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David Norris is excited for Leeds United’s future after it was revealed Kalvin Phillips is not interested in leaving Elland Road.

Following an impressive first-ever season in the Premier League, Phillips has been one of England’s biggest stars at Euro 2020.

The central midfielder made 30 first team appearances last term, with his eye-catching form resulting in him nailing down a place in Gareth Southgate’s preferred starting line-up at the international tournament.

While Phillips’ fine form will have pleased Leeds fans, it has left some fearing one of their prized assets could be interested in joining a side challenging for silverware.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, with Liverpool and Italian giants Juventus touted as potential destinations.

But Phillips’ agent, Kevin Sharp, has confirmed Phillips is not interested in leaving his hometown club.

Former Leeds midfielder Norris, speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, is buoyed by the admission.

Norris said: “I think that’s massive and coming from an agent is probably even better because it’s normally the agent causing the trouble and trying to get the player to move so they can make their money.

“It’s stronger reinforcement than even the player or the club coming out.

“I think it would be ridiculous money that no-one is quite ready to pay that Leeds would want. They don’t need to sell so I can’t see him going.”

Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Everton are keeping their cards close to their chest regarding Moise Kean’s future.

The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at PSG, has scored just four times for the Toffees since making the switch from Juventus two years ago and hasn’t played for the Merseysiders since a Carabao Cup tie at Fleetwood last September.

But he impressed during that loan spell for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, epitomised by the fact only Kylian Mbappe outscored him for Les Parisiens, with is why PSG sporting director Leonard is desperate to re-sign Kean on loan again next season.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Kean’s future will be decided one Everton appoint a new manager, which could happen in the coming days, with Rafa Benitez set to be named.

Asked whether Everton are actively looking to sell the Italian striker, ex-Toffee Bent told Football FanCast:

“Not at the minute. Whether they don’t want to talk to me about it or not, sometimes they have got to keep quiet.

“Maybe there might be something going on, they don’t know about his future right now or it might be he’s trying to decide his future. I think there’s something going on, but I couldn’t tell you what it is.”

Kristoffer Ajer is unhappy with Celtic after they rejected two bids in the region of £10m for his services, according to The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Ajer’s contract running down

The 23-year-old, who made 46 appearances for the Hoops last season, is into the final 12 months of his Parkhead deal. The Norwegian recently shared his intentions to leave Celtic Park this summer and move to a top-five league.

The likes of Norwich City, Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United have all been linked with the defender, and it now seems as if two of those clubs have made big-money bids for Ajer, considering his situation.

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The Latest: Bailey’s post

The Athletic’s Norwich City correspondent Michael Bailey posted a link to a story on Ajer on Twitter, shortly after Ange Postecoglou’s first press conference as Celtic boss had finished.

Within his post, Bailey claimed Ajer is unhappy with how the Hoops are handling his situation, revealing that  both Norwich and Leverkusen have had offers turned down as he stated:

“Kristoffer Ajer unhappy with how Celtic are dealing with this summer. £10m bids rejected from Bayer Leverkusen & Norwich City for CB in the last yr of contract. Not over yet.”

The Verdict: Sell

Should Celtic remain stubborn and Ajer stays at Parkhead for the 2021/22 season, the 23-year-old could end up leaving for nothing this time next year. He will be able to discuss a potential pre-contract agreement in January, so it would make sense for Celtic to accept an offer in the region of £10m over the coming weeks.

That may allow Postecoglou to bring in one or possibly two defensive additions, with Mario Vuskovic and Piero Hincapie two centre-backs who have recently been linked with a move to Glasgow.

In other news: Alan Nixon provides Aaron Hickey to Celtic update, find out more here. 

England captain Nasser Hussain praised his team for bowling India out twice to defeat the visitors by 170 runs in the first Test at Lord’s

Ralph Dellor29-Jul-2002England captain Nasser Hussain praised his team for bowling India out twice to defeat the visitors by 170 runs in the first Test at Lord’s.”We had to work hard for five days to be honest – that India batting line-up is something special and the wicket got flatter,” Hussain said. “But I’m proud of my team – to bowl that side out twice is a great effort.””People are coming in and doing well and people are batting well – so it looksgood. But there are some ominous signs for the rest of the summer with the waythey (India) batted today.”We’ve got things we have to improve on – but we’re going pretty well at themoment. This Test was a real team effort. We rotated the bowlers and everyone got wickets and runs.”Everyone had to hold their hands up in the heat – and they did – although itgot cooler when (Sachin) Tendulkar got out!”Asked why he had decided not to enforce the follow-on, he said: “I discussedthe declaration with Duncan (Fletcher). We decided that with heat and forecast to ask our team to bowl for three days continuous was a bit much – I think we got it just about right.”The Indian captain Sourav Ganguly said: “We batted pretty well today but England had better discipline in the first three days and deserved to win.”We had our chances but Nasser and his boys played well under pressure. All touring sides have problems with the first Test when they travel abroad but we can take positive things from this game. There’s a lot of cricket left in this series.”

Glamorgan Dragons breathed new fire into their Norwich Union title hopes, moving back into second place with a 22-run win (Duckworth-Lewis method) over leaders Worcestershire Royals in a rain-affected Division One match at New Road.

Stephen Lamb04-Aug-2002Glamorgan Dragons breathed new fire into their Norwich Union title hopes, moving back into third place with a 22-run win (Duckworth-Lewis method) over leaders Worcestershire Royals in a rain-affected Division One match at New Road.Set 203 to win on a seamer-friendly surface, the Dragons started badly. They lost Ian Thomas for six, caught at mid-wicket off Kabir Ali, who made excellent use of the conditions with a probing opening spell. Robert Croft, despite managing three boundaries in his 15, soon followed, bowled playing crookedly at Matt Mason. When Mike Powell drilled a fierce catch to Shane Lee at mid-off, the Dragons were flickering at 28 for three.What transpired to be the match-winning partnership then began, as Matthew Maynard was joined by his captain. Steve James was the more aggressive of the two, taking 13 off Lee’s first over. The hapless Australian, playing his first match since flying in to replace Andy Bichel, had to be withdrawn from the Royals’ attack after conceding 39 runs in three overs.By the time the ground was hit by a heavy shower, the Dragons had reached 108 for three, ahead of the required Duckworth-Lewis total. Although a re-start was initially planned for 7pm, another shower put that out of the question to leave the Dragons comfortable victorsAfter heavy rain in recent days had given the ground staff scant time to prepare the wicket, James was happy to send the Royals in on winning the toss. Although ten runs came off Andrew Davies in the first over, pickings were never easy on a wicket that offered constant encouragement to the Dragons’ pace attack.Vikram Solanki, after two attractive boundaries, was caught in the gully cutting at Davies, and Graeme Hick also took a brace of fours before he was caught at first slip driving at Owen Parkin. Mark Wallace then held a skier from Stephen Peters, attempting an indescribable paddle to leg.That heralded the best partnership of the innings, between the Norwich Union’s batting star of the season so far, Ben Smith, and Lee (41 off 50 balls), who was particularly severe on Robert Croft, the Dragons’ most expensive bowler.It ended when Smith was yorked by Davies for 25 to start a flurry of wickets. Lee was lbw walking across a straight ball from Dale, who took his third wicket when Rhodes failed to clear short fine leg. Batty did well to touch a ball that seamed and bounced, and Powell brilliantly caught Leatherdale at mid-wicket, two-handed diving to his left.At 155 for seven the Dragons were hardly fired up, but Kabir managed 17, including a six as Croft toppled into an advertising hoarding while holding a brilliant catch at long-off. Kabir was run out, slow to answer a call for a second from Stuart Lampitt. On such a surface the Royals’ eventual total of 202 initially looked defendable, but Maynard, James and the weather ensured otherwise.

Yorkshire fast bowler Chris Silverwood is on England standby for the first Test against India at Lord’s

CricInfo Staff23-Jul-2002Yorkshire fast bowler Chris Silverwood is on England standby for the first Test against India at Lord’s.Although Silverwood will travel to Guildford with his county for tomorrow’s Frizzell County Championship match against Surrey, he will join the England squad at Lord’s if there are any more injuries.The call to Silverwood follows yesterday’s news that his county colleague Darren Gough had withdrawn from the England squad. Andrew Caddick, Marcus Trescothick and Alex Tudor have all withdrawn with other injuries.Coach Duncan Fletcher said: “We’ve put Silverwood on stand-by. He’s gone toGuildford and we’ve told him to be ready to come and join us if there are anyother injuries.”

Usman Afzaal was one of a number of players on the fringe of the England Test side who impressed when play eventually got under way at Chesterfield on what was scheduled to be the second day of the match between MCC and the Sri Lankans

Stephen Lamb07-Jun-2002Usman Afzaal was one of a number of players on the fringe of the England Test side who impressed when play eventually got under way at Chesterfield on what was scheduled to be the second day of the match between MCC and the Sri Lankans.The Nottinghamshire batsman had been forced by heavy rain to sit in the pavilion throughout the first day as rain washed out valuable preparation for the tourists prior to the third Test at Old Trafford. However, he took the opportunity to remind the selectors of his potential when he got to the middle today, ending the day on 80 not out in a total of 260 for six in the 71 overs of play that were possible.MCC captain David Fulton won the toss and decided to bat. His openers put on 95 before Andy Strauss fell to a catch by Upul Chandana off the bowling of Dilhara Fernando, returning to action after a stress fracture of his lower back. Fulton then joined his Kent colleague Robert Key, adding a further 53 runs for the second wicket before the captain was caught off the bowling of Ruchira Perera, making a reappearance after being reported during the Lord’s Test for having a suspect bowling action.Key was third out to Chandana for an impressive 77, while Owais Shah soon followed for nought. With Darren Stevens falling cheaply to Perera shortly afterwards, it was left to wicket-keeper Chris Read to accompany Afzaal in a sixth wicket stand worth 68 before Read became Perera’s third victim. Richard Dawson stayed with Afzaal until stumps.

Sunderland are one of a number of clubs reportedly interested in signing Queens Park Rangers right-back Todd Kane this summer.

The Lowdown: Kane moving on?

The 27-year-old was a solid performer for the west London club during the 2020/21 season, making 28 Championship appearances, but a move away from Loftus Road could be on the cards.

Kane’s current QPR deal expires in the summer of 2022, meaning this could be their last opportunity to receive a fee for the defender, rather than lose him for free next year.

The Latest: Sunderland eye up move

According to London Football News, Sunderland are interested in snapping up Kane in the next transfer window, with Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth also believed to be in the mix.

The Englishman is a former Chelsea trainee and has also enjoyed spells with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers, Preston, Bristol City and Hull City in the past.

The Verdict: A shrewd addition?

Lee Johnson may be keen on adding depth and quality to his squad in the summer having fallen just short of promotion this term, making Kane a potentially solid signing, given his experience in the Football League.

Bringing in an out and out right-back seems like a no-brainer, considering Johnson used several players in that spot throughout this season, including Lynden Gooch, usually a midfielder, who started at right-back against Lincoln.

Kane won an average of 0.8 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game in the league in 2020/21, whereas Gooch’s figures were 0.6 and o.2, respectively, suggesting he could be an upgrade on the versatile ace.

Like Gooch, Kane can also play in midfield, but the fact that his defensive performances are superior is surely what has the Black Cats calling.

In other news, there has been a key update on the future of Sunderland manager Lee Johnson. Read more here.

Several officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) got panicky and left the New Zealanders and ICC officials fuming with anger after the incident of bomb blast on Wednesday

Sports Reporter10-May-2002Several officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) got panicky and left the New Zealanders and ICC officials fuming with anger after the incident of bomb blast on Wednesday.A senior PCB official disappeared from the team hotel and took refuge in the National Stadium along with two of his staff officers. He later left for Lahore by 6:30pm flight. Interestingly, the New Zealand flew for Singapore on way to Christchurch by the 7:25pm flight.Another PCB official vanished from the depressing morning scenes and left matters in the hands of director Brig Munawar Rana who kept a cool head and tactfully handled the tricky situation. He was seen interacting with the visitors, the home team players and match officials.The most disgusting conduct was shown by another senior PCB official who approached the New Zealand cricketers at noon and demanded the refund of daily allowances for the remaining days of the tour.New Zealand, who were scheduled to leave on May 13, were entitled a daily allowance of Rs2,000 which was delivered to them for eight days when they arrived in the city Monday. The total amount paid to the board to the touring contingent was Rs288,000.The visitors, who felt humiliated, virtually threw the money in Stephen Fleming’s room while expressing anger. Later, team managaer Jeff Crowe took the matter to the PCB director who apologized on behalf of the PCB.Probably scared by the events and fearing his own life, the man in charge for the team officials also left for Lahore by 6.30pm flight leaving behind disappointed and bewildered match officials Mike Procter, Rudi Koertzen and Steve Bucknor.The three were later rescued by the liaison officer of New Zealand team who ensured that the trio boarded the Emirates flight for Dubai at 11:00pm. Also on the flight was Crowe who was unhappy with the way his team was treated.”I am disappointed because we were left all alone. I tried to locate General Manager Operation, Zakir Khan, but he was not available. Anyway, we were rescued by our team’s liaison officer,” Crowe said shortly before his departure.Crowe had returned to the hotel after seeing off his team that left the hotel under state protocol at 4:30pm. Crowe finally checked-out at 8:30pm.The Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA), who were the organizers of the match, also failed to make their presence felt at the airport to say good-bye to the visitors. The local association officials were present at the airport when the team arrived on May 18.While Crowe proceeded to Frankfurt from Dubai, New Zealand physiotherapist Dayle Shackel was given 10 days paid holidays by his employers.Shackel, who suffered a minor bruise during the bomb attack, had decided to avail the incentive in Dubai.

London-based Indian businessman Sanjeev Chawla, arrested by ScotlandYard six months ago in connection with allegations of cricket matchfixing, has been released as there was “insufficient evidence” toprove the charges against him

20-Jun-2001London-based Indian businessman Sanjeev Chawla, arrested by ScotlandYard six months ago in connection with allegations of cricket matchfixing, has been released as there was “insufficient evidence” toprove the charges against him.”There is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect ofconviction against him,” a spokesman of the Scotland Yard said inLondon on Wednesday.Chawla, who was absconding after his passport was revoked by theIndian Government, “has been advised that he is no longer required tocome to the police station,” the spokesman told PTI.Chawla, who is also sought by the CBI, was arrested on December 13 byofficers of the Serious and Organised Crime Squad from his home inHendon in North London after claims by former England player ChrisLewis that an associate of the Indian businessman had approached AlecStewart and Alan Mullaly ahead of a Test against New Zealand in August1999.”Having taken advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, theMetropolitan Police told us that there is insufficient evidence toprovide a realistic prospect of conviction and all police inquirieshave been now concluded,” the Scotland Yard spokesman said.Disgraced former South African Captain Hansie Cronje had admittedreceiving 6,000 pounds from Chawla for providing personal favours inthe final Test against England at Centurion Park, Pretoria, lastJanuary. On a tense last day of that match, England triumphed by twowickets after Cronje forfeited South Africa’s second innings.The 33-year-old Chawla was also named in the King Commission reportinto Cronje’s activities and also in the Indian CBI report, whichlinked him directly to Manoj Prabhakar, the former Indian all rounderwho is now banned for five years for his part in match fixing.The criminal investigation handled by the new Scotland Yard was notpart of the International Cricket Council’s investigation headed bySir Paul Condon, whose brief in investigating match fixing all overthe world continues.The Scotland Yard’s inquiry had been prompted by Lewis’s allegationthat an Indian sports promoter had approached him to help fix the OldTrafford Test by asking England players to take a bribe. The promoteris stated to be a close associate of Chawla, who owns a clothingbusiness in Central London.