Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow hasn't made the move from Champions League playing Newcastle United to just "sit on the bench" this season, according to The Athletic's Phil Hay.

Will Karl Darlow replace Illan Meslier at Leeds United this summer?

After a few months of bad news and general misery for Leeds and their supporters, the team managed to inject a bit of life and hope back into the club after fighting back from 2-0 down to earn a hard-fought draw against Cardiff City on the opening weekend of the Championship season.

That said, the fact that the side went 2-0 down to a club that just managed to avoid relegation to the third tier by the skin of their teeth last season is still a significant concern, and one of the players that did little to help their case was goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

While he wasn't directly at fault for any of the goals, he was still unimpressive and could have done better with the first goal, with Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross giving him just a five out of ten for his performance.

Read the latest Leeds United transfer news HERE…

The Frenchman will need to do better than that over the next few games, as with the £400,000 signing of Darlow from Newcastle last month, his spot is likely to be under serious threat from the former Nottingham Forest man, per Phil Hay.

He gave his opinion on The Square Ball YouTube channel, saying:

"Darlow I think will come into the frame before long I don't really don't think Farke has signed him to sit on the bench."

How old is Karl Darlow?

Born October 8 1990, the former Newcastle keeper is 32-years-old, which while just beyond the peak years for a goalkeeper – according to The Athletic – is a good age for a team's number one and should he perform well for the Whites, he could be there for several years to come.

Worryingly for Meslier, the Englishman has already demonstrated his ability to perform to a high level in the second tier on multiple occasions in his career, most recently with Hull City.

In his 12 appearances for the Tigers last season, he maintained a passing accuracy of 76.3%, won one Man-of-the-Match award and averaged a respectable match rating of 6.87, per WhoScored.

In fact, in his four spells in the Championship, he has never dipped below an average rating of 6.72, proving that he is more than equipped to step between the sticks should even the faintest opportunity present itself.

While he might've not quite had the quality to firmly establish himself as the Magpies' number one following their takeover and rise up the league, he certainly had his moments in the famous black and white, with club legend Alan Shearer lauding him for a particular performance against defending champions Liverpool in 2020, when he said:

"He should be very, very proud of his performance. When required, he came up with the goods. He was big and strong. He just kept them out. There was no way they were going to get past him this evening.

"The defenders in front of him had to work extremely hard, but when they got past the defenders he was just exceptional, superb."

Watching the battle for Leeds' number-one shirt this season will undoubtedly be enjoyable, but if Hay is correct, the writing may be on the wall for Meslier.

Andrew Jones, the Cricket NSW CEO, has been sanctioned in relation to a tweet he sent out following the JLT One-Day Cup match between New South Wales and Victoria on October 15. The proposed sanction – a reprimand and fine of AU $3,000 – is fully suspended, subject to Jones not being found guilty of any further breach of Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct for the next two years.The match was abandoned due to the pitch at the North Sydney Oval being deemed unsafe, when Victoria were 108 for 4 in 26 overs while chasing 145. By virtue of being 35 runs ahead of the DLS par score, Victoria were awarded the win and a bonus point that took them into the tournament playoffs.Jones took exception to the decision to award Victoria the win, in a series of tweets. “It should be a No Result,” one of them read. “Conditions didn’t change all game so if it was dangerous for one side it was dangerous for the other.”He followed that up with: ” So pitch was safe when @CricketNSWBlues batted? Makes no sense. All officials involved should be fired immediately.”Jones was reported for breaching article level 2.2.3 – Public or media comment that is detrimental to the interests of cricket, irrespective of when or where such comment is made – of the CA code of conduct. He has admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, with no hearing required.

حسم فريق ريال مدريد الإسباني تأهله لنهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا مساء الأربعاء على حساب بايرن ميونخ الألماني.

كما حصل فريق بوروسيا دورتموند الألماني على بطاقة التأهل إلى نهائي بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2023/24، مساء الثلاثاء.

وتأهل ريال مدريد على ملعبه “سانتياجو برنابيو” حيث حقق الفوز بهدفين مقابل هدف أمام بايرن ميونخ، وسجل له البديل خوسيلو بعد تقدم الفريق الألماني.

وجاء تأهل بوروسيا دورتموند على حساب نظيره باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي، بعدما فاز عليه في مرحلة نصف النهائي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | رد فعل مثير من مبابي حول تشجيع ريال مدريد بعد مغادرة باريس سان جيرمان دوري أبطال أوروبا

وتلاقى الفريقان ليلة الثلاثاء على ملعب “حديقة الأمراء” في إياب نصف نهائي البطولة، حيث انتصر بوروسيا دورتموند بهدف دون رد.

وكان بوروسيا دورتموند قد فاز في مباراة الذهاب على ملعب “سيجنال إيدونا بارك” بالنتيجة نفسها.

ويلتقي بوروسيا دورتموند، في المباراة النهائية، مع ريال مدريد الإسباني. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وبوروسيا دورتموند في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا

تُقام المباراة يوم السبت 1 يونيو المقبل، على ملعب “ويمبلي” في إنجلترا، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

The tournament will begin in March 2018, where ten teams play for the two spots left for the 2019 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-20172:18

How West Indies can qualify for the 2019 World Cup

The search for the final two teams in the 2019 World Cup will begin in Zimbabwe in March 2018, after it was announced the host of the qualifying tournament. West Indies will be among the countries taking part in this competition, having failed to gain direct entry into the showpiece event. They will be joined by the bottom-three ranked ODI nations – Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland – the top four sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the top two from the ICC World Cricket League Division 2.Originally, Bangladesh were scheduled to host the qualifiers. But with their gaining direct entry, finishing in the top eight of the ICC ODI rankings on deadline day, September 30, Zimbabwe put themselves up for consideration. The ICC inspected the facilities about a month ago and it is understood that alongside the two regular international venues – Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club – the grounds at Takashinga, Bulawayo Athletic Club and in Kwe-Kwe will be used for the tournament.The World Cricket League Championship is already underway, with all participants having played more than 10 matches each. Netherlands are leading the points table, with eight wins. Papua New Guinea are second, Scotland third and Hong Kong fourth.

Getting off on the right foot with your new teammates is always ideal. It can build the foundation for success. At the same time, however, managers will be keen to see their new arrivals slot straight in, and become happy to give players an honest truth or two, should it be required.This is the case for Andre Onana at Manchester United, too. Goalkeepers must always be commanding, it’s part of the job, so Erik ten Hag would have been hoping for his new number one to deliver some orders straight away. And, in fairness to Onana, he wasted no time in the Red Devils’ recent friendly defeat against Borussia Dortmund.It came as little surprise that it was Harry Maguire who faced the goalkeeper’s wrath for the first time, with Onana seemingly scolding the struggling defender.

Andre Onana rips into Harry Maguire

As you can see from the video, Maguire was lost for words after Onana came charging towards him, ripping into the defender in ruthless fashion.

The moment came after the goalkeeper was forced to make an incredible save to deny Dortmund a third before the hour mark, having already found themselves 2-1 up. Maguire had played his part in a cheap turnover of possession as he gave the ball to Christian Eriksen who was already under pressure, allowing the opposition to win it and quickly spring into a counterattack.

Ten Hag’s side initially got off to the perfect start, finding the opening goal in the 24th minute, courtesy of Diogo Dalot’s excellent strike from outside the area.

Things quickly went downhill, though, with two goals in the space of two minutes from Donyell Malen flipping the game on its head.

Antony handed United a short reprieve, before substitute Youssoufa Moukoko found the winning goal for the Bundesliga side in the 71st minute.

Ten Hag will be left frustrated with the result, especially with the goals conceded as the Premier League season approaches.

Onana, meanwhile, proved that he’s not afraid to be honest with the defenders in front of him if he believes that they are not up to scratch.

How have Manchester United performed in pre-season?

Manchester United have had mixed results in pre-season. They got off to a solid start by beating rivals Leeds United 2-0, before going on to defeat Lyon 1-0, and then fellow Premier League side Arsenal 2-0.

A youthful United side then suffered a 3-1 defeat against Wrexham, before the first-team struggled against Real Madrid, losing 2-0. Making it three consecutive defeats, the Manchester club most recently lost 3-2 against Borussia Dortmund.

So, overall, they’ve won three and lost three in a pre-season that leaves their Premier League campaign a tough one to predict.

With their season getting underway on Monday, 14 August against Wolverhampton Wanderers, United will be hoping to finish their preparations with a flourish more than anything, as games against Lens and Athletic Bilbao come their way.

By the time the new season gets underway, it remains to be seen whether Onana will be forced to deal with the struggling Maguire, with the defender linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, West Ham United have seen a £20m bid rejected for Maguire, but are unlikely to push any further.

Fans reacted to Onana ripping into the defender in United’s Dortmund defeat, some of which you can see below:

Leeds United may have been dealt a recent transfer hammer blow, but Daniel Farke could react quickly given the plethora of alternative options that have revealed themselves throughout the window…

Is Tyler Adams leaving Leeds United?

Naturally, the news that Chelsea had triggered Tyler Adams' release clause came as a huge disappointment to the fanbase, who will now likely see one of their key stars depart for pastures new.

However, the £20m gained is a huge fee for reinvestment at this level, given how big of a hit Ethan Ampadu has already proven to be having joined for just an £7m fee.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

So, in an effort to immediately replace the energy and defensive rigidity that the United States international offered, perhaps the Whites could seek to reignite their interest in West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby.

The 24-year-old has just two years left on his £17k-per-week deal, and therefore Football Transfers value him at €4.6m (£4m).

Is Jayson Molumby any good?

Before delving into what the Republic of Ireland international would offer, it is first worth noting exactly what Elland Road will be losing with the exit of Adams.

Having signed for £20m from RB Leipzig, the 24-year-old brought a wealth of experience at a level far beyond the one they were currently at. Given his youth, his acquisition was also expected to provide a foundation for years of success, with his tough-tackling and all-action midfield style at the core.

However, last campaign went completely awry, and as three managers passed in and out of Elland Road within just one year, they eventually fell to the drop.

That's not to suggest the midfield ace was in any way to blame though, as he was, according to Sofascore, the best-performing player from within that squad, of those that featured in five or more league games.

His 6.98 average rating was more than admirable, with his one key pass and 3.7 tackles per game a stellar return for such a poor outfit, via Sofascore.

However, such excellence does not make him irreplaceable, and in fact, the money his sale is set to bring in could easily bolster numerous positions, with his direct replacement the cheapest of the lot.

Molumby's potential move would offer vast experience of a different kind, given he boasts 126 Championship appearances despite his youth.

He is young, hungry and tireless in the engine room, offering the perfect template to emulate Adams.

Not only this, but his figures from last season's push for the play-off spots also showcase similarities with the outbound star, given his 6.81 average rating fed into his eight goal contributions, 86% pass accuracy and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

He is certainly a work in progress, but it is clear that he too shares that defensive steel alongside creativity that could allow him to reach the levels of his predecessor.

His boss Carlos Corberan sought to emphasise his work rate too, noting: "It’s important for every player to go on to the pitch when they’re in the first XI with the mentality to compete, this is what Molumby is doing. He is working as an animal and that’s what football demands of you."

With a skillset tailored to star in English football, but a touch of class that will set him apart from most others in his role, Molumby has the talent and the youth to mark an instant, cut-price replacement for the outbound Adams.

Faf du Plessis has praised the manner in which South Africa won the first Test against Bangladesh but not the surface on which it was played. After asking for a pitch with pace and bounce, South Africa got a flat track – partly because that is what Potchefstroom usually produces; partly because it’s early season and the rains have only just arrived – which Bangladesh said reminded them of home.

‘Gibson brings positivity and energy’

Not only was the Bangladesh Test the first of the South African summer, it was also Ottis Gibson’s first as South Africa’s coach and the early reports are that he has warmed to the camp.
“He has been really good. It’s been a seamless transition,” Faf du Plessis said. “He has come in trying to understand how the Proteas works, how our culture works, how we go about our business. He’s observed, and then where there is an area where he felt he could add value, he has added that. From a bowling point of view I’m really excited to see what he is going to do with this team. I think he adds a lot of value in that department. He also gives the other coaching staff the freedom to be coaches in their specific areas. He trusts them. The team has really enjoyed him. He brings positivity and energy and every now and then a humourous joke.
“He is enjoying this challenge and he has got a few plans in place. The ultimate goal is also to try and make an impact on the World Cup in two years’ time, so we are already having some good conversations about that to make sure we are ahead of the curve with our planning. I’ve enjoyed working with him. He is a guy that likes structure, much like myself, so I think we work well together.”

“I have always been a guy that’s very honest in reflection,” du Plessis said.” If it was a good wicket, I praise and I give credit. But conditions-wise when you play countries like Bangladesh, it is important that you try and make sure whatever you get from the wicket gives your team some sort of advantage. There wasn’t much advantage for any team in these conditions. The good thing was that the groundsman said the wicket won’t spin and for three-and-a-half days or probably four days, the wicket didn’t spin off the straight so that was pleasing to see. We got that right.”Still, South Africa managed to make things work in their favour. After being put in, they only lost three wickets in racking up 496 runs. The bowlers worked hard against an initially patient Bangladesh line-up that achieved its highest total in South Africa and then a recklessly rushed one that was bowled out for 90 in 32.4 overs.”Our bowlers made changes, they adapted beautifully, they were consistent in their areas and we put Bangladesh under pressure for five days,” du Plessis said, admitting he sensed a second-innings collapse could come on the last morning. “Over four days, we had Bangladesh under so much pressure and we did all the hard work that if we got one or two early doors, we expected the pressure would be too much and they would fall over. We didn’t expect it to happen that quickly but that’s how it works in Test cricket. You are unlucky for a while, you do the hard graft without a lot of results and then all of sudden it just happens for you.”Though du Plessis’ assessment of South Africa’s performance as “spotless,” did not take into account into the dropped catches, it could be forgiven because they were without the leader of the attack, Morne Morkel, in their final push for victory. After taking the first two wickets in Bangladesh’s second innings and missing a third through overstepping, Morkel left the field with a side strain after bowling 5.2 overs. He will not return until mid-November, which rules him out of the rest of the Bangladesh tour.Morkel has been added to an injury list that includes Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Chris Morris, which robs South Africa of almost all their first-choice bowlers. Kagiso Rabada will have to step into the spearhead role and while South Africa have some options around the domestic scene, du Plessis admitted he doesn’t really know who may be next in line. The selectors have decided it is Dane Paterson, who was added to the squad on Monday afternoon.”It’s difficult to talk about all the domestic bowlers that are around,” du Plessis said. “I haven’t seen enough to make a fair call on what I think the standard of bowling is and who the best seam bowlers in the country are. I know the guys that are with us the majority of the time and we’ve got a few guys in and around the squad that I know exactly what they bring to the team and to the party. Outside of that, I haven’t seen a lot of red ball cricket.”South Africa have only had two rounds of their first-class competition and all six matches have been dominated by batsmen. Du Plessis indicated any inclusion to the squad will be a “back-up,” which could mean a comeback for Wayne Parnell – who is already in the squad – and more work for young allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo, rather than a debut for Paterson.Phehlukwayo only bowled seven overs on debut and showed great control but du Plessis sees him as more of a batting-allrounder in future. “Stats won’t tell you the story of the quality of batsman I think he can be,” du Plessis said. “That’s why he is filling that No.7 role, which is a really important position when it comes to the balance of the side. Generally when you have a fourth seamer and a No.7 batsman, his workload would be more on the batting front. And if you are needed from a fourth seamer perspective, you will bowl some overs. In the first innings, we didn’t bowl a lot of overs so his workload would have been less. Today, if we would have bowled without Morne, he would have bowled a lot of overs.”That time may come on Friday, when the second Test starts and South Africa seek a series win.

Richie Berrington’s patient 129 helped Scotland to a 110-run first-innings lead, but two strong batting performances from Papua New Guinea thwarted their push for a win

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2017
ScorecardPeter Della Penna

Scotland remained the only team without a win in the Intercontinental Cup after a high-scoring draw against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. Scotland are still fifth on the table, three points above sixth-placed PNG. Richie Berrington’s patient 129, off 297 balls, gave Scotland a chance to win their first game after they took a handy 110-run first-innings lead.However, quick half-centuries from Lega Siaka (83 off 135 balls), Tony Ura (75 off 112) and Assad Vala (61 off 92) in the second innings ensured the game petered out into a draw.After electing to bat, PNG posted 404 on the back of top-order contributions from Vani Morea (53) and Siaka (48), and lower-order fifties from Chad Soper (60) and Norman Vanua (64). Fast bowler Safyaan Sharif returned 4 for 94.Scotland were reduced to 223 for 5 in their reply but three consecutive fifty-plus partnerships carried them to a position of strength. Berrington added 91 for the sixth wicket with Michael Leask (58), 52 with Sharif (25) for the seventh, and 61 with Mark Watt (81) for the eighth.

أعرب محمد عبد الجليل، نجم الأهلي السابق، عن استغرابه من استبعاد مارسيل كولر لثنائي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، من قائمة مباراة الاتحاد السكندري، رغم وجود عجز في هذا المركز.

ويخوض الأهلي مباراة قوية أمام الاتحاد السكندري، اليوم الثلاثاء، في المواجهة المؤجلة من الجولة التاسعة من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وقال عبد الجليل في تصريحات عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “أتعجب من استبعاد مارسيل كولر لـ الثنائي علي معلول وكريم الدبيس من قائمة الفريق لمواجهة الاتحاد السكندري اليوم، رغم عدم وجود ظهير أيسر”.

طالع أيضًا | ضياء السيد: توجد أزمة خفية بين كولر ولاعب الأهلي.. ولم أحصل على مستحقاتي من اتحاد الكرة حتى الآن

وتابع: “عودة محمد مجدي أفشة إلى قائمة الأهلي أمر جيد، وهذه من ضمن الأمور التي يتميز بها كولر، وهي عودة اللاعبين للتشكيل بعد فترة استبعاد، مثلما حدث مع كهربا وعبد القادر”.

وأضاف: “المدير الفني هو الوحيد صاحب قرار مشاركة اللاعبين، لأنه يعلم قدرات كل واحد منهم في التدريبات، وتوظيفهم الأفضل”.

واختتم عبد الجليل حديثه مُطالبًا بعدم مشاركة الفرنسي أنتوني موديست مهاجم الأهلي فى تشكيل الفريق خلال الفترة المُقبلة، حيث إن اللاعب لم يُقدم شيئًا حتى الآن.

Leeds United are “one of the clubs” in the race to sign Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer this summer, and a reliable journalist has revealed when to expect developments on a potential move.

Where was Cameron Archer born?

Archer was originally born in Walsall and has been at Villa Park since his childhood days having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first team back in 2021, but having only ever made 13 senior appearances, he’s spent most of his career out on the road.

The England youth international has carried out three development loans since bursting onto the scene, the first at Solihull Moors, the second at Preston North End and the third and most recent being last season at Middlesbrough, and it sounds like he could now be heading for a permanent exit despite still having four years remaining on his contract.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that the Midlands outfit are “open” to selling the 21-year-old as a result of strong interest from the likes of Sheffield United and Michael Carrick’s side once again, but if the following update is to be believed, Daniel Farke has entered the race with the aim of bringing him to Elland Road.

Are Leeds signing Cameron Archer?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs delivered an update on Archer’s future at Aston Villa and name-checked Leeds as a team firmly in the running to secure his signature. He said:

“With Archer, what's interesting is that he's been made for sale now. So there is an opportunity to do that deal. He's had a couple of good loan spells in the Championship including with Middlesbrough and now, Aston Villa are willing to let him go. I think that he put himself in the shop window with I believe, a couple of goals and an assist at the under 21 Euros for England.

"He also scored plenty of goals, he got into double figures for Middlesbrough last season and I think that was only in about 20-odd appearances and he added several assists on top of that. So that can be one to watch because Aston Villa are now prepared to sell him. Leeds are one of the clubs no doubt Middlesbrough are another. So I would expect movement on Archer between now and the end of the window."

How many goals has Cameron Archer scored?

At Middlesbrough last season, Archer posted a remarkable 17 goal contributions (11 goals and six assists) in 23 appearances, with this form having seen him hailed “incredibly prolific” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Leeds.

Villa’s £20k-per-week earner also has the versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline so he would be a great option for Farke to have in the building, not only in terms of being able to cover for injuries in other roles but additionally if the boss ever wanted to switch up his team selection to have multiple top players out on the pitch together.

Furthermore, the centre-forward shares the same agent, Unique Sports Group, as Karl Darlow, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage should they try to get a deal over the line.

The Whites have also been heavily linked with a swoop for Everton striker Tom Cannon, but with the need for attacking reinforcements strong, Archer could be following in the formerly mentioned player’s footsteps to walk through the doors as a pair before September 1st.