Darren Bent is set for showdown talks with Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert to discuss his future, The Sun claim.
The England international was dropped for the Midlands club’s game against West Brom on Sunday, but did come off the bench to get an equaliser for the Villa Park club in a 1-1 draw.
Bent was initially named as club captain due to Stiliyan Petrov’s ongoing medical concerns, but the Scottish coach has also stripped the forward of the skipper’s armband of late.
Given that Bent is no longer guaranteed a first-team place at Villa, there have been rumblings in the press over the attacker’s long term future with Lambert in charge of the club.
Bent has confessed however that he is in the dark slightly, and will talk to Lambert this week to shed some light on the situation.
“It’s been a crappy couple of weeks for me,” the goalgetter admitted.
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“I’ve not spoken to the manager about why he left me out, we’ll probably speak this week.”
Nani’s career at Manchester United is at an all-time low, from his long-running contract dispute to alleged fisticuffs with a reserve team player, he seems to be heading for the exit door fast.
After almost being guaranteed a place in the United team, he now faces a struggle to get back into the squad, let alone the starting line-up.
The Portuguese international’s poor form at the start of this season was clear to see and he has proved to be a constant source of frustration, with his poor decision-making and selfishness on the ball.
The events taking place off the pitch have been well-publicised and do not bode well under a manager who moves any player on at the slightest hint of dissent in the ranks.
United and Nani have failed to reach an agreement over a new contract; and this led to claims that the winger was willing to see out the remainder of his current deal and leave on a free transfer.
Zenit St Petersburg were his main pursuers in the summer, but were reportedly put off by the player’s unrealistic wage demands of £130,000 a week, meaning his unsettling presence continued to rumble on into the new campaign.
Nani has also clashed with United’s Under-21 player Davide Petrucci, after a feisty challenge by the 20-year-old in training, causing Nani to later confront the youngster and reportedly land a punch before a number of players broke up the scuffle.
It is a dramatic fall from grace for a player who was once held in the same breath as a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, as both players came through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon and played together at Old Trafford for two seasons.
As Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, there were hopes that Nani could take up the mantle left by his compatriot and use his own pace, dribbling abilities and explosive shot to fire United to glory.
But the fans were willing to give the player time and believed that he may take a couple of years to develop, just as Ronaldo did before becoming a world-beater, although for one reason or another, it has not quite worked out.
There have been a few highlights though, with the 2010/11 season being arguably his best season in a United shirt; Nani scored ten goals on course to another Premier League title; and was named as the club’s player of the year.
Nani has also produced a number of fantastic strikes during his time at the club and is still capable of winning a match on his own with a moment of brilliance.
Although, it is his lack of awareness that is perhaps his greatest weakness, with Nani often failing to correctly judge when to find a pass or shoot at goal.
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His acts of petulance and hot-headedness have also not helped his cause; and Ferguson now sees the likes of Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young as more reliable options on the wing.
A big-money offer from one of Europe’s heavyweights may now be too good to resist for a player who has had ample chances to establish himself as a key figure in the side.
Consequently, Nani must re-assess his career and address his weaknesses in order to avoid becoming another player to squander their undoubted talent.
But he must do this quickly as the unforgiving lights at Old Trafford begin to fade.
Alan Pardew admits Newcastle need to pick up points soon if they are to steer clear of a relegation battle this season.
One win in the last 10 games has seen the Magpies drop to 14th, just two points above the relegation zone. The Toon have struggled to cope with injuries and an inflated fixture list with the Europa League this term.
But, with Europe now off the agenda until the knock-out stages in February, the Newcastle boss wants to convert performances into points.
“We have to keep an eye on where we are,” Pardew told Sky Sports.
“It is difficult to get points at the minute. We’re a side that on its day can beat anybody.
“We look more like a team. In the last three games the level has improved. But unfortunately we need to get results.”
Pardew is hoping that Newcastle’s cause will be helped by premature returns to action from the injured Yohan Cabaye and Steven Taylor.
Cabaye has undergone two groin operations, while Taylor has been sidelined with a hamstring problem.
The influential pair had been expected to return in early February. But Pardew has revealed there’s a chance Cabaye and Taylor will be back in the middle of next month.
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However, asked if there were any injury boosts for the visit of Manchester City this weekend, the Toon boss told the Sunderland Echo, “I don’t think so.
“I think that’s the group between now and mid-January, when maybe Steven and Cabaye will come back to us. Until such time, that is the team.”
This season started with a real sense of optimism at White Hart Lane, but with just four games left to go after the 3-3 draw at West Brom, there isn’t much to be cheery about in the white half of north London. Gareth Bale’s departure was always going to be a blow, but there was a feeling that Spurs could at least challenge for the top four, but the dream of top level European football at the Lane next season looks all but gone – and the feeling is even more annoying to the club’s followers with Liverpool’s title charge still going. So what has gone wrong? Here are three reasons why Tottenham aren’t good enough to be in the top four.
Lack of a killer edge
While many of the other top sides have top class striker, Tottenham are over-reliant on the hot/cold Emmanuel Adebayor – who missed a penalty today. Roberto Soldado has also been a £25m disaster, and Harry Kane is too inexperienced to be a regular.
Tim Sherwood isn’t good enough
He may well be off at the end of the season, but the damage has already been done by good ol’ Tim. Sherwood has become a walking joke of late, with his gilet throwing and punch rumours giving other fans a real laugh.
Awful summer signings
£110m should buy at least four top class players, but the only Spurs player to have lived up to his potential this term has been Christian Eriksen. The others – including the missing Erik Lamela – have had a season to forget.
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With their transfer record broken and a genuine world superstar in the shape of Samuel Eto’o having been signed, Everton have enjoyed one of their better transfer windows recently.
But with Europa League football on the horizon, there are worries that a small-ish squad and travelling across the continent could be a drain on them, meaning that another body or two could be needed.
We at FFC Towers have been searching the bargain bin, and among the Jeremy Clarkson DVDs and ‘hits of the 70s’ CDs, we’ve found these six stars…
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CLICK ON JONAS TO REVEAL THE SIX
Football – Stoke City v Valencia UEFA Europa League Second Round First Leg – Britannia Stadium, Stoke, England 11/12 – 16/2/12Jonas – Valencia Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Ed Sykes
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Sotiris Ninis
Football – Greece v Argentina FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 – Group B – Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa – 22/6/10Sotiris Ninis – GreeceMandatory Credit: Action Images / Ed Sykes
Once a player tracked by Europe’s elite, Ninis is now without a club at the age of 24. TWENTY FOUR. The tricky attacking midfielder was axed by Parma recently after failing to adjust to Italian football, but Roberto Martinez could wave his managerial magic wand and extract some of the massive potential once seen in the Greek ace.
Who knows, this fella could well be one of the best signing the Spaniard could ever make.
//www.youtube.com/embed/AxYuoYHxclw
Jonas
Football – Valencia CF Training – Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales – 13/14 , 27/11/13JonasMandatory Credit: Action Images / Matthew ChildsEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
A star for Valencia in recent seasons and a fully-fledged Brazil international, Jonas looks to be the absolute pick of the freebies this summer. Los Che terminated his contract in a bid to meet Spain’s fierce non-EU player rules, and Everton could profit to land the 30-year-old.
Even with Samuel Eto’o in, the Toffees are short of options to cover Romelu Lukaku, which makes Jonas a tempting proposition. The South American can also play in a deeper role, and would certainly help in terms of numbers with the Europa League beckoning.
Nilmar
Football – FC Porto v Villarreal – UEFA Europa League Semi Final First Leg – Dragao Stadium, Oporto, Portugal – 10/11 – 28/4/11Joao Moutinho (L) – FC Porto in action against Nilmar – Villarreal Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Matthew Childs
Another player who was once on the radars of the big boys but is now unemployed in Nilmar. The Brazilian speedster terminated his contract with Middle Eastern side Al-Jaish, and is thought to be eyeing a move back to Europe.
Nilmar impressed with Villarreal in 2010/11 with 18 goals and still has the tools to do it at the top level at 30.
//www.youtube.com/embed/OKeqUIuEKo0
Park Chu-Young
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One of Arsenal’s worst ever signings, the Gunners finally got rid of the South Korean over the summer after loaning him out. Park is still considered to be a big name in his homeland, and with a fine scoring record through his career (prior to joining the Gunners) there must be some talent in there waiting to be extracted.
Roberto Martinez could use his skills to get the best from the 29-year-old, who may just require some patience and game time to show his abilities.
//www.youtube.com/embed/DQFeq0kd9A8
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Modibo Diakite
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Sunderland beat a host of big teams to nab the big defender last summer, but the switch proved to be a disaster for all involved. Now with his contract having been cancelled, Diakite is available for free, which could tempt Everton as they look to bulk out their backline.
At 27, the enforcer is entering his peak, and he could show what all the fuss was about under the right guidance. Step forward, ‘Bobby’.
Hugo Almeida
//www.youtube.com/embed/qgXl2RltmbQ
An obvious stand-in for Lukaku, Almeida could be a solid signing for the Toffees. West Ham are also chasing the Portugal international, whose wage demands scuppered summer moves and saw him cut loose by Besiktas.
With lots of European experience, the 30-year-old could be a vital tool for Everton as they journey into Europe and would provide cover for the club’s current strikeline.
أكد أحمد دويدار نجم الزمالك السابق، أن إمام عاشور لاعب ميتلاند الدنماركي الحالي رحب بالانتقال إلى صفوف الأهلي، وأن الإدارة الحمراء تتمسك به رغم أنه سبق وقلل من قيمة النادي.
وترددت أنباء قوية عن اقتراب إمام عاشور من الانتقال للنادي الأهلي خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية، خاصة وأن اللاعب لم يتأقلم على الأجواء مع ميتلاند الدنماركي ويريد العودة للدوري المصري.
وقال دويدرا في تصريحات عبر برنامج “الريمونتادا” على قناة “المحور”: “هناك مفاوضات قوية بين الأهلي وإمام عاشور، واللاعب يُرحب بالانتقال إلى صفوف المارد الأحمر”.
طالع أيضًا | مساعد موسيماني يشيد بعقلية لاعبي الأهلي ويؤكد: اعتقدوا أننا في المدرسة
وتابع: “كيف يتعاقد الأهلي مع لاعب يُقلل من قيمة النادي؟ وفي فيديو واضح له قلل من خلاله من قيمة القلعة الحمراء، أين المبادئ والقيم؟”.
وأضاف: “ليس من الطبيعي أن يتعاقد الأهلي مع إمام عاشور، كيف يقولون شأن داخلي وقت المبادئ والقيم”.
وواصل: “الأهلي ينافس نفسه في الدوري، وهذا ما يثبته في كل مباراة تحت قيادة مارسيل كولر، وما يُعجبني في أداء الفريق أنه يستخلص الكرة بشكل سريع”.
واختتم: “الزمالك في احتياج إلى أيمن أشرف لقدرته على اللعب بقدمه اليسرى في الخط الخلفي، ووسط ملعب الأبيض ضعيف للغاية ولولا زيزو لخسر الفريق، وأتمنى أن يفكر مسؤولو القلعة البيضاء في التعاقد مع مصطفى فتحي وناصر ماهر”.
أكد أحمد حسام ميدو الإعلامي الرياضي، توقيع إمام عاشور لاعب ميتلاند الدنماركي للنادي الأهلي، لينضم إلى صفوف الأحمر بداية من الموسم المقبل.
وقال ميدو في فيديو عبر حسابه على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “إنستجرام”: “أنفي كل الشائعات بشأن تدخلي أمس لإقناع إمام عاشور بالعودة إلى الزمالك، إمام وقع للنادي الأهلي رسميًا”.
وتابع: “والد زوجة إمام عاشور تواصل معي منذ أسبوع بشأن عودة إمام للزمالك، وتواصلت مع اللاعب وقال لي لدي عروض داخلية وخارجية، ولو الزمالك يريدني لا بد أن يتحدث مع ميتلاند، وأفضل عرض لي سأوافق عليه”.
وأكمل: “قلت له (الزمالك مش هيخش الخناقة دي)، إلا إذا أخطرت ناديك بأن رغبتك هي الانضمام للزمالك فقط، مد يدك وانظر ماذا سنفعل، ولا بد أن تبدأ الخطوة من عندك، لأننا لن ندخل المزاد عليك”.
طالع أيضًا | هل يكون بديلًا لـ إمام عاشور؟ .. ميتلاند يتعاقد مع لاعب وسط جديد
واستكمل: “إذا دفع الزمالك مقابل بيع إمام، لن يستطيع ضم أي لاعب آخر في الميركاتو، وتوقعت موافقته على عرضي، ولكنني فوجئت باتجاهه في قبول العرض الأفضل، ونحن لا نمتلك رفاهية المزايدة المالية، نعمل على تنفيذ طلبات أوسوريو مدرب الزمالك في أولويات المراكز، فقلت له بالتوفيق”.
وأضاف: “إمام تواصل مع مسؤولين في الزمالك وبيراميدز أمس، وأبدى استعداده للعودة إلى الزمالك بأي مقابل، ولكن طلب من مسؤولي الزمالك أن يتحركوا، أنا تحركت وتأكدت من الدنمارك أن إمام وقع رسميًا للأهلي منذ 4 أيام، لذلك لا أعلم لماذا يتواصل مع مسؤولي الزمالك!”.
وأوضح: “إمام يريد أن يشعر نفسه بأن الكل يسعى وراءه، هذا جائز، نحن سنسعى لك إذا سعيت لنا، لكن (محدش يعرف يلعب بينا لإننا كلنا صيع كورة)، ونعلم جيدًا ماذا تريد أن تثبت للجمهور، إمام وقع للأهلي و(الأفلام اللي بيعملها) لكي يصل رسالة إلى الجمهور أن الزمالك لم يقدم عرضًا لضمه”.
وأفاد: “الزمالك ضم إمام بـ9 ملايين جنيه، وباعه لميتلاند بـ3 ملايين دولار، لن نبيعه بـ90 مليون جينه ونضمه بعد 6 أشهر بـ130 مليون جنيه، نتمنى التوفيق لإمام في النادي الأهلي”.
وأردف: “الزمالك أكبر من مرتضى منصور وميدو ومن أي أحد، ولا تصدقوا كذبة أن الأهلي خطف إمام من الزمالك، إمام ليس رضا عبد العال، عاشور ليس له علاقة بالزمالك”.
وزاد: “الزمالك لا يقف على أحد، إمام أبلغ ميتلاند بعدم العودة، ونشر سمعة سيئة للمصريين هناك في الدنمارك، إمام جاء إلى الزمالك للعلاج أكثر من مرة والزمالك فتح أبوابه له”.
واسترسل: “قبول مسؤولي الأهلي ضم إمام عاشور بعد فيديو الإساءة الشهير أمر يرجع لهم وليس لنا، ونتعهد أمام جمهور الزمالك أن الفريق سيسدد غرامة سبورتينج لشبونة لرفع إيقاف القيد، والصفقات التي طلبها أوسوريو سنضمها قبل انطلاق البطولة العربية”.
واختتم ميدو: “أعمل ليلاً ونهارًا وأمير مرتضى منصور لتنفيذ طلبات أوسوريو، مثلما وعدنا بجلب مدير فني قوي، سنجعل قطاع ناشئين الزمالك الأفضل في مصر، ولا نحتاج إشادة من أحد”.
أكدت تقارير تونسية، تمسك إدارة نادي الصفاقسي باستمرار حسام البدري المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم، حتى نهاية تعاقده.
وترددت أنباء في الآونة الأخيرة، بشأن اقتراب حسام البدري من الرحيل عن الصفاقسي قبل نهاية عقده.
طالع أيضًا | حسام البدري يعلن رغبته في الرحيل عن الصفاقسي.. ويصرح: أنا صاحب اسم
وبحسب موقع “foot 24” التونسي، فإن إدارة النادي برئاسة جوهر العذار، قررت تثبيت حسام البدري على رأس الجهاز الفني حتى نهاية شهر أغسطس المُقبل.
وأشار الموقع إلى أن البدري سيسافر إلى مصر لقضاء إجازة قصيرة، قبل استئناف التدريبات يوم 13 يوليو الجاري، استعدادًا لنهائيات كأس العرب التي ستقام في المملكة العربية السعودية.
وينتهي عقد حسام البدري مع نادي الصفاقسي، في شهر أغسطس القادم، مع إمكانية تمديد عقده لموسم إضافي بالاتفاق مع مجلس الإدارة.
يذكر أن الصفاقسي تحت قيادة البدري، نجح في خطف بطاقة التأهل إلى دور المجموعات في البطولة العربية بعد الفوز على الهلال السوداني بهدفين مقابل هدف وحيد، في مجموع المواجهتين.
ومن المقرر أن ينطلق دور المجموعات من بطولة كآس الملك سلمان، في الفترة من 27 يوليو الحالي إلى 12 أغسطس المقبل والذي تستضيفه المملكة العربية السعودية.
O São Paulo começou as quartas de final do Campeonato Paulistacom o pé direito e venceu o Ituano por 2 a 1, na tarde deste domingo, em partida que marcou a volta da equipe ao Morumbi.
Igor Gomes foi o grande nome do Tricolor. Substituindo o ídolo Hernanes, o meia de 20 anos foi autor dos dois gols da vitória. Foram os primeiros do jogador como profissional. Na saída de campo, ele falou sobre a felicidade de balançar as redes e ajudar a equipe.
-Um dos dias mais felizes da minha vida. Gostaria de parabenizar todo o grupo. Essa fase é um recomeço pra gente. Eu sempre quis fazer um gol no Morumbi e joguei aqui em alguns jogos na base, mas não tinha conseguido. No meu primeiro jogo como profissional no estádio, fiz logo dois – disse Igor Gomes.
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Composto apenas com garotos criados na base do São Paulo, o meio de campo Tricolor foi um dos principais responsáveis pela vitória. Além dos dois gols de Igor Gomes, Liziero teve participação muito boa na organização e criação de jogadas. Já o volante Luan se destacou defensivamente.
-Nós jogamos juntos desde a base, então temos um bom entrosamento. Parabenizo não só nós três, mas também os jogadores mais experientes, que nos passam toda a tranquilidade – completou Igor Gomes.
São Paulo e Ituano voltam a se enfrentar pelas quartas-de-final do Paulista na próxima quarta-feira, às 19h15, no Estádio Novelli Júnior, em Itu. O Tricolor precisa apenas de um empate para conseguir a classificação. Para avançar de fase de forma direta, o Galo de Itu precisa vencer por dois gols de diferença. Em caso de vitória pela vantagem mínima, a partida vai para a decisão por pênaltis.
There was no official confirmation from the ICC that Mohammad Ashraful was among the nine individuals they had charged for alleged violation of the BCB’s anti-corruption code during the 2013 BPL
Mohammad Isam13-Aug-2013
ICC CEO Dave Richardson said the disciplinary tribunal could find Mohammad Ashraful’s confession and cooperation as “mitigating factors”•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Mohammad Ashraful was the elephant in the room when the ICC and BCB were making their announcements on match-fixing. Though he was not named, and there was no official confirmation from the ICC that he was among the nine individuals charged with alleged violation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code during the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League, he was present in every other way – and had met the officials earlier in the day.The player said he had received a letter from the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) officials when he met them early in the morning at the hotel where the ACSU are staying and where the ICC-BCB press conference was held in the afternoon.The ICC CEO Dave Richardson was pressed a number of times during the press conference to name the nine individuals but he didn’t budge. However, he said that the disciplinary tribunal could find Ashraful’s confession and cooperation as “mitigating factors”.”In any disciplinary proceedings where the accused show remorse, tell the truth or cooperate with the inquiry, [these] are mitigating factors which the disciplinary tribunal can take into account in determining an appropriate punishment,” Richardson said. “That would apply to Ashraful as all the other individuals who may be charged.”Ashraful, speaking to reporters at same hotel, said the ASCU had handed him papers detailing what he’d revealed to them earlier. “They have given us these papers,” Ashraful said, pointing to the envelope in his hand. “The same papers are supposed to be given to the BCB. The papers basically contain what I have said to them.”I have helped the ICC, and will try to help them in the future. I have spoken from my guilty conscience, so I told the ACSU I want to return to cricket as soon as possible. The next step requires me to have a lawyer. The board won’t help, because they need to stay in a safe position.”Ashraful had said earlier that the ICC respected his honesty and that he looked forward to see the other individuals charged to come out clean. “They did appreciate me, because not many come forward with the truth,” Ashraful said. “I do hope those guilty will come out with the truth.”However, Ashraful’s reported disclosure of his involvement in match-fixing and spot-fixing in international games in 2004, 2010 and 2012 is yet to be investigated, after the BCB said last month that it would be.Richardson clarified that the current investigation applied only to the BPL. “This investigation will be specific to allegations of fixing and attempts to fix matches in BPL 2013,” Richardson said. “If other incidents do get unearthed, we will decide at a later stage whether those need to be prosecuted further.”