Former Wrexham goalkeeper Kai Calderbank-Park, who partied with owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has joined a new club after his release.
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Wrexham released Calderbank-Park in summerHas now joined ChesterPartied with owners after promotionWHAT HAPPENED?
Calderbank-Park was released by Wrexham in June, after they had secured their promotion to League Two. The goalkeeper travelled with the squad to Las Vegas to celebrate that success, and says that he regarded the two Hollywood stars as some of his "best mates" prior to his exit.
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Calderbank-Park never made a single first-team appearance for the Welsh club, having been behind Ben Foster in the pecking order last season, and will now set about making the goalkeeper position for Chester his own.
WHAT THEY SAID
Chester boss Calum McIntyre said: “Kai strengthens our Goalkeeping department even further and is someone that our Goalkeeper Coach Neil Ebbrell has worked with before.
“We wanted to ensure we had two goalkeepers in the building that could be called upon at any time without halting the progress of our young keepers out on loan.”
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Nottingham Forest have scheduled imminent medical tests to finalise a summer deal for Manchester United star Anthony Elanga, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Who is Anthony Elanga?
Elanga is primarily a left-sided winger who has played his football at Old Trafford for the past eight years having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first-team fold back in January 2022, as per Transfermarkt, but there’s a chance that he could be on the move during the present window.
During the 2022/23 Premier League season, Erik Ten Hag only handed the 21-year-old five top-flight starts and he was reduced to coming off the bench as a substitute on 11 occasions, via WhoScored, showing how out of favour he is and highlighting that he needs to leave should he want to receive more regular game time elsewhere.
The Telegraph have reported that despite interest from West Ham United and Everton, the Sweden international turned down the chance to join David Moyes’ and Sean Dyche's sides and instead has opted to make the switch to Steve Cooper’s men, with The Athletic revealing that the Reds have had a £15m offer for the attacker accepted in M16.
So far this summer, the Midlands outfit have finalised a permanent deal for Chris Wood who initially joined on loan from Newcastle United and most recently they confirmed the arrival of defender Ola Aina from Torino, and the club’s third recruit could be about to walk through the doors at The City Ground.
Are Nottingham Forest signing Anthony Elanga?
Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Nottingham Forest have already agreed with Manchester United for a medical to take place for Elanga, whilst also providing an update on their pursuit of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who Cooper is keen to secure following his successful loan spell last season.
“Nottingham Forest are insisting on Dean Henderson as negotiations are ongoing with Manchester United after loan bid sent earlier this week. Medical booked for Anthony Elanga after permanent deal agreed on Friday.”
Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga.
How many goals has Anthony Elanga scored?
Whilst Nottingham Forest will know that Elanga wasn’t given a fair chance to prove what he was capable of last season, the left-winger has racked up a total of 50 goal contributions (30 goals and 20 assists) in 124 appearances since the start of his career, so should he put pen to paper, he could be reborn under Cooper.
The CAA Stellar client can pose a huge threat in the final third having ranked in the 92nd percentile for most attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, whilst averaging 3.59 shot-creating actions per top-flight match last term was also impressive even though he was a bit-part player, as per FBRef.
The Malmo native, who has the versatility to operate in five different positions across the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline, also has bags of experience under his belt having previously played in both the Champions and Europa League competitions, so he would be able to instil a much-needed winning mentality and increase the level of performance in the Midlands.
Tamim aggravated the injury he suffered during the second Test, forcing him to miss the rest of the South Africa tour and at least two weeks of Bangladesh’s premier domestic T20 tournament
Mohammad Isam20-Oct-2017Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the rest of Bangladesh’s tour to South Africa after aggravating the injury on his left thigh muscle for the second time in two weeks. He will return home on October 22, and is set to miss at least the first two weeks of the Bangladesh Premier League, which is scheduled to begin on November 4.Tamim had first injured his left thigh during the practice match at the start of the tour in Benoni and in the first Test in Potchefstroom, which he played carrying the injury. Both instances occurred when he was fielding.Despite not being 100% fit, he played the second ODI in Paarl. Before the game however, he had said that he was risking another injury.At the time, Tamim said: “If I get injured again [in the same spot], then I will be out for two months which I hope the team management doesn’t want and neither do I.”When he played in Paarl, there were many who were dismayed by the team management’s decision to risk an in-form batsman, like Tamim, who had already aggravated the injury during the first ODI. Bangladesh, meanwhile, have also lost Mustafizur Rahman due to an ankle injury.Chief selector Minhajul Abedin, on the South Africa tour as manager, has said that Mominul Haque, who is in the ODI squad, will remain with the team for the T20Is as Tamim’s replacement.
Richie Richardson, the former West Indies captain, is currently a part of the ICC’s Elite Panel of match referees
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-2017Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson has been appointed match referee by the ICC for the three-match T20 Independence Cup between Pakistan and the World XI side – the first instance since 2009 of an ICC match official overseeing cricket in Pakistan.Richardson has been a member of the ICC’s Elite Panel of match referees since January 2016 and has officiated in 11 Tests, 19 ODIs and 18 T20Is till date. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the ICC’s decision in a press release on Tuesday. “The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced that the International Cricket Council has appointed Sir Richie Richardson as match referee for the Independence Cup to be played between the World XI and Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium on 12, 13 and 15 September.”The ICC has thrown its weight behind this series, working closely with the PCB to tackle security which satisfied the standards of the players’ body, the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA).Zimbabwe’s tour in 2015 – the only international tour by a Test-playing team since the terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009 – had gone ahead with local umpires and match officials. Prior to Zimbabwe’s tour, several countries had refused to play in Pakistan, in the aftermath of the attack in Lahore. The PCB, however, has been gradually pursuing more matches in the country. Earlier this year, a few international players turned out in Lahore for the final of the Pakistan Super League.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte believes his decision to join the French champions over Chelsea was '100 percent' the correct one.
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Chelsea and PSG had vied for Ugarte's signatureUgarte signed for PSG for €60mUgarte has become key player in ParisWHAT HAPPENED?
Ugarte revealed how pleased he was to be at PSG, who sit top of Ligue 1, and believes he made the right decision in moving to Paris, not London. The 22-year-old was at the centre of a tug-of-war between PSG and Chelsea before the French giants eventually landed him for €60 million (£52m/$65m).
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Speaking to , Ugarte said: "I am 100% convinced that coming here was the best choice. PSG, for me, is something incredible. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that I am here because before coming I did not imagine the scale of this club, its worldwide fame, its supporters… I am enjoying this incredible experience enormously, while focusing on achieving of our objectives.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ugarte may well be thinking 'what could have been' had he joined Chelsea in the summer. With the Blues once again struggling this season, languishing in 10th in the Premier League, he can be forgiven for his relief at not moving to west London. The Uruguayan has started each of PSG's five Champions League fixtures and has become a constant presence in the club's midfield this season.
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WHAT NEXT FOR UGARTE?
Ugarte's PSG sit top of Ligue 1 by four points ahead of tonight's home fixture against Nantes. The Parisians then travel to Dortmund on Wednesday, knowing they must match or better Newcastle's result against AC Milan to qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds.
South African seamer should be available for seven County Championship matches and entire Royal London campaign.
George Dobell21-Feb-2018Derbyshire have signed Duanne Olivier as an overseas player for the first half of the 2018 season.The 25-year-old South African seamer should, subject to final clearance from Cricket South Africa, be available for the county’s first seven County Championship matches and the entire Royal London One-Day Cup campaign.”We identified new-ball bowling as an area we wanted to strengthen, especially for the first half of the season in red- and white-ball cricket,” Cricket Advisor, Kim Barnett said. “He is a tall, quick bowler who is keen to prove himself and he will give us another quality option with the ball. He comes highly recommended and will offer further depth to our seam attack.”While Olivier has struggled to command a settled place in the South Africa side – a reflection, in part, of their depth of seam bowling talent – he has played five Tests and claimed his 17 wickets at an impressive average of just 23.11 apiece. His first-class record – he has taken 284 wickets at an average of 22.04 – is excellent and, while he is still learning his trade in white-ball cricket, he has claimed the two best List A figures of his career this year.”I’m looking forward to joining up with Derbyshire and getting straight into bowling overs and contributing to success for the club,” Olivier said. “The club is clear in its drive to keep improving and I’m excited to be a part of an ambitious dressing room. There is a strong bowling attack at the club and I hope to play my part, both on and off the field.”Derbyshire have previously announced the signing of Mitchell Santner as an overseas player for the T20 competition and the second half of the Championship campaign and the release of several young players.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso won't push for a summer exit to Real Betis with manager Ange Postecoglou playing a big role in that.
Who is leaving Spurs this summer?
After completing deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, midfielder James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon – there are certain squad members on the chopping block to free up more squad space and funds.
Ivan Perisic, for example, has reportedly been told he can leave Spurs this summer if a suitable offer comes in. After the signing of Vicario, long-serving number one Hugo Lloris could also make way.
The Frenchman, speaking to news outlet Nice-Matin recently, admitted as much and believes this summer could be the end of an era for him in north London.
“We have reached an important moment, whether it be for the club or me,” said Lloris.
“It’s the end of an era. I have a desire for something else. I will carefully study what is possible. However, I haven’t forgotten that I have a year left on my contract at Tottenham, and in football, it’s always hard to predict what will happen."
Meanwhile, Spurs accepted a bid from Russian side Spartak Moscow for defender Davinson Sanchez, though it remains to be seen whether the Colombian will agree to join them or if the transfer will even be authorised by government officials – due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Japhet Tanganga, after limited playing time last season, comes as another player expected to depart while Spurs regular Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is being chased by La Liga side Atletico Madrid.
Lo Celso had been mentioned as a candidate to leave, but according to Spanish news site Mucho Deporte, he won't exactly force the issue.
Villarreal midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.
Real Betis are eyeing a move for the Argentine, and while he's interested in joining them, there is a belief Lo Celso will not push for the transfer.
This is mostly down to Postecoglou, who is delighted with the midfielder's efforts in pre-season, and Lo Celso himself feels comfortable playing under the Australian and fits in well to his system.
It's added that the South American has fun in each training session under Posteocoglou and works hard for him.
How good is Giovani Lo Celso?
Signed for £27.2 million from Betis in January 2020, Lo Celso has endured a mixed Spurs career to date, but has showcased his quality on loan spells with Villarreal.
Just last season, during a temporary stint with Villarreal, he averaged their joint-highest rate of key passes completed per 90 in the final third – all the while scoring two goals and assisting three others (WhoScored).
The 27-year-old could fit in well to Postecoglou's system as a more advanced playmaker, with Spurs superstar Son Heung-min once showering praise on Lo Celso.
“I think he’s unbelievable!” said Son on Lo Celso's form in 2020.
“He’s working really hard in every single training session so I think every player is really happy for him to be doing so well and working so hard."
After three seasons of trying, it could well be the case that Lo Celso has found a perfect managerial fit in Postecoglou, so it will be interesting to see if he becomes a key player next season.
The former national T20 captain is set for his first ODI appearance in nearly three years, when the England series kicks off
Daniel Brettig11-Jan-2018Cameron White does not regret criticising Australia’s recent selection policies and will seek out the selection chairman Trevor Hohns to discuss their differences of opinion after being recalled for his first ODI appearances in nearly three years.Having dropped Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade in large part due to a spate of Australian middle-order collapses in 2017, Hohns and his panel lost their first batting preference when Chris Lynn pulled out of the limited-overs squad to face England due to a calf strain.Hazlewood and Cummins to rest
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will be rested from the first and second ODIs against England, respectively, as Australia seek to manage the workloads of their fast bowlers between the Ashes and the four-Test tour of South Africa. The Australian limited-overs squad assembled in Melbourne on Thursday but Hazlewood remained in Sydney and will rejoin the squad in Brisbane on Tuesday ahead of the second match. Cummins, meanwhile, will be part of the team for the opener at the MCG but will miss the Gabba match. Mitchell Starc is also expected to miss some of the series, with the West Australian duo of Jyhe Richardson and Andrew Tye expected to take up much of the pace load following their strong displays in the Big Bash League for Perth Scorchers.
Rather than recalling Maxwell or going with the younger D’Arcy Short, they have opted to return to White, who last played in the lead-up to the 2015 World Cup campaign and has been in extremely consistent form for Melbourne Renegades. “He’s in very good form as his figures demonstrate, he’s playing very well,” Hohns said. “He’s one of the leading run-scorers in the BBL, he’s experienced, he’s a very smart cricketer and he’s a good fielder. He ticks all the boxes for what we need at this stage.”In addition to thinking as recently as Christmas Eve that he was no longer going to be considered for the national team, White had been arguably the most ardent critic of the selectors for choosing younger players on their potential rather than more experienced operators with a better track record. The choice of Sam Heazlett for last year’s ODI tour of New Zealand was a particular sore point, and White had also pointed out that it now seemed possible to be picked for Australia out of the Big Bash League regardless of what format it was for.”I grew up watching and dreaming of playing for Australia and thinking how hard is it going to be to get a game for Australia and to earn the absolute right,” White said on RSN radio in January last year. “Now it sort of seems like the Australian team at some stages is a development team. For me, playing for Australia isn’t about giving you a chance to develop. Domestic cricket is where that happens, and Futures League. I just want to see the best players playing, I don’t care who they are… I’m not against young players playing at all, but I’m just not sure about bringing people into the Australian team to develop.”We’ve seen with selection over the last period of time that the Big Bash seems to be the be-all and end-all. You can get picked to play for Australia in any format out of the Big Bash, really. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. I’m just a little worried to be honest, on the [lack of] importance the selectors are putting on domestic cricket. For years, the strength of the Australian game has been the domestic game. I’m just not sure that there has been much importance put on that and it worries me for the future of Australian cricket and the strength of Australian cricket.”These words resulted in a riposte from Hohns, stating the White’s career had hardly been “earth-shattering”, but after a happier exchange on Thursday, White saw the irony in his own selection after strong BBL displays. “I don’t think I’d change what I said, that was just me being honest about what I thought about the selection process at the time,” White said. “Trevor disagreed at the time, we haven’t spoken about it since, but that’s okay as well. Hopefully during this period of time it might be a good chance to talk it over. But it was just a comment on selection, which was an opinion-based thing, and I had a different opinion like many other people do as well.”Making a few runs in the Big Bash hasn’t hurt, but maybe it is a little ironic. I’d like to think that my one-day cricket for Victoria hasn’t hurt my chances of getting this opportunity… Maybe it’s a little bit ironic – missing games for Victoria was more about playing some younger people and getting some experience into them in Shield cricket at the same time.”It was no different at the start of this year, I didn’t play the first three games even though I was coming off some really good form in the pre-season in the one-day cup, so it’s just the landscape of Cricket Australia these days, I understand that and there’s no point complaining about it or whingeing, it’s just the way it is. It could well be the same case when I go back to Shield cricket later in the year as well.”
“I’ve got an understanding of my game now, I’m a bit older and understand what sort of mental state I need to get myself into to make sure I’m scoring runs consistently – clear mind, watch the ball and react to it.”
White’s scores of 79*, 51, 3, 49*, 35* and 68* for Renegades followed innings of 66, 19* and 82 in two Sheffield Shield appearances, while he had made 199 runs at 49.75 in four domestic limited-overs cup appearances at the outset of the season. However he has in recent times been on the fringes of the Victorian squad, playing far less consistently than Maxwell, and had widely stated his belief that his international days were over. In many ways, the choice of White from the edges of the Victorian set-up mirrors that of Tim Paine when he was not keeping wicket for Tasmania.”I was very surprised when Trevor Hohns rang me,” White said. “I probably did think [I wouldn’t get picked again] but in the back of my mind I never did give up all hope, so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, get back and have another go at it, so I’m just grateful for the opportunity and the chance. It’s up to me now whether I can make the most of it.”I’ve got an understanding of my game now, I’m a bit older and understand what sort of mental state I need to get myself into to make sure I’m scoring runs consistently – clear mind, watch the ball and react to it. Sounds simple but it’s not that easy to do most of the time. Along with that, understanding my game and situations out on the field. They’re the main things to it, and obviously got a bit of experience behind me now in different conditions and situations.”The good thing about now is I feel I’m a better player than when I last played [for Australia], so I’m happy that I’ve got another opportunity and hopefully I can show that. In terms of unfinished business or call it what you like, it’s a good feeling that I’m in a better position to be successful now than I was when I left after having the last go.”Andrew McDonald, the Victoria coach, has already indicated he is “shocked” at White’s recall ahead of Maxwell, describing it as a “kick in the backside” for the younger man. White observed that Maxwell was on a similar journey of self-knowledge that he had been on himself, and would come out of it a better and more consistent player. At the same time he reckoned he was capable of helping to stop the recent trend of middle-order collapses that limited Australia to five wins from 15 ODIs in 2017.”I think what you’ve seen from Glenn this year is he’s probably now getting a really good understanding of what consistent runs looks like and he’s in really good form,” White said. “You’ve seen it in the Big Bash and playing with him in the Shield, he’s made a double-ton and another hundred, so he’s doing everything right it seems to me.”But hopefully that is one of my strengths, playing to the situation [when collapses are underway]. I’ve done that pretty well in the Big Bash over the last four or five games. If that’s the role they see me playing, I’ll definitely be happy to do that.”
Erling Haaland sent a heartwarming message to former team-mate Jadon Sancho after the winger left Manchester United for Borussia Dortmund on loan.
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Sancho signs for DortmundEnds Man Utd nightmare at least until the summerHaaland shares a message for SanchoWHAT HAPPENED?
Sancho spent four successful years at Dortmund before moving to United in 2021 for a reported fee of £73 million ($93m). However, during his stay at Old Trafford, he failed to match expectations and has been in exile since August after a public spat with Erik ten Hag. The winger has switched back to his former employers with the hope of reviving his sinking career on a loan deal, reportedly worth €4m (£3.4m/$4.3m) with no buy-back option.
Haaland was excited to see his close friend embark on a fresh challenge in his former stomping ground and wrote "beautiful" in his Instagram story while quoting Dortmund's post.
The duo spent a year together at Signal Iduna Park where they forged a close friendship. They lifted the German Cup together in 2021 when Sancho scored 16 goals and laid on 20 assists. A week before, Haaland expressed his admiration for Sancho by labelling him as a 'proper baller' in his Instagram story with a picture of the German Cup in front of them.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite his previous achievements, Sancho struggled to replicate his Dortmund form in his two-and-a-half seasons at United, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists since his arrival. The off-the-field incidents also hampered his progress and his row with Ten Hag over a social media post was the final nail on the coffin.
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Getty WHAT NEXT?
Sancho is geared up to prove his critics wrong by shining at Dortmund in his second coming. He might be handed an opportunity to feature when the Black and Yellows return to action on Saturday in the Bundesliga against Darmstadt.
West Bromwich Albion are reportedly looking to bring in two new players before tomorrow evening’s deadline.
What’s the latest West Brom transfer news?
The Baggies and Carlos Corebran have enjoyed a solid start to the new Championship season on the pitch, picking up seven points from a possible 12. However, off the pitch, it has been a struggle for those at The Hawthorns to bolster the squad, with just two new players arriving so far.
Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder Jeremy Sarmiento arrived at the club on loan, whereas centre-forward Josh Maja signed on a free transfer after leaving Bordeaux.
Speaking after the win over Middlesbrough on Saturday, though, Corberan addressed the need for late arrivals, saying:
"I think our future in the competition depends a lot on this week.
"I like to have a strong team in attack and strong team in defence. The fact we scored goals today doesn't mean anything. We still need one attacking player for me, to strengthen the squad. Also we need someone who can play as a wing back or full back to cover the options for the team at the back."
A fresh update has been shared by The Express and Star, and it looks as if the club are trying to give Corberan exactly what he wants. The report, relayed by West Brom News, stated that the Baggies have rejected offers from Stoke City for striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, whereas Grady Diangana is attracting interest from Burnley, Leicester and Leeds.
Should any player leave, it is claimed that they will be replaced, but even if the club don’t sell, they are looking at signing an “attacking midfielder or versatile option able to cover a couple of attacking roles”. Another area is at right-back, with USA international and free agent Reggie Cannon named as a potential target.
Who could West Brom sign?
It appears as if it could be a key couple of days at The Hawthorns, especially following Corberan’s comments on the weekend, so it’ll be interesting to see if the club can give him his wish before the window slams shut.
One player who has recently been linked with a move to the Championship is Newcastle United’s Jeff Hendrick. It has been reported that West Brom, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday have all registered their interest over a possible transfer after falling out of favour at St James’ Park.
The 31-year-old is primarily a central midfielder who can turn out in an attacking or right midfield role when required. He spent last season out on loan with Reading where he was praised by former manager Paul Ince, who said:
“He trains like a demon every day. He is very professional and I like professional players and he is one you can trust. The thing about football ultimately is that you’ve got to have 11 players you can trust. Sometimes you don’t pick the players with the most talent but ones you can trust week in, week out and Jeff is one of those."
Therefore, a move for the Irishman and defender Cannon could be ones to keep an eye on before tomorrow evening.