أكد مارسيلو جاريادو المدير الفني لفريق الاتحاد على صعوبة مواجهة الهلال في نهائي كأس السوبر السعودي.

ويلاقي الاتحاد منافسه الهلال مساء غد الخميس باللقاء الذي يجمع بينهما في نهائي كأس السوبر السعودي.

وقال مارسيلو جاريادو في تصريحات خلال المؤتمر الصحفي: “سنخوض مباراة مهمة جدًا لنا ضد الهلال وهو فريق مميز على مستوى النتائج والمستوى”.

مدرب الهلال: الاتحاد واجهنا بكل الطرق الممكنة.. والتغيير لن يفاجئني

وأكمل: “مواجهاتنا السابقة أمام الهلال تختلف عن مباراة الغد كونها نهائي، وسنلعب بالطريقة التي سنحاول من خلالها التتويج باللقب”.

واختتم: “متحمسون وجاهزون للقاء ونسعى للفوز وحصد اللقب، والعمل الجماعي هو كلمة السر في لقاء الغد وعلينا التركيز طوال أحداث اللقاء”.

Rising Pune Supergiant batsman Manoj Tiwary has taken “complete blame” for not finishing the game for his team against Delhi Daredevils on Friday night, which means they can still miss out on a playoff spot

ESPNcricinfo staff13-May-20171:49

I was not able to connect for boundaries – Tiwary

Rising Pune Supergiant batsman Manoj Tiwary has taken “complete blame” for not finishing the game for his team against Delhi Daredevils on Friday night, which means they can still miss out on a playoff spot. Supergiant were chasing 169 at the Feroz Shah Kotla and a win would have sealed a playoff berth, along with table-toppers Mumbai Indians. They needed 43 runs from 24 balls with Tiwary and MS Dhoni in a fifth-wicket stand but Dhoni was run out for 5 and the visitors were unable to strike a single boundary for 22 balls until the last over started.”I want to take the complete blame for that because I was the batsman who was set over there,” Tiwary said after the match. “And prior to the last over we couldn’t get any boundaries at that point of time and I was the man who was on strike and was not able to connect. But obviously, the match was in our hands at one point of time and that’s the way it happens at times.”We tried our best but we have to go back now and see what went wrong and how the batsmen could have scored more runs, find out what kind of strokes we could have played at that situation and come back harder in the next game. It’s going to be a pressure game because both the teams (Rising Pune and Kings XI Punjab) want to win and let’s see who comes best in that game.”Tiwary, who finished on 60 off 45 balls, said Dhoni “was not aware where the ball went” which led to his run-out in the 18th over, making the equation tougher for Rising Pune. Dhoni had top-edged a slower ball from Cummins towards short fine leg and had looked back immediately but only strolled for the first few steps. It was only when Dhoni realised Mohammed Shami had swooped in quickly, did he start sprinting down but a sharp direct-hit caught him a few inches short.”He (Dhoni) mentioned that he couldn’t see the ball where it went and that is the reason he couldn’t make it because [the] ball went behind [square] so he wasn’t aware where the ball went,” Tiwary explained. “But it happens, even the quickest of persons gets run-out and today was an example. It’s very rare, but yes, when things don’t go your way, things like these happen. But you must give credit to Shami as well because he took that risk of throwing and taking that chance because if that ball wouldn’t have hit the stumps [then] it would have been one more extra run.””It was a great effort by Shami to get him out,” Karun Nair said•BCCI

Shami later said he wanted to give it a try even if Dhoni is known for his quick running between the wickets. “You can say it was a game changer,” Shami said at the press conference. “Even though Mahi runs very well between the wickets I just tried that if, 50-50, it hits, then we can turn the match.”Daredevils’ Karun Nair, who top-scored with 64 off 45 and set up their score of 168 for 8, lauded Shami’s “great effort”, knowing what a threat Dhoni could be towards the end of the chase.”That was one of the turning points of the game because to get Mahi out at that time was one of the biggest moments,” Nair told . “Because if he’s there till the end he’ll finish off the game most of the time. It was a great effort by Shami to get him out.”Dhoni has struggled to get going this season and has managed only 240 runs from 13 innings so far, at a strike rate of 113.74, his worst in the 10 IPL seasons. His average of 24 so far is also his lowest in an IPL season. Tiwary defended Dhoni’s performances saying it was difficult for him to score a lot of runs since he came down the order, and still had a “lot of game left in him.””Dhoni still has a lot of time left,” Tiwary said. “And, more importantly, if he is doing so well in the present then why overthink. Obviously, in terms of runs, we should consider that he comes to bat down the order. In T20 cricket we only want the strike rate to be, say, over 120. But Mahi has done so well in the past and set such high standards that we feel that he should still be batting with the same strike rate of 130-160. But it is practically not possible.”You need to look at the circumstances too. He struck a good partnership with Ben Stokes in a game where Stokes hit a hundred. That game, if you see, what we needed most was a partnership and we got that partnership from the experienced player.”Mahi had that experience and he built that partnership. His strike rate might not have been that good but won us the game, so that is a match-winning innings, right? I always feel performances should be judged taking into account the situation of the game and then see what he is contributing to the game. That is more important, rather than the strike rate of the player. Obviously, the format is so fast that everybody wants to see sixes and fours and strike rates of 150 but it is not possible all the time. I feel he still has a lot of game left in him.”

Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka’s captain, hailed his players for defying expectations after their seven-wicket victory over India

Alan Gardner at The Oval08-Jun-2017Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka’s captain, hailed his players for defying expectations after their seven-wicket victory over India at The Oval kept alive their hopes of a Champions Trophy semi-final. He dedicated the performance to Sri Lanka’s supporters, who made their presence increasingly felt as the game went on, as well as the victims of last week’s flooding in the country.India had looked in control after posting 321 for 6 but Sri Lanka, led by dashing half-centuries from replacement opener Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis, overhauled the highest successful Champions Trophy chase to set up a virtual quarter-final against Pakistan on Monday.”It was a very important game for us,” he said. “You know, no one really expected us to win. That took a lot of pressure off ourselves, and we just went out there, expressed ourselves and you can see what we can do when we play with a lot of freedom.”That’s our trademark, papare,” he said of the band playing enthusiastically in the stands for much of the game. “They come wherever we play. The Sri Lankan people like to have fun. It was very pleasing for us to give them a win because we had some terrible times in the recent past, especially with losing a lot of lives for floods, and we are very grateful that we could give them a smile.”It was like playing a World Cup Final. It was so noisy and a great atmosphere. We all know that all the Indians travel, and they’re right behind their team. I must thank all the Sri Lankan supporters that came out here. Even though it was little numbers, it was fantastic support for us. We really thank all of them.”Angelo Mathews swivels into a pull•Getty ImagesMathews had sat out Sri Lanka’s opening fixture – a heavy defeat against South Africa – due to a calf injury but contributed an unbeaten half-century on his return to help his team over the line. When asked about criticism aimed at himself and the coach, Graham Ford, for recent performances, he said he had been glad to be able to front up.”It’s always the coach and the captain. Today, once again, Kusal Perera’s call [to retire hurt] was also crucial. As a captain, I had to send him in, and it would have been a few bullets fired at me if it hadn’t gone too well. But that’s what we are there for, to take crucial decisions at crucial times, and it doesn’t matter if it fails. But, yeah, there is a lot of responsibility on the coach and the captain. So we do our very best out there, and we get the boys to do their very best, and we get the boys to try really hard, that’s what we look for.”Mendis was named Man of the Match for his innings of 89 off 93 and Mathews said that he and the team had benefited from speaking to Sri Lanka’s previous No. 3 before the match. “He [Mendis] met Kumar Sangakkara to get a few batting tips, and he’s the king, and we all look up to him. We all get advice from him, all the batters. He taught us a lot of good things on how to play on these tracks. Yesterday the guys met him and took a lot of advice and went out there and implemented it.”Sri Lanka’s victory left all four teams in Group B on two points after two games. Pakistan pulled off a surprise of their own when beating South Africa at Edgbaston on Wednesday and Mathews warned about taking preconceptions into the final round of matches.”It doesn’t matter if the opposition respects us. We are out to do a job, and we don’t really think about what the opposition think,” he said. “I mean, no one really expected us to win today as well, but we knew underneath that we had the talent and we had another opportunity to beat a fantastic team, which we did.”We don’t want to think too far ahead. We just want to take one game at a time. Now it’s done, and we look forward to the next game. It will be the same plans, go out there, no expectations. Go out there, play with a lot of freedom. You know, if we play good cricket, I’m certain that we can beat any team.”

Everton have had a long-standing interest in Arnaut Danjuma and now a reliable source has revealed a fresh update on the club's pursuit of the player this summer.

Is Arnaut Danjuma joining Everton?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Everton are "closing in" on a deal for the Villarreal winger.

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday to reveal:

"Everton are closing in on Danjuma deal — understand bid has been accepted, here we go soon.

"Understand it’s gonna be loan move. Player believes Everton is best for his career. After January hijack the communication stayed open and now Everton have their player."

How good is Arnaut Danjuma?

Despite the controversy surrounding Danjuma's move to Tottenham Hospur in January, there is no doubt that his potential arrival at Goodison Park in the coming days wouldn't be a major coup for the Merseyside club.

Sean Dyche is in dire need of quality attacking reinforcements after another uninspiring and troubling Premier League season for the Toffees, with exits from Richarlison and Anthony Gordon considerably weakening the talent needed in the final third.

Not only that, Demarai Gray has now been attracting interest with Crystal Palace strengthening their pursuit of the winger over the past few days, according to reports from the Daily Mail, which would only contribute to Everton's concerns should the player depart.

As a result, the signing of Danjuma is exactly what Dyche needs to address his frustrating and uninspiring attacking threat, as well as facilitating a move for Gray which would ultimately boost the transfer funds available for the manager over the remainder of the transfer window.

The £45k-per-week wide man is no stranger to the Premier League of course, spending six months on loan in north London with Spurs, however, a lack of game-time made it difficult for Danjuma to hit the ground running.

During his stint at the London club, the Lagos-born ace only made nine appearances in the top flight, averaging just 19 minutes per performance, but did manage to score a league goal and also find the back of the net once in the FA Cup too.

The last six months with Spurs are not a true reflection of Danjuma's keen eye for goal, however, as the 5 foot 8 winger has proven that with consistent minutes he can be a force in the final third – scoring 22 goals and registering four assists over 51 appearances for the Spanish club, with a goal contribution every 122 minutes, an output that would be extremely valuable to Dyche.

Former Sunderland goal-scorer Kevin Phillips heaped praise on the versatile forward when speaking to Football Insider last year, highlighting qualities that could well make him a wonderful acquisition for Everton.

"On his day he is a nightmare for defenders. He can create and score goals. He can hurt any defence with his pace and directness.

"He’s shown that countless times. Players like him are a rarity in this day and age."

With that being said, Danjuma is an exciting prospect for Everton and with regular game-time at Goodison Park he could quickly become a fan favourite, while outperforming Gray in the process.

Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Real Betis defender Luiz Felipe, who could be brought in to replace Wesley Fofana, though he is also a target for West Ham United, according to reports from Spain.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Fofana is at risk of missing the majority of the upcoming season due to a serious knee injury, and Mauricio Pochettino has now confirmed that he could enter the market for a new defender to replace the Frenchman, saying:

We feel all so sad. All we can do is help him. After that, because he is a player that is important for the team and the squad. "Of course we now need to think and see if we keep as we are, or if we need to work to maybe add some players.”

The Blues have previously identified a number of centre-back targets, who they could now decide to make a move for, with Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio being named as a potential option at the beginning of this month.

Juventus' Gleison Bremer could also be a target, though there may be competition for his signature from rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with Ange Postecoglou keen on signing the Brazilian.

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Felipe, who could be brought in as a replacement for Fofana, with Pochettino including the Italian's name in his list of targets.

West Ham have already held talks with the 26-year-old's agent, and the La Liga side are waiting for them to make an official offer, however, the Hammers have delayed making their first move, allowing the Blues to enter the race for his signature.

Reports from earlier this month stated that the defender is valued at around €20m (£17m), meaning he would be an affordable option for Pochettino this summer.

How good is Luiz Felipe?

With Fofana suffering a long-term injury, it is clear that Pochettino will need to bring in a replacement, and the Real Betis star could be a good replacement, given the level of some of his performances over the past year.

The Brazil-born centre-back has averaged 2.39 blocks per 90, placing him in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers, while he also ranks in the 95th percentile for clearances per 90, having averaged 5.40 during the same time period.

Lauded as "excellent" by members of the media, the Italy international also ranks in the 76th percentile for interceptions, but some of his other attributes leave a lot to be desired, particularly his ability in the air, as well as his passing.

The former Lazio man also has problems with his discipline, receiving three red cards over the course of seven matches last season, which will be a concern for Pochettino.

That said, at the price of just £17m, Felipe would still be a worthwhile signing for Chelsea, and they should now move swiftly to secure his signature ahead of the new campaign before West Ham re-enter the race.

Simon Harmer and Jamie Porter took seven wickets between them as Essex seized control of their Specsavers County Championship Division One match against Surrey at Guildford on a fascinating third day

ECB Reporters Network11-Jun-2017
ScorecardSimon Harmer and Jamie Porter took seven wickets between them as Essex seized control of their Specsavers County Championship Division One match against Surrey at Guildford on a fascinating third day.By stumps Surrey were 253 for 7 in their second innings, a lead of 217, after Essex had earlier earned themselves a slender first innings advantage with Ryan ten Doeschate finishing up on a brilliant 168 not out as they replied with 435 to Surrey’s 399.Off spinner Harmer took 4 for 75 from 34 skilful overs and Porter claimed 3 for 48 from 18 overs while Ben Foakes, with a cool and calm 46 not out, again impressed with the bat for Surrey.Essex captain ten Doeschate, unbeaten on 120 when Essex began day three on 376 for 7, guided his side past 400 and maximum batting points and, eventually, a hard-fought first innings lead of 36.Those runs looked doubly valuable as Porter and Harmer, in their contrasting bowling styles, built up the pressure on a Surrey team who knew they would have to bat for at least three full sessions if they were to make an Essex final day run chase a tough challenge.The loss of Mark Stoneman in the third over did not help their cause. Stoneman, who had batted so beautifully first time around for 197, looked like a man in prime form as he almost dismissively twice clipped Neil Wagner’s slippery left-arm seamers to the mid wicket ropes in front of the beer tent. Then, however, on 10, he edged the probing Porter to second slip where Harmer juggled the ball for Alastair Cook, at first slip, to complete the catch.A second wicket stand of 93 between Rory Burns and Scott Borthwick rallied Surrey, but then Borthwick dragged Harmer’s off spin to mid wicket to go for 36.Burns reached a solid 57 from 128 balls, with eight fours, before Porter had him caught behind and Kumar Sangakkara eased to 26 – going past 900 championship runs for the season in the process – only for Harmer to remove him with a classical piece of off break bowling from around the wicket, drawing the great Sri Lankan defensively forward and thin-edging to James Foster behind the stumps.Simon Harmer’s four wickets gave Essex the chance of a final-day chase•Getty Images

Dominic Sibley, on 28, was lbw half-forward to a Porter delivery angled in to his pads but also seeming to keep a little low and, with Matt Quinn unable to bowl again in the match because of a back spasm sustained on the first day, the 24-year-old Porter’s stamina and willingness to run in for lengthy spells was crucial to Essex’s ability to keep their opponents under pressure as a blustery but sunny day wore on.Harmer, a 28-year-old Kolpak winter signing who has played five Tests for South Africa, then tilted the match further Essex’s way by grabbing the wickets of both Sam Curran and Gareth Batty before the close.Curran, on 4, was athletically caught above his head at short extra cover by leaping substitute fielder Callum Taylor and Batty, who got to 19 without ever suggesting permanency, was well caught by a diving Dan Lawrence at short leg.Earlier in the day Wagner went from his overnight 20 to 34 while stretching an eighth wicket partnership with Ten Doeschate to 72 before he was caught at the wicket off Curran.Porter then stayed long enough to help ten Doeschate secure maximum batting points before being bowled by Stuart Meaker for 6, and last man Quinn lost his middle stump to Ravi Rampaul. Ten Doeschate’s superb innings, his 26th first-class ton, came from 209 balls and the 36-year-old hit a six and 25 fours.

OGC Nice are now ready to cash in on midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer, according to Foot Mercato, giving Liverpool unexpected hope in their potential pursuit of the Frenchman. The Reds have already welcomed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer, as they look to rebuild in the middle of the park.

What's the latest on Liverpool and Khephren Thuram?

At the start of the transfer window, Thuram was very much a name associated with Liverpool's summer plans. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds held talks with the Frenchman's agent back in June, but things have since failed to progress.

After welcoming Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, rumours became slightly quieter surrounding Thuram, with reports suggesting the France youth international is ready and expected to stay put for another year in France.

Contrary to those reports though, according to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), the Ligue 1 side will now listen to offers of €50m (£43m) this summer, despite the news that Thuram is happy to stay puy.

The news of the potential price-tag could come at the perfect time for Liverpool, who have suddenly been subject to Saudi Arabia's latest pursuit of Europe's elite.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, club captain Jordan Henderson is leaning towards accepting Al Ettifaq's offer this summer, which would quadruple his wages, while Fabrizio Romano reports that the Reds have asked for a £10m fee.

Meanwhile, as if Henderson's departure wouldn't provide Jurgen Klopp with enough of a headache, Al-Ittihad are set to make a £40m bid for Fabinho, with things likely to happen quickly, one way or another, according to Ornstein.

Suddenly, the need for another midfielder could become quite the priority at Anfield, potentially opening the door for Thuram once more.

Should Liverpool sign Khephren Thuram?

Before the potential departures of Fabinho and Henderson, there wasn't too great a necessity to sign Thuram, but it could now become a matter of need rather than want.

Attracting plenty of praise, the latest to deliver a verdict on Thuram was journalist Zach Lowy, who said on Twitter: "Khephren Thuram is just the sort of player that Liverpool need to transform their midfield. Elite ball carrier for someone of his size and really effective at winning the ball high up the pitch — perfect signing for Klopp’s side."

If they are indeed left short in midfield, returning for the Frenchman could be smart. At just 22-years-old, too, he represents an option for both the present and the future. Thuram's age may well be seen as a negative by those at Anfield, however. Jurgen Klopp has already welcomed 22-year-old Szoboszlai, and 24-year-old Mac Allister into his midfield. Having a young midfield is ideal, but it also needs to have the balance of experience.

If Liverpool lose Henderson, in particular, they'll need to replace his leadership. And that's something that, at 22, Thuram will not be able to do. Potentially having to replace Fabinho on top of that, Liverpool may be forced into looking at more proven options, given how important the Brazilian has previously been to Klopp's side.

So, as of right now, whilst Liverpool will have the funds to secure a deal if both Fabinho and Henderson depart, they may look towards a more proven and experienced option than Thuram.

أعرب الدوري الأوكراني أندري لونين لاعب فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ريال مدريد الإسباني، عن سعادته بالتأهل على حساب مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي إلى نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتأهل ريال مدريد إلى نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، بركلات الترجيح أمام مانشستر سيتي، بعدما تعادل ذهابًا 3-3، وإيابًا 1-1، ليضرب موعد مع بايرن ميونخ.

وقال لونين في تصريحات لوسائل الإعلام عقب المباراة: “هناك مباريات لا يمكنك فيها الحصول على الكرة وإثبات أنك الفريق الأفضل، قد تكون كذلك بدون الكرة”.

طالع أيضًا.. أنشيلوتي بعد إقصاء مانشستر سيتي من دوري الأبطال: لا تعتبر ريال مدريد ميتًا أبدًا

وأضاف: “عندما تعلم أنك ستعاني، يجب أن تعرف كيف تعاني وتركض جيدًا، خاصة وأنت تلعب خارج ملعبك لمدة 120 دقيقة ضد فريق بقوة مانشستر سيتي”.

وأضاف: “أشكر زملائي على الجهد الذي بذلوه للدفاع عن مرمانا، يجب أن أعترف إنني لم أتمكن من الركض 5 دقائق مثلما فعل زملائي”.

وشدد: “حضّرت لكل شيء في ركلات الترجيح، درست جميع لاعبي مانشستر سيتي وأين يسددون، وقبل ركلات الترجيح تحدثت مع زملائي حول ذلك، وجميعهم كانوا يحفزونني”

وأكمل: “لحسن الحظ في تسديدة برناردو سيلفا لم أذهب في زاوية، قلت لنفسي سأقف لأن هناك من قد يخاطر ويسدد في منتصف المرمى، وهذا ما حدث بالفعل”.

واختتم: “لقد كانت تجربة صعبة، قد تكون أصعب مباراة في مسيرتي، لم أعتاد على مثل هذه المباريات، لكنني خضتها بشخصية ريال مدريد، وتمكننا من التأهل لنصف النهائي، وأعتقد أن الجميع يعرفني الآن”.

West Ham United are aiming to fill the void left by Declan Rice in securing a deal to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez this summer, with manager David Moyes intent on spending his transfer kitty on improving his squad ahead of next season.

How much will Edson Alvarez cost?

According to journalist Mike Verweij (via Sport Witness), the Irons are preparing an offer close to €40m (£34m) for the Mexican player and this is the fee that the Dutch side are seeking in order to sell him during the transfer window.

"West Ham first wants an agreement with Ajax and then meet with Álvarez. It should be noted that Álvarez has been given an indication of what he can earn in London and that should not pose a problem," the reporter revealed.

Borussia Dortmund were keen on luring the player to Germany, yet it now looks as though the Hammers will meet the value Ajax have set.

Having banked £105m from the sale of Rice to Arsenal, money shouldn’t be much of a problem for Moyes as he looks to kick on from their stunning Europa Conference League success, which secured a spot in the Europa League for the 2023/24 campaign.

Could Edson Alvarez replace Declan Rice at West Ham?

Losing Rice was inevitable, regardless if West Ham won the Conference League, especially as the player is clearly too good not to test himself in the Champions League. It is now time to fill that massive void left by the Englishman and Alvarez could be the ideal man.

He could also form a solid partnership with Tomas Soucek in the process, enabling West Ham to have two first-class players at the heart of their engine room.

The 28-year-old titan has demonstrated his impressive defensive attributes over the previous 365 days, ranking in the top 1% for aerials won per 90 (3.64), the top 3% for clearances per 90 (2.27) and top 7% for interceptions per 90 (1.69) when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues.

This could give Alvarez the freedom to build attacks from the midfield, knowing full well that Soucek will be able to sweep the ball up and move it on giving the Mexican international a free rein to utilise his excellent passing ability.

With the Czech star impressing with his defensive attributes, Alvarez could showcase his ability to move the ball into the danger area, as he ranks in the top 7% compared to peers of a similar standard for progressive carries per 90 (2.54) and in the top 8% for progressive passes (7.76) while clearly demonstrating his talents for circulating the ball throughout a match, holding an 88.7% pass completion rate, ranking him in the top 5% across the next big eight leagues.

Moyes could certainly be happy going into the season having the pair as his duo in midfield, with their talents complimenting each other well.

The Ajax star has even been dubbed a “monster” by writer Felipe Cardenas and having ranked second in the squad for tackles per game (2.3) and won a staggering 6.6 duels per game during the 2022/23 Eredivisie season, this praise has certainly been backed up.

A fee of £34m sounds like it could be a major bargain, especially judging by his statistics over the previous 12 months and Moyes should be acting swiftly to get a deal over the line.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is a target for both Bournemouth and Leeds United this summer according to journalist Craig Hope.

The 32-year-old spent the second half of the last campaign on loan at Hull City in the Championship

Is Karl Darlow still at Newcastle United?

Darlow is still at Newcastle, with this being his ninth summer at the Tyneside club following his move from Nottingham Forest in 2014.

The Englishman has made exactly 100 appearances for the Magpies since his move, with the majority of his time being spent as the club's second-choice goalkeeper behind the likes of Martin Dubravka, Tim Krul, and Nick Pope. During the club's one season in the Championship, Darlow was a regular starter under then-manager Rafa Benitez, making 34 appearances as the club went on to win the title and earn promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

The 32-year-old also had an extended spell as a starter under Steve Bruce during the 2020/21 campaign, making 25 appearances before a knee injury ended his season early. The keeper impressed many that season, with Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray stating: "If I'm Karl Darlow, with Steve Bruce resting me against Arsenal, the way he’s played this season, and how patient Karl Darlow has been during his time at Newcastle, I’d have been bashing the door down [if Bruce had selected Dubravka against Sheffield United]. Since Darlow has come in he’s been absolutely awesome. He makes save after save. Even games where they’ve been beaten heavily – against Manchester United he was still excellent. He was man of the match against Tottenham. It’s his right, it should be his shirt to lose, and it would have to be a brave manager to drop any goalkeeper in that kind of form.”

After spending the second half of last season out on loan, it now looks likely that Darlow's career on Tyneside will be coming to an end this summer, with reports stating that Leeds United are interested in bringing in the shot-stopper ahead of their first campaign back in the Championship, whilst Premier League side Bournemouth are reportedly closing in on a deal for the keeper.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Hope revealed that both Bournemouth and Leeds are battling for the player's signature, with his final decision still unknown: "We thought Karl Darlow was definitely off to Bournemouth, but I know that Leeds have emerged as a rival for his signature. It looks almost certain like he’s going to go, whether it’s Bournemouth or Leeds we’ll have to wait and see."

Which club will Karl Darlow join?

Both sides interested in Darlow offer something different for the player to consider.

Should he make the move to Leeds, there is a good chance that he becomes the Yorkshire side's first-choice goalkeeper, especially if the reports that current number one Illan Meslier could depart this summer are true. The 32-year-old has plenty of experience in the Championship, having made 152 appearances in the division across seven seasons with three different clubs, and his campaign as Newcastle's number one in 2016/17 will also be a good reference for Leeds as they hope to achieve what that side achieved and bounce straight back up to the Premier League, and they would know that Darlow has shown he can be relied upon between the sticks for a side that can achieve that.

The move to Bournemouth would allow the English-man to stay in the Premier League for the next season, however, he would most likely struggle for game time at the Cherries due to the presence of former Barcelona keeper Norberto Neto. Darlow has impressed when played in a team that expects to be second best and near the bottom of the table, with that spell during Lockdown sticking out, with then manager Bruce stating after the shot-stoppers impressive performance against Liverpool: "He's had to wait patiently for his chance and certainly with the way he's trained. We've had to call on him a bit too much at times, but there's no denying he's been terrific all season."

It may ultimately come down to what Darlow's aspirations are at the age of 32; play regular football, or be part of a squad competing at the highest level of the English pyramid.