Sri Lanka’s attempt to compile a massive first-innings score and pressurize India were put on hold as the entire second day in Galle was washed out due to intermittent showers

Cricinfo staff19-Jul-2010Sri Lanka’s attempt to compile a massive first-innings score and pressurise India was put on hold as the entire second day in Galle was washed out due to intermittent showers. Overnight rain had ensured there was no play possible before lunch, and the conditions deteriorated further with bad light and sporadic downpours. There was a period when the covers came off after a dose of sunshine, but an inspection scheduled for 2.30pm never happened as the rain refused to relent.The hosts had reached a dominant position at the end of the first day, finishing on 256 for 2, with centuries from captain Kumar Sangakkara and opener Tharanga Paranavitana, who is still batting. With Mahela Jayawardene giving Paranavitana company, and Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene to follow, things look bleak for the Indian team. Spectators who had flocked to the Galle International Stadium on the first day in the hope of watching Muttiah Muralitharan bowl in his final Test were made to wait longer. Play is scheduled to resume at 9.30am on Tuesday, weather permitting.

Newcastle United have made a “generous and extremely tempting” offer for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.

That’s according to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, and a number of United fans have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

Lingard is out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and has made just two starts all season. He’s recently been linked with Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham, with the former of the three pushing to land the 29-year-old.

According to Edwards, Newcastle had a loan bid turned down earlier in the week but have now returned with a “generous and extremely tempting” offer.

Edwards adds that United could be able to make around £12m for Lingard, who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer labelled as ‘brilliant’, however, the England international isn’t considering a permanent move at this moment in time.

United fans react

@utdreport relayed Edwards’ claim regarding Lingard on Twitter. This is what these United supporters had to say in reply, with many keen for him to move on.

“If we pull that off, it’s a massive let off considering we rejected £10m from West Ham in the summer.”

Credit: @yaboybdav

“About time we robbed someone welcome to our world. Can he take a few with him”

Credit: @clarketipsinfo

“Scenes when we reject it and ask for £20m”

Credit: @GarryDevilDada

“I’m on my knees”

Credit: @snvmsu

“Get it done!! Then bring in Zakaria”

Credit: @Dizbhoy

“Wow”

Credit: @PrinceChrisMUFC

In other news: ‘Wow’ – Lots of Man United fans erupt as ‘ridiculous’ transfer news emerges. 

West Ham United are no closer to agreeing a deal to bring Duje Caleta-Car to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent post on The West Ham Way that, despite a host of reports suggesting otherwise, there has been no agreement between West Ham and Olympique de Marseille reached regarding the transfer of the 25-year-old centre-back.

The Irons insider goes on to state that, with things moving very quickly on the final day of the January transfer window, a deal could quite easily be done at some point today, however, as things currently stand, the Croatia international will be remaining with the Ligue 1 side.

In his post, Ex said: “We have just asked our top transfer sources what the situation is with Caleta-Car. Whilst this isn’t going to be what the fans want to hear, unfortunately, French sources and others are [getting] ahead of themselves. There is a ‘jumping the gun’ situation with reports at this stage of the window, with everyone wanting to call the deal first.

“I asked whether reports of a deal being close were true and I simply got ‘not true’ back in response. The talks will be ongoing to get this deal over the line. With only one day left things will have to progress quickly and obviously can do but there [is still] some distance to go. The problem still remains that we want an initial loan deal and Marseille wish to sell. The club do want to continue talks and get this done so let’s hope it does change soon (it has to).”

Not what “fans want to hear”

Considering West Ham’s desperate need for defensive reinforcements following the season-ending injury suffered by Angelo Ogbonna, in addition to the poor form of both Issa Diop and Craig Dawson while covering for the Italian – particularly that of the former – the news that a deal for Caleta-Car is no closer to getting over the line is certainly not what fans will be hoping to hear, as Ex suggests.

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Indeed, in the 11 Premier League fixtures in which Ogbonna has featured this season, the Hammers boast a record of seven wins, two draws and two losses – having conceded 13 goals in this period.

Meanwhile, over the 12 league games in which the 33-year-old has been sidelined as a result of his injury, West Ham’s record stands at four wins, two draws and six losses – with the club conceding 18 times in this period.

As such, it is clear to see that, should David Moyes wish to give his side the best possible chance of securing a top-four finish in the league this season, he simply must get a deal over the line for a new centre-back – preferably the extremely impressive Caleta-Car – prior to tonight’s transfer deadline.

In other news: “Understand…”: Journo reveals “shock” twist in WHU forward hunt, fans will be elated

Leeds United are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Anderlecht midfielder Josh Cullen this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Cullen thriving in Belgium

The 25-year-old was once a youngster at West Ham but he has since traded England for Belgium, having joined Anderlecht back in 2020.

Cullen is impressing at his current club too, starting 32 Jupiler Pro League games, as well as appearing in eight 2022 World Cup qualifiers for the Republic of Ireland.

It could be that a return to the Premier League is on the cards this summer, however, with a fresh update suggesting his form has caught the eye of several teams in the English top flight.

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The Latest: Leeds eye up move

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites are one of many keen on acquiring Cullen’s services at the end of the season, with his current deal expiring in 2023.

Wolves, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Burnley, Norwich, Fulham and Sheffield United are all mentioned in report, as well as West Ham possibly re-signing their former youngster too.

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The Verdict: Possible Phillips replacement?

Cullen has proven to be a strong performer at both club and international level over the past couple of years, so he could be a shrewd addition by Jesse Marsch this summer.

He has excelled in a deep-lying No.6 role, averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the league this season, as well as one key pass per match.

Described as ‘outstanding’ by Lee Bowyer, it could even be that he is viewed as a potential replacement for Kalvin Phillips, should the Leeds hero decide to move on to pastures new, though perhaps Cullen’s lack of experience in a truly elite league would cause worry for Leeds supporters.

In other news, an injury expert has made a key claim regarding one Leeds player. Read more here.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta quarta-feira, às 21h45, em Londrina (PR), o São Paulo enfrenta o Madureira em jogo único pela fase inicial da Copa do Brasil. Para a primeira decisão da temporada, Dorival Júnior ainda não poderá contar com Arboleda, nem Petros ou os recém-contratados Nenê e Tréllez.

Arboleda tem treinado ao lado do elenco, mas segue sem estrear em 2018. O zagueiroaprimora forma física após sofrer estiramento no músculo anterior da coxa direita e, por isso, ainda não foi relacionado para nenhuma partida no ano.

Os outros desfalques já eram esperados. Nenê e Tréllez assinaram contrato nessa segunda-feira e ainda precisam de regularização em seus documentos para serem registrados na CBF como jogadores do São Paulo. A comissão técnica preparou uma programação especial para a dupla, embora ambos já tenham treinado nesta terça-feira.

Já Petros está suspenso. O volante recebeu cartão vermelho no empate por 1 a 1 diante do Bahia, no Morumbi, na última rodada do Brasileiro, após confusão no último lance da partida. Foi punido pelo Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) por quatro jogos, mas a pena foi reduzida para dois jogos, a serem cumpridos em competições nacionais. Por isso, o jogador está vetado na Copa do Brasil.

Quem completa a lista de desfalques é Morato. O atacante até participou de alguns exercícios com os colegas durante a pré-temporada, mas ainda se recupera de cirurgia no joelho direito sofrida em maio. Por isso, é outro nome ainda ausente da lista de relacionados em 2018.

A mais provável escalação de Dorival contra o Madureira tem:Sidão; Militão, Rodrigo Caio, Anderson Martins e Edimar; Jucilei, Araruna e Shaylon; Marcos Guilherme, Brenner e Diego Souza.

Nesta quarta-feira, às 21h45, em jogo que será disputado em Londrina (PR) porque o Madureira vendeu o mando, o São Paulo avança se vencer ou empatar, como indica o regulamento do torneio, dando vantagem aos visitantes. Caso seja derrotado, será eliminado logo na primeira fase da Copa do Brasil, ampliando a pressão neste início de temporada.

Confira a lista de relacionados:

Goleiros: Jean e Sidão
Laterais: Bruno, Éder Militão, Edimar, Júnior Tavares e Reinaldo
Zagueiros: Aderllan, Anderson Martins, Bruno Alves e Rodrigo Caio
Volantes: Araruna, Hudson, Jucilei e Paulo Henrique
Meias: Lucas Fernandes e Shaylon
Atacantes: Bissoli, Brenner, Caíque, Diego Souza, Marcos Guilherme e Paulinho

RelacionadasSão PauloNenê e Tréllez treinam no São Paulo, mas ainda sem data de estreiaSão Paulo30/01/2018São PauloLeco traça objetivo com Cueva: melhorar relação dele com São PauloSão Paulo30/01/2018São PauloLugano prepara mandamentos e diz: ‘Todos temem que o São Paulo reaja’São Paulo30/01/2018

Speaking ahead of his side’s first leg Europa League knockout round play-off tie against Borussia Dortmund tonight, Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed a blow for Rangers.

The Lowdown: Gers without key men…

The Teddy Bears travel to Germany this evening as they begin their bid to make history, potentially by beating Dortmund over two legs and qualifying for the Europa League last 16 phase.

Dortmund will be without star forward Erling Braut Haaland for this evening’s crunch bout in a boost for van Bronckhorst and Gers supporters, but the Glasgow giants are without key men of their own.

Indeed, defender Filip Helander will miss out having been deemed not fit enough, with the Gers boss also confirming more injury news.

The Latest: Gers also without Balogun…

As well as missing the Swede, van Bronckhorst says that his side will be without another defender in Leon Balogun for their journey to Signal Iduna Park.

“Leon is not available,” said Van Bronckhorst (via STV).

“Hopefully he will be okay for next week.

“Ryan Jack has trained as normal the last couple of days so is fit to come with us to Germany.”

The Verdict: Blow for GVB…

Having been sidelined for a significant portion of this campaign already, news of his absence for tonight also will come as a blow for van Bronckhorst given how crucial Balogun has been in recent times when fit.

Described as a ‘pivotal’ Rangers player earlier this campaign by pundit Noel Whelan, former Teddy Bears manager Steven Gerrard also made no secret of the Nigeria international’s importance to the Ibrox club.

When available, Balogun has impressed in the Europa League, averaging a higher WhoScored match rating (7.16) than any Gers player in the competition.

In the SPFL, Rangers’ centre-back has also averaged the highest amount of interceptions per 90 (1.5) out of their squad (WhoScored), leaving little wonder why his absence for tonight will be a sore one.

In other news: ‘Who would have thought’…BBC pundit thrilled by ‘excellent’ news out of Rangers, find out more here.

تحدث النجم المعتزل سيرجيو أجويرو، عن منتخب بلاده الأرجنتين، قبل انطلاق منافسات كأس العالم قطر 2022.

لاعب إنديبندينتي السابق وأتلتيكو مدريد ومانشستر سيتي وبرشلونة الذي لعب ثلاث نهائيات لكأس العالم (جنوب أفريقيا 2010 والبرازيل 2014 وروسيا 2018) مع فريقه، أشار إلى أنه اكتشف عندما كان طفلاً، أن منتخب الأرجنتين كان دائما من بين المرشحين للفوز.

وفي تصريحاته لـ Tyc sport” قال أجويرو: “مع مرور مختلف نهائيات كأس العالم، أدركت أن الأرجنتين كانت دائمًا موجودة، من بين الفرق المفضلة، في رأيي، من الصعب جدًا على دول أخرى أن تلعب ضد الأرجنتين”.

وشدد لاعب كرة القدم السابق البالغ من العمر 34 عامًَا، إن شغف كرة القدم في الأرجنتين كبير جدًا لدرجة أنه “حتى المدارس تعلق دروسها” وأنه على الرغم من كونك طفلًا لا تفهم الكثير، فقد كان يدرك أنه عندما كان يأتي كأس العالم “يتوقف البلد كله”.

اقرأ أيضًا | أجويرو رافضًا الانتقادات لـ مونديال قطر: علينا احترام الثقافات الأخرى

وأضاف: “اعتمادًا على وقت اللعبة، تضع المدارس شاشات حتى يتمكن الأطفال من مشاهدة كأس العالم، لذلك، منذ الطفولة، تُظهر البلاد شغفها”.

أشار أجويرو، إلى أن أول مباراة في كأس العالم شاهدها كانت في الفصل “عندما كان عمره 5 أو 6 سنوات”.

وعن تجربته كلاعب في ثلاث نسخ من بطولات كأس العالم، أكد أنه “أفضل شيء يمكن أن يحدث للاعب كرة القدم، يحلم جميع الأطفال بالذهاب إلى المونديال، ولكن لا تتاح الفرصة للجميع”.

ويفتتح منتخب الأرجنتين أولى مبارياته في كأس العالم 2022 بمواجهة السعودية يوم 22 نوفمبر، ثم يلاقي المكسيك يوم 26 من الشهر ذاته، ويواجه بولندا يوم 30 نوفمبر.

Clint McKay has been called in to Australia’s squad as cover for Ben Hilfenhaus, who remains in doubt for the second Test in Leeds. Hilfenhaus hurt his left shoulder during Australia’s win over Pakistan at Lord’s, when he dived to save a boundary on the fourth and final day.Australia’s physio Alex Kountouris has been working with Hilfenhaus since Friday’s victory, and the bowler was reported to be feeling better on Sunday. Hilfenhaus was the most convincing of Australia’s fast bowlers at Lord’s, where he finished with match figures of 3 for 74 and swung the ball with excellent control.Although Australia remain hopeful that Hilfenhaus will be fit for the Headingley Test, which begins on Wednesday, the selectors have covered their bases by calling for McKay, the Victoria seamer. McKay was part of the one-day squad that lost to England in the lead-up to the Tests and he won’t have far to travel, as he has been playing for Yorkshire in the Friends Provident Twenty20.McKay was playing in Derbyshire on Sunday afternoon and was expected to join the Australians in Leeds on Sunday evening. Although McKay has already played Test cricket, the more likely scenario if Hilfenhaus is ruled out would be a debut for Peter George, the South Australia fast man.George, 23, was a late addition to the squad when he replaced Ryan Harris, who flew home after the one-day series with a knee injury. George bowled in Australia’s warm-up match against Derbyshire but did not collect a wicket.

Taking to Twitter, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared a big update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving another target in Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Lowdown: Spurs close in on Kulusevski…

According to reliable sources, the Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are finally close to completing a major first signing of the window with Juve winger Dejan Kulusevski nearing a move.

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Romano and Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio back that the Sweden international is nearing a move to north London in what could be a big boost for manager Antonio Conte.

A whirlwind January has seen Spurs miss out on key past targets like attacker Adama Traore and forward Luis Diaz, but with Kulusevski apparently close, it appears Paratici and co are far from done there.

The Latest: Romano makes late night Bentancur claim…

Sharing news late Saturday night, Romano claims Spurs have now also lodged an ‘official bid’ for another Juve ace in Bentancur as the 11pm Monday deadline fast approaches.

“Tottenham have submitted their official bid for Rodrigo Bentancur around €19m plus €6m add ons,” he explained on Twitter.

“Talks in progress with Juventus to reach the agreement – to be continued on Sunday.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 2018 World Cup gem, who played every game of that tournament for Uruguay and even grabbed an assist (Transfermarkt), could be a brilliant capture for a meagre €25m (£20.7m) fee in total.

Bentancur could really strengthen Conte’s options in the middle of the park, especially considering he has averaged an impressive 2.8 tackles per 90 in the Champions League this season under Massimiliano Allegri (WhoScored).

That’s the joint-most out of any Juve player in Europe over 2021/2022, potentially highlighting how he could add a real injection of steal and dynamism for Spurs.

In other news: Reliable journalist says Spurs have now been ‘offered’ player once valued at £90m! Find out more here.

Newcastle United are facing a major injury worry over Joe Willock ahead of their Premier League clash against Wolves on Friday night.

What’s the story?

Writing on Twitter, journalist Craig Hope revealed: “Joe Willock a doubt for Friday’s visit of Wolves with a knee injury, opening door for Bruno’s first home start. Also understand Kieran Trippier will miss Wolves & Leicester but there remains hope he’ll be back this month.”

Worrying news for Howe

While seeing Willock complete the full 90 minutes against Spurs may have offered some hope that the injury he sustained was nothing too serious, Hope’s update is certainly a worrying one for the Magpies boss.

Speaking later in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Howe delivered a further update on Willock’s condition.

He said: “Joe Willock has had a slight knee problem for a couple of weeks. He’s become a bit more aware of it in training so it’s something we need to stay on top of. We’ll make a late call on him. We don’t think it’s anything serious.”

Despite not seeing Willock hit the heady heights of last season, when he scored eight goals in just 14 Premier League games for the club following his loan move to St James’ Park, the England youth international still offers that box-to-box presence and dynamism from midfield.

The 5-1 defeat to Spurs last time out just raised a sliver of doubt over whether the Magpies have well and truly escaped from the relegation battle this season, especially with Burnley’s seismic 3-2 victory over Everton on Wednesday night.

The result in Lancashire has meant both Burnley and Everton are just seven and six points behind the Magpies respectively, having also played a game less than the Tyneside club too.

Injuries at this stage of the season, and with so much on the line too, can be incredibly taxing for managers, and for Howe, being without one of his key first-team options in midfield in Willock is something that will worry him ahead of tomorrow night.

AND in other news, Wood upgrade: PIF will be having NUFC nightmares after missing out on £20m “cult hero”…