Issa Diop has now handed David Moyes a massive selection headache at West Ham.

The 24-year-old centre-back has long struggled with consistency at the London Stadium since his then club-record £22m move from Toulouse in June 2018.

Last campaign, he was largely third-choice behind Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson, having played only 18 times in the Premier League, of which just 15 were starts, via Transfermarkt.

His position in the pecking order will have undoubtedly been hampered by the arrival of his fellow Frenchman, Kurt Zouma, this summer and whilst he’s yet to feature in the top-flight this term, he has delivered with solid performances in both the Europa League last week and the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

It now leaves the Irons boss with plenty to ponder as Diop’s form simply cannot be ignored.

He was colossal in Croatia against reigning champions Dinamo Zagreb despite a serious lack of game time, as outlined by Football FanCast previously, and then at Old Trafford, he was a key cog in keeping United’s frontline quiet all night.

Just days after late heartbreak against the Red Devils in the Premier League, Moyes rotated his squad for the third-round clash and it paid off, with the 6 foot 4 titan putting in another defensive masterclass.

As per SofaScore, Diop was graded as the Hammers’ highest-rated outfield player (7.7) as he recorded a whopping seven clearances, three interceptions, two tackles and one block, whilst he also won 100% of his duels, both on the ground and in the air.

What a display.

He was an absolute rock against the likes of Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and last season’s loan hero Jesse Lingard – even when Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood entered the pitch, it didn’t faze the £18m-rated beast.

Diop earned the praise of assistant manager Stuart Pearce, who told reporters (via The Athletic):

“But I thought Diop was absolutely magnificent. The longer the game went on the more of a colossus he looked at the back and he’s still in relative terms, a very young man for a central defender so we’re absolutely delighted to have Issa at this club.”

It comes three years after former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho dubbed the West Ham star a “monster” for another standout performance at the back.

Moyes now must think about what is best for this Hammers side. You cannot ignore the recent outings from Diop and the potential partnership of the two Frenchman in the heart of their defence must be a rather tempting prospect right now.

Diop must remain when the Irons head to Leeds on Saturday.

AND in other news, 5 tackles, 3 interceptions: £13m-rated West Ham monster stole the show at Old Trafford…

Multi Screen Media and World Sport Group have signed on as the official broadcast partners for the IPL. The nine-year deal, that runs through till 2017, is worth Rs 8,200 crore. The new agreement, which is more than double the earlier deal signed last yea

Cricinfo staff25-Mar-2009

Multi Screen Media and World Sport Group have signed on as the official broadcast partners for the IPL. The nine-year deal, that runs through till 2017, is worth Rs 8,200 crore. The new agreement, which is more than double the earlier deal signed last year for 10 years with the same two parties, gives Multi Screen Media the exclusive audio visual rights (in India) to all the 59 matches of the second edition of the IPL.The development comes after the Bombay High Court had cleared the way for the BCCI to seek a new broadcast deal by rejecting a plea from Sony TV, which had challenged the Indian cricket board’s decision to terminate its five-year deal to televise the IPL. Talks had failed because MSM, which holds the IPL contract under the Sony umbrella, wanted a non-terminable contract, which the BCCI/IPL refused to provide.Lalit Modi, the IPL commissioner, was “absolutely delighted” with the new deal. “We have what we believe to be the best deal for the DLF Indian Premier League and Indian cricket fans alike,” Modi said. “I am certain that Multi Screen Media will pull out all the stops in ensuring that the best technology is utilized to deliver excellent content that is creative, innovative and enriching for the cricket fans in India and indeed across the globe.”The IPL’s relationship with Sony had turned rocky last month after the IPL lost out on a US$31.16 million deal because of a dispute between Sony and Big TV, a direct-to-home provider. Ties between the two dipped further after the subsequent resignation of Kunal Dasgupta, the then Sony CEO, who was known to be close to Modi. Sony is also understood to have been keen on re-negotiating the financial terms of its contract with the IPL and had concerns about the tournament’s revised dates and some of the venues that were being considered.Manjit Singh, the MSM CEO, said the deal helped reaffirm the broadcaster’s commitment to the Indian subcontinent and the global cricket fan alike. “We are absolutely delighted to bring the exciting IPL line-up of Indian and international cricketers to the millions of cricket fans globally,” he said. “At Multi Screen Media & World Sport Group we have done some pioneering work in showcasing cricket in an entertaining and informative way and we will continue to innovate and extend the excitement of cricket through the IPL. We look forward to a long and successful association with the IPL as the leagues global media rights partner.”Venu Nair, CEO, WSG said the objective was to place Indian cricket on the global sports calendar. “It’s a task, that we have managed with great distinction,” Nair said. “Today, fans across the world are looking forward to the start of season 2 of the IPL and we are happy to partner with Multi Screen Media to bring the league to a global audience.”With the tournament moving away from India, there is likely to be a significant international audience now. All matches will be telecast at 4 pm IST and at 8 pm IST in the evening to coincide with prime time for television audiences in India.

An injury expert has now said that Richarlison could be out for Everton for longer than initially expected.

The Lowdown: Richarlison injured

Richarlison has missed the Goodison Park faithful’s last two games after picking up an injury in their 3-1 win at home to Burnley in the Premier League a couple of weeks ago.

It is not known exactly how long he will be out for, but the Merseyside club will be keeping a close eye on his progress with another international break set to come in October.

The Latest: Injury expert on Richarlison

Speaking to Football Insider, Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries website and has a background in medicine and data analysis, has now said that Richarlison could be held back until after the international break has finished, despite mentions of him only being out for ‘two or three weeks’:

“It was an impact injury after a tackle from James Tarkowski.

“It was Richarlison’s ankle but the actual issue is knee related. It looks like there might have been a hyperextension of the knee.

“He did continue for a bit but couldn’t complete the game. Benitez came out and said he has been involved in some elements of training but doesn’t feel comfortable.

“He wasn’t able to complete those sessions and there was a decision on the eve of the Aston Villa game to take him out of the limelight.

“There is no definitive timeline in terms of what we are looking at but in around two or three weeks has been mentioned at this point.

“What I would say is we are heading into an international break so even if he is 50/50 it could be he is held back. Just to make sure he is in a good place.”

The Verdict: Potentially big blow

It would certainly be a big blow for Rafa Benitez and the Toffees if Richarlison was forced to sit on the touchlines until after the international break.

In the last two matches that he has missed, the Blues have lost both of them, slumping to a miserable 3-0 defeat away at Aston Villa before being knocked out 10-9 on penalties to Championship team Queens Park Rangers after a 2-2 draw at home (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Benitez will want the Brazil international back in his squad as soon as possible as he can help him pick up some much-needed results.

In other news, find out what transfer news has Evertonians raging here!

MatériaMais Notícias

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as some news emerged involving Richarlison.

The Goodison Park faithful tweeted a few images of the former Watford ace, confirming he is ‘back in full training’, in what has of course come as a mighty relief to a lot of Merseyside club supporters.

Given that Rafa Benitez has been dealt a double blow with the latest injury news on both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it is certainly positive to hear of Richarlison’s return.

The Brazil international has been such a not yet scored for his new club.

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Everton fans on Richarlison news

These Blues were left buzzing as Richarlison’s return was revealed on Twitter, with a few EFC supporters claiming that it is ‘good news’:

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @JMarleyWrites

“Good news from Everton. Inject it”

Credit: @mannie_efc

“Finally some good news”

Credit: @EFC_Eve

“At last, some good injury news!”

Credit: @BlueAndy81

“Proper sight for sore eyes that!”

Credit: @RockfallDCUO

“The league is shaking right now”

Credit: @RicharlisonR9

In other news, find out what transfer news has Evertonians fuming here!

Liverpool fans believe Manchester City pair John Stones and Aymeric Laporte will end up being available for their Premier League clash next weekend, after reports ruled the pair out until the international break.

Jurgen Klopp’s side return to league action on Saturday, making the trip to Brentford after seeing off Norwich City in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Liverpool may have one eye on their crucial meeting with City at Anfield on October 3rd, however, in what could be a key game in the title race.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

While the Reds suffered terrible luck with injuries to centre-backs last season, it’s now City who are struggling in that department.

According to The Daily Mail [via The Anfield Buzz on Twitter], both Stones and Laporte will miss the match through injury, meaning Nathan Ake may have to partner Ruben Dias in defence.

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

Liverpool fans react to Man City injury news

Despite this, these Liverpool fans took to Twitter to claim that it is mind games from Pep Guardiola and the duo will be available.

“See you at Anfield boys!”

Credit: @st3v3npr35ton

“Watch them come back in time”

Credit: @dauntingdiogoal

“Pep mind games always start 2-3 weeks before matchday. Chill”

Credit: @Free_Ography

“Both in the lineup guaranteed”

Credit: @Juanachos_

“They just won’t though”

Credit: @greggislocallfc

“Yeah, of course they will”

Credit: @sazzam31

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited by an important club announcement. Read more here.

The PCB has asked Mohammad Yousuf to obtain a response from the ICL to his resignation request as it moves forward in a bid to bring back the batsman into the national set-up

Osman Samiuddin20-May-2009The PCB has asked Mohammad Yousuf to obtain a response from the ICL to his resignation request as it moves forward in a bid to bring back the batsman into the national set-up.Yousuf met PCB officials Wasim Bari, Mohammad Naeem and Zakir Khan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and told them he had resigned from the ICL. “We met Mohammad Yousuf today and he told us he wants to play for Pakistan and that he has resigned from the ICL,” Bari, PCB’s director HR and administration, told Cricinfo.”He showed us the resignation letter. We have asked him to come back to us with their response, whatever that is,” Bari said. “Once we have something from them, we can move forward. We have to take it step-by-step. He said he would get back to us as soon as possible.”Yousuf told reporters later he was not sure whether he would be able to obtain an NOC from the ICL but wanted to play for Pakistan. But the board did not specify whether they were looking for an NOC specifically, just a response of some kind. That indicates that the door remains open, for now, for the matter to move forward even if Yousuf does not get an NOC. At almost the same time, the ICL released a statement paving the way for certain contracted players to move back into the mainstream. An ICL statement said a few domestic and overseas players had asked to be released to pursue cricket with state or national associations and the league would not stop them from doing so. It is unclear at the moment whether Yousuf is one of those international players.The PCB, in line with boards around the world, recently announced an amnesty for ICL players who gave up their links to the league by May 31. But unlike the BCCI which announced a cooling-off period of a year before ICL players could be eligible for national and international cricket again, the PCB said it would go on a case-by-case basis: some could come back immediately and others after some time. ICL players from Pakistan are already allowed to play domestic cricket.Once the documentation is in, it is believed that Yousuf might be one of those players who comes back sooner rather than later. Pakistan’s batting in ODIs has struggled without his presence, particularly in the recent ODI series against Australia, but Bari would only say that the board would “go by its stated policy. The meeting was a very positive one and we want to take positive steps from here.”Yousuf has left the ICL once before, when he signed with them in 2007, but was lured out of the contract by the then PCB administration. Legal wrangles ensued, which stopped him from getting an IPL contract in 2008. But he played for Pakistan during the year, before suddenly opting to join the ICL again in November, on the day he was picked in an ODI squad to play against West Indies.

كشف صلاح باشا مهاجم منتخب مصر للشباب المحترف في صفوف أودينيزي الإيطالي، موقفه من العودة إلى صفوف الأهلي في الفترة القادمة.

صلاح باشا قدم أداءً رائعًا رفقة منتخب مصر للشباب في كأس العرب تحت 20 عامًا التي أقيمت في السعودية، وحصد الفراعنة المركز الثاني في البطولة بعد الخسارة في المباراة النهائية من السعودية.

وقال صلاح باشا خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “الماتش” المذاع على قناة “صدى البلد”: “رداً علي سؤال هل ستعود للأهلي؟ عقدي مستمر مع أودينيزي الإيطالي ومتبقي لي موسم، تركيزي في الاحتراف ومع فريقي وأتدرب مع الفريق الأول، وإن شاء الله هذا الموسم أشارك معهم”.

طالع | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي والمصري اليوم في الدوري

وأضاف: “هدفي الاستمرار مع أودينيزي وحلمي اللعب في السيري آي، ولم يتحدثوا معي في تجديد التعاقد بعد”.

وتابع: “لم يحدث أي تواصل معي من قبل النادي الأهلي أو مع وكيل أعمالي”.

وأكمل: “أتمنى أن أكون متواجد مع منتخب مصر الأول وأشارك، أعلم أن فيتوريا متابع وتحدث معنا قبل مباراة السعودية”.

وعن كواليس رحيله عن الأهلي، أوضح: “والدي تعرض لظروف صحية وفي هذا التوقيت كانت هناك ثورة في مصر، وكنت أعيش مع والدتي والأمور كانت صعبة وسافرت إلى إيطاليا”.

Following on from their 1-1 draw against Cambridge United in their previous League One fixture in midweek, Sheffield Wednesday are back in action this weekend with a home clash against Lincoln City to see if the Owls can secure all three points after drawing their two previous league fixtures.

 On the chalkboard

One player who featured in midweek but we feel should not be in the starting XI to face Lincoln at the weekend is centre-forward Lee Gregory.

During the match against Cambridge, the 33-year-old had just one shot on target, won just one of his 10 duels, lost possession 16 times and racked up a rather disappointing passing accuracy percentage of 43% after he completed just nine out of his 21 passes. That ultimately earned him an uninspiring overall match rating of 6.4/10, making him the joint-lowest rated Wednesday player on the day according to SofaScore.

Taking this into account, we think it could be worth taking Gregory out of the starting XI at the weekend and perhaps give him a breather given how he has played 90 minutes in each of Wednesday’s three previous league fixtures, even though he’s scored three goals in the process.

Wednesday signed Gregory back in August from Stoke City for an undisclosed fee. Since then, the £450k-valued striker (according to Transfermarkt) has made 12 appearances for the Owls in League One scoring five goals and providing two assists along the way and proving himself to be a very useful figure for the team.

In terms of who could come in for Gregory at the weekend if Moore does decide to take him out of the starting XI, there’s every chance that the Owls boss could recall Saido Berahino or Florian Kamberi, who both have one league goal under their belts so far this season.

Either way, given his age, his shocking performance against Cambridge and the number of minutes he’s played in recent weeks, we feel that it’s probably a good time for Moore to give Gregory a rest to see if this could sharpen him up once again for upcoming fixtures.

In other news: Moore must unleash “dynamic” Sheff Weds beast at the weekend, he’d terrify Lincoln – opinion

West Ham face intense competition for one of their mooted transfer targets, and as a result, it could hand new head of recruitment Rob Newman his first disaster in east London…

What’s the word?

According to Sport Mediaset (via Sport Witness), the Irons’ top-flight rivals Southampton are the latest club to be linked with a move for Genk striker Paul Onuachu, joining the likes of Arsenal, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid in the long list of potential suitors.

Interestingly, West Ham face the Belgian outfit in the Europa League later this week, so Newman and manager David Moyes will see firsthand the threat the 6 foot 7 giant can pose.

Just last month, Sport/Voetbal magazine journalist Peter t’Kint claimed that a good performance from the Nigeria international would practically seal his move to the London Stadium, but going by these latest developments, there are plenty of other teams now keen on him.

It’s thought that Genk would like around €26m (£22m) for his signature.

January disaster?

With so many clubs seemingly keen on the 27-year-old talisman, the Hammers may find it a hard task to seal any move, particularly amid interest from Atletico and Inter, who can offer Champions League football.

It would therefore be wise for Newman and the club’s recruitment team to act fast if they are to stand a chance at sealing Onuachu – and they should very much want to do so, given his goalscoring record.

During the 2020/21 campaign, the £19.8m-rated colossus scored 35 times and he has continued that lucrative form into the current season, where he has bagged 11 goals in just 14 appearances, as per Transfermarkt. In total, he has bagged 56 goals in just 84 games for the Belgian giants.

Onuachu has been described as a “goal king” by former Wimbledon star John Fashanu, whilst his towering presence makes him “impossible to stop,” according to his one-time FC Midtjylland teammate Alexander Scholz.

It was already a major risk to not sign another forward during the summer, so it would be inexcusable to not land one in January.

West Ham currently remain in all domestic cup competitions and are looking more than likely to advance in the Europa League, so their fixture list is going to remain hectic well into 2022.

With just one senior striker in 31-year-old Michail Antonio, who has dealt with plenty of injury problems over recent seasons, it’s a worrying prospect.

A move for the Genk sensation would not only provide much-needed cover for the Hammers talisman but could also offer a new threat, given his aerial qualities.

Newman must look to win the tussle for Onuachu, as otherwise he faces the prospect of making his first mistake at the London Stadium.

AND in other news, Moyes could save West Ham millions with 17 y/o gem who “could be the next Declan Rice”…