The number of bouncers bowled to Phillip Hughes in his final innings will be among the issues addressed by the New South Wales Coronial inquest into his death

Daniel Brettig13-Jun-2016The number of bouncers bowled to Phillip Hughes in his final innings will be among the issues addressed by the New South Wales Coronial inquest into his death, a directions hearing has confirmed.The NSW coroner Michael Barnes will pursue multiple avenues during an inquest to be held from October 10-14, as he examines the death of Hughes after he was struck by a short-pitched ball while playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG in November 2014.At a directions hearing in Sydney on Friday, the areas to be investigated were outlined, including the “nature of play” on the day Hughes was struck and whether it complied with the rules of the competition. The response times of ambulances, the possibility of whether additional head protection could have deflected the blow, the vast media coverage of Hughes’ collapse and subsequent death will be among other issues explored.Players on the field at the time, including Australia’s vice-captain David Warner and allrounder Sean Abbott, who was bowling when Hughes was struck, are expected to give evidence. Cricket Australia are to schedule the season-opening limited overs tournament in such a way that witness testimony does not clash with matches.A CA-commissioned review of events was completed last year and released to the public in May. Conducted by David Curtain QC, it concluded that neither greater head protection for Hughes nor swifter transport from the SCG to the nearest hospital would have prevented his death, while also recommending a raft of changes to head and heart-related safety precautions around the game.When releasing the report, CA’s chief executive James Sutherland expressed hope that the coronial inquest would not tear at the fabric of the game by calling for greater restrictions on the use of short-pitched bowling.”You’ll see in the brief terms of reference we gave David Curtain that we needed to draw a line about the laws of the game and to have some perspective around that,” Sutherland said. “You can make the game of cricket a lot safer by playing with a tennis ball, but that’s not how Test cricket has been played and it would obviously be a very different game.”We’re not wanting to go there, but we do need to find the right balance in the circumstances to not compromise the way the game’s played and not compromise the way in which the players are best equipped to show their skills.”The ICC’s cricket committee recently rejected a CA-driven call for mandatory concussion substitutes to be brought into first-class matches and potentially Tests.

Liverpool crept to yet another Premier League win yesterday, with a solid but unconvincing 1-0 victory over Brentford.

Jurgen Klopp will likely draw questions from his players for such a startlingly lacklustre display, but with it being their sixth straight league win, the German cannot be too frustrated. It finally feels like after some time the fear factor has returned to the Anfield outfit, just in time for a late European push.

With a few key additions this summer, building upon the slowly improving newbies from their current campaign, the Reds can surely expect a return towards the apex of the table in the coming years.

One of those newer acquisitions had been earning particular praise of late, as Cody Gakpo finally seemed to have found his feet on Merseyside despite a tumultuous start. Failing to score in his first three league games, as well as in two FA Cup clashes, the Dutchman began to draw scrutiny for his performances in relation to his £35m price tag.

However, now boasting six league goals and two assists in 18 appearances, already the nation is starting to see glimpses of what the fuss was all about.

Despite this hype, integration into a new country remains a tricky feat. Not every game can be a success, and yesterday marked one of his weaker showings since moving from PSV Eindhoven.

How did Cody Gakpo play vs Brentford?

It is a testament to the underperformance of the 24-year-old that his 5.9 Sofascore rating was comfortably the worst of any player on the entire pitch. He was anonymous, wasteful, and yet someone survived for the full 90 minutes.

Such a low rating might come as a shock, but when delving deeper into his actual involvement, it quickly becomes clear why he was deserving of such a rating.

Firstly, the Netherlands international mustered just 32 touches all game despite his side enjoying 54% of the ball. For comparison, even his goalkeeper Alisson enjoyed more possession (38 touches).

Had Gakpo at least been efficient, such a lack of influence on the game could be forgiven. However, what exacerbated issues was that the wide man did boast golden chances, two of which he spurned. Such profligacy seeped into an absence of creativity too, as his 80% pass accuracy contained zero key passes made.

Goal’s Neil Jones perhaps summarised the Dutchman’s display best, awarding him a 6/10 rating, while writing that Gakpo ‘looked a little leggy in the second half and somehow didn’t score from virtually on the line.’

A tough day at the office offensively is often possible, but to cap off a truly forgettable afternoon, the 6 foot 4 trickster also lost eigakpoght of the 13 duels he competed in, suggesting that such a shocking display was born of complacency rather than misfortune.

That is something which Klopp will not forgive lightly, and it could cost him his place in the side next time out. His big January addition let him down yesterday.

Glasgow Rangers will end the 2022/23 campaign later this month without winning a single major trophy for their efforts domestically and in Europe.

The Light Blues have four matches left to play in the Scottish Premiership but their position of second in the table has already been finalised.

Michael Beale has promised fans that there will be a squad "rebuild" in the upcoming transfer window and this could result in a number of departures and arrivals at Ibrox in the weeks and months to come.

One player who is on the chopping block heading into the summer is Scottish winger Scott Wright. It has been reported that he is set to depart the club ahead of next season and the Gers could finally bin him by securing a deal for target Luis Palma.

Rangers are reportedly interested in signing the Aris Thessaloniki forward and his arrival could open up the space for the club to part ways with Wright.

Who is Luis Palma?

The 23-year-old winger is an exciting forward who has caught the eye with his performances in Greece this season and is said to be valued at £4.5m.

He predominantly plays down the left flank but is also capable of operating through the middle or on the right and has showcased his quality as a goalscorer and a creator this term.

Palma has racked up 11 goals and four assists in 20 starts in the Greek Super League and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.14 for Aris. The dynamo has only missed one 'big chance' in front of goal and created 1.4 chances per match for his teammates, which illustrates his clinical finishing and eye for a pass.

Wright, whose play was once described as "a bit loose" by ex-Gers man Mark Hateley during BBC coverage (via IbroxNews), has registered one assist and zero goals in 22 appearances for Rangers in the Premiership this season.

The forward has created 0.4 chances per game and averaged a dismal – in comparison to Palma's – Sofascore rating of 6.67.

These statistics show that the Scottish lightweight, who has lost 71% of his aerial duels in the top-flight, has struggled to make an impact for the Light Blues. He has not contributed with goals, assists, or key passes, on an even semi-regular basis and this summer could, therefore, be the right time to ditch him.

Palma's exceptional return in front of goal, along with his chance creation numbers, suggest that the Honduras international would come in as a major upgrade on Wright if the ace can adjust to playing in Scotland.

Therefore, Beale could bin off one of his current Rangers duds by securing a £4.5m swoop to sign the exciting Aris attacker in the coming weeks.

West Ham must accelerate their efforts to sign Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah.

What’s the latest on Yunus Musah?

According to recent reports in Spain, the Hammers are keenly tracking the 20-year-old, who could be an extraordinary coup and an excellent replacement for Declan Rice, who looks set to leave the London Stadium.

The club captain's contract expires in 2024, rejecting all efforts to sign a new deal, and it has been suggested that it could take offers of over £100m to force the Englishman’s departure, with David Moyes recently hinting that an exit is edging closer.

Moyes said: “We would love him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case. That is one of the scenarios.

“Our plans are to have Dec here but we are also fully aware there is a good chance that we won't have him."

With the club all but resigned to his long-awaited and expected exit, the arrival of Musah, who has a release clause of €100m (£88m), could ease the pain and fill this void.

Why should Yunus Musah sign for West Ham?

The New York-born titan moved to London at the age of nine in 2012 and joined Arsenal’s academy.

The Gunners U16 coach Trevor Bumstead eulogised over the 24-cap international and said: “He’s got fantastic physical attributes and the drive and determination to go with that. He would play anywhere to get in the team, but his favourite was as a central attacking midfield player."

The American eventually departed north London and joined Valencia in 2019. He made his first-team debut in September 2020 and two months later, he netted in a 2-2 draw against Getafe to become the youngest non-Spanish player to score for the Mestalla outfit, aged 17 years and 338 days.

The £25k-per-week man has made 104 appearances for Los Che and has been praised by US coach Gregg Berhalter as someone who makes everything "look easy".

When ESPN published their top 39 starlets aged under 21, they lavished praise on Musah and said: “Often a victim of his own versatility, Musah has been assigned a more suitable No. 8 role in the centre of midfield for Valencia. His speed of dribbling with the ball and eagerness to press opponents are other attributes that keep Premier League clubs alert to his availability."

His chameleonic ability to seamlessly slot into a variety of positions, which has included shifts across the midfield and at right-back, means he is one of the most coveted prodigies in the world.

He ranks in the top 6% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers over the past 365 days for progressive carries per 90, as well as the highest 19% for successful take-ons, as per FBref.

To sign a talent of this versatility and skill would be a huge statement and an adequate way to reinvest the Rice money.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul this summer, according to a new transfer report.

Is De Paul having a good season?

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a memorable season, although it is for his international achievements that he has been most famed for. He played a massive role in Argentina tasting World Cup glory late last year, proving to be an influential box-to-box presence throughout the tournament.

De Paul started all seven of his country's matches on their way to glory, providing legs and fight in the middle of the park, and almost acting as a perfect foil for superstar teammate Lionel Messi. The £94,000-a-week ace has also scored twice and registered five assists in La Liga for Atletico this season, however, showing that has been effective at club level, too.

His current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026, but it could be that he leaves in the upcoming transfer window, having not always been a regular starter for Atletico this season, starting just 20 league games.

Could Newcastle sign De Paul this summer?

According to a report from Spain [via Caught Offside], Newcastle are eyeing up a move for De Paul once the current campaign reaches its conclusion. The Magpies are thought to be willing to pay €40m (£35m) for his signature, making him a key part of their midfield in the process.

This could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle ahead of next season, with De Paul someone who shone so much at the World Cup, averaging 1.6 tackles and one key pass per game. He could be a brilliant midfield partner for Bruno Guimaraes at St James' Park, complimenting the Brazilian's more attack-minded, aesthetically-pleasing style and giving Eddie Howe's side even more meanness alongside Joelinton.

At 28, De Paul now has a wealth of experience, having won 53 caps for Argentina and made 273 appearances in Serie A and La Liga combined, but he is also still young enough to potentially be at his best for another four or five more years. He has been described as a "great player" by former player Ricardo Giusti and he is someone who has all the attributes to help take Newcastle to that next step.

It goes without saying that a top-four finish is vital if the Magpies want to sign him, however, with the Atletico man surely wanting Champions League football if he leaves his current club.

BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said the board will not negotiate further with Faruque Ahmed, who resigned as chief selector on Sunday

Mohammad Isam20-Jun-2016

BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said the board will not negotiate with Faruque Ahmed, who resigned as chief selector on Sunday. Hassan said the BCB hadn’t received an official resignation yet.Faruque announced his resignation after the board of directors restructured the selection panel, expanding it to six members comprising the three original selectors, the Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, and two BCB representatives in cricket operations chairman Akram Khan and director Khaled Mahmud, who is also the Bangladesh team manager. Faruque said the new selection process would be a hindrance.Hassan insisted that Faruque had worked under a similar system when he took over as chief selector for his second stint in 2013.”He hasn’t officially informed me or the board,” Hassan said. “He has been working under the same system all this time. I don’t see any difference now and I don’t know where the problem is. This is not a new system and we are not changing anything as the team is doing well. I think I now have to ask him whether the teams he gave [for approval] wasn’t changed. We had to sit in many meetings with the selectors before every single game.”There is no scope for negotiation. Did we get a better pace bowling coach than Heath Streak? We didn’t negotiate with him when he wanted to leave.”Hassan said Faruque’s success was a factor in his appointment as chief selector to the three-member panel.”I like Faruque,” Hassan said. “We have respected his past record by keeping the chief selector’s post. But he can resign if he doesn’t agree with it. There’s no need to create any problems or spread confusion. I don’t want to do it but if I am pushed, I will tell everyone directly what happened.”Questions were raised after Mahmud’s controversial inclusion in the selection committee, but Hassan said his role was to only provide strategic input.”The manager is not in the selection process,” Hassan said. “The team will be picked by the selectors. Before every series, the coach and manager will only inform the selectors of their requirements. The selectors will pick the team with those in mind.”Tamim Iqbal or Shakib Al Hasan never came to me [for selection matters], only [Khaled Mahmud] Sujon comes to me. We could have included the captain in the selection committee instead of the manager. Since the captain is happy with the inclusion of the manager, the selectors shouldn’t have a problem with him.”

Newcastle United are on course to secure Champions League football as they currently sit third in the table and nine points clear of fifth, with five games left to play.

The Magpies were able to avoid the drop down to the Championship after PIF completed their takeover and provided Eddie Howe with the funds to sign the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, and Kieran Trippier.

Last summer, Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, and Nick Pope were among those added to the group to push on, and they have played key roles in the club's European charge.

However, their success this season has not all been down to recent funding from PIF and one of Howe's crucial players is a player who cost the club nothing – Sean Longstaff.

The local lad came through the academy system at St. James' Park and was handed his first-team opportunity by former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez, who saw the potential in him.

Newcastle gave the academy graduate a four-year professional deal in 2018 with the Spanish coach saying that the Englishman has "great potential" and is "keen to learn".

Since then, the midfielder has made 135 first-team appearances for the Toon Army and contributed with eight goals and nine assists from the middle of the park.

How much is Sean Longstaff worth?

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie recently told GIVEMESPORT that Longstaff should be valued in the region of £50m. That merely illustrates the ace's meteoric rise since coming into the senior team in 2018.

This season, the 25-year-old has made 32 Premier League outings and has been a reliable operator in midfield – completing 83% of his attempted passes.

Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson praised his "outstanding" play and the role the dynamo has in the Magpies team, saying: "He's probably one of the first names on the team sheet. People might raise and eyebrow there and say 'don't be silly.' He's got the legs in midfield, he's an unsung hero.

"He does a lot of the hard graft for them and that's why they are where they are. Defensively, when Southampton really asked the questions they were solid as a rock."

Longstaff's rise to prominence in a team on course to secure Champions League football this season is vindication for Benitez and the faith that the Spanish boss had in the youngster five years ago.

The former Liverpool coach believed in the maestro's potential and Eddie Howe, who replaced Steve Bruce in the dugout, has been able to unlock his quality in the top flight this term.

Hopefully, there is more development to come from the Englishman, and he can continue to be a key player for Newcastle moving forward.

Liverpool are believed to be closing in on a £70m deal for Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, according to an exciting new transfer rumour.

Will Mac Allister leave Brighton this summer?

The Seagulls star has enjoyed a brilliant season in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals but impressing with his all-round game in the middle of the park. He has also become a World Cup winner during the campaign, tasting glory with Argentina back in December, as his reputation has soared.

It is no surprise to see Mac Allister being linked with a move to some of English's biggest clubs this summer, with his time at Brighton almost certainly coming to an end. Liverpool are arguably the team who have been most strongly tipped to snap up the 24-year-old, as they look to make major midfield reinforcements.

Now, a new claim has emerged, suggesting the Reds could be closer than ever to getting their man.

Is Mac Allister heading to Liverpool?

According to The Mirror, Liverpool are "ready to end the race for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister with a £70million deal", with the Argentine "ready to commit his future" to the Merseysiders. Manchester United and Arsenal are also credited with interest, but negotiations with the Reds are "a long way down the line".

This is such an exciting update for Liverpool, with Mac Allister someone who could be absolutely perfect for them for so many reasons. He is an outstanding midfielder, possessing a combination of technical ability, end product, hard work and a good team ethic, with Sergio Aguero hailing him as a "very intelligent" footballer.

The Brighton ace is tailor-made to thrive in one of the No.8 roles currently being taken up by the likes of Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones, with over two touches in the penalty area per 90 minutes, but also being defensively solid and providing over two tackles per game (via FBref).

At 24, the £50k-per-week ace Mac Allister should also only get better in the coming years, so Liverpool would be signing him as both an immediate starter and also someone who could remain at Anfield for close to a decade. It is a transfer that has so few negatives to it, if any, and it is now a case of the Reds making sure they beat the competition. A top-four finish would certainly help, in that respect, although that is still looking unlikely ahead of the final few games.

Chelsea have spent exorbitant sums of money since American businessman Todd Boehly assumed ownership of the club last year, and while a shrewder route must be taken going forward, the Blues have identified Nicolo Barella as a summer target.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella to Chelsea?

According to Inter Live (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are prepared to rival Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle United for the signature of the Inter maestro, who is being touted at €80m (£70m) by his outfit.

The report continues to state that despite Chelsea's lucrative outgoings across the past two transfer windows, spending roughly £600m, a further midfield signing is desired.

Barella is considered a vital component to Inter's future success, though such a high value to coincide with the club's financial struggles could leave Simone Inzaghi's side resigned to grant a departure from his homeland.

Should Chelsea sign Barella?

Work in the transfer department needs to be conducted in earnest at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chelsea's ignominious season needing to be left firmly in the past, and swiftly.

The Blues claimed their first victory under interim manager Frank Lampard away to Bournemouth last weekend, though the result ended a shocking run of six straight defeats that have swiped Chelsea from the Champions League and mired the west London club in mid-table obscurity, and they remain 11th with four games to go – 13 points behind Brighton & Hove Albion in the last European slot.

The insurmountable gulf between Boehly's outfit and the Seagulls highlights the searing need for change, and while the inflated squad must be trimmed like a tangled thicket, replenishing the ranks with one or two well-placed moves is vital, and Barella could be the man to take the reins and spur the midfield into lasting action.

The 26-year-old dynamo has won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia during his time at the San Siro, and with the Nerazzurri holding a 2-0 advantage over city rivals AC Milan in this year's Champions League semi-finals, he could cement his legacy as one of the club's modern greats.

Hailed for his "unbelievable" performance in the derby, the £157k-per-week gem completed 84% of his passes, making two key passes, three tackles and winning three of his seven ground duels in midweek, as per Sofascore.

And as per FBref, the 43-cap Euro 2020 champion ranks among the top 9% of midfielders for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 8% for rate of assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and in the top 10% for progressive carries per 90, with the statistical site even comparing him to Manchester City's superlative star Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne, of course, plied his maiden years in Chelsea blue, signing from Genk in 2012 for £7m and failing to make his mark before departing for Wolfsburg in January 2014 for a reported £17m after starting just five matches.

The imperious £400k-per-week Belgian now perches comfortably inside the pantheon of contemporary greats, having scored 96 goals and supplied 148 assists from 351 displays for the Citizens and won a wealth of major honours for Pep Guardiola's City including four Premier League titles.

Signing Barella would provide the Stamford Bridge side with a world-class centre-midfielder to steady the ship after the harshest of storms; he is a "genius" on the pitch, as dubbed by sports editor Mike Piellucci, much like De Bruyne, and could be the catalyst for a year as resounding as it is disparate from the current stricken season.

Arsenal are "doing all they can" to stop prodigy Ethan Nwaneri from joining Premier League rivals Man City, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The north Londoners are attempting to back manager Mikel Arteta behind-the-scenes after what has been, overall, a very strong campaign – even if Arsenal end up missing out on their first league title in nearly 20 years.

City's incredible form has resulted in the Gunners playing catch up, with Arteta relying on a slip up from his former mentor if his side are to stand any chance of winning the league.

Regardless, just one year ago, Arsenal were pipped to a top four finish by arch rivals Tottenham – and now they're guaranteed the riches of Champions League football for next campaign in a major boost for the club.

2023/2024 is a prime opportunity to build upon this season and challenge for honours, but as well as incomings, there have been reports of certain players potentially leaving the Emirates Stadium.

The likes of Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe have been mentioned in this regard, with highly promising starlet Nwaneri also attracting major interest.

According to Football Insider and reporter O'Rourke, City have been targeting the 16-year-old and are increasingly confident they can land him, but Arsenal are desperate to stop it.

Indeed, it is believed the club are "doing all they can" to prevent Nwaneri's departure to the Etihad Stadium, and while City think they can sign him, it is by no means a done deal.

As the youngster is yet to pen a professional deal, Arsenal would only be due a compensation package if he were to move up north.

Why Arsenal need to halt Nwaneri exit

Nwaneri is, arguably, the most exciting young and upcoming player Arsenal have in their ranks.

The midfielder has already broken a Premier League record, becoming the youngest player to ever make a top flight debut earlier this campaign at just 15 years and 181 days old.

The England Under-17 international has dazzled for Arsenal at youth level this season too – scoring six goals and four assists across appearances in Premier League 2, The Under-18s Premier League and FA Youth Cup (Transfermarkt).

Jack Wilshere has also heaped praise on Nwaneri, calling him an "exceptional talent", and losing him to one of Arsenal's biggest rivals will be a sore, sore blow for Arteta to take.