Edwards ten-wicket haul inspires NSW to thrilling win over WA

Jack Edwards took 5 for 41 in each innings as NSW defeated WA with just 13 balls left in the match

AAP09-Dec-2024Jack Edwards has bowled New South Wales to a thrilling Sheffield Shield win over Western Australia, taking the final wicket with 13 balls to spare.Edwards claimed his second five-wicket haul of the match on Monday to help the Blues win by an innings and 68 runs, with Western Australia all out for 184.But while the margin may have sounded as if Edwards had helped the Blues to a comprehensive victory, it was anything but. Western Australia entered the final session with six wickets in hand, looking likely to hold on for a draw at the SCG.But when Edwards inspired a collapse of 4 for 7, the visitors looked spent with almost 21 overs to survive and only two wickets in hand.Edwards then had Brody Couch caught behind with 9.1 overs left, leaving Lance Morris and Corey Rocchiccioli with 53 balls to face.The two tail-enders looked likely to effect Western Australia’s great escape, before Rocchiccioli edged Edwards to second slip just before 6pm on the final day to concede defeat.NSW’s win capped a near perfect performance from Edwards as captain, with the seamer taking 5 for 41 with both innings.”Great win, especially with the rain taking time out of the game [on day two],” Edwards said. “I feel like I’ve been bowling well this year, and it’s nice to get the reward for it.”It was just about sticking at it. I thought we just had to make them play a bit more. When we did that, we were creating chances.”After Kurtis Patterson’s unbeaten 167 allowed NSW to declare at 463 for 9 overnight and with a lead of 252, wickets fell in clumps on the final day.Jackson Bird removed Sam Whiteman and Jayden Goodwin in the first session to move to 500 first-class wickets.Tanveer Sangha also claimed the crucial wicket of Cameron Bancroft on 48, skidding one on and trapping the opener lbw in the middle session. A furious Bancroft threw his gloves to the ground in frustration as he crossed the boundary rope, having appeared the man most likely to save Western Australia.Sangha also spun a ball across Hilton Cartwright to draw his edge and have him caught at slip seven overs later. But Western Australia were still able to spend the majority of the day looking likely to hold on, before Edwards’ late heroics.NSW had started the day in last place on the ladder headed into the BBL break, but now sit third. Western Australia are fourth.

Frenkie de Jong ruled out of Barcelona's next match as Hansi Flick refuses to risk midfielder ahead of Newcastle showdown in Champions League

Hansi Flick has decided to rest Frenkie de Jong for the Valencia clash after the Netherlands international arrived at the club with Gluteal discomfort

De Jong sidelined with gluteal discomfortCoach prioritises Champions League fixtureGavi's knee issue further complicates matters Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

De Jong has returned to Barca after leaving the Netherlands national team camp with a gluteal injury. According to , the 28-year-old did not train with the squad and has been ruled out for the upcoming La Liga match against Valencia. The midfielder reportedly picked up the injury in Netherland's clash against Poland and the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has already sent a medical report to the club. Flick's decision to rest De Jong is a strategic one, aimed at having him in peak condition for the important Champions League match against Newcastle.

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Flick's side are facing a midfield selection crisis early in the season. With De Jong's injury and the lingering issues surrounding Gavi, the Blaugrana's midfield depth are being tested. This situation has forced the coach to rely on other players, such as Marc Casado and Pedri, to form the crucial midfield partnership.

DID YOU KNOW?

Gavi has suffered a new injury blow with persistent discomfort in his right knee, the same one that was affected by a torn ACL in 2023. As a result, Barca's medical team have decided to give the midfielder a three-week period for conservative treatment to see if the pain subsides on its own. Otherwise, a surgical intervention might be necessary. 

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

With De Jong next set to feature against the Magpies and Gavi returning in October should he avoid surgery, Barca's midfield will have to rely on Casado and Pedri in their absence. Barca will be facing Valencia next in the league before travelling to St. James' Park to face Newcastle in their opening fixture of the Champions League on September 18.

Tsotsobe, Tsolekile and Mbhalati arrested and charged with corruption

The trio are among seven players banned by CSA for their involvement in attempts to fix matches during the 2015-16 Ram Slam Challenge

Firdose Moonda29-Nov-2024Former South Africa cricketers Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Thami Tsolekile, along with former Titans bowler Ethy Mbhalati, have been arrested and charged with five counts of corruption under Section 15 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004.They have been charged under section 15 of the Act, which relates to corrupt activities relating to sporting events, including accepting or offering to accept any gratification from another person for engaging in any act which threatens to undermine the integrity of a sporting even or influence the run of play.Related

Gulam Bodi sentenced to five years in prison

The charges date back to the match-fixing saga surrounding the 2015-16 Ram Slam Challenge. These three players are among seven who were banned by Cricket South Africa in 2016 and 2017 for their involvement in attempts to fix matches during the domestic T20 tournament.Gulam Bodi has already served time in prison while Jean Symes and Pumi Matshikwe were given suspended sentences after pleading guilty in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The cases against Tsotsobe, Tsolekile and Mbhalati are postponed until February 2025.There are no details on any action against the seventh player, Alviro Petersen.All seven players were also given bans of between two and 12 years by CSA, related to their involvement in the game.The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act came into effect in the aftermath of the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal in 2000, and it is understood that this is the first time it is being used to charge sportspersons with offences. The charges have been laid following an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), known as the Hawks, a special branch of the South African Police Service that investigates organised and economic crime.”Corruption undermines the integrity of sport, and the Hawks are determined to safeguard the values of fairness and professionalism in all areas of society. We thank Cricket South Africa for their cooperation and commitment to addressing this scourge,” Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, National Head of the DPCI, said in a statement issued on Friday.At the time of initial investigation, CSA said none of the matches in the tournament were affected by fixing after the conspirators’ plans were foiled. It has since been established that Bodi, in collusion with bookmakers from India, approached several players to participate in fixing three matches in the tournament and also understood that none of the fixes actually took place.

Sunderland close in on signing "excellent" Pritchard replacement

Sunderland will be glad that there's a lack of mid-week fixtures in the Championship this week, Michael Beale's men needing time to recuperate and digest what's really going wrong at the Stadium of Light after a torrid recent run of form has seen the Black Cats drop out of the playoff picture.

Three defeats in a row in all competitions has led to Beale's position in the Stadium of Light dug-out come under rightful scrutiny, with supporters already fearing another home defeat this coming weekend at the hands of Stoke City after losing 1-0 to Hull City last time out on their own patch.

Beale could be an even more unpopular figure if Alex Pritchard is sold this January, but he could go some way to appeasing the Black Cats fanbase on his back if he can land this exciting replacement for the 30-year-old.

Sunderland search for a Pritchard replacement

It looks as if Pritchard, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, could well be heading out the exit door this transfer window – Football Insider revealing that former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray is very keen to add Pritchard to his new roster at Birmingham City, with an official approach being made.

Even Turkish club Sivasspor have reportedly got a deal in the works to sign the attacking midfielder, with the Black Cats scrambling around now to sign an adequate replacement for their out-going creator.

Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles could well be that man, with the Northern Echo reporting on Wednesday that Sunderland are in advanced talks to sign the Hungary international after Sky Sport's Keith Downie first broke the second-tier outfit's interest.

It's reported a deal is moving closer to completion with further talks set to take place in the next 24 hours of the transfer window.

Able to play down the left wing as well as playing in an attacking midfield role Pritchard excels in, Styles could well be the perfect purchase to make if the 5 foot 7 midfielder does up and leave this month.

How Styles would fit into the Sunderland team

Styles' main joy in a Tykes shirt to date has come from playing down the left wing, Beale keeping in mind the 23-year-old's flexibility if Jack Clarke also leaves the Championship giants this month.

Playing in that role predominantly during the 2020/21 season at the level with the now League One side, Styles managed eight goal contributions as Barnsley shocked everyone by getting into the second tier playoffs that campaign.

This season, Styles has three goals and two assists next to his name in the third tier with Neill Collins using him more as an attacking midfielder.

One of those goals came away at Northampton Town in September, showcasing Styles' urgent approach to instinctively loop a shot over the lackadaiscal Cobblers goalkeeper without a second thought.

Praised as being a "excellent" midfielder by his Tykes manager in Collins during pre-season, Styles has shown why he's so highly regarded at Oakwell with standout displays in League One.

With Sunderland looking passive recently in attack – a limp performance against Hull City allowing the Tigers to pick up a narrow away win last game – Styles could inject more energy and bite into proceedings wherever he is selected.

Also, with Jobe Bellingham being arguably overused by Beale and Pritchard's future being up in the air, Styles could well be a fantastic option to rely upon in attacking midfield if signed.

Adept at also rolling his sleeves up and launching into tackles on top of helping out in attack, Styles could also be utilised alongside either Dan Neil or Pierre Ekwah further back.

Losing a figure like Pritchard would be a major blow, but signing such a versatile replacement in Styles could see the Black Cats win in the long term with the 23-year-old midfielder keen to impress in the division above again.

Nottingham Forest now offered chance to sign Michy Batshuayi for Nuno

Nottingham Forest appear keen on striking deals this month under Nuno Espirito Santo and have now turned their attention to a proven Premier League performer as a potential target, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest transfer latest…

Despite being one of the more active sides on the market across the last year or two, Forest have been at the centre of a quiet transfer window so far and are yet to make a single signing this month.

Part of the reason for this may be the fact that the Tricky Trees are awaiting news on whether they will be charged for flouting Financial Fair Play restrictions after a pattern of heavy spending in the Championship and a subsequent continuation of this in the top-flight.

Nottingham Forest could land dream Gibbs-White partner in £11m speedster

Nuno Santo is keen to add a new attacker to his side this January.

ByTom Lever Jan 14, 2024

As per The Times, Nottingham Forest are deemed to be most at risk by experts and could be joined by Everton, who are in danger of being penalised for a second time following their controversial points deduction. Liable clubs will see their cases fast-tracked and resolved by April, which will see any sporting penalties as a consequence of breaking the rules applied in 2023/24.

In light of these reports, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has indicated that Nuno's men could part ways with midfielder Orel Mangala this window, as he stated on social media platform X:

Despite this, Nottingham Forest look to be trying to find a way to bring players into the building and are said to be lining up a move for an ex-Premier League striker.

Nottingham Forest offered Michy Batshuayi…

According to reports in Turkey via Nottingham Forest News, Nottingham Forest have been offered the chance to Fenerbache striker Michy Batshuayi, which would take the form of an initial loan agreement with a mandatory purchase clause of £3 million.

Michy Batshuayi key statistics – Super Lig (Sofascore)

Expected goals

4.51

Shots per game

1.3

Shots on target per game

0.7

Big chances missed

5

Average match rating

6.80/10

Evangelos Marinakis is believed to be a big fan of the player and the Tricky Trees previously tried to sign the Belgium international last January and in the summer transfer window.

Michy Batshuayi in action for Fenerbahce.

Labelled "fantastic" by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, the 30-year-old has fared well in Turkey this campaign, registering nine goals and three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions (Batshuayi statistics – Transfermarkt).

Despite their need for more goalscorers, it remains to be seen whether Nottingham Forest will turn to Batshuayi in the market due to their Financial Fair Play problems, which may limit incomings at the City Ground.

'He's our player!' – Arsenal warned off Piero Hincapie as Bayer Leverkusen break silence on transfer reports

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes says the German side are yet to receive a bid from Arsenal for defender Piero Hincapie.

Arsenal eye Hincapie signingLeverkusen respond to rumoursGerman team yet to receive bidFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal are reportedly winning the race to sign the Leverkusen centre-back but according to Rolfes, no formal offer has been tabled and the Bundesliga outfit want to keep the 23-year-old this summer. A move for him may be contingent on Jakub Kiwior leaving the Emirates, too.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesWHAT LEVERKUSEN SAID

Rolfes told RTL/ntv and sport.de: "We still haven’t received an official offer from any club, so he’s our player. That’s the status quo. He knows that we value him highly and would like to see him continue with us."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal have already spent nearly €300 million (£258m) on players so far this summer but reports that Hincapie was set to join Mikel Arteta's team appear to be wide of the mark. The Gunners are aiming to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title but they may have to do it without the Leverkusen star.

GettyWHAT NEXT?

With less than a week to go of the summer transfer window, Arsenal could yet make their move for the versatile defender.

Incidentally, Rolfes added: "The transfer window is still open until Monday evening. So the probability is high that something will still happen."

Stubborn New Zealand A tail forces England to settle for draw

Final warm-up for Test series ends in stalemate but with valuable lessons learnt

George Dobell in Whangarei 17-Nov-2019England had to settle for a draw in Whangarei as a stubborn ninth-wicket partnership provided an example of some of the challenges likely to confront them in the Test series against New Zealand.At just after 3pm, with New Zealand A eight wickets down and around 35 overs left in the match, England will have fancied their chances of securing a victory that looked most unlikely at the start of play. But some admirable defiance from William Somerville and Ajaz Patel saw the hosts survive for another 22.4 overs and secure a hard-fought draw. When they came together, the lead was just 26; by the time England settled for some early handshakes, the lead was 66 and time was running out.These matches aren’t really about the result, of course. They are about preparation for the Test series. And in that context, England will be pretty pleased with their workout against good quality opposition and in conditions which challenge them.Joe Root watches from the dressing rooms during day three of the tour match between New Zealand A and England•Getty ImagesThis is what they wanted. While they may have been encouraged by the ease with which they breezed through a West Indies President’s XI at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados in January – that President’s XI side were, ridiculous though it sounds, 200 for 19 at one stage – the worth of such experiences was betrayed when the Test series started and they encountered a far more motivated Test side which simply blew them away. The lesson, it seems, were that first-class warm-up matches provide far more intense and valuable preparation.So England will, up to a point, have relished the fight. And while there may have been moments when the bowlers quietly cursed the flat pitch and a kookaburra ball that refused to yield to their attempts to make it swing, the management know that it is only by improving in such circumstances that England can look to the away Ashes series in two years with any degree of confidence. And that, it is becoming more clear by the day, is England’s new priority.What did we learn here? Well, it is clear already that England, in such conditions, are heavily reliant upon Jofra Archer. He looked a threat – both in wicket-taking and physical terms – in each one of his three spells in the second innings. Despite the suspicion that he is still holding back just a little before the Tests, he was bowling with impressive pace and consistency by the end of the game. Joe Root was, no doubt, quite right not to push him into longer spells in such an encounter.Archer apart, however, England struggled to find a wicket-taking edge once the ball had lost a bit of its hardness and shine. Stuart Broad, who appeared to be striving for rhythm in the first-innings, looked far more fluent in the second but, without much help from seam or swing, was generally forced into a holding role. Jack Leach, too, struggled to offer much threat, though he did concede under 2.50 an over for the second time in the match. Ben Stokes might, if pressed, have performed the role of fast-bowling back-up to Archer but it is well accepted that he will have more important days ahead of him. There wasn’t a huge amount of point going for broke here.Jofra Archer bowls during day three of the tour match between New Zealand A and England•Getty ImagesSam Curran’s performance will have secured his position in the team for the first Test. While his first wicket, that of Glenn Phillips, was more than a little fortunate – the batsmen simply edged one down the leg-side – he later had Jimmy Neesham, driving somewhat lavishly, caught behind by one that left him slightly and bowled Scott Kuggeleijn with a well-directed yorker.Just as pertinently, Curran also had Tom Blundell dropped at leg slip by Root, as he experimented with the short ball and leg side field. Curran knows he can’t simply run in, hit the seam and gain movement as he does in England and while he will probably always lack a bit of pace, he did show a willingness to “find a way,” as Darren Gough put it, to challenge batsmen in such conditions. Whether it’s with his bouncer, his willingness to go around the wicket, or his swing, he is a little less one dimensional as a bowler than is sometimes suggested. It was interesting to note, however, that Chris Woakes appeared to be hitting the gloves extra hard in training. He won’t be going without a fight.Some other concerns may linger, though. In an ideal world, England would have wanted their openers, as well as Root and Stokes, to spend a bit longer at the crease. And in an ideal world, Root would have clung on to both the chances offered to him in New Zealand A’s first innings. The first, at leg slip off Curran, looked tough; the second, at conventional slip off Archer, less so. And yes, there will be just a bit of concern that they were unable to part two tail-enders – neither Somerville or Patel have ever scored a first-class half-century – once they had decided to simply block for the draw.But England will, overall, have been delighted to have reduced New Zealand A to 129 for 8 at one stage. And they will, overall, have been delighted to bat for 117.5 overs in their innings and pass 400. And they will have been encouraged that, after a poor miss in the first innings, Dom Sibley held on to three catches including one sharp chance in the cordon.But most of all, they will have been delighted by the form of Jos Buttler who, after a disappointing Ashes, compiled a mature century and then claimed a couple of impressive catches – not least the one to dismiss Phillips – with the gloves.To put Buttler’s innings in context, this was just the second first-class century he has scored since June 2015 (the most recent was in the Trent Bridge Test of August 2018) and his first overseas. It was also just the sixth first-class century of a career that has brought nine ODI centuries. Afterwards he credited a break from the game and a couple of sessions working with former Somerset teammate Marcus Trescothick as contributory factors.”It was a tough summer,” he said afterwards. “Great fun but a huge challenge which took a lot out of most of us. So it was good to have some time away from the game and get refreshed. I’ve had four or five weeks off and that has been invaluable. It’s allowed us to refresh, have time away and get excited to come back.”I’m absolutely aware of my record as regards scoring first-class centuries. It’s something I’ve been very light on, really. I know this was a warm-up match but it’s nice to spend time in the middle and get to three figures.”I went down to Somerset to work with Marcus Trescothick, who is someone I know really well. I got a lot out of it. It gave some building blocks – more around my set-up, really, trying to be in the right place at the right time when the ball is released – to coming here and feeling in good touch.”A similar surface is expected in Mount Maunganui and England’s bowlers may well still struggle to make inroads. But if their batsmen can occupy the crease for 120 overs or more and their fielders hold their chances, they will give themselves a chance of a first victory here since 2008.

Unhappy with 'politics in Hyderabad cricket', Ambati Rayudu skips Ranji Trophy

BP Sandeep will take over the captaincy in the former India batsman’s absence

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Nov-2019Ambati Rayudu has opted out of representing Hyderabad in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Rayudu had come out of retirement only in August, a few months after he had ‘retired from all formats’ following his non-selection in India’s squad at the 2019 World Cup. According to an interview with , Rayudu said “a lot of politics” in the team made it “uncomfortable” for him to represent Hyderabad.Rayudu, who was Hyderabad captain in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, said: “In all honesty, I was looking forward to play for Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy this season. But unfortunately, the script did not go on the expected lines. There is a lot of politics in the team and the atmosphere was not conducive for good cricket. I felt very uncomfortable.”Rayudu even tweeted to Telangana’s Municipal Administration and Urban Development minister KT Rama Rao on Saturday, asking him to look into the “rampant corruption prevailing at HCA.”

In the interview, Rayudu said that he had informed Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president Mohammad Azharuddin, who took over the role in September, about his decision, and felt “election promises” got in the way of the team’s progress. He even alleged that “rich, influential and politicians’ children” get preferential treatment for selection into the Hyderabad team.”I did have a talk with the president. He always said he was trying his best. But it never happened,” Rayudu said. “I feel he should have initiated stronger measures but he did not do that. I feel there were more election promises and as a result, the game suffered.”It hurt me a lot. A few players, who did not deserve to be in the team, were included in the team because of the election promises. If this happens, how can a team improve? My hands were tight (sic) for the playing eleven when it came to few players and they were untouchable during the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament.”If you look at the team, some of the players are selected because of the influence of some club secretaries. Sometimes, merit takes a back seat. This is unfortunate. Rich, influential and politicians’ children get preferences in Hyderabad teams. This is a true fact. We have to stop this buck. Since someone had to speak out, I thought I should do this. This is how bad the system has become in HCA.”Rayudu was also displeased at the choice of Arjun Yadav, the former Hyderabad allrounder, as coach. Rayudu claimed Arjun became coach due to the influence of his father, the former BCCI interim president Shivlal Yadav.This is not the first time Rayudu and Arjun have made news together. During the 2005-06 season, Arjun, who was then the Hyderabad captain, and Rayudu, then playing for Andhra, had been involved in a physical altercation during a Ranji Trophy match.”He is not a qualified coach and has conflict of interest which has not been addressed yet,” Rayudu said. “He is not fit to be the Ranji coach. It is because of his father’s influence he has been able to become the coach. I feel it was an election promise to make him (Arjun) as the coach.”In Rayudu’s absence, left-hand batsman BP Sandeep, who was Hyderabad’s highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, will take over as captain.

Real Betis FINALLY sign Antony! LaLiga club confirm €25m signing of Man Utd flop after impressing during initial loan spell

Real Betis have confirmed the signing of Brazilian winger Antony from Manchester United in a €25 million (£22m) deal. The move includes a 50% sell-on clause on any future profit, ending weeks of tense negotiations over the player’s wages. Antony returns to Betis permanently after a successful loan spell, having revitalised his career in La Liga following a difficult stint at Old Trafford.

Real Betis confirm €25m deal for Antony from Man UtdBrazilian impressed on loan with nine goals, five assistsUnited insert 50% sell-on clause in transfer agreementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Betis and Manchester United reached an agreement that sees the winger leave Old Trafford for good, with the Premier League side refusing to sanction another loan. The deal comes with a significant wage reduction for Antony, who had been seeking compensation for the shortfall, and the Red Devils will not make any further payments to the player as part of the settlement, as per reports.

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Antony endured a difficult time at United following his €95 million (£80m) move from Ajax in 2022, struggling to live up to his hefty price tag. His form improved dramatically at Real Betis, where he managed nine goals and five assists in 26 matches last season on loan. The permanent transfer now offers him the chance to continue rebuilding his career in Spain under Manuel Pellegrini.

DID YOU KNOW?

The 25-year-old winger played a key role in Betis’ run to the Europa Conference League final, though they ultimately lost 4-1 to Chelsea. His direct play and eye for goal won over the Betis faithful, convincing the club to push for a permanent transfer. United, meanwhile, were only ever open to a full sale as part of their squad overhaul under Ruben Amorim.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?

The 25-year-old will now look to pick up where he left off and become a key figure for Betis in the 2025-26 campaign. Los Verdiblancos have struggled so far this season as they have managed just one win and two draws in their opening four games.

Leeds now eyeing loan move to sign full-back who Victor Orta wanted in 2022

Leeds United are in the market to bolster their squad this month and reports suggest that a fresh defensive target is now under consideration at Elland Road.

Leeds United look to finalise additions…

Undoubtedly, the January transfer window has proved to be a slow burner for many sides up and down the country due to the fact careful consideration has to be given to every incoming at the midway point in the season.

Winning promotion from the Championship will be the Whites' sole aim between now and the end of the campaign. However, one man who won't be joining that quest is Hellas Verona full-back Josh Doig, who is now on his way to join Sassuolo despite previous links with a move to Elland Road.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Agitation will trouble Leeds United fans in both full-back areas; nevertheless, journalist Phil Hay has detailed a shortlist of potential candidates whom they could look to pursue over the next couple of weeks, which includes Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams, West Ham United's Ben Johnson, Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur and his countryman Connor Roberts, who is on the books at Burnley.

In the case of Williams, journalist Dean Jones has suggested that bringing the Wales international to Yorkshire may be a difficult endeavour to get over the line, as he told GiveMeSport: "I do think that this one is going to be a really difficult one to do. Obviously, Forest have new complications of their own to deal with at the moment, so that might help Leeds – in some way – to land him. But the plan for Forest was not to get rid of Williams this month."

Not to worry, however, as new reports suggest that Leeds United are now in the frame to land an alternative full-back who could be available this month.

Leeds United keen on Calvin Ramsay swoop…

According to The Daily Mail, cited via MOT Leeds News, Leeds United are keen to sanction a loan move for Liverpool right-back Calvin Ramsay after his temporary spell at Preston North End concluded earlier this month.

Calvin Ramsay's statistics in 2023/24 – Championship (Sofascore)

Tackles per game

1.5

Balls recovered per game

5.0

Clearances per game

1.5

Dribbled past per game

2.0

Average match rating

6.60/10

In a brief report from journalist Simon Jones, it is explained that the former Aberdeen man is one individual the Whites are keeping a close eye on as they look to recruit on the right-hand side of defence.

The Scotland international, who has previously been dubbed "brilliant" by Andy Robertson, has made just two appearances across all competitions this term due to spending time on the sidelines in order to recuperate from knee surgery (Ramsay statistics – Transfermarkt).

Staying free from fitness issues will be key to Ramsay, who Leeds and former sporting director Victor Orta wanted to sign in 2022, fulfilling his potential and he could potentially help to fill an important role at Elland Road should a deal be concluded to take him off Liverpool's hands before the conclusion of the window.

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