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A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted negatively to a rumour claiming that Naby Keita is wanted by several top clubs, calling for him to stay put at Anfield.

The Guinean has suffered a hugely frustrating Reds career to date, having arrived from RB Leipzig in 2018 with a big reputation.

Keita has continually struggled to stay fit in his time on Merseyside and persistent injuries have limited him to just 92 Reds appearances, even though this is now his fourth season at the club.

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The midfielder is a classy player when fit and available, with an exceptional performance in the 5-0 win away to Manchester United this season proof of that.

According to El Nacional [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], Barcelona, Bayern Munich, West Ham, AC Milan and Roma are all eyeing up a summer move for Keita, whose current Liverpool deal expires next year.

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Liverpool fans call for Keita to stay

These Reds fans took to Twitter to react to the rumour, begging the 26-year-old to stay put at Anfield.

“This would break my heart man. He’s never been given a proper chance when fit”

Credit: @lfcrobbie

“To Bayern then? If he goes I’d accept to Bayern because I actually want to see him do well”

Credit: @RBRPhoton

“Love Keita, he deserves to go to a club that respects him”

Credit: @Idontm1sscuh

“Shaking violently”

Credit: @NabyLadKeita

“Be gutted to see him go. Wish he could have a proper run in the team, no in and out. He’s an quality player, but just had awful luck at us.”

Credit: @ConnorMerritt95

“Would rather sell Henderson”

Credit: @LeeKinSean1

In other news, some Liverpool fans were fuming after another fresh transfer claim. Read more here.

Scorecard
South Africa Masters saw off a threatening fourth-wicket partnership between Collis King and Jimmy Adams to clinch a ten-run win that handed West Indies Masters their second straight loss in the Cricket Legends of Barbados International Cup. Chasing a target of 165, West Indies ended up on 154 for 5 as South Africa held their nerve when it mattered most. The home side, who have won just one match from three attempts, now need a victory to move into Saturday’s final.The chase began well with Stuart Williams (20) and Gordon Greendige (16) adding 45. Williams’ dismissal, picking out deep square leg, was followed by Greenidge having to retire with a hurting left knee. Carl Hooper took ten deliveries for a single run before he edged Fanie de Villiers to Neil Johnson, further putting the blocks on the scoring rate, but West Indies were boosted by King and Adams.King smacked three sixes in his speedy 37, each one effortlessly smacked over the fielders, and the stand was worth 64 when he was dismissed in the 17th over. Looking for another big hit, King was held at long-on by Claude Henderson off Alan Dawson. Adams struck a top score of 42 from 34 balls, after being dropped by Pat Symcox at short fine leg when he was 11. With 19 needed from just four balls, he was bowled by Lance Klusener. Vasbert Drakes had the consolation of hitting the last ball of the match for six.The game began with South Africa opting to bat and putting up 164 for 3, thanks mainly to Dave Callaghan (69) and the captain Dale Benkenstein (58). Their match-winning third-wicket partnership of 109 from 11 overs stunned West Indies after they had sent back the openers inside the seventh over.Callaghan clubbed six fours and two sixes in his 42-balls he effort, one that earned him the Player-of-the-Match award. Benkenstein hit three fours and three sixes in his 35-ball innings.

Peter McGlashan, the Northern Districts wicketkeeper, has set a New Zealand first-class record by effecting 12 dismissals in a match

Cricinfo staff19-Nov-2009Peter McGlashan, the Northern Districts wicketkeeper, has set a New Zealand first-class record by effecting 12 dismissals in a match. McGlashan took six catches in each innings of the Plunket Shield fixture against Central Districts in Whangarei, as Northern Districts won the game by nine wickets inside three days.Incidentally, McGlashan’s feat is a world record for the most catches taken by an individual in a first-class match. Seven of his catches came off the bowling of Graeme Aldridge, who took 11 wickets in the match. The world record of 13 dismissals (stumpings included) was set by Zimbabwe’s Wayne James for Matabeleland against Mashonaland Country Districts in Bulawayo in 1995-96.McGlashan was congratulated by New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan. “This is a huge achievement for Peter to break the world record, and I am sure he is very satisfied,” Vaughan said. “The Northern Knights bowlers also need to be congratulated on their efforts – a keeper can only catch those edges that are presented to them.”

Newcastle recently appointed Eddie Howe as the club’s new manager after sacking Steve Bruce last month following the poor start to the Premier League season.

The ex-Bournemouth head coach is now tasked with leading the Magpies out of the relegation zone and to safety by the end of the season.

They are currently 19th in the Premier League table and are the only team in the entire division yet to win a match as it stands. With the January transfer window well over a month away, Howe will need to get the best out of the current squad in the coming weeks.

Howler

One player who Howe could look to unlock is Switzerland international Fabian Schar. The Magpies have had a howler with the defender over the last two years and the former Cherries boss could attempt to get him back to his best by offering him regular minutes in the side.

In Rafa Benitez’s final season at Newcastle (2018/19), Schar was sublime in the Premier League and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.14 as he made 5.3 tackles and interceptions per game. He was even compared to former Toon defender Philippe Albert, with Garth Crooks saying this in January 2019:

“I have to go back to the days of Philippe Albert for a performance like this from a Newcastle defender. I’m not saying he’s in that class but Fabian Schar did have a magnificent game.

“The Swiss international scored one of the best individual goals I’ve seen from a central defender in years, along with a match-winning intervention if ever I saw one. Can Newcastle survive this season? Yes, but not without Rafa Benitez.”

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In December of that year, Transfermarkt valued him at a whopping £14.4m. However, that is when the downwards trend started as his average rating slipped down to 6.89 in Bruce’s first season before he was only handed 13 starts the following campaign and averaged a score of 6.64.

This season, Bruce and Graeme Jones have only given him two Premier League starts between them, averaging a rating of 6.75 in those games. His spiralling form under their former manager suggests that he handled the defender’s development poorly as Benitez was able to get him playing to a high standard week-in-week-out.

Bruce’s poor management of Schar is reflected in the player’s valuation. At the time of writing (15/11/21), Transfermarkt value him at £8.1m. This means that his value has plummeted £6.3m in just under two years of Bruce’s reign, highlighting the howler he – and Newcastle – have had with him.

Therefore, Howe could benefit from trying to get the best out of the Swiss gem in the coming weeks. If he can get back to the form he showed under Benitez, to deem him worthy of being valued at £14.4m, then he could be a useful asset for the Magpies.

AND in other news, Eddie Howe could seal Newcastle masterstroke with £10m deal for Ben Arfa 2.0…

It’s an exciting time for everyone associated with Crystal Palace football club, and things could be about to get even better for Patrick Vieira’s charges.

A much-needed squad overhaul has had a hugely successful start, and the French tactician has already implemented a more expansive, possession-oriented style of play in south London.

Victories over Tottenham Hotspur and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have marked the new chapter, providing a sense of hope and optimism that had previously been absent for far too long.

Summer signings such as Odsonne Edouard, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher have also played a pivotal part in the feel-good factor surrounding Selhurst Park, yet nothing excites supporters quite as much as a homegrown talent.

And that’s why the development of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could make what is already shaping up to be a memorable campaign one of the best in Palace’s recent history.

After bagging eight goals and laying on a further eight assists in just 16 outings for the U18s last season, Rak-Sakyi was promoted to the U23s before taking a place on the first-team bench on three occasions.

His success with the youth sides and recognition at senior level earned him a professional contract back in April, with former boss Roy Hodgson praising the 19-year-old’s mindset while amongst experienced professionals.

“He’s dealt with it (stepping up) very well,” Hodgson said. “For such a young man, he’s shown a remarkable maturity and a remarkable sangfroid.

“I’m very pleased with him, very pleased for him and we believe at Crystal Palace that he has a big future and will get better and better.”

And despite the change of manager at the capital club’s helm, the flying winger has continued his promising development.

Vieira handed Rak-Sakyi his debut on the opening day of the campaign as a second-half substitute before finding a place for him in his next two matchday squads until the return to fitness of Olise saw the academy star drop down to the U23s.

A record of nine goals and four assists in just 12 appearances for Shaun Derry’s charges has further justified Dan Cook’s claim that the Eagles could have a “real superstar” on their hands, and given the supporters yet another reason to get excited.

With Olise’s eye-catching displays out wide attracting the attention in the opening weeks of the season, Rak-Sakyi has the potential to become the true breakout star as the campaign develops, he just needs another opportunity to shine.

And, in other news…Huge boost: Palace handed injury lift ahead of Burnley, Vieira will be delighted

MatériaMais Notícias

Moisés deu um susto durante o jogo-treino entre Palmeiras e Red Bull, nesta sexta-feira, na Academia de Futebol. O camisa 10 levou uma entrada no tornozelo esquerdo que preocupou aos jogadores e a comissão técnica, mas no fim não se mostrou grave. Depois de ser atendido no campo, o meio-campista seguiu caminhando para o vestiário.

Ele havia começado o trabalho entre os titulares e recebeu a pancada bem próximo do banco de reservas. Durante o atendimento, Cuca mostrou incômodo com a força exagerada do adversário.

Os médicos Gustavo Magliocca e Gilberto Cunha fizeram exames na perna esquerda do atleta, mas não constataram nenhum problema grave, tanto que Moisés assistiu ao fim do primeiro tempo sem eles, no banco de reservas, junto de Cuca e do presidente Maurício Galiotte.

O jogador voltou a jogar há quatro partidas, depois de operar o joelho esquerdo, em fevereiro. Sua recuperação foi bem acima do esperado, tanto que Moisés retornou aos trabalhos depois de pouco mais de cinco meses – o prazo poderia chegar até a nove meses.

Ele terá ainda uma semana livre para se condicionar pensando na próxima partida do Palmeiras. O time voltará a jogar apenas no dia 9, contra o Atlético-MG, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Tottenham Hotspur have a major problem in attack.

Heading into the international break, Antonio Conte’s side have failed to register a shot on target in nearly four hours of Premier League football, with their last goal coming over five hours ago.

Whilst no other team in the division is averaging fewer shots per game (10.1) than Spurs. Not even rock-bottom Norwich City (10.2) or either of the other two teams in the relegation zone.

That will be something the Italian needs to work on with the players he has left at Hotspur Way over the next ten days.

Perhaps it would be a wise decision to promote the Lilywhites’ U23 goal machine Dilan Markanday to the first-team set-up as he could be a surprise fix to their woes – or at least he’ll put the pressure on the likes of Harry Kane, Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli under pressure to perform.

Earlier this week, the 20-year-old gem was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for the third time in seven months after continuing his fine form in the competition.

Meanwhile, last week, he bagged his tenth goal of the season – in just as many games – as Spurs’ youngsters drew with Brighton and Hove Albion’s U23 side.

Despite this form, Markanday has only been given a 15-minute cameo in the Europa Conference League but he is deserving of much more than that.

The Barnet-born youngster also became a history-maker as the first British-Asian to play for the north Londoners and he’s targeting a long and successful career at the club.

“The dream is to play for Tottenham for the next 15 years, playing every game, but obviously I know things might not work out and there are going to be ups and downs,” he told journalist Jonathan Veal.

Back in 2019, football.london reporter Alasdair Gold made a comparison to former youth product Marcus Edwards, who Mauricio Pochettino once likened to Lionel Messi.

“Markanday has looked bright today. Have always felt he has a very similar running and dribbling style to Marcus Edwards,” he tweeted.

Indeed, the youngster has been “scoring plenty” this campaign, so it’s only right to promote him into the first-team and see if he can emerge as a secret weapon in the coming weeks and months.

Spurs’ problems in the final third are evident and given the form he’s in, it’s worth a punt.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals Conte’s plans for January…

It’s time for Nuno Santo to be bold and axe Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur’s starting XI, beginning with tonight’s Carabao Cup Round of 16 clash with Burnley.

The Lilywhites succumbed to defeat against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, where they failed to register a single shot at goal throughout the entire second half.

To make matters worse, the north Londoners were left chasing the game from the 72nd minute and the England international never once looked threatening, nor did he seem like he wanted to. In fact, it was Kane who put in a lazy attempt to try and defend goalscorer Michail Antonio from the corner.

After scoring just once in seven successive league starts, there must now be a major cause for concern as the 28-year-old’s head just doesn’t look in it right now.

That could perhaps be a direct consequence of his failed move to Manchester City in the summer, so there’s no point trusting a player who doesn’t want to be at the club – it’s only damaging the rest of the squad.

‘Harry Kane like a disinterested passenger at times’ is how the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick led after the defeat.

At this stage last season, the Spurs talisman had found the net seven times, and even then he’s known for starting seasons slowly, but no one could’ve predicted this.

As per The Sun, Kane has taken far fewer shots – with just 18 all season, compared to 38 at the same point last term – and a shocking conversion rate of just 5.6%, down from 18.4% a year ago.

Similarly, the £60m-rated star has just one assist and seven key chances created so far this year, compared to eight assists and 18 key chances at the same stage last season.

On that evidence, he’s more of a hindrance than a help to his side. Maybe some time on the bench would do him the world of good, almost a warning shot to spark a reaction. After all, he’s still contracted to Spurs until 2024, so he better get used to it.

Once dubbed a “monster” by teammate Heung-min Son, the England skipper must be ruthlessly axed from Nuno’s starting XI, as he’s massively holding them back in the final third.

AND in other news, Nuno must offload “average” £18m-rated Spurs passenger, he “looks a shadow of himself”…

Former England international Steven Caulker has admitted that he wished he’d signed for Celtic four years ago, The Scotsman report.

The Lowdown: 2017 links

Back in 2017, when Brendan Rodgers was the manager at Parkhead, centre-back Caulker was heavily linked with a move to Glasgow.

Caulker was 25 years of age at the time and The Scottish Sun believed he was set to become Rodgers’ latest signing.

However, as we know, a summer move never materialised and Caulker ended up leaving QPR by mutual consent at the end of the year.

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The Latest: Caulker’s comments

Talking to The Scotsman in an in-depth interview, Caulker, who Calum Butcher said is ‘like Rio Ferdinand’, addressed a possible move to Celtic in the past.

He revealed that he had the opportunity to join the Hoops, however, he stayed in London, a decision which he later regretted.

“The summer before it, 2017, I had an opportunity to go to Celtic which I turned down because I felt London and QPR were better for my recovery.

“A few months after that I was then out of the squad at QPR and we mutually terminated my contract. At that point, of course I thought I should have gone to Celtic.”

The Verdict: A dodged bullet?

Since leaving QPR, Caulker spent 18 months with Dundee where he made just 17 appearances and is now with Turkish side Alanyaspor, where he is on £12,000-a-week.

The Hoops continued to win trophies under Rodgers and then Neil Lennon, so really, Caulker’s Celtic snub didn’t affect things at Parkhead.

You could say it was even a dodged bullet, especially as he didn’t exactly take the Scottish Premiership by storm with Dundee.

In other news: Celtic fans could be in line for ‘disaster’ following Saturday’s events

Frank McAvennie has been left worried by some Glasgow Rangers injury news that has emerged on Ryan Jack.

The Lowdown: Jack update

Speaking ahead of his team’s game away at Dundee in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon, Steven Gerrard has now revealed that Jack is due back on the training pitch ‘any day now’, but may have to wait another ‘couple of weeks’ before he can be integrated back into the group.

The central midfielder has not played for the Ibrox faithful since February, and will no doubt be desperate to get back onto the pitch as soon as possible.

The Latest: McAvennie on Jack

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie, who is now a pundit after playing as a striker for the likes of Celtic and West Ham United, still thinks that it is a ‘big concern’ that Jack is not available at the moment:

“It’s a big concern.

“It’s a big concern for Scotland as well. I genuinely think on his day he is the best player at Ibrox.

“Luckily, Rangers have plenty of options in midfield and they aren’t missing him too much.

“But he’s a quality player so you will always miss him at some level.

“Hopefully the return isn’t that far away because on his day he can really be a leader for that side.”

The Verdict: Patience needed

After a player comes back from a long-term injury, there is always patience needed to ensure that he comes back in the right shape and frame of mind.

There is no doubt that Jack is still a key man for the Light Blues, playing in 19 of their matches in the Scottish Premiership on their way to the title last season, scoring two goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, with some Gers not happy with Joe Aribo’s performance in the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday night, it may be time for the Gers to bring in some fresh legs in midfield.

In other news, find out what RFC news has fans buzzing here!