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An update has emerged on Manchester United gem Dean Henderson, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the England international has been mentioned as a possible goalkeeper target for the Magpies.

The report claims that a loan deal for Henderson would be costly for Newcastle, with Lazio shot-stopper Thomas Strakosha among their alternative options.

Krul 2.0

Eddie Howe, who is reportedly close to taking over on Tyneside, could unearth Tim Krul 2.0 for Newcastle by signing Henderson in the January window.

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Krul played 185 times for the Magpies after coming through the ranks as a young goalkeeper and kept 53 clean sheets for the club. He established himself as a regular in the Premier League and Henderson could be the newest long-term number one at St. James’ Park.

The 24-year-old has 49 Premier League appearances under his belt to date for Manchester United and Sheffield United and has kept 18 clean sheets in that time. He has played 27 times for the Red Devils in all competitions and kept an impressive 13 clean sheets.

Former United boss Jose Mourinho once hailed the shot-stopper and praised his arrogance. He told talkSPORT:

“I am a Henderson fan. When I was at United he was a kid, and I tell this story because it shows his nature.

“He came to my office asking for a loan, he went to Shrewsbury, but this kid said to me then, ‘When I come back, I want to be number one’. We looked at each other because we had De Gea and this kid never played one game, but he has had incredible development.

“The loans were all very successful. The way United organised them I think United did amazing for him and he did amazing for himself. He has this arrogance in him, this trust and belief which I think an England goalkeeper needs.”

This, along with his statistics in the top-flight to date, highlights the potential the £120k-per-week gem has heading into the rest of his career. 24 is incredibly young for a goalkeeper and Howe could bring in the club’s number one for years to come if he signs him, as he has shown that he has the quality to keep clean sheets in the Premier League.

Therefore, he has the potential to be a top-tier goalkeeper for a number of years and could be the next Tim Krul at St. James’ Park as he could come in and solidify his place in the starting XI if he is able to fulfil his potential and remain consistent.

AND in other news, Forget Hayden: Newcastle gem with 9 duels won was Jones’ real hero vs Brighton…

Flocking to Twitter, many Leicester City supporters have raved over some news involving their striker and summer signing Patson Daka.

The Gambian, snapped up from Red Bull Salzburg, was a man in demand over the last transfer window yet it was Leicester who managed to win the £23 million race.

Daka’s transition to the Premier League and toughest division in world football has been a steady one so far but manager Brendan Rodgers may be hopeful that he can become a clinical success over his Foxes career.

On Thursday, the 23-year-old bagged a sensational four goals in the Europa League as Leicester roared back to beat Spartak Moscow 4-3.

After a thoroughly entertaining evening of football, Leicester supporters have now raved over an announcement involving Daka as he clinches the UEL Player of the Week award.

Flocking to this announcement, many fans are thrilled and of course believe it is ‘good’ news for the player.

Find all of their best reactions down below.

Leicester City fans rave over Daka news…

“He comes from Zambia; he owns Europe.”

Credit: @NewYorkFoxes

“Thats my man COME ON!!!! there was definitely only one winner there surely”

Credit: @Dmcity619

“Finally”

Credit: @SepaEnock1

“DAKA.”

Credit: @guustavobfr

“It had to be him.”

Credit: @thejbjimmy

“yesssss”

Credit: @ZidasBoy_

“Fully deserved”

Credit: @HeadLcfc

“Enter DAKAnator! Resistance is futile!”

Credit: @TorrasTorras11

“Good! Well deserved!”

Credit: @JeniB4

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Big’, ‘Championship here we come’…Many Leicester fans also flocked to this official club post, find out more here.

The South African coach for the Emerging Players squad hopes the tournament will help bridge the gap in the level of competition between domestic franchises and the national team

Cricinfo staff18-Jul-2009The South Africa coach for the Emerging Players squad hopes the tournament which includes quality opposition from New Zealand, India and Australia will help bridge the gap in the level of competition between domestic franchises and the South African national team.”This tour is part of the National High Performance strategy to expose more players to international competition,” Corrie van Zyl said before the squad departed for Australia for the tournament starting July 20 in Brisbane. The team will play eight matches in ten days before the final on August 1. Last year South Africa won just one out six matches.But assistant coach Shafiek Abrahams said the aim of the tournament was to grow mature and grounded cricketers.”India and New Zealand have picked top-class players and our members will get an opportunity to play against some of the world’s best. We have an exciting set of players, a lot of them performed well in the domestic season and have been rewarded with a wonderful opportunity,” Abrahams said. “The squad is well balanced and the younger players can feed off the older guys as well as off the experience of some of the Proteas players.” Three out of the 15 – Thandi Tshabalala, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Vaughn van Jaarsveld – have played international cricket.South Africa open the tournament with a Twenty20 against New Zealand on Monday.South Africa Emerging Players squad: Vaughn van Jaarsveld (capt), Craig Alexander, Farhaan Behardien, Henry Davids, CJ de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Reza Hendricks, Heino Kuhn, Rilee Rossouw, Daryn Smit, Juan Theron, Thandi Tshabalala, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Stiaan van Zyl, Basheeru Walters.

Journalist Beren Cross has criticised the form of popular Leeds United star Stuart Dallas, following a disappointing start to the season.

The Lowdown: Dallas stars last season

The Whites enjoyed a superb 2020/21 campaign, finishing ninth in their first year back in the Premier League, with numerous individuals standing out.

It was Dallas who scooped the club’s Player of the Year prize, however, following a faultless season that also included a match-winning double away to champions Manchester City.

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The Latest: Cross critical of form

The 30-year-old hasn’t quite hit those heights so far in 2021/22, though, and in his player ratings after the Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Fulham on Tuesday night, Leeds Live‘s Cross gave a negative assessment of his performance:

“Still not quite at his top level and struggled throughout the first half with a niggle from an early collision. Took another whack on the back of the head in the second half, but stayed on the field. Little things not coming off for him and opponents seem half-a-yard ahead of him.”

Per Sofascore, Dallas took 86 touches of the ball and lost possession 21 times (most on the pitch), meaning he surrendered possession roughly once every four touches of the ball.

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The Verdict: Dallas will come good

Dallas has struggled to repeat last season’s excellence, but Leeds supporters should have no real reason to be concerned about him.

Like so many Whites players, the whole team’s struggles have played a part in their respective dips in form, but Marcelo Bielsa’s side will hopefully return to their best sooner rather than later when everyone is fit.

At 30, there is always the lazy argument to say that Dallas’ influence could suddenly be on the wane, but he still has lots to offer, with Tony Dorigo describing him as ‘wonderful’ last season.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly still eyeing up a move for one player – find out who it is here.

Start as you mean to go
Yuvraj Singh flicked the first ball he played today – the second of the day – off his pads towards square leg. Martin Guptill misfielded and allowed it to go to the boundary. That stroke kickstarted a flurry of fours from the batsmen – seven in all – in the first four overs of the day. Even before they had warmed up, New Zealand were facing the heat.Fat men can dive
Chris Martin managed to cramp Sachin Tendulkar, who was shaping to play the cut, for room. But Tendulkar created space by arching his back and then opened the face to guide the ball towards point.. It seemed a certain four, but Jesse Ryder dived full-length to his left from backward point and cut it off. Is Adam Parore watching?Walk on
When Mahendra Singh Dhoni cut a wide delivery from Iain O’Brien, Ryder pulled off another athletic effort at gully, diving to his right this time, and claimed a low one-handed catch. Dhoni refused to walk, and was told by the crowd to “walk mate”. Replays showed the ball might have touched the ground before reaching Ryder’s hand. Dhoni was booed when the not-out decision was finally made. Three balls later, he went for a hook, gloved it, and walked right away. This time he was cheered.Zak gets lucky
The boundary at the City End was Zaheer Khan’s luckiest part of the ground. While batting at the Members End, he got his first reprieve when Martin didn’t account for the wind and ended up dropping an overhead catch which he initially seemed to have judged properly. Then Zaheer slashed while batting at the City End and the ball soared towards third man. Daniel Flynn was late to run in and could not reach a regulation chance. Zaheer finished unbeaten on 51.Four for all
When Munaf Patel went down on his knee, and swept Daniel Vettori with one hand to the square-leg boundary to get off the mark, he became the eighth Indian batsman in the innings to start scoring with a boundary. Tendulkar Yuvraj Singh and VVS Laxman started with one, two and two respectively.Do your job, watchman
In the last over of the day, Kyle Mills, the nightwatchman survived a close lbw shout, saved by the inside edge, and wanted a single to fine leg. But Daniel Flynn, the specialist batsman, reminded Mills of his job – to shield the batsmen – and refused the single. The next four balls were hell for Mills as he survived another close lbw thanks to another inside edge. But finally on the last ball, Munaf managed to hit the pad before the bat and got his man. Mills’ job, theoretically, was done.

Ravi Bopara has said he struggled to stay awake during the opening day ofEngland’s tour match against Barbados Cricket AssociationPresident’s XI, but is ready to return to Test cricket if recalled forthe fourth Test on Thursday after hitting an attacking 124.Bopara only arrived in the Caribbean on Saturday afternoon from New Zealand and lessthan 24 hours later was out in the middle at Windward Park trying toimpress the management as they weighed up their options for replacing the injured Andrew Flintoff. “I woke up at about 3am and didn’t get back to sleep,”he said. “I got a bit sleepy at the start of the game, but the physiotold me to stay awake and sleep later tonight.”Andy [Flower] came in last night to have a chat with me and said youare going to be playing tomorrow and that it doesn’t give you muchtime to prepare,” he added. “But I guess you just have to shrug thosethings off. I had no choice, and really I went in today and didn’tthink too much and just tried to enjoy myself.”Bopara hopes to have fully shaken off the effects of his 41-hourjourney, taking in four flights and an eight-hour stop in Los Angeles,well before the Test begins. “I’d have no choice. I’m a little on myway already because I didn’t sleep so that would have helped,” he said.”When I go back I’ll have my food and hopefully nod off at around 10o’clock and wake up around seven.”He is aiming to earn his fourth Test cap after being dropped followinghis debut series in Sri Lanka in 2007-08 where he managed just 42 runsin five innings. Since then he has struggled to maintain a regularplace in the one-day team, but handsome performances for Essex havekept him in the frame. He was in the squad for The Oval Test against SouthAfrica before being overlooked for the Test series in India and the WestIndies.”Getting the hundred today gives me a massive boost and anopportunity,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’ve been frustrated. The waySri Lanka went I was going to have to work hard to get my place back.I’ve been looking for the opportunity, but I wasn’t just going to get it because of the players that are about these days. I’m glad because the best way to do it is to work hard and when I do get the chance I will take it.”Bopara’s recall depends on the type of side England opt for inBridgetown. If Matt Prior isn’t called away to attend to his pregnant wife thenhe could bat at No. 6 ahead of five frontline bowlers. In that case the seamer Amjad Khan, who also flew in from New Zealand (leaving the England Lions squad), could benefit with his first Test cap.Bopara joked that after spending so much time sitting next to other, they neededsome space. “I was so bored of him after a while,” he said. “Picking up a couple of (late) wickets went down really well as he’s a close mate of mine.” After 41 hours inthe air they must be really close.

Celtic are blessed with a host of promising young players at the moment.

Their B team are taking part in the Lowland League for the first time and it would appear as though at long last, their stars of tomorrow are gaining the minutes they need.

On the chalkboard

One of the biggest problems behind the scenes at Celtic in the last few years has been the lack of attention put towards academy players.

Neil Lennon neglected the younger individuals in the team last term and even when the going got though, he failed to hand opportunities to figures like Cameron Harper, Karamoko Dembele and Adam Montgomery.

John Kennedy eventually gave the final two players a chance and they both took their moments in the limelight well.

Dembele scored in the final weeks of the campaign but has been injured since Ange Postecoglou came through the door.

The Australian was quick to comment after being given the Hoops job that he wanted to give more responsibility to homegrown players and that has been evident in the way he’s trusted the likes of Montgomery and Dane Murray.

It speaks volumes about Celtic’s options in defence that they’ve had to play, though, especially the latter.

He was rewarded with his first-team debut after Nir Bitton was sent off in the Champions League and did no wrong.

Bitton’s form in the early parts of the season has been extremely questionable. Not only was he given his marching orders against Midtjylland but he was also at fault for Hearts’ winner on the opening weekend of the Premiership campaign.

The Israeli has rarely been seen since that moment but it’s not just Murray who should leapfrog him in the pecking order, Ewan Otoo should as well.

A centre-back by trade, the 19-year-old has captained the reserves and although he’s not played for the senior side yet, looks like one to watch as the season plays out.

Otoo spent a period of time on loan at Clyde last term where he was given a fine appraisal by Danny Lennon for his performances.

The manager commented: “Ewan is a young boy with fantastic energy, he’s trying to make his mark in the game at that level, so he will certainly get the experience of that.

“What he does have is a terrific attitude, for a very young boy he’s years ahead in terms of maturation, and is a very strong, powerful boy.”

What’s so striking about the young defender is his ability to get forward. He can play out from the back and is also capable of playing at left-back.

That’s something he did on a regular basis in League One last term, where he picked up an extremely eye-catching assist against Forfar.

Otoo received the ball on the left and then advanced between two defenders before driving to the byline and laying the ball on a plate for his teammate.

Versatility is extremely key and with the Hoops lacking senior options on the left side of defence, he could earn a breakthrough there.

Failing that, he certainly deserves to be ahead of Bitton in the centre-back pecking order. The experience he gained of first-team football last term should stand him in very good stead for a Parkhead breakthrough.

AND in other news, Ange can finally axe “clumsy” Celtic dud by unleashing “fearless” 21 y/o tomorrow…

Tottenham would only consider an initial loan move for Aston Villa target Weston McKennie.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who admitted there are other Premier League clubs keen on the Juventus midfielder, which had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

McKennie emerged as a player of interest to Villa earlier in the week, with reports suggesting both Villa and Crystal Palace had joined Spurs in the race for the 22-year-old.

Romano revealed on Thursday that Tottenham aren’t considering any swap deal and would ideally want to sign the USA international on loan.

Reports elsewhere have claimed that the Italian giants would want cash offers only for McKennie.

Villa have already made three big-money signings in Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings, so McKennie could well be the fourth in a late swoop, should Villa firm up their interest.

Villa fans react

Romano’s post regarding Spurs, McKennie and other interested Premier League clubs on Thursday had these Villa supporters talking.

“Villa and Everton are looking like the other contenders, Lange do ur thing”

Credit: @Avfc_Barry

“GET IT DONE VILLA”

Credit: @ConnorFlynn719

“Gotta be us”

Credit: @Avfc_Barry

“Come on Villa”

Credit: @JackAVFC__

“Who else want him and are they negotiating? Villa please!”

Credit: @TheVillaDecree

“McKennie to villa here-we-go”

Credit: @KONSAISTHEGOAT

In other news: Aston Villa source: Talks opened for ‘brilliant’ ace to leave; Smith already given his blessing. 

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has dropped a big Leeds United update on Kalvin Phillips which will have Marcelo Bielsa delighted.

What’s the story?

The England international missed the opening game of the Premier League season, with the Whites being thrashed by rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in his absence.

However, Hay has claimed that Phillips is getting set for an immediate return to action.

Writing on Twitter, the journalist said: “Phillips is getting closer to starting. Llorente likely to be back next week. Bielsa says the responsibility for the defeat at Old Trafford was his. Too much of what he asked for from the players went wrong. #lufc”

Bielsa will be relieved

Such is the importance Phillips has on this Leeds side, former Whites man Andrew Hughes said: “The only way to get someone who can cover and do the same job perfectly is to spend £50m, at least. That’s what a player like him costs. Rather than talking about how other players match up, you just have to accept he’s very special.”

While it would be far too easy to suggest that the Whites got hammered against Manchester United mainly down to Phillips being out, the midfielder’s absence did play a large role in that defeat, not least because it meant Bielsa fielded a centre-back in Robin Koch in the anchor man role.

The German struggled immensely both in and out of possession, and let his manager down with a woeful display, and Bielsa would no doubt have been desperately hoping all through this week that Phillips would be back.

With Everton next up at Elland Road, the news from Hay that Leeds’ talisman is “getting closer to starting” is sure to have Bielsa absolutely delighted.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have made an approach for this ace…

Former Premier League footballer Carlton Palmer believes Manchester United re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo is a “great bit of business”.

The Red Devils confirmed that they had reached an agreement with Juventus to bring the Portuguese superstar back to Old Trafford subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo returns to Manchester United after spells with Real Madrid and Juventus. In his previous spell at Old Trafford, Ronaldo scored an unbelievable 118 goals in all competitions and provided a further 69 for his teammates.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has scored 674 goals and provided 229 assists in all competitions and Palmer believes it’s a great bit of business by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to bring him back as the club look to challenge for the Premier League title and in the Champions League.

He told Football FanCast: “Trust me, there is no danger he scores goals in the Premier League, no danger whatsoever so it’s a great bit of business. 

“He can play in the number nine role, you can play him out wide, you can play him off the top, you know, he’s an unbelievable fit player.

“It’s just a magnificent bit of business, a feelgood factor. I went for Man United before the league started, I went for them to win it and I’m still sticking with that, if they can get the Pogba deal done which I’m sure they will do, I think they’ve got a great chance this season.”

Solskjaer’s team have made an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign heading into the international break. The Red Devils opened up with a 5-1 thrashing of Leeds United at Old Trafford, before drawing 1-1 with Southampton at St Mary’s and then beating Wolves 1-0 at the weekend.

Alongside Ronaldo, Solskjaer has also made three additional signings in Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton this summer, and will be hoping that his side can remain undefeated and challenge for major honours this season.