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The Mexico national team have concerns over Raul Jimenez’s current fitness, in an update that will no doubt be equally worrying from a Wolves perspective.

The Lowdown: Jimenez injury-prone

Ever since suffering a potentially life-threatening head injury during the 2020/21 season, the 31-year-old hasn’t managed to return the same player.

Other fitness issues have been a key reason for that, with Jimenez finding himself in and out of Wolves’ team and unable to get any rhythm to his game.

The striker has been sidelined for much of this season so far, starting just two games in the Premier League, and he is also absent for Mexico currently.

The Latest: Mexican FA concerned

According to Fox Sports journalist Ruben Rodriguez [via Sport Witness], there are worries that Jimenez could even be a doubt for the upcoming World Cup, outlining his conversation with Mexico manager Gerardo Martino:

“And how do you see the panorama? And he told me by pulling a face: ‘complicated’. It gives you a little overview of how it is; so the issue is complicated.

“Not even Raúl himself knows when he can be one hundred percent, and we have to wait.

“Raul’s best friend is time and the doctor. It doesn’t matter if he’s doing well or not football-wise. The doctor is the one who will tell.

“And I imagine that Raúl himself will have to be very self-critical, very responsible and say: ‘Martino, I’m ready’ or ‘I am not ready’. That’s how clear the panorama is with Raúl Jiménez.”

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The Verdict: Costa needs to shine

At 31, and with so many injuries behind him, it does feel as though we have seen the best of Jimenez, who could now increasingly become a bit-part player at Wolves.

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He has only scored ten league goals in the last two-and-a-bit seasons and it may be that new Wanderers signing Diego Costa takes his place in the team once he himself is fully fit.

The fact that Mexico are so concerned about Jimenez’s fitness over a month from the tournament is going to be immediately worrying for Bruno Lage, who will desperately hope he can have his striker at 100 per cent again at some point in the near future.

Leeds United forward Dan James is expected to remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window, following an on-air claim by Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol.

The Lowdown: James hit-and-miss at Leeds

The Welshman joined the Whites from Manchester United back in January, with manager-at-the-time Marcelo Bielsa seeing him as someone who could aid their Premier League relegation fight with his pace and exuberance.

James has struggled to fully impress in a Leeds shirt to date, however, showing plenty of endeavour but only scoring four goals in 38 appearances from his attacking role.

A summer exit for the 24-year-old has been rumoured with Tottenham believed to be showing a ‘shock interest’.

The Latest: Winger expected to stay

Speaking live  on Sky Sports News on Friday [via MOT Leeds News], Solhekol confirmed the interest from Tottenham but dropped a pretty definitive update on the player’s future:

“Leeds United want another forward and it looks like they’re going to keep Dan James.

“Tottenham were interested.”

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The Verdict: Squad role

James’ work-rate and blistering pace are positive assets, but he may be limited to a squad role between now and the end of the season, despite being hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Marcus Rashford and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saying he has an ‘X-factor’.

The Wales international lacks the all-round quality and end product to be a regular starter, with the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison and new star Luis Sinisterra more exciting options moving forward.

It could be that James is moved on next summer instead, should his form continue to be patchy, but this is a great opportunity for him to show Jesse Marsch that he is worth persevering with.

Ben Jacobs has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Ollie Watkins.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the CBS Sports journalist revealed that, following reports suggesting that Leeds could be offered the chance to sign the Aston Villa centre-forward in the coming weeks amid apparent tension between the 26-year-old and Steven Gerrard, Victor Orta is indeed keeping a close eye on the situation of the England international ahead of a potential swoop.

In his post, Jacobs said: “A final name to mention is Ollie Watkins. Villa sources dismiss tension between Watkins and Steven Gerrard and maintain they don’t want to sell. Palace and Leeds monitoring. Key will be whether Watkins pushes for an exit. Villa calm about situation but no doubt one to watch.”

Marsch needs him

While there was an argument that Leeds were in need of greater depth up front prior to the events of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Southampton, after Patrick Bamford was withdrawn in the 28th minute of the match with a tight adductor, it is now undeniable that the Whites simply must bring in a new centre-forward before September’s transfer deadline.

Indeed, Leeds have been heavily reliant on the goals and creativity of the 28-year-old ever since their return to the Premier League back in 2020, with Bamford scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists over 62 goals scored that season.

This point is further proven by the Whites’ goalscoring woes in 2021/22, as, with the England international managing just two goals, two assists and a mere seven top-flight starts last term as a result of injury, Leeds hit the back of the net 20 fewer times than in the campaign prior – avoiding relegation back to the Championship by the skin of their teeth.

As such, should Marsch wish to avoid a repeat of this scenario in 2022/23, the club simply must add greater depth in attack prior to the closure of the summer market, with Watkins appearing to be a very astute player for Orta to be targeting.

The 26-year-old has returned some impressive numbers for Villa since his £28m move from Brentford back in 2020, scoring 14 goals, registering five assists and creating eight big chances over 37 league fixtures in 2020/21, bagging 11 goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances over 35 top flight outings last term and having already provided two assists in two appearances this season.

So, with the £44k-per-week forward – who The Guardian claim could cost up to £50m – clearly being a proven goalscorer and creator in a mid-table Premier League outfit, should Orta indeed be presented with the chance to sign the seven-cap international this summer, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Spaniard to sanction a swoop for the striker.

Indeed, not only would the player who Dean Smith dubbed “unbelievable” be able to provide backup to Bamford in the Whites’ attack, but, when comparing their respective returns over the past few years, Watkins could well prove to push the 28-year-old for his starting spot in Marsch’s XI – something that would only help Leeds in their bid to finish in the top half of the Premier League table.

Nottingham Forest should make a move to sign free agent Aaron Ramsey in the summer transfer window, says former Rangers manager Alex McLeish.

The Lowdown: Ramsey a free agent

The 31-year-old has officially now left Juventus, with his time in Italy never quite working out overall, spending the second half of last season on loan at Ibrox.

With the World Cup fast approaching and Ramsey set to be a key man for Wales, however, he will be desperate to find a new permanent club as soon as possible.

Forest have been linked with a move for the midfielder in recent days, as Steve Cooper looks to continue what has been a hugely productive summer window.

The Latest: Forest urged to make move

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, now a pundit for Sky Sports, reacted to the links between the Reds and Ramsey:

“I do believe that there could be a place for him in one of the Premier League teams. For instance, the teams that have been promoted. Maybe Nottingham Forest would be looking at a situation like that.

“Watching Forest in the playoff final, they need new recruitment. Why not bring in a superstar who is, okay, near the end of his career?

“He had injuries while at Rangers and that might frighten a few people. At the same time, his performances for Wales show you that experience is forever.

“I think there could be a chance of him going to one of those clubs and they will have surely looked into it themselves.”

The Verdict: Yet more midfield experience

Ramsey could be a brilliant signing if a move materialised, not necessarily always starting but proving to be someone who can produce match-winning moments.

The veteran’s pedigree in the Premier League is undeniable, with 40 goals and 51 assists coming his way in the competition, not to mention an excellent record of 20 goals in 74 caps for Wales.

Ramsey has been hailed as ‘world-class’ by Wales manager Robert Page and if he joins Jesse Lingard and potentially William Carvalho as part of Forest’s midfield options, they would be perfectly set going into the new season.

Crystal Palace will make more signings this summer according to journalist Tom Barclay who offered an exciting update to supporters of the Eagles.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Barclay said: “They’re definitely looking around. I think they like what they’ve already got in terms of a [Conor] Gallagher replacement.

“But again, if something comes up then it depends what’s available, and if it works for them. I can’t see a repeat of last season when they did all that business

“So probably another one, maybe two additions.”

The news will be welcomed by supporters who will hope additions can lead to an improvement on their 12th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

Supporters will be buzzing

The Eagles have made two signings so far this summer but are yet to spend a penny on transfer fees, with both Sam Johnstone and Malcolm Ebiowei signing as free agents.

Last season the club strengthened massively with ten new additions coming before a ball was kicked, it’s unlikely we will see that many new arrivals this time around, but there will be more to come for fans to be buzzing about.

The club have been linked with several players recently and look set to sign Cheick Doucoure from French side RC Lens with Fabrizio Romano recently confirming the deal was very close.

Another player on their radar is Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with journalist Dean Jones also speaking to GiveMeSport explaining how he would be perfect for the club and suit their system well.

Midfield seems to be the area where Vieira wants to strengthen ahead of the new season, and that could see the departure of our of favour club captain Luka Milivojevic, but the club have recently stated they would be happy to keep him.

If supporters were expecting a complete overhaul of the squad then they might be disappointed, but given the fact they haven’t yet paid any transfer fees, more than one new addition is likely.

Fans still have plenty to get excited about with those in the know confident that the Eagles’ business this summer is far from over.

IN other news: “I’m hearing..”: Sky Sports journo drops exciting CPFC claim that supporters will love – opinion

Everton have been given the green light to sign Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko during the summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Manchester City are prepared to let Oleksandr Zinchenko leave as they are targeting Marc Cucurella, with an official bid coming soon – decision was made in May. Zinchenko can be sold and Everton have his name in the list as one of the main targets. Other clubs also keen.”

The Toffees could hold the advantage in this deal as Frank Lampard is likely to play the Ukrainian further forward in a midfield role, with the 44-year-old looking to add a bit more creative input to his stagnating midfield.

Man City value the player at £30m according to 90min.

He can be Lampard’s Robertson

Everton escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season and Lampard will know a slow start in the upcoming campaign won’t be enough to please the Goodison faithful.

He inherited a squad from Rafa Benitez and this is the first full transfer window that he will have to be able to add some quality to his side, and with the imminent signing of James Tarkowski, it looks like an excellent start.

Being linked with the £22.5m-rated Zinchenko shows real ambition from Lampard and he may have to pay over his valuation to secure his services.

Having been dubbed “unique” in the past, his versatility will be a bonus for the manager, and he is similar to Liverpool’s Andy Robertson as per FBref.

Although both play at left-back on a regular basis, their attacking abilities are excellent, with both generating over three shot-creating actions per match (3.61 for Zinchenko and 3.37 for Robertson).

Both players passing was of a high standard last season, with Zincehnko (89.3% completed passes) and Robertson (81%) displaying their ability to start attacks and keep possession.

While Robertson loves to burst forward down the left-wing and deliver crosses (89 last season), Zinchenko wasn’t as proficient (28), but he did play fewer matches.

The two play the game in a similar fashion and with Lampard potentially moving the player into a midfield role next season, these stats could be even higher next year.

AND in other news, Moshiri plots Everton bid for “dangerous” £72k-p/w “real talent”, he’s another Anthony Gordon…

Leeds United are confident of signing RB Salzburg defender Rasmus Kristensen, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post.

The Lowdown: Kristensen links

Phil Hay was the man who broke the news regarding the Whites and Kristensen on Tuesday morning.

The reliable reporter stated that the club have been following the 24-year-old, who Jesse Marsch signed for Salzburg back in 2019.

Kristensen is expected to leave Austria over the coming months for a fee of around £10m, however, Leeds could face competition from Borussia Dortmund and Brentford.

The Latest: Transfer update

The YEP shared an update regarding Kristensen on Tuesday afternoon.

They claimed that Leeds are ‘confident of moving forward with negotiations for the Denmark right-back’.

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The Verdict: Perfect

With Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas sidelined for the foreseeable future, a right-back appears to be needed at Elland Road, and Kristensen looks like the ideal target.

Able to play further forward as a right-midfielder, Kristensen has plenty of experience and success working under Marsch and likes to get forward with an eye for goal.

Described as an ‘aggressive but athletic’ defender, it looks as if he has the qualities to fit in at Elland Road, and by the looks of it, Marsch is on course to get his way when it comes to a reunion with the full-back.

In other news – £34m release clause: Leeds now interested in move for ‘special talent’ who Marsch loves

All hope may not be lost in West Ham United’s bid to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to ExWHUemployee.

What’s the word?

As per the club insider, the Hammers could still be in the running for the Brazilian this summer, despite persistent speculation that the 25-year-old is set to join Barcelona.

Asked whether the east Londoners are one of the sides interested in the player, following an update from Fabrizio Romano, the West Ham source offered his view on the forward potentially arriving at the London Stadium, revealing on Twitter that: “We were keen in January so I guess there is a chance but we bid a lot less than £55m I believe.”

The suggestion had been in the winter that GSB had placed a club-record bid to try and prize the seven-cap gem from Elland Road, while David Moyes and co also reportedly failed with a £50m offer for teammate Kalvin Phillips.

Supporters will be buzzing

This latest claim will have reinvigorated hope among supporters that the former Rennes man could be pulling on a claret and blue jersey next term, with the £63k-per-week trickster seemingly the type of player that the Hammers faithful would simply worship.

While something of a maverick, the one-time Sporting man has been a largely consistent figure for his current side in recent seasons, having been signed by former boss Marcelo Bielsa on a £17m deal back in the summer of 2020.

Since then, the £40.5m-rated wide man has scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in just 65 Premier League games, with 11 of those goals having come in the recent campaign despite what was a gruelling season in which the Yorkshire outfit only just staved off the drop.

Raphinha had been pivotal in ensuring survival for his side, notably netting a crucial penalty on the final day away at Brentford, before a stoppage-time winner from Jack Harrison – another reported West Ham target – confirmed their narrow escape.

Pundit Ian Wright praised the 5 foot 9 ace for converting his spot-kick under “immense pressure” to help Jesse Marsh’s side on their way to victory, while he endeared himself even more to the Leeds faithful following his jubilant celebrations post-match.

Such an infectious presence would no doubt thrive at the London Stadium, with West Ham having so often been a stage for unique talents to blossom, namely the likes of Dimitri Payet and Paolo Di Canio who could so often carve out a moment of magic from nothing.

It would seem that Raphinha is cut from a similar cloth, with supporters likely to warm to the fleet-footed talent quickly, were he to make the switch this summer.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

All is not lost in West Ham United’s bid to keep midfield star Declan Rice at the club, according to journalist Paul Brown…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider revealed that the 23-year-old could still be convinced to stay at the club, should the Hammers manage to run out winners in this year’s Europa League.

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Amid rumours that the Englishman could leave the club this summer, following interest from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, Brown said of his future that:

“We don’t know yet how desperate Rice is to get out of West Ham. Moyes said this could be a negotiating tactic just because he wants more money. He has been offered more money by West Ham and it’s clear that he’s ambitious and wants to win things too. West Ham could still win things this season. That might change his thinking.”

Recent reports had suggested that the 29-cap international – who David Moyes claimed could be worth as much as £150m – has turned down a contract extension to stay at the London Stadium, although with two years still remaining on his existing deal, plus the option of a further 12 months, it is not time to panic just yet, particularly after this latest news.

Supporters will be buzzing

Following all the recent speculation about his future, Brown’s update will surely have West Ham supporters breathing a sigh of relief, with there seemingly still lingering hope that the club’s talisman will be lining up for the east London outfit at the start of next season.

It is perhaps no surprise that the £67.5m-rated man is courting so much attention of late, such have been his outstanding performances for both club and country in recent times.

Fresh off the back of featuring in all seven games of England’s surge to the Euro 2020 final last summer, Rice has kicked on again this term for Moyes’ men, carrying the mantle of being his side’s main man and skipper, in the absence of club captain Mark Noble.

In his 33 Premier League outings this season, the academy graduate has registered 1.7 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, while also enjoying a pass success rate of 92%, showcasing he is much more than just a midfield destroyer.

That is the view shared by pundit Joe Cole, who likened his progression to that of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and also noted his ability “breaking from midfield with that power”, with the £62k-per-week gem ranking in the top 6% among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries.

A constantly developing talent, the London-born star has plenty of strings to his bow, albeit with one thing that is missing at present being silverware.

As Brown mentioned, that bid to win trophies may sway him to depart, although he still has the chance to claim what would be a remarkable Europa League triumph this season, even with the Hammers currently 2-1 down at the halfway stage of their semi-final tie with Eintracht Frankfurt.

If the club can match his potential, there’s no reason why can’t continue to delight the home support for years to come.

IN other news, West Ham can unearth huge Antonio upgrade in £9m-rated gem who gives “a new dimension”…

The 2024 tournament has produced some exciting matches albeit on dodgy pitches

Ian Chappell15-Jun-2024Two of cricket’s greatest rivalries – India vs Pakistan and Australia vs England – were played in a 24-hour period during the 2024 T20 World Cup.While these fierce rivalries still generate great excitement, the Australia vs England bout fell short of expectations, with Australia winning the T20 match comfortably. India versus Pakistan always creates hysteria and once again this was the case even in New York as there are plenty of expats from both countries living in the USA.Going into the heavyweight bout India had only lost one World Cup contest to Pakistan and that was in the T20 format in 2021.Related

• Explainer – what's wrong with the T20 World Cup pitches in New York?

• Australia punch and counterpunch to blow England away

• India versus Pakistan, but different

This imbalance was partly explained years ago by a decorated Indian cricketer: “Pakistan tries to impress India,” he explained, “while we are only interested in having an impact on the West.”Pakistan cricket’s previous history may also help explain India’s stranglehold in their World Cup encounters. In early 1973 the Pakistan team were described as “Panikstan” because of the suicidal nature of their 92-run loss to Australia at the MCG. They then confirmed their newly acquired nickname by losing the third Test at the SCG by 52 runs despite only chasing a moderate target of 159.The “Panikstan” moniker was to the fore again in the 2024 World Cup as Pakistan lost a crucial contest to India in New York. After manoeuvring into a strong position where they were predicted to win, Pakistan capitulated and lost a low-scoring encounter by six runs.This was yet another typical big-brother-over-little-brother victory and that syndrome has weighed heavily on Pakistan in World Cup encounters.

There’s a highly competitive cricket rivalry still to be played in the Super Eight – India vs Australia. This has become a blockbuster contest in recent years.

Yet in Toronto in 1996 the two teams mixed amicably in a series at the suitably named Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club. The five-match series was tied at two-all when one Indian player hilariously noted: “The soldiers are lined up at the border armed with rocks but they don’t know which way to throw them.”So well did India and Pakistan get on that I asked a mixed group of players, “Why do the two countries fight wars when the players socialise comfortably?”The answer was revealing and yet concerning. “We understand each other and eat similar food,” said an Indian player, “and the people generally get on well but the politicians of each country like to keep the aggro simmering.”The pitches in the USA again generated controversy, particularly the New York venue, which attracted a lot of negative publicity and proved to be difficult for batters. In many cases a score just exceeding 100 proved to be a match-winner.The USA reputation for providing dodgy pitches isn’t a recent one. In September 1999, I covered an India A vs Australia A five-match series in Los Angeles, where the respective skippers were VVS Laxman and Adam Gilchrist, both of whom went on to enjoy illustrious international careers.The pitches on that occasion could only be described as “ropey”, especially when genuine pacemen like Brett Lee operated. Dodgy pitches were accepted with a shrug of the shoulders in 1999 but, with the USA team qualifying for the Super Eight and being promoted as a viable cricket nation, this is not good enough. Mind you, USA cricket has long been wracked by organisational turmoil and this could be yet another example of the chaos that exists among their administration.While T20 pitches should never totally favour batters, there’s no excuse for surfaces that are considered dangerous.There’s a highly competitive cricket rivalry still to be played in the Super Eight – India vs Australia. This has become a blockbuster contest in recent years.Even if these two teams provide yet another exciting contest, it shouldn’t camouflage the USA problem. If cricket wants to make headway in the USA it has to vastly improve the administration and their pitches, while also convincing locally born players it’s a game worth playing.