The Left arm pacer Spencer Johnson has been ruled out for next month’s T20I series against England and Scotland after picking up a side strain in The Hundred 2024 competition.
He will be replaced by all-rounder Sean Abbott who has been part of the ODI squad for five match series against England. Spencer Johnson had only claimed two wickets in six matches. But he produced an impressive display against Northern Superchargers with 1 for 10 in 20 deliveries.
Spencer Johnson who was considered a likely replacement for Mitchell Starc in the T20 side has played five T20Is and and one ODI since making his debut against South Africa last year. Meanwhile, Starc has been rested from the T20Is against Scotland and England will feature in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour but Josh Hazlewood is part of both squads.
Sean Abbott has appeared in 15 T20Is and was the leading wicket-taker in BBL history with 165. He also showed a brilliant performance in The Hundred competition picking nine wickets in seven matches.
Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis will be joining Sean Abbott alongside all-rounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis. Australia’s selector has been eyeing the next T20 World Cup which might not have Starc or Cummins in the format.
Johnson will be looking forward to recovering in time before Australia’s domestic season where he plays for South Africa. After the tour, Australia will be playing a three-match T20I series against Pakistan in November. Australia will not be having any T20I scheduled until next July against West Indies.
With the T20I series against Scotland beginning on September 04, the multi-format series against England will start on September 11. The first T20I match against Scotland will be played at the Grange Club.
Australia T20I squad for Scotland and England tour: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
The Kerala team players poses after winning against Gujarat in Wayanad(Image: Online)
After a rejection from Punjab, former Australian speedster Shaun Tait has applied for the vacant Kerala head coach role.
As per a report, Shaun Tait is one of the ten applicants to become Kerala’s head coach. As M Venkataramana stepped down as Kerala head coach amid personal reasons, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is in search of a new head coach ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 domestic season.
After announcing his international retirement in 2017, Shaun Tait was appointed as a bowling consultant to the Afghanistan national cricket team but resigned at the end of the same year. In the next year, he was roped in as a bowling coach for 12 months by Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB).
Shaun Tait(Image: PCB)
Before applying for the Kerala head coach role, Tait applied for the Punjab head coach but was pipped by Wasim Jaffer.
“We have received over 45 applicants for the head coach role of the Punjab senior team. Two of the prominent names are former India opener Wasim Jaffer and former Australia speedster Shaun Tait. The process is still underway, and we will announce the name by next week,” a Punjab Cricket Association official was quoted as saying by IE last month.
Speaking of the Kerala cricket team, they are still in the hunt for their first Ranji title since their debut in the 1957–58 Ranji Trophy season. Nearly six decades later, Kerala progressed to the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time, when they finished second in Group B of the 2017–18 tournament.
Their best came out in the 2018–19 season where they advanced to the semifinals after beating former champions Gujarat in quarters.
Kerala have to pick an extraordinary coach for their growth in the upcoming seasons. KCA have to shortlist their next head coach soon as the Indian domestic season is set to start with the Duleep Trophy next month while the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 will get underway from October 11, with the final slated for February 26.
Cricket Scotland has named Richie Berrington as their captain for the upcoming Australia T20I series set to be played between September 4 and 7.
Scotland have included Charlie Cassell in their 17-member squad for the Australia T20I series. The young pacer made a sensational ODI debut last month. Notably, Charlie was one of the nominees for ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2024.
The right-arm fast bowler bagged a record haul of 7/21 against Oman in his debut match and registered the best figure by a debutant in ODI cricket history.
Being a full member nation, Australia’s tour will provide an opportunity for Scotland to test and showcase their skills at the highest level.
The first match of the Australia tour of Scotland 2024 will be played on September 4 in Grange Cricket Club, Edinburgh while the second and third game will be played on September 6 and 7 respectively in the same venue.
The two sides have faced each other in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 where Scotland lost the game by five wickets.
Notably, Australia holds the second spot in the ICC Men’s T20I team ranking while Scotland is placed in the 13th position.
Squad: Richie Berrington (C), Charlie Cassell, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Jasper Davidson, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal
Richie Berrington(Image: ICC)
Doug Watson, Scotland Men’s Head Coach, said: “I’m hugely excited. It’s a wonderful opportunity to play one of the best teams in the world, and I’m pretty sure that our players won’t need any motivating for this series. It’s a great opportunity for them to share the field with world-class players. They’re wanting to put in some huge performances and compete, and really push this Australia team.
“After coming into the squad at CWCL2 and doing so well, it’ll be great for Jasper and Charlie to have the experience of what it’s like playing against the best, in front of a fairly large crowd.
“I think the key thing is the guys are really competing for places. I’ve got to mention Oli Hairs, who didn’t play at the World Cup, but then made that brilliant 255 for Scotland “A” against Oman. It truly was a fantastic innings, he hit the ball so well, and it was so good to see him at his best.
“The goal for us is to win this series. The first game is really important – if we can win that, it’ll set up the next two matches. The whole week will be brilliant for the squad, staff, supporters, and all of Scotland.”
The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has revealed that BCCI has rejected ICC’s proposal to host the Women’s t20 World Cup 2024 in October. The ICC is planning on shifting the event after the violence and security challenges in the aftermath of Anti-government agitations leading to several deaths and dethroning PM Sheikh Hasina.
With BCCI categorically saying No to the ICC’s offer, the world governing sports body is likely to take the final call on August 20. India has ruled out themselves as hosts of the tournament which leaves Sri Lanka and UAE as the possible alternatives.
“They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no. We’re in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the Women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.”
Bangladesh Women Cricket (image: X)
Earlier this week, an ICC official said that the situation in Bangladesh is being monitored and planned out for all situations. “The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies, and our own independent security consultants,” an ICC statement said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”
Recently, the BCB chief sent a letter to their Army chief on security concerns on hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup. The new interim government is making a last attempt to solve the issue, with strong advisories issued by the governments of England, Australia, and India which proves to be a barrier to the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
However, the Bangladesh men’s team is currently in Pakistan to play a two-match test series and is also slated to tour India for two tests and three T20is.
“We’ve not spoken to them (the Bangladesh authorities),” Shah said. “A new government has taken charge there. They might reach out to us or else I will reach out to them. The Bangladesh series is very important to us,” concluded Jay Shah.
On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah made multiple announcements regarding BCCI’s future plan for moving the game to the next level.
During an interaction, Jay Shah revealed that the new state-of-the-art NCA will be built on the outskirts of Bengaluru and also indicated that it would be open for non-cricketing athletes such as Neeraj Chopra and Manu Bhaker, who made the country proud by winning medals at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024.
As per a report, the facility will boast three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs. “We are going to make it available for Olympic sportspersons too like Neeraj Chopra,” Shah told TOI.
In the same meeting, Jay Shah revealed his plan to build seven more new NCAs where six of which would be in North-East states while Jammu would have the seventh one.
“When I took over as BCCI secretary in Sept 2019, immediately within three to four months, there was the Covid-19 pandemic.
All our focus was on how to host the IPL and some domestic cricket. For two years, the BCCI office was almost shut. Once we got the second term, we decided to take this forward. This was about developing facilities in the North-East.
And the NCA, I laid the foundation stone in 2022 in Bengaluru. In 2008, we had procured land, but no work was done. I don’t know why my predecessors didn’t do anything,” Jay Shah said.
The new NCA in Bengaluru is set to open in September. Notably, the new NCA will have an Olympic-size swimming pool and state-of-the-art training, recovery and sports science facilities.
With the nation celebrating its 78th Independence Day, PKL stars Pardeep Narwal and Maninder Singh visited the Mumbai public school for a hoisting ceremony.
Kabaddi is one of the most loved sports in India, as it is deeply rooted in Indian culture. After the ceremony, Pardeep and Maninder had a fun session with the school’s kabaddi team.
Following this, the two legends presented Mumbai Public School with gifts and a token of appreciation. The morning started with a cultural program organized by the school. While speaking at the event, Pardeep Narwal said that Kabaddi is an important part of India’s culture.
“Kabaddi is a very important part of India’s culture, and it has been played from before independence as well. I am very happy to see that so many kids are still very interested in the sport. Today has been a heartwarming moment for us, here with the students at the special flag-hoisting ceremony. I would also like to wish everyone a Happy Independence Day!” said Pardeep.
Pardeep Narwal (image: X)
“Every corner in our country has kids playing kabaddi and we hope to see this continue for years to come. Kabaddi is in everyone’s blood and the love people show for the sport, keeps us motivated. I want to thank every Indian for doing their bit to support Kabaddi, and I hope they continue to do so. We would also like to thank the PKL as they have helped make the sport better in all aspects. Happy Independence Day, India!” said Maninder.
With the PKL season 11 player auction set to begin on August 15, all the franchises named their retained and released players ahead of the event. Kabaddi fans can watch the live on Star Sports Network while the live streaming will be available on Disney+Hotstar.
The defending champions Puneri Paltan have retained 12 players, the highest among all teams. Tamil Thalaivas follow closely with 11 retained players, while Haryana has retained 9 players.
The two-time champions Jaipur Pink Panthers and Gujarat Giants are the franchises to have retained the fewest players, with both teams retaining just five players each.
New Zealand star batters Devon Conway and Finn Allen have declined the central playing contracts to pursue opportunities within franchise cricket.
Devon Conway and Finn Allen are not the first New Zealand batters to reject the central contract Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson declined the New Zealand national contract for the 2024-25 season. Apart from rejecting the central contract, Kane Williamson also stepped down as New Zealand’s limited-overs captain.
Conway rejected the central playing contract and instead opted for a casual playing contract over the next 12 months so he could play in South Africa’s domestic T20 competition at the start of next year.
But the 33-year-old will be available for the upcoming Test matches as well as next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and hopes to continue playing for his country into the future.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their support through this process. The decision to move away from a central playing contract isn’t one I’ve taken lightly, but I believe it is the best for me and my family at this present time.
Playing for the Black Caps is still the pinnacle for me and I’m hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket.
I’m excited to be part of the upcoming Test squads for an important period in the ICC World Test Championship cycle and am looking forward to being involved in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February if selected”, Conway said.
On the other hand, Finn Allen will not be offered a casual playing contract after rejecting the central playing contract. The right-handed batter will still be available for selection for New Zealand on a case-by-case scenario.
New Zealand Cricket is set to announce the replacement players for Conway and Allen on the central playing contract list in due course.
BPH vs MNR Dream11 Prediction: Philip Salt-led Manchester Originals will lock horns with Moeen Ali-led Birmingham Phoenix to play the 32nd match of The Hundred Mens Competition 2024 on August 15 in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Moeen Ali (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Dan Mousley, Jacob Bethell , Benny Howell, Sean Abbott, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Chris Wood, Chris Woakes, James Fuller, Tom Helm, Aneurin Donald, Rishi Patel, Louis Kimber
Manchester Originals
Philip Salt (c & wk), Matthew Hurst, Max Holden, Wayne Madsen, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Sikandar Raza, Usama Mir, Thomas Aspinwall, Scott Currie, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tom Hartley, Sonny Baker, Mitchell Stanley, Josh Hull
Birmingham Phoenix Unavailable Players
Injury: NIL
Others: NIL
Manchester Originals Unavailable Players
Injury: NIL
Others: NIL
The Hundred 2024 BPH vs MNR Probable Playing 11
Birmingham Phoenix
Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Dan Mousley, Jacob Bethell, Benny Howell, Sean Abbott, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Chris Wood
Manchester Originals
Philip Salt (c & wk), Matthew Hurst, Max Holden, Wayne Madsen, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Sikandar Raza, Usama Mir, Thomas Aspinwall, Scott Currie, Fazalhaq Farooqi
The Hundred 2024 BPH vs MNR Pitch Report
The surface at Edgbaston in Birmingham typically offers a hint of seam movement to the new ball bowlers but they need to hit the correct line and length and vary their pace and length to deceive the batters.
However, the batters can capitalise on the track’s true pace and bounce once getting set in the middle. The spinners don’t get enough assistance here; so, expect a batting-friendly track having occasional help for the pacers.
BPH vs MNR Dream11 Prediction – Mega Contest
Batters: B Duckett, L Livingstone, J Bethell
All-rounders: M Ali, S Raza, B Howell, P Walter
Bowlers: T Southee, S Abbott, F Farooqi
Wicket-Keeper: P Salt
Captain: T Southee
Vice-captain: P Salt
BPH vs MNR Dream11 Prediction – H2H Contest
Batters: B Duckett
All-rounders: M Ali, S Raza, P Walter
Bowlers: T Southee, A Milne, S Abbott, U Mir, F Farooqi, S Currie
BPH-W vs MNR-W Dream11 Prediction: Sophie Ecclestone-led Manchester Originals Women will lock horns with Ellyse Perry-led Birmingham Phoenix Women to play the 32nd match of The Hundred Womens Competition 2024 on August 15 in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Birmingham Phoenix Women vs Manchester Originals Women Squad
Birmingham Phoenix Women
Ellyse Perry (c), Amy Jones (wk), Sterre Kalis, Richa Ghosh, Emily Arlott, Seren Smale, Fran Wilson, Charis Pavely, Hannah Baker, Issy Wong, Katie Levick, Ailsa Lister, Emma Jones, Chloe Brewer, Alice Macleod, Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates
Manchester Originals Women
Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Ecclestone (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Emma Lamb, Kathryn Bryce, Evelyn Jones, Fritha Morris, Kim Garth, Danielle Gregory, Alice Monaghan, Lauren Filer, Phoebe Graham, Mahika Gaur, Liberty Heap, Bethan Ellis, Eleanor Threlkeld, Sophie Molineux
Birmingham Phoenix Women Unavailable Players
Injury: NIL
Others: NIL
Manchester Originals Women Unavailable Players
Injury: NIL
Others: NIL
The Hundred 2024 BPH-W vs MNR-W Probable Playing 11
Birmingham Phoenix Women
Sterre Kalis, Ellyse Perry (c), Amy Jones (wk), Richa Ghosh, Emily Arlott, Seren Smale, Fran Wilson, Charis Pavely, Hannah Baker, Issy Wong, Katie Levick
Manchester Originals Women
Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney (wk), Emma Lamb, Kathryn Bryce, Evelyn Jones, Fritha Morris, Sophie Ecclestone (c), Kim Garth, Danielle Gregory, Alice Monaghan, Lauren Filer
The Hundred 2024 BPH-W vs MNR-W Pitch Report
The surface at Edgbaston in Birmingham typically offers a hint of seam movement to the new ball bowlers but they need to hit the correct line and length and vary their pace and length to deceive the batters.. However, the batters can capitalise on the track’s true pace and bounce once getting set in the middle. The spinners don’t get enough assistance here; so, expect a batting-friendly track having occasional help for the pacers.
BPH-W vs MNR-W Dream11 Prediction – Mega Contest
Batters: L Wolvaardt
All-rounders: E Perry, S Ecclestone, K Bryce, F Morris
Bowlers: K Levick, E Arlott, L Filer, C Pavely
Wicket-Keeper: B Mooney, A Jones
Captain: E Perry
Vice-captain: K Bryce
BPH-W vs MNR-W Dream11 Prediction – H2H Contest
Batters: L Wolvaardt
All-rounders: E Perry, S Ecclestone, K Bryce
Bowlers: K Garth, K Levick, E Arlott, L Filer, C Pavely
PKL 2024 Auction Live Streaming: The much-awaited Pro Kabaddi League 2024 auction is scheduled to take in Mumbai on August 15 and 16 with 500 players up for grabs among the 12 franchises.
Ahead of the auction, all 12 franchises have released their retained players list which is around 88 players and will be opting to fill in for 212 slots during the auction.
The PKL 2024 auction will be divided into four groups based on their base prices and roles – Category A, B, C and D.
Category A players will have a base price of INR 30 lakh, Category B players will have a base price of INR 20 lakh Category C will be with base price of INR 13 lakh while Category D will be with base price of INR 9 lakh.
Every squad in PKL 11 can have a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 25 players. Each team will be allotted a maximum purse value of INR 5 crore but the size of the team’s purse value will differ based on the number of players retained by them before the auction.
Though the organizing board have released the all needed information ahead of the auction, fans will still search for the “PKL 2024 auction live streaming” details to witness the heat of the bidding.
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 auction will be LIVE on Star Sports Networkwhile the live streaming will be available on theDisney+ Hotstar website and app in India.
Star Sports 1/1 HD, Star Sports 1/1 HD Hindi, Star Sports 1/1 HD Tamil, Star Sports 1/1 HD Telugu.
PKL 2024 Auction Rules
The Pro Kabaddi Season 11 player auction will witness more than 500 players including Raiders, Defenders, and All-rounders. The pool will consist of players released by the franchise after season 10 alongside other domestic names.
The player auction will also feature overseas players across the globe and the pool will consist of 24 players from the two finalists of the Khelo India University Games 2024.
Each team’s squad in Pro Kabaddi Season 11 can have a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 25 players.
Each team will have a player purse of INR 5 crores for bidding and buying players. However, the purse value will vary at the auction table depending on who and how many players they have already retained.
The talents featured in the PKL season 11 player auction will be categorized into four groups based on their base price and roles. These players will be further divided into All-rounders, Fielders, and Defenders allowing franchises to target the specific needs during the Player auction.
Category A – 30 Lakhs
Category B – 20 Lakhs
Category C – 13 Lakhs
Category D – 9 Lakhs
A franchise is allowed to have a minimum of two and a maximum of four overseas players in their squad.
Elite Retained Players: The PKL 11-player auction was allowed to retain a set of players across various categories. Each team could retain a maximum of six players among the categories.
Existing New Young Players and Retained Young Players: The teams have retained a combined total of 66 players from the Existing New Young Players and Retained Young Players categories. These categories comprise a few young players who have played a couple of PKL seasons in the past and they could be retained in the squad ahead of the Player auction.
Final Bid Match: The Final Bid Match Card rule allows franchises to buy back their release ahead of the player auction. If a team chooses to retain, they will be maximum allotted 6 players. They will be allowed to use the card FBM only once. The card usage increases if the team has retained only 5 or fewer players.
Just a month, after Hardik confirmed his divorce from Natasa Stankovic, the Indian all-rounder, has been spotted with British singer Jasim Walia in Greece. With the reason for the separation is not known, Hardik Pandya’s spotted with the Indian-born British has stirred the speculations on their relationship.
Hardik Pandya and Jasmin Walia exiting from the same car has sparked rumors linking them both. Hardik Pandya’s latest vacation photos from Greece strengthened the rumors about him dating British Singer Jasmin Walia. Both were spotted on a similar background on social media which created speculation on the two stars enjoying their time in Greece together.
The video of Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya spotted with his rumored girlfriend Jasim Walia exiting in the same car on a vacation has stirred the talks on them.
Jasmin Walia is an Indian-born British singer and television personality. She was born in Essex, to parents of Indian descent. Beginning her career in 2012, Jasmine Worked as an extra on the reality show The Only Way is Essex.
She has also starred in international shows like The X Factor, Desi Rascals, and Dinner Date. She also started her YouTube channel, where she released covers of hit songs like “Rather Be,” “Dark Horse,” and “All of Me.”
For her Music videos, Jasmin collaborated with artists like Zack Knight, intent-ti, and Ollie Green Music. Jasmin came into the spotlight in 2017 with her song “Bom Diggy,” for which she collaborated with Zack Knight. The song became quite popular after it was featured in “Kartik Aryan Film Sonu Ke Titu ki Sweety.”
Hardik Pandya and Jasmin’s Relationship
While it is not confirmed Jasmin Walia is Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend, the two have been following each other on Instagram for a while. The team India cricketer has also been spotted ‘liking’ all her posts on social media.
Netizens claimed that Jasmin had posted some photos on her Instagram stories in which an arm with tattoos was visible next to her, and it seemed to be that of Hardik.
Newcastle United, who Eddie Howe manages, had an injury-ridden 2023/2024 season. Due to an impressive season the previous year, they had the luxury of playing in Europe’s elite competition – The UEFA Champions League in addition to Premier League football and the English Cup competitions.
Despite a strong start to the league campaign with impressive wins over fellow competitors, they faded into the second half of the season due to a grueling campaign with an increased number of matches and a lack of squad depth. While the team showed flashes of the brilliant football accustomed to Howe during his time as coach, their lack of quality players to replace injured or tired legs during the season cost them as they lost pace in the battle for European qualifications and lost consistency in the league.
They also failed to progress to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League as they finished last in a tough group that included German giants Borussia Dortmund, Italian side AC Milan, and Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint Germain.
In the 2023/2024 season, Newcastle United suffered about 38 different injuries to players which amounted to a total of 258 games missed by these players. It was the second most in the league behind London-based Chelsea.
The results of these injuries were evident in the performances of the club as they had few quality players to replace the injured first-team squad. Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, who was signed in the summer from Italian giants AC Milan and scored on his competitive debut against Aston Villa in the Premier League was suspended for ten months following a betting scandal. It did not help matters, as other key players were injured during other phases of the season.
Senior center backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both suffered cruciate ligament injuries which kept them out for a long period of the season. Other key players who suffered injuries include captain Kieran Trippier, goalkeeper Nick Pope, summer signing Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, Tino Livramento, Joe Willock, and many more.
Injuries to these players led to more minutes for teenagers like Lewis Miley, Joe White, and the like. They failed to match their previous season’s achievement of European qualification as they suffered considerably from an injury-marred campaign.
With the summer already here, it is important to strengthen the team to ensure a successful 2024/2025 campaign. Strengthening is important, as the Magpies are looking to secure qualification back to Europe after missing out last season.
After a promising start to Howe’s reign, expectations from fans have become increasingly high and they will hope to win at least a cup competition. Newcastle tickets will be on the high and they will also look to build a stronger squad that can compete on all fronts in the incoming campaign.
They conceded a staggering 62 goals in the league last season with 45 coming from open play alone. They also faced 401 shots on target from open play alone, accentuating their defensive fragilities. They ranked 13th in the league for open-play shots faced and were 12th in the league for open-play goals conceded.
The positions Newcastle United need to strengthen for the upcoming 2024/2025 season
One important area Eddie Howe will look to strengthen is the goalkeeping department. Lloris Karius has already left St. James’ Park, and Slovakia international Martin Dubravka, who deputized well for injured number one Nick Pope for the majority of last season might be looking to secure a move away from the club to secure a more regular playing time. It is important to sign a goalkeeper who can deputize well for Pope in the case of suspension or injury.
It has been reported that they have made Burnley’s number one goalkeeper James Trafford their goalkeeper priority this summer. Another choice they will be looking to sign is Arsenal’s second-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who will be seeking regular football after losing out to David Raya as the club’s top-choice goalkeeper.
Also, more depth is certainly required at center-back, and Eddie Howe will be hoping to sign a top-quality center-back this summer. Reports suggested they were linked to former Fulham player Tosin Adarabioyo, who recently joined Chelsea. Although they recently just confirmed the signing of Lloyd Kelly who will join when his contract expires at Bournemouth in the summer, reports suggest they have also been in talks with England international Fikayo Tomori who currently plays for AC Milan. They have also been linked to Nice center-back Jean-Clair Todibo, who will provide suitable competition for Fabian Schar.
In addition, the right-wing position for Newcastle is a top priority this summer. Paraguay international Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy are the two options currently available for the Magpies. Although both players have tireless work, their productivity over the years has been below par, which is why they will be looking to add further quality to the position. Reports have recently linked them to Michael Olise, but they will face tough stiff competition from the likes of London big boys Chelsea and Manchester United for the services of the Crystal Palace man.
Another important position that Howe will be looking at this summer is the striking position. This is a proper time to invest in the signing of a backup striker because English hitman Callum Wilson, who was linked with a move away from St. James Park in January might also seek to leave again this summer. His quality is never in doubt but his recent injury record is a good reason to let him go for the right price. He will also struggle to get sufficient playing time as long as first-choice Sweden international Alexander Isak is fit.
In the event of Wilson’s departure, Newcastle will be looking to bring in a younger option at centre forward, who will be comfortable playing as the backup to Isak.
Newcastle United will be looking at the summer as the right time to build upon a promising time under Eddie Howe by strengthening the necessary positions. If they can make the proper signings, they could challenge for silverware next season.
