List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

What the papers say Leicester’s James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, who have both been valued at around £40million, could stay in the Premier League while Leicester move down to the Championship. Tottenham and Newcastle are both reportedly interested in the pair with a bidding battle to ensue over their signatures, The Sun says. Tottenham’s have another competitor in the fight to sign former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique as Serie A Champions Napoli are interested in the 53-year-old, according to the Guardian. The Daily Mail said Juventus were looking the most likely to sign Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic for a reported estimated transfer fee of around £20m. Social media round-up Players to watch Manu Kone: Liverpool are interested in the 22-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder – who is valued at around £34m – German media outlet BILD said. Wilfried Gnonto: Italian media outlet Calciomercato said the 19-year-old Italy forward is being looked at by Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal after Leeds’ relegation was confirmed. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

England manager Sarina Wiegman is set to name her squad for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the Lionesses will look to add to their Euros triumph with the game’s biggest prize. Wiegman’s side will be among the favourites as England aim to win the World Cup for the first time, but the Lionesses have been rocked by the news that captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the tournament after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament. Suddenly, the England manager could be without a core of players who started for the Lionesses at the Euros last summer, which puts pressure on having the right depth throughout the squad. And with Wiegman naming her squad today following the end of the domestic season, time has run out for players on the fringes of Weigman’s plans to stake their claim. So ahead of the World Cup, who’s on the plane to Australia and New Zealand, and who’s hasn’t done enough to make the squad? Boarding cards printed Keira Walsh Arguably the most valuable player in England’s squad, given her skillset at the base of the midfield. Player of the match in the Euros final, which helped convince Barcelona into paying a world record fee for her services last August. England simply don’t have another player like her. Mary Earps England’s No 1 became World No 1 when Earps picked up the award for goalkeeper of the year at the Fifa Best ceremony last month. The 29-year-old was one of England’s standout performers at the Euros and although she made a rare mistake in the Finalissima, Earps was the hero in the penalty shootout. Alex Greenwood The Manchester City defender wasn’t a starter during the Euros but looks to have claimed the left back spot now Rachel Daly is being played up front. England have since looked more balanced and Greenwood was excellent at the Arnold Clark Cup. Can also play centre-back, where she started in the Finalissima with Bright unavailable, and that’s where she may start with Williamson ruled out. Georgia Stanway Another who started every game throughout the Euros, the midfielder took a chance and joined Bayern Munich last summer after deciding to leave Manchester City. She has since established herself as one of the German club’s most important players and played a key role as Bayern beat Wolfsburg to the Bundesliga title. Ella Toone The inventive Manchester United midfielder played the role of super sub during the Euros but looks to have forced her way into Wiegman’s starting line-up ahead of the World Cup. One of England’s goalscorers in the Euros final, Toone faded towards the end of the campaign as United were beaten by Chelsea in both the WSL title race and FA Cup final. Lauren James Could it be that England’s best player wasn’t even at the Euros last summer? James looks set to be one of the stars of the World Cup and has made an excellent start to her England career. The 21-year-old Chelsea winger won player of the tournament as England retained the Arnold Clark Cup. Rachel Daly From England’s left back at the Euros to England’s striker at the World Cup? Daly scored an astonishing 22 goals for Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League to win the Golden Boot, and WSL player of the season. Her two-goal display against Italy in February gave Wiegman a selection headache but started on the bench in April’s double-header. Alessia Russo Subject to a world record transfer bid from Arsenal in January, the Manchester United striker now faces a battle with Daly to be Wiegman’s No 9. Russo has hit 11 goals for England in just 21 appearances, including that back-heel against Sweden, but struggled slightly against Brazil and Australia. Chloe Kelly Scored England’s winning goal in the Euros final but is set to play a bigger role during the World Cup. She had only recently returned from an ACL injury last July but has been in full flight this season for Manchester City. Outstanding on the left wing during England’s Arnold Clark Cup defence. Lauren Hemp The Manchester City winger was hyped as England’s breakout star ahead of the Euros and remains an exciting talent, but there is a chance Kelly and James have moved ahead of her in the pecking order. Although her place in the squad is safe, the 22-year-old faces a battle to take back her place in the team. Almost there Millie Bright England’s vice-captain and one of Wiegman’s most important players has not played since March after suffering a knee injury playing for Chelsea in the Champions League. The centre-back was forced to pull out of April’s matches against Brazil and Australia but Emma Hayes expects her to recover in time for the World Cup. Lucy Bronze Another injury concern. Bronze has not played since undergoing keyhole surgery on her knee but the Barcelona right back is expected to be fit for the World Cup. Following the retirements of Jill Scott and Ellen White from last summer’s squad, Bronze is England’s most experienced player with 102 caps and remains one of the best in the world in her position. Jordan Nobbs The 30-year-old missed out on the Euros due to injury, but the decision to end her 12-year stay at Arsenal in January and join Aston Villa with the hope of getting more game time ahead of the World Cup has been an inspired one. That said, there is still a question over whether Wiegman is fully convinced: Nobbs didn’t play a minute against either Brazil or Australia. Jess Carter The versatile defender is one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers and is a huge asset to Wiegman due to her ability to play across the back four. Came straight back into the Arnold Clark Cup squad after missing the November internationals due to injury. Lotte Wubben-Moy The Arsenal defender is a key figure in the squad and was therefore a surprise omission ahead of the friendlies against Brazil and Australia - although she later replaced the injured Millie Bright. The 24-year-old was the “driving force” behind the Lionesses’ Euros legacy push, coming up with the idea to demand equal access to sport for girls in school and seems a natural replacement for her Arsenal team-mate Williamson in the squad. Maya Le Tissier A former England captain at Under-23 level, the Manchester United defender has impressed since stepping up to the senior side following the Euros. The 20-year-old is a ball-playing centre-back who is also comfortable at full-back, which is where she played at the Arnold Clark Cup. Katie Robinson Like Le Tissier, Robinson made the step up from Under-23 level to make her debut in November. Caught the eye with a couple of busy displays on the right wing at the Arnold Clark Cup, but faces a tougher challenge than Le Tissier for selection given the other attacking options available to Wiegman. The Reading forward may make it if Beth Mead is not fit. Niamh Charles Another versatile defender, Charles came back into contention in November after being one of those to be cut from the preliminary Euros squad. Her inclusion may depend on how many defenders Wiegman decides to take to Australia, with Greenwood and Daly also able to cover left back. Ellie Roebuck The goalkeeper is clearly back-up to Earps but remains a solid number two for England. Wiegman may give Roebuck minutes in friendlies before the World Cup, but there’s no doubt Earps will be first choice when the tournament starts. On the fringes Beth Mead Mead is “ahead of schedule” in her ACL injury recovery and still working towards the summer’s World Cup. Mead, who claimed the Golden Boot and player of the tournament award when the Lionesses won the Euros on home soil last year, has been sidelined since sustaining the injury while playing for Arsenal in November. In March, Wiegman said Mead was at that point “not in our plans” for the World Cup, adding: “If a miracle happens and she goes so fast (in her recovery), then we will reconsider it – but at this moment I don’t expect that.” Laura Coombs The Manchester City midfielder earned a first England call-up in over two years when Wiegman selected her for the Arnold Clark Cup. The 32-year-old was as surprised as anyone to return from the international wilderness. She has given herself a chance to make the World Cup and kept her place ahead of April, but didn’t play against Brazil or Australia. Katie Zelem The Manchester United captain has been one of the top midfielders in the WSL for Marc Skinner’s league leaders this season, but missed out on April’s squad despite making the past three groups since the Euros. Zelem was on the standby list for the Euros but didn’t make the cut, and there is now work to do to make the World Cup. Faces a battle with Coombs for a place. Beth England England took the chance on a January move, leaving Chelsea for struggling Tottenham, and scored 12 goals in as many games over the second half of the season. The striker couldn’t have done much more - but was left out of April’s squad for the second successive international break despite her form for Spurs. Nikita Parris The 71-cap forward was another high-profile casualty of the Arnold Clark Cup squad, and has not been given another look since. Although she is playing consistently for an impressive Manchester United side, Parris has missed out on recent squads due to a lack of goals. Improved form over the final weeks of the season may sway Wiegman’s mind. Esme Morgan Tipped by Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor as a future England captain, and Morgan returned to the squad for April despite being left out of the Arnold Clark Cup in February. Injury disrupted her 2021-22 season but Morgan has been in impressive form since. The versatile 22-year-old started alongside Williamson against Australia, but England weren’t as defensively secure as usual. Jess Park Wiegman had a look at the 21-year-old during the Arnold Clark Cup. She started in midfield against Italy and although she only lasted until half time, Park’s selection for fixtures against Brazil and Australia was a huge vote of confidence. Definitely one for the future, but certainly among consideration for now - particulary with Fran Kirby out of the World Cup. May be England’s wildcard - but a should injury ended her season early. Lucy Parker The West Ham defender was given the chance to make her England debut against Brazil and Australia with a recall to the Lionesses squad, but her wait for a first cap goes on after remaining on the bench. Parker was also selected in October, but had to withdraw due to injury. Ebony Salmon The striker made the all three England squads post-Euros but missed out on April’s fixtures. The 22-year-old wants to be England’s No 9 but is currently behind the more established Russo and Daly in the pecking order. There is not enough room for all three. Hannah Hampton The goalkeeper was dropped by England after the Euros due to “personal issues” but is now back in the Lionesses fold. Wiegman appears to be confident that the problems that arose off the pitch last year have been resolved. Longer shots Steph Houghton The former England captain was left out of Wiegman’s Euros squad following an injury-hit season with Manchester City, and has not been given a look in since. Wiegman admitted it is unlikely Houghton will make the World Cup after the 34-year-old gave an interview to the BBC where she said she has not given up hope of being selected. Her chances could have improved after Williamson’s injury, should Wiegman look to replace her current captain’s experience. Gabby George The WSL’s player of the month for January was another notable absentee from the Arnold Clark Cup squad when it was named the following month. The Everton defender received her first call up in November but another now looks unlikely, despite her club form. Demi Stokes Stokes was one of the most experienced players in the Euros squad but illness and injury have limited the defender’s WSL appearances for Manchester City this season. Lucy Staniforth Like Nobbs, Staniforth joined Aston Villa in January in a bid to make the World Cup squad. The former Manchester United midfielder has not made an England squad since being included on the preliminary list for the Euros, where she was cut from the final 23. Ashleigh Neville It’s a subject of much debate that the Tottenham defender has yet to be given a look in by England, despite being included on the six-name shortlist for WSL player of the season last year. Unfortunately for Neville, that does not look set to change in 2023. Leah Galton The in-form Manchester United forward scored 10 goals in the WSL this season, but has no plans to make herself available for international selection. Galton asked not to be selected by England after a call-up in 2019 and the 28-year-old says she is happy with the “balance” in her life without international football. Millie Turner The centre-back was sidelined for six months last season due to an artery issue, but returned at the start of this campaign and was excellent in the heart of defence for Manchester United. She has still yet to make an appearance for England, or, like club team-mate Hannah Blundell, receive a call-up from Wiegman. Out Leah Williamson “Unfortunately the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for me and everyone will think that’s the main focus, but it’s the day to day of what I’m about to go through that is the most draining of my thoughts,” said a devastated Williamson after the worst possible news was confirmed. The captain went down in pain 12 minutes into Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United and her club confirmed she had suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. A devastating blow. Fran Kirby Another huge blow. England had hoped to give Kirby time to rehabilitate after sustaining a knee injury sustained in February, but the Chelsea star has said there will not be enough time to make it back for the World Cup as she now requires surgery. “Unfortunately after a few months of rehab the decision has made that I will require surgery on my knee,” she said. “I have been trying my best to not have to undergo this but unfortunately my progress has been limited due to the issue in my knee. I’m absolutely gutted to announce my season is over and I will not be able to make the World Cup in the summer.” Sandy MacIver The goalkeeper, who has been a fixture of recent squads, has made herself unavailable for selection due to injury. Predicted England’s World Cup squad Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Esme Morgan, Maya Le Tissier Midfielders: Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Jordan Nobbs, Laura Coombs, Katie Zelem Forwards: Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Katie Robinson, Rachel Daly Read More Leah Williamson’s ACL injury has to be a final wake-up call for football Every great team loses eventually - the Lionesses’ defeat might prove perfect timing Women’s World Cup: Who are England playing and what is their group? Bethany England belongs in World Cup squad, says Tottenham’s Vicky Jepson

UNC basketball got a huge recruiting boost with 5-star Elliot Cadeau reclassifying for 2023. He might not be the last star recruit to help the Tar Heels.Even with a strong effort in the transfer portal, UNC basketball was still sitting outside of the Top 30 recruiting classes for the 2023 cycle ...

Jerry Layne got in Jeremy Peña's face after he argued a terrible call.

Diamond Sports Group missed its rights payment to the Padres and lost its broadcast rights fees.

A consortium that includes Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani has completed its takeover of Italian club Sampdoria. Leeds’ majority shareholder Radrizzani’s company Aser Group and finance company Gestio Capital announced they had concluded a deal to save financially-stricken Sampdoria late on Tuesday night. In a statement released on Sky Sports Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio’s social media sites, Radrizzani said: “We are nothing short of thrilled to be able to announce that we have completed the acquisition of this extraordinary club. “The history and coat of arms of Sampdoria are safe and I think my happiness is (for) of all the people who were suffering for these colours. “My thanks at this time go above all to all those people who worked relentlessly to ensure that this agreement found a just conclusion. “And in particular I have to extend a huge thank you to Matteo (Manfredi, Gestio Capital principal) and to the lawyer De Gennaro. “Without them none of this would have been possible. From today we move on…. and I personally can’t wait to get to work.” Radrizzani, who bought Leeds for £45million in 2017, is expected to sell his 56 per cent stake in the Premier League club to American co-owners 49ers Enterprises. The financial arm of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers increased its stake in Leeds to 44 per cent at the end of 2021 with a deal in place to buy Radrizzani’s stake and take full control before January 2024. 49ers Enterprises has been reported to be keen to complete a takeover this summer, but the deal was contingent on Leeds remaining in the Premier League and it remains to be seen how relegation will affect a possible change of ownership at Elland Road. Leeds’ three-year stay in the top flight was ended on Sunday when they lost 4-1 to Tottenham at Elland Road in their last game of the season. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been named the League Managers Association’s manager of the year. Guardiola, who has guided City to a third straight Premier League title and is hunting a domestic treble, has won the Sir Alex Ferguson trophy for a third time and was also named Premier League manager of the year. City face Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday and Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Guardiola, who has previously won the award in 2017-18 and 2020-21, said: “I’m delighted to receive the Premier League Manager of the Year. It’s an incredible honour to get his trophy. “We are in the best league in the world and I promise you we will be there next season.” Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery and Fulham’s Marco Silva had all been nominated. Vincent Kompany, who guided Burnley straight back to promotion to the top flight, won the Championship award, beating fellow nominees Michael Carrick (Middlesbrough), Paul Heckingbottom (Sheffield United), Rob Edwards (Luton) and Mark Robins (Coventry). Kompany said: “The players have done it and the staff have been relentless. “I can still relate to the players, I feel connected to what they are going through. I make mistakes and don’t see myself as the finished article. You make mistakes and learn. I’m pretty pleased where I am today.” Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher took the League One award after guiding the Pilgrims to the title and Richie Wellens was voted League Two manager of the year after leading Leyton Orient to the top of the fourth tier. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Padres send 16-year-old phenom Ethan Salas directly to Low-A ball.

Anthony Martial will miss the FA Cup final with a hamstring problem as his injury-hit season has come to an end. The French forward strained his hamstring in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday and tests showed he tore a muscle. Without Martial, who has scored nine times this season, United’s 30-goal top scorer Marcus Rashford could play as a centre-forward against Manchester City at Wembley. Wout Weghorst, who has only scored twice in his loan spell and who has not found the net in his last 15 games, is the other option available to manager Erik ten Hag. Martial has been Ten Hag’s first-choice striker this season but has only started 17 of their 61 matches in all competitions and has only struck two goals in his last 12 appearances. However, he did score twice against City as a substitute in United’s 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in October. Concerns about Martial’s fitness are a reason why Ten Hag’s major objective in the summer transfer market is to sign a centre-forward. United are also waiting to see if winger Antony will recover from an ankle injury in time, with Ten Hag saying the Brazilian will "probably" be fit. Read More ‘He has a decision to make’: Erik ten Hag delivers stark message to Harry Maguire Premier League 2022/23 season awards: Best player, manager, transfer flop and breakthrough act

Rangers have announced the signing of Chelsea right-back Dujon Sterling. The 23-year-old will join on a four-year contract on July 1 when his Chelsea deal expires. The versatile player made two substitute outings for Chelsea in cup competitions but has made more than 100 first-team appearances across loan spells with Coventry, Wigan, Blackpool and Stoke. He played 28 times this season with Sky Bet Championship side Stoke. Rangers manager Michael Beale told his club’s official website: “I am delighted to welcome Dujon to Rangers, he is an exciting young player who, I’m sure, will be a great addition to our squad. “He is someone I was aware of from my time at Chelsea, and I have always kept an eye on his career as it has progressed. “He is a very powerful and strong defender, who has fantastic attacking qualities and I look forward to working with him at Rangers.” Sterling added: “I am really excited to come to such a big club, there’s a lot of history and the supporters are so passionate, so I am thrilled. “I wasn’t expecting to make my mind up about my future this quickly, but the gaffer came in for me straight away and what he proposed to me was everything that I believe I need. “We were on the same wavelength, he believes in me and I believe in what he is trying to do as well so it was a no-brainer for me to come.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

An illegal streaming gang who offered cut-price subscriptions for Premier League matches to more than 50,000 people have been jailed. The Premier League said five men were convicted of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and contempt of court after generating more than £7 million in five years. Mark Gould, from London, was reported to have masterminded the operation and was handed an 11-year prison sentence at Chesterfield Crown Court on Tuesday. The 36-year-old and co-defendants Steven Gordon, Peter Jolley, William Brown and Christopher Felvus offered illegal access to matches from hundreds of channels around the world, as well as tens of thousands of on-demand films and TV shows. A sixth gang member, Zak Smith, failed to appear at court for sentencing and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, the Premier League said. We are pleased that through rulings such as this, the courts continue to show that they recognise the importance of safeguarding the Premier League's rights Kevin Plumb The league added that the illegal streaming businesses had 30 employees, with one undercover at a specialist anti-piracy company. Brown, from Stoke-on-Trent, denied the offences, claiming to have been an undercover informant acting in the interests of law enforcement authorities and broadcasters But the 33-year-old was unanimously convicted by a jury after a seven-week trial as the Premier League said he used his technical skills to hack legitimate customers’ accounts to access and copy streams – intending for them to take the blame if identified by authorities. The prosecution was supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s trading standards team and the intellectual property protection organisation Fact. Premier League general counsel Kevin Plumb said: “Today’s sentencing is the result of a long and complex prosecution of a highly sophisticated operation. “The sentences handed down, which are the longest sentences ever issued for piracy-related crimes, vindicate the efforts made to bring these individuals to justice and reflect the severity and extent of the crimes. “This prosecution is another concrete example of the clear links between piracy and wider criminality, a warning we repeatedly make. “While most Premier League fans enjoy watching our games in a safe way, those who were customers of these services were effectively supporting individuals involved in other sinister and dangerous organised crime. “The Premier League’s substantial financial contribution to the entire football pyramid is made possible through the ability to sell our broadcast rights. “We are pleased that through rulings such as this, the courts continue to show that they recognise the importance of safeguarding the Premier League’s rights. “We will continue to protect our rights and our fans by investigating and prosecuting illegal operators at all levels.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Umpire Sue Redfern: I’ll feel awkward and fortunate to break new ground in Blast Daniil Medvedev dumped out of French Open in first round by Thiago Seyboth Wild Dean Windass proud as Conor McGregor splashes cash – Tuesday’s sporting social

Who needs Caleb Love? UNC basketball received some great news on Tuesday morning, as top-ranked junior Elliot Cadeau is reclassifying.While high school to college basketball is a massive jump for most prospects, Elliot Cadeau is not 'most prospects'. The Link Academy player is reclassi...