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Steve Harmison returned to Championship cricket but went wicketless against Nottinghamshire on day two.

Jon Culley11-May-2010Durham 218 v Nottinghamshire 191 for 3
Scorecard
Steve Harmison looked much more his old self in his second spell, but still went wicketless•Getty ImagesAfter a season so-far bedevilled by one injury after another, with their bowling resources under particular strain, the sight of Steve Harmison with ball in hand must have been cheering indeed for Durham as they seek to stay in touch with the early-season front-runners in the Championship.No one is threatening their grip on the title more impressively than their opponents here. With a 100 per cent record from three matches, Chris Read’s squad looks well equipped for a sustained challenge. Durham, though unbeaten, are not yet firing fluently and there is an opportunity here for Nottinghamshire to place a sizeable distance between them.In the circumstances, what would be handy indeed for Durham is for Harmison somehow to conjure a repeat of his performance on this ground last July, when he rushed up the motorway after England released him from their second Ashes Test squad at Lord’s and bowled like a dream.Finding the pace and hostility that was to serve Durham well in the second half of the season, he took 6 for 20 in the second innings and Durham won by an innings.This time, after Durham were bowled out for 218 on what looked a lively enough pitch, there was every reason to suppose that Harmison might do something similar. He might yet, although much will depend on how his body reacts to his first attempt to bowl close to flat out since the end of last season.Niggled by what has been described as “frayed nerves” in his back, Harmison could bowl very little in a weather-hit comeback against Durham UCCE last week and the overs he bowled in last Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank 40 were fairly low key.He looked noticeably rusty in a short initial spell yesterday, taking stock after only five overs. Earlier, while batting, he looked still to be in discomfort and appeared to be calling for the physio moments before Durham’s last wicket fell.With his second spell with the ball, however, it appeared any stiffness he might have been feeling had worn off. Running in from the pavilion end, from which he did all the damage last year, he certainly looked more potent, giving Mark Wagh and Hashim Amla plenty to think about. He might have had Amla on 20, when the South African gave a chance to Liam Plunkett at gully, although it would have been a magnificent catch had he held it.As it happened, Amla did lose his wicket to Harmison – Ben, that is. Amla has been impressive in his short stint as overseas player here, scoring at least a half century in six of his seven innings so far. This is his last match before making way for David Hussey, and it was little wonder he felt he had missed an opportunity when an uncharacteristically loose swish outside off stump cost him his wicket, for 52.Earlier, Bilal Shafayat had been leg before offering no stroke and Neil Edwards dragged a wide delivery on to his stumps, giving Plunkett a double success. Mark Wagh remains and with plenty of batting to come Nottinghamshire look well placed at 191 for 3, assuming of course they can survive anything Harmison might come up with in the first session on day three.Durham, who had Dale Benkenstein and Ian Blackwell together overnight, faded away somewhat disappointingly in the end, sliding from 117 for 3 to 191 for 8 before lunch.Blackwell, who never looked in the mood to do anything but attack the bowling, did not profit from it, falling to Darren Pattinson with a loose drive taken at gully. Benkenstein, for his part, had no answer to a perfect inswinger from Charlie Shreck that splayed his stumps rather dramatically.Samit Patel’s left-arm spin undid Ben Stokes with his first ball, which turned past the bat as the teenager stepped down the track, allowing Read to pull off a meat-and-drink stumping.Patel followed up by having Plunkett caught at short leg after Mustard had edged Paul Franks, who helped wicketkeeper Chris Read claim his 700th first-class victim when Ben Harmison was caught off a thin edge after lunch. Franks, who is looking a very useful allrounder again after seemingly putting his fitness problems behind him, picked up his third wicket when Edwards took a routine slip catch to remove Chris Rushworth.

With just five wins from their 17 played Premier League games so far this season, the upcoming January transfer window could be just what Everton and Rafa Benitez need to get themselves back on track and end the current season on a high note.

The previous summer transfer window saw Everton spend just £1.8m on winger Demarai Gray, with the likes of Andros Townsend and Salomon Rondon among others coming in on free transfers, which suggests that the Toffees could have some money to play with in January to help strengthen their squad, which is what they seemingly need to do looking at their results in the league so far this season.

Taking into account how he has played in all but one of their league games so far this season and delivered a stunning performance in their 1-1 draw away at Chelsea, it seems unlikely that Everton would let goalkeeper Jordan Pickford leave next month.

In defence, with left-back Lucas Digne seemingly unlikely to play for Everton after a reported falling out with Benitez and recent reports claiming that the Toffees are close to signing Dynamo Kyiv’s Vitaliy Mykolenko, he could be their replacement for the Frenchman if he leaves.

In the right full-back position, we think Everton will make a move to sign Norwich City defender Max Aarons, who the club have been linked with in the past and could be tempted with a move to Goodison Park given how likely it’s looking that the Canaries will get relegated this season.

Moving further up the field, we think Benitez will want to reinvigorate his midfield and attack, which could be done with a swoop for former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, who his current club Barcelona reportedly want to get rid of.

With a total of 41 goals and 37 assists under his belt in 152 appearances in the Premier League, the 29-year-old Brazilian, who has been described as having “magical powers” in the past by Roberto Firmino, has what it takes to take Everton up a level and potentially make the Toffees fans forget about his previous affiliation with their Merseyside rivals.

Then up top, with Toffees striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin having been linked with a move to fellow Premier League club Arsenal, it would be hard to see Everton selling their star man in the middle of the season and risk alienating their fans even further than they already have done at times this season.

In other news: Moshiri must seal Rafa’s dream Everton deal with swoop for “incredible” £211k-p/w gem – opinion

Australia’s players will be consulted as Cricket Australia prepares to determine the exact format for split-innings one-day matches

Cricinfo staff18-Jun-2010Australia’s international and domestic players will be consulted as Cricket Australia prepares to determine the exact format for split-innings one-day matches. The board last week approved the new format for the FR Cup domestic competition, which will occur in the second half of the tournament in 2010-11, but has not finalised the specific alterations.James Sutherland, Cricket Australia’s chief executive, said the players would review the customer research on the issue and provide practical feedback on competing over split innings. “Cricket lovers say that ODI cricket captures the broadest interest of the three formats, and it is supported with strong passion,” Sutherland said. “But it is a game that needs better positioning and a format review if it is to remain popular in the long-term.”The switch in thinking is being monitored by the ICC while former one-day experts such as Dean Jones and Simon O’Donnell have welcomed the move. Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association will speak to players over the next fortnight and their thoughts will be combined with those of broadcast and commercial partners before the new look is finalised.”The idea of split innings was popular with fans and we are keen at this stage to look at a 10-wicket-a-side, split-innings concept,” Sutherland said. “We accept that we need to listen to what the public wants but we also need to be sure that ideas are practical, and most important, are acceptable to world cricket and capable in the long-term of being considered for international cricket.”

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Samir Handanovic to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Rudy Galetti, with the Italian journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that, following Inter Milan’s recent signing of Andre Onana, the 37-year-old Handanovic could leave the San Siro on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign.

Galetti goes on to state that Tottenham are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Slovenia international – who is thought to have been offered a new deal by the Serie A side – as Antonio Conte is believed to be extremely interested in securing a deal for the shot-stopper.

In his post, Galetti said: “With the arrival of Onana (five-year contract), Handanovic – despite the renewal proposal – could leave the [Nerazzurri] at the end of the season. THFC follow the [Slovenian] goalkeeper: Conte has asked for him and in June he could arrive in [the] EPL as a free agent.”

Fans will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Handanovic is a goalkeeper who does not have too many more seasons ahead of him at the top level of professional football, considering just how impressive the 37-year-old has been for Inter this season, he would still very much appear to make a fantastic addition to Conte’s current options in the position at Spurs.

Indeed, over his 19 Serie A appearances in the current campaign, the £2.25m-rated man has helped his side keep nine clean sheets and has made an average of 2.8 saves per game, with these returns seeing the shot-stopper average a SofaScore match rating of 7.09 – ranking him as Inter’s ninth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

As such, while Hugo Lloris is expected to put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Tottenham in the coming weeks, the potential addition of a goalkeeper who boasts the ability and the experience of Handanovic, particularly on a free transfer, is something that will undoubtedly have Spurs fans buzzing.

The £96k-per-week ‘keeper would not only provide backup to the France international next season, he could well go on to push the 35-year-old for his starting spot between the Tottenham sticks.

In other news: “I understand”: Big twist emerges in THFC pursuit of £25m-rated gem, AC surely buzzing

According to a report by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna (relayed by Sport Witness), West Ham and Newcastle have ‘made an approach’ for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, and both sides ‘could make an offer’ for the player.

The Lowdown: Badiashile a hot prospect

Badiashile has taken Ligue 1 by storm, as he has secured himself as one of the hottest young prospects in the country. The 20-year-old centre-back has made 12 appearances for Monaco this season, and this total would have been even greater if it weren’t for a hamstring injury which kept him out for the second half of November and early December.

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The France U21 has also played a part in the club’s Europa League campaign, having played in the home and away fixtures against Real Sociedad and PSV Eindhoven. Impressively, he leads the side in defensive clearances made in the competition, averaging a mammoth five per game.

The Latest: Irons have ‘made an approach’ for Badiashile

According to a report by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna (via Sport Witness), West Ham have joined Newcastle in having ‘made an approach’ for the Frenchman, who have contacted Monaco and the player’s representatives directly.

As a result, it is said that both Premier League clubs ‘could make an offer’ for the 20-year-old in the January window.

Aouna has previously reported that the Magpies and the Hammers were ‘both interested’ in securing the youngster’s signature. At that point, it was claimed that the Irons ‘should’ make an offer, whilst Newcastle were waiting to assess the situation, due to the pursuits of Sven Botman and Diego Carlos. However now, it seems the two English clubs are set to go toe-to-toe for the player.

The Verdict: A phenomenal signing for the next decade

Unfortunately, the youngster has recently picked up another injury, potentially ruling him out for at least a month (NUFC 360), so this would definitely be a signing for the long-term.

Despite being just 20 years old, Badiashile has already received vast interest from big clubs across Europe. In the summer of 2020, former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was supposedly keeping a close eye on the youngster. He was even compared with current Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, with that report detailing Zidane’s keen eye for talent and affection for Badiashile.

Monaco Vice President Oleg Petrov has also previously expressed how the player was considered ‘bankable’, due to his ‘great talent’ and potential to play for ‘one of the best clubs’ in the world.

This international attention clearly illustrates Badiashile’s quality and outstanding promise as a youngster. Therefore, if West Ham can beat Newcastle to the player’s signature, this could prove to be a phenomenal signing for years to come.

As was widely expected, the PCB has reduced or written off the punishments of four players who the board had only recently found guilty of various misdemeanours

Osman Samiuddin05-Jun-2010As was widely expected, the PCB has reduced or written off the punishments of four players who the board had only recently found guilty of various misdemeanours in the aftermath of an ill-fated, winless Australian tour over the turn of this year. The indefinite ban on former captain Younis Khan was lifted, the Rs 3 million fine on captain Shahid Afridi, for ball-tampering, was revoked entirely, while the fines on the Akmal brothers for acts of indiscipline were reduced.Ever since Shoaib Malik’s one-year ban was removed last week, the PCB had indicated that the punishments for other players would also be lifted. At a press conference to announce Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad two days ago, board chairman Ijaz Butt revealed that he had already recommended these measures to the independent arbitrator overlooking the appeals of the players. Butt staunchly defended the overturning, telling Cricinfo it wasn’t a u-turn, just the following of “a constitutional process.”The decisions were announced by retired judge Irfan Qadir after the latest set of hearings on Saturday morning. Afridi, he explained, had already been punished by the ICC, which had banned him for two Twenty20 internationals, so the question of a second punishment was not on. “The ICC has written a letter to the PCB indicating that the second punishment is wrong,” Qadir told reporters after the hearings in Lahore. “I must appreciate that Afridi accepted his wrongdoing. He accepted that he should not have done it but since he realised it himself I thought that was good and so removed the order on him.”Much the same reasoning was applied to the Akmal brothers, whose fines have been reduced to Rs1 million. The brothers accepted their mistakes. “They were candid in accepting their disciplinary issues. The PCB wanted to halve the fines [Kamran was fined Rs3 million] but I felt all players should now be treated on a par and so brought it down to Rs1 million.”Younis’ case was expected to go on longer as his lawyer Ahmed Qayyum had insisted he would seek no compromised relief and fight to clear his name fully. Qayyum’s persistence, Qadir indicated, won out. “There were many applications from the lawyer but there was no delay from my end. I asked Talib Rizvi [PCB’s legal advisor] what the main allegation was against him. He said it was an open-ended ban and he should not be part of a Pakistan squad. Now that he has been considered for a squad, it means the PCB has reconsidered him so I have simply set aside the order.”The orders leave undecided for now the fate of only two from the seven originally punished. Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is likely to get the same relief at his next hearing on June 19, while the door has also been left open for Mohammad Yousuf – who retired in protest at the punishment – to come back should he wish to.Butt insisted that this wasn’t a u-turn, only the outcome of following the procedures laid down in the board’s constitution. “We only followed the process as it exists in the PCB constitution. There is an allowance in the constitution for punished players to appeal and they did and this is the result,” he told Cricinfo.However, he admitted that other factors came into play. “There were many appeals from many quarters which asked us to reconsider the punishments. For example the national assembly committee on sports met and the chairman asked me, after detailed discussions with a number of people, to review the decisions. I said there is an appeals process already in place and it is on and we are looking at it as we should and that we will review them. The independent arbitrator was appointed and he took into account many things before coming to this. A process has been followed.”Butt argued that the decisions would not send the wrong kind of message – that acts of indiscipline would go unchecked by the board – to the players. “Not at all. A loud and clear message has been conveyed to the players. On the Asia Cup and England tours I have left the entire responsibility of discipline in the hands of the captain and manager. If there is a single act of indiscipline, they have my backing to send the player back without even consulting me or anyone in the board. Already in the West Indies [for the World T20], the players were better and performed better.”

Yorkshire pulled off a dramatic six-wicket victory over Warwickshire at Headingley to increase their lead to 21 points at the top of Division One of the County Championship table.

Jon Culley at Headingley08-Jul-2010
ScorecardJonathan Bairstow guided Yorkshire to victory with a calm and measured innings•PA PhotosYorkshire’s young pretenders revealed real character on a final day that threatened to end in frustration but eventually yielded the win that sends them 21 points clear at the top of the First Division, signalling that their Championship ambitions are no passing fancy.They did so by chasing down a target of 200 from 37 overs with 14 balls to spare, thanks largely to Jacques Rudolph, their stand-in captain, who hit 80 before being run out, and to 20-year-old Jonathan Bairstow, who made light of the responsibility on his young shoulders by hitting an unbeaten 64 off 61 balls.The gap they have opened between themselves and erstwhile title favourites Nottinghamshire is a significant one, even though the Trent Bridge side, beaten at Essex on Wednesday, have played two fewer matches. Equally important to the plot as the race builds towards a climax is the fact that Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire have still to meet, home and away. It means that Yorkshire can in effect control their own destiny, regardless of what their rivals achieve against other opponents.It is to their disadvantage, potentially, that skipper Andrew Gale has made an impressive contribution to England Lions’ success in their triangular one-day competition, making him a candidate, along with Tim Bresnan and Ajmal Shahzad, for further international duty in this crowded summer. But, given that they pulled off a tense victory here without that trio, they can reassure themselves that their resources are deep.Lack of experience, particularly in their seam bowling, is the factor most likely to count against them. Lack of spirit or enthusiasm, however, will not. Those qualities they have in abundance. Here they might easily have buckled, defied as they were initially by a magnificent, epic innings by Warwickshire’s Rikki Clarke, whose resilience over six hours left him unbeaten on 127 and gave Yorkshire a target of 200 to win, essentially in one session.It was a good many more than they had expected to be chasing after Warwickshire closed day three only 21 in front, three wickets down and with one man, Jim Troughton, likely to bat only if required, after taking a blow on the head from West Indian pace bowler Tino Best on Wednesday.Clarke survived eight partners in the course of his epic, seven of them on the final day, three before lunch, the first of whom had been the most doughty in 18-year-old Ateeq Javid, who fell two runs short of a maiden half-century but should be proud of his career-best 48, which included a joust with the fiery Best in which he showed character beyond his years.His two-hour stint in Warwickshire’s cause ended in the ninth over of the morning when Adil Rashid found a thin edge as the youngster pushed forward. Ironically, Best had been frustrated again in the preceding over when his lofted drive fell just short of mid-wicket.Clarke needed more partners with similarly adhesive qualities but after Yorkshire had taken the new ball Warwickshire’s innings threatened to subside rapidly. Tim Ambrose lost his off stump to a fine ball from Rich Pyrah for 16 and Steffan Piolet was leg before to Steve Patterson for just 4, at which point, at 244 for 6, Warwickshire’s lead was only 72.In Neil Carter, Clarke now had an experienced partner alongside him at the crease but when Carter fell seven overs after lunch, leg before to a ball from Rashid that the batsman seemed to indicate, through his body language, might have been missing the target, Warwickshire’s prospects looked to be fading at 285 for 7, which put them only 113 in front.Rikki Clarke’s superb innings couldn’t save Warwickshire•Getty ImagesThe wicket gave Rashid his second five-for in consecutive matches but Clarke was not done. When Best returned at the football stand end he hit a textbook straight drive to complete his hundred, a magnificent effort spanning five and a half hours, with six fours and two sixes. It was his first in the Championship since April of last year and only his second in four years.But the issue for Warwickshire was about the man at the other end. Imran Tahir’s first couple of swipes did not suggest a long occupation but a few carefully chosen words of advice from Clarke seemed to have the desired effect and in the end he stayed with his unshiftable partner for 17 vital overs, in which Warwickshire’s lead grew by 75 runs.In the event, the innings ended slightly farcically, the last three wickets falling in as many overs after Tahir miscued Patterson to mid-off. Boyd Rankin was run out as Clarke decided his shot to cover off Rashid was worth two, Pyrah’s throw to the bowler’s end finding Rankin well short of his ground. Then Troughton, who had retired hurt on day three following a blow on the head from Best, perished with a steer to second slip off Patterson, having faced only three more balls.Nonetheless, Clarke’s superb unbeaten 127 had given Yorkshire a much taller task than they anticipated, making for an exciting final session. The timing of Warwickshire’s last wicket aided Yorkshire, allowing tea to be taken early with no loss of overs between innings, but the start of the chase was less helpful, as leading run scorer Adam Lyth steered the eighth ball straight to second slip.But Rudolph, with the additional incentive of his first win in 11 attempts as Yorkshire’s acting captain, looked determined that his experience would not be wasted, although he lost another potentially vital ally when Anthony McGrath was leg before to a ball from Rankin that kept horribly low.Rudolph kept picking off the Warwickshire bowling, however, with Tahir in particular struggling to keep him in check as he sought the variation that might yield a wicket. The South African went to 50 off 64 balls, by which time Bairstow was beginning to hit the ball cleanly and growing in confidence.The requirement was coming down steadily, dropping below 100 with 14 overs to go. But there was a setback around the corner. Rudolph glanced Piolet to leg, where Rankin fielded. There was an easy single but to come back for a second was to take an unnecessary risk. Rankin’s throw was straight and Rudolph was clearly out of his ground as Ambrose whipped off the bails.With 10.4 overs to go, 73 runs were still needed. But Bairstow was undaunted. Darren Maddy proved no more effective at stemming the tide than Tahir and Warwickshire’s fielding left much to be desired. Two overs conceded 25 in total and a six and a four by Bairstow off Maddy took the requirement down to 39 in seven.Bairstow’s half-century came in 52 balls. The loss of Gerard Brophy, bowled sweeping Tahir, proved nothing more than a momentary interruption. Rashid is never less than positive with bat in hand and he added 16 off 13 balls before Bairstow swept Tahir for four to win the match.”There is a long way to go but this is a young side showing lots of maturity,” Rudolph said. “We still have to play Nottinghamshire twice, which is in our favour.”

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has dropped an update on his future at The Hawthorns amid his links with a move away from the club in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by the Express & Star, the 28-year-old revealed that he is desperate to make a return to the Premier League, with West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Newcastle United having all been linked with a move for the England international this winter.

Speaking about his future, Johnstone said: “There was a lot of talk in the summer. It [a transfer] just didn’t happen and we are focused on doing our best to get promoted back up this year. I see the speculation and there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s out of my control but I want to be back playing in the Premier League.”

Fans will be sweating

Considering just how impressive Johnstone has been for West Brom in recent seasons, the goalkeeper coming out and openly admitting that he is desperate to be playing Premier League football again – during a transfer window, no less – will undoubtedly have left Baggies fans sweating.

Indeed, since his £6.5m move to The Hawthorns back in 2018, Johnstone has been a rock between the Albion sticks, earning seasonal SofaScore match ratings of 6.87, 6.84 and 7.03 in 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 respectively, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.82 over his 24 Championship appearances in the current campaign.

Furthermore, the £32.5k-per-week ‘keeper has also kept a whopping 41 clean sheets over his 155 appearances for the Baggies, not far off averaging a shut out once in every three fixtures he has played for the club.

As such, it is clear to see just how important the 28-year-old is to Valerien Ismael’s West Brom side, as well as how devastating it would be for the Baggies’ automatic promotion hopes were the England international to leave the club this month.

In other news: West Brom handed double fitness boost ahead of QPR clash, Ismael will be buzzing

Gemaal Hussain became the third bowler to take 50 first-class wickets thisseason as Gloucestershire put Worcestershire under pressure on the second day atCheltenham

05-Aug-2010
ScorecardGemaal Hussain became the third bowler to take 50 first-class wickets thisseason as Gloucestershire put Worcestershire under pressure on the second day atCheltenham.The 26-year-old seamer, who had played only one County Championship gameprior to this summer, joined Steve Finn and Adil Rashid in reaching 50 victimswhen he dismissed David Wheeldon in Worcestershire’s reply to the home side’stotal of 480 all out.James Franklin had made 108 in Gloucestershire’s total, while Matt Mason took4 for 92. By the close the visitors had reached 126 for 2, with Daryl Mitchell unbeatenon 50.Hussain has taken his 50 wickets at an average of less than 22. It is only theLondoner’s second year with Gloucestershire, having played club cricket in theBradford and Birmingham leagues. Franklin was unbeaten on 50 overnight as his side began the day on 324 for 4. He lost partner Chris Taylor with the total on 368, caught behind offMason for 39.Gloucestershire missed out on a fifth batting point by a single run when ChrisDent joined Franklin and took the score to 399 for 5 at the end of the 110thover. By then Franklin was totally determined to reach three figures, havingregistered three scores in the 90s this season, and did so thanks to a misfieldfrom Alan Richardson.Franklin’s luck evened out when he was run out backing up for 108 as Dentconnected with a firm drive and bowler Moeen Ali diverted the ball onto thestumps. It was 462 for 7 when Dent was caught at mid-on for 38. Jon Lewis hit abright 19 but Vikram Banerjee and Anthony Ireland fell cheaply asGloucestershire lost their last five wickets in 10 overs for 45 runs.Worcestershire made a good start in reply and there were 55 runs on the boardwhen Wheeldon, on 16, got a thin inside edge onto his pad and was caught in theslips by Will Porterfield with Hussain apparently appealing for lbw. Vikram Solanki could make only nine before being pinned lbw by Anthony Ireland and at 64 for 2 Worcestershire were in trouble.But Mitchell kept them in the game with a battling half-century off 142 ballswith eight fours, while Moeen was 36 not out at stumps.

Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey is set to leave Italian giants Juventus this month with West Ham United amongst an array of clubs interested in securing the Welshman’s signature.

What’s the latest?

Juventus manager Max Allegri has confirmed that Ramsey is on his way out of Turin, stating: “Aaron’s not with the team as he’s set to leave the club.”

The 31-year-old has been neglected entirely this campaign, playing just 112 minutes of football for the Old Lady so far this season.

In fact, the midfielder’s move to Serie A after 11 years at Arsenal hasn’t materialised the way in which both parties would’ve hoped, with Ramsey making 70 appearances for Juventus across two-and-a-half seasons, scoring and assisting six goals.

Eurosport initially reported last month that West Ham were interested in signing the former Gunner with the Turin club looking to offload their fringe players with Newcastle, Arsenal and Everton the other named suitors interested in bringing the 31-year-old back to the Premier League.

West Ham must swoop for Ramsey

With ambitions of finishing in the top-four, David Moyes’ side will need reinforcements this month to give themselves a realistic shot at qualifying for the Champions League.

The Hammers are sat in fifth and are only one point off of fourth-placed Manchester United, however, the Red Devils have a game in hand whilst sixth-placed Arsenal have two and seventh-placed Tottenham have four.

A mixed run over the festive period has seen the east London outfit slip, meaning that Champions League qualification is currently out of their hands and will require an impressive run of form during the second half of the Premier League season.

Ramsey has a plethora of Champions League experience, having played in Europe’s elite competition on 78 occasions for both Arsenal and Juventus.

Moreover, during the 11 seasons he was at Arsenal, the Gunners finished in the top-four eight times with the final three seasons seeing the north London club fall short.

The Welshman also has bags of experience at international level, with Wales midfielder Joe Allen describing the 71-cap 31-year-old as “world-class.”

West Ham could also do with another offensive outlet from their midfield with regulars Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek defensive-minded midfielders whereas Ramsey would add creativity to the Irons’ setup.

Valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the 31-year-old could well be available for a bargain fee and is certainly worth a gamble by the Hammers’ new head of recruitment Rob Newman.

Meanwhile, West Ham could upgrade on Michail Antonio with this striker…