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Liverpool are ‘leading the race’ to sign Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham next summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Huge future for Bellingham

England have lots of supreme young talent at the moment, from Trent Alexander-Arnold to Phil Foden, but Bellingham is arguably as exciting as anyone.

The 18-year-old has already made 55 appearances for Dortmund, despite his tender age, and he looks a complete midfielder, scoring in his side’s Champions League win away to Besiktas earlier this month.

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The Latest: Liverpool in pole position

It could be that the Bundesliga outfit cash in on the £49.5million-rated Bellingham before too long, and according to the Daily Star, Liverpool are the frontrunners to sign him.

He has already been hailed as the ‘most serious 18-year-old I’ve ever seen’ and a ‘great footballer’ by Germany legend and Dortmund teammate Mats Hummels, as he develops into quite clearly one of the brightest young talents in the world.

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The Verdict: Potential game-changer

Bellingham looks like a genuinely special footballer who could have an enormous future, so Liverpool’s interest is undoubtedly exciting.

The Reds’ midfield will be in need of fresh blood next summer, with Jordan Henderson and Thiago now in their 30s and the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unreliable in the injury department.

Bellingham has the athleticism and technical ability to thrive anywhere in midfield – he has averaged 1.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the Bundesliga this season – and could perhaps develop into the Steven Gerrard replacement Reds fans have been waiting for.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are worried about a photo that has emerged. Read more here.

The experience of Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul guided West Indies into the semi-finals

The Bulletin by Andrew McGlashan15-Jun-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsRamnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul celebrate West Indies’ success•Getty ImagesThe experience of Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul guided West Indies into the ICC World Twenty20 semi-finals after the top order threatened to lose their heads in a reduced chase of 80 in nine overs. A succession of wild shots meant West Indies were 45 for 5 in the sixth over, but Sarwan and Chanderpaul calmly added 37 to complete the victory with four balls to spare and send the hosts out.Chris Gayle wanted to have the final say in the extended duel between these two teams which dates back to February. He briefly threatened to carry the chase on his own but was yorked by a beauty from Ryan Sidebottom and he was grateful for calmness of his two senior batsmen. A second brilliant piece of glovework from James Foster to stump Dwayne Bravo had put England on top, but Sarwan and Chanderpaul showed there is room for sensible batsmanship even in a nine-over thrash.When Sarwan hit the winning boundary with four balls to spare the rest of the team – apart from Gayle who strode out at his own pace – sprinted onto the outfield in scenes reminiscent of their 2004 Champions Trophy victory on the same ground. Weeks of moping around England for the Tests and one-dayers were long forgotten.A heavy thunderstorm after England’s innings concluded on 161 for 6 meant Duckworth-Lewis came into use. It would have been understandable if West Indies were nervous at the prospect after John Dyson’s embarrassing error during the one-day series, when he handed England victory, but the calculations benefited West Indies as much as they knew what was needed and could attack hard.However, they almost went too hard. Andre Fletcher bagged his third duck in a row when he top-edged a pull off James Anderson, although Gayle was only going to play one way. He slammed Sidebottom’s first ball over midwicket and then cracked him over cover, but the bowler responded in fine style as he speared a yorker under Gayle’s bat.Stuart Broad struck with his first ball when Lendl Simmons carved to third man and there was a manic nature about the run-chase that threatened to unravel West Indies’ hopes. Paul Collingwood used his bowlers in one-over spells and when the three-over Powerplay was finished he brought Graeme Swann into the attack. The offspinner responded with five excellent deliveries that yielded three runs, but the sixth ball was lofted over long-off for six by Kieron Pollard.Collingwood then gambled by tossing the ball to Adil Rashid – preferred in this game to Dimitri Mascarenhas – and his first delivery was magnificently driven over extra cover by Bravo. In two shots, West Indies were back in front and the pressure was on a young spinner. That Rashid responded with a top-spinner to bowl Pollard is a huge credit to him and shows great promise for the future.Then came what looked a pivotal moment as Bravo was beaten by Swann’s flight and Foster made a split-second stumping as the batsman raised his foot. At that moment West Indies needed 35 from 22 balls, but this time Foster wasn’t a match-winner.Sarwan drove Anderson through cover and whipped him behind square for a second boundary and that was to prove the final twist. Chanderpaul nudged, nurdled and responded to his partner’s screams to run hard (despite an injured thigh) and swung a priceless boundary past fine leg that meant Sidebottom would have little to work with in the final over.England will look back and think the reduction in overs was harsh on them, but once again the batting had failed to build on a solid start against an attack lacking Fidel Edwards who was forced out moments before the toss with a back injury.As Ravi Bopara and Kevin Pietersen added 56 all was looking good, but once Pietersen picked out deep square-leg with a top-edged lap the innings stalled and nearly went backwards. There wasn’t a boundary from the 11th over until the penultimate ball of the innings, when Broad swept Sulieman Benn and followed it up with a clean straight six as the bowler struggled with a wet ball.Bopara’s 55 from 47 balls was full of elegance and class, with two on-drives as perfect as you could wish to see, but at times it seemed as though others were playing with hollow bats. Bopara and Pietersen managed 10 of the 13 fours between them and a lack of power in the middle order was cruely exposed. It is that absence of brutal hitting that was decisive, not the rain.

England’s Beth Morgan did a Paul Collingwood, scratching and grinding out a vital half-century while Laura Marsh – admittedly a slightly better batsman than Monty Panesar – offered 38 as England’s women continued to defy Australia at Worcester

Cricinfo staff12-Jul-2009
ScorecardBeth Morgan’s vital, maiden half-century took important time out of the game•Getty ImagesIf the men’s final-day experience at Cardiff is a marker as to the importance of the Ashes for England and Australia, the women’s last day tomorrow ought to be a cracker. England’s Beth Morgan did a Paul Collingwood, scratching and grinding out a vital half-century while Laura Marsh – admittedly a slightly better batsman than Monty Panesar – offered 38 as England’s women continued to defy Australia at Worcester.With one day to go, Australia lead by 169, but tough decisions will need to be made if they are to set a daring declaration to give themselves any hope of bowling England out and regaining the Ashes.Morgan – a dasher in the ICC World Twenty20; a digger and blocker here in the Test – spent nearly six hours at the crease for her dogged 58, her maiden half-century in Tests. She lost Jenny Gunn after adding a further 20 to their overnight stand of 57, with the follow-on still looming a mere 24 runs away. But Morgan and Katherine Brunt, who made 27 from 84 balls, took England to relative safety and, crucially, took time away from Australia. Marsh occupied the crease for 72 minutes for her 38 – Holly Colvin 78 minutes for her 17 – as England slowly ground Australia down.Alex Blackwell made up for her duck in the first innings, stroking 59 and putting on an unbeaten second-wicket stand of 79 with the former captain, Karen Rolton, as Australia reached 128 for 1. How adventurous Jodie Fields, the newly instated captain, feels tomorrow will determine whether England retain, or Australia regain.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, who is now working for the club’s community foundation, has tipped Dan James to make his mark at Elland Road quickly, following his move from Manchester United.

The Lowdown: James takes time to settle

The Welshman signed from United at the end of the summer transfer window, coming in for around £25million, making him the Whites’ second-most expensive signing in history.

While James has done adequately in his first three appearances for Leeds, he is still searching for his first goal or assist.

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The Latest: Whelan makes bold statement

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan says he has total faith in James matching the expectations of him, thriving for Leeds once he fully adjusts to life at the club:

“I think he’s still getting used to playing with his new teammates. When you come from Manchester United, you will be highly regarded.

“We know what a good player he is, that’s why we wanted to sign him even before this summer.

“We know there’s more to come from him in terms of assists and goals, we’ve seen him do that for Wales and Manchester United in the past.

“We’re just waiting for that moment where it all clicks into place, and that might come in the form of an assist or a goal which could really kickstart his season.”

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The Verdict: Needs to justify price tag

James’ price tag means there is immediate pressure from the off, with such expensive signings required to be influential performers straight away.

The same applied with club-record purchase Rodrigo last season, as the Spaniard flattered to deceive too often in a Whites shirt.

James clearly has the talent required to prove his worth – he has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Marcus Rashford – but he has done just okay so far and will hopefully find another gear after the international break.

In other news, Whelan has made an exciting claim regarding another Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Pundit Alan Hutton thinks Celtic summer signing Carl Starfelt will be axed by Ange Postecoglou over the coming months, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Starfelt’s start

Starfelt was one of four centre-backs to arrive at Parkhead over the summer, costing the Hoops £4.5m.

The 26-year-old left Rubin Kazan, where he was a big earner on £14,000-a-week to move to Glasgow, and he has been a regular this season.

Starfelt has made 15 appearances in all competitions and has partnered Cameron Carter-Vickers in recent weeks.

However, Christopher Jullien, according to a Celtic source, is on the recovery trail from injury but isn’t expected to return before the end of the month.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Hutton, who regularly features for BBC, was talking to Football Insider following the update on Jullien.

He believes that when Jullien is fully fit, Postecoglou will go with the Frenchman and Carter-Vickers, leaving no room for Starfelt.

“It’s been a tough start to the season for him.

“Then getting left out of the Sweden squad. You know it’s because you’re not performing at club level. That’s the only reason behind it.

“You look at the likes of Jullien coming back soon. It’s been a problem area for them. Bringing in two new signings in Carter-Vickers and Starfelt, it’s been a tough start for them.

“You would think that Jullien will come back and hopefully settle the ship for them. It’s whoever is going to play alongside.

“I would go for Carter-Vickers. I think he can be solid. He will be a better player playing next to someone experienced.”

The Verdict: A possibility?

If Hutton’s prediction regarding Jullien coming straight back in proves accurate, perhaps it could be Starfelt to make way.

When it comes to Starfelt and Carter-Vickers, the latter of the two has been the more impressive.

He’s recorded a better match rating, averaged more tackles and clearances and concedes fewer fouls in the Scottish Premiership. [WhoScored]

However, you have to take into consideration that Jullien hasn’t played in 2021, so it’s unlikely he’ll play every minute when fully fit and Postecoglou will look to ease him back into action.

In other news: Ange could now lose ‘resilient’ Celtic ace for key games after break as worrying news emerges. 

After three days of mediation, Cricket South South Africa and Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) have “managed to find common ground in certain areas” in their dispute

Cricinfo staff01-Aug-2009After three days of mediation, Cricket South Africa and Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) have “managed to find common ground in certain areas” in their dispute over the stripping of the Wanderers’ international status.The tussle started when the GCB accused the CSA chief executive Gerald Majola, the BCCI and IPL organisers of mismanaging the 2009 event soon after the league ended. In response, the CSA members’ forum warned that the South African board would not allot any international matches to Wanderers unless GCB apologised.On Monday, lawyers Brian Currin and Khabo Mamba were appointed by the sports minister to mediate the dispute. “The participation of both parties has at all times been constructive and in good faith,” they said in a statement on Saturday. “As a result the parties have managed to find common ground in certain areas. The process will continue into next week and we are hopeful that further progress will be made.”If the issue is not resolved, Wanderers could lose out on three matches during England’s tour to South Africa in November-December.

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Joe Rothwell looks likely to join Rangers from Blackburn Rovers, acting as a blow for Victor Orta and co.

The Lowdown: Rothwell impresses for Blackburn

The 26-year-old is a key man for Blackburn, already chipping in with four assists in 12 Championship starts this season, as well as scoring once.

Manager Tony Mowbray has hailed Rothwell as a ‘super talent’ in the past and he has made a total of 131 appearances for the club to date.

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The Latest: Rangers to beat Leeds to signature

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are considered a potential suitor for the midfielder but the outlet claim that Rangers are in pole position to sign him.

Rothwell’s current deal expires at the end of this season, at which point midfield legend Steven Gerrard could snap him up on a free transfer.

As well as Leeds, fellow Premier League sides Newcastle United, Burnley, Southampton, Brighton and Crystal Palace have all shown an interest, too.

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The Verdict: Not a disaster

While Rothwell is clearly an influential player at Championship level, losing out to Rangers shouldn’t be considered a disaster for Leeds, even though it could be considered a disappointment.

Much like Lewis O’Brien, he could be an effective squad player for the Whites, improving the depth at Marcelo Bielsa’s disposal, but he is unlikely to be a game-changer.

Leeds needs to be looking at superior midfield options, especially with question marks still surrounding Kalvin Phillips’ future.

In other news, Gary Neville has mocked Leeds United – find out why here.

Brad Haddin has revealed that the finger broken during the Ashes series was worse than originally thought, and has forced him to push back his comeback date to Australia’s one-day tour of India

Alex Brown02-Sep-2009Click here to listen to the full audio interviewBrad Haddin missed the third Ashes Test due to a broken finger, and has ruled himself out of the Champions Trophy•Associated PressBrad Haddin has revealed that the finger broken during the Ashes series was worse than originally thought, and has forced him to push back his comeback date to Australia’s one-day tour of India. Surgeons inserted two plates and five screws into Haddin’s left ring finger during a two-and-a-half hour operation last Thursday, with the ensuing recovery period expected to extend beyond Australia’s one-day series in England and the Champions Trophy in South Africa.Haddin broke the finger moments after the coin toss before the third Test at Edgbaston, forcing Australia’s team management to draft in Graham Manou at short notice. Australia’s senior wicketkeeper recovered to play the final two Tests of the Ashes series with the assistance of pain-killing injections, but was ordered home ahead of the limited-overs series in England for further scans.Those revealed significantly more damage to the top of Haddin’s finger than initially thought, and prompted a revision of his likely comeback date. Haddin had originally hoped to return in time for the Champions Trophy, but is now targetting the seven-match limited-overs series against India, which will begin in Jaipur on October 25.”The surgery was a success from the point of view that the surgeon got everything back in the place it should be, but he also said that it will probably take a little bit longer than we first thought with the rehab,” Haddin told Cricinfo’s Switch Hit podcast. “There was a bit more damage in there than they first thought going in. It’s going to be a long road back. By the time I come back it should be 100% this time.”I’ll be definitely back for the first Test of the Australian summer and I’m hoping to be right for the seven one-dayers in India. I’ve just got a week or so until the stitches come out and then I’ll know a bit more about how the joint is and how I respond to some treatment. In the past when I’ve broken fingers my joints have come back into working order pretty quickly.”Haddin only entered the Test arena after Adam Gilchrist’s retirement, but has already suffered two broken fingers in the line of duty. The first came in the opening session of his debut Test at Sabina Park last year, and resulted in him handing over the gloves to Luke Ronchi for the ensuing one-day series against West Indies. The latest injury has opened the door for Tasmania’s Tim Paine, and Haddin admitted his annoyance at the prospect of another extended stint on the sidelines.”It’s extremely frustrating,” he said. “We’ve played a lot of Test cricket over the last 12 months and I was really looking forward to playing some one-day cricket. I’ve been happy with the way things have been going in my one-day game. But those are the breaks of the job we do. I can’t whinge about it too much. I’ve just got to get on with the rehab and make sure when I come back that it doesn’t happen again.”Haddin conceded the broken finger had caused him significant discomfort during the second half of the Ashes series, though not nearly as much as the pain of defeat at The Oval. “Once you pass yourself fit and step on the field, broken fingers all go out the window,” he said. “It was an uncomfortable time. The wicketkeeping was okay. The biggest problem was with the bat because you couldn’t have any protection on it because it didn’t fit in the glove.”It was obviously disappointing to go out there and lose the Ashes especially when you sit back and take the emotion out of it and look at the stats of some of our guys throughout series. I think from a statistical point of view we were way in front of England but we let ourselves down in a couple of big moments. We’re not far away. We’ve just got to be a bit more consistent and recognise those big moments in the game a bit better.”

After failing to win any of their last seven Championship matches, Hampshire secured the victory they needed to lift them away from the relegation positions at New Road

George Dobell at New Road11-Sep-2009
ScorecardHampshire, and Dominic Cork in particular, must wish they played Worcestershire every week.After failing to win any of their last seven Championship matches, Hampshire secured the victory they needed to lift them away from the relegation positions at New Road. They are not yet assured of safety, however, and probably need to avoid defeat in their final two games, against and Durham (home) and Yorkshire (away).It was a particularly fine game for Cork. Now aged 38, he may have lost a little pace, but he showed that an ability to shape the ball away from the batsman and deliver a probing line and length are timeless skills.They are not always rewarded so generously, though. This was his first five-wicket haul since June 2006 and only his second in the last five years. It also meant he had taken 12 for 81 against Worcestershire in the Championship season. Bowling is not always so straightforward.There was some encouragement from a Worcestershire perspective. The batting of Alexi Kervezee – who was celebrating his 20th birthday – and Richard Jones – who is just 22, not only delayed the inevitable, but also suggested a little room for optimism at New Road. Here, at least, are a couple of players who might form the nucleus of a new Worcestershire.Kervezee is a particularly exciting prospect. A short, compact right-hander, his drives through extra-cover bear the hallmark of real class, though he may have to curb his impetuousness if he is to flourish. His dismissal here, attempting a repeat of a delightful straight drive for six off Imran Tahir, was a case in point: Imran saw him coming and delivered a much shorter, quicker delivery that left Kervezee hopelessly out of position and resulted in a tame catch to mid-off. It was an unworthy end to a pleasing innings.Jones is a neat, technically correct batsman, too. Though this was a career-best effort, there is no reason why he should not score far more runs.Their resilience – the pair added 70 for the seventh wicket – helped Worcestershire stretch the game into the second session of the day and forced Hampshire to bat again. But it was only delaying the inevitable; the visitors required just nine deliveries to secure victory.It was Worcestershire’s tenth defeat in 14 Championship games this season and meant that they’ve now gone 18 first-class games without a win. Not since May 2004 have Worcestershire won a Division One game at New Road.Earlier it had taken only 13 deliveries for Hampshire to breakthrough in the morning. Cork, finding some bounce, induced an edge from Steve Davies before Moeen Ali’s indeterminate prod resulted in another slip catch.Afterwards Stephen Moore remained non-committal about his plans for the future, though he did suggest he would come to a decision “within a month.” Moore, who signed a three-year contract about 12 months ago, has a get-out clause in the case of Worcestershire’s relegation so is now free to talk to other counties should he wish.”Some time over the next month I’ll have to come to some sort of decision,” he said. “We’ve two big one-day games left, though, so it would be wrong decide now. I know I’ll have to decide soon enough”The key thing is to decide how I can best progress as a cricketer. My ambition is to play for England, so if I feel I’m not able to fulfil that ambition at the club – that the club can’t offer what I need – then I’ll sit down with the club and discuss things. I’ll chat with the England management about how to progress.”I’m not just trying to leave to make money. It’s a about trying to be the best cricketer I can be. I love this place. I’ve really enjoyed every minute here and I’ve made some great friends, but I don’t want emotion to get in the way of such a decision.”I wouldn’t want to go when things are bad. I’ve pride in my role and I’d like to leave a legacy here, so if I did leave I’d want to go on a high.”After an excellent 2008 season – when he scored six first-class centuries – Moore has struggled this year. He is averaging under 28 in the Championship and has failed to build on the form that had taken him to the brink of the England team.”I can’t put my finger on it,” Moore admitted. “I do believe I’m a better cricketer now. I’m fitter, stronger and feel my balance is better. But my stats aren’t in the same league as last year, are they?”I don’t think it’s much to do with the higher division. I scored a century against the Australians [for the Lions], after all. I believe the stats don’t lie over the long-term, so I’ve just got to work even harder.”I’ve missed Graeme Hick, too, both as a friend and as a dressing room influence. He gave confidence just by his presence.”

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison’s inconsistent form has been affected by a recent rib injury, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Harrison struggling for form

While deprived of several important players through injury, the Whites still couldn’t get their second Premier League win of the season on Saturday but their 1-1 draw at home to Wolves felt like a positive following Rodrigo’s last-gasp penalty.

Harrison struggled to make an impact at Elland Road, though, and he has now played seven league games this season and not registered a goal or an assist.

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The Latest: Hay reveals injury news

While the winger’s form has been disappointing compared to last season, when he got eight top-flight goals and assists apiece, there could be a good reason for the drop-off.

According to The Athletic’s Hay, the 24-year-old has been playing with a rib injury which has affected his performance level. The journalist stated: “Harrison has had a rib injury recently. Very little been made of it and I don’t know how much of a factor it is but he is struggling for form.”

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The Verdict: Pressure to perform

Harrison now finds himself under more pressure than ever to keep his place, with Raphinha and Dan James also representing strong wide options.

Last season, he and Raphinha were the undisputed go-to starters in those positions, but the Welshman’s arrival from Manchester United has increased the competition significantly.

All three actually played against Wolves, but Marcelo Bielsa may not always be that bold and Harrison will need to improve if he wants to keep starting regularly. Hopefully he overcomes his current injury and produces his best form again in the near future. Leeds could certainly do with it right now.

In other news, one Leeds player has given a key update on his injury progress. Read more here.