All posts by h716a5.icu

The BCCI has been allowed to pay expenses for the first three Tests between India and England by the Supreme Court

Nagraj Gollapudi08-Nov-2016The BCCI has been allowed to pay expenses for the first three Tests between India and England by the Supreme Court but the board has been told to deal with contracted vendors directly and not transfer money to the hosting state association.At a hearing on Tuesday, the court said the BCCI could disburse INR 58.66 lakhs to conduct the first Test in Rajkot, which begins on November 9. The board was told to follow the same process until December 3 – the second Test is in Visakhapatnam from November 17 and the third in Mohali from November 26.The BCCI sought intervention from the court by filing an interim application on November 7, saying that unless it was allowed to enter into contracts the first Test in Rajkot would be in jeopardy. The Lodha Committee was asked to audit all the expenses paid by the BCCI.The board said it had approached the court because the Lodha Committee had not given directives after the interim order on October 21. In that order, the Supreme Court had told the BCCI to “cease and desist” from disbursing funds to state associations until they submitted a written undertaking stating acceptance of the Lodha Committee recommendations.The court had also asked the Lodha Committee to set a threshold value for all BCCI contracts and said that any contract above the threshold value would need the committee’s approval. The committee was told to appoint an independent auditor to oversee all contracts from the tender stage.After the order on October 21, the BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke had sent several emails to the Lodha Committee seeking clarifications at the earliest to avoid problems with the staging of the England Tests. In its response, the committee made it clear that BCCI president Anurag Thakur would need to file an affidavit stating the BCCI would unreservedly comply with the October 21 court order.On Tuesday the Supreme Court was told by the Lodha Committee secretary Gopal Sankaranarayanan that neither the BCCI nor the state associations had agreed to comply with the court order of October 21The court asked the committee to appoint an auditor at the earliest, along with the set of experts including administrative officers and assistants, to vet BCCI contracts for domestic and international cricket, and the IPL.The hearing will resume on December 5, when the court will take stock of the progress made by the BCCI and state association in implementing the October 21 order.

Australia’s captain Steven Smith has declined to name Nathan Lyon a certain starter for the Sydney Test, declaring that Australia needed greater consistency from the offspinner

Brydon Coverdale at the MCG29-Dec-2016Australia’s captain Steven Smith has declined to name Nathan Lyon a certain starter for the Sydney Test, declaring that Australia needed greater consistency from the offspinner.Lyon is the most experienced member of Australia’s current Test side and the country’s most prolific Test offspinner of all time, yet this summer he has struggled for impact and has taken nine wickets at 66.66 during five Tests so far. In Pakistan’s first innings at the MCG, Lyon took 1 for 115 from 23 overs, his figures ballooning as Pakistan chased quick late runs on day three.”I’m not sure. That’s up to the selectors,” Smith said when asked if Lyon was an automatic selection for the Sydney Test. “He obviously hasn’t bowled at his best in this game. It’s always difficult bowling to lots of right-handers.”And they [Pakistan] play spin pretty well. It’s never easy bowling against subcontinent players when the ball isn’t doing a lot off the wicket as well. I guess we’re just looking for Nathan to be a little bit more consistent in the way he bowls.”Although the SCG has offered significant turn in some Sheffield Shield matches this summer, it is actually Lyon’s worst Test venue in Australia in terms of his bowling average. In five Tests in Sydney, Lyon has picked up 13 wickets at 54.15. His overall first-class record at the ground does not make for pretty reading either, with a total of 14 wickets at 64.85 from seven games.Australia are expected to name their squad for the Sydney Test on Friday, after the conclusion of the Melbourne Test, and Smith said there was “a good chance” that more than one spinner would be included. Left-armer Steve O’Keefe would appear the logical candidate for a recall, with Jon Holland currently sidelined by an ankle injury.It is not out of the question that the selectors could consider a spin-bowling allrounder, with Ashton Agar and Glenn Maxwell potential contenders, although the more likely scenario is to again include a seaming allrounder. Hilton Cartwright was 12th man for the Boxing Day Test, and could yet be considered for a debut in Sydney.That decision may in part come down to how the fast bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood especially, fare after the Melbourne Test. Both men have sent down more than 200 overs during the home Test summer and the short turnaround between Melbourne and Sydney could enter the thinking of the selectors.”They have done some bowling,” Smith said. “It’s obviously been a pretty big summer for them as well – six Test matches is always a lot. They’ve done some yards, which is a little concerning. But I think they’re pretty confident in their bodies at the moment that everything’s going okay.”At the end of this Test match is another opportunity for us to sum up where they’re at. They might not end up bowling much, or at all, tomorrow. We’re going to have to sum that up and see how they pull up after this Test match to see what happens in the next Test match.”We’re going to have to weigh that up. We’ve got Hilton here. We had him in here as cover for those quicks who had a big workload last week. They were confident this week of being able to get through and get the job done. It’s going to be about summing it up and seeing where they’re at after this Test match.”

Chelsea have opened discussions over a deal for Everton's Amadou Onana, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Is Amadou Onana leaving Everton this summer?

The midfielder only joined the Toffees at the beginning of the 2022/23 Premier League season but has already made quite an impression in England. It was a season to forget for the club, as they finished in 17th place and only narrowly avoided relegation. However, Onana amassed 33 league appearances along the way and became an important first-team player for the side, working hard in midfield and bagging one goal and two assists along the way.

His showings also led to the 21-year-old emerging as a real talent when compared to other players in his position across Europe. For example, the Belgian's battling led to a rate of 2.17 aerials won per 90 – which puts him in the top seven percent in his position for that category across the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues. In addition, his 2.60 tackles per 90 has him in the 77th percentile. It shows that he is prepared to fight for every ball in the centre of the field and isn't afraid to throw his body around and get stuck into play.

Having shone for Everton, there is now interest in his signature higher up the table too. Man United are one side that have added him to their wanted list but a fresh report today from reliable journalist Tavolieri has revealed that Chelsea have now held talks over a potential transfer.

The Blues have also got Onana on their radar and have "resumed discussions" over a move for the player. With Everton struggling in terms of their own finances and potentially able to generate a £55m fee from his sale, the Toffees could end up flogging the midfielder due to an ongoing FFP battle and an "urgent need for cash".

Tavolieri said: "Chelsea FC revives Amadou Onana's track! The Blues have resumed discussions for the Diables Rouges & shown a strong interest again. EFC player open to a departure from Everton FC who -in urgent needs of cash- wants to recover ~£55m in the deal. It's still going to move."

When does Onana's contract expire?

Onana has a deal with Everton that only expires in 2027 and whilst they would no doubt like to keep the midfielder, it seems that with all the interest in his services, he could exit the club this summer.

Any club that does sign him would be getting an "intelligent" player according to football journalist Josh Bunting, who added that the Belgian is "comfortable" with the ball and is also "strong in the dribble," while talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed his physicality as a player "dominant" in the air and "tenacious" in the tackle.

With Chelsea looking to rejuvenate their squad then, a deal for Onana could certainly boost their midfield if they sign Onana.

Manchester United have made a new £50m offer for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, however, it has once again been rejected, Sky Sports report.

What’s the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag appear to be extremely keen on bringing Mount to Old Trafford this summer, with the England international having just 12 months remaining on his Chelsea contract.

Personal terms between Manchester United and Mount were agreed at the beginning of the month, but it has been a struggle when it comes to agreeing on a transfer fee with their Premier League rivals.

An opening £40m offer was made and quickly turned down by Chelsea, who reportedly want around £70m for Mount’s services. There has now been a further transfer update shared by Sky Sports.

Within the last 24 hours, Sky Sports have shared on Twitter Manchester United’s latest offer to Chelsea for Mount. It is worth a total of £50m, but once again, it has been turned down with talks set to continue.

“Chelsea have rejected a second bid from Manchester United for their midfielder Mason Mount.

“The deal is understood to be worth £50m. £45m guaranteed plus £5m in performance related add-ons. United clearly want the player but they do have a valuation in mind which they are unlikely to go beyond. Negotiations are expected continue.”

Will Manchester United sign Mason Mount?

It looks as if those at Old Trafford are extremely keen on Mount’s services, and with the player not interested in signing new Chelsea terms, you’d like to think an agreement could be reached over the coming months.

Dubbed a "mad player" by Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand and a “superb player” by another reported target Kylian Mbappe, Mount would offer a versatile option in midfield as well as bringing plenty of Premier League experience.

Capable of turning out as an attacking or central midfielder and even out wide if required, the England international has made 129 appearances in the Premier League, contributing to 51 goals.

Therefore, he could play alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in a three-man midfield, providing the balance between the two United stars. As per FBref, Mount ranks in the 93rd percentile for progressive passes, 99th percentile for shots blocked and 94th percentile for tackles in the midfield third when it comes to other attacking midfielders, showing how he could offer plenty to Ten Hag’s side.

Virat Kohli has been unveiled as the latest cover star of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, following his leading role in India’s clean sweep of trophies against England

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Feb-20172:32

India’s player of the year – Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been unveiled as the latest cover star of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, following his leading role in India’s clean sweep of trophies in all three formats of their recent series against England.Kohli, who made two centuries in India’s 4-0 Test series win before Christmas, including a career-best 235 in the fourth Test at Mumbai, is pictured playing a reverse sweep – a reflection, according to Wisden’s editor, Lawrence Booth, of the manner in which he has helped to revolutionise the sport in recent years.Kohli’s reverse-sweep adorns the cover of Wisden 2017•Wisden”It underlines the fact that he is a very modern cricketer,” Booth told ESPNcricinfo. “It felt like the right time to get some unorthodoxy onto the cover. People often think of Wisden as a bastion of orthodoxy, but cricket is changing so rapidly that it felt like the right time to reflect that, and Kohli was the right man for the job.”Kohli is the third cricketer of Asian extraction to feature on the front cover in the past four editions. His former India team-mate Sachin Tendulkar was honoured in 2014 following his retirement from international cricket, while England’s Moeen Ali was the cover star for 2015.Kohli is the stand-out contender to be named as Wisden’s Leading Player of the Year, an accolade that dates back to 2004, when Ricky Ponting was the original recipient.”Kohli will be fresh in the mind of all cricket fans after his performances against England,” Booth said. “He has pulled clear of the likes of Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson and AB de Villiers, and is clearly the most exciting all-format batsman in world cricket.”However, Kohli has not yet been named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year, the book’s oldest honour that can only be bestowed once in a player’s career and tends to reflect a player’s impact on the preceding English season.Kohli’s record in England does not yet match his overall impact on the sport – his only previous Test appearances in the country came in 2014, when he made 134 runs in five Tests at 13.40 in England’s 3-1 series win.However, he seems intent on making amends when India next tour England in 2018, and admitted last year that he would consider a stint in county cricket to acclimatise himself properly for the challenge.The 2017 edition of Wisden will be published in April, to coincide with the start of the English season.

Glasgow Rangers are closing in on securing yet another summer signing, with striker Cyriel Dessers looking set to move to Ibrox.

What’s the latest on Cyriel Dessers to Rangers?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Understand Rangers are closing in on deal for Cyriel Dessers. Agreement now imminent with Cremonese for Nigerian striker — here we go soon.

“Clubs have agreed on final fee and all documents are being drafted.”

The chase for the Belgian-born striker has been a long one, but it certainly appears as though Michael Beale has finally secured a deal for the player, bolstering his attacking options in the process.

Does Antonio Colak have a future at Rangers?

The Ibrox side saw Alfredo Morelos depart after six seasons which saw him gain cult hero status in Glasgow having netted 124 goals for the club, and Beale knew signing a like-for-like replacement was imperative this summer.

Antonio Colak remains the only natural out-and-out striker at the Gers, however his future may potentially lie away from Scotland, especially after the update regarding Dessers.

German outfit Werder Bremen are interested in signing the Croatian frontman after just one season at Rangers and Beale may consider moving him on, especially considering he started just six times under the 42-year-old throughout the second half of the season.

Dessers may not be in a similar mould to Colak, yet there is no doubt he could add some serious firepower to the side. The 19k-per-week gem scored ten goals last term, which was eight less than Colak, however his all-round game is slightly better, making more key passes per game (0.9 to 0.5) and registering more assists (two to one) than the 29-year-old managed in the league last term.

Having been hailed as a player who is “Just so awkward to play against with his strength” according to journalist Josh Bunting, he can cause plenty of problems in the opposition box and across Europe’s top five leagues, the striker ranks in the top 8% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (6.52), suggesting he is in the right place at the right time fairly often.

His dribbling ability is also top class, ranking in the top 10% across the big five European leagues for carries into the penalty area per 90 (1.36), meaning he likes to drop deep and link up with the midfielders, showing a different side to his game than just scoring.

Beale will be demanding goals of course, yet having a number nine who is capable of connecting well with the players behind him suggests he will be a much more fluid option than Colak, who may depart the Gers after just 12 months.

Dean Elgar’s 128* and Faf du Plessis’ 52 led South Africa’s fightback on the opening day in Dunedin after the New Zealand quicks jolted the visitors early

The Report by Andrew McGlashan07-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:10

Moonda: All eyes on Bavuma after Elgar

On 22 consecutive occasions, the captain winning the toss in New Zealand had opted to bowl. When South Africa were 22 for 3 on the opening day in Dunedin, Dean Elgar may have pondered if Faf du Plessis had picked the right time to end that run. But Elgar did more than most to make sure it worked out fine in the end as his seventh Test hundred carried South Africa to 229 for 4.The dominant stand of the day came between Elgar, who was dropped by BJ Watling on 36, and du Plessis as they added 126 for the fourth wicket before further consolidation alongside Temba Bavuma in a stand of 81 which survived the entire final session. However, New Zealand ensured the game did not run away from them, for the most part keeping a lid on the scoring, after making the surprise decision of selecting two frontline spinners.Elgar’s seventh Test century, and a third in his last seven outings, came from 197 balls including 20 boundaries which highlighted how focused he was on leaving and defending unless there was something on offer to attack. He has become one of the preeminent opening batsmen in the game, although his returns can fly under the radar. He was named Man of the Series against Sri Lanka in January and this innings took his average above 40 for the first time since his third Test (which was also against New Zealand) as he finished within two runs of a new career-best score.While Elgar’s recent returns mean this performance shouldn’t be unexpected, there was plenty at the start of the day which did confound expectation. Kane Williamson had put considerable faith in his luck with the coin changing after making the crunch decision to leave out vice-captain Tim Southee in favour of Jeetan Patel. But after losing all five tosses in the one-day series the run continued which meant bowling with an attack New Zealand would be more expected to field on the subcontinent than at home: it was the first time they had selected two specialist spinners at University Oval.Patel was bowling by the sixth over and conceded just eight runs in his first 10 overs to help New Zealand build and sustain pressure in the first session. There was certainly some grip for him and Mitchell Santner to suggest the selection call was not out of the realms of fantasy, but there were times when New Zealand felt a quick bowler light.There was nothing strange, however, in the manner of the early wickets. Stephen Cook’s defensive mindset led to him padding up against Trent Boult. Then Neil Wagner, on his home ground, produced a superb over at the start of his second spell. Firstly, he caught Hashim Amla flat-footed, after he had made 1 off 27 balls, with a full delivery which clattered into the stumps and then he switched to Wagner 101 mode with a brute of a short ball to bounce out JP Duminy.When you are a captain who was undecided what to do until moments before the toss, you are probably questioning your decision to bat when walking in at 22 for 3. But alongside Elgar, du Plessis took the sting out of the morning session. A penny for Southee’s thoughts as he saw the ball swinging but a spinner in operation.Neil Wagner’s double-strike in the 19th over sent back Hashim Amla and JP Duminy•AFPThe major moment of the day came off the first delivery of the second over after lunch when Elgar tickled Boult down the leg side but Watling could not gather the low catch. He did not offer another chance. As the fourth-wicket partnership bedded in, Williamson was left with the juggling act of not over-bowling Boult and Wagner. The way in which Elgar and du Plessis bided their time reinforced how they knew they could force Williamson’s hand and their reward was a period before tea which brought seven boundaries in 19 deliveries, although that was a rare period of brisk scoring.Du Plessis reached his fifty with a delightful drive off Santner before handing New Zealand a boost during an action-packed over against James Neesham who had been selected ahead of Colin de Grandhomme but not bowled until the 57th over. Clocking over 140kph, Neesham had du Plessis given lbw only for the decision to be overturned by the DRS due to a very thin edge (du Plessis initially reviewed for height, so thin was the nick). Three balls later there was no doubt, du Plessis pulling to Boult at deep midwicket ten minutes before tea in uncharacteristically careless fashion.It was an opening for New Zealand, especially with Bavuma coming off 21 runs in five innings against Sri Lanka, but while the bowling remained accurate it was difficult with the ageing ball. Elgar moved into the 90s with a neat skip down the pitch to loft Santner down the ground then reached three figures with a crunching pull through midwicket off Neesham.Bavuma took 20 balls to open his account but after a top-edged hook evaded long leg became more secure, surviving Wagner’s attempts to rough him up with the older ball. The new ball was taken and caused a few uneasy moments, but could not conjure the breakthrough New Zealand needed. There was much that went against history on the opening day of this series and though it’s too early to say how history will judge the match, South Africa will have ended highly satisfied with having hauled themselves out of the mire.

Steven Smith believes “momentum” is with Australia and India would be “hurting” after a day-five resistance mission kept the series level at 1-1

Melinda Farrell in Ranchi20-Mar-20171:44

‘India must be hurting’ – Smith

Steven Smith believes “momentum” is with Australia and India would be “hurting” after a day-five resistance mission in Ranchi kept the series level at 1-1.Australia refused to crumble on the final day – just like the pitch, despite some dire pre-Test predictions – and their great escape was made possible chiefly by a fighting 124-run partnership between Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh. The pair had come together at a precarious time for Australia, at 64 for 3 after Matt Renshaw and Smith had fallen in the space of four balls towards the end of a morning session.”I’m very proud. They had magnificent plans,” Smith said. “They backed their defence for a long period of time and to see the game out for as long as they did, it was an outstanding performance. I’m really proud of the way they did that.”That’s one of the things we’ve been talking about – being resilient and sticking out the tough times. The way Petey and Shaun did that was absolutely magnificent.”As a left-hand batsman, Marsh was particularly tested by the foot marks outside his off stump, which Ravindra Jadeja relentlessly tried to exploit.”It was tough,” Marsh said. “I was just trying to play the ball. If a ball dipped, I was just trying to play the ball. He’s a quality bowler and I thought he bowled fantastically well and it was a great challenge out there against him.”We just tried to keep it as simple as possible. Just to watch the ball and keep playing to our strengths and our game plan, and we didn’t try and think about the end result too much – just about playing each ball on its merits. I thought we did that really well together today and I really enjoyed being out there with [Handscomb].”Australia have already exceeded the expectations of many on this tour, and a draw in the deciding Test in Dharamsala will be sufficient for them to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India must win the final match to claim the silverware and Smith believes the fact Australia was able to withstand every onslaught from India’s bowlers on the final day in Ranchi gives them a slight edge over Kohli’s side.”If there’s anything called momentum in cricket it’s probably with us at the moment. India coming today would have expected to bowl us out. I’m sure they’re hurting a little bit,” Smith said. “But having said that it’s one-all and we’re playing a decider in Dharamsala. Really exciting. Group’s looking forward to it.”While Smith rued the fact that Australia had probably left themselves 100 runs short in the first innings, he felt the rearguard action to force the draw would lift his players heading to Dharamsala.”Petey’s looked very good in every game so far without going on to make a score,” he said. “And today the way he did that, his 70 not out is worth 150 in my eyes. I thought he played beautifully and Shaun as well.”I’m sure that all of the boys that batted out in the middle – Renshaw, Shaun and Handscomb – the three that did very well, they’ll take loads out of what they’ve been able to do in this second innings.”It’s never easy batting in the fourth [third] innings of a game in India and trying to save the game, and I was exceptionally proud of the way they all went about their business. They backed themselves to the hilt, we backed them and it’s great that they were able to do what they did.”Australia’s batsmen ensured that the back-breaking work done by their bowlers on the third and fourth days was not in vain but there is no doubt the toil and grind in the field will have taken a toll on the attack. Smith admitted as much. “I’ve never spent 210 overs in the field before,” he said. “SOK [Steve O’Keefe] was actually joking for a minute there, he bowled 78 overs, if he bowled two more he was going to throw the ball off and get himself a new one from one end.”It was a long time in the field and credit to India, they played beautifully. [Cheteshwar] Pujara and [Wriddhiman] Saha batted exceptionally well. It was a long time in the field, so credit to our boys the way they came out today after having such heavy legs and spending that time in the field, to still be able hold out for the draw.”

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has been a busy man in the summer transfer window as he has wrapped up a host of deals with the aim of improving his playing squad.

Sam Lammers, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland, and Kieran Dowell have all arrived at Ibrox on a permanent basis, while Abdallah Sima has joined on loan until the end of the season.

These fresh additions to the side have opened the door for the club to move on some of the fringe players from the team, including Welsh winger Rabbi Matondo.

Journalist Darren Witcoop revealed that the Light Blues are prepared to cash in on the former FC Schalke prospect, with a move south of the border seemingly on the cards.

The reporter recently Tweeted: "Wales international Rabbi Matondo is free to leave Glasgow Rangers this summer. Matondo spent a loan spell with Stoke in 2021 and could return to English football after being made available by the Scottish club."

Beale could now replace the ex-Manchester City man by landing Swansea forward Morgan Whittaker, who would be a big upgrade on the 22-year-old livewire.

What's the latest on Morgan Whittaker to Rangers?

Towards the end of last month, the Daily Record reported that the Gers are looking to move on some players and that they will then eye further signings, with the club said to still be interested in a deal to sign the Championship attacker.

This comes after the Light Blues failed to snap him up from the Welsh outfit during the January transfer window, after his loan spell with Plymouth Argyle.

Beale must now complete a swoop for the 22-year-old as his statistics for Plymouth last season suggest that the potential is there for him to offer more than Matondo.

Whittaker averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 across 25 League One appearances and contributed with an impressive nine goals to go along with seven assists. This is a deadly asset simply chomping at the bit to play at a higher level.

To put those numbers into context, Malik Tillman (ten) was the only Gers midfielder or winger with more than six league strikes while Ryan Kent (nine) was the only forward with over seven assists in the Scottish Premiership last season.

These statistics suggest that Whittaker could be one of Beale's most productive attackers if the talented dynamo is able to translate his impressive form in England over to Scotland.

He would also come in as a big upgrade on Matondo after the former Schalke man struggled badly in his debut season with the Glasgow giants.

The £28k-per-week wide man averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 over 19 Premiership outings as he failed to find the back of the net and produced just four assists for his teammates.

Whittaker, who talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "flamboyant", could be an upgrade on the current Gers winger both in terms of the threat he can pose as a scorer of goals as well as being a creator, while his average performance level may also be far greater.

This is why Beale must push for the club to cash in on Matondo in order to open the door for the Swansea man to come in ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Leeds United are reportedly plotting their first transfer move of the window…

Will Karl Darlow sign for Leeds United?

According to Sky Sports' Keith Downie, who holds a focus on news breaking out of Newcastle United, they could well do.

They are one suitor seeking to pry Karl Darlow from Tyneside. The backup goalkeeper is unlikely to displace the ever-present Nick Pope, and having shone on loan at Hull City more recently, could seek to turn that into a future career where he is a starter.

The journalist took to Twitter to note: "Bournemouth & Leeds United are battling it out to sign Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow. Boro also showed interest but can’t match the wages. Darlow has two years left on his NUFC deal & will command a fee. No official bid from either club — but will come soon."

His reported £30k-per-week salary would likely have to be cut to make this move a reality though.

How good is Karl Darlow?

Although he has only featured 100 times for the Magpies despite having been at St James' Park for nine years now, his brief stints as the starting keeper offered glimpses into the fine shot-stopper he could be for a club willing to put their faith in him.

His performances during the 2020/21 campaign stand out particularly, given the huge praise he attained for keeping the scorelines down under Steve Bruce's troublesome tenure.

Maintaining a 6.92 average Sofascore rating throughout that term, he was forced to make 3.5 saves per game, some of which defied belief.

Ally McCoist even sought to praise his "top-class goalkeeping" after one such stop somehow thwarted Mohamed Salah's strike from point-blank range. Journalist Mark Douglas supplemented this, noting: "Karl Darlow should be in the England conversation. Excellent 45 – again."

It is likely these spells that spurred the Tigers to take a punt on the experienced ace, to which he rewarded them across 12 games last season.

This time he would record a 7.08 average rating, conceding only 1.2 goals per game whilst making 2.9 saves per game at a 71% success rate, via Sofascore.

For comparison, Illan Meslier would only manage a 6.65 average rating as his side fell to the drop, shipping two goals per game with a woeful save percentage of just 58%, via Sofascore.

To replace the Frenchman with a far more dependable asset would likely also have a huge effect on Max Wober, who already had enjoyed a solid start to life in Yorkshire.

His 6.84 average rating made him Leeds' third-best player of those who had made five or more starts, with this figure buoyed through his 1.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and four clearances per game, via Sofascore. To think that he joined in January only emphasises the speed with which he acclimatised.

To place this kind of defensive work rate in front of a reliable shot-stopper like Darlow would see both improve massively, as a more well-rounded relationship who share a desperation to prevent goals.

Such steely determination would be a fine asset to have in the Championship, and this combination would lay the perfect defensive foundation for an instant Premier League return.

In fact, Darlow's presence would likely provide a boost to everyone within the squad, as no longer would they have the vulnerable 23-year-old in between the sticks.