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Max Bird opening the scoring on the final day would have been bittersweet from a Derby County perspective, knowing that his long-range strike on the day would likely be his last-ever effort for the Rams before moving on in the summer – having completed a deal to join Bristol City back in January.

That stunning goal did ensure Derby clinched automatic promotion against Carlisle United, so any tinge of underlying sadness was replaced by ecstasy at the final whistle, but Paul Warne's men will know they need to find a replacement for Bird now stepping up to the Championship.

The Rams might not need to break the bank to replace such a pivotal member of their promotion-winning side, however, with a move for a midfield talent, who has starred in League One this season, reportedly in the works for £0.

Derby eyeing up free agent star

According to football journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, Derby are eyeing up Barnsley star Herbie Kane, with the midfielder looking set to be heading out of the exit door at the Tykes as a free agent after his side lost in the League One playoffs to Bolton Wanderers recently.

With his contract expiring next month, the Rams would be fools not to go after the former Liverpool youth player who wants a move back up to the second tier – as per Nixon – having played at the level before with his current South Yorkshire employers.

Known for having a screamer in his back pocket from the centre of the park, with ten goals managed this season from 47 total appearances, Kane has also starred with the likes of Hull City and Oxford United in the EFL prior to making Oakwell his permanent home.

Derby could be his next fixed location now, however, if these rumours are correct with the 25-year-old filling the gap left behind by Bird's exit to Bristol subsequently.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing would love to play alongside Kane too who will offer Derby even more firepower from midfield, having just picked up a sublime 24 goal contributions himself in league action for Warne's promoted Rams.

How Herbie Kane compares to Max Bird

Alongside his impressive ten goals, Kane has also been a creative force in the middle of the park for the Tykes by amassing five assists – hence why he could be the perfect partner to Mendez-Laing, who will look to build on his nine goals in 2023/24.

Those 15 goal contributions actually trump Bird's efforts during his swansong season at Pride Park, who amassed two less even when playing in a more successful team in the division.

Player

Matches played

Goals

Assists

Bird

71

7

12

Kane

154

17

23

More experienced than Bird overall in League One, as can be seen glancing at the table above, Derby will just pray that Kane can successfully make the step-up to the Championship with the Rams if a move is finalised.

The ex-Reds midfielder will give Derby a more combative option – compared to Bird – when push comes to shove in tense games near the foot of the second tier too, having picked up 12 yellow cards in the regular season for Barnsley.

Kane's display on the final day against Northampton Town showed off his well-rounded game, firing home the Tykes' only goal of the contest whilst also remaining alert with three duels won.

Described as being an "outstanding" talent by Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann when the 25-year-old was on loan there during McCann's first stint, Kane – alongside Mendez-Laing – will hope they can be stars in helping Derby keep their heads above water back in the Championship.

Derby could forget Gayle by signing "game-changer" on a free

Derby County will aim to sign this exciting Dwight Gayle upgrade in the summer.

ByKelan Sarson May 13, 2024

Ange Postecoglou’s first season at Tottenham Hotspur has been largely a success when all things are considered. They are currently fifth in the Premier League, seven points behind Aston Villa in the final Champions League spot, although they have two games in hand.

At the start of the season, they were absolutely flying, unbeaten in their first ten games, winning eight of those. It was their best start to a Premier League season, and Postecoglou earned the most points by a Premier League manager in their first ten games, with 26, as per Opta Analyst.

Postecoglou’s success as Spurs manager so far could well be thanks to a successful first transfer window. The Lilywhites spent £212.3m last summer, bringing in eight players, and signing Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro permanently following an obligatory buy clause in their loan deals.

Some of those incomings included James Maddison from Leicester City for £40m, who has scored four goals and registered seven assists in the Premier League this season, and Guglielmo Vicario, who joined from Empoli for £17.2m, and has kept six clean sheets.

However, there is another summer signing that Spurs made which has gone on to be incredibly successful and has even seen this player’s value rise higher than Maddison’s.

Brennan Johnson’s Spurs career in numbers

The player in question here is Wales international Brennan Johnson, who Spurs signed from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m on transfer deadline day last summer. The deal to sign the winger was a record sale for Forest.

Since joining Spurs, Johnson has gone from strength to strength. So far this term, the 22-year-old has scored five goals and registered seven assists in 30 games for Spurs in the Premier League.

The Welshman, who has 28 caps and three goals for his country, has been one of the London club’s most productive players since arriving. In the Premier League, his 12 goal involvements are bettered only by Son Heung-min with 25, and Richarlison with 13, as per Sofascore.

Johnson is certainly well thought of by Son, the Spurs captain. In an interview at the start of March following Spurs’ game against Crystal Palace, Son explained that he is in “love” with Johnson and praised his “two amazing assists”.

The South Korean went on to say how he believed Johnson did a “fantastic” job in that particular game, with manager Postecoglou seeming to concur with what Son said, explaining that he thought Johnson “was good” and that he did “fantastically well” during the game.

The 22-year-old has already shown improvement in his Premier League numbers since joining the North London side. In his maiden top-flight term with boyhood club Forest, Johnson registered 11 goal involvements in 38 games.

Brennan Johnson's transfer value at Spurs in 2024

Given his impressive debut season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, Johnson’s value has skyrocketed, to the point where he is worth more than what Spurs paid for him last summer.

Indeed, according to CIES Football Observatory, Johnson’s value is currently £51m, almost £5m more than what Postecoglou’s side bought him for. That is more valuable than most in the Spurs squad, with Dejan Kulusevski and Destiny Udogie the only players worth more than Johnson, at £68m.

Perhaps surprisingly, the 22-year-old Welshman is worth more than club captain Son, who has a value of £26m, and fellow summer signing Maddison, who is now worth as little as £34m, a drop off from the £40m Spurs paid for him.

The signing of Johnson has certainly been a good purchase for Spurs so far, who are getting an impressive goal involvement return out of the Wales speedster, and are seeing their investment paying out very well in his first season at the club.

Spurs can solve Werner blow by giving teen "superstar" his senior debut

Ange Postecoglou would please many supporters by making this bold call…

ByAngus Sinclair May 1, 2024

West Ham United picked up a well-deserved point against Liverpool in the Premier League to stem a run of losses that have sparked a frenzy of speculation surrounding the future of David Moyes', who is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Moyes' reign may well be drawing to a conclusion but the 61-year-old will have been delighted with the zest and zeal of his team's performance, lingering just outside the top seven with three matches left to play.

This result will need to be used as a launchpad for a late-stage purple patch but with Jarrod Bowen fit and firing in the English top-flight, anything is possible.

Jarrod Bowen's performance vs Liverpool

Bowen had missed recent Premier League defeats against Fulham and Crystal Palace but he made his presence known on his return from injury today, popping up with key contributions in both of his outfit's strikes.

Minutes played

90'

Goals

1

Assists

1

Touches

32

Accurate passes

5/9 (52%)

Shots on target

3

Key passes

1

Dribble attempts

2/5

Tackles

1

Interceptions

1

Duels won

7/14

Bowen produced yet another talismanic display for his side against Jurgen Klopp's struggling side and will be the main asset in the late-season fight for a European-qualifying spot.

Perhaps the most interesting part of Bowen's performance is that he completed only five passes despite playing the full 90 minutes.

Still, a goal and an assist apiece is hardly a bad day's work, taking his seasonal tally to 20 goals and ten assists in all competitions.

His Midas touch in the key moments proved his worth yet again and spared the blushes of a few of his teammates, with Edson Alvarez struggling to perform and looking very much out of sorts.

Edson Alvarez's game in numbers vs Liverpool

Alvarez, largely, has been a tremendous addition to the West Ham team this season following his £35m signing from Ajax last summer, effectively replacing Arsenal-bound Declan Rice, praised for being West Ham's "best summer signing" by The Athletic's Roshane Thomas.

In the Premier League, the Mexico international has featured 29 times, scoring one goal and supplying one assist, also playing a key part in Moyes' side's Europa League campaign.

And while, against Liverpool, Alvarez, completed 83% of his touches, made five tackles and won eight of 14 contested duels, as per Sofascore, he also committed two fouls, lost the ball 11 times and was dribbled past in the centre of the park.

Failing to take control, The Evening Standard's Malik Ouzia branded Alvarez with a 5/10 match rating, writing: 'By no means his best display since signing for West Ham in the summer. The Mexican looked off the pace.'

Given Alvarez's recent struggles in damaging recent defeats, Moyes might be tempted to rest the player for next weekend's fixture against Chelsea in the Premier League, perhaps giving Kalvin Phillips another chance to prove himself during his loan stint in east London.

Ings could soon be sent packing if West Ham unleash “insane” teen star

Perhaps it’s time for the Hammers to ditch the veteran talisman, whose goalscoring peak is behind him.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 23, 2024

Alvarez certainly has a prominent future at West Ham but he's not undroppable and he needs to pick himself back up after a recent decline in form.

Bangladesh hope a return to familiar conditions could break the streak of six successive Test losses

The Preview by Mohammad Isam21-Feb-2020

AFP

Big PicturePerhaps for the first time in 15 years, Bangladesh find themselves under pressure against Zimbabwe at home. During this period, Bangladesh have enjoyed, particularly at home, a heavy advantage in terms of spin-bowling, coupled with the opposition’s lack of experience. The loss in the Sylhet Test two years ago was treated as a blip for the home side, and a big occasion in Zimbabwe cricket. But normal service resumed thereafter as Bangladesh bounced back to beat Zimbabwe by 218 runs in the next Test.The current situation, however, presents a different context for the home side. They have lost their previous six Tests by large margins, which has led changes and shifts in their selection and game plans, and also invited the criticism of their board president three days before the Test. Whether that inspires or demotivates them is going to be one of the aspects to watch in this one-off Test.Mominul Haque, already described as “soft” by the board chief, is going to lead in his first home Test, an altogether different proposition for the left-hander. Despite the low-visibility nature of this game, it could make or break his captaincy, given the team’s recent poor run.Bangladesh have opted for a bowling line-up comprising two seamers and two spinners. The batting line-up is almost set with Mushfiqur Rahim slotting back into the middle order after missing the Rawalpindi Test.Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will have to deal with the absence of captain Sean Williams but Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza and stand-in captain Craig Ervine will look to provide the backbone for the performance.Openers Prince Masvaure and Kevin Kasuza give Zimbabwe hope of stability at the top while Donald Tiripano can be expected to lead the bowling attack. This line-up will have good memories of competing well against Sri Lanka recently at home, as they look to pile on more pain on Bangladesh.Form guideBangladesh LLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Zimbabwe DLLWLAFP

In the spotlightAbu Jayed has quietly cemented his position in the Test side, having become only the second Bangladesh pace bowler with 20 wickets in the last five years. He was accurate against Pakistan in the Rawalpindi Test, and earned praise from the senior players for his ability to bowl with a genuine outswing with both the new and old ball.Sikandar Raza comes into this Test match fresh from a seven-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in Harare last month. He had also led the Zimbabwe attack in their Test win over Bangladesh in Sylhet two years ago, with a match haul of six wickets. Raza will have a crucial role to play with the bat, too, specially in the absence of Sean Williams in the middle-order.Team newsMushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan are automatic choices to replace Mahmudullah and Rubel Hossain from the previous Test XI. Bangladesh are set to field two seamers in Ebadot Hossain and Abu Jayed, with Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan making up the spin department.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Mominul Haque (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Mohammad Mithun, 7 Liton Das (wk), 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Ebadot Hossain, 11 Abu JayedZimbabwe could just make one change from the side that drew against Sri Lanka last month, with Timycen Maruma taking the place of the absent captain Sean Williams.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Prince Masvaure, 2 Kevin Kasuza, 3 Craig Ervine (capt), 4 Brendan Taylor, 5 Sikandar Raza, 6 Regis Chakabva (wk), 7 Timycen Maruma, 8 Carl Mumba, 9 Tinotenda Mutombodzi, 10 Donald Tiripano, 11 Victor NyauchiPitch and conditionsTraditionally a spinners’ paradise, the Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch is unlikely to be any different despite the home team picking several pace bowlers in their squad. The weather is expected to stay clear during these five days in Dhaka.

Stats and Trivia

This will be the 100th international match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. A 10-wicket haul will give Mehidy Hasan 100 Test wickets. Sikandar Raza’s 7-113 is the second best bowling figures by a Zimbabwe bowler in Tests.Quotes”,” Zimbabwe coach Lalchand Rajput.

Wicketkeeper admits 2019 season was a “struggle” after being dropped by England in the Caribbean

Matt Roller11-Feb-2020Ben Foakes says he has got his “enjoyment and determination back” ahead of England’s Test series in Sri Lanka next month, after feeling like he had lost his love for the game during a difficult 2019 season.Foakes starred on England’s last trip to Sri Lanka, hitting 107 on Test debut and impressing behind the stumps after being added to the touring squad following an injury to Jonny Bairstow, but was unexpectedly dropped for the third and final Test of their next series in the Caribbean, and had a face-to-face chat with selector Ed Smith ahead of the home season to work out where he stood.But rather than starring in the County Championship to press his case for inclusion in England’s Ashes, Foakes found himself running on empty. He struggled for runs, averaging 26.13 in first-class cricket for Surrey, and decided to take some time away from the game this winter in order to rest and refresh.ALSO READ: Foakes, Jennings recalled for SL, Moeen unavailable”I felt like I was burned out from cricket, a little bit,” Foakes told ESPNcricinfo. “After the last four years, trying to get to the England level – when you play all formats in county cricket, you do your full county summer, then you’re in England squads but not really playing, then you go to the Lions in between.”To be honest with you, before last season, I was looking at it and going: how am I getting through this? I started all right, and then I didn’t have too much energy left, and I really struggled towards the end.”Rather than spending time on England pathway programmes, Foakes decided to forget about cricket completely at the end of September, instead going on holidays to Europe and the USA. Remarkably, this was the first winter since 2009-10 that he had not spent playing cricket overseas, and he admitted that the “intensity” of being in Under-19s, Lions, and pathway set-ups “can wear you out after a while”.”That’s why this winter I decided to take a break from the Lions, have a bit of rest time, and just get my head straight and get fresh again. I’ve definitely got that enjoyment and determination back, just because I actually have some energy to do some stuff. I’ve just been really enjoying training again, which has been quite nice.”Foakes was training indoors at The Oval with Alec Stewart when he found out about his inclusion in England’s 16-man squad for Sri Lanka. “He took a phone call and it seemed quite serious,” Foakes said. “He stopped the session, and I was pretty sure he was speaking to Ed Smith but I didn’t know it was about me. I got a little thumbs up, so I had an inkling.”He is expected to start the tour as Jos Buttler’s understudy, but with an impressive record against spin bowling (he averages 60.75 against spinners in Tests to date) and wide recognition that he is the superior gloveman of the two, his case for inclusion is strong. That said, he is not resting on his laurels, and hopes to keep his focus on his own game rather than wondering what will happen next.Ben Foakes works off his pads•AFP

“A lot of it is about opportunity, and just how you perform,” Foakes said. “You have to perform very well to be the number one when there’s that much competition. I probably wouldn’t have played at all last winter if Jonny hadn’t got injured.”It’s something I’m trying not to focus on – it’s probably not that healthy to be always wondering if I’m going to get a chance, so I’ll just try and focus on my primary role. It’s been quite difficult being sat on the outside, not quite knowing where you stand, but I guess that’s part and parcel of being the guy in the middle.”It’s definitely a challenge, especially during a county season when there are England games going on and you’re not sure whether you need to be ready in case [of a call-up].”He is also wary of developing a reputation as being a specialist wicketkeeper, and hopes that he can prove himself to be an all-round package thanks to his batting.”I’m quite hard on myself,” he said. “Generally, even if other people think I’m keeping well, I might think I’m not because I want to do everything perfectly. I’m a bit of a perfectionist.”Until the end of last year, I’ve been really happy with my batting. It’s a bit like with [former England wicketkeeper James] Foster – he kind of had that reputation that he could keep but couldn’t bat, when he was actually a very good batsman. It can work both ways.”It has been reported elsewhere that Foakes’ perceived weakness against the short ball has counted against him in selection, but he was defiant in stating that he considers that part of his game to be a strength.”I did see an article with that [suggestion] but I’ve not heard that myself. I guess in Sri Lanka I was going well against spin, then went to the West Indies where it was more seam and I had a couple of bad games.”But that’s the thing that frustrated me about the West Indies tour: I didn’t actually feel in bad form. I whacked one into short leg [in Barbados] then gloved on onto the hip which rolled on to the stumps [in Antigua]. There were a couple of things where it was just like… it’s not quite your day.”That is cricket, and it happens whoever you’re playing for. And playing for England is a bit more cut-throat: you don’t have that luxury of a bit of time where if you have a couple of bad games you get to recover.”

It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan at the moment, with a genuine possibility of winning the Premier League or Champions League this year – or both.

Mikel Arteta has overseen a complete transformation of the squad over the last few years, to the point where his current side is practically unrecognisable from the one he inherited from Unai Emery.

One of his best and potentially most underrated additions to the team has been Ben White, who was awarded a new contract last week, although he's still earning less than one of his teammates, whose wage has soared immensely in the last few years.

Ben White's salary at Arsenal

Arsenal paid Brighton & Hove Albion around £50m for White in the summer of 2021, and while he had looked impressive on the south coast in the 2020/21 season and on loan at Leeds the year before, fans and pundits alike still expressed some apprehension over his price tag.

For example, former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas was very critical of the deal and cited Manchester United's signing of Raphael Varane as an example of more intelligent business: "It's difficult for me to understand why Arsenal spent £50million on one player who is yet to prove himself at the top level and at the same time Manchester United can spend around £40m on [Raphael] Varane."

GK – Bernd Leno

RB – Calum Chambers

CB – Ben White

CB – Pablo Mari

LB – Kieran Tierney

CM – Albert Sambi Lokonga

CM – Granit Xhaka

RM – Nicolas Pepe

CAM – Emile Smith Rowe

LM – Gabriel Martinelli

ST – Folarin Balogun

However, 122 appearances and two and a half years later, the Poole-born ace has proven his doubters wrong, firmly establishing himself as a crucial member of the best defence in the league.

Moreover, his hard work and commitment to Arteta's philosophy have been handsomely rewarded by the club, as last week, he signed a new deal that will see him remain in north London until at least 2028.

This new contract has also seen his wages rise to a tasty £150k-per-week, although that's still less than one of his defensive teammates.

William Saliba's salary at Arsenal

The player in question is French international and defensive superstar William Saliba.

While the 22-year-old currently has 71 appearances for the club to his name and is often seen as the jewel in Arsenal's incredible backline, it wasn't that long ago that fans wondered if he would ever play for the team due to the three loan moves he was sent on between 2019/20 and 2021/22.

However, from his first competitive game for the club, away to Crystal Palace, on the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign, he has looked thoroughly at home.

At the end of last season, he was still on the £40k-per-week deal he signed when he first joined the Gunners under Emery in July 2019, but with that one set to expire in summer 2024, something had to be done.

So, Edu Gaspar and Co got to work thrashing out the details of a new long-term contract to keep the 6 foot 4 titan in N5 for the foreseeable future, something that was essential to Arteta's vision.

Luckily for the Arsenal faithful, the Bondy-born "monster", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, agreed to extend his stay at the Emirates and at the same time increase his wages by 375%, seeing them rise to £190k-per-week.

Arsenal struck gold on sensational star whose wages have risen by £125k

The brilliant Arteta signing has been unreal in recent weeks.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 14, 2024

Ultimately, with both Saliba and White tied down to new long-term and very lucrative deals, the Gunners are well-placed to maintain their rapid ascent to the top of club football.

Manchester United may turn to Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi if they are unable to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte.

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• Man Utd very active in transfer market
• Red Devils in talks with PSG's Ugarte
• Sociedad's Zubimendi a possible alternative

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United have been on the lookout for a defensive midfielder with Casemiro potentially set to leave the club. The Red Devils have reportedly agreed personal terms with 23-year-old PSG star Ugarte – who shares the same agent as new signing Leny Yoro, aka Jorge Mendes. However, should that transfer fall through for any reason, Spain international Zubimendi could be a back-up, reports .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United appear to mean business in the transfer market under new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. With Yoro and striker Joshua Zirkzee already signed, recruiting either Ugarte or Zubimendi, 25, will be quite the coup for Erik ten Hag's men.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Zubimendi, whose contract at Sociedad runs until 2027, reportedly turned down the chance to move to Arsenal earlier this summer. His stock may have gone up after helping Spain win the Euros this summer. Incidentally, United are also considering a move for free agent Adrien Rabiot following the expiration of his Juventus contract.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United fans will be eagerly awaiting what happens with the Ugarte deal, as PSG and the Premier League side are reportedly yet to agree on a price for the Uruguay international. Moreover, Bayern Munich are said to be interested in the defensive midfielder – whose contract runs until 2028.

The U.S. men's national team winger has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks as a result of the injury.

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USMNT's Zendejas fractures tibiaRuled out for minimum six weeksBrutal blow for Club America starWHAT HAPPENED?

In a 3-1 victory over Queretaro on Friday, USMNT winger Zendejas went to the ground in the 69th minute of the match with what seemed like a lower-leg injury.

Club America has now revealed and confirmed that he has in fact suffered a fractured tibia, and will be sidelined for the next two months.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In a video posted on social media, Zendejas is seen lunging in for a tackle on the ball outside his own box, with his leg getting caught in an uncomfortable position. The 26-year-old was seen rolling on the ground in pain, with medical staff immediately coming to his aid.

A crucial player for Las Aguilas, Zendejas has not appeared for the USMNT since the 2023 Gold Cup, but he's been brilliant for the Liga MX side. They won their second-straight Liga MX title in May with him, defeating Cruz Azul in the Clausura final.

WHAT MANAGER ANDRE JARDIN SAID

“Very sad because he was having a great moment, perhaps one of the best of his career. The blow is a fissure, he has to be out of action for at least four weeks and will be back in four to six weeks. When the Leagues Cup ends and Liga MX returns, he will be available.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ZENDEJAS?

Zendejas will now undergo a period of recovery on the sidelines, missing out on the Leagues Cup for the Liga MX side. There is a suggested return to period come September, but no true timetable has been set.

Jack Leaning will leave Yorkshire for Kent at the end of the season to attempt to resurrect a career that has lost impetus since he was deemed to be one of the most promising young players in the country.With Kent’s Division One future all but assured, and with a strong challenge in the Vitality Blast once again underlining their T20 credentials, Leaning has decided to leave a county that he has been with since he was 10 years old.His departure continues a Yorkshire reshaping over the past year which has brought mixed results, with a top-three place in the Championship not masking the inadequacies of the club’s limited-overs cricket.Leaning’s absence from the T20 side was therefore particularly galling as Yorkshire’s middle order has persistently looked to be one of the weakest in the country. Despite a career strike rate of 131 and average of 28, he has played only two matches – managing 39 from as many balls to go with a wicket in Friday’s victory over Durham.His Championship form has long been under scrutiny. Kent will envisage improvement on an average of 30.46, considerably below what was expected when, somewhat surprisingly, he was named as the Cricket Writers’ Club Young Player of the Year at 21. Capped at Scarborough in 2016, this summer he made a pair there against Surrey and the look in his eyes suggested he would be better elsewhere.Kent’s director of cricket Paul Downton said: “Jack’s talents across all formats of the game show that he is a versatile and intelligent cricketer. He will add significant depth to our batting unit.”Neither would it be a surprise if Kent uncovered Leaning’s potential as an offspinner. He has only 18 wickets in all competitions, but he is a big turner of the ball and has been undervalued by Yorkshire in such a role.”I think it’s at the right stage of my career to have a little bit of a change, and hopefully it all works out to be a positive one,” Leaning said. “It’s a big move lifestyle-wise, and that did cross my mind at first. But since then, all that’s come back to my mind is excitement as opposed to any nerves.”He would not be the first player to leave Yorkshire and rebuild his career elsewhere. Alex Lees, another batsman to win the CWC Young Player award, and has had moderate success in his first season at Durham.”I leave Yorkshire with nothing but fond memories,” Leaning added. “I’ll be giving it my all towards the end of the season, and there are still two bits of silverware on offer if things go well for us.”Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon said: “He’s been a great model professional during his time here and has been part of two Championship-winning teams.”He’s had a good career, but hasn’t played regular first-team cricket. At this moment in time, the opportunity to play first-team cricket is exactly what he needs. We thank him for representing us with pride and wish him every success.”

Uruguay's classy finishing have them atop Group C at the end of matchday one in Copa America

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• Uruguay defeat Panama 3-1
• Nunez, Araujo and Vina bag goals
• End day atop Group C in Copa America

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  TELL ME MORE

  From the opening whistle, it was clearly going to be Uruguay's night. Marcelo Bielsa's side were dominant agains Panama, controlling the tempo of the match throughout the majority of the contest.

  A belter of an effort from Maxi Araujo just 16 minutes in handed them the advantage, and they doubled it late, through Darwin Nunez in the 86th minute. The Liverpool striker had a plethora of chances throughout the match, but finally found his groove late.

  His moment opened a brief floodgate, with Uruguay adding a 93rd-minute goal – Flamengo's Matias Vina headed home a brilliant delivery to secure a 3-1 victory on the cusp of the final whistle.

  Well, sort of.

  Panama also found a consolation goal, just one minute later, with the match ending 3-1 after Michael Murillo bagged a clean effort.

  A rather composed match from both sides, Bielsa's team just outclassed the Panamanians in front of goal.

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• THE MVP

  Maxi Araujo:

  The Toluca winger was sensational, and often sparked the attack for Bielsa's side. Araujo often found himself in the right place at the right time, which was exactly how he found the back of the net Sunday.

  The effort? Brilliant – a genuine, potential Goal of the Tournament contender.

  You could not ask more from an attacker than Sunday from Araujo.

• THE BIG LOSER

  Panama's knockout round hopes:

  Los Canaleros are now sitting in a position where they need results over the next two games – and that is no easy task.

  Winning against the USMNT is never easy, but, they have has success of late – notably in the 2023 Gold Cup. However, this is a different roster, and the U.S. look like a team to beat.

  They'll need a draw at worst on Thursday against Christian Pulisic and Co. if they want a chance at the knockouts.

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  WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Uruguay will take on Bolivia Thursday night in game two of Group Stage action. They'll look to earn another victory, before they take on the USMNT on July 1 in what is expected to be a battle for the top of the group.