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Leeds United have now opened contract talks with Kalvin Phillips amid Manchester United eyeing up a summer move for him.

What’s the story?

Football Insider recently revealed that “a source with knowledge of Phillips’ situation” had claimed “the player is very keen on signing an extension with the club he has spent his entire career.”

And now, The Daily Star have claimed that with United having turned their attentions towards the midfielder and plotting a potential £60m move for him next summer, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have taken the first steps to tying him down to a new contract at Elland Road.

It’s added: “Phillips, 25, is under contract at Elland Road until 2024 and has not agitated for a move. But Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani knows a lucrative move to a bigger club could appeal to Phillips in the not too distant future and is keen to tie him down to a new and improved deal.”

Fans will be delighted

Such is the importance Phillips has on this Leeds side, former Whites man Andrew Hughes said: “The only way to get someone who can cover and do the same job perfectly is to spend £50m, at least. That’s what a player like him costs. Rather than talking about how other players match up, you just have to accept he’s very special.”

As per WhoScored, Phillips ranked in the top three for both tackles and interceptions made per game in the top-flight last term for Leeds, while he also figured highly for key passes per match, sitting in fourth.

But just as important as he is on the pitch to Bielsa’s side, Phillips represents everything that is Leeds United, having come through the club’s academy system and progressed into an England star too.

It’s no surprise then that United would be interested in the 25-year-old, but this latest update on contract talks being started for their talisman is sure to have Leeds fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have another exciting starlet on their hands…

Concerns over the state of the pitch at Harare’s CFX Academy ground have led to Zimbabwe Cricket moving the remaining Faithwear Cup matches scheduled to be played there

Cricinfo staff03-Mar-2009Concerns over the state of the pitch at Harare’s CFX Academy ground have led to Zimbabwe Cricket moving the remaining Faithwear Cup matches scheduled to be played there.On Sunday, the game between Northerns and Easterns was abandoned after captains Elton Chigumbura and Hamilton Masakadza agreed the pitch was not good enough to play on. However, reports suggest that the umpires ruled that the game should go ahead after rain had delayed the start and were overruled by the captains.It is now down to ZC’s disciplinary committee to decide what punishment to hand down to the captains and their teams.Tuesday’s clash between Easterns and Westerns has been switched to the Harare Sports Club.

A round-up of the third day of the 13th round matches of the Regional Four Day Competition

Cricinfo staff06-Apr-2009A 128-run for the ninth wicket between wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton and Kevin McClean, and a good bowling display, put Combined Campuses and Colleges firmly on top against Barbados in Bridgetown. Barbados were struggling at 167 for 7 at stumps on the third day after spinners Ryan Austin, Anderson Sealy and Kavesh Kantasingh took five wickets between them. The home team are just 25 ahead with three wickets in hand – only Dwayne Smith offered some resistance with a fighting 87 – and with a day left, CCC, who have won twice this season, are the favourites. Barbados had fought well on the third day, capturing eight wickets and limiting CCC’s overnight lead to 36 but they were denied by Walton (87) and Mclean (50 not out). Ryan Hinds took 6 for 89 for Barbados but his efforts were undone by a hapless batting performance.Jamaica, who have already won the competition, held the edge against Guyana in a closely contested match in Montego Bay, extending their lead to 296 at stumps with three wickets remaining. Their bowlers did an admirable job in the morning session to run through the Guyana tail, taking four wickets for 40 to bowl them out for 308 and secure a lead of 81. Medium-pacer David Bernard (4-85) and legspinner Gavin Wallace (3 for 39) bagged two wickets each before lunch to hand their team the advantage. However, Jamaica faltered in their second innings after a solid start, as spinners Davendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul shared five wickets to put them under pressure. At one stage, Jamaica slumped from 95 for one to 159 for six, but Brendan Nash (40 not out) and Daren Powell (27) eased the nerves by adding 48.Trinidad and Tobago retained control of their contest against Leeward Islands in Anguilla, despite a career-best 5 for 88 by fast bowler Bront Defreitas. The brothers Ganga were the stars as first Daren shephered the innings with an unbeaten 96 and then Sherwin bagged two wickets at the death to leave Leewards struggling at 142 for 4, only 12 runs ahead. Defreitas had helped Leewards claw back into the match after T&T were sitting pretty at 292 for 3 overnight. But Daren Ganga stayed firm and held one end together to help his team secure a sizeable 130-run lead. Leeward responded well initially; Keiran Powell (40) and Runako Morton (72) made useful contributions. But a double-burst from Sherwin Ganga in a space of five runs meant T&T remained the favourites for a win going into the fourth day.

Lasith Malinga is back and ready for Tuesday’s Twenty20 game, the first big step on his rehabilitation

Sriram Veera09-Feb-2009
Lasith Malinga has worked hard towards his return to the side, and is glad to be back doing what he knows best © Cricinfo Ltd.
Lasith Malinga is back and ready for Tuesday’s Twenty20 game, the first big step on his return from injury. The hair is as wild and woolly as ever, the highlights are intact – as is the confidence, despite a year’s lay-off due to a dodgy knee.The journey out of anonymity, though, has been a roller-coaster ride – and with a few mystical moments. He first noticed the pain in his right knee on February 22 during a CB Series game in Australia. It was diagnosed as a swollen bone but it didn’t prove so simple. He was out of action for nine months.No running, no gym. For nine months, the man known for his sprint in and a furious whirlwind of rotating arms, couldn’t run or bowl or train. He couldn’t even climb stairs – the shooting pain was unbearable.Malinga underwent treatment in Australia but while the pain diminished, recovery wasn’t complete. It was then that Sri Lanka’s president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, intervened. And this is where the story takes a mystical turn.”The president introduced me to Dr Eliyantha White. He works with supernatural powers and herbs,” Malinga said. “I don’t know what he does and how he does it but it works. I am very grateful to him and the president.” The treatment lasted five days and the pain disappeared. Malinga was fit to start his training. Dr White has since successfully treated Sanath Jayasuriya for a long-standing back problem.Malinga trained hard over the last three months and resumed bowling, playing five limited-over games for his club, NCC, when he got the opportunity to play in the Twenty20 game against India.Has he lost pace? “Not sure,” he said. “We will see tomorrow.” He adds quickly that there has been no change in his bowling action.He has sorely missed playing cricket and is just glad to be back and bowling. He knows, though, that tough work lies ahead of him. Since he has just started to bowl and hasn’t played in any longer version of the game, Malinga has not been selected to play in the Provincial tournament that starts next month. “When I feel confident that I can bowl for long, Iwill start playing in the longer format,” he said.Malinga is eyeing the next domestic season, which starts in October this year. “First there is the IPL, of course,” he said. “Then I will continue my training and will start playing in three-day games later this year.”If things go well, the world will see him in action in Test cricket next year.

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left wowed by Tottenham Hotspur starlet Pape Matar Sarr and has even dropped a Tanguy Ndombele comparison.

The Lowdown: Spurs snap up Sarr…

Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici showcased why Daniel Levy appointed him as he managed to bring in both Sarr and defender Emerson Royal during the last fortnight of the transfer window.

The former, who has been touted as a really promising midfield gem, even attracted attention from Premier League champions Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United in the summer (Evening Standard).

Alas, Spurs won the race to sign Sarr and it’s safe to say Robinson has been left impressed by his capture at N17.

The Latest: Robinson drops Sarr claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Lilywhites keeper has even claimed that the 18-year-old is an ‘improved version’ of club record signing Tanguy Ndombele and will be fighting for first team opportunities in years to come.

“He’s played 20 odd times for Metz already,” Robinson explained.

“He will be challenging for a first-team place at Tottenham. This isn’t someone who’s coming in to be part of the Under 23s.

“He looks like the finished article and he’s only going to get better.

“If you look at him and the way he plays, he looks like an improved version of Ndombele.

“For the price Sarr cost, he looks a better player.”

The Verdict: Big statement…

Likening the teenager to Ndombele arguably comes as a big statement given Sarr has just one full season of senior action under his belt.

However, if he continues at this trajectory, the starlet could well be one to watch – especially considering he averaged a rather impressive two tackles per 90 over 18 Ligue 1 starts for FC Metz last year (WhoScored).

Still very young but gaining valuable experience thriving at the top level already, Spurs supporters could be about to witness the rise of a real prospect.

In other news: Spurs chiefs left seething over N17 exit gaffe as Alasdair Gold drops behind the scenes reveal, find out more here.

Australia are unlikely to tour Pakistan for the scheduled one-day series in April and May, PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has said

Cricinfo staff20-Jan-2009
Australia’s clashes with Pakistan in recent years have been in Australia or neutral countries © Getty Images
Australia are unlikely to tour Pakistan for the scheduled one-day series in April and May, PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has said. Australia had cancelled their tour of Pakistan in the wake of the heightened violence in March 2008, and were expected to visit the country separately for the ODI and Test series this year.However, with Australia still apprehensive over the security situation, Butt said the matches could be played at neutral venues. “Chances of them [Australia] agreeing to play in Pakistan are slim,” Butt said. “They have asked us to suggest three neutral venues where the series can be relocated.”Butt said England, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai are being considered as alternatives in case the five ODIs and one Twenty20 do not take place in Pakistan. The venues will be discussed with Cricket Australia officials on the sidelines of an ICC executive board meeting later this month.Australia have not played in Pakistan since 1998. In 2002, due to security concerns, a three Test series between the two sides in Pakistan was shifted to Colombo and Sharjah. “We want Australia to play in Pakistan but our first priority is to ensure the series is played,” said Butt. “We have to be realistic, flexible and pragmatic about having this series.”Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said he was unable to confirm whether Australia were discussing neutral venues with the PCB. “We are keen to play Pakistan and we have a fairly passionate view that world cricket needs Pakistan cricket to be strong,” Young said. “Therefore we need to be able to play them as and where we should be under the FTP.”At the moment there is a discussion ongoing between Cricket Australia and the PCB and I understand we are to catch up again later this month. We are keen to play them and that series is due to be played in Pakistan. We have seen the reports about the possibility of playing in neutral venues and that is something we have done before.”

Aston Villa are facing strong competition in their reported pursuit of Northampton Town youngster Caleb Chukwuemeka as Rangers have registered an interest in his services, according to The Sunday Mirror [via Birmingham Live].

The Lowdown: Aston Villa still seeking quality additions

After Saturday’s disappointing 3-2 loss away to promoted Watford, Villa manager Dean Smith may be seeking further additions to his squad in order to build the solid foundations for a successful campaign.

Their reported interest in 19-year-old Chukwuemeka suggest that they are looking at young stars who can break into the first team picture across the season, but their hopes of signing the teenager appear to face a significant obstacle judging by fresh reports.

The Latest: Rangers and Spurs also show interest in Chukwuemeka

Aston Villa’s pursuit Chukwuemeka could be hampered as Scottish champions Rangers are also keen on the Northampton prospect [The Sunday Mirror, via Birmingham Live].

His younger brother Carney Chukwuemeka is on the books at Villa Park, which may well be a key factor in his next move.

Tottenham Hotspur are also attracted to the prospect of bringing the 19-year-old to north London, with his contract at the Cobblers due to expire next summer.

The Verdict: Losing out on Chukwuemeka would be a bitter blow

Priding themselves on a reputation of moulding stars of the future into first-team regulars (e.g. Jack Grealish), losing out on Chukwuemeka to Rangers or Tottenham would come as a major disappointment to the Aston Villa hierarchy.

He enjoyed a breakthrough season in League One in 2020/21, registering three goal contributions in 28 appearances with two goals and an assist [Transfermarkt].

Moreover, his potential to become a clinical forward in the coming years is evident. In the English third-tier last term, Chukwuemeka got 71.4% of his shots on target [FB Ref]. This figure could well improve within an elite coaching setup.

Once labelled as ‘great’ by his former manager Keith Curle [Northampton Chronicle], Aston Villa should do all they can to fend off the increased competition for the 19-year-old.

In other news, these Aston Villa fans were thrilled with an update from the club 

Matt Woosnam, who covers Crystal Palace for The Athletic, reckons that the south London outfit should have re-signed Gary Cahill.

He joined from Chelsea following his release two years ago, but his contract at Selhurst Park ran out earlier this summer and he is once again a free agent.

The 35-year-old, who often wore the armband in Luka Milivojevic’s absence, made 48 outings during his two seasons at the club, with his experience and quality helping Palace stay in the Premier League under Roy Hodgson.

Following several key experienced departures, 6 ft 4 colossus Cahill was offered fresh terms by the Eagles, although they were unable to agree a new deal and his exit was confirmed by himself on Twitter earlier this month.

New manager Patrick Vieira has since added two centre-backs in Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen to his squad, but Woosnam feels Palace might rue the loss of Cahill.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“The likes of Gary Cahill would offer a lot to Palace.

“His experience has been vital. I remember his debut at Old Trafford, and he was coaching 29-year-old Patrick van Aanholt through the game. You think that’s crazy when he has so much experience, so I would have kept him.”

Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing for life after Tanguy Ndombele if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are targeting a move for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar before next week’s transfer deadline and have already held tentative talks with the player’s representatives.

The 23-year-old has two years to run on his current deal but will weigh up his options before making a decision on his future.

Interest in the Frenchman, who featured at the U21 European Championships earlier this year, should come as no surprise as the Lilywhites’ new sporting director Fabio Paratici held an interest in signing him whilst at Juventus.

“Paratici has always been in love with this player,” revealed Fabrizio Romano earlier this month.

It remains to be seen exactly how much Aouar would command, especially with less than a week to go before deadline day, though ESPN believe he could be available for a fee in the region of €25m (£21.5m).

Move on Ndombele

It’s also thought that the club are now prepared to offload Aouar’s former teammate after he requested to leave the club recently, so it would make sense to find someone fit to play a similar role.

And that has to be the Lyon star.

Last season he contributed eight goals and four assists, whilst a year earlier, he provided nine goals and ten assists as the French outfit made an impressive run in the Champions League. In total, Aouar has made a direct goal contribution every 196 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

It’s this sort of creativity and goal threat from midfield that has been lacking at Spurs, even when Ndombele has been featuring. By comparison, his fellow countryman has only contributed towards 16 goals at a rate of one every 267 minutes since arriving in a club-record £55m deal.

Spurs should certainly look to move him on and Aouar, who can play in the no.8 and no.10 role, would be a perfect successor in north London.

The £26m-rated dynamo has been compared to Spain great Andres Iniesta in terms of playing style and an average of two key passes and an 86.8% passing accuracy last season would certainly reinforce that view.

“I’m a big fan of Aouar. I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time,” claimed Ligue 1 expert Adam White to Football FanCast.

“I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield. He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent.”

Paratici must consider axing Ndombele in favour of signing the promising French gem. It would be an outstanding piece of business for less than £25m – a real bargain in comparison to that club-record fee.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Alli: Spurs must secure £22.5m-rated prodigy who’s “like a young Pogba”…

The “wonderful” Omar Marmoush has reportedly made it his “dream” to seal a move to Liverpool, following a stunning start to the season in Germany.

Liverpool transfer news

Transfer rumours regarding the Reds are coming thick and fast currently, with exciting young Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado the latest to be linked with a move to Anfield. It has been claimed that Liverpool scouts think the 21-year-old could be perfect for Arne Slot’s controlled style of play, bringing poise and technical quality in the middle of the park, completing 91.2% of his passes in La Liga this season.

Another player who the Reds have reportedly scouted is Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, who has been one of the Premier League’s standout attacking players in 2024/25 so far. The Cameroon international could be considered an ideal long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, as doubts persist over the Egyptian King’s future.

The lack of a new midfield signing irritated some Liverpool fans during the summer transfer window, and while a move for Martin Zubimendi may now be out of the question, Real Madrid ace Aurelien Tchouameni is a rumoured target for the Merseysiders.

"Wonderful" player dreams of Liverpool move

According to a new update from Bild [via Sport Witness], Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Omar Marmoush has made it his “dream” to join Liverpool and eventually replace Salah.

The report claims that “things look different” regarding the 25-year-old’s current suitors, with the Reds seen as “above all” in pole position in the race to acquire his signature. Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all thought to be eyeing him up.

With every report that emerges regarding Marmoush, the more it looks as though the Egyptian is a primary transfer target for Liverpool moving forward. The Frankfurt star is enjoying an incredible start to the season, registering a remarkable 16 goal contributions (10 goals and six assists) in just nine Bundesliga appearances, outlining his relentless end product.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Schubert has said of him: “I think that what Omar Marmoush has done in the German League since last season deserves greater praise and attention. Marmoush confirms day after day that he is a distinguished talent and a wonderful player. There is no doubt that his move to one of the big clubs in Europe is very close.”

The future of Salah is such a major talking point at the moment, but even if the 32-year-old ends up signing a new deal at Liverpool, long-term planning is essential, in terms of ensuring the Reds have the perfect successor lined up.

Hopefully, the Anfield legend extends his stay and remains at his highest level for several more years, but he will need to be managed more carefully and a player of Marmoush’s ilk could be perfect to gradually usurp him as time passes.

Fabrizio Romano: £36m Liverpool star on the brink of signing new contract

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a big update from Anfield this week.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 4, 2024

If his form this season is anything to go by, Liverpool would be signing a future superstar who delivers goals and assists consistently, with his peak years still ahead of him.