I’ll give absolutely everything – Edson Alvarez signs for West Ham from Ajax
West Ham have completed the signing of Mexico international Edson Alvarez from Ajax for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old has agreed a contract until June 2028 with the Europa Conference League winners. He strengthens the Hammers’ midfield options following the sale of former captain Declan Rice to Arsenal. West Ham manager David Moyes told the club website: “The midfield area was one we were especially keen to strengthen this summer – and Edson will complement the other options we have in that department. “He’s an experienced international player, who has enjoyed great success for both club and country during his career to date.” Alvarez, who began his career with Mexico City-based Club America, moves to the Premier League after clinching two Eredivisie titles during his four-season stay with Ajax. He has been capped 69 times by his country, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 and 2023, in addition to travelling to the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. “It’s a hugely sentimental moment for me in my career,” he said. “To join a club like a West Ham is a dream for me and my family. “The Premier League is a special league, the best league in the world, and I think my style will suit it. “I now have a responsibility to West Ham and the West Ham family and I will give absolutely everything for the shirt.” West Ham, who will play in the Europa League this term, begin the new season at Bournemouth on Saturday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-10 19:53
New added time approach here to stay – Premier League referee chief Howard Webb
Premier League referees’ chief Howard Webb says the change in approach on added time is here to stay, despite early criticism from top-flight players and managers. Referees in competitions worldwide have been instructed by the game’s lawmakers to measure time lost to stoppages more accurately, an approach first adopted at the World Cup in Qatar last year where an additional 11 minutes and six seconds were played on average in the group stage. Webb said the change was necessary as football gets to grips with the “dark arts” of time-wasting, with a a more robust approach set to be taken to dealing with players who delay restarts in play. Sunday’s Community Shield lasted over 105 minutes, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola saying the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the game’s laws, had not consulted with managers and players over the change in approach. Manchester United defender Raphael Varane echoed those criticisms on Monday, saying the change, allied to a congested calendar, was “damaging” to the game. Whereas ‘rule of thumb’ approaches had been used in the Premier League for certain stoppages last season – 30 seconds per goal celebration and substitution for example – referees and their wider team will now be asked to be more exact. The Premier League anticipates the change in approach will increase the length of the average match in the coming season by three minutes and 23 seconds compared to last season – going up to 101 minutes and 49 seconds. Webb, the chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), said: “As far as I’m aware and concerned (the change in approach on added time) is here to stay. “I appreciate we’re hearing two sides of a coin here, but there was also a lot of noise around the need to do something around increasing effective playing time and getting more game for people who are paying good money to go and watch football. “IFAB have acted undoubtedly with good intentions to try to deal with this. Last season a quarter of the games in the Premier League went above 100 minutes. I am expecting it to settle down. “For sure there’s more dark arts in the game than previously. Everybody tells me that, and I see that myself as well. One of the things that will hurt us here is if we’re not consistent with this in the way that we play it. We have to be. It can’t be a flash in the pan. It can’t be a short-term campaign.” In response to Guardiola’s assertion around a lack of consultation, Webb said: “Certain things change each year in terms of the laws of the game. IFAB is the organisation that ratifies changes. “There is a consultation process that goes into that. There is a way people can feed into the process. For sure there's more dark arts to use in the game than previously. Everybody tells me that, and I see that myself as well. One of the things that will hurt us here is if we’re not consistent with this in the way that we play it. Howard Webb “Obviously, when something is ratified at (IFAB’s) AGM, it comes our way to deliver. By the end of this week I will have done at least 17 pre-season briefings, so people are aware what is coming. I am really keen to keep engaging, consulting and getting feedback and embracing the feedback and comparing it against other feedback we get. “We have to find where the benefit is with any changes we want to apply. Is it frustrating? No. I know consultation does exist from our side, that is what we can control and we will keep engaging.” The other major initiative from a refereeing perspective is a clampdown on poor behaviour from players and managers as part of a wider move to improve conduct, including among fans. Webb said: “For too long our officials have not necessarily been able to make that differentiation (between passion and unacceptable behaviour) or have chosen for whatever reason to turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to certain things. “But the power of example is so strong and we are seeing a lot of examples (of bad behaviour) and all the numbers are tracking in the wrong direction around what’s happening in the game in this area. “We’re seeing grassroots officials have a bad experience too often and this has got to change in our sport and we’re determined collectively within the game to do this.” Webb also confirmed audio from VAR decisions – including some clips where errors were made – would be aired on a monthly basis. It follows on from Webb appearing on Monday Night Football towards the end of last season to talk through some incidents from earlier in the season in a bid to provide greater transparency around VAR. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Zak Hardaker admits repaying Leigh coach for his faith would be ‘pretty special’ Billy Vunipola recalled in strong England XV for Wales clash Scotland boss ‘confident’ Ben White will make World Cup despite injury setback
2023-08-10 19:26
Harry Kane has a decision to make after Tottenham and Bayern reportedly reach agreement on transfer
Harry Kane has a career-defining decision to make
2023-08-10 19:20
Harry Kane to make decision about future as Spurs accept offer
Harry Kane's blockbuster move to Bayern Munich looks set to go ahead, after the German club reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur to sign the England men's football captain, according to reports. The proposed transfer from the Bundesliga side, which is believed to be worth more than €100m (£86.4m), was accepted by the Premier League team on Wednesday. Now, it is up to Kane to decide whether he stays or goes. Kane, 30, is England's top goalscorer of all time. He reportedly wanted the situation resolved before the Premier League restarted this weekend, when Tottenham will play Brentford. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter The player is said to be enjoying playing for the new Spurs manager, Ange Postecoglou, and had been leaning towards staying in England in recent weeks. However, the transfer fee being accepted marks a significant move forward in the striker's potential move to Germany. Fans of other clubs have been calling for Kane to move to a team where he might win a trophy for several years, while Spurs fans, perhaps understandably, have been reticent to lose their talisman. Kane scored 30 Premier League goals last season despite a disappointing campaign for Spurs, who finished eighth and missed out on European football. They remain without a trophy since 2008. With 213 goals in 320 Premier League games, he is currently 48 goals away from breaking Alan Shearer's record as the highest scorer in Premier League history. Bayern have now met all the conditions required to land Kane, who would be paid in the region of £400,000-per-week with the German giants. Spurs fans serenaded the forward with chants of 'we want you to stay' in Spurs' last friendly game before the start of the new season. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-10 18:53
Bayern Munich agree £95million deal with Tottenham to sign Harry Kane – reports
Bayern Munich have reached an agreement with Tottenham over a £95million deal to sign Harry Kane, according to reports. The clubs are reported to have settled in principle on terms for the England captain to move to Germany after a series of bids earlier in the summer were rejected, according to reports citing sources in Germany. Tottenham are not commenting on the latest reports emerging from Germany. An agreement between the clubs would leave it up to 30-year-old Kane to decide whether he wishes to stay at Spurs or accept the Bundesliga champions’ offer. Kane is about to enter the final year of his Tottenham contract meaning he would be free to leave for nothing in 12 months’ time, and could begin negotiating with other clubs as early as January. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-10 18:49
Wrestlers Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews trolled by fans after engagement announcment
Wrestlers Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews have once again been trolled by fans after announcing their engagement. Ripley announced the happy news in an Instagram post captioned “1000x YES! Pure F**king happiness!”. The picture showed her kissing Matthews on the cheek as the pair stood on a beach with the sea in the background. While many commented with their well-wishes to the couple, a significant number of wrestling fans also trolled their couple due to their jobs. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Ripley, the current Women's World Champion, wrestles for WWE where she is involved in an on-screen storyline relationship with male wrestler, Dominik Mysterio. Meanwhile, her real-life fiance, Matthews, wrestles for AEW. Many fans in the comments trolled the couple, suggesting that Matthews proposed to her out of jealousy over her fake on-screen storyline with Mysterio. One fan commented: “He saw Dom Dom getting too touchy had 2 secure the bag.” Another claimed: “Homie is feeling the pressure and had to do something.” “He seen them Dom vibes getting a little too strong and was like ‘let me lock this in before shit goes too far and I lose my Queen’……… smart man lmaoooo,” wrote another. “BUDDY HAD TO SHOW DOM WHO'S BOSS,” wrote someone else. Speaking to indy100, Ripley previously opened up about the social media harassment she and her partner have faced because of their profession. “It's when people bring real life into the wrestling storyline," said Ripley. "That's when I'm like, you can't be mixing both of them. And I know that my partner, Buddy, has been getting a lot of slack online. Like every time I post something with Dominik [Mysterio], he gets tagged in it. "Some fans just, they really poke and prod and they want to get a rise out of you. So luckily for us, we're good, we're in a great place and we don't really look at it, but if it did affect him, then that's crossing a line in my books. You don't mix the both storyline and real life. You can't do it." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-10 18:27
Bethany England reveals ‘biggest danger’ facing Lionesses against Colombia
England striker Bethany England warned it would be more dangerous to underestimate Colombia than worry about their “physical” approach ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash at the Women’s World Cup. Colombia played a part in the biggest shock of the tournament so far in beating Germany as the two-time champions crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages, but the South American side have also earned a reputation for their robust style. A pre-World Cup friendly against Ireland was abandoned when it became ‘overly physical’ - while Germany complained about the rough treatment they received in the 2-1 defeat. It’s been a World Cup of surprises so far and the Lionesses survived a major scare against Nigeria in the last-16 as they advanced on penalties, after playing extra time with 10 players following Lauren James’ red card. And the Tottenham striker said Sarina Wiegman’s side are more concerned about not taking Colombia lightly, while insisting they can also match their fight if the quarter-final does turn physical. “Ultimately, I just think it’s a case of the biggest danger is just not to underestimate them,” England said. “They beat Germany, who are one of the biggest teams in this tournament, so I think we just have to make sure we approach it in a good manner. “Knowing that they can be physical, we can also be physical and match that. And I think it’s just going to be important that we don’t get too into more of a fight than actually playing football, because that’s what we’re here to do. “We’re here to play the game that we love and hopefully do it in a good, stylish way as well.” The Lionesses will be without star forward James for Saturday’s quarter-final in Sydney after 21-year-old was sent off for stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the last-16 clash, with a Fifa disciplinary panel set to meet to decide whether her one-match suspension will be extended. However, a decision is not expected to be made until after England’s quarter-final. James has since apologised to Alozie and her team-mates and England said the forward was “doing good” as she awaits news of the ban. “Obviously she was disappointed with what happened on the day,” England said. “It was a split-second emotional moment that happened. We got round her. It’s got she acknowledged that and put her apology out. Now we just wait to see what Fifa do and move on from it. Obviously I can imagine it’s a very difficult position for her to be in but whether they do it on the same day or not it’s not going to affect us in a way that we’re not defined by one player. “It’s important everyone is there for her and as a team. Whatever decision they make we have to unfortunately accept it and get on with the game. There’s more important things than focusing on one player.” England came off the bench to help the Lionesses through extra time against Nigeria and is playing a bigger role for Sarina Wiegman’s side at the World Cup, after not playing a single minute of their Euros campaign last summer. With the Lionesses struggling for goals - Wiegman’s side have only scored two goals in the three games other than the 6-1 win over China - the Tottenham striker could offer a solution, after arriving at the World Cup having scored 11 in 11 games in the Women’s Super League. “Ultimately Sarina is the boss,” England said. “I am here to be a part of the team that is, whether it is starting or as a sub. I love playing football, I want to play as much football as I can at this tournament. “So ultimately if I get the minutes I will try and do everything I can when I am on the pitch, and even if I don’t [get on the pitch], I will be there to be the No1 fan for the girls that are on the pitch.” Read More Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest news as England await Lauren James decision ahead of Colombia quarter-final Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today ‘We are not happy’ – Lucy Bronze insists England will improve against Colombia
2023-08-10 18:27
With 6 weeks until NHL training camps open, some teams may not be done making moves
Kyle Dubas doesn't expect the Pittsburgh Penguins to make any more moves before the 2023-24 NHL season opens after completing the biggest trade of the summer
2023-08-10 18:26
Harry Kane to decide his future after Tottenham and Bayern Munich agree fee
Tottenham Hotspur have accepted Bayern Munich's improved offer for Harry Kane, now leaving it down to the player to finally decide if he wants to go through with the move. Although the personal details of the move are agreed, the 30-year-old had been leaning towards staying in the last week, as it is also felt his greatest ambition is to join Manchester United. The Old Trafford hierarchy have not been willing to get into discussions with Daniel Levy, though, which has left Bayern free to engage in drawn-out negotiations that have finally conclusion – at least at one stage. It is understood that Spurs will receive over £80m up front, with the totals of the deal taking it beyond £110m in achievable clauses. Levy was unmoving in that stance from the start. The Kane camp had given Bayern every indication over the summer that they were prepared to move, although that now creates a last dramatic tension as the player decides whether he actually wants to leave the Premier League. Kane has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs but ignored the ongoing noise around his future to score four goals in a 5-1 friendly win over Shakhtar Donetsk last Sunday. Dejan Kulusevski set up Kane’s hat-trick strike and subsequently hailed the professionalism of his team-mate. “He scored four goals, so very good,” Kulusevski exclaimed. “Nah, he’s unbelievable. Honestly, his mentality, I can learn from him like everybody. He just goes out and performs day in day out. “He’s a true professional. I’m happy I helped him score today but of course we want him to stay and we’ll do everything to make him stay.” Read More Premier League LIVE: Harry Kane fee agreed with Bayern Munich plus latest team news Ange Postecoglou has a rebuild mandate – but Spurs’ Harry Kane tactics are only harming themselves Harry Kane sets final deadline on transfer away from Tottenham
2023-08-10 18:21
After stocking up on big-name players, Saudi Arabia's ambitious soccer league starts Friday
The Saudi Pro League kicks off Friday after a spending spree on new players grabbed the soccer world’s attention
2023-08-10 17:56
Scott Dixon didn't expect much as a young New Zealand racer. The Iceman is now IndyCar's Ironman
Scott Dixon didn’t expect much as a young New Zealand racer
2023-08-10 17:50
Ange Postecoglou has a rebuild mandate – but Spurs’ Harry Kane tactics are only harming themselves
As the curtain went down on last season, one of the clubs facing most uncertainty over the immediate direction they would, or indeed could, take was Tottenham Hotspur. It was clear that their second interim manager of the campaign, Ryan Mason, wouldn’t be in charge; who was to take over and try to - yet again - restructure and rebuild the underperforming team was a mystery. It was clear that a new sporting director had to be appointed given Fabio Paratici’s ban and departure; who they would land to fill the void was unclear. And above all, it seemed that both captain and vice-captain would move on from tthe playing squad: Hugo Lloris’ last involvement saw him subbed midway through the drubbing at Newcastle and he was outspoken over summer over his “desire” to depart, while star striker - and most valuable asset in every sense - Harry Kane has just a year left on his contract and many suitors keen on his talents. And yet, in what can only be described as very Tottenham-esque fashion, both Lloris and Kane remain at the club on the eve of the new season, new boss Ange Postecoglou handed the task of rebuilding a team without fully knowing if the spearhead of it will in fact remain past the next few weeks. With regards to the goalkeeping situation at least, there’s an expectation rather than a reality of clarity now. The Australian manager confirmed Lloris opted out of joining Spurs’ pre-season tour to explore transfer opportunities, with summer addition Guglielmo Vicario the new No.1. Kane, meanwhile, is described as “invested” in the team by his latest boss but Bayern Munich’s interest, in particular, isn’t going anywhere. While Postecoglou tries to integrate the England captain into yet another Spurs vision, it’s perhaps Daniel Levy’s approach which is hampering how fast his newest appointment can put matters on track. On the one hand, there’s a reputation and an expectation to acknowledge: Levy, when conducting transfer business for Spurs, is known to be tough to deal with, standing firm on valuations and expecting others to match them if they want a player. On most occasions, that might well be the right, or at least a beneficial, approach. But perhaps this time, this summer, with this player’s situation, rapidly concluding negotiations would by far outweigh the benefits of standing firm on payment terms, or holding out for the extra few percent. Recent reports suggested a £10m difference between the clubs; while not an insignificant figure, consider the difference between getting £90m now and absolutely nothing just ten months down the line. And more than that, consider the year-long delay in allowing Postecoglou to bring in the type of striker he wants to lead the line and work with and have others play off, run off, link with, create for: not just removing Spurs’ own ability to pay for that striker, but holding up the start date on integrating them into the system. Keeping Kane and hoping he’ll recant and sign an extension is an obvious attraction, but given the lack of ability to compete at the top or have a cohesive, consistent approach to improvement over the last few years - throughout the club, not just on the pitch - it would appear to be optimistic in the extreme for Levy and the board to focus on that possibility. Meanwhile, a late-summer sale would only mean that at best Spurs get perhaps a couple of goals or games out of Kane, but then face time pressures to find a replacement - and don’t have a longer-tearm starting striker for the first games of the season, and even when one is signed, he has missed out on a crucial pre-season of bedding in. And so to what Postecoglou can control, rather than what he cannot. A long list of club and country positions have shown his capacity for organisation, for commanding the respect of his squad and for producing at-times excellent football, without sacrificing an ability to be pragmatic when called for. Aside from the aforementioned Vicario and the loans-turned-permanent deal for Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski, Postecoglou has been gifted Micky van de Ven at the back and James Maddison in attack. Manor Solomon adds depth, but well over £150m of total outlays have not been offset by sales - just Harry Winks and Lucas Moura have departed, the latter on a free. Getting the best out of Maddison will be a crucial aspect of the new Spurs, be it as a No10 or in a more fluid, floating role. Too often, too long it has been a case of relying on Kane and Son Heung-min, and the latter endured a torrid campaign in 2022/23. Adding aggression, work rate, organisation and far, far better mental resilience when matters get tough after the whistle goes will all have been high on Postecoglou’s must-do list this summer. All of that can be done with or without Kane, and the evidence of it should be seen very quickly into the new term compared to some of the debacles under Antonio Conte and those who, briefly, followed. But when it comes to the regular winning of matches, rather than the not losing of them, that requires understanding. That requires time. That requires cohesion, fine-tuning and a consistent message to a consistent group. Spurs’ own approach this summer hasn’t removed enough of that original uncertainty for them to be absolutely sure yet what path they are following and what they want to become. It makes them an incredibly interesting side to watch heading into 23/24, but they - as much as anyone else - might still be unsure exactly what they’ll be getting. Read More The ‘incredible’ Micky Van de Ven trait that Tottenham want to weaponise Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role: ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ Fantasy Premier League: 30 players you must consider for 2023/24 season Defender Micky van de Ven joins Tottenham from Wolfsburg on six-year deal Dejan Kulusevski vows to ‘do everything’ to keep Harry Kane at Tottenham Postecoglou aims ‘deadline’ dig at Bayern over Kane transfer saga
2023-08-10 17:48