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A dazzling all-round performance from Sarandeep Singh has put North Zone on course for an outright win over Central Zone in the four-day Duleep Trophy encounter being played at the Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground, Indore

Staff Reporter04-Apr-2002A dazzling all-round performance from Sarandeep Singh has put North Zone on course for an outright win over Central Zone in the four-day Duleep Trophy encounter being played at the Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground, Indore. With just the final day’s play left, North Zone needed just 111 runs to seal their victory with as many as nine second innings wickets in hand.In the morning, North, who resumed at 288 for seven, were again well served by the overnight batsmen Akash Chopra and Sarandeep Singh. The duo, who had added an unbeaten 90 runs by stumps on the second day, realised a further 60 runs before Chopra was dismissed for a patient 143 off 293 balls.Rahul Sanghvi, who replaced him, did not last long, being out for just four, but next man Shakti Singh proved an able ally for Sarandeep. With Singh proving his in an aggressive cameo of 23 off 24 balls, which included three fours and one towering six, and Sarandeep also scoring the runs, North went past the Central first innings score of 368 with some ease. The ninth wicket partnership yielded 47 runs before Shakti Singh fell to Central’s most successful bowler, Jai P Yadav.With only last man Vineet Sharma for company, Sarandeep decided to go for his shots in a desperate attempt to reach the cherished three-figure mark. But sadly that landmark was to elude him as he was dismissed on 94. For Central, Yadav returned figures of 4 for 94 from his 23 overs.Sarandeep, however, was not to let the disappointment of missing a ton haunt him for long. With Central 60 for one at the start of the 15th over of their second innings, he struck, claiming No.3 PH Sutane for a fiery 50 off just 49 balls.Sutane’s innings had played major role in calming the nerves of the North batsmen, who had first witnessed the fall of their first wicket with just one run on the board and later seen their captain Gagan Khoda retire hurt with the score reading 12 for one.Next man Jai P Yadav and Yere Goud, then, forged another useful partnership for Central, adding 44 runs in 9.4 overs. But once Yadav was run out, the North innings collapsed even despite the return of Khoda.Sarandeep claimed four more wickets, to end up with the flattering analysis of 19-6-49-5 in the innings. Vineet Sharma, who had earlier claimed four wickets in Central’s first innings, continued to impress in his debut season in first-class cricket, claiming another three wickets.Central’s eventual second innings total of 175 in 49.2 overs left North needing just 137 for a win. Despite the early loss of Vikram Rathour for four, they appear to be well on track to completing the formalities on the final day. Opener and first innings centurion Akash Chopra, batting on 18, and No. 3 Sangram Singh on 3 will resume battle when play resumes.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign a new left-back, with promising target Matthew Sorinola now agreeing a move elsewhere.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Sorinola signing

The Whites were given an apparent boost regarding the MK Dons defender on Thursday, with a report claiming he had rejected a new deal at the League One club.

Leeds were mentioned as one of a host of clubs interested in snapping up the exciting 20-year-old, who has made 40 appearances this season and been lauded as ‘excellent’ by manager Russell Martin.

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The Latest: Youngster heading elsewhere

There has been a twist in the saga, however, with TEAMtalk claiming that Sorinola has agreed to join Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise instead, news since confirmed by the club.

It means Leeds will have to continue their search for a new left-back, with Ezgjan Alioski looking certain to leave the club this summer.

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The Verdict: Disappointing

In truth, it is unlikely that Sorinola was going to be seen as a first-choice option for Marcelo Bielsa, considering his lack of experience at the top level.

That said, the youngster’s quick rise in the lower tiers suggests he could be the next Dele Alli – as suggested by ExWHUemployee when his side, West Ham, were linked – in terms of making the jump from MK Dons to top flight stardom, so he could have certainly been an exciting addition for long-term potential.

With Alioski likely leaving, Leeds will need to sign an experienced player of Nicolas Tagliafico, Alex Moreno or Patrick van Aanholt’s ilk, all of whom have been linked with moves to Elland Road, but it couldn’t have hurt to add more young talent either, so this is a blow.

In other news, a pundit has claimed one Leeds player will be moving on this summer. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace have considered appointing former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg as Roy Hodgson’s successor this summer.

The former England boss announced his upcoming exit from the south London outfit earlier in the week after enjoying a relatively successful four-year stint at Selhurst Park.

Hodgson has overseen a string of mid-table finishes throughout his tenure with Palace, but it’s set to be a frenzied few months for the Eagles following his departure.

Over a dozen first-team players are approaching the end of their current contracts with the capital club, with left-back Patrick van Aanholt expected to be the first to follow Hodgson out the exit door.

It’s going to be a summer of upheaval for Palace chairman Steve Parish, therefore, and the 55-year-old would be digging his own grave in appointing someone as inexperienced as Ljungberg to help him oversee this transitional period.

The Swedish boss only has a handful of senior games under his belt as a manager, all coming during an unsuccessful spell as Arsenal’s interim head coach following Unai Emery’s sacking.

Ljungberg oversaw six matches in the Gunners dugout, with a solitary win over West Ham United offsetting draws with Standard Liege, Norwich City and Everton, and defeats to Manchester City and Brighton.

Despite this poor record giving the 44-year-old a miserly 16.67% win rate as a Premier League boss, Sky Sports are reporting that Parish is potentially interested in hiring the former Arsenal youth coach as he searches for a boss who can bring a new progressive identity, attacking football and a history of developing young talent to Palace.

However, taking a punt on Ljungberg is a decision that the Palace chairman may come to regret. In an interview with Sky Sports, he admitted the club have a plan ahead of the upcoming window but that it’s an unpredictable market, given the impact of the ongoing pandemic.

“We have a plan, executing it is never and easy as we would like it to be. It’s going to be a difficult market this summer. As we move through the summer, there might be keener sellers, I’m expecting less movement,” he said.

“Some clubs can spend whatever happens, for most of us, that is not the case. What are the right wages, what is the right price? It will be difficult for people to find the level; there will be some confusion.”

By Parish’s own admission the coming months are set to be testing for the south London outfit, and appointing a manager with only half a dozen senior games under his belt in the dugout is a far from advisable strategy as in this of all years, it seems like having a more experienced manager in terms of acting in the transfer market would be much more beneficial.

And, in other news…Parish masterstroke: Palace must appoint history-making manager with 12 major honours

Two centuries in CricInfo Championship games already this season have helped persuade Hampshire captain Robin Smith to withdraw his threat to retire at the end of this summer

CricInfo23-May-2001Two centuries in CricInfo Championship games already this season have helped persuade Hampshire captain Robin Smith to withdraw his threat to retire at the end of this summer.The former England batsman is 38 in September but now says he intends to carry on playing until his 40th birthday.Smith had a poor season last year and averaged just 20, prompting his retirement announcement. But his change of fortune this year has led to a change of mind.He said: “I feel pretty good this year and I could not be happier with theway things have gone.”Throughout my career I’ve been lucky in that I’ve always scored runs butlast year I suffered and I lost my confidence.”I was considering quitting if it went on but with a further two years lefton my contract I would love to fulfil that and play until I’m 40.”It has always been my ambition to finish at 40 and leave on a high and withthe last scheduled game being on my 40th birthday I would love to bow outthen.”

Ross Barkley has earned plaudits from the official Aston Villa Twitter account for his display against former club Everton on Saturday, but plenty of fans were less than impressed.

Villa won 2-1 on Merseyside to end a three-game winless streak and regain their place in the top half.

The impressive numbers behind Barkley’s Goodison showing

Chelsea loanee Barkley was awarded a rating of 7.8 by SofaScore for his performance.

He created two chances, one of which was a big chance, and won six of his nine ground duels. The 27-year-old also struck the post with an effort from outside the area.

And according to Villa’s Twitter account, Barkley recorded the most touches (84), most completed passes (55) and most dribbles (four) out of anyone on the pitch.

He was even included in the WhoScored team of the week in central midfield alongside Manchester City’s Rodri.

Barkley had been struggling for form, with Birmingham Mail journalist Ashley Preece noting that his ‘confidence (is) on the floor’ amid ‘fierce and harsh criticism’ from sections of the Villa fanbase.

And some supporters seem to not be buying the upturn in form considering his poor displays through most of the season – Whoscored rank him as the side’s tenth-best performer.

Villa fans tell Ross it’s ‘too little, too late’

“Not so good at marking from corners though. Feel the improved performance was down to the opponents more than anything else”

Credit: @SilverFoxZone

“Too little too late. He needed to step up months ago. Flattered to deceive. We need someone who can handle the pressure when Jack is out”

Credit: @pkaza84

“Fool me once…”

Credit: @M10Packed

“Badly wanted him to prove me wrong at the start of the season but it’s just not happened…. 3 good games in a season is no more than championship level”

Credit: @Liam_Kinsella95

“Shut up”

Credit: @branparker4

“Gives ball away far too many times and only person he can tackle is himself.”

Credit: @knightyc1980

In other news, Dean Smith’s side are said to be plotting a move for this defender.

Peterborough United’s Director of Football Barry Fry has told Football FanCast that Siriki Dembele was disappointed he did not get a move to the Premier League in a recent transfer window and claims he could leave if their asking price is met, amid links with Celtic.

The Scottish giants are said to be interested in a deal to sign the 24-year-old, with GiveMeSport reporting last month that they are tracking the winger.

Dembele has scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in League One this season and Fry says that he has already attracted plenty of interest.

His brother, Karamoko, plays for Celtic, so the two could link up in Scotland.

Most reportage surrounding Siriki Dembele claims that his contract expires this summer but Fry claims that he has another year, and he has accepted that he may leave the club if a big offer is tabled that meets Peterborough’s asking price.

He told FFC: “We have had a lot of interest in him but again, we’ve kept him, he was not happy about that.

“One club in the Premier League was very active and spoke to his agent like every club does and that got to Siriki and when we couldn’t arrange a fee he sulked a bit, to be fair, but he’s back on track now and he’s got a year left next year so he’s refused to sign a new contract, so there will be people back in, in the summer, for him. If we get what we want then we’ll let him go.”

Fry thinks Dembele is a top talent and believes that he will keep developing and growing at Posh, and has been impressed with his performances.

He added: “Siriki can get the ball in his own half and with dazzling dribbling ability, he can beat four or five players and score a wonder goal or cross it for somebody else to score.

“I think he’s got about 10 this year and he’s got 12 assists. So he’s a big player for us, he’s been injured a little bit and we’ve missed him.

“He’s very, very exciting. He’s got the best stats outside the Premier League, I think. We’ll try to keep hold of him if we go up, and we’ll make him an offer he can refuse! So watch this space.”

Former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez has exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s confident Roy Hodgson will still be the Crystal Palace manager next season.

Hodgson is yet to sign a contract extension at Selhurst Park, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.

Palace require just one victory from their final four matches to mathematically secure their place in the Premier League next season, although they’re all-but safe with both West Brom and Fulham seemingly doomed ahead of the run-in.

It means that the former England boss has almost certainly guided the south London outfit to top-flight safety for the fourth season on the bounce.

However, the 73-year-old hasn’t yet put pen to paper on a new contract, meaning there’s growing uncertainty surrounding his future.

But despite running his contract down, Sanchez believes that Hodgson will stay on, and will continue managing until he’s unable to.

He told Football FanCast:

“I think he wants to stay; I think Roy is one of those people that I think will want to work until he can no longer work. He loves the day-to-day involvement around football. I see a lot of criticism about Crystal Palace. 

“Palace have got to be careful, a bit like Charlton, they were saying that about Alan Curbishley when he finished mid-table in the Premier League. He left and they never recovered from it.

“Keeping Palace in the Premier League is a great job. I think, given the opportunity he would stay. And if they were to get a change it might be a Charlton scenario.”

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola could be set to receive a huge boost in the coming weeks, after it was revealed that Raheem Sterling is in talks over a new deal with the Citizens.

According to Fabrizio Romano, following the announcement that Kevin De Bruyne had signed a new deal with the club, the Citizens’ next priority is to negotiate new deals with both Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.

The Englishman’s current contract with City is set to expire in 2023, so any extension to that will perhaps see Sterling spend the rest of his career at the top with the Citizens, as he continues to impress following his move from Liverpool.

Since signing from the Merseyside outfit in the summer of 2015, the exciting winger has gone on to make 283 appearances for City, in which he has contributed a superb 113 goals and 86 assists.

Whilst this season has seen him lose his guaranteed starting spot in the starting eleven, he still has 13 goals and 11 assists to his name in all competitions, so is clearly still a hugely important part of Guardiola’s squad.

His recent form, and finishing, has certainly come under scrutiny but his average rating of 7.24/1o in the Premier League so far this season ranks him as City’s fifth-best performer in the top-flight.

There is no doubting that the 26-year-old, who reportedly earns £300k per week, is on a disappointing run of form, with no goals for City in any of his last seven appearances, but it is surely a matter of time before he gets his confidence back and starts finding the net on a more regular basis.

Guardiola is certainly a big fan of the former QPR youngster and was full of praise for him earlier in the season, saying:

“We’ve seen him play on the right, off the left, and as a false nine – you can rely on Raheem every time he steps on the pitch in terms of goals and assists. That’s a remarkable thing. He started as a flair player, now all of a sudden, Raheem gets you those numbers.”

Therefore, it will undoubtedly be a huge boost for City if they can get Sterling to commit to a new deal at the club and perhaps once the negotiations are dealt with, he will quickly get back to his best.

And, in other news… Forget Mendes: Txiki should seal City swoop for 26 y/o dubbed “one of the best”

Swansea City have been linked with Rochdale striker Stephen Humphrys recently and if he were to make the move to the Liberty Stadium this summer, he could prove to be the ideal long-term replacement for Andre Ayew.

According to The 72, the Swans have joined the race to sign the 23-year-old striker, who has impressed for the Dale this season despite their woes in League One.

However, the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Nottingham Forest and Preston North End have also been linked with a move for the former Southend United man, so he will certainly be in demand this summer.

Rochdale signed the powerful striker from Southend in the summer in the hope that his goals could help them stave off relegation to League Two following a summer that saw a number of first-team regulars depart due to the financial impact of the current viral outbreak.

Unfortunately, the young striker has endured long spells out injured which has contributed to the Dale needing a huge turnaround in their final few league fixtures if they want to stay up, although when Humphrys has been fit, he has produced some superb displays.

In 25 league appearances this season, the English striker has contributed 10 goals and three assists, averaging an excellent 7.09 rating, which ranks him as Dale’s second-best performer so far this season.

WhoScored suggests that Humphrys’ best attributes include his ability to dribble with the ball as well as holding it up, which suggests that he could play in a similar role to Ayew at Swansea, with the Ghanaian international often featuring as a target man who is also expected to link up with the midfield.

The 31-year-old has been Swansea’s best performer of the current squad in the league so far this season with 15 goals in 41 appearances, averaging a solid 7.16 rating.

However, his current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, so Swansea may have to look for a replacement if he doesn’t commit to a new deal.

Given that Humphrys is currently valued at just £225k by Transfermarkt and will most likely be available if Rochdale go down this season, he could be an affordable replacement for the former West Ham man in Cooper’s side.

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Certainly, the former Fulham youngster works hard and offers an all-round option up front and Cooper would surely love to have a player of his ilk in his Swansea side next season, so Julian Winter should do all he can to bring Humphrys to the Liberty ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Swansea’s season-defining injury to £3.6m-rated “leader” will leave Cooper worried

Aston Villa could be facing a huge nightmare over Emiliano Martinez, with Manchester United said to be interested in making a move in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Argentine has been an absolute revelation for Dean Smith since joining from fellow Premier League side Arsenal last summer, keeping the second most clean sheets in the division with 14.

According to Football Insider, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have set their sights on Martinez after having been impressed with his performances in his first season at Villa.

The report claims that the 28-year-old is at the top of their target list as they look to strengthen the goalkeeping department, with the futures of David de Gea and Sergio Romero uncertain at this moment.

Dean Smith will be fuming

Described as a “phenomenon” and someone who “guarantees ten points per season” by Argentinian World Cup winner Daniel Bertoni, Martinez has been nothing short of outstanding for Villa since arriving from the Emirates in the summer.

It’s no surprise then that rival clubs have sat up and taken notice of his performances, and United’s interest is a massive compliment to just how well he has done.

While Villa have enjoyed a remarkable season thus far – they currently lie in the top half of the table – qualification into the Europa League or Champions League still isn’t a guarantee.

United meanwhile find themselves in second, and are into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and look set to clinch Champions League football one way or the other, and that will no doubt be very appealing to Martinez.

The Argentine would fancy his chances of keeping out Dean Henderson as United’s number one goalkeeper, and the lure of competing for trophies and in European competition year in and year out may be too good to turn down.

It’s exactly why Smith will be very worried if United launch an official bid for the £22.5m-rated Martinez come the summer.

Meanwhile, Villa heading for unforgivable mistake over this £18m-rated flop…