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Harvey Barnes would be "open to going to St James Park", but Newcastle United's deal to sign the Leicester City winger isn't as advanced as initially reported, claims journalist Alex Crook.

Is Havey Barnes joining Newcastle United?

It has been an interesting start to the transfer window for Newcastle this summer. While many might have expected the wealthiest club in the world to start splashing the cash on whatever player took their fancy, they have actually been relatively reserved in their spending.

So far, the only big-name player to make their way to the north east this summer has been Italian international Sandro Tonali, who left his boyhood club to join the Toon in a deal worth a reported £55m.

That's not to say players haven't been linked to Eddie Howe's side, though, as Leicester winger Barnes has been one of the names constantly touted for a move to the Magpies this summer, with the Daily Mail reporting earlier this month that a deal was 'close.'

While the imminent nature of the arrival turned out to be false, the interest is not, with the Express reporting that the Magpies remain firm favourites to sign the player and that an offer as low as £30m could be all it takes to get it done.

One of the reasons that previous reports on this transfer might've been so premature is that Newcastle's FFP concerns were not considered to be as bad as they actually are, per journalist Alex Crook.

He explained the situation live on air, which was later posted to TalkSPORT's YouTube channel:

"With Harvey Barnes, I never felt that this deal was quite as advanced as maybe had been reported because of the financial restraints that Newcastle are operating under.

"I think he's open to going to St James' Park and playing in the Champions League, but I wouldn't rule West Ham out of that race either."

Is Harvey Barnes good enough for Newcastle United?

He might've been relegated with Leicester last season, but Barnes – who has been hailed a "beast" – would undoubtedly be a brilliant addition to Howe's exciting Magpies team.

Over the last few years, he has shown that he has the necessary skills and the ability to thrive in the Premier League, and the Foxes' drop down to the Championship wasn't because of him; if anything, it was in spite of him.

Across his 34 Premier League games last season, the 25-year-old scored 13 goals and created one assist, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.42 games, earning himself an average match rating of 6.66, per WhoScored.

His underlying statistics are interesting in that he clearly excels in some areas whilst putting up slightly more average numbers in others, suggesting that he might benefit from playing in a more progressive and better-coached side.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Barnes is in the top 6% for non-penalty goals, the top 15% for aerial duals won, and the top 17% for non-penalty expected goals, all per 90.

However, he also only ranks in the top 34% for total shots, 37% for progressive passes received, 38% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, and 42% for progressive carries, all per 90.

If the Toon have the opportunity to get this deal done for the price reported, it seems like a no-brainer, as even if he doesn't improve much, he would still likely score ten-plus goals a season for the side.

Simon Harmer claimed a six-wicket haul as Essex made Warwickshire follow on at Chelmsford

David Hopps at Chelmsford21-Jun-2017
Scorecard”We’re all mercenaries now,” said Brendon McCullum at the launch of South Africa’s T20 competition. At least you had to admire his honesty. T20 imports, like politicians, probably need aides alongside them to remind them what town they are in, and which dressing room to go into. If they ever feel insecure or rootless, presumably they just call up their bank balance.Similar accusations are levelled against the rush of South Africans now plying their trade in county cricket. Signed in a rush while Britain remains in the EU, and while the reciprocal labour deal survives, it does not take much for their emotional commitment to be questioned.They stalk the counties, making big runs, taking wickets and, by and large, lifting standards. In Premier League football, such signings are viewed as glamorous, part and parcel of the claim to be the best league in the world; in county cricket, the resentment over their short-termism and the loss of a place for an England-qualified player is never far away. The story is a more complex one.In this fraught climate, occasionally a player can become a much-loved member of county cricket’s community. Simon Harmer gives the impression that he can become one of those players. There is something about Harmer that suggests he will not be the sort of Kolpak signing who mentally never unpacks his suitcase. Essex, having initially offered him a one-year deal, have quickly upped it to three. He is seen as a good bowler and a good sort.Wickets will help, of course, and as Essex, the leaders, pressed for victory against Warwickshire, Harmer delivered them, his Championship tally lifted to 25. On a straw-coloured Chelmsford pitch now turning big but slowly, his offspin is central to Essex’s chances of victory. His 6 for 92 in 45.5 overs – the prime reason that Warwickshire followed on 258 behind – made that abundantly clear.In all, including a brief foray in Warwickshire’s second innings – the deficit cut to 231 for the loss of Ian Westwood and Jonathan Trott – Harmer bowled 39 overs in the day. By the end, he must have been so weary that even his floppy fringe failed to spring to attention in his bowling action with its usual vigour. He left the field to a guard of honour.Harmer bowled at the Hayes Close End from 11.30am until 4.35pm, with only breaks for lunch and tea. His afternoon stint returned 17-10-20-1. Throughout, his predatory semi-circle of close catchers lived in anticipation of reward. Warwickshire’s batsmen became increasingly becalmed. It is not often that Rikki Clarke takes 30 balls to get off the mark but he did so here, reaching 7 in 45 balls in all before Harmer’s big break-back had him lbw. With a quicker pitch, his rewards might have come quickly. Instead, he needed resolve as well as skill.Simon Harmer chiselled through Warwickshire’s batting•Getty Images

He seemed to have been given a well-deserved breather at one stage but it was only for a change of ends. That gambit brought rewards with three wickets in 17 balls to round up the lower order, lbw decisions against Keith Barker and Boyd Rankin and Jeetan Patel succumbing to a return catch.Patel had laid about him with gusto. Of his 71 from as many balls, – a season’s best – 36 came off Harmer in only 28 balls, all but one of them on the leg-side as he struck out with the spin to good effect.Apart from Patel, the only other Warwickshire innings of note was from Sam Hain, whose 58 was his first half-century in a season studded by a series of single-figure innings. He fell to a cracking wicketkeeper’s catch by James Foster, who had received a sighter the previous delivery when Hain’s edge bisected him and Alastair Cook at first slip. Ian Bell reached 32 before he jabbed a turning ball to slip.It might be that Harmer delivered the coup de grace with the last ball of the day. If you want a batsman to block out a final day, there are still few better choices than Trott, a batsman blessed with the method and mindset to slow life down. But he fell to a leave-alone, lbw, to give Harmer his seventh and final wicket of a productive day. No drip-fed resistance from Trott then in the closing hours.Trott has already summoned defiant hundreds against Surrey and Hampshire this season, both to no avail, but he fell twice in a manner that will not resonate easily with him. It was the combative left-arm pace of Neil Wagner that had defeated him at the start of the third day: a top-edged boundary against the fourth ball of the day when he ducked a bouncer but left his bat in the air; his dismissal against the next when he pulled to square leg.If Trott is feeling the effects of a challenging Warwickshire season, their chances of survival will be so much lower. They can begin with a defiant draw on the final day, but the odds are firmly with Essex – and an offspinner rapidly planting himself in the county’s affections. County cricket still hankers after loyalty and will open its arms to all who give it.

Tottenham Hotspur "maintain contacts" for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie as Ange Postecoglou scours the market for new defenders, according to reports.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Lilywhites officials have been busy so far this summer, having already secured deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon on a free transfer.

Vicario has put pen to paper on a move from Empoli, a move that has cost the club around £17.2 million, while Maddison's transfer from Leicester City set Tottenham back just £45 million. Solomon, who is apparently set to sign his Spurs contracts today after completing a medical, will join on a Bosman deal from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Postecoglou, speaking after his side secured both Vicario and Maddison, claimed the duo have exactly what it takes in terms of charisma to become successful at Spurs.

“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers," said the Tottenham boss.

"It’s what they bring as people as well because we are going to play football that requires a certain type of personality and character.

“Both those guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew that they were the right types to bring into the dressing room."

After bolstering key areas of the squad with the aforementioned additions, the goal now for Postecoglou is to strengthen his central defensive ranks with astute signings. Some media sources claim Spurs could even make multiple moves to reinforce that position of the team.

Tottenham leaked a woeful 63 league goals last season, the worst record of any top flight side above 15th in the table, something which they will be very keen to address this summer.

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven is a player of serious interest to the north Londoners and some reliable reports indicate they're edging closer to an agreement.

However, in case of any late twists or the event a deal goes south, Spurs and Levy do have alternative options they "maintain contacts" for.

As per TUTTOmercatoWEB and journalist Raimondo De Magistris, one of those defenders is Leverkusen's young centre-half Hincapie. The Ecuador international, who played at last year's 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is apparently on Tottenham's radar alongside Max Kilman of Wolves.

Spurs apparently remain in dialogue with Leverkusen over Hincapie, a player who could cost between £21m-£26 million – an affordable price if Levy wishes to sign more than one centre-back for Postecoglou.

How good is Piero Hincapie?

Described as "tenacious" and "comfortable" in possession by the Bundesliga official website, former Leverkusen head coach Gerardo Seoane has also praised Hincapie in the past.

The South American, who played 30 German top flight games last season and ranked among Leverkusen's best players, has been heralded for his "really impressive" career to date.

"We knew he had the potential," said Seoane.

"We're pleasantly surprised with how he's performing in the Bundesliga and Europe."

Another new era at Chelsea is now firmly up and running following the official unveiling of Mauricio Pochettino at the weekend and the arrival of another new player.

With Nicolas Jackson joining Christopher Nkunku in making a move to Stamford Bridge, the Blues could be about to land another talented attacking player in Flamengo teenager Matheus Franca.

Will Chelsea sign Matheus Franca?

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are looking to sign Franca this summer as part of a £25m deal with Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo.

The 19-year-old is no stranger to being linked with big-name clubs, having previously been touted as a target for La Liga's big two Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Newcastle United, West Ham United and Crystal Palace are also said to have shown an interest in Franca, but Chelsea could get there ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Who is Chelsea target Matheus Franca?

Franca is a versatile attacker who can play across the forward line and in central attacking midfield, which is where most of his appearances have come this season, as per WhoScored.

Chelsea are not exactly short of attacking midfielders, though that is likely to change as Mason Mount is on the verge of joining Manchester United, while Christian Pulisic is unlikely to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Mykhailo Mudryk looked set to capitalise on those exits, having struggled for any sort of rhythm since arriving in an £88.5m deal in January, but Franca's mooted arrival could spell further bad news for the Ukraine international.

Like Franca, Mudryk also operated in a number of positions last season, including central attacking midfield. Chelsea will want to get their money's worth from Mudryk, but Pochettino will not be afraid to bench the 22-year-old in favour of Franca should the Brazilian be better suited to his system.

There are similarities between the two players, as you would expect given they take up similar positions, but it could be argued that Franca is showing even more potential than Mudryk did prior to his Chelsea switch.

Taking Mudryk's figures from his final season with Shakhtar Donetsk, which ultimately paved the way for his move to Stamford Bridge, he scored 0.22 goals per 90 minutes, which compares to 0.64 for Franca at Flamengo in the 2022 season.

Franca also had a better pass-completion percentage across those respective seasons (75.1 v 70.5), as per FBref, and also played more passes that led to a shot attempt (2.56 v 2.50), which highlights his ability to link play high up the pitch.

Interestingly, the Brazil U20 international also ranked higher for tackles (2.05 v 1) and ball recoveries (3.59 v 3), showing he is also able to get stuck in if required.

More than that, though, it is his ability to find space at such a young age that has most caught the eye. "He has a very good understanding of the game, Flamengo U20s coach Fabio Matias told GloboEsporte, via Goal. "He also has the ability to be decisive in front of goal and is a great finisher."

That sounds like the player Chelsea were signing in Mudryk. While that could still be the case, it may well be that Pochettino turns to a different talented attacking midfielder in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

Rajesh Sawant, the 45-year-old India Under-19 trainer, has been found dead in his hotel room in Mumbai

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jan-2017Rajesh Sawant, the 45-year-old India Under-19 trainer, has been found dead in his hotel room in Mumbai on Sunday. He is survived by his wife and daughter.A BCCI press release said Sawant “passed away in his sleep.” He was in Mumbai helping the team prepare for the series against England Under-19, which begins tomorrow.”What I have gathered so far,” acting BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Choudhary was quoted as saying by , “is he did not report for team activities in the morning, so people started looking for him and eventually he was found to have passed away in his room.”Sawant had been part of the Afghanistan coaching staff in the past and worked with the India A teams that played the England XI in the two List A matches earlier this month. Sawant had also trained the Rest of India side ahead of the 2016-17 Irani Cup match against Gujarat.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly eyeing a Ligue 1 star, who could be an affordable asset for Julen Lopetegui to chase this summer.

The Spaniard is expected to undergo a challenging transfer window, as Wolves’ FFP issues have surfaced, however, the latest link could provide the former Real Madrid boss with a midfield upgrade without damaging his wallet.

What’s the latest on Batista Mendy to Wolves?

As reported by French outlet L’Equipe, Wolves are one of the clubs interested in Angers midfielder Batista Mendy this summer.

The 23-year-old will reportedly leave the French club following their relegation, with just one year remaining on his contract.

The report claims that Wolves are joined by Nottingham Forest and Everton in their interest in the Frenchman, with Angers demanding €6m (£5m) for the player with the English clubs hoping to lower the price due to their relegation.

What could Batista Mendy bring to Wolves?

Lauded as “solid” by members of the media, the 6 foot 2 midfielder could be a revelation for Wolves under Lopetegui, as told by his performances in what has been a tough season for Angers.

The Frenchman made 35 appearances in Ligue 1 this campaign and was monstrous in midfield, despite the squad’s inability to remain in the top tier this term.

While Angers’ relegation is a tough pill to swallow for the youngster who signed for the club from FC Nantes in the summer of 2021, it could be promising news for Molineux who could seal the signing of the maestro at a minuscule price.

The 23-year-old could be good news for Mario Lemina, who could find himself with the perfect partner in the engine room in the Frenchman.

Playing at Angers, Mendy is accustomed to playing in a midfield trio which is replicated by Lopetegui at Wolves with Lemina acting as the controller in the middle.

The two have similar playing styles as expected by the demands of the position they play, however, their slight differences in strengths could make them a dangerous duo in Wolves’ midfield plans.

The Gabon international is statistically a better tackler than the Frenchman shown by him winning 59% of his total duels with an average of 3.9 per game, and the 23-year-old averaging 56% with 5.1 per game, via Sofascore.

While having defensive strengths is essential in central midfield, the Saint-Nazaire-born ace is an advanced passer of the ball, especially when getting the ball forward as highlighted by his high average of progressive passes.

As per FBref, Mendy averages 6.14 progressive passes per 90 to Lemina’s 3.71, suggesting that he could add a strengthened outlet to Lopetegui’s midfield in playing alongside the former Juventus man.

At just £5m, the Spaniard could land himself a bargain in the budding French talent, who is accustomed to playing against some of the world’s best, having earned an impressive 7.5 Sofascore match rating against PSG when facing the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

Wolves don’t have the capacity to splash the cash for big-money signings this summer, however, what they could get in Mendy is a quality young talent for a slashed price.

كشف بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، موقف الثنائي جاك جريليش وجوسكو جفارديول من خوض مباراة الغد ضد لوتون تاون في كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي.

ويلتقي الفريقان في إطار منافسات دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، موسم 2023/24.

وتعرض جريليش لإصابة خلال مواجهة كوبنهاجن في ذهاب دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا، في وقت سابق من هذا الشهر، بينما جاء آخر ظهور لجفارديول في الفوز على برينتفورد قبل ثمانية أيام.

وقال جوارديولا عن وضع جريليش، في تصريحاته اليوم التي نشرها الموقع الرسمي للنادي: “وضع جريليش جيد، إنه في حالة جيدة”.

وأضاف: “جفارديول جيد كذلك، لا أعرف إذا كان سيلعب أم لا، إنه يتدرب دون الكثير من الألم، ومع ذلك فهو لم يتدرب معنا لكنه على وشك العودة، تدرب بعد ظهر اليوم ولكن أعتقد أن الجميع بخير”.

وعن مواجهة لوتون تاون، قال جوارديولا: “لديهم الشجاعة للعب ومواجهة التحدي دون أي خوف، هم يلعبون بشكل جيد حقًا مع الكرة”.

وأردف: “الأمر يشبه إلى حد كبير بورنموث في الطريقة التي يلعبون بها، لكن الأمر يتعلق بالدوري الإنجليزي وكأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، ولا أتوقع اختلافًا عن تجربتي في هذه السنوات التي أمضيتها في إنجلترا”.

واستمر: “كرة القدم تسير في الاتجاه الذي يلعب فيه لوتون، لذلك لا يهم إذا كنت في صدارة الدوري أو في القاع أو في المنتصف”.

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وتابع: “بعد هذه المباراة ينتهي شهر فبراير، أي شهرين ونصف فقط أو ثلاثة أشهر حتى نهاية الموسم، لذا غدًا هو نهائي، كما هو الحال في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وبالطبع في دوري أبطال أوروبا”.

وأكد: “لذا فإن الجزء الحاسم من الموسم أمامنا الآن ونحن نمضي قدمًا، بالنسبة لي أعشق الدفاع عن لاعبي فريقي، بسبب ما فعلوه لأنني أعرف مدى صعوبة الأمر، هذا ليس ما فعلناه في الموسم الماضي، بل في المواسم الخمسة الماضية”.

واستمر: “لهذا السبب تراكمت علينا العديد من الثناءات والعديد من الأشياء وما زلنا نظهر التواضع ولكن في نفس الوقت نتنافس على القيام بذلك مرة أخرى (تحقيق الألقاب)”.

واستأنف: “خوض كل مباراة تشعر فيها أنك إذا خسرت تقول وداعًا، فإنه أمر لطيف للغاية، المشكلة في سبتمبر وأكتوبر هي أنك ترى التوقعات بعيدة جدًا، لذا في تلك اللحظة لا يتعين عليك التفكير في أي ألقاب، ولا حتى الآن على ما أعتقد”.

واختتم: “يمكننا أن نخسر الألقاب، ولكن ماذا يحدث إذا فزنا؟ عقليتنا لا تفكر في أسوأ السيناريوهات، في الوقت الذي تعتقد أنه يمكنك التحكم في عقلك لتعتقد أن الأمر سيكون سيئًا، فإنك تستطيع كذلك أن تفكر في أن الأمر سيكون جيدًا”.

Everton have made contact regarding a summer deal to bring Glasgow Rangers forward Ryan Kent to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Ryan Kent?

Kent is naturally a left-sided winger that completed the permanent move to Ibrox back in September 2019 following a successful loan spell the season before, as per Transfermarkt, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 218 appearances to date.

However, the 26-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season meaning that he will become a free agent on the market should he not put pen to paper on an extension, something which, at this stage, is looking highly unlikely.

The Oldham-born talent already has a strong history on Merseyside being an academy graduate at Liverpool, but with his potential availability having alerted numerous suitors, there’s a chance he could be swapping his previous red ties for blue in the weeks and months ahead.

Are Everton signing Kent?

According to TEAMtalk, Kent is currently “in talks” with several clubs over a switch to England and Everton are “among those” to have held discussions, alongside Leeds United, Bournemouth, Burnley and Sheffield United. The Light Blues attacker has “made it clear” that he doesn’t want to sign a new deal north of the border and is therefore “considering” the approaches that he’s received.

Turkish outfit Fenerbahce are believed to have already offered him a “lucrative contract” and are “close” to reaching an agreement, but before committing his future to them, he’s taking his time and firmly “assessing all options available to him”.

Since Rangers signed Kent, he’s been a revelation in the final third and that form has continued into this season where he’s clocked up 13 goal contributions (ten assists and three goals) in 29 Scottish Premiership appearances, so should Farhad Moshiri and Sean Dyche be able to get a deal over the line, it would be a massive coup for Everton.

The Champions League participant, who’s sponsored by Nike, currently averages 2.2 key passes, 2.1 shots and 1.9 dribbles per league game, via WhoScored, so is constantly looking to create moments of magic in the opposition’s box even if he’s not always on the scoresheet.

Kent, who is “aggressive” in his press, according to journalist Josh Bunting, also knows what it takes to compete at the top end of the table and be successful having secured both the Scottish Cup and Premiership trophies in Glasgow, so he would be able to add this winning mentality to the squad at Goodison Park.

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman will undergo shoulder surgery on August 11 in London, according to the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Andrew Wallace of London’s Fortius Clinic, who was recommended by the ECB to the Bangladesh board, gave Mustafizur the appointment for the surgery. The recovery time could keep Mustafizur out for at least six months.”The operation will take place in London on August 11,” BCB’s media committee director Jalal Yunus said. “After Mustafizur had met him yesterday, he gave the appointment. We are confident that Mustafizur is in good hands. We want this to get over as soon as possible.”BCB president Nazmul Hassan had said on Tuesday that Mustafizur was sent to Wallace after the surgeon who was the board’s initial choice went on leave. There was talk of sending Mustafizur to Australia for the surgery, too.Mustafizur had complained of pain after his second match for Sussex on July 22. He was ruled out of the rest of their one-day and T20 campaign with a SLAP (Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior) tear, and did not return to Bangladesh, instead meeting specialists for the injury to his left shoulder.

Offspinner Jeetan Patel sparked a Surrey collapsed and ended with a ten-wicket match haul as Warwickshire raced to victory

Tim Wigmore at Guildford04-Jul-2016
ScorecardJeetan Patel took a ten-wicket match haul to rout Surrey•PA PhotosWarwickshire have won two Championship crowns this century. Each has been defined less by thrilling cricket than a remorseless, unyielding spirit: in 2012 the side drew nine of their 16 games but lost just one; in 2004 Warwickshire were undefeated, but won only five of their 16 matches.This is a side that shares the characteristics of those victorious teams. Brimming with depth in batting and bowling, the Warwickshire vintage of 2016 has a hard, attritional edge. Perhaps that derives from their experience: eight members of the team to thrash Surrey inside three days are aged 29 or over, including five who are 33 or above.All five of those played crucial roles in this match. Jonathan Trott made a high-class century, putting on century stands with both Ian Bell and Tim Ambrose. Returning to the ground on which he learned the game, Rikki Clarke ensured a happy homecoming with a high-class spell with the old ball. Deliveries that jagged late snared Aaron Finch and Sam Curran in consecutive overs, and there was a fine slip catch, too, to claim Tom Curran.But best of all was Jeetan Patel. In an age that fetishes mystery offspin, Patel is a flagbearer for the best of the orthodox art. He has no need for a doosra while bowling with such subtlety and immaculate control, varying his pace, trajectory and delivery point on the crease. His arm-balls recognise that the most dangerous delivery can sometimes be that which does not turn at all. Each of his 46 overs in the game was a distillation of the nous acquired over 16 years and 219 first-class matches.”It’s such a tight league that you have to call on experience to win games. That experience also has to help the youngsters coming through and it is – it’s an exciting time for Warwickshire,” Patel said, suggesting that the new toss regulations might have helped a side with Warwickshire’s character. “It has made it more attritional and scrappy. Teams are playing on flatter wickets which means you’ve got to work harder and do the right things at the right time.”There is a sense that this year represents the generation of 2012’s last viable chance of a repeat. Warwickshire this year are borrowing much from the 2012 template: six of their nine games to date have been draws.That this game ended with such alacrity could be explained by the contrast between Surrey’s spin twins, normally so admirable, and Patel. Zafar Ansari and Gareth Batty ended the match with combined figures of 1 for 135 from 32 overs; Patel ended with 10 for 123, following his first innings 5 for 62 with 5 for 61 in the second innings.In the process of this game his haul of first-class wickets for Warwickshire cleared that for Wellington: a small symbol of how, in a county that has been blessed with some of the most mesmerising overseas players in the game, Patel has established himself as an undemonstrative recruit of enduring worth. He now has 270 first-class wickets for Warwickshire at 26.73 apiece, to go with 2101 runs at 27.28, a record that marks him out as the premier overseas player around.”After spending seven years here, I’m probably an adopted Brummie,” he reflected. “I get opportunities to play here and keep playing the game I love. I want to keep winning games for Warwickshire, I want to my titles. It’s up to me as the overseas player to show that professionalism and today was my day.”He has plenty of them. Warwickshire have a bowling attack whose variety and depth is only challenged by Yorkshire, as was exemplified here. The left-armer Keith Barker bowled an outstanding, luckless spell with the old ball before tea; Clarke jagged the ball around with pace and bounce; and the beanpole Boyd Rankin finished Surrey off, leaving Josh Poysden’s legspin virtually unused. Chris Wright, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, Mark Adair and, England commitments withstanding, Chris Woakes are all ready to augment the attack, but, even at 36, Patel’s worth stands out above all others.”I want to play for as long as I can,” he said. “You’re a long time retired. Yes, I’m a little bit older but I still feel I’ve got a lot to give – whether that’s in a bowling capacity or a coaching capacity or whatever it is.”On this evidence, Patel will be bowling for Warwickshire for a fair while after his current contract expires, at the end of this summer. “This is handy to go into negotiations with something like this behind my back – we’ll work something out I would have thought.”Surrey’s batsmen could not work Patel out. Until Steven Davies made a sprightly 44, immune to the crumbling edifice of Surrey’s batting order, only Zafar Ansari and Rory Burns offered any resistance worthy of the name.After the early loss of Arun Harinath, the two combined for an alliance of 102 runs in 41.2 overs, including the entire afternoon session, as a rather somnolent air engulfed Guildford on a gloomy day: attritional cricket and an unseasonal wind were far from the idyllic image of festival cricket.Then Patel intervened. Rather aptly, Burns was dismissed not by an ill-judged shot but by the lack of one: he was snared playing on as he tried to withdraw his bat. Two overs later, Ansari was surprised by a delivery with extra bounce, and edged to short leg. Then, “the right-handers came in, we threw the ball into the footmarks, and boom,” as Patel put it.Ben Foakes was lbw to an arm ball; Tom Curran edged obligingly to slip; and Stuart Meaker played down the wrong line. And, just like that, Surrey had lost nine wickets in the final session. Even allowing for Patel’s chicanery and overcast conditions exploited by a menacing spell from Clarke, it amounted a deeply underwhelming effort.”The batting is faulty,” Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, said. “I thought we bowled well, our bowling is moving in the right direction, but our batting isn’t. That is an issue. If you are only making scores of 270, and not batting four sessions, you are making it very hard for the bowlers. There are players with talent, but they are not battle-hardened cricketers. They will get there, but we need to see some results soon.”