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Callum Jackson answered Kent’s emergency call for a wicketkeeper in Cardiff. He travelled from Kent on Tuesday night to deputise for Adam Rouse who has a broken finger which needs an operation

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2016
ScorecardAneurin Donald made runs during a dreary final day•Getty ImagesCallum Jackson, who was released by Sussex last year because of financial cutbacks, answered Kent’s emergency call for a wicketkeeper in Cardiff. He travelled from Kent on Tuesday night to deputise for Adam Rouse who has a broken finger which needs an operation.There was little prospect of a result to the game once 104.1 overs had been lost during the first two days, with both teams content with bonus points, although Glamorgan, despite their 12 points, remain at the bottom of Division 2.Had the weather not intervened, there could have been an interesting final day, with Kent chasing a target on a pitch that favoured the seamers.Callum Jackson•ECBGlamorgan resumed on 22 for 0 on the final morning, but added only seven runs before Jacques Rudolph again failed, pulling a short delivery from Mitchell Claydon to the fielder stationed on the long leg boundary. Mark Wallace, another senior batsman in need of runs, mixed caution with aggression to add 52 with Will Bragg- before Bragg was bowled by Matt Coles for 22. Wallace went on to score 52 with seven fours, until he touched one to Jackson.Callum Jackson•ECBChris Cooke quickly followed, leg before playing across a delivery from Claydon, who then dismissed David Lloyd three balls later with the combined efforts of three fielders; the batsman edged the ball to fourth slip who diverted to third slip and eventually to Tom Latham at second slip who held on to spare his colleagues’ blushes.Aneurin Donald and Graham Wagg then averted a total collapse by adding 80 for the sixth wicket, with Donald, scoring an attractive 67- his third championship fifty of the season- from 68 balls with nine boundaries. Wagg went on to score his second fifty of the game, exceed 500 runs for the third successive season, being particularly severe on James Tredwell’s off spin whom he struck for 22 in one over.He was undefeated on 64, and now needs only 42 more runs to become Glamorgan’s leading run scorer in the championship this season .Both teams shook hands at 4.55pm when Glamorgan declared at 279 for 6- a lead of 348.Rudolph was pleased by his team’s overall performance- especially the two seamers Michael Hogan and Timm Van Der Gugten- and felt that” had we not lost so much time because of the weather, we could have won the game. But we are on an upward curve, and we are not far away from that championship win.”Kent captain Sam Northeast said that “after two weeks of white ball cricket, we found it tough to adjust, and we were not clinical enough after reducing them to 137 for 6 in the first innings but I was happy as they progressed from then on”.

Chelsea have internally “discussed” a deal to bring Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

What's the latest on Kobel to Chelsea?

Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke has reported that whilst Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga both aren’t out of contract for another two years, Todd Boehly is looking to recruit a new first-choice shot-stopper this summer, with the 25-year-old identified as a potential candidate.

The Swiss international first arrived at the Signal Iduna Park back in July 2021 and has made 70 appearances to date, and his recent form has caught the eye of the hierarchy, who are already making behind-the-scenes transfer moves for whoever might succeed Frank Lampard, widely expected to be Mauricio Pochettino.

German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness) recently revealed that the Blues are showing an interest in the 6 foot 4 Kobel and have added him to their wishlist for the upcoming window, where it would appear that they have already developed their admiration one step further.

Taking to Twitter, Sky German'ys Plettenberg claimed that Chelsea are in active negotiations with the representatives of Kobel, although a move this summer is unlikely at this time. He wrote:

“News #Kobel: Chelsea is monitoring the goalkeeper market & Kobel is one of the names they have discussed internally. They are also in a good contact with his agents. But not more at this stage. It’s not hot. Kobel is very likely to stay at #BVB in summer and #CFC has other candidates on their list.”

Would Kobel be a good signing for Chelsea?

Boehly might have various different goalkeepers that he wants to pursue, but having been labelled a “top class” player by journalist Josh Bunting, Kobel has to be up there with one of the best on the market, so he would be a fantastic addition at Stamford Bridge.

The £34k-per-week colossus has kept 75 clean sheets in 239 appearances throughout his career, including 13 in 30 across all competitions this season, as per Transfermarkt, not to mention that he ranks in the 97th percentile for penalty saves, a rare but sensational trait to possess for a club who expect to be competing for trophies and in cup finals regularly.

The World Cup participant also has a strong range of passing having completed 127 of 127 short passes this season, giving him a 100% success rate, and 386 of 390 medium distance passes, with a 99% success rate, via FBRef.

Finally, Kobel loves to get himself behind the ball and isn’t afraid to come out and clear the danger having made 74 saves from 100 shots on target against this term, so is a well-rounded keeper and would excel between the sticks in SW6.

Aston Villa have joined the race for Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, and they have already held talks with his representatives about a summer move, according to a report.

Will Aston Villa sign a striker this summer?

Unai Emery is eager to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window, and it has recently emerged they are ready to sign AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although the fee could be a problem, with the Serie A club set to demand up to €55m (£48m).

Such is Emery's desire to bring in a new forward, Ashley Preece has recently revealed Villa could surpass their £38m transfer record this summer, with the journalist urging them to make a move for Jonathan David, while Nico Williams is also liked.

With Danny Ings joining West Ham United in a £15m January deal, it is clear the Villans need a new option in attack that is ready to come straight into the first team, but they are also building for the future, and Roque has now emerged as a target.

According to a report from Globo Esporte (via Sport Witness), Villa have joined the fight for the 18-year-old Athletico Paranaense ace, who is expected to be one of the most expensive players in Brazilian football history.

Paranaense are looking to negotiate his move for over €42m (£37m), and the player's representatives have already travelled to Europe to speak to potential suitors – one of which is Aston Villa – but it may be a difficult transfer to orchestrate.

The huge asking price is one potential barrier, while there is also interest from some of Europe's top clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, who will be very difficult to compete with.

Will Vitor Roque sign for Aston Villa?

Given the level of interest in the starlet, it seems unlikely that a move will be possible, but if Villa do somehow manage to win the race, they will be signing a player who is destined for great things.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has waxed lyrical about the striker, hailing him as "unstoppable", while also claiming he has "crazy potential".

Such is the quality of the wonderkid, he has already been capped for his national side, also scoring four goals in five games at club level already this season.

Roque is definitely one to watch for the future, but his huge price tag is likely to put Villa off, and they need a striker that can immediately challenge for a first-team spot.

HLTCO host Dan Cook has claimed that Brighton may be a more "attractive proposition" for Mateo Retegui amid transfer links to Crystal Palace.

What's the latest on Mateo Retegui and Crystal Palace?

The Italian striker made headlines last week as he scored on his national team debut against England and then followed this up with another effort against Malta.

The 23-year-old was actually born in Argentina – and is currently on loan at Tigres from Boca Juniors – but qualifies to play for Italy thanks to his grandfather.

After the most recent game, his national team manager Roberto Mancini was full of praise but warned that he still needed to do more to prove himself as a top player.

He told the press: "He unlocked the match, he was essential today. But I repeat: he needs time, he still needs to learn more about European football."

According to Corriere dello Sport (via FC Inter News), Retegui could be set for a move to a big team in Europe this summer with Inter Milan named as a possible option.

Beyond the Serie A team, Palace and Brighton were also linked and while speaking on the HLTCO podcast, Cook explained why it might be a hard deal to pull off for the Eagles.

He said (8:12): “I hate to say this in a Crystal Palace podcast, but I'm not sure we are necessarily anything like as an attractive proposition at the moment as Brighton and Hove Albion.

"They are upwardly mobile, there is every chance they will get into Europe by the end of this season.

"And you look at our current plight, you know, hopefully Roy Hodgson can steady the ship and keep us afloat in the Premier League.

"But without a permanent manager, and without a guarantee of even the division that we're going to be playing in next season, you do wonder whether or not he may well plump for the seagulls."

Why would Mateo Retegui want to join Brighton?

It's certainly true that Palace are struggling to maintain their status as a Premier League side sitting just three points above the bottom three with only ten games to keep themselves up.

All the while, bitter rivals Brighton have lofty ambitions as they look to bright European football to the Amex next season, currently seventh in the league, level on points with Liverpool in sixth (with a game in hand too).

With that in mind, it's not hard to see why Retegui – who has six goals in eight league games with Tigre this term – may feel as though Brighton is the more appealing destination should he seek out a move to England in the summer.

Leeds United centre-back Robin Koch ‘has many clubs interested’ in his services, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Contract talks

Koch has missed just one Premier League fixture this season, featuring regularly alongside January signing Max Wober in recent weeks under new head coach Javi Gracia.

The German has admitted that he would be open to becoming Whites captain in the future and has also said that his advisor has already held talks with Elland Road officials over a new contract. The defender’s current deal expires in 2024, with Koch recently saying:

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with planning for the future.

“The first talks between the club and my advisor are currently underway. Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with that. Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.”

However, despite the in-house talks over a new contract, it looks as if he is of interest to a plethora of clubs ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Romano was talking in his Caught Offside column regarding Koch in the last 48 hours. He name-checked Newcastle following links of a move to St James’ Park for Koch, adding that ‘many clubs’ are ‘interested’ in the Leeds man.

“On links with Robin Koch – Newcastle are still preparing their summer strategy, I’m not sure the targets are 100% clear at this stage.

“For sure they will be busy and they are tracking many players. “Koch has many clubs interested but it’s not something advanced at this stage.”

The Verdict: One to watch

Should Leeds suffer relegation to the Championship, then perhaps Koch could be one of a number of players to leave Elland Road, potentially alongside young forward Wilfried Gnonto, who is attracting interest from Juventus.

Koch has impressed at centre-back in 2023, coming in for praise from Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison, who said this about the defender following the 0-0 draw with Brentford in January.

‘I thought Robin Koch at the back was outstanding.

‘I thought he was brilliant. He put his body on the line, he defended well. He had a real good battle with Ivan Toney. Both players got booked, and you have to battle Ivan Toney because he’s a brilliant striker who can cause you problems. He was in his face and was battling him, but they defended ever so well.’

Therefore, it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, but hopefully, Koch will help Leeds remain in the top flight, which will leave the Whites in a good position to fend off potential offers, especially if the player signs new terms in Yorkshire.

YouTuber Mark Goldbridge has expressed his concern that the summer transfer business of Manchester United is in “peril” due to the current takeover uncertainty.

What’s the latest on transfers and the Man Utd takeover?

At one point, it had seemed as though the Glazer family could finally be ready to sell the club with bids coming in for their assets from Qatari-linked Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

However, it has since been reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano that the owners are prepared to “fight” in negotiations to make sure they get their full evaluation – which could be as much as £7bn.

On top of that, it’s unclear if the Glazers are actually even that open to a sale amid reports that they may instead just want to find a new minority investor.

Taking it all into account, Goldbridge has warned that it could prevent Man Utd from planning properly for the upcoming transfer market.

Speaking on The United Stand, he explained (19:14): “Let’s be honest, let’s be blunt, United’s summer transfer window is in peril.

“It’s in peril because we can’t plan and as Fabrizio said there, it’s very difficult to plan your summer transfer window when you don’t know what your budget is.”

What does the latest takeover news mean for Man Utd’s transfers?

You certainly need a cohesive plan if you want to perform well in the always competitive transfer market. And if Erik ten Hag and co don’t even know will be writing the cheques this summer, it will be hard for them to identify realistic targets at this stage.

For instance, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Goal) the club are keen on signing Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae, especially as he has a £42m release clause.

However, there is only a two-week period in the summer when they can get him for that price and if they can’t plan early to make sure they can convince the player to join in that time frame, the opportunity will likely pass them by.

On top of that, they have also been linked with £100m moves for the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen but it remains unclear if the Glazers or a possible new owner would sanction such a deal.

With that in mind, the club really need things sorted out soon behind the scenes if they want to have a successful summer transfer window.

Tottenham are already ‘set’ for a ‘bargain’ summer transfer tussle over France striker Marcus Thuram, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Kane future uncertain…

Spurs star Harry Kane’s future at the club is uncertain as things stand with the England international now well into the final 18 months of his contract.

The 29-year-old’s deal expires in 2024, and while there has been noise of a potential renewal, nothing has been signed as things stand.

Tottenham may need to ponder replacements for Kane, or at the very least a back-up if they wish to keep chase with Premier League football’s most elite sides.

The Latest: Spurs ‘set’ for ‘bargain’ Thuram tussle…

According to a report by AS, via Sport Witness, the Lilywhites are ‘set’ for transfer tussle to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Thuram this summer.

Alongside Spurs, Liverpool, Atletico and Arsenal are displaying an interest in the 25-year-old who is available on a free deal as things stand.

Thuram’s contract expires later this year, making him ‘one of the bargains of the summer’, as per this update.

The Verdict: Fantastic player…

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse forward has been exceptional for Gladbach over 2022/2023, prompting his inclusion in France’s 2022 World Cup squad for Qatar.

Thuram has already hit double figures for goals in the Bundesliga, scoring 10 with a further three assists domestically.

As per WhoScored, the Frenchman has also averaged Gladbach’s highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 and sits just behind teammate Manu Kone in terms of completed dribbles.

Not only is he a physical presence going by his towering height, but it’s clear by the numbers that Thuram is a constant and ever-present threat for the German side.

Vfl Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer heaped praise on Thuram, even after his season-long injury ruled him out for the majority of 2021/2022 – calling him ‘world class’.

The attacker has proved that tag and we believe Spurs would indeed secure a bargain by signing him for free – if they can beat the competition.

Crystal Palace are still thought to be keen on signing Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher before the January transfer window closes, according to Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Ahamada move

The Eagles look set to bolster their midfield ranks for Patrick Vieira with a move for Naouirou Ahamada. Stuttgart and Palace appeared to have agreed on an €11m (£9.7m) deal, with the player undergoing a medical on Monday.

The 20-year-old can play as a holding or central midfielder, and it looks as if he isn’t the only midfielder wanted by Selhurst Park officials.

The Latest: Gallagher claim

Crook shared a transfer notebook for talkSPORT on Monday, describing Gallagher as ‘one of the most sought-after players heading into the final hours of the transfer window’.

He said that Palace are one of three Premier League clubs keen on the 22-year-old’s services, with the Chelsea man keen on reuniting with Vieira at Selhurst Park.

The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if this will be one to keep an eye on as the day progresses, with Chelsea keen on adding to their midfield by signing Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

A £100m+ transfer fee has been mooted, so if that materialises, perhaps Stamford Bridge officials would be more open to the idea of offloading Gallagher, who Graham Potter recently described as ‘fantastic’.

The Englishman enjoyed a hugely successful Selhurst Park loan spell last term, winning the club’s Player of the Season prize after contributing to can also play in a variety of central roles and could provide a more attacking threat in the middle of the park, with Matt Woosnam believing that the midfield is a problem towards Palace’s lack of goals.

It seems to make sense to bring him in at Selhurst Park, but whether or not Chelsea will give the green light remains to be seen.

Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici could be about to repeat his Dejan Kulusevski masterclass…

What’s the word?

According to Sport Mediaset, the Lilywhites are trying to sign AS Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo on an initial loan with an obligation to buy of around €20m (£18m) based on certain conditions, such as qualifying for the Champions League.

The Serie A outfit want a permanent deal for around €40m (£35m), with less than 18 months to run on his current £78.6k-per-week contract at the Stadio Olimpico.

It’s believed that Paratici has opened talks with the Europa Conference League champions but Premier League rivals West Ham United, Newcastle United and Leicester City are also keen.

The report also states that Zaniolo has said ‘yes’ to moving this month, so the onus is very much now on Spurs and their recruitment staff.

Shades of Kulusevski again

This switch would very much have shades of last January when Tottenham landed Kulusevski on an initial loan from Juventus. As per Fabrizio Romano, it will become permanent for €35m (£30m), either by qualifying for the UCL or paying a fee outright.

The Sweden dynamo has become an instant hit in north London, having provided 20 goal contributions in his 35 appearances. This season, his influence in the final third has been crucial, leading the way for creativity with an average of two key passes per game, via WhoScored.

It does mean, however, that Antonio Conte’s side struggle in his absence, so adding more playmakers to the team would certainly be a smart move with a little over a week to go in the window.

Zaniolo could be the answer, earning statistical likeness to players such as Heung-min Son, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, per FBref’s model.

The Italy international is capable of playing anywhere behind the striker and whilst injuries have somewhat thwarted his progress this term, he has still delivered five goal contributions from 1,106 minutes of game time. That continues from last season’s returns of eight goals and nine assists across all competitions.

Such form and exploits have seen him lauded as a “frightening talent” by CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs and “explosive” by ex-Roma star Francesco Totti.

There is also a touch of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard about him, according to former Inter Milan coach Stefano Vecchi, so those comparisons – tied in with the aforementioned comparable trio – bode well for Zaniolo’s chances of making a successful transition to the Premier League, just as Kulusevski has done.

As such, with Spurs needing more creativity and depth, Paratici must push ahead with plans to sign the “lethal playmaker” – as described by journalist Zach Lowry – this month, given the evidence above.

AND in other news, “A wise move…” – Journalist backs out-of-work 50 y/o as “perfect” Conte replacement…

Celtic will feel hard done by after a controversial penalty decision went against them in the 2-2 Old Firm draw.

The Lowdown: No penalty

In the second half at Ibrox, Celtic were denied a penalty as Karl Starfelt’s goal-bound volley was blocked by the hands of Connor Goldson.

The Bhoys were 2-1 down at the time after Rangers staged an early second-half turnaround following Daizen Maeda’s opener just five minutes into the contest.

Ange Postecoglou’s side eventually found a late equaliser when Kyogo Furuhashi turned in from close range to keep Celtic’s nine-point lead at the top of the table intact.

The Latest: Reaction to the decision

Celtic left Ibrox with a point that will suit them a lot more than Rangers considering their league position and the nature of their equaliser.

But the game could’ve been different had the penalty been awarded or even reviewed by VAR, with journalist Craig Finn tweeting: “Perplexed” – alongside a picture of the incident.

Sky Sports co-commentator at the game Andy Walker said on the replays of the incident: “Yeah it does hit his hand, and his hand is high.”

The Verdict: Game-changing decision

Despite Celtic eventually clinching the draw, the game – not to mention the title race – could’ve panned out differently had the penalty been given and subsequently put away.

The ball certainly struck the hands of Goldson with them up by his head, almost pushing the ball away, however, there was little to no reaction from any Bhoys player.

Rangers survived the VAR check, which perhaps surprisingly brought no extra action, with John Beaton not asked to review the decision, presumably because of the little distance the ball travelled before the contact.

The Bhoys remain six unbeaten against the Gers now in all competitions, with Furuhashi’s last-minute equaliser arguably saving VAR from more scrutiny amid the debatable incident.