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Many Wolves fans have been left fuming over a transfer update on Goncalo Guedes.

Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, football journalist Alex Silvestre has claimed that the Midlands club could offer a fee in the region of €25m (£21.4m) to Valencia to try and sign the Portugal international, but the La Liga team would ask for more.

It is a lot of money that the Molineux faithful would be spending on a position that they do not really need, given that they already have four wingers in the squad in Pedro Neto, Adama Traore, Daniel Podence and Francisco Trincao (Transfermarkt).

With fewer than two weeks left until the window closes, other areas of Bruno Lage’s squad should be prioritised first of all, before they decide to splash the cash on Guedes.

Wolves fans on Guedes transfer update

These WWFC supporters fumed as the transfer update on Guedes was shared by Talking Wolves on their Twitter page:

“HOW MUCH?”

Credit: @AutismLWHF

“Undersell???? Also funny how sell to buy Wolves manage to stump up £25m when there’s a Mendes client available”

Credit: @_tomwwfc

“I despise Jorge Mendes”

Credit: @chwwfc

“WHAT IS THE POINT?”

Credit: @wwfcnaasif

“A lot of money for someone who ain’t very good. The over reliance on Mendes continues”

Credit: @AlexTudor12

“If we choose to spend this on him but not on a defender we are a joke”

Credit: @Millenwwfc

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers buzzing here!

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge insists that it is “not good enough” that Tanguy Ndombele is not available for selection for Tottenham Hotspur.

Reports last week suggested that Ndombele has asked to leave the club.

The Athletic reported that the France international has informed Spurs that he would be open to departing before the end of the transfer window.

He was not involved in Spurs’ first two games of the Premier League season, against Manchester City and Wolves, and did not play a single minute in pre-season, either, nor was he involved in the Europa Conference League defeat to Pacos de Ferreira.

Ndombele has since been linked with Bayern Munich, but Bridge insists that there must be more going on than meets the eye, as he has been present at Spurs’ training ground since July, seemingly working on his fitness.

He said: “I think we’ve got to the stage now where there’s another manager who’s struggling with him. Nuno, for whatever reason, just doesn’t fancy him at the moment. I feel there must be something more in it than just not up to speed.

“How can you not be up to speed? You didn’t play for France at the Euros, you’ve been there since July 7th. How can you not be up to speed? It’s not good enough.”

Ndombele has made a total of 75 appearances for the club and is valued at £45m by Transfermarkt.

Melissa Bulow, Clea Smith and Kris Britt have returned to national reckoning after being named in the 30-member preliminary World Cup squad

Cricinfo staff08-Jan-2009
Melissa Bulow last played for Australia in the Rose Bowl series in 2007 © Getty Images
Melissa Bulow, Clea Smith and Kris Britt have returned to national reckoning after being named in the 30-member preliminary World Cup squad for Australia. The squad also includes six players from the Australia Under-21 side – Elyse Villani, Alyssa Healy, Corinne Hall, Jessica Cameron, Jo-Ann Verrall, Jessica Jonassen – who lost a close Twenty20 game against the senior team in October last year.Bulow and Smith last played for Australia in the Rose Bowl series against New Zealand in 2007, while Britt was dropped after a poor ODI series against England in February last year. Renee Chappell was called up to the national squad for the 2008 Rose Bowl series but did not get a single game.Eighteen-year old Healy, who is a wicketkeeper like her uncle, the former Test player Ian, said the news of being named in the squad came as a shock. Healy said her uncle had been a willing mentor in her career so far and was always happy to help her out with tips on the game. “Watching him keep for Australia definitely inspired me to do better things when I was younger. Knowing how much work he put in to get to where he wanted definitely helped me learn a few things about how I can better myself as a cricketer,” Healy was quoted as saying in the ICC website.She expected the top four teams – Australia, England, New Zealand and India – to be extremely competitive in the tournament. “However competition could come from any of the other seven sides so it will be a tough tournament for the Australian girls.”Australia preliminary women’s World Cup squad: Karen Rolton (capt), Lisa Sthalekar, Alex Blackwell, Kate Blackwell, Melissa Bulow, Kris Britt, Sarah Andrews, Jessica Cameron, Renee Chappell, Leonie Coleman, Lauren Ebsary, Sarah Edwards, Rene Farrell, Jodie Fields, Corinne Hall, Rachel Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Jessica Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Shelley Nitschke, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Kirsten Pike, Leah Poulton,, Emma Sampson, Clea Smith, , Selena Tainton, Jo-Ann Verrall, Elyse Villani, Julie Woerner.

West Bromwich Albion have secured a deal to bring Jayson Molumby to The Hawthorns.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the West Brom website, Albion have signed the Brighton & Hove Albion central midfielder on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer.

The statement went on to mention the fact that the Republic of Ireland international is the Baggies’ sixth signing of the summer, as well as relaying Valerien Ismael’s comments regarding the 22-year-old’s arrival.

The Frenchman said: “Jayson is the perfect example of a player who has the right mentality and suits our philosophy. He is the right player for us and we are delighted to have him.

“His skills out of possession are incredible and he gives us more volume and more possibilities in midfield, which will support us with our intensity and this is one of his strengths.

“Jayson is young but he already has a lot of experience in the Championship and with Ireland. He has the perfect profile – our new profile – to be a West Brom player and I’m delighted to have him.”

Fans will be buzzing

Following the departures of Rekeem Harper, Sam Field and Romaine Sawyers, Ismael’s side was lacking a considerable amount of depth in central midfield, with the position very much appearing to be a priority for Frenchman over what remained of the summer transfer window.

As such, the fact that the 45-year-old has now secured the addition of a player such as Molumby, who boasts experience at both Championship and international level, as well as the positional versatility which Ismael will value, is sure to have left The Hawthorns faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the £900k-rated man has previously spent loan spells with two Championship sides, the first of which came with Millwall in the club’s 2019/20 campaign.

Over his 36 league appearances for the Lions that season, the central midfielder scored one goal, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 0.4 key passes per game – demonstrating his all-round ability in the middle of the park.

The second of the £7.1k-per-week midfielder’s Championship loans was spent with Preston North End in the second half of last season, where he registered one assist over 15 appearances, in addition to making an average of 0.3 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 0.3 key passes per match.

As such, Molumby would not only appear to be a signing who has plugged a gap in the Albion squad, but he is also a player who boasts a considerable amount of ability, and one who could well prove to make all the difference in Ismael’s push for promotion in what is sure to be a long and arduous Championship campaign.

West Brom fans will be delighted with the news of Molumby’s signing this summer.

In other news: Ismael must seal West Brom deal for “complete” £12k-p/w ace, he’d be an “amazing coup”

A round-up of the first day’s play in the fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Cricinfo staff20-Jan-2009Group ANational Bank of Pakistan (NBP) took pole position against Pakistan Customs at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex in Karachi. Mohammad Talha’s 5 for 44 provided little joy for the visitors after captain Bilal Shafayat chose to bat. After both openers had departed for ducks, it was left to Rameez Aziz to fight a lone battle – his 73-ball 52 the top score in a disappointing total of 130. Nasir Jamshed led the charge during the reply with a powerful unbeaten 96, and together with Fawad Alam (61 not out) helped NBP extend their lead to 73 at the end of the first day.Misbah Khan’s five-wicket haul and a strong opening stand from Ali Asad and Murtaza Majeed gave Karachi Whites opening day honours against Habib Bank Limited (HBL) at the Southend Club Cricket Stadium in Karachi. Misbah’s right-arm offbreaks proved too much for HBL as they were bowled out for 176, with Ahmed Shehzad top scoring with 50. During their reply, Asad led from the front with 58 from 105 balls, including eight fours, while Murtaza kept him company with a 83-ball 35. They were 95 for no loss at the end of play and are well on course for the first-innings lead.Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited did well restrict Lahore Shalimar to 176 for 7 in their match at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. Abid Ali and Muntazir Mehdi put on 34 for the opening wicket after being put in by the visitors. But four wickets fell with the score on 76 – severe blows dealt by Rahat Ali and Samiullah Khan. Captain Zulqarnain Haidar and Mohammad Saeed did well to buoy the innings and took Lahore safely to stumps. Rahat picked up 3 for 24, while Samiullah and Imran Ali picked up two wickets each.Imran Abbas’ patient 82, off 217 balls, helped Sui Southern Gas Corporation shake off the disappointment of their heavy loss to HBL in the previous match, as they reached 206 for 6, on the opening day of their match against Group A toppers Pakistan International Airlines at Quaid-e-Azam Park. Tahir Khan ended as the most successful bowler for Pakistan International Airlines with two wickets, while Fahad Iqbal starred in the field, playing a part in both run-outs of the innings.Azhar Attari and Junaid Nadir were the wreckers-in-chief as they helped Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) shoot out Water and Power Development Authority for 199 at the Sheikhupura Stadium. In reply, ZTBL finished on 37 for 1, with Afaq Raheem and Umar Javed at the crease. Having been put in by ZTBL, the Water and Power Development Authority openers put on a 53-run opening stand, but a collapse ensued at the end, as none of the batsmen even managed to cross 40.Group BUsman Tariq’s 65 was the highlight of Multan’s first innings against Faisalabad at Okara. In the 54 overs on the first day, Multan were 153 for 4, with Usman and Naved Yasin at the crease. Usman, whose 135-ball effort included eleven boundaries, was involved in two key partnerships – 49 with Gulraiz Sadaf for the second wicket, and 50 with Rameez Alam for the third. Zahoor Khan was the most successful bowler for Faisalabad picking up 3 for 62.Rashid Mansoor put Abbottabad in the driver’s seat in their match against Karachi Blues at the United Bank Limited Sports Complex. Abbottabad captain Adnan Raees’ decision to field first paid off as Rashid tore through the Karachi batting line-up. The right-arm fast bowler ended with 6 for 76, as only Ashfaq Afridi (38) and Daniyal Ahsan (33) offered some resistance. However, the hosts responded strongly to reduce Abbottabad to 13 for 3, before a 92-run partnership between Fawad Khan (62) and Adnan (40) propped them up. Riaz Kail and Rashid Mansoor then guided them safely to 146 for 5 at stumps.Quetta made a cautious start after opting to bat, on the opening day of their fixture against Lahore Ravi at Muridke. Ata-ur-Rehman missed out on a half century but Mohammad Aslam, who remained unbeaten on 48, took Quetta to 181 for 4 at stumps, after 66 overs were played in the day. For Lahore Ravi, Azam Khan finished with 2 for 40, while Aamer Hayat and Kashif Siddiq took a wicket apiece.Rawalpindi kept up a high run-rate of 3.78 to post 231 for 5 against Group B leaders Sialkot in Islamabad. From 8 for 2, after twin strikes from Naved Arif, Babar Naeem (79) and captain Naved Ashraf helped mount a strong comeback. Ashraf, hit an unbeaten 64, which comprised nine boundaries and together with Fawad Hussain put on a 69-run partnership to take Rawalpindi through to stumps.

The ICC has decided to change the result of the controversial 2006 Oval Test between England and Pakistan from a draw to an English victory, reversing an earlier decision

Cricinfo staff01-Feb-2009
The ICC board has decided to go by the rulebook © Getty Images
The ICC has decided to change the result of the controversial 2006 Oval Test between England and Pakistan from a draw to an English victory, reversing an earlier decision made last July. The ICC had then altered the result of the match from an England win – by virtue of a forfeit from Pakistan – to a draw. However, at its meeting this weekend in Perth, the ICC board agreed to act upon the MCC’s recommendation that the original outcome of the match should stand.”After reconsideration of the matter, which included consideration of legal advice and input from the MCC, the custodians of the laws of cricket, the board decided that the original umpires’ decision to award the match to England, should apply,” an ICC release said. “I’m gratified the board reached the conclusion it did as this ensures the integrity of the game and the laws of cricket have been upheld,” the ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said. “I am especially grateful to the PCB for its understanding in this matter.”However, Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was the Pakistan captain at the time, considered the reversal of the decision as a “weakness of the ICC.” “I think they [ICC] have made it a joke by changing the result and I don’t rule out another change in the future,” he told AFP. “The PCB has also failed to take a stand against this change and they were also weak in handling this matter.”The on-field umpires during that Test, Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove, had considered the match to be forfeited by Pakistan – the first in the history of Test cricket – after they refused to take the field post tea on the fourth day following accusations of ball-tampering. The result had huge off-field ramifications as well. Hair went on to be suspended from the ICC elite panel, though that decision was overturned in 2007 when he took his employers to the High Court in London.The Pakistan board, represented by chairman Ijaz Butt in Perth, was expected to oppose the move – it was the pressure from the PCB that had prompted the switch in results in the first place. However, the ICC board seems to have been swayed by MCC’s stance, one which had found favour with ICC president David Morgan as well.”The ICC has no power under the laws of cricket to decide that results should be altered, whether it feels it’s ‘inappropriate’ or otherwise,” Tony Lewis, the chairman of the MCC’s world cricket committee, had said in a statement in October. “The ICC’s decision is wrong and sets a very dangerous precedent. Cricket is the worse for this decision.”Lewis welcomed the ICC’s move to reverse the result. “We are pleased with ICC’s decision to uphold the original umpire’s ruling at the 2006 Oval Test match. While fully appreciating the sensitive nature of these discussions, and the issues surrounding them, MCC’s unanimous viewpoint has always been that the umpire’s decision must stand as Law 21.10 is unequivocal,” he said. “Indeed, the ICC’s own cricket committee shared our view.”The latest ruling meant England won the four-Test series 3-0 instead of 2-0.

David Moyes has issued an update on West Ham United’s pursuit of Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, following news that he is currently undergoing a medical before joining the Hammers [Football London].

Enjoying an impressive 2020/21 campaign, the 26-year-old registered five goals in 36 appearances as he helped the Blues win the UEFA Champions League trophy [Transfermarkt].

Now, he looks set to make the switch across London following recent reports.

Speaking today to media channels in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference, Moyes confirmed that the Irons have had a bid accepted for Zouma, whilst he also alluded to the medical process the Frenchman is in the midst of completing, stating:

“We have had an offer accepted by Chelsea for Kurt [Zouma] but he is still completing his medical at the moment.

“I am hoping that goes through and we can get in a fourth centre-half.” [Football London]

In light of these comments, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to Twitter to share their opinions on the Zouma situation – the defender did suffer a serious knee injury in 2016.

West Ham fans react:

Replying to popular fan outlet West Ham Transfers on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the development, and it’s fair to say there is plenty of concern about the length of time this saga has dragged on…

“Its taken 2 days for the medical, is there something discovered that we got to go back on? Remember what happened to Benrahma last year…”

Credit: @chingtoa

“Sullivan looking for any way possible to pull the plug or get the fee reduced no doubt.”

Credit: @RichardGSBOUT

“Any other club would have done it in one.”

Credit: @WestHam39885489

“Longest medical in history!”

Credit: @bowlessoul

“this medical has taken 2 weeks so far,is there something we should know,or are we signing YET another injury prone player?”

Credit: @boleynjohnny”What? Thought his medical was yesterday incoming it drops because of his “knee injury””Credit: @kelty_jakeIn other news, West Ham United fans react to their Europa League draw. Find out more here.

The former England legspinner, Ian Salisbury, has announced his retirement from first-class cricket in order to pursue a coaching role at his old club, Surrey

Cricinfo staff04-Mar-2009
Ian Salisbury is heading back to The Oval, this time as a coach © Getty Images
The former England legspinner, Ian Salisbury, has announced his retirement from first-class cricket in order to pursue a coaching role at his old club, Surrey.Salisbury, 39, made his first-class debut in 1989 and played 15 Tests for England but his 20 wickets cost 76.95 each. He started with Sussex before moving to Surrey in 1997, for whom he took 368 wickets. He then moved to Warwickshire in 2007 and last summer picked up 31 wickets at 27.90.”Following discussions with Ian over recent days, the club agreed that Surrey could approach him in connection with a new role in their recently revised coaching structure,” said Ashley Giles, Warwickshire’s director of cricket.”After a good season in 2008 Ian’s contribution to the Warwickshire squad will be missed, but in all honesty we did not wish to stand in his way when such a good opportunity became available.”Salisbury replaces Nadeed Shahid as Surrey’s second XI coach who today left the club after 15 years at The Oval.”Surrey are a huge club and I want to be a key part of making them the most successful team,” Salisbury said. “In the last decade I was part of a largely homegrown side that enjoyed huge success and in my role with the second team and Pemberton Greenish Academy I look forward to working with the club’s exciting young players to create a new generation of Surrey greats.”Gus Mackay and Chris Adams have put together a top class cricket management team and I am very excited to be a part of it.”

Southampton picked up just two points from their opening three Premier League fixtures this month, with Theo Walcott disappointing with his performances.

The 32-year-old started against both Everton and Manchester United but failed to make any real impact, so it was no surprise to see Mohammed Elyounoussi start ahead of him on the right-hand side against Newcastle United last time out.

After spending last season on loan with the Saints, Ralph Hasenhuttl deviated from Southampton’s usual transfer method in order to bring Walcott back to the club where he started his career on a permanent basis.

Whilst it was on a free transfer, Walcott’s three goals and three assists last season perhaps didn’t justify him earning a permanent deal, and it was perhaps disappointing to see him starting ahead of the likes of Nathan Tella and Elyounoussi in the early fixtures.

In the games against Everton and Man United, the former Arsenal man failed to contribute a single shot or key pass, whilst he averaged just 10.5 passes in those games, with a less than impressive accuracy ratio of 66.7%.

Last season, the experienced winger averaged 1.4 shots, 0.8 key passes and 19 passes per game, with a passing accuracy of 74.4%, which certainly emphasises that his performances so far this season have been far from good enough.

Considering that Walcott is one of the top earners at Southampton, reportedly earning £75k per week, his performances must improve as the season goes on, as otherwise it is difficult to explain what he offers on the pitch and why the Saints opted to offer him a two-year deal.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

The former England international could be a great player for Hasenhuttl to have in the dressing room and on the training pitch when it comes to mentoring younger team-mates. However, if Walcott cannot improve his performances in the near future, then he shouldn’t be considered a regular starter for Southampton this season.

In other news… Bullet dodged: Southampton escaped deadline day disaster with £16.2m-rated beast

Some Everton fans have been left bemoaning a transfer update on Donny van de Beek.

Speaking earlier on in the week to Ziggo Sport Voetbal (via The Daily Express), which has since been shared by The Everton End on their Twitter page, the Manchester United ace’s agent Guido Albers has revealed that him and his client opened up discussions with the Goodison Park faithful over a potential move: “We took the initiative to find a club and our search ended up at Everton. We opened talks with Marcel Brands and Farhad Moshiri.”

Given that both James Rodriguez and Gylfi Sigurdsson are yet to play a game for the Merseyside club so far this season (Transfermarkt), van de Beek would have been a smart signing to fill in the vacant number 10 role.

Even though he has had his problems at Old Trafford, there is no doubt that the Netherlands international has quality, emphasised during his time at Ajax, where he scored 41 goals and made a further 34 assists in 175 matches in total over all competitions across five consecutive campaigns (Transfermarkt).

Everton fans on van de Beek transfer update

These Toffees supporters bemoaned the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with one Blue even going as far as to claim that they were ‘gutted’:

“I was always impressed with him at Ajax, a bit like a Cahill but with better technique.”

Credit: @fergus_maximus

“Would have actually been all for this. He’s wasted at United.”

Credit: @TabbyEfc1991

“There’s a player in DVDB. He needs to leave to revive his career. I’d love him at Everton.”

Credit: @TacticallyEv

“May be true but I’ll never accept Everton being a step down for anyone. Would have been a cracking signing.”

Credit: @SK21878

“Gutted”

Credit: @JakeC98__

“Would have been a boss signing for both Everton and van de Beek that. He’s far too good to be only playing 15 games a season him”

Credit: @bluetom_tom

In other news, find out what Rodriguez news has Evertonians unhappy here!