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Liverpool have been linked with a move for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his first-team squad this summer.

What’s the story?

The 27-year-old has impressed throughout his time in Serie A and was heavily courted by fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United 12 months ago.

However, De Paul ended up remaining at the Stadio Friuli, with his standout displays attracting the attention of Jurgen Klopp, according to Italian outlet FC Inter News.

Liverpool must swoop

The report claims that Liverpool have asked Mino Raiola for information on his client as the upcoming transfer window approaches, although they’re expected to face competition from Inter, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Leeds for his signature.

A fee of around £35m is expected to be enough to prize the Argentina international away from Udinese over the coming months, and his former manager Julio Velazquez was full of praise for the creative talent last year.

“His strength is intelligence on and off the pitch. On the pitch, he knows best what space to occupy and how to do it,” Velazquez told Gazetta Dello Sport (as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb).

“On an extra level, however, he understood how Udinese would have been the best place for him to grow. He lacks absolutely nothing, he could play in any club in the world.

“He has also improved on the defensive level, and in attack, he improves the team.”

De Paul didn’t let the collapse of his proposed move to Elland Road last summer slow him down, bagging nine goals and providing 11 assists in 38 appearances for Luca Gotti’s men.

The South American was pivotal to everything his side did in the attacking third, recording the most dribbles per league game (3.4) amongst his teammates, the most key passes (2.3) and the second-highest shots per league game with 2.3.

His arrival at Anfield could be the perfect replacement for the departing Gini Wijnaldum after the Dutch international joined Paris Saint-Germain following five incredible years on Merseyside.

Several names have been linked with Liverpool following the 30-year-old’s exit, but De Paul would be a perfect fit and bring bags of excitement to the Reds’ line-up.

The club’s hierarchy must swoop for Udinese wizard as Klopp attempts to return Liverpool to the summit of English football before another top team shows their hand.

And, in other news…LFC heading for huge transfer mistake over £27m-rated liability, Edwards must avoid 

This Wednesday sees the return of floodlit cricket to the Riverside withNorwich Union League action against Glamorgan Dragons

Durham CCC Press Release12-Aug-2002This Wednesday sees the return of floodlit cricket to the Riverside withNorwich Union League action against Glamorgan Dragons.As well as being a great event for the fans, the match is also a chance forthe Dynamos to move out of the relegation zone in Division One. Sunday’swin against Leicestershire Foxes means the Dynamos will be in high spiritsand determined to produce another victory.Floodlit cricket is proving more popular than ever and Wednesday’s gamelooks set to provide entertainment for all the family with the UniversalKidZone available throughout the evening. This is a fully supervised areawhere children can take part in a variety of ball games, receive cricketcoaching, go on bouncy castles or even have their faces painted. All theactivities are free of charge.Durham are hoping for a large crowd for this 45 over a side clash with playstarting at 4.10pm and continuing until 10.20pm. Tickets for non-members are£10 in advance and £5 for juniors (under 18s). A family ticket (2 adultsand 3 children) is only £25 in advance. Gates open at 2.00pm. Call theTicket Hotline on 0191 387 1717.

Mr Anderson refers to the meeting that Cricket Chairman Vic Marks is going to have with the coaches and senior staff to `assess what went wrong and what is needed to rectify the situation’ and goes onto say that the club are making financial

Richard Walsh22-Sep-2002Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson has written to all 7000 of the club’s members `to apologise for the poor display by our players this season.’In the letter that dropped onto every members doorstep over the weekend the Somerset boss says that despite the C and G Final appearance at Lord’s `too many of our performances seemed to lack enthusiasm, urgency, and the requisite application expected of professional players.’Mr Anderson refers to the meeting that Cricket Chairman Vic Marks is going to have with the coaches and senior staff to `assess what went wrong and what is needed to rectify the situation’ and goes onto say that the club are making financial provision to sign three new players including an additional overseas player.The Somerset chief promises ` each and every coach and player will be interviewed and left in no uncertain terms what is expected of them in 2003. For most of them the message is quite simpleyou got us down, you get us up.’However Mr Anderson reassures the supporters when he says `The ground, facilties, youth development, training and finacial structure are the envy of many’ and concludes by saying `What has happened has depressed us all but it is not the end of the world; nor is it the end of Somerset County Cricket Club.Certainly if the players can carry on with the kind of spirit and application that they demonstrated in the last NUL game against Durham Dynamos they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2003 and will be promotion contenders in division two.

Rangers have been tipped to sell George Edmundson this summer by Frank McAvennie after the club reportedly received a number of bids for the young centre-back, and Steven Gerrard should heed his words and axe the former Oldham Athletic man from his squad at Ibrox this summer.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said:

“Gerrard will already have made his mind up about him leaving. Rangers will go about their business quietly, as they tend to do. I have no problem with that.

“Edmundson wasn’t getting game time at Rangers so it’s better for him to get going and try to restart his career. There’s nothing worse than training all week and not getting a game, it’s a horrible feeling.

“He might go away and want to prove people wrong but he has to know he messed up. He’s still young though, he could become a better player but his Rangers days are over if you ask me.

“I can see him leaving soon with minimal fuss now.”

The 23-year-old has made just 17 appearances for Rangers since joining from Oldham in the summer of 2019, in which he has contributed two goals and one assist.

However, he found himself behind Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun in the pecking order this season and after breaking some of the Covid restrictions in November, it was no surprise to see him sent out on loan in the winter transfer window, as he joined Wayne Rooney’s Derby County.

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There, he would make 10 appearances in the Championship, averaging a less than impressive 6.62 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which arguably does not bode well for his future at Ibrox.

Football Insider also reported earlier this month that the defender, who was dubbed “easily expendable” by Steven Naismith last year, was attracting interest from a number of sides but their bids have so far been rejected by Rangers.

It seems unlikely that he will be able to win back Gerrard’s trust next season, especially with the addition of Jack Simpson which could see him slip further down the pecking order at Ibrox.

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His performances thus far have done little to suggest that he would be good enough for a side who want to challenge in the Champions League next season, so Gerrard should arguably cash in on him this summer.

And, in other news… Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “top player” likened to Kante, Gerrard would love him

The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers squad to play the Victorian Bushrangers in the ING Cup match on Sunday 3rd November, 2002 at the MCG in Melbourne.

Tasmanian Cricket Association01-Nov-2002The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers squad to play the Victorian Bushrangers in the ING Cup match on Sunday 3rd November, 2002 at the MCG in Melbourne.CASCADE TASMANIAN TIGERS

Jamie COX (Captain)
George BAILEY
Sean CLINGELEFFER
Graeme CUNNINGHAM
Gerard DENTON
Michael DIGHTON
Michael Di VENUTO
Xavier DOHERTY
Adam GRIFFITH
Daniel MARSH
Shannon TUBB
Shane WATSON
Damien WRIGHT

The 13th man will be announced on the morning of the match.This team is unchanged from the last ING Cup team which played in Queensland.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa could sign the club’s new Rio Ferdinand in Arsenal transfer target Ben White.

What’s the story?

Duncan Castles recently claimed that the Whites are still one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing the England international this summer, with Arsenal and Leicester also said to be keen on him.

In response to Leeds’ interest in the centre-back, former Hull striker Dean Windass told Football Transfer Tavern: “I could see that happening but it all depends on money so if they’re happy with the contracts and everything else then yeah, I could see that happening.”

Leeds’ new Ferdinand

While it may be years since Ferdinand was at Elland Road, there’s no questioning that the former Manchester United star remains one of Leeds’ best central defenders of this generation – his big-money move to Old Trafford and his subsequent titles are a testament to that.

Ferdinand was the archetypal modern day centre-back – quick, strong and superb on the ball. Essentially, that’s everything White brings to the table.

Brighton’s academy coach John Morling said: “He’s so calm, nothing fazes Ben. Any hurdles, he just jumps over. He just looks like he’s been there for years. He’s a winner. You’d want him in your team.”

Having also been dubbed as a “special talent” and “a warrior”, White’s performances for Brighton last season even saw him named by Gareth Southgate into the England squad for Euro 2020.

The £51,000-a-week ace averaged an impressive 1.4 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the Premier League, as well as boasting an 83.2% pass accuracy – perhaps the most eye-opening statistic is his average of 0.7 dribbles per game despite predominantly playing either at centre-back or on the right.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

White looks comfortable with the ball at his feet, and Leeds fans have already seen from his loan spell at Elland Road the kind of confidence with which he plays, never seemingly ruffled by opposition attackers and more than willing to step out and drive into midfield before playing a pass through.

As a young, English central defender, White is akin to what Ferdinand was when he was at Leeds.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this Copa America star…

Andrew Flintoff will rejoin England’s Ashes squad later this week with the aim of proving his fitness for the first Test against Australia, which starts in Brisbane on November 7

CricInfo29-Oct-2002Andrew Flintoff will rejoin England’s Ashes squad later this week with the aim of proving his fitness for the first Test against Australia, which starts in Brisbane on November 7.The Lancashire all-rounder was sent to join the Academy in Adelaide last week to speed up his rehabilitation after a double hernia operation.England’s pessimism about his chances of returning in time for the start of the series were illustrated by the addition of Craig White to the squad. White is playing in the current warm-up match against Western Australia.Despite not being able to run or bowl in the early part of England’s tour, Flintoff has progressed rapidly with the Academy. After a conversation with coach Duncan Fletcher, England have decided call him back, and there is now a chance that he will play in their final warm-up match against Queensland starting next Saturday.There is also better news of Michael Vaughan, who is recovering from knee surgery. Vaughan is expected to play against Queensland, while Darren Gough has also made progress after a lengthy lay-off.

An update has emerged on Sporting defender Nuno Mendes, regarding Manchester City’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, as transcribed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are not prepared to give up in their pursuit of Sporting left-back Nuno Mendes and are continuing to show an interest in signing him this summer.

The report claims that Sporting may need to lower their £43m (€50m) valuation of the defender. They believe that January is the window in which they will decide to cash in on the full-back, despite City’s current insistence on signing him now.

Pep needs him

Txiki Begiristain must get a deal done for the teenager this summer. Pep Guardiola needs him at The Etihad and Txiki could deliver a major boost to the Spaniard’s squad by securing Mendes’ services.

Benjamin Mendy’s time in Manchester has been blighted by injuries and he has never been able to sustain a prolonged run of form. In the 2020/21 campaign, he played 13 Premier League matches and averaged an uninspiring WhoScored rating of 6.61. This suggests that it could be time for the ex-Monaco man to be replaced so that Guardiola can have a reliable left-back option to call upon instead of playing Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo out of position to cover for Mendy.

Mendes enjoyed a terrific season with Sporting in Portugal as they won the Liga NOS title. The 19-year-old played 29 games in the league and averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.24. He managed 1.7 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per game, along with 1.1 key passes and 1.5 dribbles in an attacking sense.

This shows that he is consistent at both ends of the pitch despite his young age, with former Portugal international midfielder Costinha having praised the “strong” defender earlier this year.

He told GOAL:

“He is strong physically and in his head. He has an excellent left foot and he has very good pace. Sometimes, I think he needs to learn more about defending, but he is only 18. He has so much time to improve.

“I don’t think he is going to stay here for a long time.”

The £36m-rated beast could, therefore, be exactly what Guardiola needs at City this summer. He could be the club’s first-choice left-back for the next decade if they are able to sign him, as he is still in the infancy of his career at the age of 19. He has proven that he has quality and potential with his performances for Sporting, which is why Txiki must get this deal done. Left-back is the an area of Guardiola’s team that needs addressing, bringing in an excellent teenager could solve that issue for years to come.

AND in other news, Txiki must avoid Man City error over “exceptional” £120k-p/w wizard, Pep would hate it…

Heath Davis, the former New Zealand fast bowler who last appeared in first-class cricket in the summer of 1998/99, will return to the Auckland side for their season opener against Northern Districts starting in Gisborne on Friday

Lynn McConnell27-Nov-2002Heath Davis, the former New Zealand fast bowler who last appeared in first-class cricket in the summer of 1998/99, will return to the Auckland side for their season opener against Northern Districts starting in Gisborne on Friday.Davis, one of the fastest bowlers in the modern era, has been something of an enigma during his career but gets his chance with injury suffered by Gareth Shaw.Davis, took 200 first-class wickets, mainly for Wellington, at an average of 31.12. Recent form for Cornwall in the Auckland club competition has been behind his recall.Another change was forced on Auckland with the withdrawal of Andre Adams after he was suspended following an incident in club cricket last weekend. His place is taken by left-armer Richard Morgan.The Auckland team is: Brooke Walker (captain), Tama Canning, Heath Davis, Matt Horne, Rob Nicol, Tim McIntosh, Kyle Mills, Richard Morgan, Craig Pryor, Mark Richardson, Lou Vincent, Reece Young.

Sunderland once again failed to secure promotion out of League One despite having the second top scorer in the league as well as the top assister in Charlie Wyke and Aiden McGeady.

Both are still yet to sign new deals at the Stadium of Light with the former expected to depart, something Peterborough United’s Director of Football Barry Fry can’t understand.

The Black Cats appeared to be on course for an automatic promotion spot during a 12-game unbeaten run, but a sudden turn in form saw them win just once in their final seven matches, which coincided with Wyke finding the back of the net just three times.

Wyke has been offered a new deal to remain on Wearside although he does have reported interest in him from the likes of his hometown club Middlesbrough and Celtic, so it appears that moving on may be better for his career.

If a team has a proven goalscorer then they can usually achieve what their aim is for the season so it seems bizarre that Sunderland did not tie down Wyke before the end of the season, according to Fry who gave his thoughts exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“I can’t believe that he’s a free agent because at Christmas time he was up there for top scorer so Sunderland should have got him in the office and tied him down to a new deal then.

“I just can’t understand it as Sunderland are a huge club potentially and we keep hearing about them having fantastic supporters but that’s bad business at the top. I can’t imagine Lee Johnson when he went in, said that he didn’t want a centre forward who would score 25-30 goals a season.”

Lee Johnson will be hoping that with a pre-season under his belt he can be the manager to guide them back into the Championship, after delivering the club’s happiest day for a long time when they beat Tranmere Rovers 1-0 to win the Papa John’s Trophy.