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Former All Leeds TV pundit Joe Wainman insists that the signing of Kristoffer Klaesson for Leeds United is a smart piece of business that will allow the player to learn from and compete with Illan Meslier.

Victor Orta secured a deal worth just over £1m to bring in the new goalkeeper, having allowed Kiko Casilla to leave the club on loan and join La Liga outfit Elche.

Klaesson came through the ranks at Valerenga and has played for Norway at various youth levels, being capped at U15, U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level. He is almost certain to eventually win a senior cap for his country.

And Wainman believes that a deal to bring in a goalkeeper of his profile – a young player who can only grow and improve – makes more sense than signing an experienced figure like Joe Hart.

Hart has made the move from Tottenham Hotspur to Celtic in this transfer window, and Wainman is glad that Leeds did not get themselves involved in the bidding for the former England international.

He said: “If we have a keeper at the age of Kristoffer Klaesson that can step straight in, it’s much better than turning to a Joe Hart, who is at the back end of his career commanding big wages. It’s great to see Klaesson come in, he’s got very high pedigree, future Norway No.1, he’s already had a call-up that was unfortunately scuppered due to COVID.

“But yeah, I think it’s good to see two keepers of a similar age, I know the purists would prefer a more experienced second choice but what better way to learn under someone like Meslier, who was thrust into the spotlight at such a young age and has done as good as he has?

“I’m confident with Klaesson challenging for the No.1 spot.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Diante da ausência de Fred, suspenso por mais três partidas do Campeonato Mineiro, Rafael Moura comandará o ataque atleticano neste domingo, diante da URT, no Mineirão, no jogo de ida da semifinal. O jogador comemora a chance como titular da equipe.

– Estou feliz e empolgado com a oportunidade. É uma responsabilidade grande substituir o Fred, ainda mais na fase em que ele está, fez quatro gols na Libertadores. Mas sempre me preparei e me dediquei, então, espero fazer a melhor partida para ajudar o Atlético – disse o atacante, que elogiou a participação da torcida na goleada pela Libertadores, contra o Sport Boys (BOL), e conta novamente com o apoio da Massa para encaminhar a classificação à final do Estadual.

– É uma sequência importante. A torcida já deu show ontem (quinta), nos apoiando, nos ajudando. Temos que fazer valer porque, se a URT cedeu o jogo aqui no Mineirão, que a torcida vá em peso e nos apoie do início ao fim que nós, dentro de campo, fazer de tudo para puxar, incendiar a torcida e sair de lá com um bom resultado – comentou Rafael Moura.

O jogador concluiu afirmando que o time está preparado para a série de jogos decisivos que se apresenta e reiterando que espera contar com a força vinda da arquibancada no jogo deste domingo, no Mineirão.

– Tivemos vários jogos ao longo da fase de classificação e, agora, é decisão, o grupo está extremamente preparado, focado, e querendo fazer um bom jogo para conquistar essa classificação. A gente conta com o apoio da massa atleticana para lotar o Mineirão.

E, para balançar as redes no domingo e ajudar o Galo a vencer, Rafael Moura conta com a torcida especial do companheiro de ataque Fred.

– O Rafa está bastante motivado. Ele sabe da importância dele para a gente. Nossas características são iguais, ele é um jogador que faz muitos gols e é muito decisivo. Ele já viveu isso quando a gente jogou junto no Fluminense e sempre deu conta do recado. Ele está muito motivado e bem tranquilo porque a gente vê o Rafa trabalhando, é um cara que faz sempre a mais do que é pedido para ele. Então, tenho certeza que ele será honrado com gols e um grande jogo neste domingo – disse o camisa 9.

FICHA TÉCNICA
URT X ATLÉTICO-MG

Local: Mineirão, em Belo Horizonte (MG)
Data-hora: 16/4/2017 – às 11h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Jefferson Antonio da Costa (MG)
Assistentes: Marconi Helbert Vieira (MG) e Magno Arantes Lira (MG)

URT: Juninho; Dick, Diego Borges, Rodolfo e Fábio; Dias, Edmar, Joedson e Cascata; Thiago Esmerindo e Carlos Alberto. Técnico: Rodrigo Marques.

ATLÉTICO-MG: Giovanni; Marcos Rocha, Gabriel, Leonardo Silva e Fábio Santos; Rafael Carioca, Elias, Juan Cazares e Rómulo Otero; Robinho e Rafael MouraTécnico: Roger Machado.

RelacionadasAtlético MineiroLiberado pelo departamento médico, Maicosuel reforça o Atlético-MGAtlético Mineiro15/04/2017Atlético MineiroFred celebra atuação pelo Galo e fica perto de artilharia da LibertadoresAtlético Mineiro14/04/2017

Raphinha’s arrival at Leeds United 12 months ago has to go down as an inspired piece of business.

The Brazilian arrived from Rennes and has settled into English football with absolute ease.

He has bought into Marcelo Bielsa’s ethos and has improved his game in unorthodox ways. Bielsa doesn’t do things by the book, something his vicious game of murderball proves.

It’s not every day you find a flashy winger who’s willing to work hard, press and track back all at the same time.

However, that’s exactly what he’s brought to Elland Road. Raphinha contributed to 15 Premier League goals last term and was mesmerising with the ball at his feet.

The winger was successful with 1.9 dribbles per game and was emphatically creative, providing 2.1 key passes a match.

In terms of his work rate, only seven more players at Leeds recorded more presses to the opposition than the 24-year-old.

He has been a ball of fun on the right-hand side of the pitch but they could find a similar player for the left this summer.

That’s because Bielsa and Victor Orta are eyeing a move for Hertha Berlin attacker, Matheus Cunha.

Valued at around £26m, the Whites would have to spend a significant outlay on him but it would surely be worth it.

Like Raphinha, he knows where the goal is and he’s capable of picking out his teammates with a defence-splitting pass. Last term, the 22-year-old contributed to 11 goals in the Bundesliga.

Speaking about Cunha last year, former Hertha Berlin boss Bruno Labbadia said: “Matheus has something special. He can always produce something with a moment of individual brilliance.” 

That’s evident in the youngster’s game as he recorded a dazzling three dribbles per match and was fouled on 2.8 occasions per appearance.

Tricky with the ball at his feet, he’s exactly like Raphinha in the way he takes on an opponent.

He’s also not afraid to work hard for the team. For instance, no player at Hertha last term applied more pressures (492) than the Brazilian.

It’s safe to say that Bielsa would absolutely adore a player of his qualities in Yorkshire. He is perfectly suited to Leeds’ way of playing.

AND in other news, Orta must seal Leeds swoop for 17-goal “phenomenon”, he’s a big upgrade on Harrison…

Celtic are prepared to pay up to £8m for Sheffield United right-back George Baldock this summer, according to The Star.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ long-standing interest

The Hoops have had Baldock on their radar for some time. He was first linked with a move to Parkhead back in 2019, however, he remained in Yorkshire and has been a Premier League regular since.

Unfortunately, Baldock and the Blades were relegated last season, and with Celtic after a right-back following Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed’s permanent exits earlier this year, it seems as if Baldock is once again back on the club’s shortlist.

The Latest: Celtic willing to spend big

According to The Star, who have been informed by sources north of the border, Celtic are prepared to pay between £5m and £8m for the defender, who former Hoops rival Alan Hutton believes has ‘got it all’.

However, the report claims that fee would fall well short of the Blades’ valuation, although the Hoops believe a compromise could be reached.

Should Celtic seal a deal at £8m, that would make Baldock the club’s fourth most expensive signing of all-time behind John Hartson, Chris Sutton and Odsonne Edouard.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-7/” title=”Celtic updates” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Is Baldock worth £8m?

Sheffield United seem to want more than £8m for Baldock’s services, but Celtic shouldn’t pay any more than that for his signature.

The 28-year-old has just 12 months left on his Bramall Lane deal, so technically, the Hoops could wait until January ahead of a potential pre-contract agreement.

As we know, Celtic need right-back additions, but Baldock’s Transfermarkt valuation stands at £4.5m, so perhaps they could have a real chance of landing the defender in their price range reported.

The Yorkshire outfit may well realise Celtic are in desperate need of a right-back, but the Hoops shouldn’t bow to United’s demands over the coming months.

In other news: Martin O’Neill interested in Celtic return, find out more here. 

The second days play at Taunton ended neatly balanced with Yorkshire 261 runs ahead of Somerset with just one second innings wicket left

Richard Walsh09-May-2002The second days play at Taunton ended neatly balanced with Yorkshire 261 runs ahead of Somerset with just one second innings wicket left.From their overnight score of 186 for 6, Somerset added another 46 runs before they were all out for 232 a lead of 19 over the visitors.Ian Blackwell who helped to claw the Cidermen back into the game on Wednesday was eventually out for 114 and Keith Dutch was out for 46, just 4 runs short of his half century.The Yorkshire second innings got off to a good start and seemed to be heading for a substantial total, but a tidy performance from the Somerset bowlers saw then reigned back to 280 for 9 at the close.After the close of play Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "It’s been another entertaining day’s play. From Yorkshire being 186 for 3 we have made a good fightback to get them to 280 for 9.It’s been a good hardworking performance in the field today by the Somerset team.

Noel Whelan has given his reaction to what he calls a ‘huge development’ in the Newcastle United takeover saga.

The Lowdown: Premier League under pressure

Speaking in a recent interview with Sky Sports, Amanda Staveley, who is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium looking to buy the Magpies, has insisted that she would not be deterred in her bid, and also called for the UK Government to intervene.

This comes after the St. James’ Park faithful released a statement calling for transparency in their upcoming arbitration case against the top flight, wanting them to agree to make the process public.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, a pundit and former Leeds United and Coventry City striker, has claimed that both Staveley and Mike Ashley are trying to put pressure on the division, and suggested that they should have nothing to hide:

“Oh absolutely, no doubt about it.

“They are forcing the Premier League’s hand, as you would say in cards.

“Ashley and Staveley know exactly what they are doing. Everyone wants the Premier League to stand up and be honest.

“Again, like cards, they have been told, ‘fold’ or ‘show your hand’.

“Ashley and whoever are all saying ‘show us what you’ve got’ to the Premier League. It’s a huge development.”

The Verdict: Premier League must cooperate

The Premier League must cooperate if a decision on whether the takeover can go through can be made as soon as possible.

If they were confident of winning the forthcoming arbitration case, then they should be calling to make the process public as well, as they should have nothing to hide with regards to their handling of the deal.

Whatever result comes out of the hearing, the North East club will be relying on them for cooperation, whether that would be how the process can be sped up or whether there is a chance of restarting the bid again if all else fails.

Nonetheless, both Staveley and Ashley seem to be losing some patience now, and just want things to be moving quicker.

In other news, find out what important update Lee Ryder has shared on the CAT case here!

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo começou a partida contra o Boavista, pela Taça Guanabara, cometendo alguns erros e acabou levando dois gols. Porém, ainda no primeiro tempo começou sua reação e virou o jogo para 3 a 2. Os responsáveis por isso foram Fernandes, que marcou duas vezes, e Leandrinho, que comandou o meio-campo e ainda deixou sua marca, garantindo o triunfo.Os jogadores receberam as melhores avaliações do LANCE! Veja, abaixo, as notas para jogadores e técnicos.

BOTAFOGO

6,0
Helton Leite
Não teve culpas nos gols que o Botafogo levou. Foi seguro nos momentos em que foi exigido e não comprometeu na partida.

6,0
Marcinho
Deixou alguns espaços na marcação e fez falta dura para parar um contra-ataque. Poderia ter aparecido mais para apoiar o ataque.

6,5
Carli
Ainda precisando de ritmo de jogo, teve uma atuação segura.Foi bem nos desarmes e nas jogadas de bolas aéreas que levaram perigo.

5,5
Igor Rabello
Falhou no primeiro gol do Boavista. Foi driblado facilmente e tropeçou na jogada. Porém, depois apareceu bem em alguns cortes da aérea.

6,0
Gilson
Deixou muitos espaços nas suas costas, onde Maicon aproveitou bem. No entanto, procurou aparecer no ataque para ajudar no apoio.

6,5
Rodrigo Lindoso
Cumpriu seu papel de marcação no meio-campo, mas errou alguns passes. Mas apareceu na frente e deu assistência para Fernandes.

6,0
Dudu Cearense
Também se limitou a fazer o seu papel no meio-campo. Arriscou ainda uma cobrança de falta que levou perigo ao gol de Felipe.

8,0
Fernandes
Foi o responsável por empatar o jogo para o Botafogo, que perdia por 2 a 0. Seu primeiro gol foi bonito, deixando Antonio Carlos no chão.

7,5
Leandrinho
Bela partida do meia. Organizou o meio-campo, deu bons passes e enfiadas de bola. Foi autor de um gol e uma assistência.

5,5
Joel
Meio perdido em muitas jogadas. Errou muitos passes, perdeu algumas bolas bobas. Não produziu muito em campo contra o Boavista.

6,5
Vinícius Tanque
Muita briga entre os zagueiros e algumas finalizações. Deu um belo passe de calcanhar no lance do segundo gol de Fernandes.

6,0
Sassá
Entrou com muita vontade no segundo tempo e por conta disso fez muitas faltas pela afobação. Teve duas chances de marcar, mas não aproveitou

5,5
Pachu
Outro que entrou na segunda etapa no lugar de Fernandes. Procurou dar velocidade ao ataque, mas pouco produziu em campo.

4,5
Yuri
Entrou no lugar de Leandrinho já perto do fim da segunda etapa. No entanto, também não conseguiu aparecer muito.

6,5
Jair Ventura
Seu time não fez um bom primeiro tempo, cometendo muitos erros. Porém, conseguiu acertar no intervalo e virou a partida.

BOAVISTA

4,5
Felipe
Falhou em dois gols do Botafogo. Um deles resultou a virada.

5,5
Thiaguinho
Errou alguns passes e deixou espaços na marcação.

6,0
Gustavo
Fez alguns cortes e até se aventurou no ataque algumas vezes.

5,0
Antônio Carlos
Ficou no chão com corte de Fernandes no primeiro gol do Botafogo.

6,5
Maicon
Deu muito trabalho. Deu belo drible e assistência para 1º gol do Boavista.

5,5
Lucas Rocha
Fez o seu papel de marcação e tentou aparecer no ataque.

5,5
Willian Maranhão
Se limitou a fazer o seu papel na marcação. Poderia render mais

6,5
Pedro Botelho
Apareceu bem na frente e abriu o placar do jogo em jogada de velocidade.

6,5
Erick Flores
Principal articulador, criou algumas boas jogadas.

5,5
Mosquito
Pouca produção no ataque. Tentou finalizar, mas sem sucesso.

6,5
Marcelo Nicácio
Deu trabalho para a defesa. Fez um belo gol de voleio.

4,0
Tiago Amaral
Entrou para melhorar o ataque, mas não teve sucesso.

5,0
Fellype Gabriel
Entrou na segunda etapa, mas pouco fez em campo.

5,0
Lucas
Outro que entrou no segundo tempo, mas pouco acrescentou.

5,5
Joel Santana
Seu time começou muito bem, mas depois caiu de produção.

RelacionadasBotafogoJair destaca força da base alvinegra, decisiva na vitória contra o BoavistaBotafogo19/02/2017BotafogoBacaxá dá sorte: Leandrinho celebra 100% de aproveitamento no estádioBotafogo19/02/2017BotafogoNúmeros da Bola: Estatísticas de Boavista 2×3 BotafogoBotafogo19/02/2017

A number of the Somerset players chosen for the opening match of the season against Sussex tomorrow were at the County Ground early this morning, having a final net session before making the journey to Hove later in the day.As he looked out across the ground, Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson updated the situation regarding the two contracted England players, Andrew Caddick and Marcus Trescothick.Regarding Andrew Caddick the chief told me: "Andrew had a rib and side injury when he returned from the New Zealand tour, but has recently seen an ECB specialist who has given him the all clear."We are hoping that he will practice this week with a view to him playing for the county in the last two Benson and Hedges matches, against Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and also against Yorkshire in the county championship."Regarding the England opener, the chief executive told me: "A decision has been made by skipper Jamie Cox that when he plays for the county Marcus Trescothick will be captain."This we feel is sensible for two reasons. Firstly, because it takes the strain of captaincy off Jamie Cox when Marcus plays, so that Jamie can concentrate on his own game, and secondly because it will give Marcus captaincy experience at first-class level which will underpin his chances of becoming the England captain in the future."

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘reluctant’ to part ways with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris this summer, Football London’s Alasdair Gold reports.

The lowdown

34-year-old Lloris is about to enter the final year of his contract in North London after Spurs signed him from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon way back in 2011 for a fee of £11.8million.

Lloris, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, has gone to make 373 appearances for the club and kept 126 clean sheets.

Only 15 players have racked up more top-flight games for the club in their history.

Spurs have been linked with Manchester United’s Dean Henderson, ten years Lloris’ junior.

The latest

Gold writes that Spurs don’t want to see Lloris go partly because recruiting another ‘keeper of his calibre would be costly and ‘priorities lie elsewhere’ this summer.

Moreover, Lloris would be unlikely to fetch a high fee himself given his age and the short amount of time left on his deal, so cashing in to fund his replacement would prove difficult too.

However, it’s ‘unclear’ whether the player himself will want to sign a short-term extension at the club or whether he’ll look to finish his career elsewhere.

The verdict

After a jittery spell in his career, Lloris has demonstrated his class of late. He was one of Spurs’ better players over the course of their disappointing 2020/21 campaign, especially after the half way point.

Even if he indicates that he doesn’t intend to sign a new deal, it would be worth keeping him for one last year – it’s not like they will get a huge fee from cashing in anyway, as Gold alludes to.

As club captain, there would be no concerns over his commitment even with a contract ticking down, and Spurs should be focusing on the areas of real weakness in their team instead.

Perhaps they ought to have recruited a promising young ‘keeper already, someone who could have spent the last couple of seasons learning from Lloris and preparing to enter the spotlight when he moves on. But for now, there are surely more pressing matters than replacing a consistent performer.

In other news, read Daniel Levy’s intriguing transfer message. 

Hemang Badani scored a brilliant unbeaten 104 before his home crowd toturn possible defeat into glorious victory in the final of the HeroHonda NKP Salve Challenger Series at the floodlit MA Chidambaramstadium on Thursday

Santhosh S15-Feb-2001Hemang Badani scored a brilliant unbeaten 104 before his home crowd toturn possible defeat into glorious victory in the final of the HeroHonda NKP Salve Challenger Series at the floodlit MA Chidambaramstadium on Thursday.Replying to India A’s imposing total of 311 for six in 50 overs, IndiaSeniors were in a hopeless position at 96 for five in the 18th over.But then Virender Shewag joined Badani and the two changed thecomplexion of the game with some great running between wickets and alot of innovative strokeplay. They added 168 runs off 24.4 overs tohave the crowd on their feet before some fine work by RS Sodhi in thefield had Shewag just short of the crease. Shewag made 94 off 95 ballswith nine fours and two sixes.Sunil Joshi joined Badani and the two left handers hastened the pace.Badani kept his appointment with his century and he and Joshi sawIndia Seniors through to a remarkable victory with 1.5 overs to spare.Fittingly, Badani got the winning run to cap a great tournament forhim. In the two earlier games he scored 64 not out and 70. In all, the24-year-old Chennai born left hander faced only 87 balls hitting sixfours and three sixes. Joshi, for his unbeaten 22 faced only 18 ballshitting a six and a four.Earlier, Ajit Agarkar removed openers SS Das and Vikram Rathour with33 runs on the board. Skipper Sourav Ganguly scored a bright 34 off 24balls. But then in quick succession, Ganguly, VVS Laxman and YuvrajSingh left putting India Seniors in a precarious position at 96 forfive. Then came the grand recovery.Earlier, India A after a slow start, hit 153 runs in the last 20 oversto end up with a challenging score.Batting first on an extremely hot and humid afternoon, India Astruggled to score runs and after 15 overs, were 69/2. The two wicketsto fall caused some confusion and controversy, both of them caught byRathour off Srinath who bowled with a lot of fire and bounce on a deadChepauk pitch.Sriram was the first batsman to be dismissed for just four in thethird over. Sriram stood his ground as Rathour had taken the catch lowdown and close to the ground. The third umpire SC Gupta took a longlook at the TV replays before adjudging him caught behind.Ramesh played some awesome drives off Zaheer and Srinath and waslooking like getting back to his best. In the 11th over of theinnings, Srinath got one ball to move away from Ramesh and there was amuffled appeal by the bowler and close in fielders. The events thatfollowed might be crucial to Ramesh’s career.Ramesh (26 with 4 fours) was given out caught behind. A visibly upsetRamesh did himself no favour by standing his ground for a long timeand gesticulated at both the umpires that the ball had hit his pads.He kept on talking to the umpires and walked off the ground whennobody would listen to him. His miserable run with the bat continueswith the third failure of the series that could well ruin his chancesof a place in the national side. To add to his misery, all thishappened right in front of the selectors and the coach, who might notbe pleased by his indiscipline on the field.Dravid and Hrishikesh Kanitkar added 99 runs for the third wicket off18 overs to put the innings back on track. And the impetus wasmaintained with Dravid and Jacob Martin putting together 101 runs forthe fourth wicket off 15.5 overs.Dravid and Kanitkar played some sensible cricket, playing the ballinto the vacant spaces and building up the innings. Dravid who washampered by cramps moved along with the help of a runner, Sriram.Kanitkar was easily the more aggressive of the two batsmen, strikingeight boundaries in his innings. He did not hesitate in stepping outof his crease and lofting the ball on either side of the wicket,whenever the ball was given some air.Kanitkar was finally caught by Yuvraj Singh in the covers off thebowling of Shewag for 56. He faced 69 balls in his stay at the crease.Dravid who looked good for a big hundred, despite being visibly indiscomfort with cramps, was dismissed after making 88 runs off 105balls. He struck five boundaries in his stylish effort at the crease.When Javagal Srinath came in to bowl his second spell, Dravid playedone of the most stunning cover drives of the series. He stood thereand whacked it through the covers, striking it clean on the rise.Nobody moved an inch as the ball sped into the fence like a bullet.Dravid was dismissed going for the big shot, caught by Yuvraj at thesecond attempt in the 45th over off the bowling of Nehra. Jacob Martinand Dravid then came together. Martin was a revelation today, strikingthe ball as clean as a whistle to all parts of the ground. He made 61runs off 58 balls with the help of eight boundaries before being runout by a throw from SS Das to Rathour.Towards the end of the innings Agit Agarkar and RS Sodhi playedexplosively to carry the total past 300. Agarkar made 27 runs off amere 15 balls, striking a six and two boundaries, all off AshishNehra. Sodhi remained unbeaten on 22 off 13 balls with a six and afour. Saurav Ganguly who bowled the last over did a wonderful job,giving away just six singles.