Luka Modric's contract with Real Madrid expires this summer, but at 39, it's likely that he will extend his stay at the Bernabeu for another year.
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Modric's contract expires in the summerNo talks held over a renewalCroatian would love to stay at Real MadridFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Luka Modric's desire is to prolong his Real Madrid career beyond the summer, when his current contract expires, and stay at the club for at least another season.
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In recent weeks, Modric has regained his spot in Carlo Ancelotti's starting line-up, largely thanks to an injury to Dani Ceballos in February and Fede Valverde having to play as a makeshift right-back. In Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Ceballos, the club has a strong young core in midfield, which has reduced Modric to a squad role since 2023. But in the wake of his recent performances, and his unparalleled longevity at the highest level, Los Blancos may well be tempted to keep their iconic midfielder for another year, something that Ancelotti has confidently supported.
DID YOU KNOW?
If Real Madrid do offer Modric an extension for another season, it would result in the Croatian becoming the first-ever player to play for Madrid in their forties. As it is, Modric is both the club's oldest player and goal scorer of all time.
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LUKA MODRIC?
While fans await the verdict on the evergreen 39-year-old's future in the Spanish capital, he is still going strong at both club and international level. Modric will captain Croatia in the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final on Thursday, March 20, facing club team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Tchouameni, and Camavinga in the opposition.
Tottenham Hotspur host Liverpool in the Premier League this afternoon, still bouncing from the frenetic Carabao Cup victory against Manchester United on Thursday evening.
That performance has set up a semi-final showdown with Arne Slot’s squad in the New Year, and this weekend’s clash could be used as a yardstick down the line to determine how the exciting outfits match up.
Liverpool are two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand but have ceded ground in each of their past two matches and look more susceptible with Ibrahima Konate sidelined through injury.
Spurs team news
Though Sunday’s visitors have one or two concerns, Tottenham have suffered a spate of setbacks in recent weeks that have limited their options considerably.
Guglielmo Vicario is still out, and thus Fraser Forster, 36, will reprise his place between the sticks once again after his horror show against the Red Devils.
Compounding this problem, star defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are still out until the New Year, and while Ben Davies is nearing a return, this one might come too soon.
While Spence made a good impression, he’s probably not going to start for this one, with Destiny Udogie believed to be fit once again after missing out in midweek. The robust left-back could be key against a Reds side that may just be eyeing him somewhat jealously.
Destiny Udogie could be crucial vs Liverpool
Udogie is set to be fit for this crunch clash, and it’s a good thing too, with his strengths perfect for the high-stakes fixture against the Liverpool machine.
Matches (starts)
28 (28)
16 (16)
Goals
2
0
Assists
3
1
Touches*
67.2
63.3
Pass completion
87%
89%
Key passes*
0.9
0.8
Dribbles*
0.9
0.6
Ball recoveries*
6.0
4.6
Tackles + interceptions*
3.7
3.8
Total duels (won)*
5.4 (50%)
5.8 (56%)
Some may claim that Udogie hasn’t been at his best this season, but the data would suggest that he’s continuing to make headway in England’s top flight and, let’s not forget, has only recently turned 22.
Described as a “monster” by journalist Travis Levison due to his physical and athletic qualities, Udogie is the perfect player to nullify a player like Mohamed Salah, who is 32 but still one of the most potent threats in Europe.
Salah’s athletic regression is a by-product of Father Time, but he’s catered his game to accommodate his age. It will take someone such as Udogie to come out on top.
Indeed, the Italian ranks among the top 7% of Premier League full-backs this year for progressive passes, the top 18% for progressive carries and the top 14% for tackles and blocks per 90, as per FBref, making good on the claims from reporter Hunter Godson that he is a “sickeningly good” young talent who would walk into “nearly every team in the world already”, including the Reds.
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson may return to the starting line-up after being sent off against Fulham one week ago (missing out against Southampton on Wednesday) but the 30-year-old is starting to show signs of withering and given that Liverpool will be hunting for a left-back in 2025, might pay extra close attention to Udogie’s performance.
Of course, it’s not likely that Spurs’ talent will be going anywhere soon, though that’s not going to stop Tottenham from showcasing Udogie in all his qualities, perhaps proving to be the difference-maker on a testing afternoon.
Levy must axe Spurs "horror show" who Postecoglou "really wanted" to sign
The experienced international has not been good enough for Spurs.
John Simpson equals record for wicketkeeping dismissals in a match at Lord’s with nine catches
ECB Reporters Network22-May-2022John Simpson equalled the record for wicketkeeping dismissals in a match at Lord’s with nine catches as Middlesex beat Durham by six wickets on the final day of their LV= Insurance Championship clash.The diminutive gloveman achieved the feat for the second time in his career at the home of cricket with five victims in Durham’s second innings to add to his four from the first. Toby Roland-Jones was the main beneficiary of Simpson’s latest entry into the county’s record books, returning 6 for 35 for match figures of 10 for 107, while Ethan Bamber took 3 for 18 as Durham were dismissed for 188 despite 60 from skipper Scott Borthwick.Set 117 in 44 overs to win, the hosts made heavy weather of the chase before skipper Peter Handscomb, whom it was confirmed in an afternoon press release would leave the club at the end of the match to join up with Australia-A, signed off with 39 not out to see them home.Related
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Haseeb Hameed, Ben Slater complete ten-wicket stroll to victory for Notts
Peter Handscomb to leave Middlesex with immediate effect
For much of the morning there was little sign of the drama to come as Borthwick and night-watchman Matthew Salisbury batted with relative comfort on a placid surface.Borthwick pulled Roland-Jones to the mid-wicket fence before driving Martin Andersson twice in an over through the same region. Salisbury too played with increasing confidence, garnering three boundaries from one especially expensive Andersson over.Borthwick eased to 50 with 10 fours and 20 minutes before lunch the game appeared to be meandering aimlessly, before the reintroduction of Roland-Jones gave it a much needed kiss of life.The seamer’s loosener looked set to be given the full treatment, but Borthwick under-edged the offering into his middle stump which was duly uprooted from the turf.If that wicket owed a little to lady luck, the prize scalp of England captain Ben Stokes two balls later was down to inspiration. Roland-Jones found a smidgen of away movement to find the edge and Sam Robson took a smart catch at second slip.Minutes later Robson grabbed an even better one inches from the turf to send Ned Eckersley packing for just 2 off the bowling of Bamber, leaving Durham six down at lunch and just 44 in front.Salisbury survived the mayhem to eclipse his previous career-best of 41 immediately after the resumption, but a maiden first-class 50 would elude him as Bamber found the edge for Simpson to take his seventh catch of the game. And seven became eight when Bamber, awarded his county cap on Thursday, struck again to remove one of Durham’s first-innings heroes Liam Trevaskis.The Durham response was to counter-attack, Ben Raine and Brydon Carse unfurling a succession of meaty blows, hitting Luke Hollman out of the attack and greeting the return of Tim Murtagh with similar disdain. It needed Roland-Jones to return to break the stand of 41, Simpson again the catcher.There wouldn’t be a record 10th as after Raine (39 not out) deposited Murtagh into the Mound Stand, the bowler had Chris Rushworth caught by Roland-Jones for a duck.Robson was an early victim of Raine, nibbling at one he could have left and there were nerves when fellow opener Mark Stoneman edged spinner Trevaskis to Eckersley for a brisk 29. Josh De Caires did little to ease those fears when bowled by Borthwick and Max Holden edged Trevaskis to slip with 29 still needed.But Simpson twice planted Borthwick long hops into the Mound Stand as he and Handscomb saw Middlesex over the line to send them back to the top of the Division Two table.
Preparing for the inevitable interest in one of their rising stars, Bournemouth have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a new left-back who could replace Milos Kerkez amid recent headlines linking the Hungarian to a number of clubs.
Bournemouth transfer news
The Cherries are once again sending shockwaves throughout the Premier League in a surprise push to secure European football under Andoni Iraola, who is quickly becoming one of the managers to watch in the English game. The Spaniard has his side playing some excellent football – some of the most entertaining in the Premier League – and has earned deserved victories over Arsenal and Manchester City as a result this season.
Bournemouth – perhaps more than others – will be well aware of the cost of success in the Premier League, however. They’ve been forced to bid farewell to the likes of Callum Wilson, Dominic Solanke and Nathan Ake in the past as big clubs came calling and could now have little choice but to do the same either in the January transfer window or during the summer.
Already, in-form left-back Kerkez has reportedly earned the interest of Liverpool and Manchester United with the transfer window open, and it wouldn’t come as a major shock if they successfully swooped in to seal the Hungarian’s signature in the coming weeks or months. And it seems as though the Cherries are well aware of that possibility.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bournemouth have now reached an agreement to sign Julio Soler in a deal worth $15m (£12m) from Argentine side CA Lanus. Signing a four year deal, the left-back is now set to travel to the South Coast and complete his medical.
Once again an intelligent piece of business from those at the Vitality Stadium, Soler could quickly become the natural replacement for Kerkez if he decides to depart in the coming months.
"Exciting" Soler is an intelligent addition
Whilst Soler’s arrival potentially indicates that Bournemouth expect to lose Kerkez at some stage in the near future, the left-back’s arrival could quickly prove to be a stroke of genius if he naturally replaces the Liverpool-linked man and the Cherries make a significant amount of profit on any sale they agree to.
At just 19 years old too, Soler has all the potential in the world to reach Kerkez’s current level. Viewed as an “exciting prospect”, according to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, Soler should prove to be one to watch in an impressive Bournemouth side.
In almost Brighton-like fashion, the Cherries are becoming a sustainable, yet successful club by turning players into stars and selling them on for major profit. They did just that with Solanke last summer, before signing Evanilson, and could now do so again by selling Kerkez for big money and instantly pushing Soler into a starting role.
Fifties from Gaikwad and Kishan also play a part in hosts’ dismantling of South Africa in Vizag
Firdose Moonda14-Jun-20224:18
Jaffer: Wristspinners need to be brave and Chahal was
India needed their players to step up and put in a big performance to stay alive in the five-match T20I series and Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel did just that. Gaikwad and Kishan shared 97 – India’s highest opening stand against South Africa in T20Is, with each scoring half-centuries. Gaikwad posted a career-best 57 to set India up for a strong total before Chahal and Harshal took three wickets apiece to give India a comprehensive win.South Africa’s defeat was only their second in the last 15 T20Is and their first in the previous eight matches while chasing. They needed a strong start and someone to bat through, but were 38 for 2 in the powerplay and no-one scored more than Heinrich Klaasen’s 29.India’s spinners applied significant pressure for the first time in the series, on the slowest surface so far. Chahal and Axar Patel gave away only 45 runs between them for seven wickets to give Rishabh Pant his first win as captain.Five, four(s)…  India were off to a solid but unspectacular start until Anrich Nortje came on to bowl the fifth over and Gaikwad got hold of him. Nortje started in signature fashion – short – but also bowled it wide and Gaikwad only had to stand and cut to find the boundary. Nortje delivered the next ball on a length, and Gaikwad charged down and lofted him over mid-on, prompting Nortje to default back to the bouncer. His third ball came in viciously from outside off and took the grille of Gaikwad’s helmet and raced to the third-man rope. Gaikwad was given the runs, but later taken away as leg-byes, even as he had to have a concussion test.4:15
Steyn: Gaikwad bats pretty much like KL Rahul
He was cleared to continue, and seemed just fine, as he flicked away Nortje’s follow-up, a full ball, through midwicket. Nortje moved his line closer to the stumps for the fifth ball but Gaikwad made room and opened the face of the bat late to steer the ball to short third man. Tabraiz Shamsi was stationed there and although he would have had to make good ground to take the catch, he should have stopped the ball going through his hands and to the boundary. Gaikwad swung and missed the sixth ball as Nortje saved some face. Gaikwad went on to bring up his fifty off 30 balls.Shamsi v Shreyas Shreyas Iyer has yet to look entirely convincing in this series and scored his first runs in this innings with a top edge off Nortje that went for six. Shreyas was much more in control of his next runs, when he skipped down the track to launch Shamsi over mid-off. The spinner had already been hit for 23 runs in his first two overs and was not having as good a time as he would have liked to celebrate his 50th T20I. But he thought he had turned things around when three balls later, Shreyas was given out lbw as he tried to sweep. Shreyas reviewed immediately, with replays indicating that he had gloved the ball. Just when Shamsi may have thought his night wouldn’t improve, Shreyas swept again, but didn’t keep it down and Nortje timed his jump perfectly at square leg to take the catch.Two drops and some damage It’s not like South Africa to put down chances and it’s even less like Miller and Rassie van der Dussen but they were both guilty of mistakes. Miller’s was the simpler of the two, when Hardilk Pandya, on 1, sliced Shamsi on the off side and he only had to hold on, but couldn’t. van der Dussen’s required running in from deep backward point when Pant, on 4, slashed at a wide Dwaine Pretorius delivery. He got to the ball but it popped out of his hands. van der Dussen’s drop only cost two runs when, later in Pretorius’ over, Pant again lofted the seamer over the offside. Bavuma ran back from mid-off to take the catch. Pandya’s let-off was more costly. He went on to score 31 runs and help India take 41 off the last five, to push the total over 175.Harshal Patel rattled South Africa’s chase with a four-wicket haul•Associated PressPoor in the powerplay Without Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram, the spotlight was always going to shine brightly on South Africa’s opening pair and their strike rates. Temba Bavuma and Reeza Hendricks’ career strike-rates sit at 121.75 and 121.44 respectively and both struggled to get going against a classic Bhuvneshwar Kumar opening spell. He swung the ball both ways to deliver two overs for seven runs but was taken off by Pant, who has developed a habit of replacing bowlers who are applying pressure. Bhuvneshwar’s squeeze worked – Bavuma was caught at mid-on as he tried to clear the in field off Axar. Hendricks edged Chahal, but the chance didn’t carry to slip, before he swung at a Harshal slower ball and was caught at mid-off to end the powerplay on 38 for 2.No middle-order hero this time van der Dussen was dismissed for 1 when he was caught behind off a Chahal delivery that turned away from him as he tried to cut and two overs later Pretorius went in a similar way but it was only when Miller was done in by a slower ball from Harshal that South Africa’s middle order was opened up for the first time in the series.Wayne Parnell came in at No.7, with South Africa needing 109 runs from nine overs. He had Klaasen at the other end but Chahal had the final say. In his final over, Chahal tossed it up, inviting Klaasen to go big but he could only get the ball as far as Axar at extra cover, to all but end South Africa’s chase in the 15th over. India proceeded to secure their biggest victory (in terms of runs) over South Africa in T20Is.
Wayne Rooney revealed that he was tempted to move to Spain once as he offered Trent Alexander-Arnold advice on Liverpool future.
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Rooney had offers from Madrid, Barca and ChelseaWanted to leave Man Utd in 2010 Offered Trent advice on Liverpool futureFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?
Alexander-Arnold's future has been the subject of intense debate, with reports last week claiming he has now virtually agreed a deal with the Spanish giants Real Madrid after refusing to commit his future to his boyhood club. Amid speculation over the defender's future at Anfield, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has weighed in on the situation as he revealed that he was also tempted to move out of Old Trafford amid interest from top European clubs.
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In his column for , Rooney wrote: "When I told Manchester United in 2010 that I did not want to sign a new deal and put in a transfer request, three clubs came in for me. Manchester City are often talked about as being one of them, but I don't think that was ever an option for me – the teams who made an approach were Chelsea, Real and Barcelona.
"In my head, I was ready to go and play in Spain and some talks did take place. A deal with Real looked more likely for a couple of days but it was Barcelona whom I thought about the most, and how I might fit into their side alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets. In the end I decided to stay at United, but Barca had an incredible team then and any player would have loved to have played in it. Real are the same now with superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, so of course it must be appealing to Alexander-Arnold to think about playing alongside them – anyone would feel the same."
He added: "He has been at Liverpool for almost 20 years – since he was six – but the reality is that most players move at some point – that's why there are so few one-club men like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher. I would not blame Alexander-Arnold for wanting to do something a little bit different – like a fresh challenge in a new country – Spain would be a really good move for him."
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The Red Devils icon also claimed that the English full-back could still make an U-turn on his stance and eventualy stay back at Anfield, as he wrote: "I get why Liverpool fans are upset and even angry at the thought of Alexander-Arnold leaving – all supporters like to see local lads coming through at their club, and they never like to see them being sold. I feel like it is the fact he would be going on a free which has upset them the most, but that situation is down to Liverpool as well as Alexander-Arnold.
"We don't know why his contract has been allowed to run down – or whether that is down to him or the club – but it is something Liverpool have done with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk this season too, and also in the past with Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino. No one seems to have said much about the other players letting their deals run down, just Alexander-Arnold. I think that's because he's a local lad, which feels a bit unfair. Alexander-Arnold has been an excellent servant to the club, so you can't begrudge him wanting to try something new. It would not just be a shame for Liverpool fans if he left because you want to see the best players in the Premier League but, if he does go to Real, I wish him well."
Rooney added: "Still, as I found out myself, just because there are talks over a transfer does not mean it will happen. It is well known that some United fans protested outside my house when they thought I was going to leave in 2010, but I'd agreed my new contract by then. Alexander-Arnold has not signed anything with Real yet and it would not surprise me if, even after all this speculation, he ends up staying at Anfield after all. A lot can happen before a contract is signed – as I know from experience."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?
For now, the England international will remain focused on winning the Premier League title with Arne Slot's side, who will next face arch-rivals Everton on Wednesday at Anfield.
Eve Jones scores 91 in losing cause as Sparks fall to second defeat in three games
ECB Reporters Network16-Jul-2022Northern Diamonds continued their strong start to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy campaign with a highly impressive five-wicket win over Central Sparks at New Road, Worcester.Diamonds made it three wins out of three by restricting the home side to 214 for 6 from their 50 overs and then chasing down the target comfortably, reaching 215 for 5 with 64 balls to spare.After Sparks chose to bat, only Eve Jones (91, 128 balls) imposed any command over a tight collective bowling effort by the visitors. Emma Marlow led the way with 2 for 37 while there was a wicket apiece for Rachel Slater, Leigh Kasparek and Linsey Smith.Diamonds then organised the chase to perfection, based around two decisive partnerships. Openers Lauren Winfield-Hill (50, 55) and Smith added 74 in 15 overs and third-wicket pair Hollie Armitage (60 not out, 63 balls) and Sterre Kalis put on 108 in 18.Jones dominated the Sparks innings but support for her from the rest of the top order was fleeting. Stephanie Butler, Thea Brookes and Ami Campbell all reached double figures but failed to get to 20 as disciplined Diamonds bowling pared away at the batting.Jones was closing in on a well-deserved century when she was smartly stumped by Winfield-Hill off Kasperek and it was left to Abigail Freeborn with an unbeaten 48 to lift the total over 200. The innings contained only 12 fours and no sixes.Sparks’ total appeared to be around 20 or 30 light and so it transpired after Winfield-Hill and Smith provided Diamonds with exactly the platform they needed. Leg-spinner Hannah Baker removed both openers but Armitage and Kalis settled any Diamonds nerves with another strong stand.Grace Potts returned to the attack to have Kalis caught and trap Pheobe Turner lbw but the double blow came too late for Sparks who were left to digest their second defeat in three games.
It’s no secret that Chelsea have been known to splash the cash in recent years, especially since the arrival of American businessman Todd Boehly back in May 2022.
He’s splashed over £1.3bn on new signings since taking over at Stamford Bridge, highlighting his ambition of improving the current side for Enzo Maresca, whilst also keeping one eye on the future.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Jadon Sancho all appear to be worthwhile investments, impressing in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, handing the Blues every chance of securing a top-four finish.
However, the supporters have more reasons to be positive, with youngsters Kendry Paez and Estevao William set to join the club in the near future, with the pair having real hope of transforming into world-class talents down the line.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for another young talent, who looks set to depart the Blues despite arriving with real expectations, but has since been unable to break into the first team in West London.
Chelsea star agrees to join Serie A side
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Cesare Casadei has agreed personal terms with Serie A side Torino ahead of a potential permanent move this January.
The 21-year-old arrived at the Bridge back in 2022 from Inter Milan, originally joining the academy before loan spells with Reading and Leicester City, with the latter under current boss Maresca.
Cesare Casadei
Expectations further increased after he won the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament award for the U20 World Cup last year, but ultimately has been unable to catapult himself into the first team this season – only making six appearances with none of which coming in the league.
The report claims the youngster is keen on the move, but a fee is yet to be agreed, with the Blues demanding €20m (£16.6m), but Torino are yet to match such a figure with their opening offer of €12m (£10m).
Whilst in the short-term it may be sensible to cash in on Casadei, his potential departure could see a repeat of one player who left prematurely and has since gone on to become a world-class talent.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Why Casadei could be a Salah repeat for Chelsea
Winger Mohamed Salah joined Chelsea way back in January 2014 from Swiss side FC Basel, looking to provide added quality to the club’s attacking department.
However, his time in the capital was unsuccessful, massively struggling to gain the game time needed to succeed, featuring just 19 times during his time at the Bridge.
He would subsequently spend various loan spells in Italy with Fiorentina and Roma, before joining the latter permanently in the summer of 2016 – a move that would catapult him into stardom.
The Egyptian bagged 19 goals in 41 matches, which led to a £34m transfer to English rivals Liverpool just a year after his original move to Italy – achieving mind-boggling numbers since his move.
The now 32-year-old has scored over 200 times for the Reds, managing over 20 goals in every campaign during his time at Anfield, with this year arguably his best – registering 18 goals and 13 assists in just 19 league outings.
2017/18
52
44
14
2018/19
52
27
10
2019/20
48
23
13
2020/21
51
31
6
2021/22
51
31
15
2022/23
51
30
16
2023/24
44
25
13
2024/25
27
21
17
Total:
376
232
104
Looking back, the decision to prematurely offload Salah is one of regret, with the same potentially happening in the form of midfielder Casadei 11 years down the line.
The 21-year-old, who’s previously been dubbed as a “world-class” talent by journalist Tom Overend, demonstrated during his loan spell with the Foxes that he has the ability to thrive if given the opportunity but ultimately has found himself way down the pecking order as of late, just like Salah did before his own move to Italy.
Undoubtedly, he’s in serious need of regular game time to reach the potential he arrived with, but a loan spell would massively benefit both parties – leaving the door open for a potential first-team place in 2025/26.
However, it appears Chelsea’s loss will be Torino’s gain, with the permanent transfer back to Italy one the club’s hierarchy may live to regret should he thrive with increased opportunities back in his homeland.
The new Salah: Chelsea could sign "one of Europe's best forwards" for £58m
Chelsea might need to upgrade parts of their talented squad this year.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after allegedly slapping Jack Grealish after the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
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Grealish allegedly assaulted after Manchester derbyIncident took place near tunnel at Old TraffordPolice confirm man has been arrested and chargedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Manchester City star was called over to the stand by a member of the crowd as he exited the field after coming on as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Manchester United. The England international is said to have been "slapped in the face," reports, though he was not seriously injured.
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Police have since confirmed that a man has been arrested and charged with assault, with an appearance in front of the Manchester magistrates scheduled for July.
WHAT POLICE SAID
"Alfie Holt, 20, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, has been charged with assault. He will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court. This charge relates to an incident which took place at Old Trafford Football Club yesterday," a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said.
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?
Grealish featured for the last 15 minutes of the Premier League showdown at the weekend and will hope to be back in the starting XI when they face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Shaheen Afridi has been included in both travelling parties, to continue his rehab from a knee injury while with the team
Umar Farooq03-Aug-2022Hasan Ali has been dropped from both Pakistan’s squad for the ODI series in the Netherlands as well for the Asia Cup T20Is later this month. Naseem Shah has been named in both squads. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who missed the second Test in Sri Lanka last month because of a knee injury, has been included in both squads, with a PCB statement saying, “his rehabilitation programme will be overseen by the team trainer and physiotherapist, who will also decide on his return to international cricket”.Babar Azam continues to be in charge of both the set-ups, with Shadab Khan as his deputy.Hasan’s form across formats in the last year has been middling at best, with his T20I bowling strike rate moving to 23.2; he has picked up eight wickets in nine games in this period. In the three ODIs he has played in the last 12 months – all at home between March and June this year – he averaged 76.50 with the ball, picking up two wickets overall. Earlier this year, in the PSL, he had a bowling average of 40.55 and had an economy rate of 10.84 as he got nine wickets in nine games for Islamabad United.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”We have done our homework, especially for the players who have served Pakistan well and have won so many games for the country,” Mohammad Wasim, the men’s chief selector, said when asked about Hasan. “To give them a longer run is a part of the plan, but then there is the stage when you realise that now is the time we think he needs a break for his own and the team’s betterment.”So we had a similar thought process with Hasan Ali, to give him an extended run, but now we think he needs to regather himself and return as a match-winner. We hope going forward we will find the same old Hasan Ali.”It has been a downward spiral for Hasan since last year’s T20 World Cup, where he dropped a catch that could, potentially, have won Pakistan the semi-final against Australia. He ended the tournament with five wicket in six bowling innings, at an average of 41.40 and an economy rate of 9.00.Naseem, who has never played ODIs or T20Is, has taken Hasan’s place after a good performance in the two Tests in Sri Lanka last month, when he picked up seven wickets on not-very-helpful pitches. Naseem had struggled with fitness issues till recently, but has come back stronger.”Naseem Shah is a quality bowler, and we have seen him in domestic white-ball cricket,” Wasim said. “He has got express pace and we wanted to include an attacking option; it is important to take wickets in white0ball cricket. He has that ability. He can swing the ball, he has got pace, and if we talk about his temperament, we have seen the evidence in Tests.”He was a good replacement for Hasan Ali, and we hope he can take his success from red-ball to white-ball cricket.”ESPNcricinfo LtdAgha Salman, the middle-order batter who made his international debut in the Test series against Sri Lanka last month, now has a chance of making his ODI debut in the Netherlands.The selectors have also kept faith in PSL sensational Mohammad Haris, the wicketkeeper-batter, for the ODIs. He made his debut in the home series against West Indies in June, but failed both the times he got a chance to bat, scoring 6 and 0 from the middle order.He has, however, been identified as the back-up to Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps, which will likely ensure more opportunities, at least in the short term. Haris shot to prominence at PSL 7, scoring 166 runs in five innings at a strike rate of over 185 for Peshawar Zalmi. At the 50-over Pakistan Cup last year, he scored 289 runs in eight innings at an average of 41.28 and strike rate of over 100 for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The selected players will assemble in Lahore on August 6 for a six-day training camp. The ODI side will leave for Amsterdam in the wee hours of August 12 for the three-ODI series – the matches are on August 16, 18 and 21, all in Rotterdam – and the T20I specialists will reach Dubai on August 22, where they will be joined by the T20I members of the ODI squad.