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Michael Kasprowicz, the former Australia fast bowler, has been named as Queensland Cricket’s interim chief executive, stepping down from his post on the Cricket Australia Board to do so

Daniel Brettig18-May-2016Michael Kasprowicz, the former Australia fast bowler, has been named as Queensland Cricket’s interim chief executive, stepping down from his post on the Cricket Australia Board to do so.QC management were surprised last month when Geoff Cockerill stepped down from the job with six months still to run on his three-year contract.However Kasprowicz has elected to take on the role, and will go with the blessing of the CA chairman – and fellow Queenslander – David Peever. Kasprowicz had been a CA director since August 2011 when he took the place vacated by his former state and national team-mate Matthew Hayden.”Michael is an experienced sporting and business leader with a deep affection and knowledge for the game,” Peever said. “On behalf of the Cricket Australia board, I would like to thank Michael for his tenure and contributions. Michael has always represented Queensland interests in helping us achieve our vision of becoming Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians.”We are extremely pleased that Michael has chosen to take on the role of interim CEO at Queensland Cricket. I would like to wish him every success and look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”Kasprowicz had recently been granted an additional term on the CA Board and had been due to remain there until October 2018. “I’m pleased to be able to assist Queensland Cricket at this point in time and grateful to the Chairman David Peever and my fellow Directors on the Cricket Australia Board to enable me to take this on,” Kasprowicz said.”Queensland Cricket is in a good place at the moment with strong growth in participation and enormous potential emerging through the Youth Pathway and elite teams like the Bulls, Queensland Fire, and Brisbane Heat BBL and WBBL teams.”Queensland is also well positioned financially, with recent strategic funding initiatives targeting the grassroots of the game and complementing the outstanding work of our many volunteers. Queensland Cricket continues to engage closely with Government at all levels to deliver some exciting outcomes for the game in the State.”The QC chairman Jim Holding said Kasprowicz’s tenure would run alongside the search for longer-term candidates.”Michael brings deep insights into the business of Australian Cricket as well as being closely attuned to Queensland Cricket and its operations,” Holding said. “We are grateful to him for agreeing to take on this role in addition to his existing commitments.
 
”Since Geoff’s resignation, the Board has conducted a thorough review of our strategic and operational requirements and will undertake a rigorous process to identify and secure the right person for our short and long-term needs as CEO.”

Arsenal have been handed a chance to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha, as the Spanish club are now willing to sell him to fund a move for Lionel Messi this summer, according to a report from Football Insider.

Will Arsenal sign a new winger this summer?

Mikel Arteta may be forced to sign a new winger in the summer, as it has recently been reported Paris Saint-Germain are preparing an offer of more than €120m (£106m) for Bukayo Saka, which the club's hierarchy may be inclined to accept.

Even if the 21-year-old ends up staying, however, the Gunners may consider bringing in competition on the right-wing, having been linked with a move for Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze, who they are said to be absolutely crazy about signing.

Michael Olise was also of interest to Arsenal, however he is reportedly not considering leaving Crystal Palace this summer, meaning they may have to look at other options, such as FC Porto star Pepe.

According to a report from Football Insider, the door is now open to make a move for Raphinha, a player that Arsenal, and by extension Arteta, are said to be long-term admirers of.

Barcelona are willing to sell the Brazilian in order to fund a move for Messi in the summer, and the Gunners have been put on alert by his sudden availability, with the club now considering whether to submit a bid.

The La Liga side are set to demand a fee in the region of £50m – £60m for the 26-year-old, and he would be open to a Premier League return, should he be forced out of the Camp Nou this summer.

Would Raphinha be a good signing for Arsenal?

The former Leeds United man has already proven himself in England, having weighed in with 11 Premier League goals for the Yorkshire club last season, the highest amount of any player.

Not only is the Brazil international a threat on the front foot, journalist Muhammad Butt has also praised him for his work-rate, describing him as a "defensive monster" earlier this season.

Given that the right-winger has reached double figures for goals and assists for Barca this season, it would appear as though they are only willing to sell him to funda move for one of football's all-time greats in Messi.

Raphinha has demonstrated he has what it takes to perform at a top club, and Arsenal should undoubtedly make a move for him this summer.

West Ham United have sent a scout to watch PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Sangare to West Ham?

The Ivory Coast international joined Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side back in September 2020 and has another four years remaining on his contract. During his 129 appearances so far this season, he has become the top-performing defensive player for the Eredivisie giants.

Speaking to Voetbal International, however, PSV’s manager has “challenged” the 25-year-old to “go to the top” in England, with reports claiming that they would be willing to sanction a sale to allow him to do just that in a huge boost for David Moyes.

The Philips Stadion talisman is ready to test himself in the top-flight with the Irons having been touted as a potential destination, and whilst there are several others in the race for his signature, the hierarchy appear serious about completing a deal in the summer.

According to 90min, West Ham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Brentford, Brighton, Wolves and Leeds United all “sent representatives” to watch PSV’s 3-0 victory over Ajax, in particular Sangare for the chiefs at the London Stadium. The Irons have been “alerted” to the midfielder’s expected availability by his agents, with his contract having a release clause included worth €37m (£32m), which is likely to be the fee needed to be paid to prise him away.

Where would Sangare fit in at West Ham?

Sangare is naturally a defensive midfielder but also has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in central and attacking midfield, and having been dubbed a “threat” from midfield by journalist Josh Bunting, he could be the ideal successor to Declan Rice at West Ham with his ability to impact the game at both ends.

The Europa League participant is strong in the defensive aspect of his game having made 65 tackles so far this season, which is far higher than any of his fellow teammates, with 32 of those being won, which is also the second-best success rate at PSV, as per FBRef. Overall, his tackling ability ranks him in the 90th percentile across midfielders in European leagues, while Rice sits in the 66th, albeit against superior opposition.

The 6 foot 3 colossus, who would add a different dimension to the centre with his height, is also able to contribute to his team’s efforts in the final third having scored seven goals and provided three assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

Finally, Sangare and Van Nistelrooy making it public knowledge that he’s ready to take the next step in his career means he would seriously consider the move, so the board should capitalise on this and splash the cash on a player who could be a long-term signing in E20.

Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has 'major support' at Tottenham Hotspur amid their search for a new manager, according to reports.

What's the latest on Nagelsmann to Spurs?

The 35-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs since the north Londoners mutually agreed to part ways with former boss Antonio Conte.

This comes after Nagelsmann was surprisingly sacked by Bayern, despite the Bundesliga giants fighting on all fronts at the time, and he is now readily-available with plenty of pedigree.

Having won a Bundesliga title and with many years of tpp level coaching under his belt, all at such a young age, Nagelsmann arguably stands out as one of Europe's most exciting managers.

That fact isn't lost on chairman Daniel Levy and Spurs, who reportedly hold a serious interest in the former RB Leipzig boss after his shock Bayern dismissal.

They may have just been boosted by reliable reports that Nagelsmann to Chelsea is no longer possible, with both the coach and Tottenham's rivals apparently withdrawing from talks.

This could potentially open the door for Spurs with a report by The Daily Mail sharing that Hoffenheim's former coach has plenty of backing inside Tottenham.

Indeed, it is believed that the tactician has 'major support' at N17 over potentially becoming Spurs' next manager, with Luis Enrique, Arne Slot and Vincent Kompany also of interest to the Lilywhites.

Brendan Rodgers, after his departure from Leicester City this month, is also available with Levy having considered him in the past.

Could Spurs hire Nagelsmann?

You could make an argument that Nagelsmann will need real reassurances that Spurs will give him the necessary financial backing to make a success of the club.

Serial winners like Jose Mourinho and Conte, despite the latter clinching a top four finish last season, ultimately failed in their mission to transform Spurs into elite trophy-contenders.

Nagelsmann will likely be taking this into consideration, but if Tottenham can persuade him to make the move or open formal talks, he would be quite the hire.

Called a 'phenomenal' tactical innovator by BBC Sport Writer Raj Chohan, his brand of intense, high-pressing football could be a joy to watch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

After the years of seeing a more dogmatic approach from the likes of Conte and Mourinho, Nagelsmann helping Spurs to press more on the front foot could be far more reminiscent of the Mauricio Pochettino era.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be set to receive a timely injury boost on striker Eddie Nketiah ahead of a crucial few weeks in the Premier League title race.

What’s the latest injury news regarding Eddie Nketiah?

The striker has been absent since suffering an ankle injury at the start of March, missing the last seven matches, leaving Arteta short of options to lead the line.

Thankfully, Gabriel Jesus has made a comeback from his own injury woes to alleviate this blow during the last couple of weeks, but having two strikers to choose from ahead of a vital final few weeks of the campaign would be a big boost.

Sky Sports presenter James Green tweeted yesterday regarding the Englishman: “William Saliba NOT in Arsenal open training this morning, but Eddie Nketiah is back.”

This will be a huge source of relief for Arteta, and he could play some part against West Ham United tomorrow.

How important is Eddie Nketiah for Arsenal?

The 23-year-old only played a bit-part role during the early stages of the campaign, not starting a Premier League match until Boxing Day. He did score twice in the Europa League group stage, but that was as profitable as it got until the turn of the year.

The injury to Jesus at the 2022 World changed things for Nketiah as he was then looked upon as Arsenal’s main striker in the Brazilian's absence – and he certainly impressed.

Across 13 matches deputising for Jesus, the striker netted six goals and grabbed an assist as he looked to spearhead the Gunners title challenge and his ankle injury came as a big blow to the club.

The £100k-per-week gem was described as “extraordinary” by his manager back in 2020 and his improvements since then have given the North Londoners a major boost in their pursuit of glory.

Indeed, among his positional peers, Nketiah ranks in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for total shots per game (3.56), progressive carries (2.77) and touches in the attacking penalty box (6.74), suggesting that he more than makes up for his lack of goals by thriving in other areas.

Leandro Trossard has been a more than able deputy for both Nketiah and Jesus when called upon, registering a goal and seven assists since joining in January.

Having Nketiah back as an attacking option will give Arteta renewed confidence that they can resume their title charge following their agonising draw against Liverpool last weekend.

Liverpool's dramatic 2-2 draw with rivals Arsenal on Sunday saw Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara make his return off the bench, with the experienced Spaniard having been absent with a hip injury in recent months.

The former Bayern Munich man – who arrived at Anfield on a £20m deal back in 2020 – had been out of action since featuring against Wolverhampton Wanderers in early February, with the hope being that the 31-year-old's return can offer a real boost to Jurgen Klopp's side in the short-term.

In the long-term, however, it remains to be seen for just how long the midfield maestro will be a key first-team asset, with the ageing playmaker having just over a year remaining on his existing deal on Merseyside.

Despite the one-time Barcelona man's undoubted class – having been hailed as "sensational" last season by his manager – there may be concern as to his longevity in the side, amid the fitness woes which have plagued the 46-cap international's time at the club so far.

With that in mind, Klopp may be plotting to potentially freshen up his midfield ranks with a fresh injection of youth in order to eventually replace the likes of Thiago, with 19-year-old, Dominic Corness, seemingly a dream heir to the Italy-born dynamo.

Who is Liverpool's Dominic Corness?

The teenage maestro – who turns 20 next month – has enjoyed a standout campaign thus far at academy level, having showcased his creative prowess after registering five assists in 31 games in all competitions thus far, including four assists in just 21 Premier League outings.

While a chance at senior level has thus far proven elusive, the England U20 international is clearly a highly-rated talent among those on Merseyside, having been nicknamed 'The Wand' due to his silky ability with his left foot.

The £3.4k-per-week sensation has also received notable praise from youth coach Barry Lewtas, who stated last year: "Dom controls the game for us and helps us play the way we want to play. We want a midfielder who can break the game up in that position but who can also control it, and that's Dominic's standout quality, his ability to dictate the pace of the game.

"It's all down to his ability to pass. He has every pass in the locker, really. He showed that against Rangers. He can pass straight through the lines, he can switch the play. I have been really pleased with his performances so far."

That passing prowess is undoubtedly a trait that is shared by that man Thiago – who has been lauded as "like a quarterback" by ex-Reds man Michael Owen – with it unsurprising that young Corness has previously revealed his admiration for the classy midfielder:

"I love to watch Thiago really. I just try to base myself off some of the things he does. Obviously he plays for the first team and that's just the level you want to try to get to. I just try to get on the ball as much as I can. I've always liked the way Thiago played."

That likeness between the pair is also showcased by their ball-winning quality, with Thiago having averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season, while Corness averaged 2.3 and 1.3 for the same two metrics, respectively, during his three EFL Trophy outings earlier in the campaign.

All the signs then seem to suggest that the 'cultured' youngster – as hailed by the club's official website – can be the ideal successor to the Spaniard in the near future, with Klopp seemingly having a real diamond on his hands who is just waiting for a chance to impress.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has claimed that Liverpool won't be able to sign Jude Bellingham this summer in the aftermath of their humiliating loss this weekend.

What's the latest on Jude Bellingham and Liverpool?

It was a pretty woeful outing for the Reds on Saturday as they failed to do their ambitions for the remainder of the season any favours with a limp 4-1 defeat at Manchester City.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp and co may have opened the scoring thanks to Mo Salah but that was as good as it got for Liverpool as the home team fired in four without responce to pick up all three points.

The defeat served as a reminder of just how much work the Reds need to do in the next transfer market as they look to get back to their best. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham has been touted as a long-term target but he wouldn't have been impressed if watching on.

What's more, when asked by co-host Robbie Savage if the Englishman was likely to join Liverpool in the summer, Sutton was pessimistic with his simple answer.

Indeed, he told BBC radio show 606 (50:30): “I don't think so."

How much will Bellingham cost?

While Liverpool were once viewed as favourites to land Bellingham, a recent report by The Athletic's David Ornstein has since suggested that this is no longer the case.

Indeed, while naming Manchester City and Real Madrid as possible destinations, he wrote: "It is regarded as increasingly unlikely that Liverpool will sign Bellingham in this summer’s transfer window."

As per a report in The Sun last January, teams will have to pay around £100m up front if they want to sign him this summer, while he wages could cost in the region of £300k-p/w plus a "hefty" signing bonus.

That sort of money could be a major issue for Liverpool who currently look unlikely to finish inside the Champions League places – sitting eight with 11 games to go – and so will take a financial hit if they can't reach the top four.

After the City defeat, Klopp seemed unhappy with many senior players, saying (via Sky Sports): "Four performances were okay, the two midfielders, Hendo [Jordan Henderson] and Fab [Fabinho], worked a lot, Cody [Gakpo] and Ali [Alisson] and that is very difficult."

With that in mind, the German will likely want some key transfers this summer but it feels as though Bellingham is becoming more unrealistic by the day.

Sheikh Jassim’s second offer for Manchester United is ‘definitely going in’, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

The Lowdown: Ratcliffe’s second offer

Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are seemingly the front runners when it comes to a complete takeover from the Glazers, with both holding Old Trafford talks last week.

However, the two parties ended up missing the deadline to make a second offer for the club on Wednesday in an incredible development, asking for an extension from the Raine Group in New York. That was approved and Ratcliffe’s second offer was submitted on Thursday evening, although there is yet to be any confirmation of Jassim’s revised bid being made.

The Latest: Qatari investors

Chief Sky Sports reporter Solhekol provided an update regarding Ratcliffe’s second offer being submitted on Thursday evening. He then shared the ‘latest information’ on Jassim, stating he’s been ‘told’ that ‘the bid is definitely going in’.

‘We are now just waiting for confirmation from the Qatari’s that they have also put their bid in. The latest information I have is that the bid is ready to go.

‘They missed the deadline last night (Wednesday) as well and asked for a little bit more time. I’m being told don’t read too much into that, the bid is definitely going in.’

The Verdict: Good news

TalkSPORT suggested in the last 48 hours that the improved offers from Jassim and Ratcliffe were set to be world-record bids, worth around £5billion.

Therefore, it is good to know that another big-money proposal is still on the cards, which could result in a greater chance of the Glazers selling up completely. Plenty of United fans have wanted the current owners out for some time, with chants against the Americans at Wembley continuing during the Carabao Cup final triumph over Newcastle.

A takeover from Jassim and his delegation could have an immediate impact on Erik ten Hag as well. Previous reports claimed that the Qatari group led by Jassim wanted ‘things done quickly’ so they could help the manager in the transfer market, with reports in recent days suggesting that they are already planning a stunning move for Jude Bellingham.

Therefore, it could be just a matter of time until we officially hear confirmation of a fresh proposal from Jassim, with Elliott Management another potential rival for the Qatari group alongside Ratcliffe after they also made an offer to buy a minority stake in the club.

Arsenal's Hale End academy could have its latest prodigy in the shape of talented young midfielder Mauro Bandeira, who has been resounding in his exploits across his formative years in north London.

Having stormed into title contention this season, Mikel Arteta's Gunners are one of the most esteemed outfits in Europe at present, a newfound stature that shows little sign of crumbling given the meticulous and measured approach taken over the past few years.

Progress has not been as expeditious as certain segments of the fan base might have liked, with Arteta failing to qualify for the Champions League in any of his six seasons since signing for the club at the midpoint of the 2019/20 season, though he did glean the FA Cup that very season.

The emergence of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson, three Hale End graduates to have played an important role over Arteta's tenure, has been a staple of the current success, with the £106m-rated Saka one of the world's most coveted forwards and Nelson remarkably salvaging a vital victory against Bournemouth in the division recently; Smith Rowe has spent large portions of the term injured, but netted 11 times last year.

With this in mind, Arteta must now delve back into his formative ranks and unearth the latest gem in Bandeira, who could even adopt the beloved Aaron Ramsey's mantle in north London.

Who is Mauro Bandeira?

The dynamic central midfielder can occupy a wealth of roles in the midfield department, having also been known to play out wide and in central and wide defensive roles.

A distinguished veteran at formative level, Bandeira has made 61 appearances for Arsenal's varying youth outfits, scoring four goals and registering ten assists.

Hailed as "powerful" for his stinging strikes by journalist Layth Yousif, the 19-year-old signed his first professional contract last summer and was hailed by the club's official website as a "key player".

Should Bandeira continue his development at a rate that pushes him into senior contention, he could indeed emulate the past success of Ramsey, who made 369 displays for the Premier League giants and scored 64 goals and 66 assists, integral in winning the FA Cup on three occasions.

Once heralded as "the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League" by Steven Gerrard, who knows a thing or two about flourishing as a central engine on English soil, Ramsey has averaged 1.6 shots and 1.2 key passes over the duration of his career, as per WhoScored, illustrating an efficiency and output in front of goal, both direct and as an auxiliary presence.

Bandeira will certainly hope to reap similar rewards as his career takes flight, and the £88k-rated gem will benefit from his "lively" approach to his play, as remarked by the aforementioned Yousif.

Like Ramsey, he can gallop from box to box at high energy, with striking similarities seen in their ability to carve out chances and also find the net.

Versatility is also a key component of the Welshman's game, with his ability to play out on the flanks, as well as through the middle paying a further fact that marries the two players together.

Arsenal are now growing into a cohesive and fearsome outfit, capable of wreaking havoc on any opposition, and Bandeira will continue to ply his diligent work and await the opportune moment to unleash his skills onto the senior scene.

Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane will ‘try again’ to leave north London this summer, according to journalist Darren Lewis.

The Lowdown: Turmoil at Tottenham…

Spurs supporters are witnessing real turbulence at their club with much noise surrounding the future of manager Antonio Conte who could replace the Italian.

Conte, after his side’s 3-3 draw away to Southampton last weekend, launched an astonishing post-match to the media where he questioned the very culture Spurs, the merit of his players and chairman Daniel Levy.

Support for the 53-year-old has been thin on the ground these last few days but former Lilywhites defender Matt Doherty still believes he’s the right man for the job, stating:

“I hope he stays for a long time at Tottenham. [An] unbelievable coach and manager, he won’t say anything in the press that he won’t say to his players. He’s completely honest with his players and he has the passion for the whole club.”

Amidst this drama is also the saga surrounding Kane’s future at Spurs with the England international’s contract set to expire in 2024.

The Latest: Kane will ‘try again’ to leave Spurs…

The 29-year-old pushed for a move to Premier League champions Man City in 2021 but ultimately missed out after Levy continuously rejected Pep Guardiola’s advances.

Journalist Darren Lewis of The Daily Mirror, writing on social media, claims Kane will ‘try again’ to leave Spurs this year amid what can only be described as a real mess.

He explained:

“Conte is challenging Spurs to be better – as Redknapp, Pochettino & Mourinho did before they went. He’s reached the conclusion Carrick, Berbatov, Modric & Bale etc did before they left. Kane too – he tried to go two years ago. He’ll try again this summer.”

The Verdict: Worry for Spurs…

Kane is by some way Tottenham’s most crucial asset, scoring 21 goals and assisting two others in 28 league starts of this 2022/2023 campaign.

The England international is very likely to add to that tally, such as his quality, and he currently stands out as Spurs’ best-performing player overall by average match rating (WhoScored).

Kane has also been praised for his contribution at international level yet journalist Dom Smith believes he should get even more appreciation, calling the forward still ‘vastly underrated’ by the football world in general.

Homegrown and Tottenham’s prodigal son, Levy faces losing both quality and arguably the best player to come out of his club in the last ten years.

In his desire to win silverware and contract situation, it’s not at all surprising Kane could well be considering his options.