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It was a transfer that many expected to happen – Emiliano Buendia got his move away to a bigger Premier League club in Aston Villa but Norwich City legend Jon Newsome believes that his former side will already have a replacement lined up.

The move may have boosted Daniel Farke’s summer budget, unlike the last time they were in the Premier League when the Canaries spent just £7.9 million, however the German is not going crazy with Buendia’s replacement set to cost them just £3.2 million as they are targeting Armenian international, Norberto Briasco.

Briasco has been plying his trade in Argentina and with the Canaries reportedly willing to meet Huracan’s asking price he could be set for a switch to the Premier League, but they are facing competition from Boca Juniors, although the Argentine club are only willing to pay £1.6 million.

Norwich have certainly become a selling club in the last few years with some top-class young players departing which means they are always working on their next targets, and they will have some earmarked to replace Buendia according to Newsome, whos spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“The way that Norwich City have done their business, undoubtedly they’ve got players earmarked and they will have already identified targets.

“The question is, do they go again and bring in another player that Daniel Farke can coach and invest his time and energy into to make him a better player.”

Having money in their pockets can only be a good thing for the Canaries as they are likely to spend wisely and not do what Fulham have done in recent years, bringing in almost a totally new squad to try and stay up.

Norwich already have a solid base squad with the likes of Tim Krul, Grant Hanley, Max Aarons and Todd Cantwell more than capable of performing in the top flight, and to a higher standard than they did during the 2019/20 season which saw them finish rock-bottom.

Glamorgan Dragons’ fire proved too much for Yorkshire Phoenix at Cardiff in their Norwich Union League Division One encounter

George Dobell11-Aug-2002Glamorgan Dragons’ fire proved too much for Yorkshire Phoenix at Cardiff in their Norwich Union League Division One encounter.Both teams were level on 26 points at the start of play and retained legitimate hopes of winning the trophy. But it is the Dragons – who still have a game in hand over many of their competitors – that now find themselves only two points away from the top of the table, while Phoenix are left as outsiders in what is proving to be a frustrating season for them.It was the spin bowling of Robert Croft (3-27) and Dean Cosker (4-17) that turned the game in favour of the home team after Phoenix had looked to be cruising to victory in a rain-affected contest.Set 175 runs in win (by the Duckworth/Lewis method), Phoenix were well set at 86-1 in just the 10th over when Croft started their slide with the wicket of Matt Wood. Chris Silverwood followed just eight runs later, for an excellent 55 in 39 balls as pinch-hitter, while Richard Dawson and Anthony McGrath both followed before the 100 was posted.Michael Lumb and Gary Fellows regrouped for a while, but the introduction of Dean Cosker’s left-arm spin into the attack hastened the end and Phoenix fell away to be dismissed for 153, 21 runs short of their target.Earlier the Dragons made a decent start after electing to bat. Robert Croft began a good all-round performance with a brisk 37 (in 45 balls with seven fours), putting on 84 for the first wicket with Ian Thomas (40).But after Ryan Sidebottom claimed Croft’s wicket, more rain caused more delays and the game was further reduced to 22 over a side.Upon the resumption four wickets fell for 12 runs. Again it was spin that caused the problems, Andy Gray striking in his first over, having Ian Thomas – who had looked so good before the rain came – stumped. Fellow off-spinner Richard Dawson then took two in two balls, bowling Michael Powell for 12 before having Dragons’ skipper Steve James lbw first ball. Gray – who finished with 3-23 – then dismissed the dangerous Maynard before Darren Thomas provided some acceleration with three quick boundaries in a nine-ball cameo of 19.But Gray struck once again, dismissing Thomas before Adrian Dale and Mark Wallace took the total to 149 from their 22 overs.Duckworth/Lewis saw the target rise to 175, but despite the continued form of Silverwood as pinch-hitter this season, Croft and Cosker’s spin proved too much and the run chase ended in failure.

Worcestershire Royals are back on top of Division One of the Norwich Union League for at least 24 hours after they shot down the Kent Spitfires’ hopes of retaining their title in flames, winning by three wickets in the last over of a tense match

Ralph Dellor01-Sep-2002Worcestershire Royals are back on top of Division One of the Norwich Union League for at least 24 hours after they shot down the Kent Spitfires’ hopes of retaining their title in flames, winning by three wickets in the last over of a tense match. Warwickshire Bears kept their hopes alive with a 51 run win against Nottinghamshire Outlaws while, in Division Two, Essex Eagles soared to second place in the table with a win over Lancashire Lightning, and there were wins for Hampshire Hawks and Sussex Sharks.It was Graeme Hick who hit the winning runs for the Royals as they overcame the Spitfires at New Road. The visitors had got off to a flyer with a century opening partnership between Matthew Fleming (68) and Robert Key (46). However, four run outs did nothing to help the Spitfires’ cause as they reached 213 for eight in their 45 overs. The Royals could thank Vikram Solanki for their start with the in-form opener stroking 46 from 38 balls, with 40 of those runs in boundaries. Ben Smith made the same score, albeit rather slowly, but Hick steered his team home with 77 not out. There were four wickets for Martin Saggers.Warwickshire Bears could thank Ian Bell with 54 for their total of 238 for nine against Nottinghamshire Outlaws. Mark Wagh had scored a rapid 49 at the top of the order, but too many other batsmen got in and then out. After a steady start, with Chris Read contributing 69 and a forty from Usman Afzaal, the Outlaws’ innings just melted away and they were 51runs in arrears when bowled out.In Division Two, Essex Eagles, led by Ronnie Irani once again, restricted Lancashire Lightning to a mere 153 for nine at Old Trafford. Darren Robinson made sure there was a solid start to the reply with 54 and, fittingly, Irani was at the crease when the winning runs were scored with nearly 11 overs and seven wickets in hand.Another captain, Chris Adams, led Sussex Sharks to a convincing victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Wantage Road. The Sharks found that the Steelbacks had a soft underbelly by keeping them to 195 for eight before Adams took them home with an undefeated 64 to raise hopes that they might be able to stop floundering on the bottom by the end of the season.

Derby County are interested in a move to bring Stephen O’Donnell to Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Wayne Rooney’s side, along with a host of other Championship clubs, are keeping a close eye on the performances of the Motherwell right-back with Scotland at Euro 2020 ahead of a potential summer move.

The report reveals that the 29-year-old has an exit clause in his current contract with the Scottish Premiership side, which could allow an interested party a potentially easy route to land the defender this summer.

Rooney must move

Having impressed for Steve Clarke’s side so far at Euro 2020, as well as for Graham Alexander’s Motherwell team last season, it is easy to see why a number of Championship clubs are keen on a move for O’Donnell in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, over his 34 Premiership appearances for the Well last term, the right-back helped his side keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, two clearances and winning 4.5 duels per game.

The £675k-rated man also impressed in an attacking capacity for his club side, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.9 key passes per fixture.

These returns saw the former Celtic defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.73, with his displays being enough for Clarke to call him up to the Scotland squad for Euro 2020.

The 29-year-old has also impressed for his national team, earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 in Scotland’s 2-0 defeat against the Czech Republic and a 7.20 rating in the 0-0 draw with England, with his average match rating of 7.10 ranking him as the Tartan Army’s fourth-best performer in the competition thus far – with Steven Lawless stating his belief that O’Donnell has been one of Scotland’s “standout” players.

And, with Andre Wisdom looking likely to leave Derby upon the expiry of his current deal with the club, with his contract due to run out at the end of the month, right-back could well be a position in which Rooney will need to strengthen this summer and O’Donnell would be an ideal replacement.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for the 35-year-old to indeed pursue a move for O’Donnell this summer, as the Scot’s signing would appear to add solidity at the back, as well as the bonus of creativity and attacking threat going forwards, both of which Derby were severely lacking last season.

In other news: Update emerges on “tremendous” £7.9k-p/w gem, Derby County fans should be concerned

Rui Patricio was a surprise signing in 2018 as Wolves were set to embark on their first season back in the Premier League but after three years and under a new manager, there could be a new face between the posts at Molineux with the Portuguese international linked with a move away. Wolves legend Steve Bull wants it to be Sam Johnstone, of fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion.

Johnstone impressed at Wolves’ arch-enemies last season making the most saves in the Premier League which also earned him his first England call up and a debut, and he is now the number two behind Jordan Pickford.

Wolves fans may not be excited about links suggesting they are interested in Johnstone considering he has been with their rivals for three seasons, but he would certainly bring a trusted pair of hands considering he faced 228 shots lasts season with a save percentage of 70.6% – considering how poor the Baggies were, that will make for pleasant reading.

They have been linked with a move for Danny Ward but despite the 28-year old impressing at the Euros, it should be someone much closer to home that Wolves should be targeting as Bull wants to see his former club bring in Johnstone this summer, as he told Transfer Tavern:

“I know Wolves fans won’t like me saying this, but I’d go for Johnstone from West Brom because he was making all sorts of saves and is in the England squad now and once he gets in the starting line-up they won’t get him out.

“He’s young, energetic and when he makes a save he gets back up for the second shot and it doesn’t take him an hour to get back on his feet.”

Johnstone will certainly have a lot of interest after the season he had for the Baggies and he also did himself no harm during his England debut when he made a stunning save against Romania before the Euros kicked off.

Wolves would have a battle on their hands to sign the shot-stopper though as it has been reported that West Ham are interested in signing him and the Hammers would be able to offer him European football, something that Wolves have failed to qualify for in the previous two seasons.

Inexperience weighed heavily against Hursley Park on their NatWest Hampshire Under-16 Indoor Cricket Championship debut at the Rose Bowl

Mike Vimpany29-Oct-2002Inexperience weighed heavily against Hursley Park on their NatWest Hampshire Under-16 Indoor Cricket Championship debut at the Rose Bowl.They went home pointless after suffering heavy defeats by last year’s winners Fair Oak and South Wilts, who collected a 24-point maximum after two handsome wins.Dean Robertson (25) and Richard Conway (17) provided a sound enough start against Fair Oak, but with last winter’s champions bowling a much tighter line than in their first games, progress was slow.Hursley’s eventual 74-3 proved easy meat for Fair Oak, with openers James Scutt (27) and Ed Kemp (22) polishing off the target.Both Hursley and Fair Oak were soundly thrashed by South Wilts, who are clearing going to be among the leading clubs in the 12-team NatWest backed competition.The experience the Bemerton youngsters gained at the Rose Bowl last winter proved the key as South Wilts bettered their formidable 146-5 against Fair Oak by scoring 147-3 in 12 overs off Hursley Park.Eddie Abel (39) and the emerging Lysander Wolf (36) led the way as South Wilts rattled up 146 against Fair Oak, who were dismissed for 76, with Chris Denning taking 2-22.James Hayward hit an unbeaten 43 and received able support from Abel (30) and Wolf (27) in the South Wilts run spree against Hursley Park, who were dismissed for 78 (Kapoor 23).Ventnor make their debut in the NatWestBank sponsored competition on Sunday against Andover and Sarisbury Athletic.

Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Rui Patricio’s proposed move to AS Roma could be in doubt.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the two clubs are still some way apart on the transfer fee. Roma are apparently willing to offer €6m (£5.2m) for Patricio, but Wolves are asking for twice that amount. On top of that, the player’s family are said to have reservations about leaving England.

Patricio had been on Euro 2020 duty with Portugal, but their tournament was ended on Sunday by a 1-0 round of 16 defeat to Belgium.

Patricio has been Wolves’ number one since promotion

Wolves picked up Patricio ahead of their Premier League return three years ago after he terminated his Sporting Lisbon contract (via BBC Sport).

He has gone to rack up 127 appearances for the club, conceding 151 goals and keeping 37 clean sheets (via Transfermarkt) and being hailed by some fans as “massively underrated”.

Wolves have been linked with another Portuguese ‘keeper, Jose Sa of Olympiacos, as a potential replacement for the 33-year-old.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed Gazzetta’s claims, and here’s how some fans reacted, with many pleased to hear that the club aren’t willing to meet Roma’s initial offer.

Wolves fans react to possible Patricio twist

“Give the guy a new contract, he’s a decent keeper, not perfect but who is”

Credit: @satsomboon

“The Patricios love the Mander Centre”

Credit: @joehands_19

“Keep him, he’s 33 which he’s still got few years in him still and is massively underrated. Don’t care that he’s on a 100k a week, you want the best you have to pay”

Credit: @harryvenner

“If he wants to stay we should keep him in my opinion”

Credit: @mfleck8

“Keep him @Wolves”

Credit: @neilweav

“Ty, Rui’s family”

Credit: @AdamWWFC_

In other news, Steve Bull has described this Wolves target as a ‘top-class player’ 

PERTH, Oct 25 AAP – West Australian opener Chris Rogers was leading the charge against England after the first session of the final day of a two-day cricket tour match at the WACA.

AAP25-Oct-2002PERTH, Oct 25 AAP – West Australian opener Chris Rogers was leading the charge against England after the first session of the final day of a two-day cricket tour match at the WACA.In reply to England’s first innings of 221, the home side was 1-115 at lunch with Rogers unbteaten on 57 and Murray Goodwin five not out.Rogers and captain Michael Hussey (48) were rarely troubled in their 103-run opening partnership before England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart took a fine diving catch to his left off Matthew Hoggard’s bowling.For the most part the England quicks bowled too short and Rogers and Hussey feasted on any wayward deliveries in their two-hour stand.Searching for answers during the session, Hussain introduced spinner Ashley Giles with the score at 0-73.But the opening pair did not crack until Hoggard finally got his line and length right to force a edge from Hussey.

Queens Park Rangers are interested in a deal to bring Josh Windass to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claimed that Mark Warburton is keen on a reunion with his former Glasgow Rangers midfielder ahead of next season, with the 58-year-old thought to be lining up a bid for the Sheffield Wednesday ace in the summer transfer window.

Last month, The Sun journalist Alan Nixon revealed that Darren Moore’s side will be demanding a fee of £5m in order to part with the attacking midfielder this summer, a price which appears to have ruled both Birmingham City and Millwall out of a move.

Warburton would love him

Windass was impressive last season despite playing for a Wednesday team who finished rock bottom of the Championship table, while the midfielder has also played under Warburton previously. Should QPR go on to get a deal over the line for the 27-year-old this summer, he would be an addition the Rs boss would surely love.

While it is true that the £1.8m-rated man did not feature all that much under Warburton at Rangers, Windass nevertheless made an impression during his 18 appearances under the 58-year-old, scoring one goal and providing four assists for his teammates.

However, it is fair to say that the midfielder has developed as a player since his time in Scotland, something which is evident in his returns for Wednesday last season.

Indeed, over his 41 Championship appearances for Darren Moore’s side in 2020/21, the £10,000-per-week man scored nine goals, registered six assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.9 shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the man dubbed an “explosive” player by his footballer father Dean earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as Wednesday’s seventh-best performer in the second tier last season.

As such, with Warburton undoubtedly hoping to build a squad in the summer transfer window which is capable of going on to mount a promotion push next season, the potential signing of Windass would appear to provide the 58-year-old and his team with a significant boost to their chances of going on to achieve this feat, leading us to believe that the midfielder would be a fantastic addition in west London.

In other news: QPR transfer update emerges on “unbelievable” £8k-p/w dynamo, fans will be gutted

The ECB and the Board of InterClubNet plc (ICN) announces the signing of a£675,000 Services Agreement between Play-Sport New Media Limited, a 100%subsidiary of ICN, (

Media Release22-Nov-2002The ECB and the Board of InterClubNet plc (ICN) announces the signing of a£675,000 Services Agreement between Play-Sport New Media Limited, a 100%subsidiary of ICN, (“PSNM”) and the England and Wales Cricket Board Limited.This New Agreement replaces the minimum 3-year agreement signed with the ECB on September 1st 2000, where the Company would develop, operate and maintain an internet portal for recreational cricket under the URL www.play-cricket.com (the “ECB Cricket Network”) in return for the promotion and endorsement of the ECB Cricket Network by the ECB.PSNM has now completed development of the ECB Cricket Network. Under the New Agreement the software for the ECB Cricket Network transfers to the ECB, and the ECB take on responsibility for maintaining and operating the ECB Cricket Network. PSNM will provide limited consultancy advice to the ECB until June 2006 during which time the £675,000 will be paid.The ICN Board considers this New Agreement a sensible move given the uncertainty over sponsorship revenues in the sector.Terry Blake, the ECB’s Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted to be acquiring the ownership rights of the Play-Cricket.com site. Play-Cricket.com is proving to be a tremendously valuable resource for many recreational cricket clubs, and the ECB is fully committed to developing the site and its business potential.”