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For their second match, which is potentially crucial to their chances of making the final, both India and Zimbabwe will want to bring their A game

The Preview by Sidharth Monga02-Jun-2010Match FactsThursday, June 3, 2010
Start time 0900 (0700 GMT)
If Rohit Sharma scores a ton against Zimbabwe, he will equal the world record for centuries in consecutive innings•AFPThe Big PictureIndia went from the low of losing comprehensively to Zimbabwe to the high of winning similarly against Sri Lanka in two days. Zimbabwe travelled in the opposite direction with their huge loss to Sri Lanka. The upshot is, despite two unexpected results, the points table wears the expected look: Sri Lanka on top, Zimbabwe last. For their second match, which is potentially crucial to their chances of making the final, both India and Zimbabwe will want to bring their A game.For the second leg of the tournament, play moves to Harare, which should offer clearer weather, giving Zimbabwe a more even playing field. Their army of spinners will like it, so will their batsmen who struggled when it was overcast in Bulawayo, but made merry when it was sunny. It is not quite the do-or-leave situation, but neither team will want to leave it until they face Sri Lanka, on paper the strongest team in the tournament.Form guide (most recent first)ZimbabweLWLLL
India WLLWW
Watch out for…Albeit against lesser teams, Rohit Sharma is showing the will to fight and build an innings. Perhaps it is the added responsibility of no seniors around, but in a week he has taken his ODI average from 25.6 to 31.9, has nearly doubled his List A centuries count, and if he gets a century against Zimbabwe, will equal the world record for centuries in consecutive innings. He will want to carry this confidence and grit into matches against major teams too.In both the matches, Hamilton Masakadza has got off to rollicking starts. In the first he failed to convert it into a big score, but the rest picked up the ball. In the second, he found himself out of partners. In his hometown, he will want to continue the starts and ideally finish the job himself.Team newsZimbabwe went in with an unchanged combination against Sri Lanka, and despite that loss in a truncated match they will want to retain the XI that smashed India in the first match.Zimbabwe (possible) 1 Hamilton Masakadza, 2 Brendan Taylor (wk) 3 Charles Coventry, 4 Greg Lamb, 5 Craig Ervine, 6 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 7 Andy Blignaut, 8 Graeme Cremer, 9 Prosper Utseya, 10 Chris Mpofu, 11 Ray Price.India went in with two specialist spinners because of a warm-up injury to R Vinay Kumar, but unwittingly seemed to have found the right combination. They should retain the bowlers, but the openers have presented a case for giving Naman Ojha a chance.India (possible) 1 M Vijay, 2 Dinesh Karthik/Naman Ojha (wk), 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Rohit Sharma, 5 Suresh Raina (capt), 6 Yusuf Pathan, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Amit Mishra, 9 Ashok Dinda, 10 Pragyan Ojha, 11 Umesh Yadav.Stats and trivia Greg Lamb’s batting strike-rate in ODIs is 42.35, and that provides a case for some flexibility when it comes to sending him at No. 3. It worked against India after Zimbabwe had a good start in a full 50-over innings, but against Sri Lanka, when they lost an early wicket in a 26-over contest, it backfired. Virat Kohli’s career average of 51.61 is impressive enough, but in his last 13 matches he has been even better, scoring two centuries, five half-centuries and averaging 67.33.Quotes”Very disappointing. We did not play well, hopefully we will bounce back. Building an innings has been a problem – we lost four wickets in a short space of time.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are one of “many clubs” who are “in the frame” to sign Sporting CP defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha.

What’s the word?

According to the latest report from O Jogo, as per Molineux news, Wolves have identified Palhinha as a possible replacement for Ruben Neves, who looks almost certain to depart this summer after spending five seasons at the club.

The 26-year-old has seen his minutes fluctuate across the second-half of the season, amidst his on-going links with Wolves.

Neves’ successor at Wolves

Palhinha’s game is all about breaking up opposition attacks in and around the middle and defensive third of the game.

As such, the £23.4 million rated Portuguese midfielder who’s name translates to “butcher” as discovered by Robert Lusetich, boasts some outstanding numbers with his average of 32 pressures, with 20 of these occurring in the middle third – enough to humble Neves’ total of 20.

Palhinha operates much deeper than Neves, who in an attacking sense is much more well-rounded, with the “butcher’s” specified total of 0.17 shot-creating actions all the evidence needed in regards to his lack of threat to the opposition’s goal.

Although he is tried and tested in a 3-4-3 system under Ruben Amorim, his stats suggest that he would shine in a system, like a 4-3-3, that makes use of a single pivot in midfield.

His defensive game is by far his best service and he would have no problem filling the boots of Ruben Neves if he was to depart.

The biggest worry from a Wolves perspective would be his lack of attacking threat.

Wolves have struggled to score goals this season, boasting the fourth worst record when it comes to finding the back of the net, with an average of just one goal per game.

The lack of central threat would suggest that the Old Gold would require at least one creative threat out of the two central midfield options in Bruno Lage’s team, though with on-going links of Leander Dendoncker’s departure amidst Lazio links, the Molineux side may well be out to sign a couple of midfielders this summer.

If that is the case, Palhinha is a sure-fire pick to replace Ruben Neves.

In other news: Better than Dendoncker: Wolves must finally unleash “enormous” 22 y/o who’s “filth…”

ESPNcricinfo previews Kenya’s chances in the 2011 World Cup

Martin Williamson14-Feb-2011Kenyan cricket has dined out for years on reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2003, but rather than being a launching board to great things – Test status was a real possibility at the time – it was the start of a gradual and often undignified slide down the global pecking order. From being the unquestioned leading Associate, Kenya are now not even among the best four. They were just lucky that qualification for this tournament took place almost two years ago, when they were still just about able to hold off strong challenges from Scotland and Afghanistan.Kenya are paying for years of underinvestment in grass-roots cricket, and while that is now being addressed, and some talented players are emerging, it takes a long time to get things back on an even keel. The rot set in long before 2003, with a dysfunctional and mismanaged board squandering no end of international goodwill and money, and the new regime was too slow to put things right.Recent results have been poor, and the scar of being trounced by allcomers at the ICC World Cricket League Division One competition – the main event for Associates – runs deep. There have been glimmers that things might be getting better, and the defeat of Ireland in a warm-up in Dubai was timely. Against that, they cannot overlook five straight losses to weakened state sides on a tour of India in January.There is hope, and the handful of youngsters, some of who have only emerged in the last few months, does bode well for future tournaments. Or at least it would do had the ICC not decided that money mattered more than anything and banished Associates from what it will still laughably call the World Cup from 2015.Inevitably, much attention will centre on Steve Tikolo, the 39-year-old allrounder who has been a key part of the Kenyan set-up since before many of his team-mates were born. There are those who see his continuing presence as a distraction in that too often he has been looked at to bail the side out when things go wrong. His enthusiasm, like his form, seems to be on the wane and this time last year he had retired and turned his back on the national side. One last tilt at the windmill proved too tempting, but the days of fireworks are behind him.World Cup pedigreeKenya have been an ever present since they first appeared in 1996, a tournament where they underlined their potential with a famous win over the still-decent West Indies. In 1999 they lost all five matches, and in 2003 they got within one match of the final before going down to India. But their progress came because they were awarded a walkover when New Zealand refused to play in Nairobi, and only one win in the so-called Super Sixes stage, against Zimbabwe, was enough to put them into the last four thanks to the ridiculous way points from group matches were carried forward. Nevertheless, victories over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the utterly demoralised Zimbabweans were still quite an achievement. The 2007 tournament is best forgotten.Where they will finishAside from 2003, Kenya have always finished bottom of their World Cup group and it is hard to see why this time should be any different. They are rank outsiders to beat any Full Member – even Zimbabwe, who two years ago would have represented a potential scalp, have improved enough to put them out of reach. Their only real chance is against Canada but they have been beaten by them in their last four 50-over meetings so the odds are against even that.WatchabilityLately as much fun to watch as a mugging and most of their games will last about as long. Associates can entertain. When Canada’s John Davison hammered his remarkable hundred in a losing cause against West Indies in 2003, it kept spectators enthralled in an otherwise one-sided game. Don’t expect similar from the Kenyans. Mind you, when Kenya take on Zimbabwe at the 82,000-capacity Eden Gardens, a game of spot-the-spectator could provide the best chance of entertainment for the die hards.Players in focusWhile what media attention there is will probably centre on Tikolo, Thomas Odoyo, seven years younger and still a potential match-winner with bat and ball, is another who has played in all of Kenya’s World Cups. The first Associate player to complete the 1500-run and 100-wicket double, his powers are on the wane, but despite that the side depends on him – his powerful hitting could trouble decent bowlers.Back in 2003, Collins Obuya won the Man-of-the-Match award – and a county contract with Warwickshire – for his 5 for 24 in the defeat of Sri Lanka. But the legspinner developed the yips and even a stint with Terry Jenner was not able to cure it. But he has re-emerged as a genuine middle-order batsman, his rehabilitation so successful that it is him, and not Tikolo, who will be looked at to be the rock in an often fragile line-up.One for the future is 20-year-old opener Seren Waters, who announced his arrival in international cricket in 2009 with a half-century against South Africa. His cricket may have been developed in England – he is currently on the books at Surrey – but if the selectors maintain their policy of picking players who are not resident in Kenya, he could be around for a long time to come.

Kenya have announced their 15-man squad for next month’s World Cup and it is a combination of youth and experience under newly-appointed captain Jimmy Kamande

Martin Williamson19-Jan-2011Kenya have announced their 15-man squad for next month’s World Cup and it is a combination of youth and experience under newly-appointed captain Jimmy Kamande. The announcement was more of a rubber-stamping exercise than a surprise, given it is the same group who are currently preparing for the tournament with matches in India.Steve Tikolo, the 41-year-old allrounder who led his country to the semi-finals in 2003, will be taking part in his fifth World Cup as will 32-year-old Thomas Odoyo. At the other end of the spectrum, nine of the squad will be making their World Cup debuts.The warm-up matches in India suggest Kenya will struggle to make any impression in the main competition. Although their batsmen have been scoring well, their bowlers have been ineffective and all five matches against Baroda and Gujarat have been lost.Their preparations will be slight disrupted as Seren Waters, the 20-year-old opening batsman, who has scored the only hundred on the India trip, has to return to his studies for a week at the insistence of Durham University.Kenya squad Jimmy Kamande (capt), Seren Waters, Alex Obanda, David Obuya, Collins Obuya, Steve Tikolo, Tamnay Mishra, Rakep Patel, Maurice Ouma, Thomas Odoyo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno, Peter Ongondo, Shem Ngoche, James Ngoche.

ESPNcricinfo previews the first ODI between England and India at Chester-le-Street

The Preview by Andrew Miller02-Sep-2011Match factsJade Dernbach has become a pivotal member of England’s ODI bowling line-up•PA PhotosSeptember 3, Chester-le-Street
Start time 1015 (0915 GMT)Big PictureAutumn is closing in and the football season is in full swing. A major Test series has been wrapped up with aplomb, and now attention turns to a lengthy round of what might, in some quarters, be regarded as After-the-Lord-Mayor’s-show ODI fixtures. Not so long ago, such a scenario would have guaranteed a slackening of English interest and, coincidentally or not, culminated in a crushing defeat. But not anymore. For a variety of reasons, the coming fortnight ought to contain some of the most keenly fought contests of the year.As a reference point, take the last ODI meeting between these two teams – that incredible World Cup tussle in Bangalore back in March. A Sachin Tendulkar hundred appeared to have propelled India towards a hefty victory, only for the innings of Andrew Strauss’s one-day life to haul the game back in England’s direction. A stunning late spell from Zaheer Khan tipped the scales once again, only for England’s tail to scramble their way to a tie.What happened next hardly needs spelling out. India surged to their second World Cup victory, while England staggered to a quarter-final battering by Sri Lanka in the most harum-scarum campaign of all time. Six months on, therefore, both teams have a great deal to prove. India, as reigning World Champions, will be seeking to confirm their one-day pre-eminence in their biggest bilateral series since that final in Mumbai; England will want to use this stage to prove they are a far better limited-overs outfit than they recently appeared to be.So far this summer, England have already had the better of one of the World Cup finalists, Sri Lanka, and on the evidence of India’s tour so far, they will be expecting to emulate that achievement in the coming weeks. Strauss has stepped aside to concentrate on his Test future, but his replacement Alastair Cook showed an astounding change of pace in his first ODI series for 15 months, leading from the front with a century at Lord’s, and 95 from 75 balls in the series-turning victory at Trent Bridge. A new-look team has no place for Kevin Pietersen, after the decision was taken to rest him for the remainder of the summer, but England’s momentum and self-belief is sure to carry over, to some degree, from their Test series whitewash.India’s fortunes surely cannot slip any lower than they are at present. There were glimpses of a resurgent attitude in the Twenty20 defeat at Old Trafford, where the debutant Ajinkya Rahane showcased a technique and temperament that bodes well for future challenges, and where even the exposed Suresh Raina found a method to combat his short-ball uncertainties – his baseball smack for six off Stuart Broad wasn’t entirely convincing but mighty effective.They lack a glut of senior players from that World Cup campaign – Zaheer, Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Ishant Sharma and Virender Sehwag have all fallen by the wayside in the course of an arduous tour, which leaves the ever-green Sachin Tendulkar to carry the burden of expectation once again, as he embarks on his latest quest for that elusive 100th international hundred. Rahul Dravid, recalled to the ODI team for a farewell campaign, will provide a sturdy sidekick, but all things considered – not least, the ropey Indian fielding that prompted Nasser Hussain’s controversial “donkey” comment – England will believe they’ve got the beating of this team.As West Indies, Australia and India all demonstrated in cricket’s recent past, when you’re the No. 1 in the world in one format, the expectation is that you should emulate that achievement across the board. With 10 series wins in their last 12 bilateral engagements, England do have something on which to build. But if India deny them in the coming five games, they’ll feel they’ve lost more than just the summer’s consolation prize.Form guide (Most recent first)
England WWWLL
India LLWWWIn the spotlightJade Dernbach was a shock call-up to England’s World Cup squad this winter. Uncapped and largely unknown, he vaulted into the knock-out stages via the England Lions tour to the Caribbean, and came within a whisker of playing in that ten-wicket quarter-final defeat against Sri Lanka. But as this summer has progressed, so his extraordinary virtues have made themselves known. Not since Darren Gough was in his pomp have England possessed a one-day bowler so full of tricks and variation, and even Gough’s slower balls lacked the subtlety that Dernbach brings to the mix. In consecutive fixtures, his death bowling proved too canny for Ireland in Dublin and India at Old Trafford, and while his methods are now well-known, few batsmen have managed to decode him.Generally speaking, it’s not wise to read too much into a single Twenty20 performance, but on a tour of few highlights from an Indian point of view, the composure shown by their debutant opener, Ajinkya Rahane, was a very welcome development. He came into the contest boasting a first-class average of 67 after learning his trade in the Ranji Trophy, and the confidence with which he dismissed England’s short-ball attack gave the impression of a player with substance. In a batting order crying out for technical proficiency to replace a raft of ageing greats, he’s clearly a man to watch.Team newsGraeme Swann, who might have celebrated the Twenty20 victory a bit harder than he intended, is a doubt for Durham after suffering a stomach complaint – a decision will be made in the morning. In Pietersen’s absence, Ian Bell is likely to slot in at No. 4, although there may be a temptation to blood the new boy, Ben Stokes, in front of his home crowd at Chester-le-Street.England (possible) 1 Craig Kieswetter (wk), 2 Alastair Cook (capt), 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Ian Bell, 5 Eoin Morgan, 6 Ravi Bopara, 7 Samit Patel, 8 Tim Bresnan, 9 Stuart Broad, 10 James Anderson, 11 Jade DernbachIndia have no fitness issues to report – aside from the glut that have already decimated the squad, of course.India (possible) 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Sachin Tendulkar, 3 Rahul Dravid, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 Rohit Sharma, 7 MS Dhoni (capt / wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Praveen Kumar, 10 Munaf Patel, 11 R Vinay KumarPitch and conditionsA seam-friendly surface, and grey Northern skies are on the agenda. The prospect is for showers, and nippy autumnal temperatures.Stats and trivia India are unbeaten in ODIs against England since 2007, having won 5-0 in their home series in November 2008, and tied their most recent match back in March. However, England took the spoils in the last series in this country four years ago, winning the rubber 4-3 after a seven-wicket win in the decider at Lord’s. England have won four of their previous eight ODIs at Chester-le-Street, including each of their last three against Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand. Their only previous match at the venue against India, in 2002, was a wash-out. Two players remain from that 2002 fixture, and no prizes for guessing which they are. Sachin Tendulkar scored 105 not out and Rahul Dravid (keeping wicket) made 82, before rain prevented a probable India win.Quotes”Let’s not get too carried away with four years’ time. The most important thing is what we do tomorrow.”
“There are fresh faces with the mindset to do well and have had time to prepare.”
Virat Kohli thinks India’s build-up to the ODIs – which included three tour games – will stand them in good stead.

Lionel Messi may be joined in Florida by Federico Redondo after all, with Inter Miami reportedly resurrecting a deal for the midfielder.

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Herons in the market for midfield reinforcementsMLS rules appeared to have scuppered moveDiscussions ongoing ahead of 2024 campaignWHAT HAPPENED?

The Herons have lost Facundo Farias to a season-ending injury, putting them back in the market for midfield reinforcements. Another Argentine is said to be in their sights, with Redondo – the son of former Real Madrid and AC Milan star Fernando – registering on their radar.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

An agreement was said to be close, with personal terms being thrashed out with the talented 21-year-old ahead of an $8 million (£6m) transfer being pushed through. Serious doubt was then case over the deal, with MLS regulations regarding payment methods posing a problem.

DID YOU KNOW?

Redondo and Argentinos Juniors were left in the dark at that stage, but claims that the move could be back on. The “obstacles” blocking Inter Miami’s path are said to have been removed, with negotiations “moving forward again”.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Inter Miami are reportedly discussing “final details” when it comes to acquiring Redondo – who has also been linked with leading sides in Europe – and it could be that he is drafted in alongside Messi and Co ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign getting underway on February 21.

Liverpool are interested in signing Barcelona prodigy Gavi in the summer transfer window, according to an exciting transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Gavi bursts onto the scene

The 17-year-old has emerged as arguably one of the most exciting young prospects in world football, standing out as a potential future superstar at Barca.

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Gavi already has 39 appearances to his name for the Catalan giants and he has been described as a ‘spectacular’ player by current manager Xavi.

Liverpool have been linked with an audacious move for the teenager in the past and those rumours aren’t going away.

The Latest: Reds eye up move

According to Sport, the Reds, and by extension club owners FSG, have sounded out Gavi over a summer move as they make an approach – with Barca thought to be concerned over his future at the Camp Nou.

It is also believed that Klopp’s side have ‘intensified their interest’ pending contract renewal talks – stepping up the chase for Barca’s gem as they sense a potential transfer opportunity.

Gavi is described as a ‘real bargain’ by Sport who cite his €50 million (£41m) release clause as a small price to pay for someone of his quality and vast potential.

The Spaniard’s current deal expires at the end of next season, so if he hasn’t extended his stay by then, he would be able to leave on a free transfer, acting as a major blow for them.

The Verdict: Feels highly unlikely

While the idea of Gavi in a Liverpool shirt is hugely exciting, given his ability and potential, it still feels highly likely that he will sign a new deal with Barca eventually.

Like so many La Masia graduates, the midfielder will surely see his long-term future at the club, particularly if they continue their current resurgence under Xavi.

Along with similarly prodigious talent Pedri, Gavi could be the poster boy for the next era at Barca and it is hard to see Liverpool swooping instead, despite their huge appeal under Jurgen Klopp.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly planning a new deal for one player. Read more here.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has dropped a fresh twist in Everton’s hunt for a new manager…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested that former Porto boss Vitor Pereira was the man leading the race to replace Rafa Benitez on a permanent basis, but it now appears that Frank Lampard has once again come into consideration following a significant development.

Writing initially on Twitter, Ornstein said: “Amid a mixed reaction reaction to reports of Vitor Pereira’s potential appointment as Everton boss, understand a final decision has yet to be made by #EFC owner Farhad Moshiri and Frank Lampard is still very much in contention for the job.”

Fans will be buzzing

The fact that Toffees fans took to protesting about Pereira’s potential appointment as the club’s new manager speaks volumes about just how much they disagreed with Moshiri’s first choice.

Ornstein’s update that the reaction to Pereira’s possible hiring has seemingly impacted the decision to appoint him is sure to be a major relief to Everton fans, while revealing Lampard is still “very much in contention” is a double boost.

And on Twitter, a move for Lampard was backed by The Telegraph’s Matt Law, who said: “Sure I’ll get stick on Twitter for this but surely Lampard is the obvious choice for Everton. Fans seem to want him, track record in English football, can communicate ideas quickly + make instant impact. Not only proved he can use youth but has also made good transfer decisions

“Qualifying for and managing in the CL, also getting to an FA Cup final, seems plenty qualified for the Everton job to me. Yes, Chelsea were ninth when they had sacked him after 19 games, but they had been in top 3 for first 11 games of that season.”

Lampard’s time with Chelsea and Derby has seen him pick up valuable experience in English football, and quite crucially, a real mix between competing at the very top end of the pyramid with the Blues, and leading a side in the play-offs down in the Championship.

As Law himself says, Everton “fans seem to want him”, and it’s exactly why Ornstein’s news on this mini manager saga is sure to delight them.

Meanwhile, Everton have made an enquiry for this European star…

Gary Ballance, nephew of former Zimbabwe batsman Dave Houghton, announced his arrival on the Zimbabwe cricket scene with a magnificent 135 not out to lead Mid West Rhinos to a two-wicket victory over Mashonaland Eagles at Kwekwe

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Oct-2010
ScorecardGary Ballance, nephew of former Zimbabwe batsman Dave Houghton, announced his arrival on the Zimbabwe cricket scene with a magnificent 135 not out to lead Mid West Rhinos to a two-wicket victory over Mashonaland Eagles at Kwekwe.His innings proved the difference between the sides after Mashonaland Eagles had played the better cricket through the match. Their batting was more consistent, their bowling more accurate and their fielding better but Ballance’s hundred snatched the game from their grasp.Mid West Rhinos asked the visitors to bat first but could not find the bowling strength to take advantage of it. Taurai Muzarabani strove manfully, but the others were not able to keep the runrate in check. They had a lucky break when Friday Kasteni ran out Simbarashe Gupo early on, but the next three batsmen all weighed in with fifties.Cephas Zhuwawo’s 57 off 62 balls gave Mashonaland Eagles a breezy start, but he was overshadowed by Forster Mutizwa’s cameo 50 from 37 balls. Between them Prince Masvaure was more sedate but anchored the innings solidly with 62, helped no end by the generous Mid West Rhinos fielders who dropped several chances.Chasing 248 looked a daunting prospect but Ballance made it look easy. Tottering after two wickets fell quickly for 21, he shared a vital stand of 123 with his captain Vusi Sibanda, who hit a fine 58 off 55 balls.Had Ballance fallen, Mashonaland Eagles would have taken the match but he stayed to the end, hitting another boundary to win the match with three balls to spare in the final over. He faced only 121 balls and hit 12 fours and three sixes.

Aston Villa have been fully involved in adding strength to their team during this transfer window, with it being the first for Steven Gerrard to make his additions to the squad.

He’s already secured Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho, but the manager doesn’t look to be finished yet, with many players linked with a move to the club over the last week of the window, with an Axel Tuanzebe replacement on the cards next.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa could sign Nathaniel Phillips from Liverpool in a matter of days, with former Arsenal striker, Kevin Campbell, giving his opinion on the potential move.

Campbell told Football Insider: “Phillips is definitely a player who can go to Aston Villa and do his thing, it can definitely happen.

“Look, getting a centre-half through the door isn’t rocket science. You want them to be able to do their job, and you want them to fit in with the team seamlessly.

“Nat Phillips seems to be a good pro, so it may just work. Steven Gerrard knows him and knows Liverpool as well.”

Aston Villa have been linked to the Liverpool defender throughout the transfer window, with West Ham United also reportedly interested in securing the 24 year old’s signature.

Perfect Tuanzebe replacement

Phillips, who was hailed a “monster” by manager Jurgen Klopp, became an integral part of the makeshift Liverpool squad last season, when the side was down with an injury crisis to their backline which resulted in Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip all injured for large parts of the season, causing the Merseyside club to fall as far as eighth in the league at one point.

The £7.2m-rated defender became a consistent performer at the beginning of last year, putting in the hard work needed to take Liverpool from 8th to 3rd in just ten games at the end of last term.

He won the majority of his duels, which ultimately played a part in the side winning eight matches at the back end of the term and that has now earned him interest from other Premier League clubs looking to fill a gap.

Villa are in need of a central defender and are currently down to just two fit centre-halves since Ezri Konsa sustained an injury and Tuanzebe left the club earlier this month, with Phillips looking like the perfect replacement to come in and do a job for the Villains to continue their pursuit for a finish in the top half this season.

Phillips has fallen out of favour at Anfield now that the starting defenders have returned to the side without a single appearance in the Premier League, so he would definitely be keen for first team football, especially working with a Liverpool legend like Gerrard. Therefore, it could be the perfect move for the defender that can mutually benefit both parties.

With only a week left to go in the transfer window it will be interesting to see if Villa’s Sporting Director, Johan Lange, makes a formal approach.

In other news: Journalist reveals an approach for Rodrigo Bentancur