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Former Delhi Ranji captain and international umpire Rajan Mehra has died at the age of 77

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2010Former Delhi Ranji captain and international umpire Rajan Mehra has died at the age of 76. A right-hand batsman and part-time bowler, Rajan played 14 matches scoring 436 runs at an average of 24.22, and taking seven wickets at 32.00. He officiated in two Tests in India, against Sri Lanka in 1986 and against Pakistan in 1987. He also stood in three ODIs between 1982 and 1987.

Liverpool have been handed a huge boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Benfica.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Theo Squires), Jurgen Klopp revealed that he has a fully fit first-team squad to pick from ahead of tonight’s second-leg tie with Benfica – something which the manager himself dubbed as being the “first time” this has been the case since his arrival at Anfield back in 2015.

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Speaking about the current state of his team, the 54-year-old said: “[They are] all fit for the first time.”

Great news for Liverpool

With Liverpool very much being alive in all three of the Premier League title race, the Champions League and the FA Cup – in which the Reds face Manchester City in the semi-final this weekend – the news that, after two years of seemingly endless injury setbacks, Klopp has a fully fit squad to work with ahead of the visit of Benfica this evening is undoubtedly great news for the club.

While the Portuguese side should certainly not be underestimated, with Liverpool having already secured a 3-1 lead in the first leg of the quarter-final, it would not be surprising if Klopp decided to rest a few of his first-team regulars against the Eagles.

Indeed, while the German manager revealed he does not have any fresh injuries to contend with, he did go on to claim in his presser that “the next game [against Manchester City] has no influence on the lineup for [Wednesday] night, but the last game has” – something that would suggest changes are in the offing this evening.

Either way, the fact the 54-year-old has a fully fit squad to pick from will come as a huge boost to Liverpool’s chances of progressing to the last four of the Champions League, as well as their hopes of pipping City to the Premier League title and besting the same opponent in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend.

AND in other news: Liverpool in talks to sign “absolutely crazy” £42m talent, it could be bye-bye Salah

Celtic have been dealt a blow in their bid to secure Albian Ajeti a move away from Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that FC Basel have informed Celtic that they will not be breaking the bank to sign a new centre-forward this month, despite the club receiving around €14.5m (£12m) plus bonuses from the recent sale of Arthur Cabral.

The report goes on to suggest that this could put the breaks on the Swiss side’s interest in Ajeti, with the Super League club’s sporting director, Philipp Kaufmann, hinting that there may be financial obstacles in the way of his move for the out of favour Celtic centre-forward.

Regarding FC Basel’s interest in the 24-year-old, Kaufmann said: “We have our own financial framework. We need a strong striker who attacks the deep spaces and we need to replace Arthur Cabral as a matter of urgency.”

Postecoglou will be fuming

Considering just how poor Ajeti has been since his £5m move to Celtic Park back in August 2020, the news that the centre-forward’s departure from the club could now be off the cards is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou fuming.

Indeed, over his 20 Premiership appearances during his debut campaign, the £2.25m-rated man scored six goals, provided one assist and created no big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of just 0.7 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

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These returns saw the 24-year-old earn an extremely disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of just 6.85, ranking him as the Hoops’ joint 12th-worst performer in the Scottish top-flight.

Things have not improved over his seven league outings this season, with the £18k-per-week hitman scoring two goals, registering no assists and creating zero big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots and making 0.4 key passes per fixture.

These metrics have seen the Switzerland international average a SofaScore match rating of just 6.72, ranking him as Postecoglou’s ninth-worst player in the Premiership.

As such, when taking into account his poor returns, his extremely hefty weekly wage and his patchy injury history, it is clear to see why the 56-year-old Bhoys boss would be happy to see the back of Ajeti prior to Monday’s transfer deadline – as well as why the uncertainty surrounding the centre-forward’s switch to Basel will be causing the Greek-Australian a great amount of frustration.

In other news: Contact made: Huge update emerges on late January move, Celtic fans will be elated

MatériaMais Notícias

No treino que antecede a estreia do Cruzeiro no Campeonato Mineiro, o técnico Mano Menezes deu enfase nas atividades de bola parada.O treinador orientou posicionamento em cobranças de escanteio e faltas cobradas para área. Fred treinou pênaltis contra Fábio e Rafael, enquanto Arrascaeta, Egídio e Robinho bateram faltas.

Os jogadores ainda realizaram uma atividade de finalização da entrada da área. Destaque para Lucas Romero, que fez um golaço e acertou o travessão em outra tentativa firme. Fred também mostrou pontaria, mas as cobranças acabaram parando nas mãos dos goleiros Rafael e Fábio na maioria das vezes.

O treinador Mano Menezes separou titulares e reservas para os treinamentos de bola parada. Ele voltou a indicar a equipe titular, desta vez com Fred, que foi regularizado.

Para o jogo desta quarta-feira, no Mineirão, contra o Tupi, o Cruzeiro deve ser escalado com os seguintes jogadores:Fábio; Lucas Romero, Leo, Murilo e Egídio; Henrique e Ariel Cabral; Robinho, Arrascaeta e Rafinha; Fred.

Everton have appointed Duncan Ferguson as their caretaker manager whilst they search for a full-time head coach to steer the club out of their struggles this season and back into safety, with the side currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone in 16th, but could the manager they need already be right under their nose?

What’s the word?

Transfer insider, Pete O’Rourke, has given his thoughts on Ferguson’s current position at the club, and where it could lead to if he makes a good impact in the time he has as the current temporary manager.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT:

“It’s in Duncan Ferguson’s hands right now. If he does well, I think there’s a real chance he could get the job.”

Fans will be delighted

The idea that Ferguson could make a really positive impact on the Everton side would be a dream for the fans, as many took to social media wanting the coach to become the manager until at least the end of the season, with one Toffees fan tweeting:

“Duncan Ferguson until the end of the season – he will unite the fanbase. Appoint a new DOF by the summer. Let the DOF decide the next manager. That has to be the plan for Everton.”

Indeed, the Scotsman is a huge fan favourite and legend at the club, playing out most of his career at Goodison with 260 appearances, 68 goals and five assists during his time.

He also won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, which was the last time the Toffees won a trophy, 27 years ago. He has since taken on a coaching role, outliving six managers so far and remaining an important part of the club to this day, where he is caretaker for the second time in less than three years.

Moshiri needs to make an important decision in recognising the invaluable experience and knowledge of the club that Ferguson offers that money can’t buy.

He has been with the club during the highest highs and in the lowest of lows, with the current situation, one of the lowest points as a relegation battle in the not too distant future is looking a likely scenario if the season continues as it has already.

In the worst case, that could lead Everton to their first ever relegation from the Premier League and their first relegation from top flight football in over 70 years.

Thus, bringing in a manager who gets on well with the supporters is certainly a good idea.

In other news: Moshiri must sign Dele Alli following Doucoure injury

Tottenham have joined West Ham in the race to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to talkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Johnstone’s future…

Johnstone has been at The Hawthorns since 2018 and has made 154 appearances for The Baggies – 23 of which have come in the Championship this season.

The 28-year-old, labelled as ‘world class’ by Steve Bull, is out of contract in just six months time, with a number of Premier League clubs monitoring his situation.

Antonio Conte currently has Hugo Lloris and loanee Pierluigi Gollini as senior options in goal, and it seems as if Johnstone could well be a target for Spurs heading into the New Year.

The Latest: talkSPORT’s live claim

talkSPORT shared a story on Thursday lunchtime, citing on-air comments from reporter Alex Crook.

Crook claimed that Spurs have joined the likes of Newcastle, Southampton and West Ham in the race to sign Johnstone. He added that Conte is keen to keep hold of Lloris, who is in a similar contract situation to Johnstone, however, the Spurs boss is unsure when it comes to Gollini.

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“I’m hearing Tottenham are joining the likes of Newcastle, Southampton and West Ham in showing a definite interest in Sam Johnstone.

“Hugo Lloris is out of contract himself in the summer, he hasn’t agreed a new one and as of January 1st he can sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs.

“I am told Antonio Conte does want to keep hold of Hugo Lloris but it would be foolhardy not to look for alternative options.

“I know Antonio Conte isn’t convinced by Pierluigi Gollini – the goalkeeper who they signed from Atalanta in the summer. I don’t think they will be taking up the option to make that permanent.

“Sam Johnstone is very much on Tottenham’s radar.”

The Verdict: Smart move?

Should Spurs not exercise their option to buy clause for Gollini in the summer, they’ll need another shot-stopper ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Johnstone could be the perfect addition, and it appears as if he may well be available on a cut-price deal over the coming weeks due to his contract situation.

You’d expect the Baggies wouldn’t want to risk losing Johnstone for nothing in the summer, so an offer in the region of his £7.2m Transfermarkt valuation could prove to be enough.

The England international would bring Premier League experience to north London, and who knows, he could turn out to be Lloris’ long-term successor, so a transfer appears to be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Statement’…Tottenham pundit thrilled as Paratici eyes ‘big signing’, find out more here.

Crystal Palace could be boosted by the return of forward Jordan Ayew for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool after Ghana’s shock exit from the African Cup of Nations.

What’s the latest?

After travelling to Cameroon to compete in the African Cup on Nations with his native Ghana, which saw him miss Crystal Palace’s derby draw with Brighton last week, Jordan Ayew could be back in contention for the Eagles.

The Black Stars suffered a shock exit from AFCON, their first dismissal at the group stage since 2006, which therefore has seen Ayew return to south London.

Palace manager Patrick Vieira confirmed that the 30-year-old has returned to training ahead of the Reds’ trip to Selhurst Park and could be available for selection.

On Ayew, the Frenchman said: “We don’t know, we still have a couple of days before the game. He was in today [Friday] and took part in the first part of training. We will have a discussion tomorrow [Saturday] to find out how he’s feeling.”

Vieira will be delighted

Although he may not be fit to start, Vieira will be delighted to have one of his regular starters back available, especially after less time away than initially thought.

Before his departure for AFCON, Ayew had featured in all bar one of the Eagles’ Premier League matches this season. Although he has only scored once and assisted twice, the 30-year-old is a favourite of his manager for his work-rate and defensive contribution.

Last month, Vieira heaped the Ghanaian with praise, stating: “I think when he had his opportunity the focus was on what he’s doing for the team. He’s sacrificing himself for the team, working hard for the team. This is what we need and want. Goals will come.”

Moreover, the more players available the better for the south London side, who face the tall task of taking a result against a Liverpool side who have lost just one of their last ten Premier League matches and sit second in the table.

In other news: Reliable journalist gives update on Jean-Philippe Mateta

A number of Liverpool supporters have responded positively to James Pearce’s claim that Harvey Elliott is closing in on a return from injury.

The 18-year-old has been absent since the middle of September after he suffered a dislocated ankle in the 3-0 win away to Leeds United.

It was a cruel blow for Elliott, who had begun the season in hugely impressive form, starting three Premier League matches and not looking remotely out of his depth.

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While there were initial fears that the midfielder could be out for the entire season, he has been making remarkable progress in his recovery from that setback.

According to The Athletic’s Pearce [via Anfield Edition on Twitter], Elliott is expected to return to full training next month, assuming everything goes to plan.

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Liverpool fans react to Elliott latest

It is a hugely positive update from the reliable journalist, and these Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news.

“Like a new signing that”

Credit: @Hans_LFC

“Fantastic news”

Credit: @DWLFC94

“Yes, good news”

Credit: @Aaliyahlfc14

“Get innnn”

Credit: @KaanBursa9

“Finally Starboy is returning”

Credit: @lfcnicoo1

“That’s great news”

Credit: @firi450

In other news, some Liverpool fans slammed one player’s performance against Tottenham. Read more here.

West Ham United complete their Europa League group stage campaign as David Moyes’ side welcome Dinamo Zagreb to the London Stadium this evening.

The Irons, who sit top of the standings, have already advanced into the knockout stages of the competition but do have an unbeaten record to maintain, having amassed 13 points from their opening five games.

Moyes has hinted at rotation, though that should be expected as it’s something he’s done in pretty much every midweek outing this season. He is also having to deal with somewhat of a defensive injury crisis.

However, it is in the attack where he should look to make a bold and brutal call, nonetheless, it’s one that would benefit the team going forward.

Michail Antonio’s recent form is a massive cause for concern as the 31-year-old, who is Moyes’ only senior striker, has found the net just once across his last nine appearances in all competitions.

At times, the £10.8m-rated frontman has looked jaded and out of sorts – that’s largely due to the sheer volume of minutes played, particularly in comparison to this stage last season, as well as his appearances for Jamaica across the Atlantic. It all adds up and the Hammers are now paying for it.

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Antonio racked up only 530 minutes worth of action before Christmas last year. That number has nearly tripled to 1,462 minutes this term.

It’s no secret that the Scot needs reinforcements up top this January but until then, they’ll have to make do.

Some of the club’s young talents, such as Sonny Perkins, have been called up to first-team training in preparation for tonight’s encounter, so there could be a simple switch to be made, whilst Andriy Yarmolenko could be recalled and Jarrod Bowen is capable of leading the line, too.

In Antonio’s first seven league games, he found the net five times and managed at least four shots in all but two fixtures. Since then, he’s bagged once and hasn’t surpassed a total of two shots in any match, per WhoScored. A worrying trend and only emphasises his struggles.

The leading £70k-per-week talisman, who was dubbed a “complete monster” and an “absolute revelation” by Daily Star journalist Paul Brown to GIVEMESPORT earlier this season, could really do with some time on the sideline in a bid to get his fitness and form back.

It’s time for Moyes to be ruthless in axing his star man tonight.

AND in other news, Moyes must unleash West Ham’s 6-foot “monster” tonight after suffering another “massive blow”…

Celtic have been linked with a January move for Hibernian defender Josh Doig, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Doig profiled

Labelled as ‘phenomenal’ by former Queen’s Park boss Ray McKinnon, Doig is 19 years of age and is primarily a left-back who can also line out at centre-back or on the left of midfield.

The Scotland under-21 international has been with Hibs since July 2020 and has made 55 appearances for the club, 19 of which have come this season.

Celtic were linked with a move for Doig towards the end of the January window earlier this year, and it now seems as if Ange Postecoglou has his eye on the youngster.

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The Latest: Links resurface

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon shared a story on Sunday afternoon regarding the Hoops’ interest in Barnsley’s Callum Styles.

Nixon then added that ‘another’ left-back who has been linked with a move to Parkhead is Doig.

The Verdict: Doig or Styles?

It appears as if Celtic may well be bringing three Japanese players to Parkhead in the New Year in Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda, so it could be a case of one or the other when it comes to Doig and Styles.

The pair are at the beginning of their careers and they would both offer versatility to Postecoglou. Styles can play on the left or in two different central midfield roles, whereas Doig would give the Hoops manager another centre-back option.

Doig and Styles have also attracted interest from Premier League clubs in 2021, so you could argue that both could be shrewd signings by Celtic as Postecoglou continues his Parkhead rebuild.

In other news: Nicholson makes Celtic move on the day of Hampden Park final to sign speedster with ‘great feet’