Wicketkeeper/batsman will be available for both the One-Day Cup and the T20 Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Nov-2019

Ben McDermott will play for Derbyshire in both white-ball competitions•Getty Images

Ben McDermott, the Australian wicketkeeper/batsman, has signed a white-ball deal that will see him become Derbyshire’s overseas player in both the One-Day Cup and the T20 Blast next season.McDermott, 24, has been in Australia’s squads for their T20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and is likely to be available for the duration of both tournaments, though he could miss some games if named in the ODI squad to play England in July.His move follows that of Sean Abbott, the New South Wales seamer who will represent Derbyshire as their other Blast overseas player, as well as the County Championship run-in.The two deals will offer some optimism to Derbyshire fans, not least after budgetary constraints prevented the signing of a high-profile overseas player for most of last year’s Blast. Logan van Beek, the New Zealand allrounder, was the club’s primary overseas player, but after deals for Billy Stanlake and Kane Richardson fell through, they were left to pick one, rather than the maximum two overseas players for most of their T20 fixtures. Boyd Rankin’s short-term deal later in the competition made him a second overseas option, but he played only five times.But with three England Under-19 players – Alfie Gleadall (released), James Taylor (Surrey) and Hamidullah Qadri (Kent) – leaving at the end of the season, funds have opened up to allow those two signings, in addition to the recruit of South African seamer Michael Cohen.McDermott has an impressive white-ball record – he has a healthy average of 54.64 in List A cricket and finished eighth in the Big Bash run charts last season – and gives Derbyshire an additional option with the gloves.Dave Houghton, the club’s head of cricket, said: “Ben comes to us with a good reputation and he is exactly what we are looking for in T20, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman who can bat throughout the order.”In the 50-over competition his batting will be of great benefit and he gives us another option with the gloves. Ben’s capable of taking the attack to the opposition as we look to build on white ball performances in 2019.”McDermott said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for me and I can’t wait to test myself in new conditions with Derbyshire.”The team did really well last season and I’m looking forward to helping them build. I love the short format stuff, but I’ve found good form in the 50-over competitions back home and I want to bring that to Derbyshire next summer.”

Tottenham chiefs are said to be eyeing a new striker alongside a permanent deal for Timo Werner, and like a £100 million star for the role.

Spurs linked with new striker this summer

Spurs, alongside their rumoured interest in a new winger and another centre-back, have been sporadically tipped to bring in a new number nine to replace club-record goalscorer Harry Kane.

Ledley King has now told Tottenham chiefs to sign "wonderful" 24-year-old

He’s a recommendation of the Spurs legend.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 19, 2024

Technical director Johan Lange, helped by ex-managing director Fabio Paratici's contacts, is believed to be laying the groundwork to sign a marquee striker (Wayne Veysey) – leading to links with a host of top options.

Spurs are apparently in contention for Brentford star Ivan Toney, with the England international looking extremely likely to leave his current club later this year and join an elite side.

Son Heung-min

14

Richarlison

10

Dejan Kulusevski

6

Brennan Johnson

4

Cristian Romero

4

Lesser known options, like Union St. Gillosie striker Mohamed Amoura, are also in the frame. The Algerian has bagged 22 goals and six assists in all competitions, and rumours claim he could depart Belgium for as little as £17 million.

Ange Postecoglou currently has Richarlison as the sole natural senior striking option in his squad, and he's bagged a brilliant nine goals in his last 11 league appearances.

However, this hasn't stopped the club from looking at others ahead of the transfer market's reopening, and this has now been backed by another source this week.

Spurs are apparently likely to make Werner's deal from RB Leipzig permanent through the £15 million buy-option clause in his contract, with it believed they're eyeing a striker "on top of" the German.

Tottenham eyeing striker and like Evan Ferguson

Alongside Werner, TEAMtalk state that Tottenham are indeed keen on signing a striker and like Brighton star Evan Ferguson.

The Republic of Ireland sensation, who is rumoured to command a seismic £100 million price tag, is admired by Spurs chiefs – with Ferguson seriously impressing at points this term.

Just 19 years of age, he's already been highly praised by Arsenal legend Ian Wright among others.

"All he has to do is keep doing what he is doing and they are going to start talking about him in million terms because that striker is not allowed. You can’t find that guy to come around, who is 18, in the Premier League and at the perfect club to continue to grow," said Wright last year.

“They aren’t going to be able to hold onto that guy if he carries on doing what he is doing. He is too good. So intelligent – for 18, it’s really, really composed finishing.

“He is fearless at 18. Can you imagine being in the Premier League at 18? You’re not under the pressure you would be under like Garnacho would be under at Manchester United – you watch the way he plays, all the top teams, the top six teams. He can play in any of those teams. We know Brighton, at some stage, they will sell him.”

Weston McKennie has a new Premier League suitor, with Everton the latest side from England to “survey” the United States international.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Turned down chance to join Villans
• Into final year of Bianconeri contract
• Saudi Pro League sides show interest

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The USMNT star has entered the final year of his contract at Serie A giants Juventus. No fresh terms have been agreed in Turin, with the Bianconeri now open to a sale. McKennie has been linked with clubs around the world.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aston Villa appeared set to agree a deal at one stage, in a part-exchange package involving Douglas Luiz, but McKennie turned down the chance to join the Champions League-bound Villans. Borussia Dortmund have also been credited with interest, while the 25-year-old has been urged to consider a move to MLS.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  are now reporting that Everton are keen on the former Leeds United loanee. They are said to be casting an eye over the versatile American, along with clubs from the Saudi Pro League – who would be able to put a lucrative contract offer on the table.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  McKennie is, however, in rush to make a decision on his future – having only recently finished Copa America duty with his country – and is yet to receive an approach that meets his “wishes”. Juve remain eager to sanction a sale that will free up space and funds in their squad.

Following the news that Christian Eriksen is unhappy with his current role at Manchester United, the Red Devils will likely need to start thinking about a replacement for the Dane sooner rather than later. And that's where one particular summer target could come in.

Man United transfer news

Eriksen recently revealed that he informed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag about his unhappiness at the club due to his struggle for game time in recent months.

At 32-years-old, the former Inter Milan man is unlikely to see his situation change at the club, especially after the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, whose Premier League game time must undoubtedly take priority. That said, when the transfer window swings open, it wouldn't come as a surprise if United needed to find a replacement for the Dane, for which they could turn to the Championship.

According to 90Min, Manchester United have contacted the representatives of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall over a potential move. If Leicester City earn promotion this season, then the midfielder will reportedly cost as much as £40m this summer, but if they fail in their promotion bid, then United will be able to land Dewsbury-Hall for almost half that price at £25m.

The Red Devils aren't alone in their interest, however, with Brighton & Hove Albion also keen on making another move after they saw their reported £20m bid rejected in the January transfer window. A lot will rely on whether the Foxes go up this season, however, which adds another element to the Championship's promotion race.

"Outstanding" Dewsbury-Hall is better than Eriksen

A player who fits the bill of what Sir Jim Ratcliffe is seemingly looking for, Dewsbury-Hall would be an upgrade on the ageing Eriksen this summer, as United look to go out with the old and in with the new. The midfielder, in his prime at 25-years-old, has enjoyed an excellent campaign in the Championship, bettering Eriksen's stats along the way.

League Stats 23/24

Kiernan Deswbury-Hall

Christian Eriksen

Starts

34

9

Goals

10

1

Assists

12

1

Key Passes

91

18

Progressive Carries

131

18

It's no real surprise that former boss Brendan Rodgers was impressed from the off when Dewsbury-Hall was first breaking into Leicester's side – then in the Premier League. Rodgers sang his praises, saying via BBC Sport in December 2021 after the Foxes' draw against Southampton: "I thought Kiernan was outstanding.

"He wanted to prove a point, he was aggressive and he took on the burden of the game. He knows the position that we want him to play. He has good energy and good athleticism. I've said about him improving on the ball, but he can give us that bite in midfield and he was a catalyst for the second half."

After a weekend where the club once again came within touching distance of a trophy, Chelsea need to try and find a way to end their unwanted run of cup final defeats in recent seasons.

The club have lost six consecutive cup finals since 2019, with the Blues losing their last three in a row to Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool, with the latest arguably the poorest defeat.

The Reds used seven academy products during the Carabao Cup final, with the players having an average age of just 20 years and two months – with Jayden Danns, son of former professional footballer Neil Danns, the youngster at just 18.

Klopp's side managed to find a way to win with his crop of promising youngsters, with Chelsea needing to adopt a similar approach and steer away from big-money signings in the transfer window.

In recent seasons, Chelsea have developed some brilliant talents, with Conor Gallagher and Levi Colwill just two examples within Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Liverpool's bench vs Chelsea
Player	Age
Joe Gomez	26
Bobby Clark	19
Kostas Tsimikas	27
James McConnell	19
Jayden Danns	18
Jarell Quansah	21
Adrian	37
Trey Nyoni	16
Lewis Koumas	18

However, there's one player within the club's academy who has impressed and should be fast-tracked into the Blues' current first-team setup.

Chelsea's next great academy talent

Despite his tender age of just 18, Leo Castledine is a player with a huge future at Stamford Bridge, with the attacking midfielder capable of making the step into Pochettino's plans.

The midfielder was part of the Cobham Academy as a youngster, before leaving the club to join lower league side AFC Wimbledon in 2013, before rejoining his boyhood club back in March 2020.

Castledine signed his Chelsea professional contract on his 17th birthday back in August 2022, with the youngster impressing for the club's academy in recent seasons.

He had featured on the bench multiple times for the Blues this season, before making his senior debut as a substitute against Middlesbrough during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

The 18-year-old came on with just five minutes to go. However, he failed to make a real impact, with Chelsea already securing the victory before his introduction.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Chelsea's next Mason Mount inbound

Mason Mount was one of the last attacking players to come through Chelsea's academy, starring in loan moves to sides such as Vitesse and Derby County before making an impact on the Blues' first team.

Castledine, "who's similar to Mount" in the eyes of Chelsea’s U21s coach Mark Robinson, could benefit from a loan move to a League One or League Two side, giving him vital experience in men's football before making an impact under Pochettino.

The youngster has excelled for the Blues' U21s in Premier League 2, scoring seven times with eight assists in 14 games – with Castledine contributing to 44% of the side's goals so far this campaign.

Castledine has a huge future ahead of him, with Chelsea conducting brilliant business in bringing him back to the club in 2020.

Whilst he's still very young with a long way to go until he features within the Blues first-team, it's great to see a promising youngster coming through the ranks – with one eye ahead on the future.

Bismah Maroof hit a career-best 70 not out off 50 balls as Pakistan women beat Bangladesh women by 15 runs to take a 2-0 lead in their three-match T20I series in Lahore.Maroof came in to bat at 35 for 1 in 4.4 overs, and stayed till the end to drive Pakistan to 167 for 3. Bangladesh put up a good fight, but could muster only 152 for 7 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.Maroof’s 10th T20I half-century comprised nine fours and one six, and was the centrepiece of Pakistan’s innings, with Javeria Khan lending good support with a 44-ball 52 at the top of the order. The two shared a 95-run stand for the second wicket in just 11.5 overs to put Pakistan on course for a winning total.Bangladesh’s best bowler was right-arm medium pacer Jahanara Alam, who took 2 for 27 in her four overs, accounting for Javeria and Iram Javed. The only other wicket-taker was Lata Mondal.Bangladesh’s chase was crippled by left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, playing only her second T20I. Sadia took a career-best 3 for 19 in her four overs as the middle order crumbled. Sanjida Islam, batting at No.3, held the first half of the innings together with 45 off 32 balls, but lacked top-order support.Bangladesh had begun poorly by losing a wicket in the second over. They kept losing wickets and had sunk to 93 for 6, with 75 needed off 39 balls as no batter in the top five could string together a partnership with Sanjida. The lower order then hit out to eventually bring the margin of defeat down. Fargana Hoque at No.6 made 30 off 19 balls while Alam hit two sixes and a four in her unbeaten 18 off just 5 balls.Maroof was player of the match in the first T20I too, when Pakistan defended 126 for 7 by keeping Bangladesh to 112 for 7. The third and final T20I of the series will take place on Wednesday, and will be followed by two ODIs.

أعلنت لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم عن هوية طاقم التحكيم الذي سيدير مباراة برشلونة وبايرن ميونخ في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

برشلونة يستضيف على ملعبه لويس كومبانيس في إسبانيا، نظيره بايرن ميونخ، ضمن الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا 2024-2025.

وأسندت المباراة وفقًا لموقع الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم للحكم السلوفيني الدولي، سلافكو فينسيتش، والذي كان حكمًا لنهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا في الموسم الماضي وفاز به ريال مدريد 2-0 أمام بوروسيا دورتموند.

سلافكو أدار هذا الموسم 7 مباريات بمختلف المسابقات، ما بين دوري أبطال أوروبا، ودوري الأمم الأوروبية، بالإضافة للمباريات المحلية في بلده في الدوري والكأس، ومباراة في الدوري السعودي.

طالع أيضًا | قائمة بايرن ميونخ أمام برشلونة في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. استدعاء جمال موسيالا

المباراة الوحيدة التي قادها في دوري أبطال أوروبا هذا الموسم كانت بين آرسنال وباريس سان جيرمان في ملعب الإمارات، والتي فاز بها الجانرز 2-0 في الجولة الماضية.

كما أدار سلافكو قمة أهلي جدة والهلال في الدوري السعودي، والتي انتهت بفوز الزعيم 2-1.

وأدار السلوفيني الموسم الماضي 8 مباريات في دوري أبطال أوروبا بينهما النهائي، بما في ذلك مباراة إياب ربع النهائي بين بوروسيا دورتموند وأتلتيكو مدريد، وإياب دور الـ16 بين بايرن ميونخ ولاتسيو.

وسبق وأن أدار سلافكو فينشيتش، مباراة ديربي القاهرة بين الأهلي والزمالك، الذي أقيم بينهما في يناير 2023، وفاز به المارد الأحمر بثلاثية نظيفة على استاد القاهرة.

وسيساعد فينشيتش، مواطنيه توماز كلانتشينيك، وأندراز كوفاتشيتش في الملعب، والحكم الرابع رادي أوبرينوفيتش من سلوفينيا أيضًا.

بينما على تقنية الفيديو، يتواجد الثنائي البولندي، توماس كوياتكوفسكي، وبيتور لاسيك.

Newcastle United are interested in signing an "incredible" Premier League star in the summer transfer window, with his current club valuing him at £60m.

Newcastle in need of new attackers

The Magpies have often been frustrated in attack this season, due to constant injury problems suffered by strike duo Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. They have been limited to 24 starts between them in the league in 2023/24, highlighting their lack of involvement.

Due in part to that, Isak (11) is the only Newcastle player to have reached double figures for goals in the league this term, and more firepower is needed once the summer transfer window arrives.

Juventus winger Federico Chiesa has been backed to seal move to St James' Park, for example, ahead of a potential from his current club in the summer. A direct and powerful wide man, the Euro 2020 winner with Italy has an overall tally of 51 goal contributions (29 goals and 22 assists) in 117 appearances for Juve, showing the end product he could add to Eddie Howe's team.

Real Sociedad ace Takefusa Kubo has also been linked with a summer switch to Newcastle, with the Japanese primarily a right-sided attacking player, but also capable of thriving in a central role. The 22-year-old has seven goals in 19 La Liga starts this season, and could be considered an upgrade on Miguel Almiron, should he depart at the end of the current campaign.

Newcastle want to sign "incredible" Premier League ace

According to a fresh report from The Daily Mail, Pedro Neto has emerged as a new target for Newcastle this summer, though Wolves are unlikely to let him leave on the cheap as they look to raise funds against their own FFP issues.

In fact, the report states that "a fee of around £60m would be needed to do a deal" at the end of the season, and Liverpool also "hold an interest" in the Portuguese winger. While Chiesa and Kubo represent exciting options, Neto is a player who can be considered a primary target for Newcastle in the summer window. The Wolves man is arguably one of the most sought-after Premier League players outside the traditional big clubs, and his impact this season sums up his brilliance.

Appearances

18

26

27

11

Starts

17

25

22

3

Goals

2

9

3

2

Assists

9

5

1

1

Key passes per game

2.1

1.1

0.8

0.2

Dribbles per game

1.9

1.3

0.8

0.4

The 23-year-old has registered nine assists in just 17 league starts, with his dribbling ability and final ball a nightmare for defender, according to Gary O'Neil.

Neto already knows the Premier League well, so he wouldn't have an issue taking time to adjust at Newcastle, and given his age, there should still be so much more to come from him. Injuries have been an issue, which does make signing him a slight risk, but the positives comfortably outweigh the negatives.

Star sold by Newcastle is now a "remarkable" £100m machine

He’s been a huge hit in the Premier League for his current club in recent years.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 8, 2024

The Real Madrid superstar is one of a number of high-profile players to miss out on inclusion but there is room for the game's next superstar…

The final of the 2024 European Championship is almost upon us, with Spain and England set to meet in the tournament-decider in Berlin on Sunday night. It could be an epic encounter, a classic clash of styles, with La Roja having entertained everyone with their direct and dynamic play, while the Three Lions have proven remarkably resilient.

Both teams are also packed with world-class talents, some of whom have really stepped up to the mark in Germany, producing moments of pure magic to keep their country's hopes of glory alive.

So, which players would warrant inclusion in a combined XI? GOAL makes our picks below and has been forced to leave out some seriously big names.

Let us know your thoughts – and your own Spain-England XIs – in the comment box provided…

Getty ImagesGK: Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford has copped an awful lot of flak over the years and some of it is obviously rooted in the fact that he's a rather aggressive character on the field. Credit where it's due, though, the Everton goalkeeper has never let the criticism affect him, he's seen off every challenge for the England No.1 shirt, and has been integral to his nation reaching another European Championship final.

Unai Simon has done well for Spain, for the most part, but he always makes at least one poor decision in every game, whereas Pickford has been pretty flawless thus far. He may not be the biggest goalkeeper but he came up big once again for England in the quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland.

AdvertisementGettyRB: Kyle Walker

Dani Carvajal is one of the most underestimated players in world football – which is utterly bizarre given he's been a regular starter for Real Madrid during one of the most successful eras in the club's history – and he's been his usual consistent self in Germany.

However, he did get himself sent off in the dying seconds of Spain's quarter-final win over Germany, so we're going to go with Kyle Walker at right-back instead, as the England man has barely put a foot wrong from a defensive perspective.

The versatile Manchester City defender may not be everyone's cup of tea but his defensive abilities cannot be faulted. If one defender has the pace and nous to deal with Spain winger Nico Williams, it's Walker, who rather incredibly still seems to be as quick as ever at 34 years of age.

GettyCB: John Stones

There were serious doubts over John Stones' match fitness coming into this tournament, as he'd barely played for Manchester City during the final few weeks of the season. However, despite seeing his regular central defensive partner Harry Maguire ruled out by injury, he's performed with his usual level of class and composure, whether playing in a back four or a back three.

Robin Le Normand has had some good games but he did score an own goal against Georgia and never really had any chance of getting into our team ahead of the player that's completed the most passes in Germany (495).

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyCB: Aymeric Laporte

Aymeric Laporte leaving Manchester City for Al-Nassr felt like such a strange move at the time – but even more so now, with the 30-year-old proving at the Euros that he remains one of the classiest centre-backs in the game.

Laporte was particularly impressive in Spain's wins over Germany and France – the perfect riposte to those of us that wondered whether Pep Guardiola had got rid of him because of a perceived decline in quality.

So, while Marc Guehi deserves tremendous credit for the way in which he has stepped up to the mark for England, the resurgent Laporte has been a cut above the Englishman – and nearly every other defender in Germany.

Australia may also host India for a day-night Test next summer

Daniel Brettig22-Nov-2019Brisbane’s inferior facilities may yet see it hosting Afghanistan under lights in the first Test match of next summer, before the better-equipped venues in Adelaide and Perth claim the first two of four matches against India who are expected to be open to a day-night fixture for the very first time.Cricket Australia’s negotiations with the BCCI for next season’s Test fixtures will be aided by the fact that India will have finally played day-night matches by then, starting with a Test against Bangladesh in Kolkata on Friday.However as the Indian board’s administration makes numerous moves back towards more traditionally bullish postures – under the new presidency of Sourav Ganguly – there will be the question of how many concessions the BCCI will make to CA’s tour schedule preferences, which will include at least one day-night Test.The Test team will be eager for the advantage of hosting India at the Gabba, where they have been unbeaten against all comers since 1988, but this must be balanced with India’s desires and also the fact that Adelaide Oval and Perth Stadium are a long way ahead of Brisbane in terms of amenities, likely crowds and capacity. Kevin Roberts, Cricket Australia’s chief executive, admitted to the possibility of the Gabba hosting Afghanistan for the first Test of summer before the India matches are played elsewhere.”If the Test summer proper did start that way, it’s a possibility, but there’s a lot to work through,” Roberts told SEN Radio. “We don’t have any preconceived ideas on that, we’re in the middle of executing the season, making sure we can deliver a really good experience to fans at the ground and through our broadcasters, and then we’ll get on to planning next season. We’re really keen on making sure we can learn from each season before we approach the next one.”From a playing perspective there’s no doubt there’s a very strong case for the Gabba to host the opening Test from a playing perspective, and that’s consistent with the comments from Shane Warne and Michael Vaughan and others. There’s a number of other perspectives though, we’ve seen governments around the country invest significantly in venues – a new stadium in Perth, the government’s invested upwards of a billion dollars in that, and that adds another dimension.”So you’ve got to consider the fan perspective, the players’ perspective, government perspectives, and that’s the beauty and complexity of sport, everyone has a piece of it, and it’s never simple to balance things across all of those different groups.”The Gabba has long drawn complaints about both its issues of accessibility – being surrounded on two sides by two of Brisbane’s major arterial roads – and also the lack of ambience within a concrete bowl suited far better to football than cricket.An investment of some A$35 million has been pledged by the Queensland state government to improve these areas in concert with the construction of a cross-river rail service linking the Gabba to the Brisbane CBD, though this is not expected to be completed before 2024. In a five-Test Ashes series, the Gabba is guaranteed the first match, but India’s preference for four matches makes things somewhat more complex for CA.”That $35 million will go basically into better amenities for the fans and it all leads towards the cross-river rail opening in about 2024, so a very different experience for fans not only getting to the match but a better experience of the facilities,” Roberts said. “So more contemporary spaces for fans to mingle rather than just coming along and sitting in a seat as you might’ve done 10 years ago.”Either way, the prospect of a day-night Test against India is growing by the day. “There’s no question day-night Test cricket needs to play a stronger role in the Test landscape going forward,” Roberts said. “We’re having productive conversations with India about the prospect of us playing day-night tests against each other in the future. Let’s hope this week’s experience in Kolkata is a really powerful one for them and a good experience that gives them more confidence about more day-night Test cricket to keep going forward.”