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An update has emerged regarding Aston Villa’s interest in Bournemouth forward Arnaut Danjuma.

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, Villa have shown an interest in signing the 24-year-old from the Cherries this summer to bolster their attacking options. Johan Lange is said to have made an enquiry to the Championship club over his availability.

Bournemouth’s stance on his situation has not been revealed, but the report states that the attacker has not made a final decision on his future. The Netherlands international would be open to moving abroad and playing in mainland Europe if he is not able to find a new club in England.

Forget Smith-Rowe

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Villa have no chance of signing Emile Smith-Rowe from Arsenal this summer. Mikel Arteta believes that the Englishman will remain at the Emirates Stadium despite interest from Dean Smith’s side and sign a contract extension with the Gunners.

This means that the time is right for Villa to move on from Smith-Rowe and concentrate on landing another target in Danjuma.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a sensational season in the Championship with the Cherries as he was directly involved in 24 goals in 31 starts. He plundered an impressive 17 goals and seven assists as Bournemouth made the play-offs before being knocked out by eventual winners Brentford in the semi-finals.

Earlier this year, Clinton Morrison lavished praise on the Dutchman, calling him an exceptional talent and saying that he will be playing in the Premier League one way or another next season.

He told Quest, via Football League World: “Danjuma is an excellent player. Whatever happens, he will be playing Premier League football next year, whether it’s with Bournemouth or without them. He’s an exceptional talent.”

Morrison’s comments and his statistics in the second tier suggest that he has the potential to make the step up to the Premier League next season. He averaged 1.5 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per Championship game for Bournemouth, showing that he has a direct style of play and indicating that could excite fans with his runs down the wing.

Smith could love working the Dutchman as he might offer him a different option to Jack Grealish on the left flank next term. The England international likes to get on the ball and dictate the play, drawing fouls and creating openings, which could open up space on the left for Danjuma to come in and offer himself out wide to stretch the play. Therefore, Smith could enjoy having a variety of options, and this is why Villa must land him this summer.

AND in other news, “A club you’d want to go and join” – Exclusive: Pundit claims 26 y/o would be keen on AVFC move…

BRISBANE – Australian paceman Jason Gillespie has proven his fitness forthe first Ashes Test against England at a net session today.

AAP05-Nov-2002BRISBANE – Australian paceman Jason Gillespie has proven his fitness forthe first Ashes Test against England at a net session today.Selection convener Trevor Hohns watched Gillespie complete two bowlingworkouts and believed he could take his place in the Test starting atthe Gabba on Thurday if selected in the Test team.Gillespie said he felt “pumped” after bowling two 40-minute spells toprove he had overcome the calf muscle injury which kept him out of thelast two Tests in Australia’s 3-0 series win over Pakistan.Gillespie said he had no doubt he would be ready for a five-day Test.That would leave Brett Lee and Andrew Bichel fighting for the lastbowling spot.

New Zealand Cricket’s sports science medical co-ordinator Warren Frost confirmed today that he had been able to keep up to play with the state of injury recovery of affected international players during their six-week strike

Lynn McConnell12-Nov-2002New Zealand Cricket’s sports science medical co-ordinator Warren Frost confirmed today that he had been able to keep up to play with the state of injury recovery of affected international players during their six-week strike.”It was difficult, but not impossible. I had to do it through the right channels,” he told CricInfo.With so many players in various stages of rehabilitation, and with the international season getting even closer, it was regarded as a vital time in their build-up.Frost will be working with the players over the next week to assess where they are at.”When they came back from Sri Lanka [for the ICC Champions Trophy], they were given programmes to last them through until the end of October,” he said.”It will be a good opportunity for the players to show they can be trusted to do the work.”Frost said that Chris Cairns was progressing well from his knee surgery and was bowling in the nets. He could start playing again “fairly soon”.Andre Adams, who suffered a stress fracture in his back during New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan bowled 10 overs in two spells of five last weekend.”He is still feeling a little weak, but you always get that when coming back from a first significant injury. There is a psychological step as well as a physical step to take when you come back.”It was necessary for the player to get his confidence up, Frost said.Paul Hitchcock had an elbow problem for which an MRI scan was done and he was bowling and throwing again and was progressing well.Frost said he had not had as much contact with James Franklin but he was bowling again, and he would be speaking with him soon.Otago left-arm Shayne O’Connor had his recovery upset slightly by a shin problem but he was now bowling again and playing club cricket in Alexandra.Frost was also confident that left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori was continuing to advance from his position last season.”Daniel is tracking along really nicely. He has spent so much time working on his fitness that he knows what to do by now,” Frost said.

West Ham United are set to reignite their interest in a former target as David Moyes plots to bolster his playing squad ahead of next season.

The East London outfit have qualified for the Europa League and that means the prospect of a 50-plus game campaign is soon going to become a reality, so strength in depth across the pitch is certainly required.

This is why the 58-year-old appears keen on signing a new central defender this summer, as per Football Insider.

And now an ever-reliable source has provided an intriguing update, with the Hammers eyeing up a move for Marseille colossus Duje Caleta-Car, who started against England in their Euro 2020 opener on Sunday afternoon.

The Croatia international previously rejected a move to the London Stadium as he wanted to play in Europe – something West Ham can now offer him.

Speaking on a recent episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, the anonymous ExWHUemployee revealed that he was a signing to watch this transfer window.

“He is someone we have been massively linked with last summer and were going to sign until he chose to stay at Marseille.

“I think we’re going to go back in for him this summer for a much-reduced fee of around £15m.

“He kept Harry Kane out of the game very, very well, he’s a big lump, he’s not that old either. I liked the look of him. I think he would be a great signing if this comes off so watch this window.”

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Moyes was hopeful of securing the 6 foot 4 colossus for around £20m back in October and now he’s going to be available for far cheaper, meaning the Scot could be about to deliver the club yet another masterclass in the transfer market.

Arguably, one of his best signings since returning for his second spell at the Irons has been Vladimir Coufal, who cost only £5.5m, whilst Jesse Lingard’s loan spell was undoubtedly a major factor behind their impressive form.

Caleta-Car, who as Ex suggests, would be a great signing as the club will need to replace Fabian Balbuena without paying over the odds.

The 24-year-old would be a commanding and imposing presence at the back for the Hammers, having averaged 2.5 aerial duels won per outing in Ligue 1 this campaign, whilst he’s equally adept with the ball at his feet, managing a better pass success rate (86.1%) than any of Moyes’ current defenders.

All in all, £15m seems an absolute bargain considering they were willing to pay £5m more last summer and since then, he’s improved and is starting for this national side at a major tournament.

In Caleta-Car, Moyes could deliver West Ham their next transfer masterstroke.

AND in other news, Moyes could repeat GSB’s grave Haller mistake with swoop for 23-goal marksman…

Despite controversially being left out of the England squad, former Hull City ace, Dean Windass, has advised James Ward-Prowse to stay at Southampton amid interest from free-spending Aston Villa.

Many fans were shocked to see Ward-Prowse excluded at the expense of Ben White in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, however, after the performances of both Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, the England manager appears to have silenced his critics once again.

Something that is less of a surprise is that Ward-Prowse is being linked with a move away from Southampton, with Dean Smith’s Villa reportedly wanting to bring the set-piece specialist to Villa Park this summer.

The £75,000-per-week midfielder’s creativity and dead ball ability would certainly lift pressure off Jack Grealish’s shoulders, but he should reject any advances from Villa to stay with the Saints, according to Windass, who spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“I can’t see Ward-Prowse leaving Southampton for Villa because, in my opinion, I think Southampton will finish above Villa next year.

“Why would he want to leave? He’s captain of Southampton and he’s a big fish in their pond so like I said earlier on, why would he want to go?”

Villa look to be making a big splash in the transfer market this summer having already confirmed the £33million signing of Emiliano Buendia who is coming off the back of yet another title-winning season in the Championship with Norwich City.

Southampton certainly ended up disappointing last season with a relegation battle, but some quality additions on the flanks could turn them into serious contenders in the top-half of the table.

A three-day finish looks certain at Southampton after 22 wickets fell on day two between Hampshire and Lancashire

Farid Bakri & Stephen Lamb26-Jul-2002A three-day finish looks certain at Southampton after 22 wickets fell on day two between Hampshire and Lancashire. Hampshire, 45 for two overnight, were dismissed for just 132, with Ricky Anderson taking six for 23. Lancashire were then bowled out for 187, with Shaun Udal (five for 59) completing a nine-wicket haul in the match. Veteran Neil Fairbrother was Lancashire’s top scorer with 39. It means that the hosts must score the highest total of the match – 239 – to win it, which on the evidence so far would be no mean achievement. At stumps it looked decidedly distant, with Hampshire on 54 for four.Surrey are favourites to wrap up their sixth Championship win of the season after they were left needing 237 to win by Yorkshire. A career-best 124 by Michael Lumb and a half century from Richard Blakey carried Yorkshire to a respectable 446 all out in their second innings, but by the end of the day it was looking less than adequate. Although they had lost three wickets by stumps, the in-form Ian Ward is still there on 67 and the hosts must fancy their chances of knocking off the 126 runs they need tomorrow.Kent look even likelier winners at Grace Road, even though a century from the evergreen Phil DeFreitas propped up the lower Leicestershire order. Iain Sutcliffe (103) and Michael Bevan (61) were today’s other main contributors as the hosts were dismissed for 400 in their second innings, leaving Kent needing just 193 for victory. Martin Saggers (four for 68) and David Masters (three for 86) were the main wicket-takers. Kent closed on 66 for one, also with another 126 needed.Sussex are pursuing a rather tougher target at Edgbaston after Warwickshire declared at 284 for six, leaving the visitors needing 401 for victory. Nick Knight (97) completed a remarkable match tally of 342 runs, and contributions all down the order then enabled the declaration. Sussex then made the worst start imaginable, losing Murray Goodwin lbw to Alan Richardson without a run on the board. At stumps they were five for one.In Division Two, Durham remain at the foot of the table after losing at home to Nottinghamshire by eight wickets. Following on, the home side were bowled out for 328 after another disappointing day with the bat. They lost five wickets for 37 runs in a mid-innings collapse with Andrew Harris (four for 60) the pick of the bowlers. Guy Welton then led his side to victory with an unbeaten 42.Essex will go into day four of their clash with Glamorgan confident of avoiding defeat at Chelmsford. The home side found it easy going after eventually dismissing Glamorgan for 575 – Steve James was out for 249. Will Jefferson (102) scored his maiden Championship century in a superb 173-run stand for the first wicket with Darren Robinson (119). With plenty of batting still to come the home side closed the day on 281 for two, trailing by 63 runs.Dominic Cork (three for 53) and Tom Lungley (three for 40) helped Derbyshire restrict Northants to 210. Only Jeffrey Cook (88) rose to the challenge as the hosts wilted in the sun. In reply, the visitors struggled to build on their lead as off-spinners Graeme Brown (three for 71) and Jason Brown (two for 71) bowled for most of the day. At stumps Derbyshire, at 188 for six, held a commanding lead of 366.Paul Weekes (102) and Phil Tufnell (seven for 49) were outstanding for Middlesex with bat and ball respectively after Gloucestershire lost control of their clash at Cheltenham. Needing 127 to avoid the follow-on, the visitors were grateful for a 114-run seventh-wicket partnership between Weekes and wicket-keeper David Nash (43) and ended on 363 all out. The hosts then struggled against Tufnell, who bowled with greater conviction as the innings progressed. Gloucestershire lost six wickets for just 43, and ended the day on 175 for eight, a lead of 306.

`If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.’ –Vincent Van Gogh

Santhosh S09-Jun-2002`If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.’ –Vincent Van Gogh."Look at Ian Bell play the spinners, he is using the feet so well and getting to the ball before it can turn." These are the words of a fifteen-year-old boy, seated next to me in the press-box at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai, in January 2001.Do not look any further; the youngster is none other than Parthiv Patel.Patel’s appetite for the wonderful game of cricket was highly apparent as he kept talking to me about the technical strength and weakness of the opponents. He did not play a single match for India Under-19s against England Under-19s, spending time in the media enclosure to help out the scorers and journalists with the names of the junior players. He also had the job of getting vital statistics and information for the team coach – Roger Binny.The young lad was full of beans, bubbling around and finding it very difficult to be away from the action. It was then I asked him about his heroics against Maharashtra in the Under-16 west zone encounter, opening the innings, Parthiv Patel had scored 101 runs off the Gujarat U16s total of 196 runs in the first innings. Following on, Gujarat made 297/5 to draw the match; Patel’s contribution was an amazing unbeaten 201. Yes, the sheer quantum of runs spoke a lot about this kid’s ability.The excellent batting added a new dimension to this classy wicket-keeper with such soft hands. Patel’s sharp eye for the finer details and his analytical ability did not go un-noticed, the West Zone selectors entrusted Patel with the captaincy in theUnder-19s match against the visiting English colts. There was no doubt at all that this kid was being groomed for bigger things.Soon, Patel was picked into the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, where he polished his wicket-keeping skills. There were three wicket-keepers in the academy at that time, the other two being Ajay Ratra and Deep Dasgupta. In the meanwhile,Patel led India Under-17s victorious campaign in the Asia Cup at Dhaka. Patel was on the fast track; he was rewarded with the prestigious Border-Gavaskar scholarship,which took him to a stint with the much-lauded Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy in Adelaide. He was put through the rigours of modern training methods. The kid was completely in awe of Ian Chappell’s lessons on how to deal with the media.He picked up important lessons on wicket keeping from the Aussie legend Rodney Marsh, “Marsh taught me the importance of fast footwork and has given me some drills to go through. Unlike in India where wicket keepers are taught to gather the ball with the body right behind it, Marsh taught me to take the ball on either side the body so that you can cover till first slip, which allows the slips to be wider and cover more area.”Patel was learning fast and had to make a choice between spending time in the academy and playing for Gujarat. He chose the former, and it must be a bit ironical that he might play for India, much before he would actually play for Gujarat in the Ranji trophy. Yes, this is a very rare case of a genius coming to the fore.Patel was not even seventeen, when he was named to lead the Indian team in the junior World Cup that was played in New Zealand. Patel impressed everyone with his leadership skills as well as his wonderful work behind the stumps. Patel did nothave a great time with the bat, after having to sacrifice the opening batsman’s role, the youngster also was asked to curb his natural strokeplay in the first three games.India juniors did not win the World Cup, but the young Patel had learnt a few valuable lessons. It was a bit of a surprise for everyone when he was named in the India `A’ squad to tour South Africa. Before the squad left for South Africa, the teamcoach Yashpal Sharma had only good words about Patel, “He is a very good young cricketer and looks very confident. As a wicket-keeper, he is technically very good, and he is also a hard-hitting batsman.”Patel had a successful campaign in South Africa, taking 14 catches and three stumpings. It was in an one-day match against South Africa "A’, playing as an opening batsman for the first time in the tour, he scored a quick fire 32 against the likes of Andre Nel, which suggested that the boy had it in him to take on the best of fast bowlers.The selectors retained Patel in the squad that toured Sri Lanka recently. Patel played remarkably well as a batsman, finishing at the top of the batting averages. When he got an opportunity to open the innings in a limited over match against Sri Lanka `A’,Patel smashed 71 runs in a winning effort at Dambulla. He did justice to his reputation as a competent wicket keeper by pouching 13 catches in the tour.The tour of England with the national side would do a world of good to the youngster, who has made such long strides in the last couple of years, ever since he scored all those runs against Maharshtra Under-16s at Kholapur on 7th December 2000. Not at all bad for a youngster who took to cricket at the age of nine, inspired after watching Ian Healy’s wicket keeping. Parthiv Patel is a little bundle of energy; no wonder his hero is the one and only Adam Gilchrist.It might all sound like a fairy tale, but, then, Patel has defied the time by believing in his own ability – and most importantly enjoying in what he does best – playing cricket. Now it is time to play with the big boys, and in a time when England struggles to figure out whether to give Bell a chance at the international level, Patel would go on adding to the legend that he almost is.

Sunderland midfielder Josh Hawkes is attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Sheffield Echo, who claimed that Ipswich Town, along with a number of Premier League clubs – including West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United – are interested in a move for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder in the upcoming transfer market.

The East Anglian Daily Times reported that the £510-per-week man, who has one year left to run on his contract at The Stadium of Light, is understood to be keen to leave the Black Cats this summer as a result of his lack of first team football under Lee Johnson.

Huge mistake

Having shown a great deal of potential for the club’s under-23 side this season, should Sunderland go on to lose the services of Hawkes this summer due to Johnson’s apparent reluctance to give the youngster first-team minutes, the argument could easily be made that it would be something of a catastrophe for the 44-year-old.

Over his 20 Premier League 2 fixtures for the Sunderland under-23s this term, Hawkes scored 13 goals – the joint-most in the competition – and registered six assists, with the 22-year-old’s goals often being game-changing. He also fired the youth team to the play-offs, in which Sunderland narrowly lost on penalties in the final against Crystal Palace.

Indeed, on numerous occasions throughout the course of the season, many Sunderland fans appeared eager for Johnson to include the youngster in his matchday squad, with one claiming that Hawkes had “needed to be in the first team for weeks,” while another stated that he “surely has to be in the first team” as the midfielder was “banging them in every week.”

However, despite this, Hawkes made just one appearance for the Black Cats this season, in the 2-1 loss to Fleetwood Town in the Papa John’s Trophy.

As such, if the man Jeff Stelling dubbed a “free spirit” does wish to leave Sunderland this summer in search of regular first team football, it appears as if Johnson will have nobody to blame other than himself.

In other news: Sunderland dealt transfer blow over “brilliant” £6.4k-p/w beast, Johnson will be devastated – opinion

Celtic appear to be back in for former target Bright Osayi-Samuel this summer.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ previous interest

The Hoops were linked with a move for the winger back in December. Neil Lennon made the 23-year-old his winter window transfer priority, but as we know, a deal never materialised.

Osayi-Samuel eventually left Queens Park Rangers for Fenerbahce; however, he has struggled in Turkey, scoring just once in 18 Super Lig appearances.

The Latest: Monaco in talks, Celtic interested

According to Turkish outlet Fotospor, Fenerbahce are in talks with Monaco over potentially including Osayi-Samuel in a swap deal for Henry Onyekuru.

The report adds however that ‘there is also interest from Celtic’ – an intriguing six-word claim at the end of the story.

Rivals Rangers are also credited with an interest, and it appears as if there is a real chance Osayi-Samuel’s stay in Turkey could be short-lived.

The Verdict: Just what Celtic need?

It’s safe to say Osayi-Samuel, who QPR boss Mark Warburton described as ‘outstanding’ last year, knows how to beat a man, and with Mohamed Elyounoussi’s second loan spell at Parkhead now over, the Nigerian could be a handy acquisition to bolster the attacking ranks.

He’s averaged 2.4 successful dribbles per game throughout his career, with Hoops star David Turnbull averaging just 0.4 per match [WhoScored], while Tom Rogic, perhaps the other competitor for that attacking midfield spot, manages 1.5 dribbles per showing.

Osayi-Samuel contributed to 14 Championship goals in the 2019/20 season, so if he could get back to that form, you’d expect him to be a real threat in the attacking third.

If the Hoops are serious about reigniting their interest in the 23-year-old, they may have to act relatively fast, as it appears as if Fenerbahce are looking to use him as part of a deal for Onyekuru.

In other news: Celtic hold talks with Ange Postecoglou alternative, find out more here. 

West Indies selectors today announced the 13-man squad ahead of thethird Test in the 2002 Cable & Wireless Series

Derrick Nicholas29-Apr-2002West Indies selectors today announced the 13-man squad ahead of thethird Test in the 2002 Cable & Wireless Series. The selectors havemade two changes in an effort to get the West Indies back on trackas the series progresses.Recalled to the squad is former vice captain and reliablewicketkeeper/batsman, Ridley Jacobs, and Barbadian left arm pacer,Pedro Collins.Jacobs, who has been a dependable middle orderbatsman for the West Indies over the past five years, wasunceremoniously dropped at the start of the 2002 Cable & WirelessTest series. His successor, Junior Murray, was preferred following anexcellent run with the bat during the West Indies’ domesticcompetition – the Busta Cup.Meanwhile, Collins makes his return to the West Indies line up andreplaces Marlon Black. Collins, who last represented the West Indiesduring the historic series against Pakistan that was played in Sharjah,has been preferred to the less than fit Marlon Black.The West Indies, who are 1-nil down in the five-Test series, will begoing all out to level the series at the typically pacy KensingtonOval. The West Indies will be looking for more production from itsopening pair of Stuart Williams and Chris Gayle, while their middleorder has been strengthened with the inclusion of former vicecaptain Jacobs.Earlier, the selectors made the point that they were rewardingperformance and selecting those persons in-form. It thereforepassed as strange why Grenadian opener Devon Smith was not selectedfor the first two Tests. Only one other batsman – Stuart Williams -scored more runs during the Busta Cup. Meanwhile, DinanathRamnarine has been retained in the squad for the recuperatingMahendra Nagamootoo.West Indies lost the second 2002 Cable & Wireless Test at Port ofSpain’s Queen’s Park Oval by 35 runs. The third Test between theWest Indies and India begins on Thursday 2 May and will beplayed at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.Squad: Carl Hooper (captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, PedroCollins, Cameron Cuffy, Mervyn Dillon, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds,Ridley Jacobs, Brian Lara, Dinanath Ramnarine, Adam Sanford,Ramnaresh Sarwan, Stuart Williams.