A fresh name has emerged in West Ham’s search for a new striker this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the Irons are keen on signing Wolfsburg talisman Wout Weghorst, although they face competition from Jose Mourinho’s new club AS Roma.

It remains to be seen how much the 28-year-old would cost the Premier League outfit, although CIES Football Observatory currently value him at €30m (£26m).

London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Dutchman in the past, so Mourinho’s interest should come as no surprise.

Shades of Vardy?

Despite being a towering 1.97m (6 foot 6), Weghorst has earned some interesting comparisons in the past.

As a late bloomer, perhaps the most obvious one is former Manchester City frontman Edin Dzeko, but even more interestingly, there has been a likeness made to a current top-flight beast in Jamie Vardy.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Bundesliga expert Raphael Honigstein, who wrote: “[Weghorst is] Holland’s taller, chunkier answer to Jamie Vardy — minus the bit with the electronic tag and the Skittles-flavoured vodka — still plays like he’s got a point to prove in every match. He flies into tackles, wins more headers than almost anyone and frequently tops his team’s charts for most distance covered.”

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Indeed, this relentless work rate is a trait which has seemed to follow him throughout his career, only furthering those odd comparisons to the nifty Leicester City star. Wolfsburg teammate Admir Mehmedi described him as “crazy”, claiming: “He runs a lot for the team and has a really strong mentality. I can’t think of another player who is so crazy, in a positive way!”

Their captain Josuha Guilavogui dubbed him “incredible” and “outstanding”, and that’s before even factoring in his impressive goal record.

As per Transfermarkt, the Dutch international has found the net a whopping 25 times in all competitions his term, also providing nine assists, which could suggest that he would be a perfect foil for Michail Antonio as either a partner or rotational option in West Ham’s attack.

It’s no secret that David Moyes desperately needs a new forward to bolster his frontline next season, with no senior alternative to Antonio, and perhaps GSB should look no further than Weghorst.

The Wolfsburg colossus is a different presence to Vardy, but in him they could well get the same hardworking style which fits the Scotsman’s system to a tee.

AND in other news, GSB must secure West Ham swoop for “hardworking” 34-goal beast who’s perfect for Moyes…

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo terá mais um teste antes do início do Campeonato Paulista. No próximo domingo, a equipe comandada por Rogério Ceni enfrentará jogo-treino contra o Columbus Crew, time dos Estados Unidos que realiza pré-temporada no CFA Laudo Natel, em Cotia. A informação foi divulgada inicialmente pela Rádio Globo.

A atividade também será disputada no local onde os americanos treinam. O início do treinamento foi agendado para as 10h e não será permitida a entrada de torcedores ou jornalistas. É o terceiro jogo-treino do Tricolor no ano, o terceiro contra equipes americanas.

Ainda durante o período de treinos na IMG Academy, em Bradenton, o elenco de Ceni goleou o FC Sarasota, de divisão regional, por 9 a 1 e o Boca Ratón, de liga equivalente à terceira divisão nacional, por 9 a 2. Depois, na Florida Cup, empatou por 0 a 0 com River Plate (ARG) e Corinthians, mas levou a melhor nos pênaltis nas duas partidas para ficar com o título.

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Let's gooooo! 💪 #CrewSC https://t.co/tTUqW8mMjt

— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) January 22, 2017

Já o Columbus Crew disputa a Major League Soccer (MLS), principal liga dos Estados Unidos. Serão duas semanas de treinos em Cotia, com chegada prevista para esta terça-feira. O camisa 10 da equipe é o argentino Federico Higuaín, irmão do centroavante Gonzalo Higuaín, da Juventus (ITA).

O São Paulo estreia no Campeonato Paulista no dia 5 de fevereiro, na Arena Barueri, contra o Osasco Audax.

On the 6th of November 1999, the Barkatullah Khan Stadium at Jodhpurhosted a match between the visiting New Zealanders and the BoardPresident’s XI

Anand Vasu23-Mar-2001On the 6th of November 1999, the Barkatullah Khan Stadium at Jodhpurhosted a match between the visiting New Zealanders and the BoardPresident’s XI. Late in the day, when Board President’s XI were on thefield, a rather unusual incident occurred. Halfway through an over,Harbhajan Singh, fielding at square leg threw his arms up in the air,pumped his fists and celebrated wildly. He had not taken a catch, nowicket had fallen, nothing on the field was worth celebrating. Then itbecame clear. The public address system had just let everyone knowthat Harbhajan Singh had been included in the Indian squad for theseries against New Zealand. Speaking to this correspondent at the endof the day’s play, the young man was excited as was to be expected.However, he was not altogether swept off his feet “I expected thecall. I’m a regular bowler for my state side and have been doing wellin recent matches. The first Test match is at Mohali, my home groundand I hope to do well there,” said the young man.As it turned out, Harbhajan Singh picked up just six wickets at 38apiece in the two Tests he played. A far cry from the series that hasjust ended. Peddling his wares against Australia, probably thestrongest team in the world at the moment, Harbhajan Singh scalped 32wickets at an average of just over 17. But then again, Harbhajan Singhis a different man now.The Punjab offspinner has gone through so much in his personal lifethat his success is a tribute to his resilience. After being pickedfor India and failing to live upto expectations, Harbhajan Singh wasrelegated to the cricketing wilderness for a time to come. When he didmake his comeback to the Indian side, doubts were raised about thelegality of his action. Dropped from the side, the young offspinnerhad to undergo the ignominy of several tests. The last one of thosecame in the form of a trip to England where former England offspinning allrounder Fred Titmus had a look at Harbhajan’s action.Without a second thought Harbhajan Singh was cleared.When he was back in action in the domestic circuit, Harbhajan Singhwas a changed man. No bowler likes to have his action questioned,justified or otherwise. On a relaxed evening, after a hard day out inthe field for Punjab, his state side, Harbhajan spoke about hisexperience in England. There was no fuss, no elaborate suspicion,nothing. Harbhajan Singh was asked to bowl a few balls, was clearedand that was that.Just when it looked like things were going well for Harbhajan, apersonal setback put him down again. Not six months ago, Harbhajanlost his father a big blow for a young man just 20 years of age. Eversince that happened, Harbhajan has changed the way he approaches thegame. Following this, the way he went about managing himself underwenta change. After almost being dropped by Indian Airlines, his corporateside, Harbhajan Singh’s cup of woe spilled over.And yet, Harbhajan Singh responded by spinning India to victoryagainst the Aussies. While he took 32 wickets, the remaining tenbowlers used in the series could manage just 17 between them. Thatsurely is as much as you can expect of someone. In his manner anddeeds, Harbhajan Singh has silenced critics across the board.

Winchester K.S. have booked their place in a Lord’s final for the fourth time in six years.The Southern Electric Premier League club’s indoor six, who have dominated the Hammonds Jewellers South Hants League at Eastleigh’s Fleming Park Leisure Centre for more than a decade, were in top form in the regional finals of the National Championships at Taunton on Sunday.They knocked out Cheltenham in the semi finals before coasting past Bovey Tracey of Devon to book their Lord’s ticket a week on Sunday (March 17).Two weeks earlier, Hampshire champions Winchester had seen off Tauntonat home in the first round but Cheltenham were expected to be more than a match for Jimmy Taylor’s troops.But, after Winchester made a modest 114-4 (Paul Marks 30 not out, Taylor30 not out) having been inserted, they skittled the Gloucestershire outfit for 89 (R Hall 33, Stuart Marks 2-20, Taylor 2-18) to win by 25 runs.As it turned out, Winchester’s total was the highest of the night by some distance as the bowlers made the most of a dramatically swinging ball, emphasised by Paul Marks, whose opening three overs cost just 15 runs.In the final, Bovey Tracey were given first knock and again Marks proved difficult to get away, reducing the Devon champions to 25-1 off sixovers.This set the tone for the innings and, with Taylor returning 2-17, Winchester restricted their opponents to 79-4 (B Elphick 22, N Davey 25*) in their12 overs – a target that was reached for the loss of just three wickets.Taylor and Marks again laid the foundations with some confident strokeplay against former Surrey and current Somerset strike bowler Ian Bishop.Taylor eventually played on for 20 while Marks retired for the second time on the night and, although Bovey Tracey took a couple of late wickets, Winchester, the national champions of 1997, had already done enough to return to HQ and battle it out with the three other regional winners.

Former Rangers ace Michael Ball believes that Harry Wilson deserves a move to the Scottish champions in this transfer window.

Steven Gerrard’s side have been linked with a swoop to sign the winger from Liverpool in the summer transfer window.

He has spent the season on loan at Cardiff City, making 37 appearances in the Championship, scoring seven goals and registering 12 assists.

The 24-year-old has struggled for minutes for Liverpool, making just two senior appearances.

But Ball believes that his performances for Cardiff and his other loan clubs – Crewe Alexandra, Hull City, Derby County, and AFC Bournemouth – have earned him the right to make the move north of the border to link up with Gerrard’s Scottish champions.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Ball said: “It does seem like a similar situation to Ryan Kent.

“If he goes up there, he probably deserves his move to a big football club. He’s done the hard yards now, he’s developed, and he’s had a great season.”

Kent, of course, moved to Rangers for a fee of £7.5m after finding minutes hard to come by at Liverpool and he has developed into a star, playing a key role in their Premiership triumph this term, with eight goals and nine assists in 33 games.

Liverpool kicked off their summer spending on Friday with the signing of central defender Ibrahima Konate from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

The Reds activated a £36m release clause to land the French Under-21 international, but there may be other important areas to address as Jurgen Klopp’s side look to regain their Premier League crown from Manchester City after needing a late rally to secure a third-placed finish this time around.

With Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane set for Africa Cup of Nations duty in the New Year, the Reds might need another high-quality forward option to ensure that their title bid doesn’t stutter in the absence of their two top scorers from 2020/21.

With Georginio Wijnaldum poised to leave as he approaches the end of his contract at Anfield, another midfield signing may be needed to guard against a succession of injuries.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano was asked on Twitter if more additions were on the way after Konate’s arrival at Liverpool and he replied: “For sure… Liverpool will sign some players, don’t worry”.

His response sparked a frenzy of excitement from many Kopites on Twitter, with some wryly commenting that FSG could be set for a rare summer spending spree amid previous criticism from some fans for a conservative approach.

Liverpool fans flock to Fabrizio Romano’s post-Konate update

“LET’S GOOOO”

Credit: @TAASZN

“Some more signing, are FSG feeling okay?”

Credit: @littlejacko97

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @jwdk98

“Let the new era begin”

Credit: @ChampionsAnchee

“WE ARE WINNING THE TREBLE. FSG MUST HAVE WOKEN UP”

Credit: @LFC_Jaden15

“Mbappe confirmed…..”

Credit: @svk_lfc

“Oh yessss I’m gonna enjoy this summer”

Credit: @Auxanooo

In other news, many Liverpool fans reacted to this contract update on one of the club’s biggest stars.

ذكرت التقارير أن فيل فودين سيحصل على عقد جديد مغر من الناحية المالية هذا الصيف إذا لم يوقع مانشستر سيتي مع إيرلينج هالاند.

وافق النجم الصاعد، 21 عامًا، على صفقة جديدة من حيث المبدأ مع بطل الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في أكتوبر، ولكنه لم يوقع حتى الآن.

وفي الوقت نفسه، يتنافس مانشستر سيتي ضمن الأندية الراغبة في التعاقد مع هالاند نجم بوروسيا دورتموند نهاية الموسم الحالي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جوارديولا عن إمكانية تدريب تين هاج لـ مانشستر سيتي: هل تريدون إقالتي

ووفقًا لصحيفة “ديلي ستار” الإنجليزية، يبحث هالاند عن راتب قدره 500 ألف جنيه إسترليني في الأسبوع، وقد يكون لذلك تداعيات كبيرة على صفقة فودين المعلقة.

ووافق صانع الألعاب الإنجليزي من حيث المبدأ على عقد جديد قيمته 150 ألف جنيه إسترليني في الأسبوع، مع مانشستر سيتي.

ولكن إذا وقع هالاند على 500 ألف جنيه إسترليني أسبوعيًا، فإن ذلك يعني أن سيتي قد يضطر إلى مراجعة شروط فودين.

يبلغ عمر كلا اللاعبين 22 عامًا هذا الصيف، ويعد فودين بالفعل أحد ألمع النجوم في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

أعلى ثلاثة لاعبين ربحًا في مانشستر سيتي هم صانع الألعاب البلجيكي كيفين دي بروين وجاك جريليش ورحيم سترلينج حيث يحصلون على أكثر من 200 ألف جنيه إسترليني في الأسبوع.

Former England international Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Michy Batshuayi would be a good signing for Leeds United, increasing competition for places in the squad.

The Lowdown: Leeds tipped to sign Batshuayi

The Whites are looking to bring in attacking reinforcements this summer, in order to ease the burden on star striker Patrick Bamford.

One player who has been linked with a move to Leeds is Batshuayi, who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea, scoring twice in 18 Premier League appearances.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The Latest: Agbonlahor positive about move

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor was positive about the prospect of the 27-year-old moving to Elland Road, as long as he ups his work-rate:

“It could be. If his work rate can get up to that level, at Leeds your work rate has to be up there.

“He’s going to have to work hard to get to where Bielsa wants. But he’s a good striker so it would be good competition for that striker position.”

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The Verdict: Worth the risk?

While Batshuayi possesses plenty of pedigree – he has scored 22 goals in just 34 caps for Belgium – it is a while since he has been a formidable player for any team.

His aforementioned record at Palace last season was poor and he hasn’t reached double figures since the 2015/16 campaign when he was plying his trade at Marseille.

For this reason, Leeds may be best to look elsewhere for a new attacker, finding a younger option who possesses a strong work ethic and long-term potential.

In other news, a reliable journalist has provided a key update on Leeds’ pursuit of one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Heading into the ongoing transfer window, it looked a rather bleak situation for Celtic.

The Hoops didn’t have a permanent first-team manager until last week while Parkhead was faced with a number of senior departures.

What’s the word?

After appointing Ange Postecoglou as their new boss, the future of Celtic football club looks a little more vibrant.

The Australian has already welcomed two new players to the club in Liaw Shaw and Joey Dawson but he now needs to crack on with first-team recruitment.

A move for Sunderland forward Charlie Wyke appears to be in the pipeline but he might not need to replace Odsonne Edouard.

That’s because Leicester’s apparent £15m deal to sign the Frenchman is falling through after a disagreement in fee led to the Foxes turning their attention to RB Salzburg attacker Patson Daka.

As a result, Edouard is weighing up his options and according to The Daily Mail, is considering staying at Celtic this season and seeing out the rest of his contract.

Huge boost

This might not be a welcome sight for Celtic’s finances but in terms of their chances next term, it represents a colossal boost for Postecoglou’s chances.

The 55-year-old has walked into a mess at Paradise but if Edouard remains in Glasgow, it will give the new manager a huge helping hand in their bid to overthrow Rangers.

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Towards the end of last season, it looked as though the Frenchman had downed tools. He was a shadow of his former self and ended 2020/21 with just three goals in his last ten matches.

Those initially looked to be his final outings in the famous green and white hoops but a stay would do Celtic the world of good.

After all, the 23-year-old has been the club’s top scorer for a number of years now.

His form in front of goal led the club to consecutive title wins in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 while despite Celtic’s shoddy form of late, he still racked up 22 strikes last term.

Edouard is one of the greatest strikers Celtic have had in the modern era, something a tally of 83 goals in 168 matches testifies.

A bustling ball of energy, there are very few defences in Scotland capable of stopping him.

If Celtic did receive a fee for him this summer then it’s likely they will have spent that on funding a replacement. As such, they aren’t particularly losing out on much.

This feels like a win-win situation for the Bhoys. Postecoglou will be over the moon if he gets a chance to utilise his talents.

AND in other news, Celtic can rectify Toney howler by signing 41-goal gem who’s like “ice in the box”…

Shoaib Akhtar is confident that all the hullabaloo over his action is a thing of the past, and now that he has passed the scrutiny of international umpires, especially the Aussie Darrell Hair, in Bangladesh and here in Sharjah, there is no further

Agha Akbar13-Feb-2002Shoaib Akhtar is confident that all the hullabaloo over his action is a thing of the past, and now that he has passed the scrutiny of international umpires, especially the Aussie Darrell Hair, in Bangladesh and here in Sharjah, there is no further need to talk about it.
Shoaib Akhtar
Photo © CricInfo
“Forget about my action, let us get on with the game,” Shoaib said, feeling supremely confident that he had left the controversy behind him. “I’ve been through three examinations by the University of Western Australia’s department of Human Movement, and in each of their reports they’ve said that it is the overextension of the arms and joints which creates the illusion. And the ICC’s circulation of that report has helped my case,” he added, displaying the overextension in both his arms for the benefit of the journalists present at the briefing.He felt reassured because his manager [Yawar Saeed] had spoken to Hair after the second Test against the West Indies, and there was no report against his action. As for Michael Holding helping him, he said he didn’t go through the modification programme because there was nothing to modify.”I’ve never modified my action… It cannot be modified,” Shoaib said. Talking about Holding’s suggestions to him on the nets here, he said that the former West Indian pace ace had pointed out that his left arm was falling away. Holding’s advice was to keep it straight and close to his body, which Holding thought would add to his pace and momentum.”Mr Holding is a very senior cricketer and when he says something, one has to listen to him”, Shoaib said.That was routine stuff compared to the shocking statement that he had never tried to cross the 100-mile barrier. Having captured the imagination of cricketing aficionados all over the world with his express pace in the 1999 World Cup, at around 97 mph, Shoaib had bowled the second fastest recorded delivery after Jeff Thomson’s 99-mile thunderbolt in the late 1970s. Afterwards, he was blamed for sacrificing the team’s interest for personal glory by aiming for the 100-mile mark at the expense of accuracy.But Akhtar, having been through a long and tedious rehabilitation programme after a variety of injuries which resulted from his body not standing his relentless quest for pace, has obviously learnt his lessons. He is consistently more accurate now than he has ever been in his career, and is taking wickets as well.”Now I’m aiming to contribute to the team’s cause. It’s too early for me to think of 350 or 450 wickets. I don’t have such thoughts. I just want to take wickets, and even if I take two or three wickets in every innings, I want them to help the team, to come at a juncture when the team benefits,” he said.He especially thanked the PCB and its chairman, Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia for standing by him through a very difficult period in his career, when he struggled with twin problems of a spate of injuries and unending controversy regarding his action. “There was nothing personal in it. The PCB chairman thought that I’m an asset to for the Pakistan team, and that is why he backed me up. I am really grateful for all the support that I got from him and the Board”, said Akhtar.