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West Ham United are keen on signing an “unbelievable” Premier League player, with his club now open to offers in the January transfer window.

West Ham in real danger of relegation after Fulham defeat

West Ham are at serious risk of being relegated from the top flight, having lost their third game on the spin against Fulham on Saturday afternoon, with the Cottagers prevailing 1-0 at the London Stadium, courtesy of a late goal from Raul Jimenez.

The Hammers are without a win since the 3-2 victory against Burnley at the start of November, which means they are now five points adrift of Nottingham Forest, who, fortunately, lost 2-1 against Manchester City last time out.

With the Irons in trouble, they may need to strengthen in the January transfer window, which gets underway very soon, and bringing in a new striker is likely to be of key significance, given that Niclas Fullkrug looks set to join AC Milan, following talks.

However, having conceded 36 Premier League goals this term, the second-highest number in the division, bringing in a new centre-back could also serve Nuno’s side well, and they have now joined the race for Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, who is represented by the same agency as Max Kilman.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states the Hammers are one of a number of clubs keen on signing the Man City ace, alongside Barcelona, Crystal Palace, Fulham and AFC Bournemouth.

A deal could be possible too, with Pep Guardiola’s side open to offers next month, and they are looking to receive a fee of around €30m – €35m (£26m – £31m) for the defender, whose future is set to be decided in January.

The interested Premier League clubs are deemed likely to want to secure Ake on a permanent basis, and there are plenty of indications he could help the Irons in their battle for survival…

Related West Ham in talks with 'top-class' ex-Leeds United man after claim he wants to join

He’s apparently keen on the Hammers.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini "Unbelievable" Ake could play key role in West Ham avoiding relegation

Lauded as “unbelievable” by Sports Illustrated’s Hunter Godson, the City defender is vastly experienced at the highest level, having made 31 Champions League appearances, while also picking up 57 caps for the Netherlands.

Subscribe for expert transfer window and Premier League coverage Want focused Premier League transfer coverage? Subscribe to the newsletter to get in-depth transfer-window analysis, defensive scouting breakdowns, and player profiles – practical Premier League coverage that explains moves like a potential Nathan Aké transfer.

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The former AFC Bournemouth man has been impressing in the Premier League for quite some time, having also been a key player for the Cherries throughout his entire stint at the Vitality Stadium.

West Ham’s current defenders, on the other hand, have struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in a competitive match since the 2-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which was way back in May.

As such, West Ham could clearly do with strengthening their backline next month, and Ake’s vast experience in both England and Europe means he could be the ideal addition to the squad.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo: Jahurul Islam steered Rangpur Riders’ chase of 136•Associated Press

Rangpur Riders inflicted three timely run-outs and then batted well to beat Dhaka Dynamites by six wickets. The win meant that Rangpur, Comilla Victorians and Barisal Bulls now have 10 points each on the table, while Dhaka are in fourth place with six points, and still need to strengthen their lead over Chittagong Vikings and Sylhet Super Stars, who have four points each.The fielding was the main difference between the two sides. Dhaka misfielded several times, especially Sohail Khan at the boundary, while Rangpur made sure that their bowling wasn’t going to be the only thing attacking Dhaka as they limited the side to 135 for 7. Jahurul Islam was in charge of the chase for most of the time, ending with an unbeaten 35 off 26 balls with four boundaries.When Rangpur’s chase began, however, there were plenty of plays and misses from the Rangpur openers – Soumya Sarkar and Lendl Simmons – in the first six overs. Soumya hit just the two fours and a magnificent pull off Sohail Khan in the fifth over but in the following over, Abul Hasan had him caught at mid-off as he attempted to bunt the medium-pacer. Simmons was caught at point off the same bowler, after making only 18. Rangpur’s chase received a further jolt when, in the 12th over, Mustafizur Rahman duped Shakib Al Hasan to give a catch to mid-on to make the score 74 for 3.Sammy had a terrible time at the start of his innings, missing deliveries against Mustafizur and Abul, but just as things were getting tougher for Rangpur, Shykat Ali was given a third over with 54 needed off 42 balls. Sammy struck two fours and Jahurul got one past the wicketkeeper to take 16 runs off the over. In the next over, the pair combined to hit Sohail Khan for three fours in a 15-run over. The target came down to 23 off 30 balls.Mohammad Irfan had Sammy drag one on to the stumps after making a 21-ball 23, with 17 needed off the last 24 balls. Jahurul kept his cool and, with Thisara Perera, made sure the win was achieved with 10 balls to spare.When Dhaka decided to bat, the 45-run, fourth-wicket partnership between Nasir Hossain and Kumar Sangakkara was the best part of their batting. That partnership helped the side overcome a sluggish start after they had slipped to 39 for 3 in the seventh over. Shadman Islam was the first to go, run out by Soumya Sarkar’s direct hit in the fourth over. Shamsur Rahman was struck in front against Shakib, before Shykat, impressive while hitting the two fours and the six, holed out at long-off for 18.Sangakkara and Nasir worked on picking the singles and twos, and occasionally found the boundary; the stand-out shot was Sangakkara’s inside-out six over cover off Mohammad Nabi in the 11th over. The partnership had the potential to push the total past the 150-mark, especially after Arafat Sunny dropped Sangakkara on 29 but, off the very next ball, Shakib’s direct hit from short midwicket found the batsman inches short of the crease.Nasir made a 28-ball 30 and, after Sangakkara’s dismissal, tried to push the run-rate. He even struck a six off Sunny but was gone next ball after the bowler turned it and beat Nasir’s charge. Ryan ten Doeschate swept one straight down deep square-leg’s throat in the 18th over before Mosaddek Hossain was run out trying to run a bye after Thisara Perera bowled a wide at the end of the penultimate over.Apart from Sunny’s two-wicket haul and the three run-outs, Sammy and Shakib had one wicket each.

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Parthiv Patel unsuccessfully appeals against Collins Obuya, who top-scored with 51 © AFP

Hundreds from Subramaniam Badrinath and Parthiv Patel carried India A to a 408 for 8 declared and then Piyush Chawla spun out four Kenyan wickets to put the tourists on the verge of a big win on the second day at Mombasa. Collins Obuya’s 51 was the top score for Kenya, who began their second innings 309 runs in arrears, but a lack of support saw them stumble to 191 for 8 by stumps.The morning began with a light drizzle but play started on time, although Kenya were without their captain, Steve Tikolo, who did not take the field until later because of a calf strain. Patel and Badrinath, the overnight batsmen, began the day in the same aggressive vein as the evening before. Patel, who resumed on 100, was aggressive and moved to 124 quickly before slapping Hiren Varaiya’s slow left-arm spin to a diving Jimmy Kamande at mid-on.Badrinath was rock solid. He found an able ally in Irfan Pathan (32 from 50 balls), with whom he added 65 for the sixth wicket. Kenya got rid of Chawla and Yo Mahesh, but No. 10 Pankaj Singh showed an appetite for a scrap, hitting an unbeaten, run-a-ball 40 to help Badrinath past his century and India to over 400.Singh worked the ones and twos confidently, and also hit three sixes as India ground Kenya down. With the declaration close, and his hundred safely behind him, Badrinath picked up quick fours and a six off Rajesh Bhudia.Faced with a mountain to climb, the Kenyan openers, Maurice Ouma and David Obuya started confidently, adding 40 in five overs, but strikes from Pathan, Singh and Pragyan Ojha had the hosts in trouble. Tanmay Mishra, with 32 from 70 balls, and Obuya, with 51 from 72, resurrected the innings somewhat but Chawla’s introduction had India right back on top. He trapped Mishra leg before, and whittled away for 11 overs to finish with 4 for 31, leaving India two wickets away from taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match contest.

Pravin Amre’s first decision as Mumbai coach is to implement the services of a video analyst during the forthcoming Ranji season. Amre, who took over the job two days ago, met with Lalchand Rajput, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary, and Milind Rege, the selection panel chairman, to decide tactics.”I explained them the need for one ,” he told . “In order to make the best use of technology, we must have a full-time video analyst.”Amre’s ideas had the Mumbai management pleased. “It was a positive meeting,” said Rajput. “We heard out Amre’s plans and we are all exicted about the forthcoming season.” Added Rege: “We will go all out to support Amre’s plans.”The trio also discussed Mumbai’s participation in next month’s Moin-ud-Daulah trophy in Hyderabad. The tournament is being looked at with anticipation, given the failure of this summer’s Kanga League and Mumbai’s poor showing in the Buchi Babu fixture in Chennai. According to Rajput, Amre will travel with the team to Hyderabad. Rajput also revealed the unlikeliness of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy probables being announced until several key players return from club stints in England.Ashok Mankad, who lost out to Amre despite being a favourite for the coaching job, offered his congratulations. “They [MCA] deliberated on the matter and I respect the decision,” he said. “Now that he has got the nod, I wish him all the best.”

Andrew Flintoff: Lancashire will miss his heroics with both bat and ball © Getty Images

Lancashire are considering lodging a formal protest against the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after Andrew Flintoff’s withdrawal from Lancashire’s C&G Trophy semi-final versus Warwickshire on August 20.Jack Simmons, the chairman at Lancashire, was angry that all the national players had pulled out of the C&G Trophy matches after playing back-to-back Tests against Australia. The ECB said that Flintoff, who is currently taking a break in France, was carrying an ankle injury sustained against Australia, but Simmons was not convinced with that explaination. “If he has an ankle injury what treatment is he getting over there [in France]? The first I heard about it was at lunchtime when I learned that the ECB had circulated an email pulling all the England players out of the two semis,” said Simmons, in a report in sportinglife.com. “You would have thought England would have had the courtesy to talk to me first about it. This, after all, is a chance to reach our first Lord’s final since 1998, it is a massive game for the club.”The agreement between the counties and the ECB states that the centrally contracted players will be allowed to play in the C&G games unless they had an injury. “We weren’t told that Freddie was unfit until I rang an ECB official who was on holiday,” said Simmons. “Before that all we knew was that he would not be at Edgbaston and to say I was angry is an understatement.”Simmons said that he had no problem if Flintoff had withdrawn to be in better shape for the fourth Test at Trent Bridge but was angry because of the way the issue was handled by the ECB. “I’m now assured that the medical officer Peter Gregory believes he should not play on Saturday, and that by resting instead of being involved in the semi-final, he will be in better condition to take on the Aussies at Trent Bridge and, while that information came to us far too late, I am prepared to accept his word,” said Simmons. “After all there is no-one more passionate about England winning the Ashes than I. If this helps, fine. But the way the ECB have handled this leaves me feeling rather sad.”Robin Smith, the chairman at Yorkshire, shared Simmons’s anger at England’s handling of the situation as Yorkshire will take the field without Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard for their semi-final at the Rose Bowl against a Hampshire line up which will not include Kevin Pietersen. “We weren’t properly informed of England’s action, and we have no specific details of Hoggard’s niggle,” said Smith. “We’ll be contacting the board to complain about the way this had been dealt with.”

Geoff Marsh: a fence-sitter?© Getty Images

Grant Flower has admitted that Zimbabwe’s rebel players feel betrayed by the silence of Geoff Marsh, who has been coaching them for the past couple of years. Zimbabwe have stumbled from one humiliation to another with their predominantly black, second-string side, and Flower said that Marsh’s attitude had surprised and disappointed the “rebel” players.On Sunday, Zimbabwe were skittled out for just 35, the lowest total ever in a one-day international, and that too against a Sri Lankan team that had rested Muttiah Muralitharan. According to a report in the , Flower believes that that debacle could be the first of many, especially with Australia scheduled to tour in May.”To be honest, I thought he would have stood up for us and said a little more,” said Flower. “He has sat on the fence and obviously just wants to see out his contract. He obviously has his own personal reasons.”He told us that he had tried for two years to make changes happen but he couldn’t do anything about it. I don’t want to go too deeply into it. But with everything that’s going on, I don’t think any of us were too upset at the loss to Sri Lanka. We still want to play for Zimbabwe, but it doesn’t look good.”Flower’s pessimistic view was shared by John Dyson, whose Sri Lankan team have steamrollered Tatenda Taibu’s inexperienced side in the four matches so far. “They’ll have huge problems against the Australian attack, I don’t think there’s any surprises there,” said Dyson. “They’ve really struggled against us … we didn’t even use our spinners in the last match. I’ve spoken to Geoff [Marsh] at the matches, and he said to me that he’s basically doing his job until the end of his contract and then leaving.”The latest crisis in Zimbabwe cricket was precipitated after the rebels supported Heath Streak, who was sacked from the captaincy after giving the Zimbabwe Cricket Union a list of demands related to the manner in which the team was being selected.The ZCU made token concessions, but have stubbornly refused to waver on Streak and the captaincy, resulting in a virtual 2nd XI doing duty against Sri Lanka.Malcolm Gray, the former ICC president, told the newspaper that he hoped an amicable solution could be found. “It is usually cricket that loses out with when disputes arise between players and administrators,” he said. “It is hoped a joint solution can be found even if there is a temporary suspension of Zimbabwe’s commitments.”Flower added that several of the players were considering the option of playing abroad. “One or two of the guys have begun looking at playing options outside of here. No-one’s sure whether they’ll be able to play for Zimbabwe again. But everyone believes in what we’re trying to achieve, so the focus is more on this issue.”

Former New Zealand soccer and cricket vice-captain and deputy head of Christchurch’s Middleton Grange School Vic Pollard has a new supporting role.Pollard, 57, is the new Christian Heritage Party deputy leader, replacing Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, who resigned from the party in November.Party leader Graham Capill said the CHP is “privileged” to have Pollard in the position, which is a temporary one and will be reassessed at August’s party convention in Nelson, when a new leader will be selected and a committee will report on the CHP’s future direction.Leadership nominations run from Christmas to May, but Capill said only one man, not Pollard, has applied. Capill expects further applications by May, but did not want to pre-empt the decision on a new leader.Vice-captain to Canterbury’s Graham Dowling in the New Zealand cricket team to England in 1969, Pollard would probably have led his country in the West Indies in 1971/72 when Dowling withdrew with a back injury.However, his Christian beliefs prevented him from playing on Sundays and he did not tour.Pollard also led Central Districts to two Plunket Shields and later led Canterbury for a season.At Middleton Grange since 1980, Pollard said he hopes he may enhance the CHP’s chance of gaining representation in Parliament.The father of five said there was a great need for Christians to take a lead in local and national Government in New Zealand society, “which is rapidly moving away from its Christian heritage.”Pollard said he was 100% behind Capill and the party’s policies of family, justice and choice and would need some persuading to apply to be leader and did not want to speculate on his interest in leading the CHP.”At this stage I don’t want to say if I will or I won’t (apply),” he said.”I’m biding my time. It’s a big job. It’s tough in politics generally and particularly with the last couple of years the party’s had.”Pollard, No 3 on the party list at the last election behind Capill and Raukawa-Tait, said he did not seek leadership, but “if it comes my way in my career or sport or politics probably less so and others see I’ve got giftings … I’m not one personally who strives for that because I come from a Christian position. But if it comes my way I’d make that personal sacrifice.”

Havant’s interest in the ECB Club Championship ended with a 93-run defeat by West of England Premier League champions Bath at North Parade.The Southern Electric Premiers were never in the hunt after Gordon Swinney (103 not out) and Stu Priscott (71) powered Bath to 221-5 in 45 overs.Richard Lewis (30) and Paul Gover (28) top scored in Havant’s disappointing 129 all out.

Despite picking up a much-needed league win over Sheffield United last Friday night, West Bromwich Albion are still way off the promotion places in the Championship.

The hot-and-cold Baggies – who have regularly stumbled in their pursuit of the playoffs in recent seasons – remain six points off the coveted top six positions, with nine defeats in league action already this season troubling Ryan Mason’s position as manager.

He has only been in charge since mid-June as the West Midlands outfit boldly handed him the reins after the failed return of Tony Mowbray, but football is a fast-paced and fickle game, with more defeats perhaps leading to an early dismissal.

Reporter Chris Lepkowski has come out to say that there is “no appetite” yet at the Hawthorns from the powers that be to get rid.

Still, that hasn’t stopped several high-profile names from being linked to the Championship job, with ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil suggested.

Why West Brom should steer clear of O'Neil

The close geography between Molineux and the Hawthorns makes this an obvious name to be linked, with O’Neil in the Old Gold dug-out for a turbulent 63 games in total.

He would come in with that Premier League pedigree, having also managed in the top division with AFC Bournemouth, but it’s clear from his final few months in the Wolves dug-out that he wouldn’t be cut out for turning around West Brom’s fortunes in the league below.

From his final 16 matches in charge of Wolves, who would ultimately turn around their depressing fortunes last season under Vitor Pereira, O’Neil only collected a miserable two victories, with Wolves chairman Jeff Shi openly admitting that he cut ties “too late”, looking back at giving him the rightful axe.

With no experience of a Championship promotion fight under his belt, either, it isn’t immediately apparent whether O’Neil would be able to handle that intense heat, with bruises surely still there from how his Old Gold stay ended.

Whereas, one out-of-work manager could be just what the Baggies need to push up the table, as a brand new Carlos Corberan-style figure is potentially appointed down the line.

Corberan 2.0: West Brom could hire "elite" manager

Truthfully, the West Midlands side has never gotten over their beloved Spaniard walking out on them mid-season for Valencia, with the aforementioned Mowbray coming in and failing, while Mason is yet to prove himself as well.

A high 47 wins would come Corberan’s way from 107 West Brom outings, leading to the much-loved 42-year-old guiding his side to a playoff finish come the end of the 2022/23 season. Before he left, too, only three losses had been suffered from 22 league games, with Mason already up to a damaging nine, to be at risk of the sack.

There is nothing to suggest that O’Neil would be able to lift the 16th-place side all the way up to the promotion positions to become the second coming of Corberan, with his worrying career tally of just 31 wins as a manager, falling flat next to the Spaniard’s wins total just at West Brom.

Instead, they could loo towards a certain Michael Carrick. He would no doubt believe in his own ability to be a transformative presence to rival Corberan, having consistently had Middlesbrough in and around the promotion spaces when he was still at the Riverside Stadium.

Having had to come out of the shadows of a coaching career in the north with Manchester United, much like Corberan under Marcelo Bielsa’s tutelage at Leeds, Carrick would instantly thrive in the Boro dug-out, with the once relegation-threatened outfit turned into promotion contenders, courtesy of the 44-year-old.

Subscribe for inside takes on West Brom’s managerial fate Get sharper context: subscribe to the newsletter for data-led analysis of West Brom’s managerial options, clear breakdowns of candidate profiles and realistic scenarios, and informed perspective on how each hire could shape the club’s promotion chances. Subscribe Subscribe for inside takes on West Brom’s managerial fate Get sharper context: subscribe to the newsletter for data-led analysis of West Brom’s managerial options, clear breakdowns of candidate profiles and realistic scenarios, and informed perspective on how each hire could shape the club’s promotion chances.

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Corberan did the same at the Hawthorns once upon a time, leading to suggestions from scout Petar Petrov that he is an “elite” coach. Coincidentally, Carrick was also labelled as an “elite manager” by one analyst on social media after an electric start on Teesside, even if he did ultimately run out of steam in the Championship side’s dug-out.

Carrick’s league record at Middlesbrough

Games managed

122

Wins

56

Draws

23

Losses

43

Win percentage

45.9%

Points

191

Highest position

4th

Sourced by Transfermarkt

He would never trump his first full season, as two playoff near-misses followed, but with 191 points accumulated in the tricky division overall, he could well go down as the club’s next Corberan, if he is the man they potentially go after.

O’Neil’s measly career win percentage of 31% also surely makes him an unattractive target to pursue, as West Brom are left in a tough spot right now, as they consider sticking by Mason or seeking out alternatives.

Related Patel could hire Ryan Mason upgrade who's "exactly what West Brom need"

West Brom should part ways with Ryan Mason to appoint this manager who would be an upgrade in the dugout.

Posts 3 ByDan Emery

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Saurabh Tiwary’s patient 27 was not enough in Jharkhand’s unsuccessful chase of 213 (file photo)•Getty Images

Assam’s spin twins, J Syed Mohammad and Arlen Konwar, delivered them a second win in as many matches, keeping Jharkhand down to 157 in their defence of 212. It will be ironical to Tamil Nadu supporters that on the day their spinners struggled badly on a rank turner, Syed, who has played Under-19 cricket for them, took his first five-wicket haul for another team and took them to the top of Group C.Jharkhand began the day needing 157 with eight wickets in hand, but Syed took little time in dismissing the first-innings half-centurion and danger man Rameez Nemat for 42. Saurabh Tiwary and Deepak Chougule then added 29 for the fourth wicket, but Syed dismissed Tiwary too to make it 101 for 4.To make things worse for Jharkhand, he trapped Chougule too, and at 120 for 5 Assam were the favourites. Wicketkeeeper Shiv Gautam, though, had other ideas, and took Jharkhand to 155 for 6. By now, the first-innings hero, Konwar, had swung into action, and had begun chipping at the lower order. To seal the deal, Syed dismissed Gautam for 30. At 155 for 8, it was all but over. Konwar completed the formalities, and the four wickets gave him a maiden 10-wicket match haul.
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Shadab Jakati’s four-wicket burst at the top of Jammu & Kashmir’s innings injected some interest into an otherwise drab match, but Bandeep Singh and captain Samiullah Beigh fought it out to a draw and their first point of the season. Playing their first match of the season, Goa had already secured three points when they went past J&K’s 338 in the first session.They began the day needing 81, and even though they lost Manvinder Bisla early, Goa kept moving towards the target steadily. Reagan Pinto and Ravikant Shukla were at the wicket when the first-innings lead was secured, and Pinto went on to score an unbeaten half-century.An innings run rate of 2.63 an over didn’t suggest any desperation for an outright result, but Jakati livened up the proceedings. At 40 for 6, J&K were still 28 short of avoiding an innings defeat. However, Beigh, who scored a fifty in the first innings, and Bandeep batted out a whopping 41.3 overs for an unbeaten 55-run partnership. That was a point well earned.
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For the second game in a row, Himachal Pradesh went into the final day looking to force an outright win. And for the second time, they were thwarted by some dogged batting.Himachal needed eight wickets, they began well enough, claiming the third wicket in the second over of the day, but Soumya Swain and Anshul Gupta of Services played out 46.4 overs for the fourth wicket, and Swain and Yashpal Singh remained unseparated for 26.5 overs. Swain’s unbeaten 118 was his second first-class century, while Gupta and Yashpal posted fifties too.
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Andhra bowlers took three early wickets, but that was not enough to bring to life a sleepy contest in Anantapur. Andhra had already taken the lead on the third day, and Tripura were not showing any inclination to go for quick runs.Once Andhra reduced them to 74 for 3, though, they had to dig deep to salvage the solitary point. Subhrajit Roy and Ajay Ratra did just that. They batted out 41.2 overs for the fourth wicket. That was enough even though they added 83. Once Roy got out for 81, there was no interest left in the game, and the draw was amicably called.