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Liam Dawson smashed a 68-ball century and Glamorgan were then blown away with the ball to lose by 186 runs in Swansea

ECB Reporters Network31-Jul-2016
ScorecardLiam Dawson thumped his way to a century from 68 balls•Getty ImagesLiam Dawson smashed a 68-ball century and Glamorgan were then blown away with the ball to lose by 186 runs in Swansea. They slipped to 29 for 6 against the seam of swing of Gareth Berg and Ryan McLaren, the pair finishing with eight wickets between them to keep Hampshire’s hopes of a Royal London quarter-final alive.Forty runs came from the final two overs of Hampshire’s innings, with Dawson reaching an unbeaten hundred by hitting the last ball of the innings, bowled by Michael Hogan, for six. Having been 70 from 61, he cleared the ropes four times in six deliveries at the death to record the second List A hundred of his career.Glamorgan made a terrible start when David Lloyd was leg before to McLaren to the first ball of the innings and, despite the slow pitch, the Hampshire seamers repeatedly beat the bat, as Jacques Rudolph and Will Bragg edged balls to the wicketkeeper.Colin Ingram, who struck hundreds in both one-day competitions against Essex last week, was the next to go when he top-edged a hook to fine leg. When Graham Wagg was leg-before to a perfect yorker from Berg, the home team, playing the first day of the festival at St Helen’s, had lost five wickets for seven runs, with Berg taking 4 for 2 from 16 balls.There were ironic cheers from the sizeable crowd in the 15th over when Mark Wallace became the first Glamorgan batsman to reach double-figures by driving Brad Wheal to the boundary. Craig Meschede top-scored with 45 and his partnership of 30 with Tim van der Gugten enabled Glamorgan to pass three figures, but it was little consolation for the home side or their supporters.In complete contrast, Hampshire scored freely after winning the toss. Tom Alsop, who has struck a hundred and three fifties in the competition this season, made a fluent 35, before chipping Meschede to mid-on while Will Smith made the most of being dropped on 23 at midwicket off Andrew Salter to an anchor the innings with 84, putting on 61 with Joe Weatherley and 86 with Dawson to take Hampshire to 223 for 4 in the 43rd over. Dawson then hit the accelerator during a partnership of 60 in 34 balls with McLaren.Dawson, captaining the side in the absence of Sean Ervine, said: “The win sets us up nicely for the final game against Somerset on Tuesday, and a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals. We were undecided what to do after winning the toss, but knowing the history of the Swansea ground, it was a good decision, as the pitch doesn’t get any better in the second innings. We thought that around 270 would have been competitive, but to reach 316 was a massive bonus.”

Australia’s cricketers have stated their opposition to the use of Cricket Australia development teams in domestic competitions, heightening scrutiny around the CA XI to take part in this year’s Matador Cup

Daniel Brettig19-Aug-2016Australia’s cricketers have stated their opposition to the use of Cricket Australia development teams in domestic competitions, heightening scrutiny around the CA XI to take part in this year’s Matador Cup in the second of a two-year trial.ACA principles ahead of MOU talks

The development of one MOU inclusive of male and female cricketers

Ensuring that men and women enjoy equal rights as players

Getting scheduling right including the format and importance of both domestic and international cricket

Maintaining the character of the game by innovating on the right terms

Improved and more structured communication between the ACA and CA

Preservation of a revenue sharing model

Maximising player welfare during and after their careers

As part of preliminary talks ahead of MOU negotiations due to begin between the Australian Cricketers Association and CA from October 1, player delegates met in Melbourne over the past two days to discuss a broad platform of positions from which to commence talks. Speaking for the players, the ACA executive member Simon Katich, said that the integrity of domestic tournaments as genuinely competitive environments – rather than purely developmental pathways – had been discussed at length.”The delegates discussed a number of topics around the structure of domestic cricket, innovations coming into the game and any concerns people might have,” Katich told ESPNcricinfo. “The views were consistent in that what is important to the players is that the domestic structure is still seen as a tough competition rather than possibly a development pathway, given the Matador Cup has evolved where there was a CA XI last year and this year over a trial period of two years.”Things like that can change the dynamic of the competition because it’s not actually a state team playing as such. Last year it was a younger team put together from guys who were contracted with different states and not getting a game for their own states. But the delegates were unanimous in the fact they don’t want the integrity of the Sheffield Shield or other domestic competitions to be changed because it is seen as a competition to develop players rather than having a tough competition to produce resilience and for guys to then succeed at Test level down the track.”The CA XI was roundly thrashed in initial encounters with full-strength state sides, before improving later on in the competition and defeating Tasmania. “We said initially that we were prepared to back this for a two-year trial and we are sticking to that for the second season as we felt that there were significantly positive results for Australian cricket,” CA’s team performance manager Pat Howard said.”With the postponement of the Test tour [to Bangladesh] last October, the CA XI came up against very strong state sides, which was wonderful for the competition but was also a tough introduction for the young group. It is important we continue to review the concept again this season, as there were many positives.”Player development pathways have been a source of conflict between the players and CA in the past, notably the introduction of severe age restrictions on second XI competitions and the trial of split innings limited-overs cricket in 2010-11. CA ultimately scrapped both gambits in consultation with its own playing conditions committee. The ACA operations manager Graham Manou recently quit to join CA as the man in charge of talent pathways.Among others issues, the ACA is seeking equal working conditions for women in the next MOU, though the players are yet to determine whether they will be seeking an increase in their current 24-27% share of the game’s total revenue by way of compensation. Katich said that women were at a junction not dissimilar to the men in 1997, when the advent of the ACA itself heralded full professionalism for domestic cricketers in addition to Australian players.”It’s about the women being able to enjoy equal rights as players, and not just around pay, some of it relates to state programs around the country. There’s disparities in how some states run their women’s programmes compared to others in terms of support staff,” Katich said. “We’re in a transition period where, a lot of the women are making the decision to commit full-time to cricket, a bit like how it was back in 1997 for the men when the ACA formed.”In that transition period it’s crucial to get it right so the women can make the decision based not only from a financial point of view but also so they can develop their game so the infrastructure is in place for them to train at flexible times and still be able to study or work if and when they need to. It’s about getting the women up to speed even with little things like not having to pay for cabs to get in to training and things like that, the injury policy and having the same work condition when they tour.”AFL players are currently arguing for a similar fixed revenue percentage arrangement to that enjoyed by the cricketers, and there are elements of CA equally keen to roll it back. “The delegates are unanimous that that revenue sharing model should stay; it’s worked for 19 years and it continues to make sure we’re a genuine stakeholder in the game,” Katich said. “Both the men and the women were unanimous about that, knowing that part of the plan is to try and develop one MOU that covers both the men and the women. Obviously it’s one thing saying that, the other is figuring out the process to get to that point.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed a steady renaissance under Julen Lopetegui and have guaranteed their Premier League safety heading into next term.

A combination of defensive solidity, maximizing their potential at home and the poor form of sides around them have managed to see the Old Gold rise to 13th in the table and they could still finish as high as 12th come the close of play.

Heading into the summer, Lopetegui will have plenty of work to get his teeth into regarding incomings and outgoings. Several Wolves stars face uncertain futures at the club due to their contracts expiring, including Adama Traore and Joao Moutinho.

Another player that may depart Molineux in the off-season is experienced striker Diego Costa, who's £50k-a-week terms are also set to run out shortly.

What's the latest news involving Diego Costa and what has he brought to the table?

As per The Daily Mail, Wolves are contemplating offering Costa a one-year extension to his deal, with his boss Lopetegui said to have been 'impressed' by his presence on and off the pitch.

The report states that the former Spain international has become a 'hugely important figure' at Molineux and Lopetegui believes he has been a key reason behind their improved performances in the second half of this term.

Wolves have undergone something of a transition this campaign and have already lost plenty of behind the scenes leadership in the form of defender Conor Coady, who joined Everton on a loan-to-buy basis last summer and the Toffees have an option to make his deal permanent for £4.5 million, as per Football Insider.

Costa embodies similar leadership qualities and always brings the fight to the battle and has previously been labelled as a "warrior" by his former coach Antonio Conte.

In 2022/23, the Lagarto-born veteran has made 25 appearances for Wolves in all competitions this term, registering one goal in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored notes that Costa has also won 1.3 aerial duels per match in the Premier League, helping his side to get up the pitch and providing a handy presence for defenders to deal with.

As per The Guardian, Lopetegui praised Costa's work rate since joining the club on a free transfer last year following their 2-0 victory over Brentford in April, stating: “He has a big heart. He is a very competitive player, in the bad moments he continued working because he has his spirit. You can’t buy this spirit. That’s why he’s made the career he’s had. We are happy for him, he has to continue working. He has made a very good match and when he came here, he came with the intention to help the team, the club and the coach."

Costa may be a throwback of a striker in comparison to modern-day forwards. However, his determination has never been called into question. As per FBRef, Costa ranks in the top 12% of forwards across Europe's top five divisions for clearances completed over the last 365 days, having managed 1.23 per 90 minutes.

His statistics may not be overwhelmingly good, though he must be leading by example on the field and in the dressing room if he is spoken about so highly by Lopetegui.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones doesn't think that Costa will sign a contract extension if he isn't guaranteed to play regularly.

Jones told FFC: "I think Wolves have to prioritise exactly what they want over the summer, because Lopetegui is only going to have a certain amount of money to spend and it seems he's already slightly concerned about the limits that might be put on him for that. So I can't see Costa getting the contract that he would normally want if he's only going to have limited play time."

Given Wolves' financial problems that has put Lopetegui's position 'in doubt' according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, as per BBC Sport, the Old Gold may not be able to enjoy a flurry of transfer activity this summer as they rebuild for next term.

In that case, it may be wise to keep hold of Costa, who is also fluent in Portuguese and has found himself at home in the dressing room for another season to avoid losing his experience for free.

Callum Ferguson will captain a South Australia squad lacking experience during this year’s Matador Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2016Callum Ferguson will captain a South Australia squad lacking experience during this year’s Matador Cup. The Redbacks lost the final to New South Wales last year but this year will be without several key players – captain Travis Head, legspinner Adam Zampa, and fast bowlers Daniel Worrall and Joe Mennie – who are part of Australia’s ODI squad in South Africa.As a result, South Australia’s 14-man group for the one-day campaign includes five uncapped players. Fast bowler Wes Agar, the brother of Australia spinner Ashton Agar, is a chance to make his debut for the Redbacks having signed a rookie contract with them this year, while there could also be one-day debuts for Jake Weatherald, Michael Cormack, Cameron Valente and Nick Benton.The only players with significant one-day experience in the South Australia squad are Ferguson, Tom Cooper, Kane Richardson, Alex Ross and Tim Ludeman. The tournament will mark the return to cricket for Ferguson after he suffered a serious knee injury in December. Remarkably, he has only captained South Australia once before – in a solitary one-day game in 2007.”The team loses significant experience due to four Australian players being absent and we will look to Callum and other senior players to lead the way on and off the ground,” South Australia’s general manager of high performance Tim Nielsen, said. “We couldn’t be more pleased about having our players represent Australia, and it’s a huge opportunity for our squad to compete hard and continue their development from last season.”South Australia squad Callum Ferguson (capt), Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Nick Benton, Alex Carey, Tom Cooper, Michael Cormack, Alex Gregory, Jake Lehmann, Tim Ludeman, Kane Richardson, Alex Ross, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald.

Liverpool are set to announce a contract extension for Adrian with the Spaniard already putting pen to paper on a new deal.

What's the latest contract news for Adrian?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Adrian has already signed a new deal with Liverpool set to announce the deal.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano said: "He had some possibilities in Spain. Some Italian clubs were also asking about the situation.

"But the expectation is for Adrian to be ready to announce this new deal because everything is signed, from what I understand."

The former West Ham goalkeeper currently earns £58,000 per week, according to Spotrac, and with his current deal with the Reds set to expire at the end of June, Liverpool have renewed his terms.

It's unclear how long the extension is, but he will be at the club for the 2023/24 season at the very least.

Why are Liverpool extending Adrian's contract?

Adrian only played one game for Liverpool this season, playing the full 90 minutes during the 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Since the curtain raiser, the 36-year-old didn't play a single minute for Jurgen Klopp.

Some fans might be wondering why Liverpool would keep a player that barely contributes. One reason may be Caoimhin Kelleher's potential transfer away from Anfield this summer.

The Irishman is good enough to start for many Premier League teams with Redmen TV Paul Machin presenter urging him to leave the club in order to take his career to the next level.

Both Kelleher and Adrian are unfortunate to be playing second and third fiddle to Alisson Becker. The Brazilian finished the Premier League season with 14 clean sheets, missing out on the Golden Glove to Manchester United's David De Gea.

With Kelleher potentially on his way out, Liverpool will need to replace the Irishman. Letting Adrian leave as a free agent would create another transfer headache for the Reds solve.

The Reds are hard at work in the process of recruiting new midfielders with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all departing as free agents this summer. Arthur has also been released after his unsuccessful loan spell at Anfield.

Alexis Mac Allister could be the first player to join the club this summer with reports suggesting he has already agreed personal terms for a move to Liverpool. Now, negotiations will proceed with Brighton over a possible £70m transfer fee.

Manchester United still face a waiting game in their search for new owners as 'everything is in the Glazers' hands', according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest takeover news involving Manchester United?

As per The Financial Times, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS could perform a 'phased takeover' where all six members of the Glazer family retain shares in the club before being weeded out in the coming years gradually.

The report states that despite fan frustrations over the timeline of any potential deal, no agreement is 'expected imminently' and it may still take some time to get over the line.

Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is also in the running to buy Manchester United; however, journalist for The Guardian, Jamie Jackson, has delivered an update on his offer to buy the Premier League giants, stating on Twitter: "As I understand it, Sheikh Jassim is still waiting to hear back from Glazers regarding his last bid for Man Utd".

Sheikh Jassim wants to buy 100% of the club while Ratcliffe is keen to buy an initial 69% of Manchester United, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano thinks that the Glazer family still have full control of the destiny of Manchester United.

Romano said: "Both INEOS Group and the Qatari group are still in there and still working on a takeover behind the scenes, but everything is in the Glazers' hands, so we're still waiting."

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag will hope his side can recover from the disappointment of their 2-1 FA Cup final to Manchester City last weekend ahead of returning for pre-season following a well-deserved break from action.

The Dutchman will be hopeful of adding some high-profile signings to strengthen his roster, with Chelsea ace Mason Mount and Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane being identified as key targets, as per The Telegraph.

Football Insider also claim that West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is someone that is being courted at Old Trafford and it is believed that Manchester United are 'realistic contenders' to sign the England international.

Rice is valued at £100 million by Hammers boss David Moyes and the Red Devils will also need to beat off stiff competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal to secure his services.

Next term, Manchester United will have designs on being able to put together a title challenge; however, matters off the field may have a say on the level of recruitment they can carry out if their ownership debacle is to drag on into the opening stages of the transfer window.

Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer soaked up 175 balls and 121 dots to lead another lower-order rally, but Sri Lanka dug deep into their reserves to secure a hard-earned victory with 45 balls to spare

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu02-Nov-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGraeme Cremer followed his hundred in the first innings with a dogged 43•Associated PressGraeme Cremer soaked up 175 balls and 121 dots to lead another lower-order rally and raise Zimbabwe’s hopes of saving their 100th Test, but Sri Lanka dug deep into their reserves to secure a hard-earned victory with 45 balls to spare.When the last hour began, Zimbabwe needed to bat out 15 overs with Cremer on 41 and No. 10 Carl Mumba on 3. Both batsmen played close to their bodies with a straight bat, blocking single-mindedly, and leaving Sri Lanka on the tenterhooks. They negotiated four more overs before Cremer jumped out of the crease and attempted an injudicious flick against the turn, off Rangana Herath, and was stumped for 43. He had faced 351 balls across both innings, the second-most by a No. 8 in a Test behind Wasim Akram’s 363, which incidentally came against Zimbabwe in 1996.Nineteen balls after the key wicket of Cremer, Dilruwan Perera knocked out Chris Mpofu’s off stump to wrap up Sri Lanka’s 225-run victory.Cremer entered the fray at 100 for 6, seven overs after lunch, after Zimbabwe had lost their last five wickets for 32 runs. He first added 39 for the seventh wicket with Sean Williams in 19.4 overs before marshalling Mumba in a 38-run ninth-wicket stand that lasted 19.1 overs.Cremer endured a nervy moment when he padded up to a straight delivery from Herath, but umpire Ian Gould turned down the bowler’s appeal, with ball-tracking backing up his decision, indicating the ball would have missed off stump. Cremer shook that off and soldiered on. His first boundary came off his 53rd ball when he drove a Suranga Lakmal half-volley through extra cover.It was Williams who laid the groundwork for Zimbabwe’s fightback. He showed restraint, taking 21 balls to get off the mark, before unfurling his range with paddle-sweeps and even reverse-sweeps against the spinners.Williams went onto make 40 off 92 balls, before Herath struck with the fourth ball after tea, getting him to nick to slip. Herath sensed an opening and broke through six overs later when he had Donald Tiripano lbw for a 21-ball duck. It was a dubious decision from Gould, though, with replays detecting an inside edge onto the pad. He should have been out off the previous ball he faced – a Herath arm ball struck his front pad in front of middle and leg – but Gould did not budge.Sri Lanka secured victory with 45 balls left in final session of the final day•AFPThe cloud cover that had built up during tea moved off and Sri Lanka then strained every sinew. Herath brought out the carrom ball from wide of the crease, and even tried to shake things up with part-time legspinner Kusal Mendis. The second new ball ultimately snuffled out Zimbabwe’s dogged resistance.In the morning Lakmal swung the first new ball and teased Zimbabwe’s openers in the channel outside off after Sri Lanka had declared overnight, keeping in view the rain threat and setting Zimbabwe a target of 412 in 98 overs. Brian Chari struggled to even put bat on ball in the early exchanges, failing to get fully forward or go fully back against Lakmal’s awayswingers and Herath’s arm balls. To compound his woes, Chari attempted to sweep Herath against the turn, but the top edge did not carry to fine leg or deep square leg.It was the extra pace of teenage debutant Lahiru Kumara that ended the tentative 31-run opening partnership. In his first over, an inducker at 141kph burst through Chari’s defences and sent the off stump cartwheeling.Once the swing faded, Lakmal briefly peppered the batsmen with short balls from around the wicket with a leg slip, forward short leg, and square leg placed halfway to the boundary, but it was reverse-swing with the old ball that provided him the breakthroughs. In the space of three balls, he coaxed a couple to veer back into Hamilton Masakadza and Malcolm Waller to trap both lbw.It came after Dilruwan had struck twice in nine balls to remove Tino Mawoyo for 37 and Sean Ervine for an eight-ball duck. Mawoyo was adjudged lbw by Simon Fry, though the slider from Dilruwan was comfortably missing leg stump with the angle from over the wicket. Ervine, though, was pinned plumb in front by a full delivery that drifted in and then turned away.Zimbabwe lost four wickets for only six runs and later Herath worked his way past Cremer and the tail to give Sri Lanka their first away Test win after seven matches, on captaincy debut.

Australia had lost their first choice for short leg with the dropping of Joe Burns, meaning Marsh went in there for the spinners while Usman Khawaja went “under the lid” for the pacers

Daniel Brettig in Perth03-Nov-2016Shaun Marsh’s dive to catch a bat and pad chance from Temba Bavuma was a significant moment for Australia for a few reasons, quite apart from being a terrific piece of fielding.Short leg to a spinner is arguably the hardest position in the game in terms of courage and skill, leaving the fielder open to all kinds of punishment and danger when slow bowlers pitch short or the batsman opens his shoulders to slog sweep. As Chris Rogers has recounted in his new book .”I’ve always hated the position. I fielded there a lot as a younger player, particularly for Beau Casson. He mixed great deliveries with loose ones, meaning the short leg could be peppered. During one match at Adelaide Oval for Western Australia, I was struck on the full on my ankle and the ball then ricocheted all the way to midwicket, who proceeded to take the catch. All the players ran to the fielder except for Beau, who ran straight to me, where I lay writhing in pain on the ground.”After numerous blows, I started to dislike playing and would hardly speak when positioned close in. It’s a terrible spot to field and those who criticise these fielders would be better served to keep their mouth shut until they’ve experienced what it is like in there. The best ones are those who don’t fear it and I wasn’t one of them – Rob Quiney is possibly the bravest I’ve seen.”Australia had lost their first choice for short leg with the dropping of Joe Burns, meaning Marsh went in there for the spinners while Usman Khawaja went “under the lid” for the pacers. The intervention to catch Bavuma ended a pesky partnership for South Africa.At the same time it provided a nice bit of nostalgia for Shaun’s father Geoff Marsh, watching from the stands. A decade or three ago he fielded there for Australia in Tests, once claiming a particularly fine catch from the bat and pad of one Ian Botham at the SCG. This take, though, was better.

Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Alexis Mac Allister, and a deal could be completed as early as next week, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Mac Allister and Liverpool?

The Argentinian has been in sensational form for Brighton this season, helping Roberto De Zerbi's side qualify for Europe, and the 24-year-old has been the subject of transfer interest.

Liverpool are in need of a midfield rebuild, with the likes of Naby Keita and James Milner departing this summer, and it seems that they are set to land the first of their targets.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that there are just a number of details to finalise before the deal is completed.

"Important update on Alexis Mac Allister, because Carlos, the father of the player will be in England this weekend. The mission is to complete the negotiation for Alexis Mac Allister next week. We know Liverpool are absolutely the front-runners, they have to complete some final details on the contract of the player and then Alexis will become a new Liverpool player," he stated.

"They have an agreement in principle on the length of the contract, on the salary, it is about some final clauses that they are discussing for Alexis Mac Allister, and then he will agree 100% on the personal terms with Liverpool and then join Liverpool, because they will pay the release clause to Brighton, and trust me, if you see reports of £70m, 65 or £60m, it is way less than this, the release clause.

"That's a very good deal for Liverpool in this case if they will be able to complete everything, but the timing is very clear next week for Alexis Mac Allister."

What will Mac Allister bring to Liverpool?

The World Cup winner will likely be one of a number of midfield signings for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp aims to rebuild his side with a younger set of players, and Mac Allister could be an excellent addition.

The £50k-per-week star will arrive with plenty of experience for Brighton and Argentina, and he could add extra goal threat from the middle of the park.

The 24-year-old ranks in the top percentile of European midfielders for shots attempted, as well as ranking highly for goals and progressive carries as per FBref. He will bring security and energy on the ball, as well as being able to increase the overall output of Liverpool's low-scoring midfield.

No central midfielder scored more than five goals this season for Liverpool, with Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones scoring five and three each, and Mac Allister's 12 strikes this season represents a significant upgrade in front of goal.

RB Leipzig are still pushing to complete the signing of Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho this summer, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

Is Carvalho still at Liverpool?

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the future of the 20-year-old of late, following a disappointing first season in a Reds shirt where one may be forgiven for forgetting his existence in the squad.

Carvalho arrived at Anfield from Fulham in last summer's transfer window, with much expected of him, but he ended up being a bit-part player, at best. While a dramatic late winning goal at home to Newcastle United in August was a high point, the £40,000-a-week attacking midfielder only made four Premier League starts.

With new midfield signings expected to come in this summer – Naby Keita has joined Werder Bremen to free up spaces in the squad – and with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all strong attacking options, it could be difficult for the Liverpool man to enjoy regular football in 2023/24, so he could depart soon.

A move to Leipzig has been strongly mooted numerous times of late, although it remains to be seen if Carvalho could leave on a permanent or temporary basis.

Are Leipzig signing Carvalho?

Writing on Twitter on Friday, Romano said that Leipzig are continuing to push hard to snap up Carvalho this summer, with negotiations ongoing in the coming days:

"Understand RB Leipzig have had more talks with Liverpool this week over Fabio Carvalho deal — told negotiations will continue over the weekend. Liverpool don’t want to lose the player on permanent transfer, now looking for the best solution."

Losing Carvalho permanently doesn't make a huge amount of sense for Liverpool, considering he still such a young player with a bright future, having been hailed as "unbelievable" by Jurgen Klopp earlier in the campaign.

A loan move is surely the best outcome for all parties, allowing the former Fulham man to enjoy some regular playing time next season, before returning to Merseyside a more mature player.

Should Carvalho then fail to kick on beyond that date, it could be time to simply accept that it is a move that hasn't worked out, but selling a big prospect at just 20 years of age, when he could yet become a huge star in years to come, feels reckless.

It should be stressed that he joined a Liverpool team who have struggled all season long, which won't have helped him settle and pick up confidence, so it is harsh to overly judge the lack of impact he has made.