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Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has dropped a Newcastle United update that is sure to leave Steve Bruce buzzing.

What’s the story?

While the Magpies are closing in on the signing of Joe Willock from Arsenal on a permanent deal, it appears they have received a significant windfall from a player they let go a couple of years ago.

Former Newcastle academy graduate Adam Armstrong saw his move to fellow Premier League side Southampton confirmed, and Downie has revealed the positive implications it has for Bruce and Newcastle.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Southampton agree a fee with Blackburn for striker Adam Armstrong. Newcastle to net 40% of the profit from their £1.8m sale three years ago. Personal terms not expected to be a problem.”

Bruce will be buzzing

It was only a few months ago back in May that reports had suggested Bruce had been informed by the Newcastle hierarchy that he would have a transfer kitty of less than £10m to work with this summer.

It was even suggested that the budget ruled out any potential chance of signing Willock permanently, unless the Magpies cashed in one of their prized assets.

But now, with the club close to sealing a deal for Willock, the good news doesn’t seem to end there.

Confirmation of Armstrong’s switch to St Mary’s sees the Tyneside club net a very healthy sum of money as part of the 40% clause that Downie claims was inserted into the deal to sell him in the first place.

With reports claiming that the fee Saints are paying Blackburn to be in the region of £15m, and Newcastle having initially sold him for £1.7m, the Magpies stand to make a fee in the region of £5m for Armstrong.

While the striker’s departure from St James’ Park may not have gone down too well with supporters, the fact they’ve made a good chunk of money on him years later, and at a time when they could desperately do with the cash to strengthen their own squad, is sure to have Bruce delighted.

That extra bit of money could be crucial in landing another signing after Willock.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign a dream partner for Joe Willock in this star…

Tottenham Hotspur have received a boost in their pursuit of Rubin Kazan winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, after AC Milan refused to meet the asking price for his services [Calciomercato].

The Lowdown: Tottenham eye signings ahead of 2021/22

Progressing towards the 2021/22 campaign, newly appointed Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to bring in some high quality acquisitions, in order to signal his intent to challenge for European qualification this campaign.

Wasting no time in getting to work on signing preferred targets, the Lilywhites have completed deals for Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini on loan alongside ex-Sevilla starlet Bryan Gil [Transfermarkt].

Now, the north Londoners look to have received a shot in the arm following recent reports, eyeing a talented winger to come in following the departure of Erik Lamela.

The Latest: Spurs receive boost in Kvaratskhelia chase

AC Milan believe that the valuation of the Georgian gem Kvaratskhelia from Rubin Kazan is too high, claim Calciomercato, whilst they also have reservations about the signing due to the difficulties surrounding non-EU legislation.

The Serie A outfit have only one more space for a non-EU player and have reportedly turned their attention towards Santos forward Kaio Jorge.

Tottenham, Bayer Leverkusen or Borussia Monchengladbach are now all said to be the most feasible destinations for the exciting young forward.

The Verdict: Kvaratskhelia would be an astute signing for Spurs

In need of reinforcement in the wide areas, Kvaratskhelia would represent an astute piece of business at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In 2020/21, the Tbilisi-born attacker registered 12 goals in 23 outings across all competitions; four goals and eight assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, his ability to carry the ball forward is there for all to see. Combined for club and country across last season, he made an average of 4.7 dribbles per appearance [WhoScored], marking him as a possible replacement for silky dribbler Lamela.

As the start of the new campaign draws ever nearer for Spurs, they should move to close out a deal for Kvaratskhelia before it is too late.

In other news, Spurs are confident of signing an Argentinian international.

Five days on a cracking pitch could not separate Australia and India, who will head to Mohali for Friday’s second Test at 0-0 after playing out a draw in Bangalore

The Bulletin by Brydon Coverdale13-Oct-2008
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
VVS Laxman concentrated hard and helped India secure the draw © AFP
Five days on a cracking pitch could not separate Australia and India, who will head to Mohali for Friday’s second Test at 0-0 after playing out a draw in Bangalore. VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar helped grind out the result – or lack of – which was a pleasing outcome for India after Australia dominated the first couple of days.Hoping for another Sydney, Ricky Ponting set India 299 from 83 overs but his attack lacked the firepower to blast through India’s resolute middle order. For the full five days the surface had featured crevices so wide that, had the wiry Ishant Sharma gone missing, you would know where to look. Strangely, it continued to play relatively well throughout. Occasional deliveries spat and bounced while others stayed low but batsmen who applied themselves could survive.However, scoring remained difficult and once Virender Sehwag departed cheaply, India’s target was largely irrelevant. As Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir and Laxman held off Australia’s bowlers it began to look like the only celebration would be a personal one as Tendulkar closed in on Brian Lara’s all-time Test run-scoring record. Even that party was put on hold when Tendulkar fell 14 short of Lara’s mark.At least he made a major contribution to saving a game Australia will feel they should have won. The parallels with Sydney for much of the final day were obvious: again India were set a target that was all but out of reach and again they went to tea with seven wickets in hand.But the Chinnaswamy Stadium is not the SCG. In Sydney more was happening, both off the field and on it. In that game an average of 321 runs were scored each day; in this Test the figure was 239. And in Sydney the game finished with the sun still shining; in Bangalore bad light interrupted proceedings when Australia required miracles.Viewed in its entirety, the hard-fought match was like Test cricket of old. Five full days of relatively low-scoring play without a result provided the starkest possible contrast to the IPL, which was the last major cricket played in Bangalore. Consecutive sixes were commonplace in the IPL; there weren’t two in this entire Test.It didn’t stop the deafening roars from the crowd as Tendulkar and Laxman fought off Australia’s attack. Tendulkar put together two incredibly valuable partnerships that all but secured the draw after India lost two early wickets that gave Australia a sniff. He combined with Gambhir for a 53-run stand and then added 61 with Laxman. The responsibility was then passed on to Laxman and Sourav Ganguly, who prodded away the spin and built a 39-run partnership that took India through to the close.Smart stats Anil Kumble went wicketless in a Test (those in which he’s bowled) for the third time in his career, and for the first time when he’s bowled in both innings. Kumble, who just played his last Test in Bangalore, has taken 41 wickets in nine Tests at the Chinnaswamy stadium.Brad Haddin conceded 39 byes in the match, the highest by an Australian wicketkeeper. Rodney Marsh held the record, giving away 36 against the West Indies in 1973. The percentage of runs scored by each side in boundaries was almost the same. Australia scored 44.9% of their runs in boundaries (67 fours and 1 six), and India 45.6 % (54 fours). Fast bowlers fared far better than spinners. The pace attack took 24 wickets at an average of 23.33, while spinners picked up just six, averaging 89.33 per wicket. Rahul Dravid averages just 21.69 in seven matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, his home ground.Laxman’s concentration was complete. He watched the ball closely, defended with ease and did not get bogged down at one end. The same could be said of Tendulkar, until a momentary slip-up that gave Cameron White an experience he will never forget – he picked up Tendulkar as his first Test wicket. White threw up a delivery outside off and drew Tendulkar into an airy drive that was snaffled at cover. A teary White, Test legspinner, celebrated just over a week after playing as a batting allrounder in club cricket in Melbourne.The lack of a truly dangerous frontline slow bowler did restrict Australia. Michael Clarke and White sent down 38 overs between them and, although they gave the batsmen moments of trouble, rarely did they look like running through the order. Nor could the fast bowlers provide the necessary spark, although they threatened to light a fuse early in India’s innings. It seemed like India’s batting order would break apart quicker than the deceptive pitch when they lost Sehwag and Rahul Dravid within the first nine overs.Sehwag, the one man who might have made Ponting nervous about the target, was taken at first slip off Stuart Clark having been dropped by Brad Haddin off the previous Brett Lee over. India’s 16 for 1 became 24 for 2 when Dravid flicked Lee to short midwicket, where Ponting dived acrobatically to take the catch.It gave Australia’s captain reason to believe that batting into the final day – the lower order added 35 to the overnight total – was not a bad decision. His attack simply didn’t have the time or weaponry to finish the task. It meant no real answers to the two primary questions that hung over Australia in the lead-up: could a pair of half-spinners add up to a whole, and could the fast bowlers prove matchwinners in India.The hosts entered the Test with a query or two as well. India’s Fab Four were under pressure and while Laxman, Tendulkar and Ganguly were major reasons the game was saved, rarely in either innings did they look like dominating Australia’s bowlers. Anil Kumble was also being pressed on his retirement plans; his rickety right shoulder and failure to take a wicket have done nothing to suppress those questions.After five days, 30 wickets and 1195 runs, neither side can claim to be especially better off than the other. It’s time for Mohali.

Gary Kirsten, the India coach, has said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is “ready” to captain India in all forms of the game

Cricinfo staff02-Sep-2008
Gary Kirsten: “Their [Dhoni and Kumble’s] thinking is different but they both are exceptional cricketers” © AFP
Gary Kirsten, the India coach, has said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is “ready” to captain India in all forms of the game but added that there was no immediate need for change because Anil Kumble was doing “an exceptional job” leading the Test side.”He [Dhoni] is ready for it [Test captaincy] but there is no need to rush as of now,” Kirsten told NDTV. “Anil has done an exceptional job, he is a great leader. He is prepared to do 30 overs in a day but he is on the other side of the physical side of the game.””MSD is a great thinker. He has got fantastic skills in terms of understanding the situation. He is the best ODI batsman in the world. I think he has worked his heart out, how to win games batting in the middle period. He plays every situation really well and is a very good keeper as well.”Kumble has led the Test team since Rahul Dravid resigned after India’s tour of England in 2007 while Dhoni has been in charge of the ODI and Twenty20 sides.India have just returned from a tour of Sri Lanka where they were beaten 1-2 in the Tests but bounced back to take the ODI series 3-2. Dhoni had opted out of the Test series in order to rest but returned for the one-dayers.”Their characters [Dhoni’s and Kumble’s], their strategies are different,” Kirsten said. “Their thinking is different but they both are exceptional cricketers and they have proved their worth in different formats of the game. It’s always good to have captains that are performing well. It makes a big difference to the morale of the team, to the energy and intensity of the game.”One of the disappointments for India during the ODIs in Sri Lanka was Yuvraj Singh’s form. He scored 72 runs in five innings and was tormented by Ajantha Mendis, who has dismissed him four times in six matches. Kirsten hoped that the break from international cricket would help Yuvraj.”We all want to see Yuvraj hitting the ball hard,” Kirsten said. “He is as good as anyone. Sometimes the break does a world of good. I am hoping that this break does him a lot of good and that he can comeback really motivated and determined.”

The problems facing Zimbabwe Cricket as it struggles to retain players was highlighted with the announcement of a 44-man list of contracted players

Steven Price in Harare05-Sep-2008The problems facing Zimbabwe Cricket as it struggles to retain players was highlighted with the announcement of a 44-man list of contracted players. The most notable absence was that of Brendan Taylor, the hero of the World Twenty20 win over Australia a year ago.Confusion surrounds the decision. Trevor Mutangadura, the board’s general manger, told the Standard that his omission was because he “left for England without signing a contract with ZC”.However, this contradicts what Cricinfo was told in June. In response to an article suggesting that Taylor was on the verge of walking out, the board sent a terse email stating that the report presented ZC as “an overbearing organisation that is unreasonably denying Taylor leave to play overseas … nothing can be further from the truth.”It continued: “At the end of the season, the players are allowed to play in whichever country they accept an offer from, since ZC stands to benefit if the players remain exposed to a high level of play. We remain supportive of all our players and said as much in our letter of May 7 to Taylor, part of the last paragraph of which reads: ‘We would therefore encourage you to complete your obligations as per the dates outlined and we remain supportive of whatever direction you so decide your career to take’.”The reasons also make little sense as sources state that Elton Chigumbura, Blessing Mahwire and Ed Rainsford are also in the UK and have not signed new contracts but are named in the list.The confusion extended to new national coach Walter Chawaguta who told the Sunday News that he wasn’t sure what the situation was with Taylor.However, a ZC source told Cricinfo that there was a contract waiting for Taylor and that “he can come anytime and walk into the team”.There are suspicions that the public exclusion of Taylor is evidence that the hard-liners within the board who were behind the removal of Robin Brown, Chawaguta’s predecessor, are flexing their muscles regarding team selection. It is believed that Brown clashed with them regarding the number of black players in the side, and the expectation is that Chawaguta will be far more amenable to their suggestions.Zimbabwe contracted players Prosper Utseya (capt), Tatenda Taibu, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusimusi Sibanda, Tawanda Mupariwa, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Keith Dabengwa, Raymond Price, Christopher Mpofu, Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Edward Rainsford, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Timycen Maruma, Graeme Creamer, Taurai Muzarabani, Johnson Marumisa, Regis Chakabva, Friday Kasteni, Blessing Mahwire, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Alestair Maregwede, Eric Chauluka, Trevor Garwe, Admire Manyumwa, Steady Musoso, Alois Tichana, Patient Charumbira, Prosper Tsvanhu, Silent Mujaji, Philimoen Kadzitye, Samuel Mwakayeni, Forster Mutizwa, Mbekezili Mabuza, Bonaparte Mujuru, Michael Chinouya, Bothwell Chapungu, Tinashe Hove, Tendai Chisoro, Remembrance Nyathi, Stephen Nyamuzinga, Cephas Zhuwao, Bernard Mlambo.

Fulham have been dealt a blow to their chances of bringing Siriki Dembele to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s been said?

That’s according to a claim made by Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry, who revealed in a recent interview with Transfer Tavern that he is unwilling to sell the centre-forward on the cheap in the summer transfer window.

A number of clubs, including Fulham, have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old this summer, with it previously being reported that a bid of £5m should be enough to begin negotiations with the Posh striker.

However, if Fry’s latest comments are anything to go by, this would now appear to be an unrealistic outcome, with the 76-year-old stating:

“He’s a talented boy and just because he’s in his last year, people think we’ll sell. We won’t.

“We’ve got a better chance of retaining our Championship status with Jonson Clarke-Harris and Dembele in our side than not. It’s got to be substantial figures for either of them or we’ll just let Dembele go for nothing in a year.

“If he keeps us up, it’s worth £15million to us. It’s well worth it.”

Silva surely gutted

Considering just how impressive Dembele was for Peterborough last season, the fact that a deal for the forward may not be attainable this summer is sure to have left Silva gutted.

Indeed, over his 42 League One appearances for Darren Ferguson’s side last term, the £2.6k-per-week man scored 11 goals, registered 10 assists and created a whopping 17 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

These returns saw the man Ferguson dubbed an “outstanding” player earn a seasonal Sofascore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Peterborough’s joint seventh-best player in the third tier of English football.

As such, it would very much appear as if Dembele would have made a fantastic addition to Silva’s attacking arsenal at Craven Cottage this summer, although a deal this summer now seems to be incredibly unlikely.

However, with Fry suggesting that the 24-year-old could leave the Weston Homes Stadium for nothing in 12 months time, perhaps a season in the Championship will actually do the forward wonders in terms of his development, with Fulham potentially being able to land the more experienced hitman for free next summer.

In other news: Fulham dealt a blow as summer exit of backroom figure confirmed, Silva will be gutted

Nadine George will captain a very inexperienced West Indies for the first time during their tour of Ireland, Netherlands and England with 11 of the 16-player squad set for international debuts

Cricinfo staff19-Jun-2008Nadine George will captain a very inexperienced West Indies for the first time during their tour of Ireland, Netherlands and England. Eleven of the 16-player squad are set to make their international debuts on the trip which begins next week in Ireland, with one of them – Chedean Nation, named as vice-captain.It’s hardly a surprise that the side have so few international players among them: West Indies women have not played any international cricket for the last three years. This tour was arranged late but will finally guarantee them their spot at next year’s World Cup in Australia and the following World Twenty20 tournament in England. They had been in the unusual position of having qualified automatically but they still faced missing out through ineligibility by not having played the required number of international matches.A proposed tour to West Indies by India and Pakistan fell through, but the Ireland, Netherlands and England boards all stepped in to agree to host ODIs. Now the squad have 12 matches in which to acclimatise to the rigours of international cricket ahead of a big year next year. Of those 12 games, only two of them are ODIs against a qualifying side – England. West Indies will also make their Twenty20 debut on their tour.Despite their lack of international exposure, their head coach Sherwin Campbell said the team is extremely confident and focused. “This is a young team but a very focused group of girls who are committed to what they are doing. The tour will include one-dayers as well as Twenty20s so we have been gearing up with that in mind,” Campbell said. “The Twenty20s will be new to the girls so this tour will give them an opportunity to get some experience.”We are looking at the development of the players as individuals and also as a team. We want to see the girls improving on their personal best performances and we also want to form a cohesive unit. It’s international sport and at this level results as very important, so we will be going all out to win all three series.”George was the first West Indian to make a century in women’s Tests (against Pakistan in 2004) while the four other international players are Anisa Mohammed, Kirbyina Alexander, Juliana Nero and Debbie-Ann Lewis, who will spearhead the bowling attack.The squad departs on Saturday after a four-day high-performance camp.Squad
Nadine George (capt), Merissa Aguilleira, Kirbyina Alexander, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Stacy-Ann King, Lee-Ann Kirby, Debbie-Ann Lewis, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Julianna Nero, Gaitri Seetahal, Shakera Selman, Danielle Small, Charlene Taitt, Stefanie Taylor.

Redbacks batsman, Chris Davies, will undergo surgery on January 7, to repair a ruptured ligament in his left elbow.

South Australian Cricket Association30-Dec-2002Redbacks batsman, Chris Davies, will undergo surgery on January 7, to repair a ruptured ligament in his left elbow.The injury worsened during the recent Pura Cup game against the Western Warriors, and Chris and SACA medical staff decided, following that game, to proceed with surgery.It is likely that the surgery will rule Chris out of the rest of the 2002/03 season.

Aimee Mason (captain), Abby Burrows, Cindy Forsyth, Megan Graham, Erin McDonald, Sara McGlashan, Zara McWilliams, Elizabeth Perry, Kate Pulford, Toni Street, Nicole Thessman and Donna Trow

02-Dec-2002The State Central Hinds team to play the State Northern Spirit at Westpac Park, Hamilton on December 7 and 8 in the State League is:Aimee Mason (captain), Abby Burrows, Cindy Forsyth, Megan Graham, Erin McDonald, Sara McGlashan, Zara McWilliams, Elizabeth Perry, Kate Pulford, Toni Street, Nicole Thessman and Donna Trow.The coach is Warren Marr and the manager is Jacqui Gardiner.

West Brom’s board will try and back new manager Valerien Ismael this transfer window, journalist Luke Hatfield has told The Transfer Tavern.

Ismael was appointed as West Brom boss at the end of last month and has already got to work in the market, with Alex Mowatt, who he managed at Barnsley, set to be playing his football at The Hawthorns this upcoming season.

On a free transfer, Mowatt looks like he could be a very good signing after scoring eight goals and providing seven assists from midfield in the last Championship campaign.

Ismael’s work is unlikely to be done there, though, with the 45-year-old set to be fully backed, according to Hatfield.

“The Albion board will try and back him with what they can in terms of funds,” the Express & Star journalist said.

“How much money he’s going to have in his budget is another question, but I think they’re excited by what they saw from Ismael at Barnsley.”

Indeed, even if he was not their first choice, it is easy to see why owner Guochuan Lai and the rest of the West Brom board have a lot of belief in Ismael. On a very low budget, the Frenchman was able to guide Barnsley to the play-offs last season.