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Plenty of the pre-Test series hype has focused on South Africa’s potent pace attack led by Dale Steyn, but Michael Vaughan doesn’t feel England’s lack of pace makes them any less threatening. Vaughan, England’s captain, has put faith in the trio of Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson and Stuart Broad even as he shored up the possibility of his Ashes 2005 pace quartet bowling as a unit again.”We don’t have bowling of 90-95 mph,” Vaughan said ahead of Thursday’s first Test at Lord’s. “But it’s not always about that. We have an attack that relies more on the control side. It has not got the pace it used to have but I think they’ve got a decent amount of skill.”Jimmy Anderson showed against New Zealand at Trent Bridge that if the ball is swinging he has a hell of an amount of skill. Stuart Broad is developing into a fine cricketer – he’s inexperienced but he bowls beyond his years – and Ryan Sidebottom has probably been the find of the last year in Test match cricket.”You add to that Monty Panesar, who can get five- and six-wicket hauls, and the attack looks quietly nice.”England’s last series against South Africa, a 2-1 away win in 2004-05, featured the same attack that would bowl them to a historic Ashes victory the following summer. However, none of Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones or Andrew Flintoff are in the squad for Lord’s.Of the four, Flintoff is the closest to selection for the second Test at Headingley which starts on July 18. A serious knee injury has seen Jones, currently with Worcestershire, spend the last three years on the sidelines but he moved a step closer to a Test return when named in England’s provisional Champions Trophy squad.”I have not seen Simon bowl in a match. I have just seen his figures and when a guy is getting five-fors pretty consistently, and getting them quickly – he’s getting them in seven and eight-over bursts – that is exciting,” Vaughan said. “As captain you want someone who can change the course of a game in a few overs.”If he performs like he did in the 2005 Ashes then we’ve got something special there and it’s absolutely fantastic that both he and Harmison are knocking on the door again.”Harmison continues to be overlooked by England’s selectors after a poor showing in New Zealand earlier this year, but Vaughan noticed a spark during a Championship match-up last week. “Having just played against Harmy, he has definitely got his pace back. He bowled a 12-over spell, which suggested he wanted to get me out, and he did,” he said. “The most important thing is he looked as if he was enjoying his cricket, which was a really positive sign.”I know he doesn’t want to play solely for Durham for the rest of his career, he wants to get back into the England team, and someone with that amount of ability and 90-miles-an-hour gas is going to be knocking on the door consistently.””And we know what Matthew Hoggard offers. Who would have said a year ago we would be even talking about the Ashes ’05 unit potentially bowling together again? It certainly could happen but we ought to talk about the guys in the team at the moment who do a good job.”Vaughan was confident of captaining at Lord’s, having taken an Ostinol injection for his troublesome right knee last Wednesday.

Manchester City are said to be really confident of signing Aston Villa star Jack Grealish this summer, as their summer recruitment drive intensifies [Pete O’Rourke via Football Terrace].

Enjoying a superb 2020/21 campaign, the 25-year-old registered an incredible 19 goal contributions in 27 fixtures for the Villains; seven goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt].

Having been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad this window, the Sky Blues could be about to accelerate the process following recent reports.

O’Rourke, who was speaking in the latest issue of The Football Terrace podcast, claimed that City are ‘really confident’ of striking an agreement for the England international, which would cost around £100 million [City Xtra].

In light of this news, loads of Manchester City fans flocked to Twitter to share their opinions on the recent reports.

Manchester City FC fans react:

Replying to popular Manchester City fan outlet City Xtra, here is what some fans had to say about the update, and they don’t seem particularly confident…

“Next week: Man City are even more confident of signing Jack grealish The week after: BREAKING Jack grealish signs villa extension”

Credit: @7Mcfcmax

“Different day, same story”

Credit: @MB264738

“really confident FC now”Credit: @dekmcfc”BRUV YOU SAY THE SAME THING EVERY DAY ARE WE EVER GONNA SIGN HIM”Credit: @philgoatden3″Just get it done, Damn it man”Credit: @Ziniology”Confidence ain’t enough”Credit: @fredijeh2In other news, Manchester City fans react to a transfer update.

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Depois de fazer uma boa primeira fase do Campeonato Paulista, o Botafogo-SP terá dois grandes desafios nas quartas de final da competição. A equipe de Ribeirão Preto vai encarar o Corinthians, em dois confrontos, para buscar o sonho de disputar as semifinais da disputa.

Principal jogador do sistema ofensivo do Bota, o meia-atacante Rafael Bastos pediu duas partidas perfeitas do elenco nesta etapa do campeonato.

– Não há espaços para erros em uma decisão como essa. O Corinthians tem um grande elenco, com jogadores fantásticos. Temos que entregar o nosso melhor nos dois jogos para sonharmos com a classificação para as semifinais. Vamos lutar muito por essa vaga nas próxima fase. Temos que dar a vida para que isso seja possível – disse.

De acordo com Rafael, o elenco do Botafogo quer fazer história neste Paulistão.

– Faço uma avaliação muito positiva do nosso desempenho na fase de classificação do Campeonato Paulista. Fizemos por merecer e estamos nestas quartas de final fortalecidos e motivados para surpreender. Queremos fazer história com o Botafogo – finalizou.

Botafogo-SP e Corinthians enfrentam neste sábado, às 18h30, no Santa Cruz, em Ribeirão Preto pela partida de ida das quartas de final do Paulistão-2017.

Former Central Districts and English county professional Richard Hayward has been appointed Canterbury Cricket’s coaching director

Lynn McConnell31-Jul-2002Former Central Districts and English county professional Richard Hayward has been appointed Canterbury Cricket’s coaching director.Hayward has had a long connection with Nelson where he was an integral part of the Hawke Cup-dominating side of the 1980s.In 50 first-class matches between 1979 and 1985/86, Hayward scored 1766 runs at 26.75 and scored three centuries. In 48 limited overs matches he scored 989 runs at 31.90.He played first-class cricket for Minor Counties, Hampshire, Central Districts and Somerset.Canterbury Cricket’s chief executive Richard Reid said he was delighted Hayward had decided to join.”He brings with him a wealth of knowledge gleaned from working both in England and New Zealand. I have known Richard for 20 years and have always been impressed by his knowledge of the game and his communication skills,” Reid said.He will take up his position in September.

Sunderland have been offered advice by Kevin Phillips regarding their pursuit of Wimbledon striker Joe Pigott.

What’s the talk?

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has backed the club to swoop for Wimbledon centre-forward Joe Pigott to replace the outgoing Charlie Wyke this summer.

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal for Wyke and the Black Cats are said to be eyeing up the attacker from their League One rivals as a potential replacement.

Phillips has said that his statistics are impressive and that he will be a hero at the Stadium of Light if he can replicate his form on Wearside. He told Football Insider:

“His stats speak for themselves. A record of nearly one in two is a great strike rate.

“My only worry is, coming from Wimbledon, can he handle the pressure of playing for Sunderland? No disrespect to Wimbledon but Sunderland is a big step up.

“I haven’t seen too much of Pigott but the lad can score goals, that is clear. He could be the man to replace Charlie Wyke next season because it looks as if he will be moving on.

“If Lee can get Pigott in and he scores a lot of goals for Sunderland, he will be a hero straight away.”

Bye-bye Wyke

Wyke is out of contract this week and is said to be keen on a transfer to Scotland, which means that the time is right to say bye-bye to last season’s top scorer.

The club should not be trying to keep players who do not want to be in the building and the 26-goal forward seemingly falls into that category. This does, however, leave a major hole to fill in Lee Johnson’s squad and Kristjaan Speakman needs to act swiftly to fill it.

The Sunderland chief now needs to spring into action to seal a deal for the Wimbledon hitman. Pigott is an excellent attacker at League One level and enjoyed a fantastic season last term, scoring 20 times and assisting five goals for his teammates.

Former Wimbledon manager Wally Downes once praised the target man as being “magnificent” and said that he was being rewarded for his hard work, highlighting the quality he possesses at this level.

He told Echo News:

“Joe has been magnificent in the last six or seven weeks and he got his rewards for battling.

“He’s led the line really well lately and got another win.”

The 6ft 1 beast could, therefore, be exactly what Johnson needs in the transfer window. With his top scorer set to depart this week, the former Bristol City coach is in desperate need of a prolific attacker who can find the back of the net and that is what Pigott has been for Wimbledon.

The 27-year-old scored 20 times in League One for The Dons and that is why the Black Cats must sanction a deal to snap him up this summer to make sure that they do not end up missing Wyke’s influence on the team.

AND in other news, Speakman must sanction SAFC swoop for “very brave” 13 G/A dynamo, Johnson needs him…

Ian Ward continued his rich vein of form to carry Surrey to a comprehensive win over bottom-of-the-table Yorkshire at Guildford. Ward made an unbeaten 124 and featured in a century partnership with nightwatchman Ian Salisbury (59) who was Surrey’s one wicket to fall today. By the time Salisbury was out, caught behind off Darren Lehmann, Surrey were just 28 short of victory. Ali Brown then joined Ward to ensure a six-wicket win.Kent put in an equally convincing display to beat Leicestershire by the same margin at Grace Road. Matthew Walker (46) and Ed Smith (48) were the main contributors as Kent coasted home to a win that moves them into second place, 33 points behind Surrey.Hampshire are now second from bottom after a game they’d prefer to forget at The Rose Bowl. After they were deducted eight points for a poor pitch by the ECB this morning, they were bowled out for 127 to give Lancashire victory by 111 runs. John Wood took four for 17 and James Anderson three for 27 towards the visitors’ triumph.As looked to be the case last night, Sussex’s victory target of 401 proved to be well beyond them, as they were shot out for just 192 by Warwickshire. Medium pacer Alan Richardson was the toast of the hosts, with a career-best eight for 51. Warwickshire’s 208-run victory moves them clear of the relegation zone.In Division Two, an innings of 80 by Dominic Cork helped guide Derbyshire to a comprehensive victory over struggling Northamptonshire at the County Ground. After being dismissed for 288, sharp bowling from Cork (two for 71) and Kevin Dean (three for 47) accounted for the first five Northants wickets before Anthony Penberthy (62) proved an obstacle. Torbin Bailey (50) was the other main contributor to an otherwise poor home side performance. Mohammed Ali (two for 72) and Lian Wharton (two for 43) wrapped up the 177-run victory.Essex remain in contention for promotion after grinding out a draw against Glamorgan. On a sizzling day at Chelmsford, Andy Flower’s unbeaten 172 was the key to the home side’s survival. Still behind the visitors when play began, Flower, aided by some defensive batting from Aftab Habib (31) and veteran John Stephenson (29*) ensured Essex had a share of the points to keep in them in the top three. At the close the home side finished on 514 for four.Despite Ben Hutton’s exquisite 88 and a half-century from South-African born Sven Koenig (52), Middlesex missed out on their sixth victory, though they still remain top of the Division. Gloucestershire set them a target of 361 in just over 80 overs, but once Koenig and Hutton’s second-wicket partnership was over, Middlesex opted for safety and batted out a draw, closing on 265 for five.

Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos left the Spanish club earlier this week and having been linked with Manchester City in the past, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should sign him for Pep Guardiola’s side this summer.

After bringing an end to his 16-year spell with the La Liga giants, where he would win a plethora of honours including four Champions League titles and five La Liga titles, Manchester City have been named by ESPN as the front runners in the race for the Spanish centre-back this summer.

The report claims that whilst Real Madrid were unwilling to offer him a two-year deal to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, City could offer him a two-year deal to play under Guardiola at the Etihad.

Whilst Ramos is now 35-years-old, he would bring a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Citizens, which could prove vital if they are to end their hunt for success in the Champions League next season.

Although he would go off injured in the final against City, Chelsea’s signing of fellow veteran centre-back Thiago Silva proved to be a masterstroke this season and he more than earned his one-year contract extension recently, so perhaps Ramos could have a similar impact at the Etihad next season.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

Ramos missed much of last season through injury but emphasised his quality when he was on the pitch, averaging a solid 6.96 rating from WhoScored for his performances in La Liga, whilst his five appearances in the Champions League earned him an impressive 7.20 average rating.

Of course, City already have an impressive number of options at centre-back including Ruben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake but they could learn from Ramos’ immense experience should he arrive at the Etihad this summer.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

The Spain international has proven himself, again and again, to be “world-class” throughout his career and whilst his playing days might be coming to an end, he can still be a massive addition for City this summer both on and off the pitch, so Txiki Begiristain must consider bringing him in after his Real Madrid release.

And, in other news… Txiki must seal Man City swoop for “intelligent” beast after dazzling Euro display

A major update has emerged on £65k-p/w Southampton transfer target Brandon Williams, it could lead to Martin Semmens needing to act swiftly.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, Norwich are pursuing a deal for Manchester United fullback Williams ahead of next season. The report claims that there have been encouraging signs that Norwich can conclude a loan swoop for the English defender.

Last month, MEN reported that Williams would like to leave Old Trafford on loan next season to gain regular first-team minutes and they named Southampton as one of the teams who are interested in signing him. Ralph Hasenhuttl is said to want competition in the fullback areas and has identified Williams as a potential signing to bolster his first-team squad.

Back in 2020, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised the “outstanding” defender for his performance against Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final clash. He told United’s official website:

“You saw Brandon and the character he showed. He played a square pass into Mount [which led to their second goal] and he probably felt a bit responsible, but for the rest of the half he was absolutely outstanding.

“The kid has been out for a while and not played, and had the eye injury, but his character and personality out there was great, he kept going and kept going.”

Semmens must act now

Southampton CEO Martin Semmens must act now to secure a deal for Williams. If Semmens does not react quickly to this update then it could lead to the Saints missing out on his signature. Norwich are seemingly edging ahead of the Saints in the race to sign the fullback and it could be a big blow to Hasenhuttl’s plans if they watch Williams put pen to paper on a deal at Carrow Road.

The Saints are desperately lacking options in the fullback positions as it stands. Kyle Walker-Peters is currently the only senior, natural fullback who is set to be at the club beyond the end of the month, with Ryan Bertrand expected to leave upon the expiry of his contract. Le10 Sport has reported that Southampton are close to a deal to sign Brest left-back Romain Perraud, but that would still leave Hasenhuttl threadbare in the fullback positions and that is why a deal for Williams could be key.

Not only is Williams a natural full-back but he can also play on either side of the pitch. The £65k-per-week beast can play at right-back and left-back, having played both roles for Manchester United in the Premier League since the start of the 2019/20 campaign. Williams has started 13 Premier League games since 2019 for United, which shows that Solskjaer trusted him to perform when needed.

Therefore, fans would love it if the club could secure a deal for Williams. He has proven that he can play at Premier League level with Manchester United, as shown by Solskjaer’s faith in him, and has the versatility to cover two important positions for the Saints. This is why Semmens must act swiftly to avoid missing out on him to Norwich in the coming weeks.

And in other news, Semmens masterstroke: Southampton could land bargain with “matured” £25k-p/w dynamo – opinion

تغلب فريق إنتر ميلان على نظيره هيلاس فيرونا، بهدفين دون رد، مساء اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإيطالي لموسم 2021-2022.

وحل هيلاس فيرونا ضيفًا على إنتر ميلان في ملعب “جوزيبي مياتزا” معقل النيراتزوري، وذلك في إطار مباريات الجولة 32.

بدأ إنتر ميلان المباراة بقوة وسيطر على الكرة حتى تمكن نيكولو باريلا من إحراز الهدف الأول لأصحاب الأرض في الدقيقة 22 بعد تمريرة عرضية من إيفان بريسيتش.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رابيو مهاجمًا حكم مباراة يوفنتوس وإنتر ميلان: من الصعب اللعب 11 ضد 12

وسريعًا أضاف إدين دجيكو الهدف الثاني للإنتر وذلك في الدقيقة 30 مستفيدًا من من ركلة ركنية، نفذها ديماركو لمسها بيريسيتش، لتسقط داخل المنطقة ويتابعها دجيكو بتسديدة في شباك فيرونا. أهداف مباراة إنتر ميلان وفيرونا

شوط المباراة الثاني لم يشهد تسجيل أهداف، لتحسم المباراة بفوز إنتر ميلان بهدفين نظيفين، ويرفع رصيده للنقطة 66 في المركز الثاني مواصلاً الضغط على ميلان المتصدر بفارق نقطة واحدة، ويتوقف رصيد فيرونا عند 45 نقطة بالمركز التاسع.

Manchester City have a huge void in their side after seeing their all-time top scorer, Sergio Aguero, walk away as a free agent but former defender Steve Howey believes that they have a chance of signing one of Harry Kane or Erling Haaland.

City’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has promised fans that they will replace Aguero this summer and that will have got minds racing in Manchester about the thought of their club going all out for Kane or Haaland, as they could potentially afford one of them.

Reports have confirmed that the Premier League champions are interested in both Kane and Haaland, as are most of the top clubs in Europe, and with them scoring a combined total of 74 goals in all competitions it would be bizarre if they weren’t making calls.

Kane reportedly wanted his future sorted before the European Championships and considering England’s first game is on Sunday that appears unlikely, however they still have a chance of getting him or Haaland, that’s according to Howey who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“There’s every chance, but Pep Guardiola is one of these managers that definitely won’t pay over the odds for anybody, and I think Haaland’s release clause comes into effect next summer.”

It would appear unlikely that Haaland would leave Borussia Dortmund this summer considering they’re wanting over £100 million but he can be signed for closer to £70 million next summer when his release clause comes into play.

Kane however appears to be desperate for a new challenge and having the ability to win silverware, something that is still just a dream for both fans and players at Tottenham Hotspur.