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Former Mumbai captain Amol Muzumdar will join the Andhra Pradesh Ranji squad for the upcoming domestic season

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Oct-2012Former Mumbai captain Amol Muzumdar will join the Andhra Pradesh squad for the upcoming domestic season after he was advised to look for opportunities elsewhere by Mumbai selection committee chariman Abey Kuruvilla. Muzumdar, who spent a season playing domestic cricket for Assam, returned to Mumbai last year but had to spend the season playing local leagues as part of his ‘cooling-off period’.”It was almost like a co-incidence. Just 10 days ago I spoke with the MCA’s chairman of selectors, and he conveyed the team’s plans to me,” Muzumdar told the . “And a few days later, I receive a call from MSK Prasad asking me whether I would be interested in joining Andhra. The answer was obviously a resounding yes. I want to play cricket for as long as I’m motivated. For now the next two years I’m with Andhra.””The MCA had told me that my chances were not great for this season,” he said. “I’m thankful to the MCA because they let me know the reality well in advance so that I still had other options to go to.”A veteran of 158 first-class games, Muzumdar has 10,202 runs with 25 centuries. He held the record for most runs in Ranji Trophy till last year before being overtaken by his former Mumbai team-mate Wasim Jaffer. He has also scored 3168 runs from 108 List A matches.

Nearly half the all-time West Indies side consists of players from the world-beating team of the 1980s; the three Ws miss out

Cricinfo staff26-Jul-2010Five players from the all-star West Indies sides of the 80s have made it to Cricinfo’s West Indies all-time Test XI: Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose, Michael Holding and Malcolm Marshall.Viv Richards was the one unanimous pick from that era. Garry Sobers, considered the world’s greatest allrounder, and George Headley, nicknamed the black Bradman, were the other two to get all 10 votes.Like in the Pakistan all-time XI, there are no current players in the XI, a reflection of the sorry state of two teams that were once world-class.Greenidge was picked by nine jurors to open the innings, but his partner Desmond Haynes, with whom he made a record 16 century stands missed out; the other opener’s spot went to Conrad Hunte, who opened in all of his 44 Tests for West Indies and scored over 3000 runs. Other prominent omissions were the three Ws and Andy Roberts.Brian Lara made it to the middle order with six votes, while the gloves were given to Jackie Hendriks. Though Jeff Dujon and Clyde Walcott were the better batsmen, Hendriks got the nod over them because of his remarkable skills behind the wicket, including to spinners. And with a middle order that boasts Headley, Richards, Lara and Sobers, the XI can afford to have a pure keeper in the ranks.The most debated-on position among the readers was that of the spinner: whether West Indies, with its fast-bowling pack, needed one. The jury thought they did, and all but one picked Lance Gibbs, the first spin bowler to take 300 Test wickets, over Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine.That left three fast-bowling spots, which went to Malcolm Marshall (nine votes), and to Michael Holding and Curtly Ambrose (six votes each).Barbados, traditionally the powerhouse of Caribbean cricket, accounts for four players in the XI, followed by Jamaica with three.We invited our readers to pick their XI, and their middle-order, fast-bowling, spinner and allrounder picks matched the jury’s. Sobers got close to a unanimous vote for the allrounder’s spot, while Gibbs got over 80%. A majority of readers picked the Greenidge-Haynes pair to open the innings, and over 77% voted for Dujon to keep wicket.The jury included former Test player Jimmy Adams, journalists Tony Becca, Fazeer Mohammed and Garth Wattley, radio commentator Joseph Perreira, cricket historian Hilary Beckles, sports psychologist Rudi Webster, writers Ian McDonald and Frank Birbalsingh and former West Indies media manager Imran Khan.More about the XI hereThe XI: Gordon Greenidge, Conrad Hunte, George Headley, Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Garry Sobers, Jackie Hendriks, Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Curtly Ambrose, Lance Gibbs.Readers’ XI: Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, George Headley, Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Garry Sobers, Jeff Dujon, Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Curtly Ambrose, Lance Gibbs.NomineesOpeners: Conrad Hunte, Roy Fredericks, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Chris Gayle.Middle order: George Headley, Everton Weekes, Clyde Walcott, Frank Worrell, Rohan Kanhai, Seymour Nurse, Clive Lloyd, Lawrence Rowe, Alvin Kallicharran, Viv Richards, Richie Richardson, Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.Allrounders: Learie Constantine, Garry Sobers, Gerry Gomez, Collie Smith.Wicketkeepers: Clyde Walcott, Jackie Hendriks, Deryck Murray, Jeffrey Dujon.Fast bowlers: Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall, Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Ian Bishop.Spinners: Alf Valentine, Sonny Ramadhin, Lance Gibbs.

Crystal Palace lost 3-1 to title-chasing Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon as the Reds closed the gap on first-place Manchester City to nine points after the Citizens drew 1-1 at Southampton on Saturday.

The hosts went behind after just eight minutes as defender Virgil van Dijk converted with a header directly from a corner before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubled Jurgen Klopp’s side’s lead before the interval.

Palace did halve the deficit through Odsonne Edouard but the defeat was confirmed when Fabinho converted from the penalty spot late on.

The defeat leaves Patrick Vieira’s side in 13th place after a tricky contest for the south London club.

Some of the Eagles’ players shone despite difficult circumstances, whereas others were below par with top scorer Conor Gallagher proving to be particularly underwhelming.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation for Palace since joining on loan from Chelsea in the summer, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in 19 Premier League matches.

However, the midfielder endured a tricky afternoon at Selhurst Park against Liverpool.

According to SofaScore, the Englishman lost possession 16 times whilst making 52 touches over the course of 90 minutes, an average of losing the ball every 3.2 touches.

Gallagher was also underwhelming in the attacking department, squandering a big chance whilst also managing just one shot, which was off target.

Although the 21-year-old enjoyed an 81% passing success rate, his crosses and long balls were well below standard, failing to complete any.

On an afternoon where Palace had 43.2% of the ball, there was a lack of grit in the middle of the park with Will Hughes also struggling, earning a match rating of just 6.1, as Liverpool dominated proceedings whilst Gallagher made five fouls, eventually receiving his fifth yellow card of the season, as well as only managing one interception and one tackle and no clearances or blocks.

Of course, the Selhurst Park faithful shouldn’t be particularly concerned by the Englishman’s display given the fact that they were playing the league’s second-best team who were impressive in south London.

Moreover, the midfielder has already been the star man on numerous occasions and seeing him run the midfield against one of Europe’s best sides and orchestrate a shock victory for the Eagles would’ve been a particularly tall ask.

What the performance will highlight, however, is that Gallagher will have to improve when playing the league’s top sides if he has aspirations of being a regular for Chelsea.

Whilst Crystal Palace don’t expect to get results against the likes of Liverpool, Thomas Tuchel’s side will if they are to be successful.

In other news: Palace remain interested in 22-y/o striker, he can save their season

Crystal Palace have not made any official bids or opened talks with any potential signings this month so far, and that includes the view of securing permanent deals for their current loan players too, with one, in particular, becoming a doubt for securing a longer stay at the club.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist, Michael Bridge, has revealed that the Eagles are “nowhere near” the clause that forces them into signing striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta, on a permanent deal at the club.

Bridge told GIVEMESPORT:

“The deal at the moment with buying Mateta in terms of how many games he’s played for Palace, they’re nowhere near it. So, they’re under no pressure with that at the moment.”

Mateta has been linked already with a move away from the club during the current transfer windows, as it was reported that his parent club, Mainz, were ready to recall the player for him to go back out on loan to Saint Etienne, but it was then further reported that Palace blocked the move.

Fans may be fuming

With Christian Benteke reportedly on the move to Burnley after an offer was made for him over the weekend, Palace fans will surely be rather puzzled and angered to see further unsettlement in their forward line, especially when the side is picking up more draws than wins at the moment with nine draws on the board in the Premier League this season.

Thus, they clearly need to take more goal-scoring opportunities and shipping on two offensive options in one window would be a strange way of doing that.

The 24-year-old Frenchman has only made 15 appearances for the club so far during his 18 month loan spell that started in January 2020 scoring three goals in just 589 minutes played over the last year. That is hardly mind-boggling but if they let him leave alongside Benteke, it would severely hamper Vieira’s options.

Eagles fans are keen for the striker to stay at the South London club, with many taking to Twitter to offer their opinion on his future at the club, one fan even tweeted: “Mateta needs to stay #cpfc.”

Vieira will need to make an important decision on the future of his forward line, with the club also linked to signing Eddie Nketiah and interest from other clubs for the signing of Benteke, the French manager will need to assess his options and work out if Mateta fits into his future plans for the club.

Despite not playing, there is an argument to make that the Eagles would be better off keeping him for the second part of the campaign.

In other news: Vieira could finally axe Benteke to sign Nketiah

Roberto Firmino is likely to be offered a new deal at Liverpool according to Liverpool Echo correspondent Theo Squires. 

The lowdown: Declining influence

For so long the man signed from Hoffenheim in 2015 has been the lynchpin of Jurgen Klopp’s side and an integral element of the famous front three that has fired the Reds to UEFA Champions League and Premier League glory.

However, the recent acquisitions and subsequent impacts of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have meant that the Brazilian forward has fallen down the pecking order somewhat.

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Out of contract in the summer of 2023 (Transfermarkt), a decision needs to be made on the future of the 30-year-old.

The latest: Squires delivers update

Taking part in a Q&A session for the Liverpool Echo, journalist Squires was asked whether Firmino is likely to be offered a contract extension alongside both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

“It’s an interesting one with Firmino. For so long he was Liverpool’s go-to man and rarely injured but they have evolved beyond him this season. I agree, I struggle to see Liverpool keeping all three forwards beyond next summer but never say never. Mane has obviously done his own hopes of a new deal no harm, with his agent recently saying talks were on hold until the summer. Plenty has been written about Salah with no breakthrough yet.

“I’d imagine the club will see what happens with Salah and Mane and then decide what to do with Firmino. They’ll make an offer they consider fair at some point and will just expect him to want to stay. Then it’s up to the Brazilian if it’s right for him or time to move on.”

The verdict: Deal earned

Despite a drop off in appearances this term and perhaps, more importantly, persistent injury issues, Firmino’s trophy-laden time at Anfield warrants a new deal for the 55-cap Brazilian.

The man once described as ‘unbelievably valuable’ to the team by Klopp amidst a two-month Premier League goal drought has already lifted five major honours on Merseyside and could be set for more before the end of the ongoing campaign.

Very few players in world football can offer what the Samba star can offer and when using Fbref to find comparable operators, only RB Leipzig ace Christopher Nkunku tops Liverpool’s own Jota when it comes to sharing traits with the expert false nine.

Whether or not Firmino, who has ten goals and four assists this season, is willing to accept a bit-part role moving forwards remains to be seen, but either way, this upcoming summer has all the hallmarks of a busy one for the Reds.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Ricky Ponting says none of Australia’s bowlers from Brisbane are safeafter Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris were added to a 13-man squad forFriday’s second Test in Adelaide

Peter English at the Gabba29-Nov-2010Ricky Ponting has told Australia’s first-Test bowlers that none of them are safe for Adelaide, but Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus have the most to fear after Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris were added to the 13-man squad. The home attack managed only one wicket in the second innings at the Gabba as England pummelled 517, with Johnson, Hilfenhaus and Xavier Doherty struggling for impact.Johnson was the most disappointing as he went wicket-less for the first time in his Test career, while Hilfenhaus peaked with his breakthrough from the third ball of the opening morning. Bollinger is a left-arm fast man who was Australia’s best bowler of the past year and Harris is an expert at gaining conventional and reverse swing, which could be a huge asset in Adelaide from Friday.Johnson has never been dropped from the Test team but is the most vulnerable man as the teams fly south-west on Tuesday. Ponting said the bowler remained in a “reasonably positive” state of mind but “was not at his best”. “I don’t think anyone is certain yet,” Ponting said. “The fact we have brought two fast bowlers in, I’m not sure if anyone is certain.”Johnson’s bowling has been faltering for most of the winter and he was one of the players who was put on notice when the original 17-man squad was named for Brisbane. After responding with five wickets and a century for Western Australia, he suffered a quick relapse at the Gabba.He delivered 42 overs for 170 runs during the match and struggled with his speed and accuracy. While he is a player who gets better with more work, there were few promising signs.”I’m not singling one person out, because I don’t think any of our bowlers were at their absolute best,” Ponting said. “It’s all about working in a group and working in partnerships, and I don’t think we did that enough. We’ve got a lot of work to do as a group.”Peter Siddle was the most successful Australian bowler but even he failed to follow up his six-wicket opening on Thursday with a second-innings wicket. The pitch flattened out and England dominated, leaving Andrew Strauss’s stumping off Marcus North as the only success of a demoralising second innings for the hosts. Still, the draw did end a three-match losing streak, which was their worst sequence since 1988.Australia now have three days to finalise a Plan B as they prepare to face a pitch in Adelaide that is traditionally made for batsmen. Playing back-to-back Tests is a concern for both teams, although England gained extra recovery time by having their tough bowling days on Friday and Saturday. “If we get a flat wicket in Adelaide again,” Ponting said, “we have to make sure we are a whole lot better than we were in this game.”Harris and Bollinger were both picked in the inflated first-Test squad before being released due to fitness doubts. Harris, who moved from South Australia three seasons ago, was cut because he had only just returned from a chronic knee injury, which had sent him home from England before the Pakistan series in July.He convinced the selectors of his durability with four wickets in a one-day game for Queensland and six more in the Sheffield Shield fixture against Victoria that ended today. Ponting is a huge supporter, having seen Harris’ tireless work during his first two Tests against New Zealand in March.”There’s a lot to like about Ryan,” Ponting said. “The fact he’s had great success at international cricket, he’s one of the guys just meant to be playing.”Bollinger’s lack of bowling since picking up a stomach strain in India led the selectors to settle on Siddle for the first Test. It was a controversial decision until Siddle stormed to six wickets on the opening day, including a hat-trick. Bollinger will be released a day early from New South Wales’ Shield fixture against Western Australia in Perth.Australia squad Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Xavier Doherty, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ryan Harris, Doug Bollinger.

Just one defeat away from a whitewash, the hosts are in dire need of a psychological boost ahead of the Tests

The Preview by Siddhartha Talya02-Jun-2010Match FactsThursday, June 3, 2010
Start time 09.30 local, 13.30 GMTThe Big PictureGraeme Smith has failed to convert starts in his last 11 internationals•AFPWest Indies are struggling, and their problems are not confined to performance. Their board CEO, Ernest Hilaire, delivered a scathing indictment of the state of affairs in West Indies cricket, telling fans they were in store for more “embarrassment” from their players in the years to come. Not just for the lack of quality, but an attitude that, he felt, favoured fame and wealth over excellence. Then came the incident involving Sulieman Benn, who was sent off the field by his captain Chris Gayle for disobeying instructions. All this during another disappointing series, which has helped South Africa recover from their Super Eights exit and continued West Indies’ frustrating run in front of their home crowds. Just one defeat away from a whitewash, the hosts are in dire need of a psychological boost ahead of the Tests.For South Africa, a win tomorrow will mark a continuation of the three-year dominance they’ve enjoyed over their opponents.Form guide (most recent first)West Indies: LLLLW
South Africa: WWWWWWatch out for…Graeme Smith: While several of his team-mates have cashed in on the tour, the South African captain has failed to convert starts. His scores in the four ODIs read 18, 37, 29 and 23, and thrice has he been dismissed by Dwayne Bravo. In his last 11 international innings, he has reached double-figures each time but his highest score remains 37. With three Tests to follow, he needs to get some confidence going.Chris Gayle: The captains share a similar predicament when it comes to individual form, but there has been little support from the rest for West Indies. Following his team’s failures with the bat in the first three games, Gayle had called on his batsmen to shoulder more responsibility. His own scores this series read 45, 26, 16 and 29 and with a significant burden to bear at the top in the Tests, he needs to hit form.Team newsWest Indies’ bowling lacked depth in the fourth ODI and they need Jerome Taylor, who was out of that game due to a niggle, back. David Bernard could be asked to sit out in the event of Taylor’s return.West Indies (possible): 1 Dale Richards, 2 Chris Gayle (capt), 3 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 4 Dwayne Bravo, 5 Darren Bravo, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 9 Jerome Taylor/David Bernard, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Ravi Rampaul.South Africa didn’t need their best available line-up to beat West Indies in the previous game. But they will be eager to make a clean sweep of the series, and might be tempted to bring back Dale Steyn.South Africa (possible): 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Jacques Kallis, 4 AB de Villiers (wk), 5 JP Duminy/Alviro Peterson, 6 David Miller, 7 Johan Botha, 8 Ryan McLaren, 9 Morne Morkel, 10 Charl Langeveldt/Dale Steyn, 11 Lonwabo Tsotsobe.ConditionsThere are scattered thunderstorms forecast in Port of Spain tomorrow, increasing the possibility of a truncated fixture.Stats and trivia South Africa have swept the series 5-0 twice against West Indies, in 2005 and 2008. If they win tomorrow, it will be their second 5-0 victory in an ODI series in the West Indies. The Queen’s Park Oval at Port of Spain will be hosting its first ODI in more than two years. Teams have opted to field in the last six games here, winning three and losing as many.Quotes”For us, the players that comprise the limited-overs squad, it would restore a lot of confidence in us, after we performed so poorly in the T20 World Cup.”
“(Losing is) tough. Because in those four defeats, and if you take the two Twenty20s into consideration, five of those games we had a realistic chance of winning. Hopefully, we can put ourselves in a winning position again on Thursday.”
Ottis Gibson, the West Indies coach.

It was a familiar refrain from West Indies captain Chris Gayle, as he put the blame squarely on his team’s batsmen after losing the first Test to South Africa by 163 runs at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain

Cricinfo staff14-Jun-2010It was a familiar refrain from West Indies captain Chris Gayle, as he put the blame squarely on his team’s batsmen after losing the first Test to South Africa by 163 runs at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. “It is the batting to be honest with you,” Gayle told the . “We batted poorly in the first innings and that actually cost us the game very quickly.”Despite losing in three and half days, Gayle defended the make-up of the squad. “It is definitely the right selection. We have two guys out [Adrian] Barath and [Ramnaresh] Sarwan, and [Travis] Dowlin did well for us in the last series against Australia, and Brendan Nash was outstanding for us in the Test series as well.”We are in the rebuilding process and we asked a couple of batsmen to bat at positions they are not accustomed to, but it is something in cricket and, as batsmen, whenever you get a chance, you have to make the best use of it. But we are not going to use it as an excuse … we have to try and make the necessary adjustments for the next Test match.”There were a couple of bright spots for West Indies in the performances of Sulieman Benn and debutant Shane Shillingford. Benn, who was ordered to leave the field by Gayle in the one-day series for refusing to bowl over the wicket, picked up eight wickets and made his highest Test score – 42 – in the second innings, while Shillingford snapped up four wickets. “It was a good effort from the spinners and we always knew it was a spinning track,” Gayle said.Gayle expected the same squad to travel to St. Kitts and said West Indies could give South Africa more of a contest as long as the batting clicked. “This was the first Test and you want to give everyone a good chance, but I think it will be the same squad. I don’t know what condition Barath is in and we don’t know what cricket he has played.”Hopefully we can pick it up in the next Test match and put our best foot forward. If we can get the runs on the board … any first innings total over 350 is good, and it will actually put us in a position to challenge for the win.”Gayle also credited South Africa for playing good cricket. “There is no doubt about it, South Africa are a more experienced team … give credit to those guys, they kept running in hard,” he said.Meanwhile Graeme Smith, South Africa’s captain, was all praise for his bowlers. “Our bowlers were running on fumes there at the end, and it was not made any easier for us with them struggling with the run-ups from one end and a soft landing. It was another hot day, and we have had to work a little bit harder.”The pitch was not conducive to really exciting Test match cricket. It was about a long, hard graft, and we did that well, and we have won in three and a half days, so I am happy.”

Newcastle United have been handed encouragement over a potentially major deal for Sven Botman in the summer…

What’s the talk?

The Magpies target has admitted that he would be interested in joining the club, whilst also hinting that he will be on his way out of Lille at the end of the campaign.

He told Voetbal International, via TBR: “Newcastle is working on a great project and I thought it would be fun to be a part of it.

“Especially if you look at where Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain once started.”

Fabrizio Romano also quoted him as saying: “I can confirm both Newcastle and AC Milan were concrete options this winter. Both were good options for me. I assume that I will take a good step in my career next summer.”

Excitement

These comments will surely leave Eddie Howe excited ahead of the next transfer window as they suggest that a transfer could well be on the cards for the 2022/23 campaign.

It could be a major deal for the Magpies as Botman has the potential to be a sensational signing for the club in the short and long term. He is a player who has proven his quality at Ligue 1 level and could be an asset in the Premier League next season, whilst he also has scope for development and could be someone Howe looks to improve over time.

In the French top-flight this term, he has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.15. Botman has won an outstanding 71% of his individual duels throughout the campaign so far, making 4.9 clearances and 2.0 tackles and interceptions per game.

This shows that he already has the ability and consistency required to perform at the top level. Meanwhile, no Newcastle defender has averaged a score higher than 6.77 this term, although Dan Burn managed a rating of 6.96 for Brighton prior to his deadline day switch.

At the age of 22, the Lille beast has plenty of time left ahead of him to add to his game and improve as a defender. This means that he could be an excellent investment by the club, as he could either be sold for a huge profit in the future or end up playing and excelling, in the side for many years to come.

Therefore, Howe will be excited by Botman’s comments as they open the door to a summer transfer and it could be a major deal for the Magpies based on the aforementioned benefits that he could bring. It is now down to PIF to be proactive by attempting to snap him up as quickly as possible at the end of the season.

AND in other news, “I heard a slight whisper”: Downie drops big NUFC claim on live TV, Howe surely gutted…

West Ham United have been able to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League and seventh place in the Premier League table with just one figure in their squad that predominantly plays in the centre-forward position – Michail Antonio.

Despite scoring eight goals in 32 league appearances for the Hammers, the Jamaican hasn’t been able to find the net in the top flight since New Year’s Day against Crystal Palace.

With the next summer transfer window approaching, it seems as though the east London club are in the mix to add another striker to their squad and provide a bit of competition for Antonio.

What’s the news?

According to a recent article from Calciomercato, West Ham are one of the clubs interested in signing Torino striker Andrea Belotti in the upcoming summer transfer window.

With a total of 386 senior and youth club appearances under his belt, the Italian has scored 155 goals and provided 35 assists along the way, showing that he has a knack for finding the back of the net.

Better than Antonio?

Since joining his current club back in 2015, the 28-year-old has scored 110 goals in 247 outings for the Serie A side, showing just how important he has been for them over the past few years.

On the international stage, Belotti has scored 12 goals in 42 senior appearances for Italy.

This backs up what his former teammate and former West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart had to say about him when the Englishman described the attacker as having an “instinct for goals.”

With just 18 league games to his name in this current Serie A season, the striker has still managed to rack up the second-highest number of shots at goal (45) out of anyone at Torino.

To compare him to the West Ham striker, the Italian has racked up a higher percentage of aerial duels won this season (39.7%) than Antonio (36.2%).

This shows how much of a threat in the air he can be in terms of winning balls and scoring goals with his head. Battling physically for the ball is one of the West Ham striker’s main strengths so if Belotti can top him in that department, it bodes well for the Hammers.

Despite having a current market value of £25.2m according to Transfermarkt, the Irons could secure the Italy international on a free transfer this summer as his current contract with Torino is set to expire at the end of the season.

Even though he’s struggled with some injury issues this season, Belotti certainly has what it takes to be a solid signing for West Ham. The major plus side is that West Ham could discover someone that’s better than Antonio when it comes to scoring goals on a regular basis.

In other news: Sources: West Ham eye swoop for “brilliant” 21 y/o, he’s “similar to Eden Hazard”