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Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Newcastle United could now be in the mix to sign Harry Kane this summer.

The Lowdown: Future uncertain

Kane’s future at Tottenham Hotspur remains uncertain, with Manchester City still and Manchester United now reportedly interested in signing him in the summer.

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Some pundits believe that he will leave Spurs, especially if they fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Kane has just picked up the Premier League’s Player of the Month (POTM) award for March, which is a joint-record seventh time with Sergio Aguero, and really needs to be playing in a team with the ambition to win trophies.

The Latest: Kane on radar

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, Bailey has revealed that Kane is one of a number of high-profile players on the St. James’ Park faithful’s radar this summer, should he end up quitting North London.

Kalvin Phillips, John Stones, Sven Botman, Nico Schlotterbeck, Lloyd Kelly, Hugo Ekitike, Darwin Nunez, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Patrik Schick are also mentioned, as well as a potential permanent deal for Matt Targett.

Bailey has also revealed that the Tyneside outfit have set a £100m budget for the summer transfer window, and taking to Twitter, he added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have made it clear that money is available for marquee signings:

“Newcastle have set a transfer budget for the summer. Eddie Howe will be allowed to mould squad and will look for evolution rather than revolution. That said majority owners PIF have made it clear that there is a money available for marquee signings.”

The Verdict: Exciting

While there are some very exciting targets listed, Kane is the one that really stands out, and the fact PIF are willing to splash the cash if a marquee option becomes available should have supporters on Tyneside buzzing for the summer.

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After a slow start, he now has 22 goals and six assists in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), and would no doubt be the kind of marquee signing that would make the world take notice of the Magpies.

Of course, Kane would have to believe in the long-term project, but with the ambition that the new owners have, he could well win trophies at the Toon in time if he joined.

In other news, find out what ‘interesting’ NUFC transfer update Craig Hope has now revealed here!

	He’s out: Herschelle Gibbs is set to lose his place after an extended poor run in Tests © Getty Images

Without putting too fine a point on it, West Indies’ 128-run victory in Port Elizabeth was one of the major surprises of 2007. They hadn’t won a Test for 19 months and, more significantly, had beaten major opposition away from home only once since the turn of the millennium. Now the question is whether they can continue to turn the tables on South Africa in the New Year Test in Cape Town and complete a series triumph no one really thought was possible.The key to their success last week was a determined effort from the batsmen, which set up a total of 408 for the five-pronged pace attack to bowl at. An undercooked South Africa battling line-up slumped twice, although West Indies still showed their ability to conjure a collapse as they lost 6 for 22 late on the third day. It didn’t cost them dearly – and meant the possibility of a safety-first declaration was taken out of Chris Gayle’s hands – but they will need more of their stickability to keep the home side at bay for a second time.Shivnarine Chanderpaul led the batting with a fine 104, but his limpet-like qualities are already well-known. The eye-catching performance came from Marlon Samuels, named Man of the Match after his innings of 94 and 40, as he showed previously unseen powers of concentration and responsibility.”Test cricket is very difficult and I would love to get a chance to play more Test matches back-to-back instead of being in and then out of the side so often,” Samuels told the . “It will give me the chance of getting better scores more regularly and being more consistent. I was very disappointed that I didn’t get the century, but if I could score 94 and the West Indies go on to win every time, I’ll be satisfied.”South Africa have tried to avoid appearing in panic mode and they have recent form in bouncing back from an early loss. Last year they slipped up against India in Johannesburg before coming back to taking the series 2-1. Mickey Arthur, the coach, said: “We’ve won four Test series in a row. We intend to win this one too. The bowling attack has led us to victory in the last four Tests we’ve played, and don’t forget they bowled the West Indies out for 175 in the second innings. We had one bad innings and that happens to teams from time to time.”Captain Graeme Smith is also banking on the past experiences of his team: “We had a very good training session yesterday, and we seem to be hitting our straps again,” he said. “Hopefully it’s just about executing and getting things right out in the middle. We know we’re capable of it, we’ve proven our worth. We know we’re going to play this game under pressure, and we know we can play a lot better than we did in Port Elizabeth.”However, the call-up of Neil McKenzie highlights the concerns over the top order, which has failed to perform consistently for a lengthy period of time. Even during their success in Pakistan and easy victory over New Zealand the run-scoring was largely in the hands of Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla. Smith is desperately in need of a score and Herschelle Gibbs appears set to pay the price for his pair in the first Test.The axe has been looming over Gibbs for some time; his last Test century came in January 2005 against England in Johannesburg and in the subsequent 26 Tests he has averaged 26. But the selection of McKenzie, one of the few high scorers in domestic cricket, to open while he is primarily a middle-order batsman shows the lack of options available. Boeta Dippenaar was another option, but there has been a push around South Africa to get McKenzie back in the fold for some time.Another old face pushing for a recall is Shaun Pollock, who hasn’t played Tests this season after being left out in Pakistan, and Arthur said “he’s definitely in the reckoning.” A return for Pollock would strengthen the lower order to a more familiar level for South Africa. However, the management has been keen to build the attack on the three frontline quicks and Paul Harris, with a view to the tough tours of England and Australia later this year. Recent events, though, could force a rethink as this series against West Indies, initially thought to be a formality, has now became a major challenge for South Africa.South Africa (probable) 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Neil McKenzie, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Jacques Kallis, 5 Ashwell Prince, 6 AB de Villiers, 7 Mark Boucher (wk), 8 Shaun Pollock, 9 Paul Harris, 10 Dale Steyn, 11 Makhaya NtiniWest Indies (probable) 1 Chris Gayle (capt), 2 Daren Ganga, 3 Runako Morton, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 6 Dwayne Bravo, 7 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 8 Darren Sammy, 9 Jerome Taylor, 10 Daren Powell, 11 Fidel Edwards

Scorecard

Michael Hussey pushed Australia home © Getty Images

Michael Hussey again finished a difficult job for his team, taking Australia to victory against New Zealand with two wickets to spare. Hussey’s unbeaten 65 was the key in a tight run-chase of 219 and he brought up the win with a six in the 49th over.New Zealand pushed Australia to the very end but their decision to play only four bowlers cost them dearly as Craig McMillan and Nathan Astle proved too easy to score off in the dying overs. McMillan had already done his part with 89 in New Zealand’s 219 but Hussey and Michael Clarke (75) earned Australia their fourth win of the series.Clarke’s dismissal in the 38th over triggered a mini-collapse as Cameron White and Brett Lee fell soon after and when Nathan Bracken was caught with two runs required the outcome was still uncertain. But Hussey pulled Astle over square leg for six to end another matchwinning innings.The visitors played an extra batsman with Hamish Marshall replacing Jeetan Patel and the move backfired on two counts. Marshall made 0 in another disappointing team effort and in the dying overs Stephen Fleming was forced to use part-time medium-pacers when his four strikers were bowled out.Defending New Zealand’s below-par total was always going to require a flawless performance in the field. Instead, they repeatedly gave lives to Clarke and Hussey and failed to capitalise on a terrific opening that had Australia at 3 for 17.The most telling error was a shambolic attempted run out when both batsmen almost ended up at the striker’s end. With the score on 4 for 116, Clarke pushed into the off side and took off for a single before halting but Hussey kept coming and should have been caught well short at the bowler’s end. Marshall fumbled several times before ending up sprawled on the pitch and flicking the ball back to Daniel Vettori who broke the stumps with his hand rather than the ball with Hussey short of his ground.The mistake not only allowed Hussey, who was 18 at the time, to continue through the innings but it also demoralised the tourists at a critical moment. Clarke was dropped on 17 and again on 42 and holding either chance could have put New Zealand back on top. The first was a simple outfield opportunity when James Franklin spilled a top-edged hook at deep backward square leg. The second was an inside edge to Brendon McCullum, standing up to the stumps, off Franklin’s bowling.

Craig McMillan made his highest score since 2002 © Getty Images

When Clarke gave his third chance, a skied opportunity that Ross Taylor took on the second bite at midwicket, he had already hurt the visitors and taken Australia within 52 runs of victory. Clarke and Andrew Symonds (38) steadied Australia after the home team stumbled to 3 for 17 from six overs.Adam Gilchrist flayed at an extra wide Franklin outswinger and was caught behind for 3 and Matthew Hayden continued his disappointing series with a drive in the air to cover for 0. Ponting, who batted at No. 4 to allow Clarke a promotion, was lbw for 5 to a Michael Mason ball that jagged back off an uneven strip on the pitch.New Zealand also started poorly and it was only through McMillan’s innings – his best ODI score since 2002 – that they recovered from 4 for 54. McMillan’s 87-ball innings featured three sixes – one was a spectacular cut shot over backward point off Lee – and he made the most of a lucky break when he was given not out on 1 despite replays suggesting he edged behind.McMillan and Franklin added 57 in a 39-ball eighth-wicket partnership that restored some dignity to the New Zealand scorecard but Glenn McGrath (3 for 24) and Stuart Clark (4 for 54) ensured the total did not get out of hand.The visitors were unable to bat out the 50 overs and their inability to compile a consistent, professional batting effort was again underlined. The top order remained a concern as Lee’s opening spell shattered any hopes of a solid foundation. New Zealand were 2 for 7 as Lee had both openers caught behind with fast, swinging deliveries.

Shane Warne’s back is feeling better after yoga and pool work © Getty Images

Shane Warne has warned South Africa they could need their team psychologist after Australia has finished with them in the three-Test series starting on Friday. Referring to the squad’s plan to fly Francois Hugo from Johannesburg to motivate the players, Warne said it may be a good idea.”They might need one by the time we’ve finished with them,” Warne said. There is little love lost between the two Test nations and South Africa are aiming to regain some lost pride, having failed to beat Australia in a Test series since being readmitted to international cricket in 1991.Warne is a particular concern for the Proteas and has an excellent Test record against them, having taken 101 wickets at 22.34. The visitors have also rankled the Australians by claiming they use sledging to upset and distract their opponents. Herschelle Gibbs said last week the players had come to expect such tactics and would think something was wrong if they weren’t sledged.”As usual, the South Africans have had a bit too much to say, they should worry about their own backyard, get it in order first,” Warne said. After recovering from back soreness, Warne said he was looking forward to the first Test even though the WACA is not known for taking spin.”I feel pretty good, I’ve done a lot of yoga, I’ve done stretching, I’ve done pool and all the strengthening for my back,” he said. “It’s still a bit stiff, hopefully it will loosen up with another three or four more days of treatment. It’s an ongoing thing I suppose at 36. I’ve bowled a few balls over 15 years – I’m going to have to put up with some sort of soreness.”Warne was under no illusions about his role on the pace-friendly WACA, saying he would be called upon more to break partnerships than as a front-line strike bowler. “You know when you go there,” Warne said, “that you’re not going to take a big haul of wickets.”

Individual statistics for Tests played in 2004

West Indies Batting
Name	M	I	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	100	50	0	Ct	St
Banks, OAC	3	4	1	74	45	24.67	–	–	1	3	–
Baugh, CS	2	4	0	111	68	27.75	–	1	–	2	–
Best, TL	7	10	0	62	20	6.2	–	–	2	1	–
Bravo, DJJ	4	8	0	220	77	27.5	–	2	1	3	–
Chanderpaul, S	10	18	3	715	128*	47.67	2	3	2	2	–
Collins, PT	8	11	1	64	19*	6.4	–	–	2	2	–
Collymore, CD	8	14	8	65	13*	10.83	–	–	–	1	–
Dillon, M	1	2	0	59	30	29.5	–	–	–	–	–
Drakes, VC	2	3	0	59	35	19.67	–	–	–	–	–
Edwards, FH	10	14	3	31	10	2.82	–	–	4	2	–
Ganga, D	4	7	0	66	17	9.43	–	–	1	1	–
Gayle, CH	12	22	1	1135	141	54.05	4	7	–	10	–
Hinds, RO	3	5	0	128	84	25.6	–	1	1	2	–
Hinds, WW	1	2	0	38	25	19	–	–	–	–	–
Jacobs, RD	10	16	3	399	107*	30.69	1	1	2	30	3
Joseph, SC	2	4	0	85	45	21.25	–	–	–	1	–
Lara, BC	12	21	1	1178	400*	58.9	3	4	3	13	–
Lawson, JJC	3	5	3	9	4*	4.5	–	–	1	1	–
Mohammed, D	2	3	0	68	36	22.67	–	–	–	–	–
Powell, RL	1	1	0	23	23	23	–	–	–	–	–
Sanford, A	3	5	0	4	1	0.8	–	–	1	4	–
Sarwan, RR	12	21	1	1005	261*	50.25	3	4	2	14	–
Smith, DR	6	8	1	264	105*	37.71	1	–	1	5	–
Smith, DS	6	11	1	322	108	32.2	1	–	1	6	–
West Indies Bowling
Name	M	B	Md	R	W	Ave	Best	5	10	SR	ER
Banks, OAC	3	744	15	478	9	53.11	4\87	–	–	82.67	64.25
Best, TL	7	1098	25	601	16	37.56	3\37	–	–	68.63	54.74
Bravo, DJJ	4	772	25	419	16	26.19	6\55	1	–	48.25	54.27
Chanderpaul, S	10	6	1	0	0	–	0\0	–	–	–	0
Collins, PT	8	1557	46	871	35	24.89	6\53	1	–	44.49	55.94
Collymore, CD	8	1458	62	662	10	66.2	2\24	–	–	145.8	45.4
Dillon, M	1	198	5	126	1	126	1\109	–	–	198	63.64
Drakes, VC	2	474	12	233	1	233	1\68	–	–	474	49.16
Edwards, FH	10	1774	33	1231	22	55.95	4\70	–	–	80.64	69.39
Ganga, D	4	60	0	21	0	–	0\21	–	–	–	35
Gayle, CH	12	986	35	439	12	36.58	5\34	1	–	82.17	44.52
Hinds, RO	3	434	18	148	4	37	2\83	–	–	108.5	34.1
Hinds, WW	1	42	2	31	0	–	0\31	–	–	–	73.81
Joseph, SC	2	12	0	8	0	–	0\8	–	–	–	66.67
Lawson, JJC	3	600	12	446	10	44.6	4\94	–	–	60	74.33
Mohammed, D	2	426	7	244	3	81.33	3\112	–	–	142	57.28
Powell, RL	1	48	0	36	0	–	0\36	–	–	–	75
Sanford, A	3	582	13	352	7	50.29	4\132	–	–	83.14	60.48
Sarwan, RR	12	846	23	416	14	29.71	4\37	–	–	60.43	49.17
Smith, DR	6	300	8	153	2	76.5	1\30	–	–	150	51

Individual statistics for ODIs played in 2004

West Indies Batting
Name	M	I	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	100	50	0	SR	Ct
Baugh, CS	1	1	0	3	3	3.00	–	–	–	27.27	–
Best, TL	6	3	2	4	2	4.00	–	–	–	50.00	2
Bradshaw, IDR	16	5	2	58	34*	19.33	–	–	2	60.42	2
Bravo, DJJ	19	10	3	100	33*	14.29	–	–	2	56.82	5
Browne, CO	4	1	1	35	35*	–	–	–	–	63.64	4
Chanderpaul, S	24	22	2	668	92	33.40	–	5	–	70.24	11
Collymore, CD	10	2	1	12	12*	12.00	–	–	1	50.00	1
Dillon, M	11	3	0	15	14	5.00	–	–	1	62.50	2
Drakes, VC	1	1	0	1	1	1.00	–	–	–	6.67	–
Edwards, FH	2	1	1	4	4*	–	–	–	–	36.36	–
Gayle, CH	23	22	3	722	152*	38.00	2	2	1	71.13	9
Hinds, RO	3	1	0	8	8	8.00	–	–	–	42.11	–
Hinds, WW	4	4	0	105	82	26.25	–	1	–	59.32	–
Hurley, RO	5	3	0	13	6	4.33	–	–	–	40.63	1
Jacobs, RD	19	10	5	88	32*	17.60	–	–	–	67.18	15
Joseph, SC	5	3	1	30	23*	15.00	–	–	1	46.88	2
Lara, BC	20	18	3	484	59*	32.27	–	3	–	82.03	7
Lawson, JJC	5	2	1	4	4	4.00	–	–	–	133.34	–
Powell, RL	23	21	5	474	52	29.63	–	2	–	91.15	4
Rampaul, R	13	3	1	34	24	17.00	–	–	–	68.00	2
Sammy, DJG	2	0	0	0	–	–	–	–	–	–	3
Sarwan, RR	24	22	8	791	104*	56.50	1	6	1	80.39	9
Smith, DR	20	15	1	262	62*	18.71	–	1	–	92.91	6
Smith, DS	4	3	1	93	44	46.50	–	–	–	58.13	2
West Indies Bowling
Name	M	B	Md	R	W	Ave	Best	5	4	SR	ER
Best, TL	6	260	2	204	10	20.40	4\35	–	1	26.00	4.71
Bradshaw, IDR	16	804	17	526	18	29.22	3\15	–	–	44.67	3.93
Bravo, DJJ	19	720	6	609	22	27.68	3\26	–	–	32.73	5.07
Chanderpaul, S	24	6	0	11	0	–	0\0	–	–	–	11.00
Collymore, CD	10	456	7	366	8	45.75	3\25	–	–	57.00	4.82
Dillon, M	11	510	7	407	11	37.00	5\29	1	–	46.36	4.79
Drakes, VC	1	60	1	64	1	64.00	1\64	–	–	60.00	6.40
Edwards, FH	2	90	0	43	4	10.75	2\19	–	–	22.50	2.87
Gayle, CH	23	772	1	608	21	28.95	3\20	–	–	36.76	4.73
Hinds, RO	3	66	0	36	0	–	0\0	–	–	–	3.27
Hinds, WW	4	120	3	51	5	10.20	3\24	–	–	24.00	2.55
Hurley, RO	5	228	1	202	3	67.33	1\39	–	–	76.00	5.32
Lawson, JJC	5	174	2	160	6	26.67	2\18	–	–	29.00	5.52
Powell, RL	23	122	0	126	1	126.00	1\9	–	–	122.00	6.20
Rampaul, R	13	424	1	407	11	37.00	2\34	–	–	38.55	5.76
Sammy, DJG	2	36	0	19	1	19.00	1\19	–	–	36.00	3.17
Sarwan, RR	24	108	0	89	5	17.80	3\31	–	–	21.60	4.94
Smith, DR	20	314	2	266	6	44.33	3\24	–	–	52.33	5.08

Western Australia’s biggest electrical retailer has signed a one-year agreement with options to extend for a further two years as the major sponsor of the re-named Retravision Warriors valued at an estimated $1 million a year for WA cricket, whilst continuing the group’s support of the sport’s junior players which commenced last year.Announcing the new major sponsorship today at a special launch event at the WACA Ground on the eve of the 2003-04 season-opening Lilac Hill Festival Match, WACA President Mr Brian Rakich said the values represented by Retravision – professional, competitive, family and community based – mirrored the traditions of the sport and WA’s premiere team."This is a great match for the Warriors, the sport and for our new major partner Retravision," Mr Rakich said."The sport sponsorship market is very tough. Getting this support from Retravision puts in place a vital foundation on which to build the future performance of WA’s most successful sporting team."Last year Retravision put its sponsorship support behind junior cricket in WA and that’s been a great success. When the major sponsorship of the Warriors became available it seemed logical to see if we could build on that relationship. The WACA is delighted to have secured this agreement with Retravision," Mr Rakich said.The WACA President said for the first time in the history of the sport in WA the State team would carry the sponsor’s name in its logo – this follows a trend which has been adopted by other State cricket teams in recent years.Retravision Chairman Bill Harries said the deal with WA cricket was the biggest sponsorship the group had ever undertaken."Retravision has looked at a number of major sponsorship proposals and opportunities in recent years but none of them fitted with the values our brand represents through the 58 mainly family-owned and operated stores which are a part of communities throughout Perth and regional WA. The traditions, ethos and following of cricket fits the bill. We’re really looking forward to being part of the Warriors team," Mr Harries said.Last year Retravision committed $50,000 to sponsoring WA junior cricket for the first time. Retravision’s investment in the sport through the new combined sponsorship agreement announced today is estimated to represent a value of $1 million a year through a cash component, plus leveraging the Retravision Warriors involvement through the retailing group’s planned advertising, marketing and sales programs."The commitment of Retravision to leveraging the sponsorship will continue to develop the Warriors high profile. That’s very important for keeping cricket in the spotlight in a highly competitive sports market in WA," Mr Rakich said.The Retravision Warriors make their first home appearance for the 2003-04 domestic season with the opening fixture of the ING Cup series, a day/night game against the Southern Redbacks at the WACA Ground on Friday, October 24.The Retravision Warriors first Pura Cup match will be against NSW in Sydney, starting on November 4. Their first home game will be against the Tasmanian Tigers, starting on Sunday, December 7.

Zimbabwean captain Stuart Carlisle tried to look on the bright side after his team crashed to an innings defeat against Sri Lanka in the opening Janashakthi National Test on Monday but admitted that they needed to think long and hard at how to counter Muttiah Muralitharan in the second Test.Zimabwe lost by an innings and 166 runs in four days as Sri Lanka extended a winning run to six consecutive Test matches – a record for a sub-continental team."There were stages where we showed a bit of fight today but on the whole it was a disappointing Test match," Carlisle said afterwards during a post match downpour that came twenty minutes late for the tourists."But we still had some positives. The batsmen got 20s and 30s and did all the hard work. Its just that they didn’t go on to make the big scores, which we have to do if we are going to save games."He added: "I wouldn’t say the morale is so down. Every one knows that we were unlucky and that certain things went against us. I don’t want to make excuses but if decisions don’t go your way, the game can change."There are still two Tests and there is plenty of scope for improvement. The guys have got to sit down and have a look at their games."Muralitharan took eight wickets on a pitch that offered him little assistance. In Kandy, where the next match starts on Friday, the master off-spinner will be looking forward to greater bounce and pace in the wicket."We have got to have a re-think on how to play him. He is obviously a world-class bowler and very difficult to score off. We played him pretty well in stages, especially Travis Friend today."From a team point to view we will have another game plan and then each and every individual has to work out how to best play him. Travis (Friend) showed that the trick is to relax at the wicket, use your pad, be patient and work him for ones and twos."Sri Lankan captain praised the all-round efforts of his side and hoped on a personal note that he would soon covert a half-century into a big hundred."Credit to should go to all the members of the team," he said. "It has been a terrific team performance starting against India in August."It was difficult to get them out today because the wicket was so good for batting. The bowlers had to work really hard."Special praise for Muralitharan, once again: "Even Murali found it hard to get wickets on this pitch. But he works so hard – every time you give him the ball he tries his best. His attitude makes me really happy."And for Kumar Sangakkara, the man of the match: " It is not an easy job to keep wicket and bat in the top order. As a batsman he has been really patient and occupied the crease well. We only hope he can continue to perform like that for the country."Personally, I am disappointed with myself for getting out in the 80s and 90s all the time. When you get set you must go on and get a big one.He now hopes that the team can win the next two matches too: "We are trying our best to get a clean sweep, but to do so we have to continue performing at this high level."

Bengal’s Ranji Trophy aspirations for the 1999-2000 season ended onThursday as they lost to Mumbai by 242 runs. Chasing a victory targetof 381 runs, Bengal were bundled out for 138 runs.The hosts, who were 67 for the loss of four wickets overnight, losttheir remaining six batsmen in 107 minutes of play today. RomeshPowar and Rajesh Pawar picked up five wickets apiece to establishMumbai’s superiority. They finished with 32 points winning all theirfour matches. On the other hand, Bengal finished their leagueengagements with 13 points. The match was especially memorable forRamesh Powar who followed his second innings score of 92 with hisfirst five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy.Much was expected of the overnight pair of Saba Karim and RohanGavaskar. However, the junior Gavaskar, playing his first matchagainst Mumbai, disappointed in the second innings also. He playedforward to the off-spinner Powar and was caught pad-bat at silly pointby skipper Amol Muzumdar. Powar was also responsible for getting SabaKarim. The batsman who had hit him for two sixes over mid wicket triedto cut a delivery against the turn only to edge it on to hisstumps. This was the last of the resistance.If Powar had decimated the top half of Bengal it was the turn of theleft arm spinner Rajesh Pawar to destroy the lower order. He took fourwickets today and his victims were Utpal Chatterjee, Vishal Yadav,Nikhil Haldipur and Sourashis Lahiri. Pawar bowled flat today anddeceived the batsmen by varying the length of his deliveries. He hadHaldipur leg before with one that kept low and then bowled Yadav witha quicker delivery which surprised the batsman. Pawar had theoutstanding figures of 9.1-3-32-4 today and his innings analysis read19.1-5-60-5. Powar finished with five wickets for 46 runs of 23 overs,nine of which were maidens.Bengal skipper Utpal Chatterjee blamed his batsmen for the poorshow. “We had Mumbai on the mat on the first day by dismissing themfor 182. However, our batsmen did not have the grit and determinationto fight it out. In the second innings the job became increasinglydificult. However, even then I feel that it was possible to survivefor two days on this wicket.” On the other hand, Muzumdar was allpraise for his bowlers.

Manchester United have held ‘positive talks’ with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, Sky Sports News report.

The Lowdown: Four candidates

The Red Devils are making a start on their search for a new full-time manager, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick expected to move into a consultancy role at Old Trafford over the summer.

Ten Hag is thought to be a candidate for the position along with Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino. The pair have been linked with the Old Trafford post for a number of months, however, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique are now thought to be two other options that United chiefs have discussed.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Sky Sports News shared a breaking update live from TV regarding United’s managerial search on Twitter on Wednesday morning.

They revealed that Ten Hag has held ‘positive talks’, however, they added that ‘Sky Sports News have been told’ that there is no favourite for the role at this moment in time, with United wanting to speak to the other candidates.

The Verdict: Good signs

It is good to see that the club are getting a head start on their search for a new boss instead of leaving it until the end of the season.

Ten Hag, who likes to play a 4-3-3 system, has an attractive CV, averaging an impressive 2.35 points-per-game with Ajax and lifting five honours as manager.

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He has clearly made a good first impression to United following talks, so it’ll be interesting to see how this one develops over the coming months.

In other news: ‘I’m told…’ – Insider now drops major Man Utd and Pogba update after Fabrizio Romano reveal. 

Chaminda Vaas struck 90 and shared in a seventh wicket stand of 183 with his captain, Mahela Jayawardene © Getty Images

Chaminda Vaas, the Sri Lanka fast bowler, spoke of his pride in answering the critics who questioned his value after he struck a workmanlike 90 and took four wickets on the third day against England at Galle.”I wanted to prove something. People started asking questions about my ability. I answered them by performing well throughout the series,” Vaas said. “I am here because I have performed in every game taking 330 wickets purely on performance. My plan is to play one more year of Test cricket and to continue in the one-day game for two years.”Vaas, 33, was under pressure before this series when the selectors told him that he hadn’t performed to his optimum ability, and that they would consider dropping him in the future. However, he has taken 11 cheap wickets at 25.81 apiece – and his innings of 90 today led Sri Lanka to a towering 499 for 9. His only regret was not reaching three figures.”Getting 90 is better than nothing,” he said. “I am very happy [with] the way I batted. I learnt a lot from playing county cricket [for Hampshire, Worcestershire and Middlesex]. Batting is more important to the team. When the team needs runs, as a tailender you have to put your head down and get runs. That’s why we were able to get nearly 500 runs today. Getting a hundred for a fast bowler is something to cherish. Considering the situation we were in it was better to get 90. I got good support from Mahela [Jayawardene].”The ball always swings in Sri Lanka and I am very pleased with my performance, [with] the way I bowled today. We went with a plan to bowl in good areas. We showed that there is something on the wicket and we ended up bowling England for under 100. All of us bowled pretty well. If you do bowl in the good areas you can take a lot of wickets. England bowled here and there and negatively. That’s the difference.”England, who capitulated for a paltry 81, were at the mercy of Vaas who took 4 for 28, but there was another left-armer to support him. Chanaka Welegedara, making his debut aged 26, bowled a lively and accurate eight-over spell, picking up 2 for 17, and Vaas thinks Sri Lanka have found someone very special.”He has a long future ahead of him if he looks after his injuries,” he said. “He will turn out to be one of the best bowlers in the world. He bowled pretty well today and he is still learning. I am sure he will come out very well.”