Palmer: Crystal Palace won’t budge on Wilfried Zaha valuation

Steve Parish and Crystal Palace will not budge on Wilfried Zaha’s valuation, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern.

Zaha had been strongly linked with both Tottenham and Everton at the end of last season but nothing is yet to materialise.

The latter’s interest dates back to 2019 where they had an offer rejected for the player, which was confirmed by the club (via Liverpool Echo).

Transfer insider Dean Jones, speaking on the Football Terrace, has claimed that Spurs are still looking at Zaha ahead of deadline day. Palmer, though, has warned them and other outfits not to expect a discount.

“Steve Parish is one of those guys. He won’t budge on this,” the ex-Leeds United player said. “If he’s said it’s 50 million, for example, it’s 50 million. So it’s for the clubs now to trigger that.”

While you would never rule anything out, it would be a surprise to see Tottenham splash out on Zaha in this moment of time.

Nuno Espirito Santo currently has the likes of Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn for those attacking positions, the trio all impressing in that recent 1-0 win against Manchester City.

They have also just brought in Bryan Gil from Sevilla so are hardly lacking in that area of the pitch right now.

Hyderabad look to go top of the table

Cricinfo previews the match between Delhi Giants and Hyderabad Heroes

Cricinfo staff31-Oct-2008Match factsNov 1, 2008
Start time 7.30pm (1400 GMT)
Nicky Boje has shone with both the bat and ball for the Hyderabad Heroes© ICL
Big PictureDelhi’s chances of making the semi-finals were dealt a crushing blow after a 58-run defeat against Mumbai Champs in their last match. With their two big-name foreign players, captain Marvan Atapattu and pace spearhead Shane Bond, not at the top of their games, Delhi’s hopes of progress are almost non-existent. They need to win their remaining games and hope for several other results to go their way to stay in contention for the semi-finals.On the other hand, Hyderabad, their opponents on Saturday, further strengthened their place in the top half of the table with a narrow win against the Ahmedabad Rockets. With a relatively easy game against Mumbai, whom they take on after Delhi, and home advantage against Bengal in their last league game, Hyderabad are poised for a spot in the final four.Where they rankDelhi are second-last in the league with two victories. They need to win their remaining two games to keep their improbable chances of qualifying alive.Currently in second place, Hyderabad will look to climb to the top of the rankings with a win, at least for a brief period, with table-toppers Chennai Superstars playing Mumbai the next day.Form guide (most recent match first) Delhi: LWLLL
Mumbai: WWLWStats Delhi have been on the receiving end of three of the four largest defeats (in terms of runs) in the tournament – 62 against Dhaka, 58 against Mumbai and 35 against Bengal. Delhi’s Ali Murtaza is the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 10 scalps. He also has the best bowling figures of 4-0-7-4 against Lahore.Players to watchS Abbas Ali has been enjoying a rich vein of form for Delhi . His brave performance (31 off 19 balls) against Mumbai followed a match-winning 52 against Lahore. He also shared the best fourth-wicket partnership with Abhinav Bali in the tournament, putting on 80 runs against Lahore.
Nicky Boje is having a great time with both bat and ball for Hyderabad. He has seven wickets from five matches, with a best of 3-20 against Dhaka, and scored a crucial 30-ball 47 against Ahmedabad.Quotes”If we have to chase a target against the Delhi team, seeing off Shane Bond would be the priority. If we succeed in it, we have the potential and the confidence to chase any target.”

فيديو | إيطاليا تتعادل مع إنجلترا وتحافظ على صدارة مجموعتها في دوري الأمم الأوروبية

حسم التعادل السلبي، مباراة إيطاليا وإنجلترا في دوري الأمم الأوروبية، التي أقيمت مساء اليوم السبت. 

والتقى منتخب إيطاليا مع إنجلترا في إطار مباريات الجولة الثالثة لدور المجموعات بدوري الأمم الأوروبية. 

بدأت المواجهة بفرصة للضيوف في الدقيقة الثانية عن طريق فراتيسي بعد بينية من بيليجريني لكن مرت بعيدة عن الشباك. 

ثم تصدى دوناروما لمحاولة من ماسون مونت لاعب إنجلترا في الدقيقة الخامسة، وأهدر أبراهام فرصة أخرى لأصحاب الأرض.

وقام دوناروما بتصدي آخر في الدقيقة التاسعة وأيضًا لمحاولة جديدة من مونت.  فرصة مونت أمام إيطاليا

وشهدت الدقيقة 12، انفرادًا لفراتيسي بمرمى أصحاب الأرض بعد عمل جماعي رائع للاعبي إيطاليا، لكن التسديدة جاءت بجانب القائم.

وفي الدقيقة 15 كانت هناك محاولة خطيرة للآتزوري بعد عرضية من دي لورينزو تصل عند تونالي المنفرد تمامًا بالمرمى، ولكن رامسدال حارس مرمى إنجلترا ينجح في التصدي لتسديدته.

وبالدقيقة 25 تصدى رامسدال لفرصة من الإيطالي تونالي بعد تمريرة رائعة من لوكاتيلي تجاه دي لورينزو وصلت بالنهاية لتونالي. تصدي رامسدال لـ تونالي

وأهدر مونت فرصة أخرى لإنجلترا تصدى لها دوناروما، وفي الدقيقة 44 توغل بيسينا ببراعة من الناحية اليمنى وسدد كرة خطيرة يتصدى لها الحارس رامسدال.

في الشوط الثاني أهدر ستيرلينج فرصة للمنتخب الإنجليزي بعد تمريرة عرضية من جيمس، وأتت تسديدة ستيرلينج فوق العارضة، ثم تصدى دونارما لفرصة أخرى لستيرلينج بالدقيقة 55.  فرصة ستيرلينج أمام إيطاليا

وأجرى روبرتو مانشيني أولى تبيدلات منتخب إيطاليا في الدقيقة 64 بخروج لوكاتيلي وبيلجريني ومشاركة نيونتو، وإيسبوسيتو.

ودفع جاريث ساوثجيت بهاري كين ليشارك في صفوف إنجلترا بدلاً من أبراهام، كما شارك بوين وفيليبس بدلاً من مونت ورايس في الدقيقة 66. 

وسدد نيونتو تسديدة قوية تصطدم بالشباك الخارجية للمرمى في الدقيقة 70 من عمر المباراة.

وأجرى مانشيني تبديلًا آخر لإيطاليا في الدقيقة 77 بخروج سكاماكا ودخول راسبادوري.

بالدقيقة 79 دفع مدرب إنجلترا ساوثجيت، بلاعبه بوكايو ساكا بدلاً من ستيرلينج. 

ثم أجرى مانشيني تبديلين آخرين بخروج ديماركو وبيسينا ومشاركة فلورينزري وكريستانتي، وفي إنجلترا شارك مارك جيهي بدلاً من توموري في الدقيقة 88. 

انتهت المباراة بالتعادل السلبي لترفع إيطاليا رصيدها في الصدارة إلى 5 نقاط، تليها المجر بـ 4 نقاط، ثم ألمانيا بـ 3 نقاط، وتتذيل إنجلترا بنقطتين. 

Bangladesh willing to answer Champions Trophy call

Bangladesh are ready to step into the Champions Trophy if any teams pull out of the tournament, according to the coach Jamie Siddons

Cricinfo staff20-Aug-2008
Jamie Siddons: “We’ve been called to Pakistan recently to fill in for the Aussies and we’ll do it again if we get invited” © AFP
Bangladesh are ready to step into the Champions Trophy if any teams pull out of the tournament, according to the coach Jamie Siddons. Siddons’ side replaced Australia when they postponed their tours to Pakistan earlier this year and Bangladesh were also part of the Asia Cup, which was staged in Karachi and Lahore in June and July.Ninth in the world rankings, Bangladesh could slip into the eight-team Champions Trophy if a re-shuffle is required. “I think we’re free to play if it happens but, personally, I can’t see it happening,” Siddons told the Age. “We’ve been called to Pakistan recently to fill in for the Aussies and we’ll do it again if we get invited.”The state of the Champions Trophy remains undecided as Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa wait on an ICC ruling on the event, which is due to start on September 12. A final decision on the venue of the contest is due after an ICC meeting on Sunday.Bangladesh are currently in Australia preparing for a three-match one-day series starting on August 30. They lost their first warm-up against the Australian Institute of Sport, but earned a three-wicket victory in Wednesday’s match in Darwin.

Former Karnataka player Thimmappiah dies aged 92

K Thimmappiah, the former Karnataka (then Mysore) batsman and Karnataka State Cricket Association president, died in Bangalore on Sunday

Cricinfo staff28-Jul-2008K Thimmappiah, the former Karnataka (then Mysore) batsman and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president, died in Bangalore on Sunday. Thimmappiah was 92. He played 11 first-class matches, scoring 418 runs in a career that spanned 11 years.A right-hand batsman, Thimmappiah became Mysore’s first centurion when he made 127 against Tamil Nadu at the Central College grounds on January 2, 1942. He had made his debut against the same team in December 1940.Thimmappiah was later involved in the game as an administrator, taking over as KSCA president from M Chinnaswamy in 1990. He served in the position for eight years. He was also manager of the Indian junior team during their tour to Sri Lanka in 1963-64.He is survived by his wife and four children.

Aston Villa: Fans react as 10 new scholars join

Aston Villa confirmed on Friday evening that 10 new scholars have joined the club, and a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Villa have already bolstered their academy ranks his summer with the acquisitions of England under-16 captain Josh Feeney and Bournemouth’s Ajani Burchall.

They have now added a number of youngsters from different clubs, whereas others have progressed through Villa’s youth system (avfc.co.uk).

Goalkeeper James Wright has joined from Manchester City, full-back Jayden Barber from Fulham, Finley Munroe from Chelsea and Kyrie Pierre from Bristol Rovers.

Defenders Harvey Rhoades and Luke Softley, midfielders Todd Alcock and Mikell Barnes and forwards Charlie Lutz and Kobei Moore have all been rewarded for their displays coming through Villa’s academy.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news about the 10 youngsters on their official Twitter page, and these fans of the club were quick to share their thoughts, with one describing the news as ‘exciting’.

“I love this club. The whole club is moving forward tremendously. Exciting times!”Credit: @lVathan_”Incredible work going into the academy”Credit: @AVFCchats”exciting times at this club”Credit: @catrinedwards18″Announce Champions League winners 2026/2027″Credit: @MShauib1″Love it”Credit: @VillaVisionBen”The future is bright”Credit: @FCVillans

In other news: Reliable reporter shares just how much Aston Villa offered for Kalvin Phillips, find out more here. 

Southampton tipped to sign Issa Diop

Southampton have recently been tipped to sign West Ham centre-back Issa Diop, and the Frenchman could be the ideal replacement for Jannik Vestergaard in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side should the Denmark international leave St Mary’s this summer.

What’s the word?

Southampton were linked with a move for the former Toulouse defender by Foot Mercato earlier this month, and former Saints player Carlton Palmer has now suggested that the 24-year-old could be an excellent addition to Hasenhuttl’s squad.

He told This Is Futbol: “I think that would be a good move. Again, Diop wants to play, he would play regular football at Southampton, and it would be a good move for both parties.”

Could Diop replace Vestergaard at Southampton?

Vestergaard has attracted a lot of interest this summer after an impressive campaign with Southampton, before playing a key role for Kasper Hjulmand’s Denmark side as they reached the semi-finals of the European Championship.

Roma currently look to be the main contenders to sign him, with Jose Mourinho clearly keen on the former Borussia Monchengladbach man as Spurs were also heavily linked before the 58-year-old was sacked at the north London club.

After a tricky start at Southampton, the 28-year-old is now one of the first names on the teamsheet for Hasenhuttl as his passing has drastically improved from previous seasons, whilst his 1.99m (6 foot 6) frame obviously makes him a threat in both boxes, evidenced by his three Premier League goals last season.

However, his current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, and with no extension on the horizon, it would perhaps not be a surprise to see him depart this summer, which suggests that a replacement needs to be brought in.

Diop may have lost his regular starting place in West Ham’s side last season, making just 18 appearances in the Premier League, but he is still only 24 and has emphasised in the past that he can be a top defender when he is on form.

After an impressive performance for the Hammers against Manchester United in 2018, Mourinho labelled the £16.2m-rated Diop a “monster”, which suggests that the Frenchman could replace the aerial therat offered by Vestergaard in this Southampton side.

Indeed, like the Danish defender, the Irons centre-back also has a happy knack for popping up with headed goals.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, if a deal can be done with David Moyes’ side this summer and Vestergaard is sold, then Southampton should definitely be looking to bring in Diop as his replacement.

In other news… Southampton look set for third signing as player confirms exciting update

Aston Villa must sign Tammy Abraham

Aston Villa must land Chelsea and England star Tammy Abraham this summer amid a major transfer update.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have linked Dean Smith’s side with a move for the £50,000-a-week striker in this summer transfer window, and there has now been an update on the club’s pursuit.

According to The Daily Mirror, Villa are ready to spend £40m to bring Abraham to Villa Park, with the 23-year-old striker being told he is free to leave Chelsea as he doesn’t feature in Thomas Tuchel’s long-term plans at Stamford Bridge.

Fans will be buzzing

Given the impressive time he had at Villa Park in his first spell at the club, fans would surely be buzzing at the prospect of Abraham arriving on a permanent deal this summer. The England international bagged a whopping 26 goals in 40 games in the Championship back in 2018/19, as well as chipping in with three assists.

Speaking after he watched him score against Swansea, Smith himself said: “Tammy is a handful and he knows better than me that he should have been walking away with the match ball tonight. But he scored the winning goal, he’s a hell of a talent. Tammy put in a hell of a shift up front on his own and proved he is a fine player.”

As per Sofascore, he is very much someone who does his best work in the penalty area given his heat map, while he won an impressive 57% of his duels in the air last season in the Premier League – to put that in context, another Villa former player Christian Benteke, who is renowned for his aerial ability, won a similar percentage of headers in 2020/21.

Described as “unbelievable” and “phenomenal” throughout his career, Abraham could provide some much-needed competition for Ollie Watkins up top, and given the reaction from numerous Villa fans at the prospect of him joining, it would certainly seem to be a good move for all involved.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a transfer update on this Premier League player Villa are targeting…

Palmer: Sheffield United will challenge under Slavisa Jokanovic

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has tipped Sheffield United to challenge for promotion following the appointment of Slavisa Jokanovic.

Sheffield United and former manager Chris Wilder went their separate ways in March, leaving the Yorkshire club needing to find a new man for the dugout ahead of life back in the Championship.

Paul Heckingbottom, who stepped in on a temporary basis after Wilder’s exit, was thought to be in consideration for the job.

In the end, though, United went with the experience of Jokanovic, and Palmer is now backing the Serbian to make his side promotion candidates.

“I know the players that Chris Wilder was signing, having spoke to him at the time, he was always mindful of the fact they may go down and if they did go down, he wanted a young enough squad to challenge to come back,” the ex-Sheffield Wednesday player said.

“It seems at the moment they’re keeping all those players and they just recruited a very good manager. I expect them to challenge to go back up next season.”

Indeed, United have to be one of the favourites to win promotion in the upcoming Championship season. In Jokanovic, they have a manager who has won two promotions to the Premier League before.

The Blades also have players who are efficient at this level. While Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie, for example, have had their struggles in the Premier League, they have both had prolific spells in the Championship.

The former scored 11 goals in 22 games back in the 2019/20 season and the latter 22 in 42 in 2018/19, both at Swansea City.

Man Utd linked with Caglar Soyuncu

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu.

What’s the story?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, the Red Devils have identified the 25-year-old as a potential partner for Harry Maguire in the heart of their defence.

A new centre-back is thought to be high up on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list for the current window, and Soyuncu is the latest name to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.

The new Harry Maguire

The trio of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe have failed to prove their long-term suitability at centre-half in recent years, leading to the club prioritising the position this summer.

Real Madrid reportedly turned down a £50m offer for Raphael Varane recently, while Villarreal’s Pau Torres is another candidate on Solskjaer’s wish list.

While Soyuncu may not carry as much excitement or intrigue as the Spanish-based pair, the Leicester man has Premier League experience and may be viewed as a safer option by the United hierarchy.

In his three-year spell at the King Power Stadium, the Turkey international has been in impressive form, helping the club to consecutive fifth-place finishes and last season’s FA Cup triumph.

Soyuncu’s standout displays have attracted many plaudits, including some from his current manager Brendan Rodgers.

“He has been absolutely fantastic, and he is only going to get better with experience,” said the Northern Irish tactician. “He will go to Old Trafford. He will go to Anfield. He is not frightened of anything.

“He is quick; he is aggressive. He can defend first and foremost. He has absolutely no qualms whatsoever of just smashing the ball over the stand. He wants to defend.

“But he can play football, and that’s important if you want to be a top team. You have to be able to defend, but you have to be able to play, and he can do that.”

The last time United signed a central defender from the Foxes, things turned out pretty well. Maguire quickly established himself as the club’s key figure at the back and was made captain after less than a year with the 20-time English champions.

If departing chief executive Ed Woodward can secure a reasonable price for the £40.5m-rated Soyuncu, there’s no reason why he can’t follow in Maguire’s footsteps and take United to the next level.

In other news…Woodward could deliver dream Lindelof upgrade for Man Utd in “sensational” £51.5m gem 

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