcoming transfer window? Let us know down below!

[ad_pod ]

A late Willy Boly strike denied Newcastle United all three points against Wolves at Molineux Stadium on Monday night.

The Magpies dug deep and produced a gritty, dogged defensive performance for much of the 90 minutes. However, their rearguard was breached in added time when the Wolves defender rose above Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to crash a header home.

Rafa Benitez will be proud of his side’s hard-working performance, but disappointed with the result. However, had Newcastle capitalised on certain opportunities earlier in the game the victory would have been theirs.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

One player particularly guilty of being wasteful in these situations was Matt Ritchie – the versatile 29-year-old, who played as a left wing-back against Wolves. Ritchie was one of Newcastle’s key attacking outlets, and was always willing to bring the ball forwards and test the opposition defence. 

According to WhoScored’s statistics, no Newcastle player completed more than Ritchie’s two successful dribbles on Monday night. However, the 16-cap Scotland international’s endeavour went unrewarded. He was heavily involved, having 91 touches of the ball, by far the most of any Newcastle player, but little of what he attempted came off, as evidenced by his poor pass accuracy rating of 75.9%.

Once in the final third, Ritchie failed to have a telling impact. The fact he managed no key passes and no shots is a disappointment, as he is one of the Magpies’ most capable attacking players. 

Defensively, though, Ritchie was far more impressive, showing just how valuable his versatility is to Benitez. The wide man made seven clearances, two interceptions and one tackle.

All in all then, in his own half Ritchie was at his best, but in opposition territory he couldn’t hit the heights he is certainly capable of.

Derby County manager Frank Lampard will surely want to sign a new defender before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

The Rams have been active in the January transfer window so far, completing the signing of former Chelsea defender, Ashley Cole, on a free transfer. Lampard must be desperate to bolster his defence further with just two senior centre-backs at his disposal. One injury could be damaging to their hopes of finishing in the play-off places.

A congested fixture list will only add to Lampard’s fears with Richard Keogh and Fikayo Tomori featuring together in 32 of Derby’s 35 matches this season. Adding cover for the starting defenders is imperative on deadline day.

One man Lampard could target is West Ham outcast – Reece Oxford. Valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, the 20-year-old is a graduate of the club’s famed youth academy and was expected to develop into a crucial first-team player. However, after various failed loan spells in Germany, Oxford has found himself out of favour under Manuel Pellegrini. The defender desperately needs first-team football and moving to Pride Park could be just what he needs to relaunch his career.

The Englishman remains one of the top prospects in the country and could thrive in the Championship. Oxford is an excellent defender who would prove to be a useful rotation option for Lampard. As well as being comfortable on either side of the defence, Oxford is also capable of featuring in defensive midfield.

Under Lampard’s tutelage, Oxford could finally realise his massive potential – a loan move with the option to buy could prove to be a masterstroke.

Derby fans, thoughts?

واصل جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، جاريث بيل، تمرده على الإدارة والمدير الفني، زين الدين زيدان، بتصرف جديد قبل مباراة خيتافي الودية.

وواجه ريال مدريد منافسه خيتافي في مباراة ودية سرية اليوم، الثلاثاء، في تمام الساعة الثانية عشر ظهرًا بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “ألفريدو دي ستيفانو، وفاز بنتيجة 6-0 قبل انطلاق مشواره في الدوري الإسباني. (طالع التفاصيل)

ويستعد الملكي لمواجهة ريال سوسيداد يوم، الأحد المقبل، على ملعب “أنويتا” في الجولة الثانية من البطولة، بعد تأجيل مباراته في الجولة الأولى أمام خيتافي بسبب انتهاء مشاركاته في الموسم الماضي متأخرًا بسبب دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ولكن المشكلة تكمن هنا بحسب ما ذكرت شبكة “كواترو” الإسبانية في تمرد بيل المستمر، حيث يرغب في الرحيل عن صفوف ريال مدريد ويريد فرض المزيد من الضغط على الإدارة للموافقة على بيعه هذا الصيف.

كان بيل متواجدًا في المدينة الرياضية صباح اليوم، وقبل بداية المباراة الودية أمام خيتافي، أعطى له زيدان حرية مشاهدة المباراة أو الرحيل بعد انتهاء المران.

لكن الويلزي الدولي فضل الرحيل وشوهد يخرج بسيارته من المدينة الرياضية للعودة إلى منزله في تمام الساعة الثانية عشر ونصف ظهرًا، ليكتب فصلًا جديدًا من التمرد وتوجيه رسائل للإدارة مفادها الرغبة في ترك قلعة “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

الجدير بالذكر أن هناك صراعًا إنجليزيًا على ضم بيل في الآونة الأخيرة بين مانشستر يونايتد وتوتنهام (فريقه السابق)، لكن حتى الآن لم يتقدموا بأي عرض رسمي لصالح ريال مدريد.

[ad_pod ]

Reported Everton target Tanguy Ndombele produced a brilliant performance for Lyon as they picked up a goalless draw in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie with Barcelona at the Lyon Olympic Stadium on Tuesday, surely ending the Merseyside outfit’s chances of signing him.

On the chalkboard

Well, The Liverpool Echo reported in November that Toffees chief scout Martyn Glover had been sent to watch the powerful 22-year-old midfielder in action, with the media outlet reporting at the time that the France international was worth £40m.

The Liverpool Echo said that the interest in the Ligue 1 star was evidence that Marco Silva and Marcel Brands were keen to bolster the team’s options in the centre of the park across the January transfer window and then in the summer, which could be a priority given they did no business in that area last month.

Andre Gomes is only on loan from Barcelona, Idrissa Gueye has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain while 20-year-old Tom Davies has captained the team in recent weeks.

Could they sign Ndombele?

In a word, no.

Any chance they did have of bringing him to Goodison Park have surely vanished after his latest display in Europe, where he produced a display full of quality and composure against some of the best players in world football.

Not only did the powerful Frenchman shine from a defensive point of view – which is of course important given his usual deep-lying position – but he also made an impact going forward for the Ligue 1 outfit as well, as you can see from his WhoScored stats, as he completed five dribbles and was successful with all three long balls he attempted.

Everton may well be keen to strengthen their midfield this summer, but they won’t be getting Ndombele whose price will be soaring and who will surely be attracting interest from the very best clubs in Europe as he continues to excel at the highest level.

[ad_pod ]

Celtic have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Colin Dagba as they step up their search for a right-back, according to reports from French website RMC.

What’s the story?

The 20-year-old has made three Ligue 1 appearances this season for Paris Saint Germain but appears to have a real fan in manager Thomas Tuchel, who doesn’t want the promising defender to leave.

It’s claimed Celtic would have liked to sign Dagba, although no time-frame is given for the Scottish champions expressing their interest, however Tuchel isn’t interested in parting with a youngster who recently signed a contract until 2023.

Search continues

France has proved to be a great recruiting ground for Brendan Rodgers. Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham have all advanced their careers as Celtic swooped to a double treble.

That track record no doubt helped Celtic to take Timo Weah on loan earlier this month, so it’s natural the Hoops took a look at what PSG have in reserve for the problem position of right-back.

On this occasion the door seems closed but a lot can happen before midnight on Thursday as Celtic step up their search to bring in a right-back to compete with Mikael Lustig.

[ad_pod ]

Crystal Palace have officially announced the signing of Sao Paulo’s Lucas Perri on loan for the remainder of the season – the Brazilian becomes the Eagles’ first piece of January business and, contrary to the opinions of most, it is a far more important addition than a striker.

Injuries to Vicente Guaita and Wayne Hennessey have left Roy Hodgson short of options between the sticks and it is no surprise that this deal has finally gone through now after the stinker of a performance put in against Liverpool by third choice keeper – and Palace legend – Julian Speroni.

The 39-year-old didn’t look match fit and gifted Mohamed Salah his second of the game as he misjudged a James Milner cross, meaning much of Palace’s hard work was undone.

Which player with “no potential” has just been named Crystal Palace’s worst ever January signing? Find out in the video above…

Keeping the ball out of your net clearly important, but so is putting it away in your opponents’ – goals have been a commodity at SE25 this season and many Palace fans surely feel that an upgrade on the current crop of strikers is desperately needed.

A deal for early January target Dominic Solanke fell through, with the Englishman opting for a switch to Bournemouth instead and Palace fans have more or less been left in the dark since.

The signing of 21-year-old Perri, though, should at least come as a relief to those who felt the club were just staring out the transfer window as it slowly closes.

Here’s what the Selhurst Park faithful had to say on Twitter…