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Manchester United could land their own Virgil van Dijk in the form of Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Marca, the 28-year-old defender could depart Los Blancos over the coming months, with a €60m (£51.5m) price tag mooted.

The report claims that Varane sees his future away from Madrid and, as he’s set to enter the final 12 months of his current contract, the club are willing to sell him in to avoid losing the World Cup winner on a free transfer.

Earlier this month, Manchester Evening News reported that United were holding talks with the Frenchman’s camp amid the uncertainly over his future in the Spanish capital.

United’s own Van Dijk

United made solid progress throughout 2020/21, recording consecutive top four finishes in the Premier League for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

However, a group stage exit in the Champions League, a hugely disappointing defeat to Villarreal in the Europa League final and a 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City showcased the progress still to be made for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.

One key area of weakness for the Red Devils over recent years has been at centre-back. The likes of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe have failed to convince alongside Harry Maguire, with Wednesday’s final defeat the latest illustration of their shortcomings.

While club captain Maguire may be comfortable with the ball at his feet (87.3% passing accuracy), a dominant force in the air (wins four aerial duels per game) and a natural leader, the England international is occasionally exposed for his lack of pace.

The arrival of Varane would ensure that particular problem would be all but eradicated, and the towering Frenchman has earned significant praise from departing Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane in the past.

“He’s won a lot and shown his ability to be a leader, help others and show what he’s capable of doing out on the pitch. He deserves the two goals in the last game and the character to give us the win,” said Zidane back in February.

Another admirer of the defender is Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who compared Varane to Liverpool powerhouse Van Dijk in the past. The Dutchman transformed the Reds from top-four contenders to Premier League and Champions League champions almost overnight, but the ex-United man holds Varane in higher regard.

“That’s why I put Raphael Varane ahead of Virgil van Dijk. He’s won so many European Cups, a World Cup, he’s an amazing player,” revealed Neville.

United could secure their own transformative, dominant, world-class centre-back this summer in Varane, and it’s an opportunity that they can’t afford to let pass them by.

In other news…Woodward must seal MUFC swoop for 6 ft 5 colossus with “extraordinary skills”

At the end of a week during which he has celebrated the birth of his second son, and his team has given an impressive batting performance against Hampshire in their final warm up match, Somerset coach Kevin Shine was in very positive mood when I

Richard Walsh19-Apr-2002At the end of a week during which he has celebrated the birth of his second son, and his team has given an impressive batting performance against Hampshire in their final warm up match, Somerset coach Kevin Shine was in very positive mood when I spoke to him earlier this evening.I asked him how the practice session at the County Ground had gone today. He told me: “The boys were brilliant, the best I’ve ever seen them. We are ready to go now, it’s just a pity that we are not involved in the first round of Championship matches that got underway today. What we have been doing is a taster of what is to come.”They will all have the weekend off and then report back in for a final session on Monday, which will be along the same sort of lines as today has been. We have had such a great pre-season and the weather and the practice wickets have been first class. Frosty has done a fantastic job for us.”What was the latest on Steffan Jones ankle injury? The coach told me: “It’s looking good for Steffan. He did some running today at the ground, and I’m pretty confident that he will be in the start line up.”What was it like to have the captain back, I asked Kevin. He told me: “It’s good to have Jamie back around again. He’s such a nice guy and a good captain he’s like a breath of fresh air on the scene.

Facing defeat at Lord’s in their Norwich Union Division II match against the Middlesex Crusaders, the Hawks bowlers rallied to the task to pull off an incredible 2 run victory.

Vic Isaacs04-Jun-2002Facing defeat at Lord’s in their Norwich Union Division II match against the Middlesex Crusaders, the Hawks bowlers rallied to the task to pull off an incredible 2 run victory.Middlesex winning the toss chose to send Hampshire in to bat on a green looking wicket, and runs against the white new ball were hard to find early on.Hampshire were without their captain Robin Smith, who had an Achilles tendon problem, so chose to rest. Will Kendall took on the captains duties.Seam bowlers Chad Keegan and Tim Bloomfield bowled tight lines suiting to the conditions, and it was the latter that dismissed Hamblin, who played an expansive pinch-hitter stroke that went straight up in the air to be caught by the wicket-keeper.Derek Kenway perished to an in-swinger, and when the Pakistani all-rounder Abdur Razzak had Neil Johnson trapped in front the Hawks were struggling.John Crawley playing his first Norwich Union match for his new county, played some spirited shots to up the tempo, but his attempt to pull Razzak to the short leg-side boundary proved his downfall.Nic Pothas, first with Giles White, then Will Kendall batted well and raised the score, but the Middlesex overseas player was a handful as he completed 9 overs cheaply, picking up three wickets on the way. Pothas remained unbeaten on 39.The Crusader openers Andrew Strauss and Sven Koenig gave their side a good start with a 69 run partnership to put them in command. Both were dismissed on the same score to give Hampshire hope, but at 120-3 the home side appeared to be coasting to victory.As Concorde and the Red Arrows flew by in celebration of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee nearby, the match seemed to change. Razzak was bowled immediately after by Neil Johnson, and from then the batters struggled against the excellent Hampshire bowlers, and the fielders who were giving everything, particularly a steeping running catch by Hamblin to dismiss the dangerous Shah off the admirable Udal.Two run outs brought the match to the boiling point, with the light fading. 25 runs were needed from the last three overs. Chris Tremlett conceded just five from his last over, then Mullally only 5 plus a leg bye and a run out, left the crowd biting their nails.14 was required of the last over with Neil Johnson given the responsibility, 3 runs and a run out came off the first three of them, then Nash struck 2 and 4, leaving 6 to win and 4 to tie the match. Middlesex managed only two.

Danny Mills had urged Glasgow Rangers striker Jermain Defoe to stay at Ibrox despite interest from League One outfit Ipswich Town.

The Lowdown: Ipswich eye Defoe

Defoe will be soon be out of contract at Ibrox and, as of yet, he has not put pen to paper on a new deal (Transfermarkt).

As such, Ipswich are said to be eager to take him back to England, and would be ready to offer a big-money deal to do so. If the 38-year-old is to stay at Rangers, he will likely have to take a pay-cut.

The Latest: Mills urges Defoe to stay

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills has urged Defoe to stay at Ibrox. He said:

“Does he really want to go to League One? That would be absolutely huge.

“Where it’s more physical and the games come thick and fast, the training facilities aren’t as good…

“I’m not convinced that a player in that situation… Unless he just loves football and wants to play every week, I’m not convinced that’s a move that he would make.

“No, I’m not sure I would be tempted by better money at that stage in my career. It’s Saturday-Tuesday, so he’s still not going to play every game, it will be bits and pieces.

“At that stage, happiness and stability are absolutely huge.”

The Verdict: Still a role to play

Since initially joining the Gers in January 2019, Defoe has done well for the club. In 72 games, he has managed 32 goals, as well as providing 10 assists. While he has not featured too much during this campaign, he has still played his part as Rangers won the Premiership title.

Given his age, he is likely unable to play week-in week-out – that is why he played just 20 times in all competitions this season. However, he will surely want to be part of a potential Champions League campaign this next term. That would be the perfect way to perhaps end his career, offering a reliable rotation and super-sub option for Steven Gerrard.

In other news, Rangers have been linked with a move for this striker.

Aston Villa are interested in moving for Metz midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.

Enjoying an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2020/21, the defensive midfielder made 22 appearances for Metz scoring three times [Transfermarkt].

His performances have yielded a senior international call-up to his native Senegal at just 18 years of age [One Football], whilst he has previously attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Monaco [Get French Football News].

Achieving a pass accuracy of 85.3% in Ligue 1, the anchor man holds a knack of being able to rotate the ball efficiently [WhoScored]. Also renowned for his insatiable capacity to win the ball in the challenge, he is rumoured to cost the Villains around €25m to €30m (£21.5m-£25.8m) this summer if he is to make the move to Villa Park [Joris Crolbois, via Sportslens].

Given his prodigious talent, it’s little wonder that loads of Aston Villa fans took to Twitter to voice their excitement over this latest development. One has called on sporting director Johan Lange to make the deal happen, while another fan has dubbed him the “next Vieira” in reference to the combative Arsenal and France legend.

Villa fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet @villareport, here is what some of the fans had to say on the matter:

“Go on then. Give me the 18 year old star boy to run the prem. give me the next Vieira, that’s absolutely fine”

Credit: @HarryUTV

“The Senegalese Jude Bellingham. I’m convinced. Johan Lange, make it so. UTV.”Credit: @OllieUTV”It’s an 18 year old wonderkid, main position is DM, but can also play CM and AM. Very versatile and bags of talent.”Credit: @JayVtid”DONE DEAL. Saw him in Selfridges earlier today buying a Kappa tracksuit.”Credit: @Mr_B_solihull”If we get him we will have a DM better than Kante, get it done”Credit: @VillaWatch_”Might as well just give us the league now”Credit: @mark_gilfillan9In other news, these Villa fans loved what Emiliano Martinez did.

East West have been suspended from the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) Division A tournament after playing two outside players without proper permission from the tournament organisers

CricInfo15-Jun-2002East West have been suspended from the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) Division A tournament after playing two outside players without proper permission from the tournament organisers.East West had been runners up in the league stage thus scheduled to play Janashakthi in the first MCA semi-final tomorrow. John Keels will now take their place.HNB, the tournament favourites, will play Sampath Bank on Saturday.

Cheltenham and Gloucester Man of the Match hero Keith Parsons has been named as captain for the 3-day match against West Indies A that starts at Taunton on Wednesday

Richard Walsh22-Jul-2002Cheltenham and Gloucester Man of the Match hero Keith Parsons has been named as captain for the 3-day match against West Indies A that starts at Taunton on Wednesday.Taunton born Parsons said: "It is a real honour to have the chance to captain Somerset in a first class game. I always enjoy being captain, and I led Somerset Seconds in the final of the 1 Day Trophy competition last season, but this is something special."The 29 year old all rounder has enjoyed considerable success against the tourists at Taunton. He has scored a century against Sri Lanka, and in 2000 hit a career best 193 not out against the West Indies.Parsons leads a young Somerset side that includes three players making their first class debut, left handed opening batsman Neil Edwards and all rounders Arul Suppiah and Wes Durston.The full Somerset line up will be: Neil Edwards, Matthew Wood, Piran Holloway, Keith Parsons, Arul Suppiah, Keith Dutch, Wes Durston, Carl Gazzard, Graham Rose Peter Trego and Matt Bulbeck.Chief Executive Peter Anderson told me: "We are hoping for a big crowd to come along and support this match against West Indies A. They are an attractive side and have enjoyed some good results on this tour, and of course they are managed by former Somerset favourite Joel Garner, who will be here with the side."Play in the 3 day match starts at 11 am on Wednesday. Entry is free to members, £10 for adults, and free for youngsters up to the age of sixteen.

Leicester City have been linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Ben White as the summer transfer window approaches.

What’s the story?

Several Premier League sides are reportedly keen on the 23-year-old England international after a highly impressive maiden Premier League campaign.

According to journalist and transfer expert Duncan Castles, the Foxes have joined the race to secure White’s signature as they look to mount another top-four challenge.

Rudkin must swoop

The likes of Manchester United and Liverpool are thought to be monitoring centre-back’s situation closely after his standout displays caught their eye throughout 2020/21.

White made 36 top-flight appearances for his boyhood club as the Seagulls finished in a respectable 16th place last season, earning himself a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020.

Recent reports claimed that Brighton have slapped a £50m price tag on the youngsters head in order to fend off any potentially interested party, but the Foxes may be hopeful of negotiating that figure down.

The 5 ft 10 gem first rose to prominence during a successful season-long loan spell at Leeds United in 2019/20, playing every minute as the west Yorkshire outfit won the Championship title.

Ahead of a reunion between White and his former side, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa showered the Englishman in praise.

“Ben White has shown he is a Premier League player,” said Bielsa back in January.

“All of us here admire him as a player. We respect him and love him as a human being. He was an excellent professional, as well as a teammate. I hope his career allows him to grow because he deserves it.”

With experienced duo Wes Morgan and Christian Fuchs departing the King Power Stadium this summer, Leicester are in need of defensive reinforcements, and the addition of White would be a significant statement of intent.

Qualification for next term’s Europa League means Brendan Rodgers’ charges will be required to fight on multiple fronts.

In order to that, the Midlands outfit will need to add extra strength in depth to their first-team squad, and White’s arrival would certainly represent exactly that.

Leicester’s director of football, Jon Rudkin, has worked miracles in the transfer market in recent years, but pulling off this deal could top the lot. He must swoop for the Brighton man as Rodgers aims to guide the current FA Cup holders into the Champions League.

And, in other news…Leicester dealt transfer blow over “outstanding” £20m gem, Rodgers will be gutted 

Cricket and politics are unusual stablemates in New Zealand but former Test all-rounder Vic Pollard is undeterred and is among those on the hustings looking for a seat in Parliament after Saturday’s general election

Lynn McConnell22-Jul-2002Cricket and politics are unusual stablemates in New Zealand but former Test all-rounder Vic Pollard is undeterred and is among those on the hustings looking for a seat in Parliament after Saturday’s general election.Pollard is No 3 on the Christian Heritage Party list, sitting behind its leader Graham Capill and another high-profile candidate Merepeka Raukawa-Tait.So unusual is the cricket/political mix in New Zealand that a search of cricket archives suggests the only first-class cricketer to have successfully made the leap so far is Francis Henry Dillon Bell whose first-class career consisted of two games for Wellington between 1873/74 and 1876/77.He scored all of two runs in his three innings and finished with a career average of 0.66.Bell had a long and distinguished parliamentary, and legal, career but his term of Prime Minister was almost as brief as his cricket career, serving 16 days officially in the role, although he had earlier filled in when William Massey’s health was fading in the last years of Massey’s life.Bell accepted the position in a caretaker role until the Reform party could elect a new leader. He declined to stand for the job.There’s been no lack of interest in cricket from politicians with the Speaker of the House, Jonathan Hunt a regular attender at matches over many years while former Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon also frequently attended Test matches at Eden Park.Both would have been in a position to appreciate the skills Pollard brought to the game and which he is now putting into service for his beliefs.And anyone familiar with Pollard’s approach both to his cricket, and his other sporting love soccer for which he also represented New Zealand, will not be surprised at the commitment he is putting into getting his message across.”When I was approached I considered the position prayerfully. And I accept that if God wants me in then I’ll be in,” he said.At the same time, he acknowledges that it is a mighty difficult path to get into Parliament but the party does have hopes that it can win the Wairarapa seat through Raupeka-Tait and that it has a good chance in Rakaia.”I don’t need it as a career and I’m definitely not in it for a better salary,” Pollard said.He’s more concerned about getting his and his party’s message across.”We believe in freedom of speech and freedom of religion but we believe the Government has gone beyond what a Government should.”Our slogan is Family, Justice, Choice, and less Government control.”Pollard was especially keen to let the voting public know that the Christian Heritage Pary was not a narrow, bigoted party.A deputy principal at a Christchurch school, Pollard has taken time away from his job in order to do his electioneering, although the fact a snap election was called has left him with not quite as much time to prepare as he had hoped for, and that had increased the workload.That has been made all the more arduous due to the fact that he is having to get around on crutches at the moment, the legacy of hip operations. His left hip has just been operated on while his right hip had a revised procedure, 11 years after it was first operated on.His cricket experiences especially have been a help in handling being thrust into the limelight.As a 19-year-old playing Test cricket against legends like Colin Cowdrey, Ted Dexter and Fred Trueman that did tend to be a benefit.But he’s still uncomfortable with having to speak to large crowds although he is often surprised at how often people remember his cricket career.And to those who recall his stance on playing on Sundays in his playing career it will be no surprise that his party wants greater support for families, freedom in education so that zoning is done away with and people have the choice of whether they want state, integrated, private or home schooling.”We want to get the family into the centre of politician’s minds and we would have a Ministry of Family Affairs rather than a Youth Ministry or a Women’s Ministry.”There were also the requirements to have integrity in Parliament and people who were prepared to do more than just toe the party line.”We believe Government should provide security and peace internally and security from external forces,” he said.Pollard said that his own stance on not playing sport on Sundays was one that had developed from his own choice.”There was no mother or father standing over me saying I must do it. I just wanted to go to church on a Sunday,” he said.It did have a sporting cost for him, right from those early years when it meant he couldn’t play soccer for Manawatu against a team from Australia which in the 1960s was a huge thing.By the late-1960s the idea of sport on Sundays was gaining much more momentum and on the 1969 tour of England, India and Pakistan he was joined by Bryan Yuile and Bruce Murray in not playing on Sundays.Pollard had one more tour of England in 1973, his finest tour, but at the end of it he retired.It proved a painful decision from a sporting angle. He felt he was just peaking and still had plenty to offer. There was a chance he could have become New Zealand captain as he was vice-captain on that last tour.It also meant he played no more soccer, and he had played in the first three years of the National League from 1970-72.But he had made his commitment and he lived with it.”I had a good run,” he said.It will be a long shot if the Christian Heritage Party find themselves with seats in Parliament, but if Pollard does get there, the determination, application and skill derived in his sporting interests can be expected to serve him well in getting his message across.

Former Everton star Michael Ball believes that the club’s proposed appointment of Rafael Benitez may be called off because of the overwhelmingly negative reaction to the news.

Reports suggest that the Spaniard is the current frontrunner to take over at Goodison Park after Carlo Ancelotti departed to rejoin Real Madrid.

Benitez would become the very first boss to manage both Liverpool and Everton if he did end up taking over in Merseyside.

Indeed, the 61-year-old spent a total of six years at Anfield between 2004 and 2010 and won a clutch of trophies, lifting the FA Cup and the Champions League during his time with the Reds. He also won the UEFA Super Cup and the Community Shield.

Liverpool fans continue to sign about Benitez, and he is widely regarded as an iconic figure on the red side of the city.

Various pundits, including ex-Toffees goalkeeper Neville Southall, have rejected the prospect of Benitez coming into the role at Everton and Ball now thinks that the backlash could see the Toffees rethink the potential appointment.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I feel with the negative reaction with Rafa, I can’t see it happening now.

“I know he’s still favourite, I know what we’ve read on social media in the last few hours, I just feel it might be put on hold. Just to see how it settles over the next few days.

“I think he’s had a second interview, Nuno (Espirito Santo) had two interviews, so they may be revisiting managers that they’ve already spoken to before they make this huge decision.”