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Billy Bowden may have stood in his last international match, after being dropped from New Zealand Cricket’s international panel of umpires

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jun-2016Billy Bowden may have stood in his last international match, after being dropped from New Zealand Cricket’s international panel of umpires.Bowden was demoted to NZC’s national panel, along with Derek Walker and Phil Jones, in a shake-up of New Zealand’s umpiring ranks that resulted in former first-class players Shaun Haig and Chris Brown being promoted to the international panel. Wayne Knights was the third man added to the international panel.Bowden stood in 84 Tests, 200 one-day internationals and 24 T20 internationals, his most recent appearance having been during the Chappell-Hadlee Series in Wellington in February.He made his international debut in an ODI in 1995 and his Test debut in 2000, and for many years was one of the most recognisable figures on the ICC’s elite panel due to his unusual mannerisms.However, Bowden was cut from the elite panel in 2013. He was reinstated in 2014 after the retirement of his countryman Tony Hill, but was axed once again in 2015.Since then, Bowden was on New Zealand’s international panel, meaning he was still able to stand in international matches. As a member of the national panel, he will now only be able to officiate in domestic games and women’s internationals.NZC international panel Chris Brown, Wayne Knights, Shaun Haig.

NZC national panel Billy Bowden, Chris Brown, Tony Gillies, Shaun Haig, Phil Jones, Wayne Knights, Ash Mehrotra, Tim Parlane, Derek Walker.

Everton are currently scrapping for their lives with relegation a very real possibility come the end of the season, with new boss Sean Dyche having been tasked with steadying the ship amid what has been another turbulent campaign at Goodison Park.

While Saturday's 2-0 loss to Manchester United was something of a setback, the Toffees have enjoyed a mini-revival since the former Burnley man walked in the door, after going four games unbeaten prior to the trip to Old Trafford.

The 51-year-old has only been brought in to clear up the mess following a dismal first half of the season under Frank Lampard, with the Englishman having been relieved of his duties back in January with the club 19th in the table at the time.

That brought to an end a mixed year or so for the former Chelsea man on Merseyside, with the legendary midfielder having steered the club to safety last term after walking in the door in January 2022, albeit while winning just 12 of his 44 games in charge in all competitions.

It would appear, however, that there was little animosity from supporters directed toward the 44-year-old, with much of the anger still aimed at the club's board and owner, Farhad Moshiri.

With Lampard having briefly managed to unite the home crowd behind him, it is fair to say that his appointment was a far greater success than the dismal, brief spell of his predecessor, Rafa Benitez, who lasted just over six months in the dugout.

Why did Everton appoint Rafa Benitez?

It always seemed inevitable that Moshiri's decision to appoint the former Liverpool boss would backfire, particularly with Benitez having previously irked the Everton support with his 'small club' jibe during his days at Anfield.

As The Mirror's Colin Millar noted last year, the Spaniard always looked an "awful fit" and frankly "should never have been appointed", with the experienced coach's Reds connections having unsurprisingly ensured he was doomed to fail from the outset.

The one-time Real Madrid boss had been handed the reigns in the summer of 2021 after Carlo Ancelotti had made the decision to return to the Bernabeu after two years in the hot seat, leaving behind a team that had finished tenth during his second season in charge.

Few could have anticipated at the time that Benitez's arrival would spark such a nosedive that would turn the club into contenders for the drop, even if the former Inter Milan head coach was not aided by a summer spend of just £1.6m.

Even despite that limited investment, the Toffees had still been "massively underperforming" in relation to the quality of the squad, as per the aforementioned Millar, with Benitez ultimately losing half of his 22 matches in charge.

Although the latter man's points per game record of 1.14 was actually superior to that of Lampard (1.0), the former England international was hardly dealt the best hand after being left to pick up the pieces due to his predecessor's shortcomings.

While in hindsight keeping Lampard on board for the current campaign may have been something of an error, the Stamford Bridge hero's appointment was nowhere near as big a mistake as the head-scratching capture of Benitez.

Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their pursuit of former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Which managers could Tottenham hire?

The 35-year-old, according to recent reports, is just one of many elite coaches currently being considered by chairman Daniel Levy. Nagelsmann is thought to be a top target at Spurs but the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane are also available and attracting interest.

Amid their search for an Antonio Conte replacement, with the Italian departing last week, his former number two Cristian Stellini has taken charge until the end of this Premier League season – assisted by Ryan Mason. The duo are tasked with sealing a top four finish, which may well be crucial in helping to attract Levy's managerial targets.

Champions League football is thought to be a potential deal-breaker for Nagelsmann with the German now out of a job following his surprise dismissal from the Allianz Arena. Spurs also face stiff competition from Chelsea for his signature after the west Londoners sacked Graham Potter earlier this week.

Sharing an update on Twitter, Sky reporter Reddy claims both sides have sounded out Nagelsmann ahead of a potential move and 'formal talks' will follow. While Spurs and Chelsea look set to battle it out for the coach, they have both been boosted by Nagelsmann's desire to manage in England next.

Reddy explained:

"Julian Nagelsmann wants to manage in the Premier League. Sees it as his natural next destination but won't rush into a decision over his future amid strong interest – plus sounding out contact – from Chelsea and Spurs. Former currently have the edge. More formal talks to follow."

What would Nagelsmann bring to Spurs?

The tactician, who has been hailed as a 'phenomenal tactical innovator' by BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan, would be a brilliant fit for Spurs.

Nagelsmann stands out as one of Europe's most exciting young coaches, having already won a league title whilst encouraging an exciting, intense high-pressing style of football.

Spurs supporters who wish to see their side move on from the more pragmatic approaches of Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho could be pleased they're targeting Nagelsmann.

He was also thought of as a candidate to replace Mourinho back in 2021 and now Levy has an opportunity to capture him as a free agent – presenting a brilliant chance to hire someone more-than capable of steering Spurs back in the right direction.

Liverpool are expected to make the decision to sell out-of-favour centre-back Rhys Williams in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

The Lowdown: Not future for Williams

The 22-year-old has struggled to force his way into the Reds’ plans on a consistent basis, with his best run in the team coming towards the end of the 2020/21 season.

During that period, he and Nat Phillips filled in admirably in the absence of the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, who were all injured, making seven starts in the Premier League.

Williams was out on loan at Championship side Blackpool during the first half of this season, making 17 league appearances, and it seems clear that he has no real future at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

Van Dijk, Matip, Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are all superior options to him, while another centre-back may well arrive in the summer.

For that reason, an exit for Williams looks set to be on the cards and an important update has now emerged regarding the Englishman’s future.

The Latest: Summer exit expected

According to Football Insider, the Liverpool youngster’s days at Anfield look numbered, with the club ‘planning to sell’ him permanently this summer.

It is noted that ‘second-tier sides are interested in signing him in the off-season’, seeing him as a strong defensive option to bring in.

The Verdict: Right time to leave

There is no doubt that this summer looks like the perfect time for Liverpool to cash in on Williams and bring an end to his time at the club, as is also the case with Phillips.

The two-cap England Under-21 international isn’t out of contract on Merseyside until 2026, putting the Reds in a strong bargaining position, and given his long-term potential, they could get a nice amount of money for his services.

Williams certainly isn’t a bad player by any means – Klopp himself called his aforementioned efforts in 2020/21 ‘absolutely insane’ – but the standard required to be a success at Liverpool is high and it doesn’t look like he will ever reach that level.

He can still forge an impressive career for himself, however, becoming a key figure for a Championship club and maturing as a player in the coming years.

Williams should improve both physically and in terms of experience, and the fact that he is at Liverpool currently says a lot about what he is capable of achieving.

Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be gearing up for what could be another summer transfer saga involving record goalscorer, Harry Kane, with the 29-year-old facing an uncertain future in north London as the end of his current deal looms large.

The England skipper – whose existing contract is set to expire in 2024 – is said to be ‘open’ to extending his deal at the club, although speculation is rife that the 80-cap sensation could be bound for pastures new, amid interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

It was just over 18 months ago that the prolific marksman was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City and had even attempted to force an exit to the Etihad, albeit with the typically stubborn Daniel Levy having thwarted that interest with his reported valuation of more than £120m.

That failure to seal a departure has hardly made an impact on the experienced striker as he has remained the go-to man for the club since then, notably bagging 18 league goals already this season as well as 20 goals in all competitions – ensuring he is the only member of Antonio Conte’s squad to reach double figures this term.

Evidently a crucial figure for Spurs, it would be an obvious blow if Kane were to move on any time soon, with it likely to prove an almost impossible task for Conte and co to be able to replace him.

As such, rather than taking the risk of splashing the cash on a high-profile new addition that may not ultimately be a success, Tottenham could potentially save themselves millions by looking to the youth ranks to find a suitable candidate – with teenage starlet Jamie Donley no doubt one such option.

Who is Spurs starlet Jamie Donley?

The promising Northern Irishman – who has represented England at youth level – could well be the next gem to emerge from Spurs’ academy set-up, having even been branded as the ‘new Harry Kane’ in recent times, as per the Belfast Telegraph.

The eye-catching 18-year-old – who signed his first professional contract just over a year ago – has been a real standout figure in the youth ranks of late after bagging 24 goals and nine assists in just 39 games for the U18’s, while he boasts 11 goal involvements in 27 games across all fronts this season.

Clearly a real ruthless presence in front of goal, Donley was recognised for his talents by earning an inclusion in the Guardian’s Next Generation list for 2021 – showcasing the top 20 youngsters across the Premier League – with journalist David Hytner writing that the young dynamo has been ‘noted for his tenacity and finishing ability’.

The exciting left-footer was also the recipient of notable praise from journalist Josh Bunting back in November, with the respected source having stated: “Jamie Donley what a talent he is, 17 years of age and I have no doubt if he keeps his head down he’ll have a bright future in the game. Natural finisher but his work-rate is really good, has a nice attitude and will get better as he matures. Could see a loan really benefit him.”

As Bunting acknowledged, Donley may have to follow Kane’s path in trying his luck out on loan before making the grade in the first-team, although the hope will be that he can eventually rise to become the club’s leading figure in attack.

Liverpool could reportedly need to spend as much as €80m (£70.7m) if they want to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer, according to reports from Italy.

The Lowdown: Barella linked with Liverpool

The 26-year-old has continued to be one of the standout midfielders in Serie A this season, registering five goals and five assists in the division.

Barella has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the past year as the Reds look to address their serious midfield shortcomings during the summer transfer window.

A fresh update has emerged from the continent regarding their potential pursuit of the Italian maestro.

The Latest: Barella could cost £70m

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Liverpool could have to pay as much as £70.7m for Barella’s services this summer.

The report states that Jurgen Klopp has had the midfielder ‘followed by’ scouts for a while as the Reds manager looks to ‘revolutionise’ his midfield moving forward.

However, Barella is currently happy at Inter and is in no rush to leave, with his current deal not expiring until 2026.

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The Verdict: Would be a superb signing

Barella is someone who could be the perfect addition for Liverpool this summer – Klopp has called him a ‘really good player’ in the past – possessing both the natural talent and the dynamism to transform the Reds.

His aforementioned goal and assist tally highlights his ability in possession, while he has also averaged 1.3 tackles per game in Serie A this season, showing an aptitude for working hard out of possession.

[freshpress-quiz id=“419074″]

Barella is also a born winner, having tasted Euro 2020 glory with Italy and won four trophies with Inter; and at 26, he is in that prime mid-20s age bracket that Liverpool’s current midfielders have either passed or are far away from reaching.

It does seem as though it will be difficult for the Reds to get the Italian, especially if big money is spent on Jude Bellingham, but the Azzurri midfielder should be viewed as a primary candidate to come in at Anfield.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is seemingly looking to bolster his midfield ranks this summer, amid reports that the Red Devils are eyeing a move for Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi.

What’s the word?

According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs – in his CaughtOffside daily briefing – the Old Trafford outfit are said to be one of the clubs who are in the mix for the 24-year-old, with the Spain international potentially up for grabs at the end of the season due to his €60m (£53m) release clause.

The transfer insider stated: “Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi will draw plenty of summer interest, too. He’s so calm on the ball and an intelligent defender, who also wins his fair share of aerial duels and second balls. Suitors in January were told to pay Zubimendi’s €60m release clause or no deal would be done. And the player himself wasn’t really pushing for a move. He only signed a new five-year deal at the club in October.

“But a transfer is very possible come summer, especially considering Zubimendi wasn’t willing to have his release clause raised. That makes him attainable on the market. Barcelona coach Xavi also admires Zubimendi, though it remains to be seen if the finances are workable to proceed. Keep an eye on Tottenham and Manchester United as well.”

This follows reports heading into the January transfer window suggesting that United were “tracking” the one-cap Spaniard, albeit with the club ultimately securing the low-cost, short-term signing of Marcel Sabitzer.

Man United’s own Kroos

Zubimendi has caught the attention of clubs across Europe as a result of his standout form in La Liga in recent times, with the San Sebastian native already racking up 123 appearances for Sociedad since rising up through the youth ranks.

The current campaign has proven particularly impressive for the 5 foot 11 maestro as he has showcased his ball-winning brilliance after averaging 1.8 tackles per game and winning 71% of his aerial duels in 19 league appearances, having also caught the eye when the two teams met at the Theatre of Dreams in the Europa League in September.

That 1-0 win for the visitors saw the “special” talent – as lauded by Spanish football expert Sid Lowe – prove a truly effective screen in front of the back four, having recorded five interceptions and won three of his four duels, losing possession only three times from his 56 touches.

It should also bode well for Ten Hag and co that the Spaniard has been compared to Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the experienced German having previously been described as “one of the best in the world in his position” by former Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane.

The 33-year-old – who reportedly came close to a move to Manchester back in 2014 – has enjoyed a glittering career at the elite level, notably being lauded as “very intelligent” by his former Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola.

That trait can also be applied to Zubimendi, who has been praised for his “intelligence” by Kulig. The Spaniard also appears to boast the quality to make things happen in the final third as he has created two big chances so far this season, compared to five for Kroos from his 17 league appearances.

It would no doubt be a real masterstroke for United if they could find their own version of the five-time Champions League winner – who has made more than 600 club career appearances and won 106 caps for his country – in the form of the Sociedad sensation.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale continued his unbeaten run in charge of the club by beating Hearts 3-0 in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

The Gers opened the scoring in the eighth minute of the match as they worked a quick free-kick out to Ryan Kent on the flank and the Englishman’s delicate ball to the back post allowed Alfredo Morelos to nod into the back of the net from close range.

Fashion Sakala thought he had put Rangers 2-0 up just before the half-hour mark but the linesman’s flag put an end to his joy and VAR confirmed that the forward was offside. The Zambia international then missed a huge opportunity to get on the scoresheet as the attacker got onto the end of Malik Tillman’s cutback and saw his effort saved by the goalkeeper.

Tillman made up for Sakala’s miss shortly after that as Connor Goldson’s header back across the box was met sweetly on the volley by the on-loan Bayern Munich gem to make it 2-0.

Morelos secured his second and Rangers’ third in the second half as the Colombia international ghosted into the box to finish from Sakala’s cross.

It was an enjoyable performance from the Light Blues as they used their intensity and quality to starve Hearts of possession whilst consistently bombarding the opposition box to create chance after chance.

Whilst the attacking play on display from the side was superb, an unsung hero on the night for Beale’s side was central defender Connor Goldson as the gem put in a fantastic performance at the heart of the defence.

Supporters may want to laud the exciting play from the likes of Sakala, Tillman, and Morelos, and rightly so, but the English battler provided the platform from which the forwards built.

Out of possession, Goldson won 100% of his individual battles on the pitch – winning both of his ground battles and his one in the air – with the ex-Brighton man proving dominant by not affording the Hearts attackers a sniff all night.

The £37k-per-week colossus, who also made two clearances and one tackle, was also composed on the ball as he completed 82% of his attempted passes and, of course, assisted the second goal of the night by heading the ball across to Tillman.

Goldson was, therefore, key to what Rangers did at both ends of the pitch by dominating the opposition in his own third and venturing forward to contribute in Hearts’ box.

His excellent defending allowed the attacking players for the Gers to push forward and do what they do best in the final third, which is why he was an unsung hero for Beale on the night amongst a number of impressive displays.

Wolves have been linked with SC Heerenveen right-back Milan van Ewijk recently and his potential arrival at Molineux could allow Julen Lopetegui to finally ditch Nelson Semedo.

According to The Daily Mail, Wolves are one of several Premier League sides who are keen to strengthen at right-back this month, with Southampton, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur also mentioned as possible destinations for the Dutchman.

Van Ewijk would reportedly be available for just £4m, which considering his strong form in the Eredivisie so far this term, could prove to be a bargain for Lopetegui as he looks to bolster his defensive options.

The 23-year-old has made 17 appearances in the Dutch top flight so far this campaign, in which he has three goals and no assists, with WhoScored awarding him a strong 6.93 average rating for his performances.

Considering Wolves’ top performer so far this season has been Ruben Neves with a 6.92 rating, it is clear how impressive Van Ewijk has been and how much quality he could add to Lopetegui’s squad.

It also seems clear that, on current form, he could be a far better option for the Spaniard than Semedo, who has averaged a disappointing 6.43 rating for his displays in the Premier League.

The former Barcelona man has also averaged fewer interceptions (0.8 vs 1.2), clearances (1.9 vs 2.1) and key passes (0.4 vs 0.8) than van Ewijk so far in 2022/23, which suggests that the Dutchman’s potential arrival could see him finally moved on.

The Old Gold paid a staggering £36.8m to sign the Portuguese full-back from Barcelona in 2020 but his time at Molineux has been something of a disaster, mainly due to his struggles defensively, which were cruelly exposed by Kaoru Mitoma in Brighton’s 3-2 win earlier in the season.

Van Ewijk certainly backs himself to offer plenty in the final third too, as he spoke about his strengths as a player in 2019.

He said: “I’m a fierce right back who can attack well, but also defend well and I’m in good shape. I can certainly be found in the front. Last season I also gave a number of assists. I’ll show the rest during the matches.”

Therefore, with Lopetegui having also preferred academy graduate Dexter Lembikisa at right-back in recent weeks, it could be bye-bye Semedo if Wolves do bring van Ewijk to Molineux before the transfer window closes next week.

Transfer expert Dean Jones has claimed that Aston Villa have an ‘edge’ over Bournemouth in the race to sign Juventus central midfielder Weston McKennie.

The Lowdown: Contact made

It has recently been reported that Villa have ‘made contact’ over the potential signing of McKennie, but CalcioMercato have stated that Bournemouth are also keen to bring the him to the Premier League.

Villa are also ‘closing in’ on the signing of Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, and McKennie could be next through the doors at Villa Park.

The Latest: Villa have ‘edge’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that Villa have an ‘edge’ over Bournemouth in the race for McKennie, as he is likely to have higher expectations if he moved to Unai Emery’s side:

“Weston McKennie is one of the more interesting names that’s going to appear in headlines over the course of this month because Juventus are open-minded about losing him.

“It would have to be on their terms, and even if you were looking to do a loan on this one, you would probably have to put an obligation in place and look to spend almost £20 million.

“I do think that Aston Villa would have an edge over Bournemouth in terms of a transfer like this because I think we have to understand that McKennie has very high expectations of where his career can get to.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

Villa should seriously be considering accelerating a move for McKennie given the competition that they are likely to face for his signature.

Hailed as a ‘monster’ in the air by football writer Wes Tucker, and a ‘pressing machine’ by journalist Chris Smith, the six-foot-one colossus ranks in the 90th percentile for non-penalty goals, 89th for touches, 87th for progressive passes received and 81st for blocks per game for all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (FBRef), and at 24 years of age, has not yet reached his full potential.

Lauded for a ‘sensational’ performance for the USA against England at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, McKennie has shown on numerous occasions that he can perform on the big stage, and so it would be a real coup for Villa if they were able to sign him.