Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants to sign another centre-back, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans. 

The lowdown

Villa’s problems are mounting in that position after Ezri Konsa sustained a hip injury in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday, with the club still waiting to discover how seriously the 24-year-old was hurt.

It comes after Axel Tuanzebe’s loan in the Midlands was cut short and Manchester United sent him to Serie A outfit Napoli. That leaves Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause as the only fit senior centre-backs currently available to Gerrard.

The latest

Evans reported for The Athletic that centre-back is now ‘a priority position’ with two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, as Gerrard believes he needs four senior players at his disposal in that area.

Villa want to bring in a defender with experience but have yet to decide whether they’ll pursue a short-term deal to tide them over until the summer. Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is one option that they ‘like’, but they have been made aware that he is not available this month.

Sharing a link to his article via Twitter, Evans stated: “Villa are also looking for an experienced defender to add to the squad this month. Gerrard wants four senior CBs.”

The verdict

If it’s not to be Gomez at this stage, could Villa perhaps look to one of his Liverpool team-mates for a possible centre-back addition?

Alex Crook of talkSPORT told GiveMeSport that the Reds are ‘willing to sell’ Nathaniel Phillips, who would ‘tick a few boxes’ for Villa.

Gerrard, who ranks third in the Merseyside club’s all-time appearances list, may well make use of his ‘connections’ to lure players from Anfield, just as he did at Rangers when bringing the likes of Ryan Kent, Jon Flanagan and Sheyi Ojo to Ibrox.

The £7.2m-rated Phillips, who was nominated for the club’s Player of the Match award following a 2-1 win over AC Milan last month, could compete for a starting place at Villa Park rather than merely providing cover, having already proven himself at Premier League and Champions League level.

If Gomez is unattainable, his Anfield team-mate could well be worth trying for Villa to solve their central defensive need.

In other news, lots of Villa fans have reacted to confirmation of this signing 

MatériaMais Notícias

Foram 60 jogos na temporada, nove gols e oito assistências. Estes números resumem o 2017 do volante Bruno Silva, que encerrou o ano como vice-artilheiro do Alvinegro e segundo atleta com mais atuações pelo Glorioso, mas não beliscou o títulos.

Entretanto, ele saiu satisfeito com o seu desempenho e garante: deixará o ano na memória, apesar de ter caído em desgraça com a torcida neste fim de ano após o gesto de que ‘iria embora’.

– Foi o ano em que mais atuei na carreira. Superei as 52 partidas do ano passado, tive muito destaque mesmo sendo um volante e ciente que minha função inicial é auxiliar no sistema defensivo. Só não digo que foi um ano perfeito, pois ficou faltando nossa classificação para Libertadores, pois tínhamos essa expectativa e gostamos muito de disputar a competição – analisou o volante, aos 31 anos, e alvo de Cruzeiro e Internacional.

O meio-campista também analisou a temporada do Botafogo, que surpreendeu o Brasil ao chegar às quartas de final da Libertadores e às semifinais da Copa do Brasil. Por isso, ele crava: o Alvinegro fez história.

– Foi um ano de muitos jogos decisivos e passamos bem pela maioria. Chegamos nas quartas da Libertadores e na semifinal da Copa do Brasil. Acredito que fizemos história, principalmente porque muitos não acreditavam na gente. Times com mais investimento não tiveram a nossa trajetória. Fomos regular durante boa parte da temporada e o nosso momento de oscilação, na reta final, nos custou, infelizmente, a saída do G-9 – opinou.

Prêmio individuais

Nesta temporada, Bruno Silva entrou na seleção da Série A da CBF e recebeu o Troféu Mesa Redonda, da TV Gazeta.

– Esses prêmios individuais que recebi foram reconhecimento de todo o meu esforço. Me dediquei muito nos treinos e jogos para ter um ano brilhante e o fato de ter sido vice-artilheiro do time, mesmo sendo um volante, ajudou muito. É preciso valorizar todo suporte da comissão técnica e dos meus companheiros nessas minhas conquistas, pois sem a ajuda deles não conseguiria – concluiu.

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The coach Mark Greatbatch has called on New Zealand’s batsmen to be more consistent and ruthless so they can challenge Australia. Greatbatch doesn’t think his side has gone backwards during the Chappell-Hadlee Series defeat, but he wants more runs from his order starting with the final ODI in Wellington on Saturday.”Hopefully you see fight in the players across the board,” he said. “Yes, our batting is not consistent enough and needs to be more ruthless. When guys get in they need to finish the job, and they know that.”Australia have registered one hundred and seven half-centuries during the first four games while the hosts have managed four fifties, including two to Ross Taylor. “It’s pretty tough to win a series with numbers like that,” Greatbatch said. “There’s definitely some improvement needed.”Greatbatch said the issue had been spoken about and it was up to the players to make the changes. “The individual needs to take personal responsibility to be better,” he said. “Whoever it is, if he’s on 50 he needs to get 80 or 100. If it’s the fifth bowler, he goes for 40 instead of 60.”Nathan Hauritz, the offspinner, said Australia would be chasing another victory to finish off the limited-overs leg of the tour. “We’ve copped a fair bit of stick since we have been out here,” he said, “so the boys would be pretty keen to wrap it up 4-1.”

According to Football Insider sources, there is movement already in the transfer window for Tottenham, as Wolves have submitted a bid for defender Matt Doherty.

The Lowdown: Lacking game time

Doherty has struggled for first-team minutes since joining Spurs in 2020, and this has particularly been an issue this season, as the right-back is yet to start a Premier League match.

Summer signing Emerson Royal has emerged as Antonio Conte’s first choice at right-wing-back, having replaced the unreliable Serge Aurier, who was released by the Lilywhites at the end of last season.

Whilst at Wolves, Doherty tied with Raul Jimenez for the club’s top goal-scorer in their impressive 2018/19 FA Cup run, proving his capabilities as an attacking outlet over a long period of time with 28 goals and 41 assists in an Old Gold shirt overall.

However, since arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the full-back is yet to register a goal in 39 appearances in a Spurs shirt.

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The Latest: Wolves keen on re-signing Doherty

According to Football Insider, citing information from a ‘recruitment source’, the West Midlands outfit are keen on re-signing the defender in the January transfer window and have already submitted a bid.

The two clubs are now set to hold talks over a permanent deal, or a loan with an obligation to buy.

It is believed that Spurs are willing to listen to offers for the out-of-favour Doherty, as he has failed to secure his spot in the starting 11.

Wolves are seeking competition for Nelson Semedo, who they had signed as a direct replacement for the Republic of Ireland international.

The Verdict: A good move for Doherty

A return to the Molineux Stadium may revive Doherty’s career in the top-flight, as it was at Wolves where the Irishman played his finest football.

Making over 300 appearances for the club, Doherty put in some fantastic performances, with Match of the Day pundit and former Spurs man Jermaine Jenas labelling him ‘sensational’ back in 2018.

The right-back has more recently been lauded as ‘Ireland’s best player in most games’, so while he certainly hasn’t found form in north London, he hasn’t lost any of the ability that earned him his big move in the first place.

A permanent deal seems like a win for all parties, granting the player a chance to revitalise his career, Wolves added depth in an important position for Bruno Lage and Tottenham a fee which can be reinvested into Conte’s squad.

Wolves have received a boost in their bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig this month, with journalist Pete O’Rourke talking up a potential move.

The Lowdown: Puig linked with Wolves move

Things are still relatively quiet at Molineux ahead of next Monday’s deadline day, barring the ongoing saga of Adama Traore’s likely move to Tottenham.

One player who has been linked with a move to Wolves is Puig, who has struggled to make an impact at Barca this season under both Ronald Koeman and Xavi.

The one-time La Liga champion has only started once in La Liga in 2021/22 to date and it looks as though he is not in the manger’s plans, potentially opening the door for a move.

The Latest: Wanderers given further boost

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed Francisco Trincao’s move to Wolves means they have good relations with Barca, possibly improving their chances of signing Puig:

“Wolves already have Trincao from Barcelona, so there’s obviously open dialogue there between the clubs and good relations.

“That would boost Wolves’ chances of getting him.”

The Verdict: Potentially exciting signing

Puig may not be a regular at Barca but he is still an excellent footballer with many years ahead of him, so Wolves would be wise to snap him up this month. He has been compared to Spain legend Andres Iniesta, which speaks volumes about his ability and composure on the ball.

The young Spaniard has proven that comparison to be fair too with an incredible 93.9% pass completion rate in La Liga this season, albeit across just 294 minutes, showing that he could excel in a similar manner to Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves. The Wolves duo actually both complete passes at a lower success rate.

Bruno Lage could perhaps then mould Puig into a long-term replacement for Moutinho, ensuring the club continues to grow into the future, acting as a statement signing from a huge club at the same time.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has given a key Wolves transfer update. Read more here.

Celtic will look to move on left-back Boli Bolingoli in the New Year, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Bolingoli under Postecoglou

Bolingoli was linked with a move to Turkish side Altay SK over the summer, however, as we know, a move never materialised.

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The 26-year-old hasn’t featured heavily under Ange Postecoglou, even though first-choice left-back Greg Taylor missed 17 games due to a shoulder problem. Bolingoli has made just two appearances in all competitions, the last of which came back in October.

Pundit Alex McLeish believes Postecoglou ‘doesn’t like’ something in the Ivorian’s game, while the club even labelled the full-back as ‘stupid’ following his health protocol breach last year. And it now seems as if he could leave Parkhead over the coming weeks.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

Devlin shared a transfer mailbag on The Athletic on Wednesday, providing numerous Parkhead updates.

One fan said to the reliable reporter that Vasilis Barkas and Albian Ajeti should go in January.

Devlin responded by saying that Barkas is ‘definitely one the club are looking to move on’, before adding that ‘one source’ has suggested it is the same for Bolingoli.

The Verdict: Correct call

Celtic made 12 signings over the summer, and even though it may not feel like it due to injuries, the Hoops have a fairly big squad.

They are also looking at signing three Japanese players in January, so moving on the likes of Bolingoli and Barkas, who have hardly featured under Postecoglou, appears to be the right decision, trimming the fringes of the squad and cutting down the wage bill.

The pair have been expensive mistakes with Bolingoli costing £3m and Barkas £4.5m, so the Hoops should do all they can to get as much as possible for the pair in 2022.

In other news: Celtic now reach another January agreement on ‘tireless worker’; Nicholson isn’t hanging around. 

Many Everton fans have criticised the performance of Mason Holgate in their 3-2 loss at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon.

The defender was part of a back five whose defending was truly shocking at times, as they conceded three goals at Goodison Park to the Seagulls, which ultimately led to their ninth league defeat of the season.

Holgate had a poor game by his standards, losing out on two of his duels and only managing to make one clearance, interception and tackle (SofaScore).

The 25-year-old was particularly guilty of giving the ball away far too often throughout the match, 22 times in total, the joint-second most out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore).

Everton fans slam Holgate

These Everton fans slammed Holgate’s performance on Twitter, with one Toffees supporter even going as far as to claim that he was a ‘liability’ today:

“Rafa is a clown who hasn’t got a clue. Holgate and Kenny both shocking. Gordon can’t take corners. Kean looks terrified”

Credit: @paddymedic22

“Anthony Gordon is Everton’s standout player. Keane and Holgate are dreadful.”

Credit: @henrymcdonald

“Never thought I’d hate anyone in an Everton shirt more than Iwobi… Holgate is making me reconsider”

Credit: @PHarky83

“Holgate is no better. Liability. Ball watcher.”

Credit: @AdrianDodds5

“Holgate terrifies me every time he touches the ball”

Credit: @efcdylan_

“Especially Holgate, pains me watching him”

Credit: @aaronga33594931

In other news, many Evertonians were raging over this news prior to kick-off

As per The Sun, La Liga giants Barcelona have now given the green-light for Tottenham target Ousmane Dembele to leave on loan until the end of this season.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Lilywhites and manager Antonio Conte have been heavily linked with a possible move for the Catalans forward with Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) even lifting the lid on an offer from Spurs chief Fabio Paratici.

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In another update, the same outlet claimed that Spurs were set to push for his signing in January, with Paratici apparently eyeing ‘quality players zero cost’ for the north London club.

Barcelona director Mateu Alemany recently confirmed that Dembele has no future at Barca after new contract talks stalled, claiming that the player has been told to ‘leave immediately’ as the club ‘expect’ him to move before deadline day (The Sun).

In a possible boost for Spurs, The Sun have now shared what Barca are willing to do to make that happen.

The Latest: Barca green-light loan…

According to their sources, the Spanish side ‘will let him go in a £3m loan deal’ until the end of 2021/2022 when his current deal expires.

However, Spurs may face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle – who The Sun claim are interested parties in the race to sign Dembele this month.

The Verdict: Time to pounce?

It looks more than likely that the 24-year-old, signed for a huge £97 million in 2017, may well be on his way out of the Catalan club – but should Tottenham take advantage and sign him on a temporary deal?

The France international’s history of hamstring problems combined with a lucrative £210,000-per-week wage packet point to a risky bit of business from Spurs’ perspective, but on loan, these factors are mitigated somewhat given they won’t be investing in a permanent transfer.

While pundit Carlton Palmer thinks he would be a ‘crazy signing’ due to the reasons mentioned above, Dembele’s quality could also be of use to Conte over an initial end-of-season period.

Called ‘better’ than Paris-Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe by Barca president Joan Laporta, he is very highly rated within some sectors and perhaps he could find another home under Conte at Spurs – even for a short time.

In other news: Spurs ‘edging closer’ to signing ‘massive’ £15m defender, find out more here.

Jordan Campbell has revealed what he has now been ‘told’ about a potential Glasgow Rangers move for John Souttar on Transfer Deadline Day.

The Lowdown: Pre-contract

As shared earlier this month by the Ibrox club’s official website, the Gers have signed Souttar on a pre-contract agreement from Hearts, as his deal was set to run out in the summer.

However, they have also been strongly linked with signing him in the January transfer window as well, so that he can play for them for the rest of the season.

The Latest: Deadline Day move?

As per The Athletic journalist Campbell, the Light Blues have not yet come in with an offer for Souttar today, after already having not one but two bids rejected for him. The reporter tweeted:

“Told Rangers have yet to come back with a deadline day offer for John Souttar.

“The Hearts centre-back signed a pre-contract deal but I understand Rangers had two bids rejected to bring him in early.

“No further contact in recent days.”

The Verdict: Be a shame

It would be a shame if the Gers miss out on signing Souttar early, as he could have helped push them towards retaining the Premiership title ahead of Celtic.

Former Hibernian striker Tam McManus claims that the defender has been ‘superb’ so far this season, and he is currently ranked as the best centre-back in the Scottish top flight to have made 20 or more appearances in the current campaign (WhoScored).

Comparing his stats to the likes of Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun in the league, Souttar is actually averaging more interceptions, clearances and blocks per match (WhoScored), suggesting that he would walk into Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team straight away.

Nonetheless, given that there is still time left in the transfer window, this is a deal that Rangers should try and get over the line.

In other news, find out what transfer update has had these Gers fans fuming

In his first public appearance since the controversy over the Kochi franchise ownership, IPL chairman Lalit Modi said he disclosed the consortium’s shareholding pattern because of the general confusion over those details

Cricinfo staff14-Apr-2010

In his first public statement since the controversy over the Kochi franchise ownership, IPL chairman Lalit Modi has said he disclosed the consortium’s shareholding pattern because of the general confusion over those details. His comments came on a day Sunanda Pushkar, one of those Modi had listed as a Kochi shareholder, denied she was acting as a proxy and said the franchise had given her equity as payment for her marketing expertise and her help in putting the bid together.In Mumbai, Modi explained the reason for his revelations, through Twitter, of the Kochi ownership details. “The only reason we did it (disclose the identities) was that even those who presented the bid documents did not know who the owners were,” Modi said in Mumbai . “In regard to all the franchises bought earlier, everyone knows who they are… in regard to Kochi, we have some question marks in regard to who they are. Even the shareholders don’t know who they are.”Modi was speaking at a press conference called to announce details of the IPL awards and questions on the Kochi controversy were officially off the agenda but he eventually answered a few. “We will deal with Kochi after the IPL is over,” he said. “It is not a big issue but an issue nevertheless. We will call a governing council meeting to present my facts.”In a separate interview to PTI, Modi said it was his job as IPL chairman to seek details and authenticate the shareholding of every franchise. “How otherwise would I know where the money is coming from,” he asked.Sunanda Pushkar, whom Modi revealed to hold free equity in the Kochi consortium, said she was approached last year by Rendezvous “inviting me to associate myself with them as a consultant in their various sporting activities and particularly in their potential bid to acquire the franchise of an IPL team.”In view of my extensive international experience as a business executive, marketing manager and entrepreneur, I was invited to assist Rendezvous in the areas of fund-raising, networking, elsewhere; event management; and brand building. Because this is a start-up, I was told that in lieu of a salary they would grant me minor equity in Rendezvous in return for my efforts. I have accepted no salary or expenses and am conscious that the equity remains only on paper for the foreseeable future.”Pushkar is a close associate of Indian federal minister Shashi Tharoor’s; the minister has been criticised for not revealing the link earlier, on the contrary stressing he had no personal stake in the Kochi bid. In her statement on Wednesday, she denied acting as a proxy for Tharoor.”My own business interests and assets are substantial, and efforts to besmirch Tharoor by presenting me as a proxy for him are personally insulting for me as a woman and as a friend.”