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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has insisted that the club are still hopeful of securing Conor Gallagher on a permanent deal this summer, following his impressive loan stint at Selhurst Park.

What’s the word?

Speaking about the midfielder’s long-term plans, Parish revealed that the Eagles are keen to keep the 22-year-old – who recently claimed the club’s player of the year award – beyond the end of the season, despite the suggestion that he will return to parent club Chelsea next term.

Commenting on the three-cap international’s future, the 56-year-old stated that (quotes via The Athletic): “Conor’s future and that decision lies not with us but with him and Chelsea. They’re the people that have to decide. Once they decide what their choice is, they know where we are and what we want. We’re not going to pretend any different but we’ve got to respect them as a football club because he’s their player.

“At the end of the season he goes back to Chelsea and they’ll make their decision. Based on that, we’ll be there and if everybody thinks it’s the right thing for him to come back then we would love it. If it doesn’t work out, we wish him all the best as well”.

He then went on to add that: “Obviously with Conor, we’ve got to see what we can do there. He’s going back and we’ve got to either replace him or see if we can get him back.”

Vieira will be buzzing

Although it remains to be seen whether Thomas Tuchel will wish to include the £22.5m-rated man in his first-team plans at Stamford Bridge next term, it would seem there is hope renewed that the youngster could still be plying his trade in south, rather than west, London, next term.

In truth, it has been a truly standout campaign for the Blues academy graduate this term – having previously spent the second half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion – with the midfield starlet providing eight goals and three assists thus far.

Part of a youthful and exciting outfit under Patrick Vieira, Gallagher has thrived as an all-action presence in the centre of the park, showcasing his ability both in and out of possession.

Dubbed like “N’golo Kante with goals” by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino, the £17k-per-week gem seemingly has a boundless energy to impact the game at both ends of the pitch, averaging 2.1 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game in the top-flight this season.

He also ranks in the top 6% for pressures made among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in the top 7 % for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the top 9% for dribbles completed, with there a plethora of strings to his bow it would seem.

With a top-half finish still within reach this term, Vieira’s men will be hoping to go one better next season and mount an attack on the top-six, with having Gallagher in tow likely to make that dream easier to realise.

IN other news, “Agreement close…”: Ornstein drops huge CPFC update that supporters will love

MS Dhoni has said that the distance from his family might prevent Gary Kirsten, India’s coach, from renewing his contract after the 2011 World Cup

Sidharth Monga in Centurion15-Dec-2010MS Dhoni has said that the distance from his family might prevent Gary Kirsten, India’s coach, from renewing his contract once it runs out after the 2011 World Cup. “Of course,” Dhoni said when asked if India were trying to do everything within their powers to make Kirsten stay. “But what you also need to see is he has been part of the Indian cricket team for the last three years. His family – Joshua is a growing kid right now and James is a young kid too [both Kirsten’s sons] – which means Gary wants to spend time with his family. That will be the most crucial thing apart from the money aspect.”He has given [the Indian team] whatever he could, the best he could, and of course it was a pleasure to have him in the side, but then again it is a decision he will have to take. More than the cricketing part, it will be his family that will have a real impact on the decision.”Dhoni said there haven’t yet been discussions with Kirsten about extending his contract because the team is focused on the South Africa tour and the World Cup. “It’s a discussion that will take place. We will wait for the right time. After this series we have the World Cup coming, which means he still has close to two, two-and-a-half months with us. We will try to get the most out of him, but at the same time, as I always say, it will be a pleasure to have him for another three years.”Dhoni reiterated Kirsten’s value to the team over the course of his tenure as coach. “I have always said that he is one of the greatest things to have happened to Indian cricket apart from the talented cricketers we have got. Throughout he has been away from the media, he just concentrates on the work he needs to do. We have had a great time under him. It is an advantage to have him in the side.”Kirsten joined India after the acrimonious tour of Australia in 2007-08, and under him India have completed their ascent to No. 1 Test ranking, lost just one Test series, and are going into the World Cup as one of the favourites. His behind-the-scenes-yet-hands-on style has been appreciated by the Indian players, who have taken every opportunity to thank him.

Ireland captain William Porterfield has said he wasn’t surprised by Bangladesh’s recent win against England in Bristol

Cricinfo staff14-Jul-2010Ireland captain William Porterfield has said he wasn’t surprised by Bangladesh’s recent win against England at Bristol and expects them to come hard at his team during the two back-to-back ODIs at Belfast on Thursday and Friday.His counterpart Mashrafe Mortaza also expects it to be a competitive series and has challenged his players to maintain focus. Bangladesh’s victory in the second ODI was their first win against England in any format, but Porterfield knew the side were capable of causing an upset.”It was certainly not a surprise, I know Bangladesh is capable of doing this any time,” Porterfield said. “They are a very balanced and experienced team and great competitors.”Bangladesh failed to secure a dream series win after they were thrashed in the deciding ODI by 144 runs, after conceding 347 and Porterfield believes there will be some unfinished business for his opponents before they finish the tour.”This is completely different series and I know Bangladesh will come out of that lost series and will come hard against us,” Porterfield said. “We definitely won’t let us down at home, we will play our best cricket and the better side will win the games.”Ireland beat Bangladesh the last time they met in an international game, at the World Twenty20 in 2009. Porterfield, however, feels that recent results will not have a bearing on this series.”We really did well against them in recent past but they are a formidable side, we don’t expect to win easily but we are certain to put up a good fight and hopefully it will be great series,” he said.Mortaza said that despite giving England a scare, his team wasn’t taking Ireland for granted. Ireland have a chance to overtake Zimbabwe in the rankings and Mortaza added that he was aware of them being an emerging competitor.”I’m sure Ireland will try their best to do in the world cricket,” he said. “We need to play our best to outplay them in these two games.”Mortaza regained the captaincy for the limited-overs leg of the tour and he said he was settling in well to his new role after a long injury battle. “It’s great to be fit and back into the team,” he said. “I’m also enjoying the captaincy, thanks to all of who trusted me with the responsibility to lead such a talented team.”

West Ham United have been dealt a setback ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Burnley on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

According to BBC Sport, David Moyes are likely to face Burnley defender Erik Pieters tomorrow afternoon, as the Lancashire outfit are now set to welcome the Dutchman back after his recovery from a knee issue.

However, this hasn’t been the biggest bit of news coming out of Turf Moor this week, as, after ten years of service, manager Sean Dyche was relieved of his duties on Friday – with Burnley 18th and four points from safety with eight games remaining.

Therefore, U23s boss Michael Jackson will be in the opposing dugout at the London Stadium as he takes up temporary charge of the visitors, whilst defender Ben Mee will also be a part of the coaching set-up.

However, amid the surprise regarding Dyche’s dismissal, West Ham must continue to prepare to take on a side desperate for points and who will be stronger with the return of Pieters.

Pieters’ return is bad news for West Ham

Prior to suffering his injury in February, Pieters had been playing well with Burnely in decent form.

The left-back played every minute of the Clarets’ seven Premier League matches between late January and late February before being withdrawn away at Crystal Palace after an hour.

From those seven matches, Dyche’s side lost just once, winning twice and drawing the other four matches which gave their survival hopes a boost.

Prior to that run in the side, the 33-year-old had struggled for minutes in claret and blue, making just four league appearances before the turn of the year.

Since Pieters has been out of action, Burnley have been in dire form, winning just one of their last six in the top flight, losing the other five.

However, that victory was a crucial one as the Lancashire outfit overcame relegation rivals Everton 3-2 at Turf Moor before embarrassingly losing 2-0 at bottom side Norwich City, the final nail in the coffin for Dyche.

The Hammers will certainly smell blood as they look to consolidate their place in the top six, which is currently hanging on a thread.

Although, Burnley supporters will be expecting a reaction after a rollercoaster week at Turf Moor and the boost of Pieters’ return could prove awkward for David Moyes to deal with.

AND in other news: West Ham plot bid for £21.6m-rated “leader”, Moyes can now axe “shocking” £61k-p/w dud

Kevin Pietersen will return to action for Surrey in Sunday’s CB40 match against one of his previous clubs, Hampshire, at West End

George Dobell17-Aug-2012Kevin Pietersen will return to action for Surrey in Sunday’s CB40 match against one of his previous clubs, Hampshire, at West End.Pietersen, who was dropped from the England side for the final Test of the series against South Africa at Lord’s following an incident where he sent what he termed ‘provocative’ texts about England captain Andrew Strauss to members of the South Africa team, is anxious to win a recall to England’s limited-overs squads. The ECB will announce the squads for the World Twenty20 and the limited-overs series against South Africa on Tuesday.The ECB have also released Pietersen for the CB40 against Glamorgan at the Oval on Tuesday, a game which will be used to launch the Tom Maynard Trust, a charity founded in memory of the Surrey and Glamorgan batsman who died in tragic circumstances in June aged just 23. No decision has yet been made about the playing commitments of any of England’s other contracted players beyond Tuesday.Surrey will be grateful for Pietersen’s return. Their form has deteriorated since the death of Maynard, with Mark Ramprakash retiring and Rory Hamilton-Brown taking extended compassionate leave and relinquishing the captaincy. They can still retain the CB40 trophy they won last year, however, and go into Sunday’s game against Hampshire just a point behind the hosts with a game in hand.Quite what reception Pietersen can expect remains to be seen. He left Hampshire under something of a cloud in 2010 having complained about the distance of the ground from his Chelsea home and the events of recent weeks will have done little to win over those who were unimpressed by him then.

Aston Villa have made a late offer for Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey.

That’s according to Italian outlet Il Resto Del Carlino, and as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have flocked to the update on social media.

Hickey was linked with a move to Villa Park earlier this month, with Gregg Evans believing that a swoop for the highly-rated Scottish teenager was more likely in the summer.

However, it seems as if NSWE and club CEO Christian Purslow have decided to launch a formal bid for the 19-year-old late in the winter window, possibly due to the fact that Matt Targett is set to join Newcastle until the end of the campaign.

Il Resto Del Carlino revealed that Bologna have turned down a €10m (£8.3m) offer from Villa which included a 20% sell-on clause.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful on Twitter relayed the claims of a move late bid for Hickey on deadline day. Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply…

“Anyone actually watched him on a consistent basis? Numbers look good mind. Would make the Targett deal make sense.”

Credit: @Hiddenvillian93

“Oh my, say it again faithful”

Credit: @AvfcTalkTime

“So that’s why Targett can leave… Makes some sense. Come on Purslow, pay up.”

Credit: @villaman12345

“GET IT DONE”

Credit: @KishinJay

“Double it boys, idc”

Credit: @AlexPickworth1

“Bro make it happen. Send a 15 mil bid in”

Credit: @ZM_AVFC

In other news: ‘Hats off to the board’ – Sky Sports pundit purrs at ‘amazing’ out-of-the-blue Villa transfer news

After a stellar start under Steven Gerrard, picking up four wins from six games, Aston Villa host a Chelsea side in mixed form in what proves to be both a tricky test, but also an opportunity to record a significant scalp.

Here is how Football FanCast believe Villa will line up against the Blues as Gerrard makes two changes to the win against Norwich City.

In goal, there are no surprises as Emi Martínez makes his 17th league start of the campaign whilst the back four of Matt Targett, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash avoids any tinkering.

There is one change in the midfield as 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka is handed his first Premier League start since August and just his second in total.

With Marvelous Nakamba set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the English midfielder has an opportunity to impress and fill the void left by the Zimbabwe international.

The £2.25m-rated midfielder has already made three appearances off of the bench under Gerrard, assisting in the Villans’ last game against Norwich.

Furthermore, having been dubbed “a big game player” by a previous coach, the game against Chelsea could prove the perfect opportunity for Chukwuemeka to state a claim.

Chukwuemeka’s presence means that Jacob Ramsey moves onto the right-wing. Having scored against Norwich last time out, the 20-year-old deserves to maintain his place in the starting lineup.

Emi Buendía keeps his spot in the team on the left flank whilst Danny Ings replaces Ollie Watkins upfront on a precautionary basis.

With Villa set to contest a hectic festive schedule, Gerrard will need to manage his squad effectively and therefore may be tempted to rest some key players, such as Watkins, with nearby fixtures in mind.

AND in other news, Huge boost: Aston Villa receive big injury lift pre-Chelsea, fans will be elated…

Normal services resumed on the fourth day with the bat dominating on a placid pitch, after the Sri Lankan spinners had injected some life in the Test on the third

The Bulletin by Siddhartha Talya29-Jul-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Suresh Raina became the first Indian batsman in nine years to score a Test century on debut•Associated PressNormal service resumed on the fourth day with bat dominating ball on a placid pitch, after the Sri Lankan spinners had injected life into the Test on the third. India ensured a draw was inevitable, as they overhauled Sri Lanka’s first-innings score, with Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina adding to an exhaustive list of milestones achieved in this game. Tendulkar eased to his fifth double-century while Raina became the first Indian batsman since Virender Sehwag in 2001 to score a Test century on debut.As Tendulkar and Raina took India past the follow-on target, the proceedings evoked memories of the dull draws these two teams played out during the 1990s. With spread-out fields, a slow pitch and conditions discriminating against the bowlers, Sri Lanka’s triple strike on the third morning proved an aberration.That was evident in the positive approach adopted by Tendulkar and Raina at the outset on the fourth day. Tendulkar, who had been more sparing in his treatment of fuller deliveries amid pressure on day three, resumed his innings with a cover drive off Suraj Randiv. The seamers, while troubling Tendulkar occasionally with well-directed bouncers, were dealt with more harshly. Dammika Prasad, after striking Tendulkar on the helmet, was cracked for three fours through point; Dilhara Fernando, who induced Tendulkar to play an ill-executed upper cut – he had Tendulkar dropped off the same shot the previous day – was at the receiving end of his trademark straight drive.Tendulkar shrugged off a couple of close shaves against Randiv – he padded up to deliveries that straightened but was saved by the bounce – by sweeping effectively against the turn and brought up his double with a paddle down to fine leg.Smart stats

India’s score in the second innings of the Test was the 27th time they have passed 500 in the second innings. Only on one occasion (Sydney 2008) have they gone on to lose.

Sachin Tendulkar’s double-century was his fifth in Tests. It places him joint-fifth on the all time list of players with the most double-hundreds.

The 256-run stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina was the third highest fifth-wicket partnership for India in Tests and the joint second highest against Sri Lanka.

Suraj Randiv became only the third bowler to concede more than 200 runs on debut .

When India passed 600, it became only the fourth instance when teams made greater than 600 runs in the first and second innings of a match.

Raina showed few signs of nerves in his maiden Test appearance, looking confident early in his innings. He didn’t hesitate to step out against the spinners on the third day and began in a similar vein on the fourth, lofting Randiv over long-off. Unlike Tendulkar, Raina played the pitched-up deliveries with more comfort throughout his knock. He played his favourite slog-sweep to dispatch Randiv over midwicket, and brought up his ton with a drive through mid off. The celebration began the moment he connected; he clenched his fists, ran to the other end and soaked in the applause for an achievement that opened up India’s options in their Test middle order. He was beaten by a Mendis legbreak shortly after lunch and spooned an easy catch to short midwicket but only after India had reached safety.The batsmen that followed had plenty of time to adjust to variations in pace as well as frequent changes in length, and runs flowed at a healthy pace. This was on display in the manner that MS Dhoni settled in, stepping out to Mendis on just his fifth ball and pulling Prasad for consecutive boundaries. The spinners were heaved and slogged and Dhoni notched up another fifty.Tillakaratne Dilshan salvaged some pride with a couple of quick wickets. Tendulkar was caught off an inside edge onto the pads, and Harbhajan Singh gifted a catch to midwicket. The resistance, however, continued with Dhoni and Abhimanyu Mithun occupying the crease for 21.4 overs before Dilshan struck again to snare the Indian captain.Kumar Sangakkara kept three close-in catchers for much of the day, hoping the extra bounce would yield something. The seamers had a slip against Tendulkar, an additional leg slip for Raina, as well as a silly point for Dhoni when he was new to the crease. Perhaps Mendis could have come on much earlier than at the stroke of lunch. But their hopes were thwarted by a determined effort from Tendulkar, Raina and Dhoni, who have set up a third Test finale at the P Sara Stadium.

Celtic pundit Frank McAvennie has been reacting to the news of Jota’s loan move becoming permanent, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: £5m fee

The Hoops have already brought in four players so far this month and appear to be closing in on MK Dons midfielder Matt O’Riley.

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Michael Nicholson is also hoping to make Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ temporary stays in Glasgow permanent, with Football Insider believing on Friday that a full-time switch is edging closer for the former.

A source informed the site that a figure will be over £5m due to a loan fee already being paid, with Jota returning from injury against Hibernian on Monday evening.

The Latest: McAvennie’s comments

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding the news on Jota.

He hailed it as a ‘massive boost’ and labelled the winger as a ‘superstar’.

“The loudest cheer on Monday night was Jota coming on.

“It was incredible, he’s a superstar up here now. He needs to be announced as ours as soon as possible.

“I can’t see it not happening. He loves it up here and it doesn’t sound like anyone else is in for him.

“The noise from the crowd told the club what we all think of him staying.

“I hope and expect that’s wrapped up before the end of the window because that would be another massive boost for everyone here.”

The Verdict: Statement

Jota has been a revelation since joining the Hoops over the summer, contributing to 14 goals in 19 games.

His Transfermarkt valuation has increased from £3.15m to £4.95m as a result of his impressive displays in Scotland, and you’d expect that to only increase further as he is still just 22 years of age.

On that basis, a fee of around £5m on top of the loan fee they paid Benfica back in the summer could be a great piece of business in the long run, even if it does make Jota one of the club’s most expensive signings ever, above even Kyogo Furuhashi.

McAvennie is excited at the prospect of a full-time move going through, and it seems as if it could be just a matter of time until he gets his wish.

In other news: ‘Wolves are…’ – Journalist makes big claim with Celtic gem now wanted at Molineux. 

West Indies coach Ottis Gibson has said that leaving Ramnaresh Sarwan out of the squad for the Sri Lanka tour was a tough decision

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2010West Indies coach Ottis Gibson has said that leaving Ramnaresh Sarwan out of the Test team was a tough decision but one that needed to be made in the interests of the touring squad in Sri Lanka. Fitness issues and indifferent form have kept Sarwan out of the side in 2010, but Gibson said he still has a lot to offer the team.”It came down to whether we can continue to take Sarwan on tour and then have one of our best players not available to us for selection all the time,” Gibson said. “The decision was taken to give him more time to get fit. I still think he’s got a lot more contributions to make to West Indies cricket and that gives him the opportunity to do the things he knows he needs to do to not just get fit, but stay fit to make those contributions.”Gibson backed the “strong decisions” made by the selectors in picking a new-look squad, with Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo stripped of their leadership roles following their refusal to sign WICB’s central contracts. Darren Sammy took over as captain from Gayle, while Brendan Nash was named vice-captain.”The selectors have picked a team in trying to chart the way forward for the West Indies in the coming years,” Gibson said. “We are in the decision-making business and West Indies cricket, from where it sits currently, needs strong decisions and those are the decisions the selectors have taken. It’s an exciting time for Darren and Brendan but also for some of the young guys who have been picked.”The squad includes the uncapped pair of fast bowler Andre Russell and wicketkeeper Devon Thomas, who was picked in place of Denesh Ramdin. Gibson was confident that both the team and the new players stood to benefit from their presence on a potentially tough tour of Sri Lanka.”Thomas’ selection comes at the back of a very good stint at the Sagicor High Performance Center in Barbados,” Gibson said. “He has had rave reviews when they went on tour in Canada. The thinking of the selectors is that the subcontinent is a tough place to tour, and if you’re going on a tour like that you need to have cover in specialist positions so therefore the view of taking two keepers [Carlton Baugh is also in the side] is exactly that.”When I see Andre Russell, he excites me. He is a big, tall fellow and he has got some pace. We took the decision to take him along and it will give me an opportunity to work with him and introduce him into the international arena that way.”Gibson also reposed faith in the inexperienced leadership pair that will take charge of the side. Sammy has played only eight Tests since his debut in 2007, while the Australia-born batsman, Nash, has featured in 15.”Darren Sammy as a cricketer and as a leader always plays with passion. Hopefully when he leads, he continues to lead in that way. What we don’t want is for him to get the job and change the way he is. I said to him already that he must be his own man and make sure that we, as management, will take as much stress off him so he can do his job.”Brendan Nash, since he’s been here, has been very professional,” Gibson said. “Growing up in Australia, he’s got a steely Australia attitude, meticulous with his preparation. That’s what I see of Nash and that’s what I hope he brings to his role as the vice-captain of the team – to lead in that regard, continue to show the younger players in the team in that way.”