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Sheffield Wednesday are in the market for a replacement for Keiren Westwood, Yorkshire Live journalist Dom Howson has confirmed.

The lowdown

Wednesday are preparing for a season in League One after being relegated from the Championship, as the veteran goalkeeper reached the end of his contract and left the club as a free agent.

The Irishman was one short of 200 appearances for the Owls and kept 73 clean sheets in his seven-year stay at Hillsborough (Transfermarkt).

The latest

Howson was asked in a fan Q&A whether the club was intent on bringing in another goalkeeper and whether West Bromwich Albion’s Josh Griffiths was a possible option. He confirmed that the search for Westwood’s replacement was underway and acknowledged that Griffiths ‘acquitted himself well’ on loan at Cheltenham Town last season.

However, he warned that ‘much depends’ on the future of Sam Johnstone. If the relegated Baggies were to sell the 28-year-old, who made the most saves in the Premier League in 2020/21 and was hailed as “brilliant” by Sam Allardyce, then they may be reluctant to sanction Griffiths’ temporary departure.

The verdict

Unfortunately for Wednesday, it seems likely that Johnstone will leave West Brom. He proved he was good enough for Premier League level and there will surely be plenty of suitors for a player who has just been named in the provisional England squad for the European Championship.

The Owls may duly be forced to abandon any hopes of signing Griffiths, who the Baggies will likely wish to keep, and Sheffield Wednesday could need to look elsewhere as they seek a replacement for the long-serving Westwood.

In other news, this former Owls midfielder has given his verdict on the decision to let Westwood go. 

Former Sri Lankan cricketer turned umpire Asoka de Silva will be the man to restore the battered image of Sri Lankan umpires

Rex Clementine Fernando12-Jun-2001Former Sri Lankan cricketer turned umpire Asoka de Silva will be the man to restore the battered image of Sri Lankan umpires. Asoka has been assigned to officiate the second test between India and Zimbabwe along with Zimbabwean Ian Robinson starting on this Friday, at Harare.The standard of Sri Lankan umpires has been highly criticized in the recent past and during the recently concluded English tour, it was at its lowest ebb in the first two Tests. Sri Lanka had the benefit of some dubious umpiring decisions in the First Test at Galle while England had there share of luck in the second at Kandy.However Asoka de Silva, who has been on the international stage for just over two years, commanded the respect of the players in the Third Test at SSC.According to Director of Umpiring of the BCCSL, K.T Francis, English skipper Nasser Hussain praised Asoka in his report and even recommended him to be picked to officiate regularly in further international matches.At the retirement of B.C Cooray, Asoka was nominated for the ICC panel of umpires. Francis said the second umpire will be nominated after a close look at those used in the “A” series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Orissa qualified for the Wills Trophy after 16 years, defeating Bengal by eightwickets in their final East Zone Ranji Trophy one day league match at the EdenGardens today

Sakysen Mittra10-Dec-2000Orissa qualified for the Wills Trophy after 16 years, defeating Bengal by eightwickets in their final East Zone Ranji Trophy one day league match at the EdenGardens today. As a result, Orissa finished with eight points, sufficient forthem to make it to the Wills Trophy.It was a wrong decision by the Bengal think-tank that proved disastrous for thehosts. After winning the toss, Bengal decided to bat on a pitch that had a lotof life in the initial period, an advantage that was used to the hilt byDebashis Mohanty and Ajoy Barik. Bengal lost their first seven wickets within 20runs and the match was as good as over during the first hour of the game. Thedecision to bat was all the more surprising because only on Saturday, Bengalskipper Devang Gandhi had said they would like to chase. It was the grave errorin reading the pitch that prevented the finalists of 1998 from qualifying thisseason.Bengal managed to reach three figures only because of a doughty knock fromWrichik Mazumdar. He scored 37 in 80 balls and with Shiv Sagar Singh added 42runs for the ninth wicket. Before that, it was simply a tale of going and comingback. The slide started when the Orissa wicket-keeper Gautam Gopal took anexcellent catch on the leg side to dismiss makeshift opener Lakshmi Ratan Shuklaoff the bowling of Barik. Then Mohanty got into the act. With his outswingerworking nicely, Mohanty cartwheeled Nikhil Haldipur and Rohan Gavaskar. Barik onthe other hand had Gandhi hooking, only to find the fielder at square leg.Bengal had then been reduced to only nine runs for four wickets. Mohanty thenonce more produced a lovely break back to bowl Deep Dasgupta in his third over.Then in his fifth over he had Utpal Chatterjee playing on and with the fifthdelivery of the same over, had Sanjiv Sanyal edging to keeper Gopal. Bengal atthis stage, were 20 for seven. Srikkant Kalyani, Mazumdar and Singh managed totake the total to over 100. However, that would not have been possible had notthe Orissa team given away 25 extras, 20 of which came from wides and no balls.When Orissa batted, BBCC Mahapatra was bowled by Shukla trying to pull a ballthat kept low. Immediately after lunch, Shukla had Gopal caught at point with aball that bounced a bit more. However, Sanjay Raul batting with elan on a pitchthat had dried up, quietly guided Orissa to victory without a fuss. His drivingwithin the `V’ was a treat to watch. He remained unbeaten on 42 with five fours.With Pradip Das, the other opener, Raul added 78 runs to take Orissa to aconvincing win.

Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Atheltic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke claims that the 51-year-old coach is still a popular choice within the Spurs hierarchy, even despite him recently signing a contract extension with the Eredivisie champions.

It’s thought that he is still within reach of the North London outfit, whilst other contenders on the shortlist include Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, ex-Leipzig guru Ralf Rangnick, and Brighton’s Graham Potter.

Football Insider even believe that the former Everton and Wigan boss has held three rounds of talks with the club, too.

Better than Martinez

The 47-year-old is someone Levy should avoid like a barge pole.

As outlined by Football FanCast in this article, it could seriously hinder their chances of keeping hold of Harry Kane as he is said to have “systemic” tactical problems and has won just 30% of matches in the Premier League.

Instead, Spurs should be making a huge plot to land ten Hag, who is cut from the same cloth as Pep Guardiola.

It’s widely thought that Levy is seeking an attack-minded head coach that has a proven record in developing young players, so there cannot be a better candidate out there than the Dutchman.

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Ten Hag is committed to a high-pressing, quick-passing and possession-based style of football, so it’s no surprise to see him favour the sort of 4-2-3-1 or  4-3-3 that we’ve seen under Mauricio Pochettino and many other modern managers.

Furthermore, he has overseen the progress of some big-money exits, ranging from Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) to Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus), and continues to nurture Ajax’s next crop of talented stars with mega potential.

David Neres, Ryan Gravenberch and Lisandro Martinez are just three names to keep an eye on in the coming windows.

Since his arrival at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, he has steered the Dutch giants to two league titles and has also registered a phenomenal 74% win rate. For comparison, this far exceeds that of Jose Mourinho (52%) and Mauricio Pochettino (55%) during their respective spells in charge of Spurs.

Ten Hag has earned plenty of glowing endorsements throughout his managerial career, too.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp dubbed him “one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football,” whilst the aforementioned de Jong praised his “positive energy” and “great football vision” to the Guardian.

Also lauded as “remarkable,” ten Hag clearly has all the necessary tools to fit exactly what Levy is after in his next appointment.

If anyone is going to transform Spurs into an elite side once again, then it is surely the Ajax man from that list. Evidently, he plays attractive football and can develop just about any promising youngster into the next best thing.

The Spurs chairman must put all his eggs into the 51-year-old’s basket. He’s surely his dream manager.

AND in other news, Daniel Levy could transform Spurs with landmark double swoop…

Southampton have been linked with a move for Young Boys striker Jean-Pierre Nsame recently, and he could prove to be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad this summer.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, Southampton, Newcastle United, West Ham and Celtic are all considering a move for the Cameroon international, who has been in superb form for the Swiss club since joining from Servette in 2017.

The 27-year-old has experience in both the Europa League and the Champions League and boasts one of the most consistent goalscoring records in Europe, so it is easy to see why he is a man in demand ahead of the summer.

Would he be a good signing?

In 169 appearances for Young Boys, Nsame has contributed a superb 97 goals and 26 assists, which included 32 goals in as many league appearances last season. He is on 25 goals for the current campaign.

Whilst Gerardo Seoane’s side are clearly the dominant force in Switzerland, you cannot question Nsame’s reliability in front of goal, and he would surely prove to be well worth the risk if he were able to replicate this form in the Premier League.

Hasenhuttl has already suggested that Southampton will target players who are likely to cost £10m or less this summer, and given that Nsame is valued at just £6.3m by Transfermarkt, he definitely seems to fit the bill for the Saints.

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Given that Southampton have been hugely reliant on Danny Ings, Che Adams and James Ward-Prowse for goals this season, it would definitely be a good idea to add another prolific striker to the mix ahead of next season, as squad depth is certainly something the Saints lack at this moment in time.

Certainly, if Ings ends up leaving the south coast this summer, then a replacement will need to be brought in, and Nsame could well be the man to step up in his absence.

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The fact that he has been able to find the back of the net in Champions League and Europa League qualifying matches certainly suggests that he could perform in a higher-quality league than the Swiss top flight, so Martin Semmens should definitely consider bringing him to St Mary’s this summer.

In other news… Bye-bye Vestergaard: Semmens should seal Saints swoop for £4.5m-rated beast this summer

A number of Liverpool fans have been lauding Harvey Elliott’s new tattoo, highlighting how much the Reds mean to the on-loan youngster.

The 18-year-old looks one of the most exciting young players at Anfield, having initially arrived from Fulham back in 2019.

Elliott managed to make eight appearances last season, catching the eye for his boyhood club, but Jurgen Klopp felt a loan move was required in 2019/20.

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Blackburn Rovers snapped up the young forward back in October and he has excelled in the Championship, scoring six goals and registering 11 assists.

Elliott could return to Liverpool this summer and become a fixture in the first-team squad  if that form is anything to go by, and it’s clear to see what he thinks of life at Anfield.

On Thursday, LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) shared an image on Twitter of the forward having a new tattoo done – one that seemingly shows him as a young boy in a Liverpool shirt.

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Liverpool fans react to Elliott’s tattoo

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to react to the photo, hailing Elliott in the process.

“This kid is never leaving us, he’s here forever! Loves the club more than some of the players there even”

Credit: @radzjeewa7

“This is boss. Yes lad!”

Credit: @ShaunFagan91

“My hero. My mate”

Credit: @Liverpool_Col

“He’s destined to be a legend for us, he loves the club and always has. I hope he lives up to the player we all know he can be, special talent our Harvey”

Credit: @bussinbissouma

“He will be our greatest player of all time”

Credit: @nniroC

“Superb from the lad Elliott”

Credit: @mickbarrett72

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming about one thing ahead of Saturday’s clash with Southampton. Read more here.

Manchester United earned another three Premier League points as they overcame Burnley 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A brace from Mason Greenwood was added to with a late strike from Edinson Cavani, securing victory for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils despite James Tarkowski briefly giving the hosts a scare.

Greenwood was in exhilarating form throughout the afternoon, giving the Clarets a constant headache and continuing his hot form. He has now scored in each of his last three Premier League games, taking his season haul to nine goals in all competitions.

His strikes were of completely different types as he first scored lethally after an extremely clever dummy from Bruno Fernandes.

Meanwhile, his second strike, a late one with just five minutes of normal time remaining, was a left-footed effort that took a deflection off of Jack Cork and ended up settling into the far corner. The 19-year-old will certainly not be disgruntled by that though.

Away from his two goals, Greenwood, who earns £75k per week at Old Trafford, was a constant threat to Burnley.

He managed to have five shots throughout the game according to WhoScored, managing to get three on target which was more than any other player who took to the pitch.

His threat was not just in his efforts towards the goal though. The forward also produced one key pass and a dribble, whilst also attempting a further cross.

Greenwood was also highly effective in the air for the Red Devils too. He won two aerial duels against the Clarets, only Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba winning more in the entire Manchester United team.

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Having hailed Greenwood as “top class” just a few weeks ago, Solskjaer will certainly be thrilled with another excellent performance from the striker as he continued his fantastic form in the Premier League.

AND in more news, read how one of Manchester United’s recent signings has seen his transfer rating tumble at Old Trafford…

Aston Villa, along with Crystal Palace, are thought to be leading the way in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

That’s according to a weekend report from TEAMtalk, which, as to be expected, has had many Villa fans talking on social media.

TEAMtalk claim that Loftus-Cheek, who is currently out on loan with Fulham and has over three years left on his Stamford Bridge deal, is not in the Blues’ long-term plans.

Chelsea have informed interested sides that they would be open to a permanent deal, with Villa keen on a potential summer swoop.

Loftus-Cheek has been a regular in Scott Parker’s side this season, making 29 appearances, scoring just once.

The Cottagers’ chances of signing the attacking midfielder on a full-time basis depends on their Premier League status next season.

Villa fans react

Birmingham Live relayed the story and shared the transfer news on Twitter.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one picking out the Englishman’s ‘powerful’ nature.

“Oh boy another waste of space , we’ve already got Barkley”

Credit: @r_ecrowley

“Please”

Credit: @etmm05

“Perfect signing personally, I’d sign him and pay whatever Utd and Lingard want as well!”

Credit: @PHolmes89

“Bench upgrade, exactly what we need going forward, for the right price.”

Credit: @jondodd53

“Very good player and powerful but injury prone”

Credit: @villa_vernon

“Decent player, with good strength. Something we can sometimes lack.”

Credit: @duncanlowen

In other news: Villa keen on versatile defender valued at £21.5m, find out more here. 

Sunderland have a real chance to move into the League One automatic promotion spots this weekend.

They will need to see off the challenge of Bristol Rovers first and foremost before hoping that Peterborough suffer defeat.

Their little hiccup against Blackpool in midweek has made the race for promotion even more intense.

The Mackems are one of the most in-form sides in the division, so you’d be hard-pressed to bet against them taking all three points again on Saturday.

They come into this clash having won seven of their last nine matches in League One.

With that in mind, there is surely little room for change in the Black Cats starting XI? That being said, we’re predicting two to be made from the team which drew with Lincoln.

We think that Johnson will continue with the 4-3-3 formation he adopted against Lincoln. That means a trio of Lynden Gooch, Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke start in attack.

There is one change in midfield, where the £13,000-per-week Grant Leadbitter drops out. We’ve already labelled the problems with his game in recent weeks, so now feels like a timely occasion to put him back on the bench. Consequently, Josh Scowen starts in the middle of the park.

We’ve also championed the need for Ollie Younger to get more minutes. He started against Rochdale and, with another game against a relegation-threatened side, Johnson should put him in at right-back today.

Conor McLaughlin has only just returned from a hernia operation and should be rested as he continues his comeback trail.

Sunderland are still without a number of players heading into this clash. The match will come too soon for Bailey Wright, while Tom Flanagan remains sidelined.

Also out is Jordan Jones – Johnson gave him a 30% chance of being ready for this match so he is a major doubt.

AND in other news, Forget Willis: SAFC must unleash rarely-seen 21 y/o, Johnson said he’s a “great kid”…

Pundit Kevin Campbell has issued criticism for West Bromwich Albion’s creative midfielder Matheus Pereira.

Campbell believes that while Pereira had a great campaign in the Championship last season, he has endured a rather disappointing Premier League campaign, failing to live up to the hype.

Pereira hasn’t stepped up

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell made it clear that he does rate striker Mbaye Diagne, but the striker isn’t getting enough service from the likes of Pereira. Campbell feels that West Brom’s better players should’ve stepped up in the Premier League, but Pereira hasn’t done that.

He said: “I think the football club expected Pereira to have a hell of a season because he took the Championship by storm. They thought they had a match-winner in him because he can score and create goals.

“Let’s be honest though, he has been pretty disappointing. You need your better players to step up, especially at the top end of the pitch and we haven’t seen him do that.

“There has been flashes here and there but the Premier League is different from Championship, it is where you earn you name. He has not stepped up.

“I really like Mbaye Diagne up front but he does not get enough service. He is battling the whole back four but he does not get any service – that is the problem. If you are going to get him in you have to provide for him.”

The 24-year-old Pereira had joined West Brom on loan from Sporting Lisbon originally, but the move was made permanent in the summer of 2020.

Currently valued at £11.70m, Pereira had impressed in the Championship while contributing to 28 goals in all competitions. In the current season though, he has contributed to just eight Premier League goals.

Pereira hasn’t had a bad season

Pereira has picked up a rating of 6.74 in the Premier League this season and only four West Brom players have picked up better ratings than the Brazilian. He is still the club’s highest goalscorer and the highest assister. He has also played the highest number of key passes per game for the side (as per Whoscored).

With all due respect, there are other players in the team who deserve more criticism than the player leading the way in both goal threat and creativity.

In other news, many West Brom fans are angry at a news about a midfielder – read more here.