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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.

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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.

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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.

Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest on Torino striker Andrea Belotti in what could be a possible boost for West Ham United.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye move…

As reported, West Ham and new head of recruitment Rob Newman are eyeing a move for the Italy international in the Irons’ continued search for a back up striker.

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WestHamFans.org, as shown on NewsNow, believe that the club are lining up a ‘sensational’ swoop for the 27-year-old amid his contract dispute at Torino.

Now, taking to social media, Romano has shared the latest on Belotti in what could be a boost to West Ham’s chances.

The Latest: Romano makes claim…

Indeed, the Italian journalist says Torino’s captain has not yet accepted the last proposal to extend his current deal.

Belotti’s contract expires in 2022, meaning he could leave for free next summer, and Romano says the chances of him doing so are real.

“Andrea Belotti has chances to leave Torino as free agent next summer, as things stand now,” he explained on Twitter.

“He’s out of contract in June 2022 and he has not accepted yet last Torino proposal to extend current deal.”

The Verdict: Time to swoop?

If the Serie A forward continues to stall on fresh terms and opts to leave for free next summer, there is now question that West Ham should indeed take advantage.

Labelled as ‘unique’ by his former manager Davide Nicola, the 39-cap centre-forward has experience on the biggest stages in world football.

As well as this, Belotti is experienced in finding the back of the net, having racked up 99 goals and 26 assists in 250 Italian top flight appearances (Transfermarkt).

On a free deal, this is an absolute no brainer.

In other news: West Ham now plotting big money bid to sign 115-goal striker who Moyes personally wants, find out more here.

Responding to reports of unrest from Spurs players over Nuno Espirito Santo’s management, Alasdair Gold has dropped his own claim in a football.london Q&A.

The Lowdown: Spurs players unsettled under Nuno?

As per The Independent, just a few months into his reign, some Spurs players appear unhappy with life under Nuno despite an originally brilliant start to the season.

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After picking up the Premier League Manager of the Month award for August, Tottenham have slumped to three defeats in their last three league games by sizeable margins to a plethora of their London rivals.

As such, journalist Miguel Delaney has now revealed that those close to the Spurs squad aren’t impressed – with one quote claiming him to be “some of the worst of Mourinho without the medals”.

The Latest: Gold drops claim…

Responding to these reports when asked by a Spurs fan if Nuno has already lost the dressing room, Gold pleaded to be ‘wary’ of players or agents moaning about coaches.

“I’m so wary of players or agents moaning about managers,” he explained in a football.london Q&A.

“It’s a worrying theme, particularly at Tottenham, and Pochettino, Mourinho, Mason and now Nuno have all had sniping behind the scenes, presumably from those who aren’t playing.

“At some point, we have to look at the players and why the ‘go to’ option is to moan about the manager. How many managers do the club have to go through before the players are happy? Perhaps it says more about them than those brought in to manage them.”

The Verdict: Reoccurring problem…

As explained by Gold, the issue of unrested Spurs players has become a reoccurring theme and one suffered by a plethora of managers since Pochettino left the club in 2019.

Certain sections of the Lilywhites squad must now take blame in what is looking more and more like a toxic environment at Hotspur Way.

The fickle nature of football could mean the mood surrounding Spurs and Nuno could change in a matter of weeks depending on results and if his playing style notably improves.

However, as it stands, it appears the 47-year-old is the latest in a long line of managerial scapegoats.

In other news: Talks ongoing: N17 source leaks Spurs development as news emerges on ‘priority’ for Levy, find out more here.

MCC cricketers will swap the English winter for the African summer when they depart for a six-game tour of Mozambique

Cricinfo staff04-Feb-2009
The MCC squad pose in the snow at Lord’s on the eve of the tour of Mozambique © Clare Skinner
MCC cricketers will swap the English winter for the African summer when they depart for a six-game tour of Mozambique. It is the first MCC tour of 2009 and includes a coaching session in neighbouring Swaziland as well as matches against the national side in the capital Maputo.Mozambique has been an Affiliate Member of the ICC for six years and cricket there is going from strength to strength. There are currently 17 senior clubs and 22 schools that play cricket in the country and the Association of Mozambique Cricket (AMC) has a national side and also Under-19, 17 and 15 representative teams.Between February 8 and 15, MCC will play five different AMC teams, including the Under-19s, a Chairman’s XI and a President’s Invitation XI. MCC will warm up with a match against Equipa Anfitria CC on February 7.The MCC squad includes former Northamptonshire wicketkeeper Toby Bailey, MCC Young Cricketers Andrew Clarke, Jonathan Miles and Ned Eckersley, and Leeds/Bradford UCCE’s Dan Woods. It is managed by Chad Murrin, who has played 63 games for MCC since becoming a member in 1979.”I was fortunate to visit Mozambique last October, having never been to Africa before,” Murrin said. “The week I spent in Maputo was one of the best things I have done … a fascinating experience. I am delighted to be returning as manager of the MCC cricket team, the first time that the club has sent a team to Mozambique.”As a development tour, promoting the game of cricket will be at the heart of all we do. We will be playing matches, and giving local cricketers the opportunity to test themselves and gain experience against us. We will be providing special cricket coaching, and sharing our cricket knowledge with local cricketers and officials. We are there to encourage and enthuse.”MCC will contribute to the development of the game in the region by running a coaching session for young local cricketers on February 6 in Mbabane, Swaziland. The club will leave a grant of $2500 and the ICC will donate $1250 to develop facilities and coaching programmes in the country.MCC’s head of cricket, John Stephenson, said: “MCC is committed to developing cricket all over the world and we hope that providing good opposition and coaching to Mozambique’s cricketers and youngsters will spread the game further throughout the country. MCC is delighted to be visiting a country which has made such big strides in a short time and we hope the tour can generate interest amongst a new audience in Mozambique.”February 7: Equipa Anfitria CC, Campo de Cricket da Cometal
February 8: AMC XI, Campo de Cricket da Cometal
February 10: AMC Under-19s, Parque dos Continuadores
February 13: AMC Development XI, Parque dos Continuadores
February 14: AMC Chairman’s XI, Campo de Cricket da Cometal
February 15: AMC President’s Invitation XI, Parque dos Continuadores

Tottenham Hotspur target Weston McKennie has reportedly knocked back the chance to sign for West Ham United in favour of a move to north London this summer [Gazzetta dello Sport print edition August 26th via Hammers News].

The Lowdown: Spurs look to tie up remaining business

With the transfer window set to slam shut in England on the 31st August, Lilywhites manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be desperate to tie up any remaining business as he plots success on both domestic and European fronts this campaign.

Recruiting intelligently so far within the window, the Portuguese boss has signed three first-team – Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil and Cristian Romero [Transfermarkt].

Now, Spurs could be set for a major boost in their pursuit of 22-year-old McKennie, owing to reports in Italian media circles.

The Latest: McKennie rejects West Ham move

USA international McKennie is allegedly said to have rejected a move to the London Stadium in favour of a switch to Tottenham Hotspur this summer [Gazzetta dello Sport print edition August 26th via Hammers News].

The 6 foot tall ace is said to have opened talks with Tottenham over a move, however any deal would cost somewhere in the region just under £40 million [Independent].

Axel Witsel looks to have been earmarked as a potential replacement for Mckenzie in Turin, should the American depart before the end of the window [Tuttosport].

The Verdict: McKennie addition would excite the Tottenham Hotspur support

In need of midfield reinforcements, the decision made by McKennie to reject a move to the Hammers in search of a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will no doubt excite the Lilywhites support.

Possessing the capability to dictate play in central areas, he would bring some much-needed control and stability to the Spurs line up.

In 2020/21, he excelled for his current employers, registering nine goal contributions in 46 appearances; six goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Patrolling the middle of the park with his impressive ball retention, McKennie managed to record a pass accuracy of 85.4% across the piece in Serie A [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘outstanding’ by former Schalke executive manager Christian Heidel, Tottenham should look to finalise the deal before the end of the window [Schalke 04 Official].

In other news, a Spurs ace is in line for a surprise summer window exit. Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a fresh setback ahead of their return to Premier League action this weekend…

What’s the latest?

Spurs’ versatile wide man Ryan Sessegnon has been forced to withdraw from international duty this week in what has been described as a “frustrating injury.”

The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick relayed the key information from the Three Lions’ official Twitter account, and said:

“Another frustrating injury for Sessegnon who picked up a knock in Eng U21 training & returns to Spurs.”

Frustrating

The 21-year-old, signed for a whopping £25m in the summer of 2019, has found game time hard to come by in north London but the appointment of Nuno Santo should’ve given him renewed hope of making it at the club.

This latest development is another kick in the teeth for a player that, on his day, could be a valuable option in a multitude of positions – notably at left-wing and left-back, where he can back up the likes of Heung-min Son and Sergio Reguilon.

Sessegnon started both of the Lilywhites’ two UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying legs against Pacos de Ferreira, playing in both the aforementioned roles, though that has only taken his total number of appearances for Spurs to 29, per Transfermarkt.

The £16.2m-rated dynamo, who was once lauded as a “big. big talent” by ex-Fulham teammate Stefan Johansen and compared to Spurs legend Gareth Bale, may well struggle to put up a case of being involved in Nuno’s squad should this knock rule him out for the next few weeks and beyond.

He already has Son, Lucas Moura, Steven Bergwijn and Bryan Gil vying for a starting spot, so this injury will do him no favours. Furthermore, the Portuguese head coach may feel a little gutted himself as the youngster is clearly a player with bags of potential.

Nuno was brought in to oversee the development of the club’s emerging prospects and you could argue that Sessegnon falls under this bracket despite appearances in Europe over the last few seasons.

The Spurs faithful aren’t impressed by this update either. Some were claiming that the Englishman was ‘worse than Erik Lamela’ due to his injuries, whilst others pleaded for the club to offload him at the next opportunity, as relayed by Sportslens.

A little unfair, perhaps, but you certainly want to see a better return from a £25m investment. Hopefully, Sessegnon can shake off this setback and respond if selected.

AND in other news, Nuno could have a future Spurs star in 19 y/o “livewire” who’s got “plenty of talent”…

Glamorgan have appointed Jamie Dalrymple as their new captain, succeeding David Hemp who was released at the end of the summer.”It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to captain a club with enormous enthusiasm and potential and such passionate supporters,” Dalrymple said. He joined Glamorgan from Middlesex at the start of 2008, signing a three-year deal, and led the side twice during the summer.”Jamie was signed to Glamorgan due to his experience and strong character which are both key qualities for a captain,” Matthew Maynard, Glamorgan’s cricket manager, said. “Having given Jamie the opportunity to lead the team in Southend during the season, it became overwhelmingly clear that he was the obvious choice for captain should Hemp not continue at the club.””I am absolutely delighted that Jamie has taken up the opportunity to captain the team,” Paul Russell, Glamorgan’s chairman, said. “Jamie is a great asset to Glamorgan and personally I am hugely optimistic about the experience and leadership qualities he will bring to us.”

Six of Bermuda’s cricketers will go to Australia later this month for a six-week intensive training programme at the Sports Gateway Academy in Brisbane as the country prepares to qualify for the 2011 World Cup.The group, which is likely to include spinners, Rodney Trott and Tamauri Tucker, opener Oronde Bascome, and possibly the captain Irving Romaine, will be announced in the coming weeks. The likes of Stephen Outerbridge, Jekon Edness and Stefan Kelly were unable to make the trip since they would he going to university in the UK.”It will be a chance to improve their performances in a different environment, a different system,” Bermuda coach Gus Logie told the . “Australia have proven, beyond a doubt, to be at the top of the game in terms of facilities, coaching, lifestyle, mental approach and discipline.”I think they have an attitude that says ‘excellence is the only way to go’. If we can send six guys and they can get that attitude for six weeks in Australia and bring it back here and it rubs off on six more then it will have been worth it.”The Bermuda players will be training along with young cricketers from Pakistan, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland and playing matches against local sides.”We have a pretty busy schedule right up to the qualifying tournament and we need to make sure our core group is active,” Logie said. “Quite a few of them are going back to school but those that aren’t need to be training regularly in the right environment.”Bermuda’s next international assignment is defending the ICC America’s Championship in Florida in November.

Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, has criticised Ray Mali, the ICC’s outgoing president, for tabling a motion to discuss the future of Zimbabwe when the ICC meets in Dubai this week.In two letters that followed Mali’s announcement, Chingoka reminded him that the ICC had already discussed the matter. “You will recall that last year in London, a decision was taken and well-supported by you and other members that sport and politics, like oil and water, do not mix.”Quoting the ICC’s own rules, Chingoka insisted Zimbabwe’s status could be discussed only at next year’s annual conference as such a motion needed to be tabled by December 31 of the preceding year. Ironically, a change to the rules was proposed two years ago to allow more immediate action to be taken. Chingoka opposed it at the time and the move was defeated after India indicated they would not support it.The letters also pointed to a possible breakdown in relations between Chingoka and Mali, hitherto seen as close allies. Less than a year ago, Mali was effusive in his praise for the ZC administration following a six-day fact-finding visit. But last week he told Chingoka that he had acted because he “owed it to the cricket community to feel all is normal.”Chingoka, playing the race card, warned Mali of “setting double standards and discriminatory levels that go against the ICC anti-racism code”.He went on to accuse Mali of making Zimbabwe “a scapegoat” for the decision to stand down Malcolm Speed as the ICC’s chief executive in April and called the latest announcement of the discussion on Zimbabwe “unethical”, adding it was an “agenda item infested with political connotations”. He concluded by asking: “Whose political gallery are these antics supposed to appease?””There are over 100 ICC member countries with differing political environments,” he continued. “Without venturing to mention names as it is apparent, it is clear that certain worse conditions exist in those other member countries. It has not warranted the ICC putting them on its agenda as it is doing with Zimbabwe right now.”

Sheffield United are interested in taking Manchester United youngster James Garner on loan for the 2021/22 season [The Sun].

Enjoying a promising 2020/21 campaign, the 20-year old registered seven goal contributions in 43 appearances for Nottingham Forest, Watford and Manchester United Under-23’s combined [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be set for another high-profile Sky Bet Championship loan spell following recent reports.

Garner is rumoured to be being lined up by Sheffield United as a target, with the Blades extremely keen on bringing him in to the club [The Sun].

The Birkenhead-born midfielder would be brought in to play a big part at Bramall Lane, whilst could help to deputise in the event of Sander Berge departing amid interest from Arsenal.

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Sheffield United diehards took to Twitter to make their feelings known about recent developments.

Sheffield United fans react:

Replying to multiple different outlets on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the Garner news:

“This lad can play. Would be a great addition for the Blades. #twittterblades #utb”

Credit: @simon_christie

“Yes please he will be better they John Lundstram”

Credit: @jackall78013029

“Garner would be a top addition aslong as it’s not at the expense of Berge, keeping him has to be the priority for me”

Credit: @Fonzyy97

“I’ll take that”

Credit: @S_M_R___

“Be some signing this”

Credit: @KieranBatham

“He’s so much better than Hourihane though”

Credit: @SUFC__Josh

In other news, an EFL spy has given Sheffield United a signing recommendation.