Dembele completes Guangzhou move
London: Mousa Dembele became the latest high-profile name to swap Europe for China when he left English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and joined Guangzhou R&F on Thursday. The 31-year-old Belgian international will cost the Chinese Super League (CSL) club about 12 million euros ($13.5 million) and he can expect to receive a significant hike in wages. Dembele, who could soon be joined in China by West Ham United's Marko Arnautovic, is regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League when fit. But his appearances have become increasingly limited in recent seasons because of injury. "Now it feels like my family, part of my family," Dembele told Spurs TV, reflecting on his departure after six-and-a-half years at the Premier League title challengers. "I go away with an unbelievable feeling and with a certain love for the club." Dembele, who has more than 80 caps for Belgium, joined Tottenham in August 2012 from Fulham.
Stone ruled out of West Indies tour
London: England pace bowler Olly Stone will miss the tour of the West Indies after suffering a back injury. Stone has been hampered by stiffness in his lower left back since taking part in a practice session on Sunday. The 25-year-old went for scans in Barbados that confirmed the extent of the injury was serious enough to rule him out of the Tests against the West Indies. Stone had hoped to make his Test debut in the three-match series, but the Warwickshire seamer will have to wait for his maiden five-day appearance. "Following the result of scans, Olly Stone has sustained a bone stress injury to the left lower back. He will return home from the Caribbean later this week and have further tests in the UK," a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Wednesday. Stone impressed with his speed and hostility during four appearances in England's one-day series win against Sri Lanka in October.
Derby win FA Cup shoot-out
London: Southampton's dismal season hit a new low as the Premier League strugglers were dumped out of the FA Cup by second tier Derby after a penalty shoot-out. In a third round replay heavily influenced by the latest controversy over the use of VAR, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side blew a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St Mary's. The tie finished 2-2 after extra-time on Wednesday, with Derby winning 5-3 on penalties. Having avoided falling behind when VAR dubiously ruled out a goal from Derby's Craig Bryson in the first half, Saints went ahead through Stuart Armstrong's 68th minute header. Nathan Redmond doubled their lead with a cool finish two minutes later. Derby got one back with 14 minutes left when Harry Wilson's free-kick went straight in and was allowed to stand by VAR despite Southampton's claims that several Rams players were offside. Just six minutes later, Martyn Waghorn headed Derby's equaliser from Wilson's superb cross to force extra-time.
injured Warner to return australia
New Delhi: Australian opener David Warner, who is working towards a return to international cricket after serving a ball-tampering ban, has picked up an elbow injury during his ongoing stint with the Bangladesh Premier League. Warner will leave the tournament early to have his injury assessed, joining his former skipper Steve Smith in the injured list. "While the extent of the injury remains unknown, Warner will continue to play for the Sylhet Sixers before he departs, meaning he will feature in matches on the 18th and 19th," Cricket Australia's official website 'cricket.Com.Au' said in its report. Warner will be returning to Australia next Monday to have his injury assessed. The opener looked close to his best in the BPL, scoring two half-centuries in five innings, including a whirlwind unbeaten 61 on Wednesday night.
