Tottenham Hotspur's U21 gem Matthew Craig is edging closer to a new deal with Spurs as the club attempts to tie down one of their brightest youngsters.

Who is Matthew Craig?

At just 20-years-old, there is no shame in never having heard of Tottenham's Craig. The youngster currently plays for Spurs' U21s and has impressed the club's hierarchy with consistently strong performances at youth level.

The defensive midfielder is rated so highly that he even debuted in Spurs' final game of last season, a 4-1 win at Leeds United in which he played the final quarter-of-an-hour. Craig's versatility is impressive and he featured at both centre-back and right-back last season as well as his more comfortable midfield role.

He featured 32 times for Spurs' U21s last term, registering five league assists, and has also featured in Scotland's youth teams on a semi-regular basis. His identical twin brother Michael also used to play in Spurs' youth setup, but has since been released and joined Reading.

Is Craig signing a new deal?

The great news for Spurs is that Craig is nearing a new deal with the Lilywhites, something the club are keen to get over the line following successful contract talks with 15-year-old sensation Mikey Moore last week.

According to journalist Alasdair Gold, the deal is nearly done for Craig: "More good news for the U21s. From what I understood the last time I looked into the situation, which was a couple of days ago, is that Matthew Craig looks like he is going to sign his new deal to stay at the club, or certainly they are getting closer to getting an agreement."

"If you are not aware of Matthew Craig, he played mainly as a defensive midfielder last season but was very versatile. He can play as a full-back, he can play as a centre-back. Only 20-years-old, he has been on the bench for the first team quite a lot."

He added: "Probably one of the best players for Spurs' U21s last season, without a shadow of a doubt actually, so that is great news for Spurs."

If Craig does indeed sign a new deal then there would likely be an expectation of increased exposure to first-team football, meaning he could be a more frequent name on Ange Postecoglou's team sheets next term.

Craig has featured on the bench a total of 10 times in the past two seasons and will have to be ready if he is called upon next campaign.

Paul Stirling’s 99 – his third consecutive fifty – and an unbeaten 85 from Andy Balbirnie took Ireland to a six-wicket victory in a must-win third ODI

The report by Varun Shetty19-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Andy Balbirnie’s unbeaten 85 was Ireland’s first middle-order fifty in the series•Associated PressIreland’s hankering for a resistant middle order was finally satisfied by Andy Balbirnie, as the right-handed batsman struck his fourth half-century – an unbeaten 85 off 74 balls – to take them to a six-wicket victory in the third ODI. It was their first victory of the tour and kept the series alive at 2-1 with two ODIs to go.At least two of Ireland’s top three had scored fifties in the first two ODIs. That pattern was quickly erased by Dawlat Zadran who dismissed Ed Joyce and William Porterfield off consecutive overs to reduce Ireland to 24 for 2 by the end of the sixth. But Paul Stirling continued to stand in their way, cutting out the risks early as he dug in to put on 96 for the third wicket with Niall O’Brien (30), and got to his third-consecutive ODI fifty in the process. He put on a further 59 with Balbirnie for the fourth wicket, before falling one run short of another hundred. This time, he missed a straight one from Mohammad Nabi and lost his off stump. His wicket, however, wouldn’t bring another collapse. On the contrary, Ireland lost no further wickets. Gary Wilson’s run-a-ball 28 did enough to complement his younger partner, who spearheaded the unbroken 86-run stand as he scored Ireland’s first half-century from the middle-order in this series. Afghanistan dropped three catches to help Ireland along in the chase, but the neutralization of legspinner Rashid Khan, who went wicketless, will have made them feel most vulnerable. They did have Rashid to thank, however, for keeping them in the game in the first place.A ten-ball first over from Peter Chase belied the start to come for Afghanistan. Chase and Tim Murtagh made run-scoring difficult for Afghanistan’s top order on a slow pitch. By the 11th over, three of them had fallen playing away from the body, and one had swiped across the line. Mohammad Nabi was given the marching orders when Stuart Thompson got a finger on the ball before Samiullah Shenwari’s straight drive broke the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Afghanistan were reduced to 67 for 5 after electing to bat. Shenwari and Gulbadin Naib’s painstaking 30-run stand for the sixth wicket ended nine overs later, leaving Afghanistan’s lower order nearly 24 overs to contend with. Rashid and Naib played 16.1 of those and put on 97, getting fifties before falling in the space of four balls. Ireland wouldn’t have minded that fight at 193 for 8, but Shafiqullah, who would’ve come in at No. 7 normally, struck a 28-ball 50 at No. 9 to set Ireland a target of 265.

Australia’s tour of Bangladesh still hinges on security assessments of the region despite a personal assurance from Cricket Australia chairman David Peever to BCB president Nazmul Hassan that Steven Smith’s team will visit for two Tests in late August and early September.The proposed schedule, ESPNcricinfo understands, has Australia arriving in Bangladesh on August 18, and comprises a practice match in Chittagong from August 22 to 24, the first Test from August 27 to 31 also in Chittagong, and the second Test from September 4 to 9 in Mirpur.Hassan said he had been given Peever’s guarantee during last week’s ICC meetings. “The Australia series is final,” he said. “Their chairman told me on the last day of the ICC meeting that he will come along with his wife. This was actually the first time they spoke to me about a series or tour. He came up with it, so I am sure they are coming.”Hassan said the only issue with the schedule was the break between the two Tests due to Eid-ul-Azha, which is supposed to be from September 1 to 3. But that issue, according to him, had been resolved as well.”The second Test starts on the third day of Eid, so the first one will be held before Eid. The dates are confirmed, but I don’t want to mention it now. The issue was a five-day break for Eid, which was too long for them. Then we decided that we can hold the second Test on the third day of Eid. There won’t be a long gap.”When asked about Peever’s exchange with Hassan, a Cricket Australia spokesman declined to comment, and said the board’s earlier position about awaiting security assessments remained unchanged.The Tests were originally scheduled to be played in 2015 before the tour was cancelled due to a specific security threat against Australian nationals in Bangladesh.”We are still hopeful of touring Bangladesh in the near future and are working closely with the BCB to look at options, but the safety of players and officials will always come first,” a CA spokesperson said earlier this month. “We will continue to monitor advice from ASIO, DFAT and our own security advisors about the security risk for any future tours of the Australian team in Bangladesh and make a decision based on this advice closer to any potential tour.”

A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League matches held on April 21, 2017

Mohammad Isam21-Apr-2017Prime Bank Cricket Club rode on Sabbir Rahman’s unbeaten 78 to beat Mohammedan Sporting Club by seven wickets in a rain-curtailed contest at the KSOA Stadium in Fatullah. Sabbir hit four fours and five sixes in his 75-ball knock to help Prime Bank overhaul the target with 13.2 overs to spare.The game, interrupted by rain after Mohammedan had batted for 19 overs, was reduced to 41 overs a side. Only Tamim Iqbal, who had notched up 157 in the previous match, kept Mohammedan’s innings alive with a patient knock of 46. But Al-Amin, spearheaded Prime Bank’s attack with a five-wicket haul to bowl out Mohameddan for 142 in 36.1 overs. The offspinner bowled six overs with figures of 5 for 25 – including the scalp of Tamim – and earned his second five-for in List A cricket.Prime Bank’s target was adjusted to 149 in 41 overs and in reply, they lost their openers Soumya Sarkar (2) and Mehedi Maruf (7) within the first five overs of their innings. But Sabbir anchored his side’s chase with a match-winning knock. He added 97 unbroken runs for the fourth wicket with Taibur Rahman, who chipped in with an unbeaten 50-ball 42.Steered by Amit Majumder’s maiden List-A century, Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity crushed Partex Sporting Club by 77 runs in the battle of the newly-promoted sides at the BKSP-4 Ground in Savar. The margin of victory is likely to hold Khelaghar in good stead when the net run-rate comes into play later in the competition.Put in to bat, Khelaghar posted 288 for 8 in 50 overs. Majumder and Nazmus Sadat added 133 runs for the fifth wicket, with the latter hitting 79 off 51 balls, including six sixes and two fours. Majumder hit nine fours and three sixes during his 85-ball 101.Chasing 289, Partex hardly challenged Khelaghar’s bowling attack as they folded for 211 all in 45.1 overs. Sadiqur Rahman, Tanvir Islam and Ariful Islam took three wickets apiece while Robiul Islam Robi picked up one to hand Khelaghar their first win in the Dhaka Premier League this year.Kalabagan Krira Chakra also registered their maiden victory in the competition this year, defeating Victoria Sporting Club by ten runs at the BKSP-3 Ground in Savar.Having lost the toss, Kalabagan posted 259 for 6 in 50 overs courtesy half centuries from Mehrab Hossain jnr (63), Tushar Imran (56) and Muktar Ali (52). Mehrab and Tushar added 96 for the third wicket, before Tushar added 57 for the fourth wicket with Tasamul Haque(44).Muktar, who took charge of Kalabagan’s innings thereafter, hit four sixes and two fours in his 27-ball knock.Victoria suffered an early jolt in their innings – losing opener Abu Sayeem in the third over – and subsequently collapsed to 61 for 4 in the 19th over. Nasiruddin Faruque, however, held the chase together with his 84-ball 58 that included six fours and a six. After he fell to Nabil Samad, Shafiul Hayet and Moinul Islam put together 109 runs for the sixth wicket. Hayet made 64 off 81 balls – studded with six fours and two sixes – while Moinul top-scored with 75 off 57 balls.Once Kalabagan removed him in the 47th over, Victoria’s chase fell apart. With 30 runs needed off 20 deliveries, none of the last four batsmen in the lower order could get into double figures. Abul Hasan, Muktar and Hamilton Masakadza took two wickets each to limit Victoria to 249 for 9 in 50 overs.

سلط الدولي المصري محمد صلاح نجم فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ليفربول، الضوء على اثنين من اللاعبين اللذين يعتبرهما يحصلان على تقدير أقل من قيمتهما داخل الريدز.

ليفربول يتصدر جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويسعى للحصول على اللقب بالإضافة لمنافسته على بطولة الدوري الأوروبي، بعدما خرج من كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، وفاز ببطولة كأس رابطة المحترفين.

طالع أيضًا.. محمد صلاح يثير الجدل في تدريبات ليفربول.. والجماهير تعلق: يستعد لخلافة كلوب

واجه ليفربول شكوكًا قبل بداية الموسم بسبب رحيل روبرتو فيرمينو الذي لحق بـ ساديو ماني، مع وجود جاكبو ونونيز ولويس دياز، بالإضافة إلى ديوجو جوتا المصاب، رفقة محمد صلاح.

وفي تصريحات نقلها الصحفي المقرب من نادي ليفربول “daveockop”، رد محمد صلاح في مقابلة، على سؤال عن لاعبي الفريق الذين تم الاستهانة بهم ويحصلون على تقدير أقل.

وقال محمد صلاح: “الأمر صعب ولكن لكي نكون منصفين، يحصل أليسون بيكر على الكثير من الفضل وهو أمر جيد، لأنه يستحق ذلك، لا تفهموني خطأ”.

وأضاف: “أرنولد أيضًا وروبرتسون يحصلان على الفضل والثناء، أعتقد أن نونيز وجاكبو هما الأقل تقديرًا في الفريق”.

وأكمل: “كودي جاكبو لم يحصل على الثناء الذي يستحقه، ولا أعرف إذا كانت الجماهير توافق على ذلك”.

ويستعد ليفربول لمواجهة شيفيلد يونايتد غدًا في مباراة على ملعب أنفيلد ضمن مباريات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويعود آخر فوز لـ شيفيلد على الريدز في الدوري إلى أبريل عام 1994.

Tottenham Hotspur are "set to start" club-to-club talks "soon" for Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba, according to reports.

Who have Spurs signed this summer?

Spurs and new manager Ange Postecoglou have been very busy so far this summer transfer window, having already sealed the signings of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, England international James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon on a free transfer.

The trio are set to bolster Tottenham's options for the 2023/2024 season, with Postecoglou seeming particularly excited about the prospect of linking up with Maddison and Vicario.

“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers," explained the Spurs manager recently.

"It’s what they bring as people as well because we are going to play football that requires a certain type of personality and character.

“Both those guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew that they were the right types to bring into the dressing room."

Following on from those signings, it is believed Tottenham are chasing a new centre-back or two as they seek to strengthen a fragile defence – one which conceded 63 league goals last season.

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven is reported to be edging closer to joining Spurs, but reports suggest the north Londoners could make more than one signing in that position.

Tapsoba, who was undroppable for Leverkusen last season, is among the options being considered by Tottenham with journalist Sacha Tavolieri claiming talks over personal terms have been held in London.

The Burkina Faso international's representatives have been in London for contract discussions and Tavolieri sayus club-to-club talks are set to start imminently.

"Edmond Tapsoba's representatives were in London this weekend in order to discuss the personal terms with Tottenham," said the reporter on Twitter.

"I understand the meet-up was constructive and that talks are progressing 'significantly' as – for example – the salary of the B04 player has already been discussed.

"There are still points to fix but it goes on the good way about all parties involved. THFC now set to start talks soon with Bayer Leverkusen."

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

Leverkusen apparently want around £43 million for their star regular, but as per the numbers, he could well be worth it.

Only goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky played more Bundesliga minutes than Tapsoba last season, with the defender ranking just behind centre-back partner Jonathan Tah for clearances made per 90 (WhoScored).

Xabi Alonso clearly views the 24-year-old as an indispendable member of his starting eleven with the Bundesliga website even comparing him to Jerome Boateng.

They wrote:

"The legendary Bayern Munich defender, who made 364 appearances across 11 seasons for the Bavarian giants, was as cool and calm as it gets both on the ball and in the tackle while he was also famed for his pinpoint long passing that set up many an attack for the record champions. Tapsoba has similar traits and such is his eagerness to start forward thrusts, he has often been referred to as a defensive playmaker."

Newcastle United are interested in signing Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer, but Manchester United are also in the picture, according to a new update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How good is Axel Disasi?

The 25-year-old was an undoubted key man for his current side last season, proving to be an influential performer at the heart of their defence. He started an impressive 37 out of 38 Ligue 1 matches, winning an average of 2.6 aerial duels per outing – by far the most in his team – and also chipping with three goals and assists apiece for good measure.

Disasi is also a four-time capped France international, battling with the likes of Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba for minutes at international level, and he made three appearances at the 2022 World Cup, starting once and coming on as a substitute the other two times.

The Monaco man could well be a wanted man in the current transfer window, and while his contract doesn't run out until the summer of 2025, he could push for a move in the coming weeks as Champions League clubs snif around.

With Newcastle looking to potentially sign a new long-term centre-back partner for Sven Botman, it looks as though the Frenchman could be a target in the near future.

Do Newcastle want to sign Axel Disasi?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed Newcastle's interest in Disasi, also adding that United are equally keen on signing the defender, which was known previously:

"Newcastle and Manchester United are both exploring Disasi deal, no bids yet.

"Newcastle approached player side this week, expected to make contact with Monaco. Ten Hag approved Disasi — talks for weeks on player side but still waiting for approach with Monaco. More to follow."

Disasi could be a really strong addition to Newcastle's squad ahead of the new season, coming in as a possible immediate upgrade on Fabian Schar. The Swiss star has done an excellent job for the Magpies, but he is now 31 years of age and his very best days are arguably behind him, as can be the case with many players at the age. There is no issue with him as a squad player, but a younger option with his best years ahead of him makes complete sense this summer.

The Monaco defender has been hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for being part of a "crazy" group of talented young French central defenders who were present at the World Cup, while his "great qualities" as a player have been lauded by French coach Jean-Luc Vasseur in the past.

These are the sort of players who can take Newcastle to that next level moving forward, ensuring that last season was far from a one-off, and that the Magpies can build on their Champions League qualification by securing another top-four finish in 2023/24, gradually becoming a true force in English football.

It is also a testament to the progress made under Eddie Howe in such a short space of time that Newcastle are now in the mix to sign players who are linked with clubs like the Red Devils.

It looks as if Mason Mount may not be the only midfield addition at Manchester United this summer, with the Red Devils reportedly eyeing a move for Southampton sensation, Romeo Lavia.

What's the latest on Lavia to Man United?

According to 90min, the Old Trafford outfit are still seemingly keen on strengthening in the centre of the park despite the recent £60m capture of Mount, with young Lavia said to be among the options being considered by Erik ten Hag.

While the report suggests that the signing of a new striker and goalkeeper remains the 'priority' for the former Ajax boss ahead of next season, a move for a player like the Belgian teenager – who has been valued at around £50m – could also be considered.

This comes amid a similar piece from Manchester Evening News which also revealed that Ten Hag is contemplating whether to make a second midfield signing, with the 19-year-old maestro believed to be being 'monitored' at present.

Who is Romeo Lavia?

The former Manchester City youth star – who made the move to St Mary's on a £14m deal last summer – was arguably one of the breakout stars of the 2022/23 campaign despite his side's eventual relegation, having been tipped to be a "top player" in the future by international colleague, Kevin De Bruyne.

Also regarded as a potential "leader" for his country and for a top Premier League club in the years to come – in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig – Lavia has already made a strong impression during his embryonic senior career, having also earned notable praise from United legend Paul Scholes last season:

"He has got a pass in his locker and he is big and strong and likes to defend. He does not want to get forward too much and sits in-front of the back four and sets the play in motion from there."

As has previously been suggested, Ten Hag is believed to view the youngster as a potential successor to experienced Brazilian, Casemiro, in that defensive midfield role at the Theatre of Dreams, with further midfield depth also needed amid the uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Fred and Scott McTominay.

To be able to bring in such a highly-regarded wonderkid could have the adverse effect of harming one of United's own teenage gems, however, in the form of Kobbie Mainoo, with the 18-year-old Englishman potentially set to see his chances of game time hampered as a result of Lavia's possible arrival.

The "exceptional" talent – as described by MEN journalist Steven Railston – enjoyed a handful of outings in Ten Hag's senior set-up last term, with the expectation being that he will earn a permanent promotion to the first-team ranks moving forward.

A midfielder by trade – who operated in a deeper role in front of the back four during the club's glorious FA Youth Cup run in the 2021/22 season – Mainoo may then find that pathway blocked by the addition of Lavia, with it likely that the United boss would be more prone to handing minutes to a £50m, marquee signing, rather than a promising academy talent.

Of course, there may be hope for the Stockport native to ply his trade in a more advanced midfield berth, although the increased competition that would be provided by the Southampton star's arrival could prove to be bad news for his development.

The door could well be open for Tottenham Hotspur to strike a deal for Japanese international, Daichi Kamada, following the midfielder's recent exit from Eintracht Frankfurt.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

According to 90min, the Lilywhites have reportedly been offered the chance to land the free agent this summer following the collapse of his proposed move to AC Milan, with the north Londoners – as well as Newcastle United – having been 'informed' about the 26-year-old's situation.

As per the piece, the 6 foot sensation – who has been without a club since coming to the end of his contract at Frankfurt last month – had reached an agreement regarding a move to San Siro, albeit with subsequent changes to the hierarchy at the Serie A outfit leading to the club pulling out of a deal.

This follows reports in Germany that revealed Tottenham's interest in the former Sagan Tosu man heading into the January transfer window, following the playmaker's impact at the World Cup in the winter.

Who is Daichi Kamada?

The 29-cap dynamo notably started all four games for his country during their run to the last-16 in Qatar, having also impressed in the Bundesliga last term after scoring nine goals and chipping in with six assists from his 32 league outings.

Prior to that, Kamada had been part of the Frankfurt side that claimed Europa League glory during the 2021/22 campaign, notably scoring five goals in 13 appearances in the competition that season, including in the first-leg, semi-final victory over West Ham United.

As journalist Josh Bunting stated back in August, the exciting gem is not only an "incredible talent" but is also simply a "joy to watch", hence why the likes of Spurs and Newcastle have been paying such close attention to him of late.

If Ange Postecoglou is to seal a deal for Kamada ahead of those rival suitors over the coming weeks, the 57-year-old could seemingly find a perfect partner for recent addition, James Maddison in the centre of the park, with the latter man having joined on a £40m deal from Leicester City.

With the ex-Celtic boss likely to utilise his preferred 4-3-3 formation next season which includes two advanced midfielders – or number eight's – then the Greek-Aussie could be able to slot Kamada in alongside Maddison in that system.

Like the Englishman – who notably averaged 1.7 tackles per game in the Premier League in 2022/23 – the Frankfurt machine can also muck in defensively having averaged 1.6 tackles per game last term.

Also lauded as a player with "intelligent movement in and around the box", according to Bunting, Kamada showcased a real desire to get forward and impact proceedings in the final third as he ranks in the top 10% among midfielders for touches in the attacking penalty area, with Maddison sharing that front-foot approach as he ranks in the top 1% in that regard.

The duo are also alike due to their ability to net themselves or tee up others with quality service, with the former Foxes ace – who registered 19 goal involvements in the top-flight last season – ranking in the top 1% for both non-penalty goals and assists, while Kamada is not too far behind as he ranks in the top 5% and the top 15% for those same two metrics, respectively.

To potentially have two players who possess that same attacking and creative intent is a truly exciting prospect as far as Spurs are concerned, with it no doubt set to be a real bargain if Postecoglou can snap up the in-demand asset on a free.

Leeds United are reportedly not close to appointing a new manager despite speculation claiming Daniel Farke has agreed on Elland Road terms.

What’s the latest Leeds manager news?

The Whites are still looking to bring in a new long-term manager under new owners the 49ers Enterprises. However, the club appear to be waiting for the EFL to give the green light on a takeover before any official announcement is made on a new manager.

Time is ticking, though, with a number of Leeds’ first-team players set to report back for pre-season ahead of the new Championship season over the coming days.

There have been plenty of rumours about Farke making the move to Yorkshire, with The Daily Mail claiming on Thursday lunchtime that the German has now agreed on terms with the Whites and has even been shown around the Thorp Arch training complex following a lengthy interview process.

However, according to talkSPORT’s Jason Bourne, Leeds are not close to appointing a new manager, saying on Thursday evening:

“Sources close to Leeds suggesting to talkSPORT they're not close with an appointment of a head coach yet. Daniel Farke is being heavily linked with the role today.”

What other managers have been linked with Leeds?

It has been a lengthy process on the search for a new manager after Sam Allardyce was relieved of his duties following a temporary stint, and Farke isn’t the only name to have been linked with a move to Leeds.

Reports earlier this month claimed that former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira and ex-Bournemouth boss Scott Parker were also among the leading candidates. However, it looks as if Vieira is one of the favourites to take over at French side Strasbourg, so a move to Elland Road may not be on the cards.

Speculation has gone quiet with Parker, but on the face of things, you could argue that Farke is the standout option for the three mentioned.

Vieira doesn’t have any experience of the Championship, although Parker has two promotions to the Premier League on his CV with Bournemouth and Fulham, one of which came via the playoffs.

Farke plays a 4-2-3-1 system and has racked up a whopping 251 points in 138 games in the Championship with Norwich City. He led the Canaries to two titles in the second tier, so he could look to make it three with Leeds, but by the looks of it, a move may not be as advanced as some believe.