Tag Archives: 10million

Darren Bent Stoke City transfer target

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Get Bent! Stoke favourites to sign 10m Villa striker after Lambert hauls him off at half-time

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

10:38 GMT, 30 January 2013

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UPDATED:

11:10 GMT, 30 January 2013

Stoke are leading the chase to sign Darren Bent after the striker was substituted at half-time during Aston Villa's 2-1 loss at home to Newcastle last night.

The England international has started just seven Premier League games this season with Villa boss Paul Lambert preferring to use Christian Benteke as a lone striker.

He was given a chance last night but Lambert was clearly not impressed.

Benched: Bent was ineffectual against Newcastle on Tuesday night

Benched: Bent was ineffectual against Newcastle on Tuesday night

Up to eight Premier League clubs are known to be monitoring Bent's situation but Villa, who fell into the bottom three after last night's defeat, do not want to sell to clubs near the foot of the table.

Stoke do not fall into that category and if they are prepared to meet Villa's 10million asking price then Bent could be theirs.

The 28-year-old's 75,000-a-week wage
demands could prove a stumbling block but with both Villa and Bent keen
to part ways a deal could be forced through before the transfer window
shuts tomorrow night.

Out of favour: Lambert has preferred Benteke to Bent up front this season

Out of favour: Lambert has preferred Benteke to Bent up front this season

Out of favour: Lambert has preferred Benteke to Bent up front this season

Bent, who has 16 caps for England, cost
Villa 18m rising to 24m only two years ago but they are prepared to
cut their losses and let the former Sunderland and Tottenham man leave.

Stoke's pursuit of Bent has been stepped up as QPR attempt to lure Potters striker Peter Crouch back to Loftus Road.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis confirmed he received an inquiry from his QPR counterpart Harry Redknapp about Crouch.

'Harry has rung me up and asked me about the possibility,' Pulis said.

Wanted man: QPR are hoping to bring Crouch back to Loftus Road

Wanted man: QPR are hoping to bring Crouch back to Loftus Road

'I have spoken to Peter about it and
then it is up to Peter whether he wants to go. Peter is very happy here
and he has made that clear.

'The important thing for me is that if he does want to go, it has to be right for us and also we have to make sure we have someone who will come in and do the same job.

'To do all that over two days is going to be ever so difficult.'

Roberto Martinez believes he can keep Franco Di Santo and James McCarthy at Wigan

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Martinez confident he can keep hold of hot property like Di Santo in transfer window

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UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 14 December 2012

Wigan insist they will not be forced into selling key players like Franco Di Santo and James McCarthy in the January transfer window.

Di Santo, called up by Argentina last month, is out of contract at the end of the season but manager Roberto Martinez would rather let the striker leave for nothing in the summer than damage the club's bid for Premier League survival.

'It's not going to be a financial decision,' said Martinez, who adopted a similar policy with Mohamed Diame and Hugo Rodallega a year ago.

Lockdown: Roberto Martinez believes he can keep the likes of Franco Di Santo (right) at the club

Lockdown: Roberto Martinez believes he can keep the likes of Franco Di Santo (right) at the club

'I can guarantee that we're not going to
try and cash in early. We showed last season that if we feel a player
can give us something we'll keep him, even if he can walk on a free.

'To replace a player who can score 10 or 15 goals in the Premier League you've got to talk about 10million, so if you haven't got that sort of figure it would be foolish for us just to try and get a bit of money.'

Martinez accepts that McCarthy is destined for bigger things in the future but insists that Wigan will take the same stance as they did with Antonio Valencia, Victor Moses and Charles N'Zogbia by keeping the 22-year-old midfielder until they feel it is the right time for him to move on.

He added: 'James is a player who represents what we are as a football club. I've always said that he has the potential to play anywhere in the world, but has he fulfilled his potential with Wigan Athletic Not yet.

'I think there are many things he needs to experiment and improve. Once he does that maybe he will confirm what we expected three or four years ago; that James McCarthy can be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League or European football, but there is a long way to go.'

Wigan travel to Norwich on Satuday after dropping into the bottom three in midweek, but Martinez is not particularly concerned by a situation with which he has become all too familiar during his four seasons in charge.

'We would prefer to be in the top eight, there's no two ways about it, but I think we're close to being a really good team.' he said. 'I don't think we've performed as a bottom three club.'

Confident: Martinez believes Wigan's place in the table does not show their true ability

Confident: Martinez believes Wigan's place in the table does not show their true ability

Rory McIlroy feels cheated over FedEx Cup bonus

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Winning $10m is nice… but I deserved double! McIlroy proud of phenomenal year but feels cheated out of huge FedEx bonus

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UPDATED:

12:57 GMT, 20 November 2012

He's already earned more than $10million during his 'phenomenal' season but Rory McIlroy admitted for the first time here in Dubai that he felt cheated he hadn’t doubled his money.

The bone of contention concerns the four tournament FedEx Cup play-offs in America in September, where the 23-year-old won two events and yet somehow still didn’t walk off with the $10m bonus.

‘I did feel a little hard done by to play so well and not win that,’ he said.

Last effort: Rory McIlroy talks on Tuesday ahead of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship

Last effort: Rory McIlroy talks on Tuesday ahead of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship

In the swing: McIlroy in action on the 12th hole during the pro-am on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates

In the swing: McIlroy in action on the 12th hole during the pro-am on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates

You said it: McIlroy is world No 1

You said it: McIlroy is world No 1 by some distance

No such problems at the season-ending
Dubai World Championship, which begins on Thursday. This is supposed to
be the grand climax to the Race to Dubai but McIlroy has been so
dominant he has already wrapped up what used to be known as the European
Tour Order of Merit and claimed the $1m bonus.

‘I
guess it is a bit of an anti-climax in one way but the way I look at it
is that I want to finish the season on a high and pick up two trophies
on Sunday,’ he said.

Who would bet against him after a year that has seen him win his second major, the USPGA Championship, by a record margin, plus three other titles and finish top dog on both sides of the Atlantic

‘I feel very proud and honoured to have had such a phenomenal year,’ he said. ‘Any year where you win a major is going to be a great one but to win the money list titles and join such great names on the trophies really is the icing on the cake. Now I have one tournament left and I want to finish the season strong. This is definitely a great way to end what has been a great season.’

Ever the perfectionist, McIlroy revealed that he is already looking at ways to improve for next year. One key area will be cutting down on the 26 tournaments he has played this season so that he doesn’t go into some events feeling mentally jaded. A perfect example came last week in Hong Kong, where a clearly exhausted McIlroy missed the halfway cut.

‘I feel like scheduling is going to be a big thing for me going forward,’ he said. ‘I need to feel fresh and ready every time I tee it up.

'I think if I do feel that way every tournament that I enter, I have a better chance to win. What takes it out of you is being in contention a lot, that feeling of pressure and adrenaline on Sundays and trying to get yourself back up the following week. That takes more out of you than finishing 30th or so every week.’

The race is already run: McIlroy has claimed both the European and US money list titles this year

The race is already run: McIlroy has claimed both the European and US money list titles this year

Honour: McIlroy is presented with his 2013 European Tour members' clip by chief executive George O'Grady in celebration of his victory in the 2012 Race To Dubai

Honour: McIlroy is presented with his 2013 European Tour members' clip
by chief executive George O'Grady

There might be no Race to Dubai title on the line but this should still prove a fitting finale to a wonderful season. Fifty-seven of the top 60 in Europe who are eligible have shown up – the absentees are the injured Thomas Bjorn and Retief Goosen, while Ross Fisher is at Q-school for the US Tour – including all 12 members of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup side.

Everton 2 Sunderland 1 – match report

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Everton 2 Sunderland 1: Quick-fire Fellaini and Jelavic strikes ensure Black Cats' Goodison woe continues

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UPDATED:

17:25 GMT, 10 November 2012

Everton produced a late rally to score twice in three minutes and maintain their remarkable 11-year unbeaten record against Sunderland.

Black Cats winger Adam Johnson scored his first goal for the club on the stroke of half-time and for a long time it looked like giving his side their first league win over the Toffees in 16 matches.

However, Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic swung the game decisively in Everton's favour with goals in quick succession in the last 15 minutes to ensure manager David Moyes' 400th Premier League match ended in victory.

Topsy-turvy: Nikica Jelavic celebrates as Everton dumped the game on its head to delight the home fans

Topsy-turvy: Nikica Jelavic celebrates as Everton dumped the game on its head to delight the home fans

Back on track: Marouane Fellaini equalises for Everton to start the turnaround

Back on track: Marouane Fellaini equalises for Everton to start the turnaround

MATCH FACTS

Everton: Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Heitinga, Baines, Mirallas (Naismith 30), Osman, Neville (Vellios 73), Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic (Hitzlsperger 86).

Subs not used: Mucha, Oviedo, Distin, Gueye.

Booked: Heitinga

Goals: Fellaini 76, Jelavic 79

Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, O'Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Johnson (Vaughan 84), Larsson, Colback (Wickham 88), McClean, Fletcher (Saha 69), Sessegnon.

Subs: Westwood, McFadden, Kilgallon, Bramble.

Booked: Rose, Gardner, Vaughan

Goal: Johnson 45

Att: 35,999

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE, FIXTURES AND RESULTS

It also kept the Toffees in the top four as they stretched their current good run in 2012 to just one defeat in 20 league games.

Sunderland, who have not won away
since February, must have thought their luck was about to change against
their bogey side after Johnson's strike.

Not only was it his first goal since
joining from Manchester City for 10million in August it was the team's
first in eight hours 54 minutes of football in all competitions.

He became only the second Black Cats
player to score this season, with Steven Fletcher (five) the only other
as Newcastle striker Demba Ba's own goal had contributed to the paltry
tally of six in nine previous matches.

Going into the weekend Everton were
second only to defending champions Manchester City in terms of shots on
target but they struggled to live up to that billing as it was
Sunderland who posed all the early threats.

Jelavic, who had not scored for more
than a month after grabbing four in five games, had an early shout for
penalty turned down after John O'Shea's challenge before the visitors
had two chances to take the lead.

Stephane Sessegnon shrugged off Seamus
Coleman but should have done better as he closed in on goal but keeper
Tim Howard, watched by United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann, saved.

Fletcher came even closer when he beat
the American with an angled shot from a similar position only to see
the ball roll past the far post.

Everton's response saw the lively
Kevin Mirallas have a shot blocked by Danny Rose and Steven Pienaar
denied by Simon Mignolet before the Toffees were dealt a blow when the
former was forced off with a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by
Steven Naismith.

Breakthrough: Adam Johnson celebrates opening the deadlock for Sunderland

Breakthrough: Adam Johnson celebrates opening the deadlock for Sunderland

Keeping it up: Tim Howard saw his side maintain their excellent record over Sunderland

Keeping it up: Tim Howard saw his side maintain their excellent record over Sunderland

Diving in: Steven Naismith tries to drag the ball away from the sliding Jack Colback

Diving in: Steven Naismith tries to drag the ball away from the sliding Jack Colback

The hosts had got themselves back into
the game by this point and the sight of Phil Neville shooting from
distance, forcing Mignolet to palm away, highlighted the confidence
running currently through the team.

However, with virtually the last kick of the half Johnson struck with a neat volley.

Sebastian Larsson's corner was only
half headed clear by Jelavic and when Craig Gardner curled a cross
towards the far side of the penalty area the England international
pounced.

Johnson also found himself in the right position early in the second half as he cleared John Heitinga's header off the line.

Effort: Hard workers James McClean and Seamus Coleman (left) vie for possession

Effort: Hard workers James McClean and Seamus Coleman (left) vie for possession

Well done: Players rush round Johnson to congratulate him on his first league goal

Well done: Players rush round Johnson to congratulate him on his first league goal

Tucked away: Johnson fires his strike past Tim Howard

Tucked away: Johnson fires his strike past Tim Howard

Substitute Apostolos Vellios, in his
first appearance of the season after replacing Neville, headed at
Mignolet but within minutes were ahead.

Leon Osman, named in an England squad for the first time this week at the age of 31, and Fellaini played a big part in both.

In the 76th minute Osman slid the ball
through to his midfield colleague on the edge of the penalty area and
the Belgium international turned before firing a low shot through a
crowd of players, across Mignolet and into the far corner.

The same two players then combined
again – Fellaini's cheeky backheel going through O'Shea's legs – to
allow Jelavic to clip home a first-time shot and clinch a sixth
successive Premier League home win against Sunderland.

Tussle: Sunderland's Danny Rose and Everton's Naismith (behind) battle for the ball

Tussle: Sunderland's Danny Rose and Everton's Naismith (behind) battle for the ball

Respect: Everton players applauding for Remembrance Day before the game

Respect: Everton players applauding for Remembrance Day before the game

How can Martin O"Neill turn it around at Sunderland?

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Second season syndrome: How can O'Neill turn it around at Sunderland

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 2 November 2012

Second season syndrome: Martin O'Neill roars during the midweek defeat to Middlesbrough

Hard times: Martin O'Neill roars during the midweek defeat to Middlesbrough

Martin O’Neill faces former club Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light after a disappointing start to his first full season at Sunderland.

O’Neill was the only manager the fans wanted when Steve Bruce was sacked 11 months ago and, as a proven, cup-winning self-confessed Mackem, he was supposed to take the club into a new era.

But this week’s embarrassing Capital One Cup defeat to Middlesbrough was a major blow and his under-fire team have the worst goals and shots on target totals in top flight European football, and all four divisions in England.

O’Neill cut a defiant figure at his press conference, saying: ‘I would expect to be judged over a season. People can say what they want, I can’t change it. The only way I can change it is by winning some football matches.’

Things need to change — and fast — but what is it that is going wrong at Sunderland

A CRISIS OF CREATIVITY

Adam Johnson, James McClean and Stephane Sessegnon all look terrified on the ball and are making basic mistakes. McClean was the sensation of last season but opposition scouts have identified his weaknesses and he is struggling. Most teams put two men on him and have realised that he struggles when forced to cut back on to his right foot.

Summer signing Johnson, brought in from Manchester City for 10million, has been a disappointment. He may have been affected by a thigh injury he picked up on England duty as well as the weight of expectation because of his price tag.

Sessegnon is one of the most naturally gifted players Sunderland have ever had. But he’s played more like Milton Nunez than Lionel Messi this season. He’ll say it’s not related, but fans are asking why he looks so disinterested since signing his new contract. Eight goals and nine assists last season have been followed by none this campaign.

Falling down: Stephane Sesssegnon (centre) has been unproductive this season

Falling down: Stephane Sesssegnon (centre) has been unproductive this season

A STRIKER LIGHT

Summer signing Steven Fletcher scored five in four, but has now gone four matches without a goal. And who is Sunderland’s second top scorer Newcastle’s Demba Ba, who scored an own goal in the derby draw. O’Neill clearly doesn’t feel he has many options to help Fletcher either. The club’s other strikers — Fraizer Campbell, Ji Dong-won, Connor Wickham and Louis Saha — have played just 406 minutes between them.

Solo effort: Steven Fletcher has netted five of Sunderland's six Premier League goals

Solo effort: Steven Fletcher has netted five of Sunderland's six Premier League goals

HOME DISCOMFORTS

The Stadium of Light crowd is notoriously difficult to please. Naturally pessimistic, Sunderland fans are at their worst when expectations are high, as they were at the start of the season. More than 40,000 are expected to bait Darren Bent, which will delight chairman Ellis Short, but they need to be patient and understanding. Attendances could dwindle unless performances and results improve.

O’Neill said: ‘The players are saying in the dressing room they’re a bit surprised (at the reaction) because they’ve only lost one game. Maybe they need to gamble a bit more and take risks. If you lose the ball once or twice, you have to have the confidence to go again.’

Fickle fans: The Stadium of Light faithful are tough to please

Fickle fans: The Stadium of Light faithful are tough to please

THE DRAW DEMONS
Sunderland by numbers

12: The number of shots on target Sunderland have had this season – the lowest in the league and 18 fewer than the next best team

42: Sunderland’s attempted shots this season, the lowest in the league.

0: The Black Cats are the only Premier League team not to have hit the woodwork this season.

28.57%: Sunderland have the worst shooting accuracy in the Premier League.

30: Sunderland have had the fewest shots off target in the league.

Finally Sunderland had their Messiah. A boyhood Sunderland fan, who can roll out the stats, matches and memories. Destiny may seem a bit strong, but that was what fans believed.

O’Neill said: ‘I came in last season and joked that having an affiliation with Sunderland might give me a couple of games.

‘I’ll be judged on football matches. I’ve completed 11 months here and my ambition is to build a side that fans can be really proud of and can actually make an impact in this league.’

He got off to a terrific start with Bruce’s under-achieving squad, winning 10 out of 17 games and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

But they’ve never really recovered from the dreadful home defeat to Everton. They have drawn 11 of 16 games since, including disappointments at the tail-end of last season against Bolton and Wolves.

They are hard to beat but that’s not enough.

Tough to beat: Simon Mignolet saves from Stoke's Peter Crouch

Tough to beat: Simon Mignolet saves from Stoke's Peter Crouch

SO WHAT NOW

You can understand why O’Neill has persevered with his creative players. On their day, they win matches.

He says he will put it right on the training ground, but it’s a test of his famous man-management skills

O’Neill had a similar run in his first season at Villa, winning one in 13, and look how he transformed them.

He’s not about to walk out on this one. Sunderland mean too much to him. But he knows he needs to start finding answers soon.

Andre Villas-Boas pay for shirts after Tottenham players launch kit into crowd

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AVB picks up bill after Spurs stars launch shirts into crowd following Saints win

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UPDATED:

08:56 GMT, 29 October 2012

Southampton 1 Tottenham 2

Watch video highlights here

Andre Villas-Boas is so happy with Tottenham's victory at Southampton that he has offered to pay for the shirts his players threw into the crowd at the end of the match.

Spurs held on for a slender victory at St Mary's, beating Saints 2-1 to climb to fourth in the Barclays Premier League table.

Getting shirty: Bale takes his top off before launching it into the crowd

Getting shirty: Bale takes his top off before launching it into the crowd

Former Southampton winger Gareth Bale,
Brad Friedel, Sandro and Tom Huddlestone all celebrated the win by
launching their match shirts into the the travelling supporters.

Villas-Boas said: 'I told them I would pay for the shirts! It was important for the fans and a massive win for the players.

'It's such a good win. We want to be at the top, we want to make the best of fixtures at Southampton and Wigan before we play Man City and Arsenal. If we carry on showing this level of competence we can really push on.

'I'm extremely happy for Gareth. He's a massive player for us and when the small opportunities come he makes the difference.'

Bale joined Spurs from the South Coast club for 10million in 2007 and he conceded this was an emotional first return for him.

He said: 'It was a bit emotional scoring but the main theme was to come here and do a job. My celebration was muted out of respect for Southampton.'

Spurred on: Lennon celebrates after Dempsey bags Tottenham's second

Spurred on: Lennon celebrates after Dempsey bags Tottenham's second

Manchester City and United on alert after Victor Wanyama snubs new Celtic deal

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Manchester City and United on alert after Wanyama snubs new Celtic deal

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UPDATED:

22:20 GMT, 25 October 2012

Manchester giants United and City are
poised to run the rule over Victor Wanyama during Celtic's Champions
League home clash with Barcelona.

Sportsmail understands the Premier League titans will travel to Glasgow
after agents for the 10million-rated Kenyan international snubbed an
improved, extended contract offer from the Parkhead club.

Highly-rated: Celtic's Victor Wanyama (centre)

Highly-rated: Celtic's Victor Wanyama (centre)

Wanyama's agent Ivan Modia, who represents the player along with South African-based business partner Rob Moore, told Sportsmail: 'We had a meeting with Celtic in the first week of October and the proposal was rejected shortly after the meeting.

'We have not held further discussions and it is up to Celtic if they want to resume talks with a different proposal.'

At the request of manager Neil Lennon, the Scottish champions entered discussions with a raft of their key Champions League performers, tying down James Forrest, Charlie Mulgrew and Adam Matthews on new deals.

Celtic's Victor Wanyama rises above Steven Thompson

However, talks with Wanyama and star striker Gary Hooper have not been settled.

Liverpool watched Hooper in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat in the Nou Camp, with contract talks ongoing.

But it is Wanyama who is attracting the biggest interest, despite Celtic offering no encouragement to Queens Park Rangers in the final hours of the last window. The SPL champions want 10m and won't sell for less.

'It's not a problem for Victor. He is very happy at Celtic and is grateful for the opportunity the club has given him,' added Modia.

'He has loved every minute of his time here and will continue to be the consummate professional. He will continue to give his all for the club.

'He still has two years to run on his contract after this season so there is no urgency to agree new terms.

'We are aware of interest but he is contracted to Celtic. It is up to them to determine what happens.'

Turkish Airlines World Golf Final a delight as eight greats battle – Derek Lawrenson

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It's a Turkish delight as eight greats battle it out for big bucks

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 8 October 2012

When Chubby Chandler was approached by the Turkish Golf Federation about starting a megabucks tournament, they envisaged one featuring 100 or so of the world's best players.

'But there are plenty of events like that already,' replied Chubby. 'Why not try something different Why not a tournament with just the best eight golfers'

That idea was not new either, of course. Chandler was thinking back to the glory days of the late Mark McCormack’s World Match Play Championship at Wentworth, when the likes of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus would gather each October for a glorious autumn festival.

Jet-setters: Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are in Turkey for the World Golf Final

Jet-setters: Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are in Turkey for the World Golf Final

Jet-setters: Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are in Turkey for the World Golf Final

It is the spirit of that much-missed spectacle that he has tried to recapture with the first Turkish Airlines World Golf Final, which begins on Tuesday.

Golf blog

True, the venue has shifted thousands of miles to the East, as is increasingly the way these days, and the players might even be seen wearing shorts rather than wrapped up to the nines.

But you might have to go back to the late Sixties or early Seventies to find the last time anyone tried to get the world’s top eight players together and seven of them actually accepted the invitation.

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VIEW FULL ARCHIVE

So it is that the event features not only Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy but Justin Rose and Lee Westwood. Rounding off the elite gang are Webb Simpson, Hunter Mahan and Charl Schwartzel, with Matt Kuchar stepping in for Luke Donald, the only man to turn down the invitation.

The organisers have got lucky, with the game still on a high after the momentous events at Medinah, and no fewer than six of the eight are playing for the first time since the Ryder Cup. There’s clearly an appetite for more head-to-head, although the format needs explaining.

The eight are separated into two groups of four, with everyone playing each other in their group over the first two days at medal matchplay (ie. the player with the best score over 18 holes wins). The leading two in each group go forward to the semi-finals on Thursday, with the final on Friday.

Naturally, these eight don’t come cheap. Even last place is worth 200,000, while the winner will receive 1million.

And yes, we will see Tiger versus Rory. Funnily enough, they’ve been ‘drawn’ in the same group and will play one another on Wednesday afternoon. Having coughed up all that dough, you didn’t think the organisers would leave that match-up to the vagaries of chance now, did you

The action begins with McIlroy v Kuchar, Westwood v Simpson, Rose v Mahan and Woods against Schwartzel.

Amazing Grace

If you want to know how hard it is to win on the European Tour, consider that a player as good as the two-time Ryder Cup man Francesco Molinari has only three titles to his name in eight years of toil.

That puts the startling feat of the gifted South African Branden Grace, in winning four times in his rookie season, into its proper light.

Links king: Branden Grace with his prize on the Swilkan Bridge at The Old Course

Links king: Branden Grace with his prize on the Swilkan Bridge at The Old Course

One of those wins came in a play-off against his two idols, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. Another came on Sunday at the Dunhill Links played at the Home of Golf, where the 24-year-old became the first man on tour this year to lead from wire to wire.

‘The next South African major winner,’ declared the Open champion — and who would quibble with Els’s prediction

Tom is looking for a happy return

This time last year we were all getting rightly excited at the amazing sight of a young man winning a prestigious title in only his third start on tour. Now he returns to Portugal to defend his Masters crown this week as the forgotten man.

Glimpse of his best: Tom Lewis at St Andrews

Glimpse of his best: Tom Lewis at St Andrews

What on earth has happened to Tom Lewis This year, the Englishman has competed in 21 strokeplay tournaments without so much as a single top-10 finish. What a sad contrast to the fresh-faced amateur who led The Open after the first round last year.

Lewis has been talking with Justin Rose, who endured similar growing pains, and maybe he can follow his example. On Saturday at the Dunhill Links there was at least the hint of a corner being turned as the 21-year-old shot 65, his best round of this difficult season.

Now he returns to the place on the Algarve where all his memories are good ones. Let’s hope for more signs of recovery.

Quote of the week

‘I think I’ll take that bandage off now! How can all your good shots turn out bad Ugggh, this game!’

John Daly, after following up a 63 in Las Vegas last week with an 86. Painful, no doubt, but not his ‘personal best’ in Sin City. The colourful one once followed up winning $500,000 (312,000) at a tournament with losing three times that amount on the slot machines.

Lewis Hamilton to choose between McLaren and Mercedes before Japanese Grand Prix

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Hamilton to decide whether to quit McLaren for Mercedes before Japanese Grand Prix

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UPDATED:

19:03 GMT, 27 September 2012

Lewis Hamilton is to make a decision on his Formula One future before next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

Hamilton's answer, on whether he remains with McLaren or opts to move to Mercedes, could potentially come as early as Friday, although it is understood the situation is not 100 per cent finalised.

The likelihood is Hamilton will continue his partnership with McLaren that now stretches back 14 years after he was initially signed up as a 13-year-old.

Decision to make: McLaren star Lewis Hamilton's future remains unclear

Decision to make: McLaren star Lewis Hamilton's future remains unclear

A source close to McLaren said after the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday that a contract to stay loyal to the Woking-based marque was '85-90 per cent' resolved.

Given the current economic climate, McLaren's initial offer saw them slash the 27-year-old's yearly salary by a third from 10million to around 6.75m and on a par with team-mate Jenson Button, resulting in the need to look elsewhere.

With management company, XIX Entertainment run by impresario Simon Fuller, known to have entered into negotiations with Mercedes, the German manufacturing giant then put in a sizeable bid.

It is understood Mercedes also offered Hamilton greater freedom with regard to his image rights and less impact on his personal time from corporate sponsorship appearances.

With McLaren's hand forced, they are believed to have increased their annual salary offer by a further 2m, and more in line with Mercedes.

Further negotiations have taken place behind the scenes these past few days since the race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit where team principal Martin Whitmarsh and Hamilton both appeared more relaxed.

Rollercoaster: Hamilton has had an up-and-down season at McLaren

Rollercoaster: Hamilton has had an up-and-down season at McLaren

It was in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere that pervaded the paddock at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix as Hamilton landed in hot water with the team for tweeting telemetry data from qualifying.

A few days later, when former team boss and current BBC television pundit Eddie Jordan remarked a deal with Mercedes was done and an announcement imminent, it sparked a feeding frenzy at Monza ahead of the race in Italy, with Hamilton bombarded with questions.

Hamilton, however, kept his cool on the track to win from pole and thrust himself back in the title hunt, following which McLaren began their concerted push to retain the 2008 world champion.

Another pole followed in Singapore, yet despite what Hamilton described as a 'heart-breaking' gearbox failure when comfortably leading, he was positive and upbeat when he spoke after the race.

It was similar with Whitmarsh who claimed McLaren and Hamilton 'are a good team together', with the latter dealing with his disappointment 'as a world champion'.

Flashing the cash: Mercedes have tried to tempt Hamilton to their team

Flashing the cash: Mercedes have tried to tempt Hamilton to their team

Whitmarsh refused to speculate on whether a deal would be done before Japan, which starts next Friday in Suzuka, but it now appears certain that will be the case, with McLaren seemingly beating Mercedes to Hamilton's signature.

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn today indicated talks were ongoing with Michael Schumacher, whose three-year contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

'It's still under discussion, I'm afraid,' said Brawn on BBC Radio 5 Live.
'I can't comment very much on that, but Michael's been a huge asset to the team, he's really taken us forward.

'I do think Michael contributes an awful lot, so I think the decision for Michael to stay or not continue is a difficult one.

'Obviously he's very involved in that decision, and discussions are ongoing at the moment.'

Asked whether Hamilton could be joining Mercedes, Brawn naturally ducked the issue, adding: 'I think any ambitious team looks at the top drivers and we're an ambitious team.

'But I think there's an awful lot of speculation. We will have some things to say in the next few weeks, next few months, and then all will become clear.'

When contacted, McLaren issued a 'no comment'.

Ryder Cup 2012: Rory McIlroy a victim of trash talk in American press

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McIlroy a victim of trash talk in American press ahead of Ryder Cup

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UPDATED:

21:45 GMT, 24 September 2012

If Jose Maria Olazabal is the sort of European Ryder Cup captain who likes to pin articles on a noticeboard to serve as motivation, he would not have been short of material upon his arrival in Chicago on Monday.

The Americans are always banging on about the British press and their perceived penchant for inflammatory headlines, but how about this one from the New York Daily News: 'Here's how Team USA can shut down Rory McIlroy and take out the Euro Trash.'

The piece certainly contained plenty of trash-talking from two ex-American captains, Paul Azinger and Curtis Strange. The former questioned Rory's stomach for a fight while the latter claimed Europe, whose team contain three of the world's top four, were little more than a one-man band.

Easy Ryder: McIlroy is the only European player 'with an aura', according to Curtis Strange

Easy Ryder: McIlroy is the only European player 'with an aura', according to Curtis Strange

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'I'm looking at Europe's team and I don't see an intimidating figure other than McIlroy,' said Strange, a losing American captain in 2002.

'Between Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Bubba Watson, they fall out of bed and make five birdies a round. Rory, to me, is the only one on their team who looks like he has any of that aura at all.'

Those thoughts would certainly be worth showing to the likes of English duo Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, wouldn't they Amazing to think that Europe have eight players with winning Ryder Cup records and America, with all that aura, have none.

Azinger, the only winning American captain this century, was equally provocative. 'Rory has that youthful enthusiasm, he's going to be the most fun guy in the locker room,' he said.

'But he can slump his shoulders. 'And I just think if you can get him to slump his shoulders, if he loses two matches that first day, that whole dynamic in the European team room changes.'

My, the home team are up for this one, aren't they Just one more reason not to move far from a television set this weekend.

An apology

Thanks to all the readers who reminded me yesterday that Paul McGinley also made three appearances in the Ryder Cup and was never on a losing side. I had claimed Luke Donald was the only one. As for another keen Sportsmail reader – Paul himself – due apologies.

Money, money, money

No wonder all these top British players are competing in America rather than Europe these days. At the FedEx Cup jamboree in Atlanta on Sunday, Lee Westwood finished last at the Tour Championship and still went home with $625,000.

Hats off: Westwood had a bad week but still took home $625,000

Hats off: Westwood had a bad week but still took home $625,000

Luke Donald never really featured in the FedEx play-off race and yet added another $1million to his pile. Justin Rose made a cool $1.66m. Rory McIlroy Another $3.2m. What we have said before is worth repeating: what a lucky age this is if you're a world-class golfer.

Snedeker cashes in but stays grounded

With a wife about to give birth, a father who recently had liver transplant surgery and the son of his coach battling for his life after a horrific car crash two weeks ago, perhaps it wasn't surprising that golf's latest $11.44million man Brandt Snedeker had no trouble keeping his feet on the ground in Atlanta on Sunday.

Give some golfers that sort of loot and they wouldn't be able to get on the phone to a luxury car salesman or a fancy real-estate merchant quick enough.

In the money: Snedeker pocketed a cool $10m on Sunday

In the money: Snedeker pocketed a cool $10m on Sunday

After his victory in the Tour Championship (with a first prize of $1.44m) won him the FedEx Cup (a bonus cheque of $10m) Snedeker intimated that some of his first calls will be to various charities near his home in Nashville.

'I never thought about having this sort of crazy money before,' said the 31-year-old. 'Now that I have, I need to figure out how to take care of my family and help other people. I really think we can make a difference and help a lot of people out in Nashville and the surrounding areas.'

It is hard not to take to a sportsman who, when asked whether he fancies a new car, replies: 'I have a five-year-old car that has 20,000 miles on it, so it is practically new. Why on earth would I need another'

Snedeker's double was not the one Europe wanted on Sunday. Not with Rory McIlroy in pole position in the FedEx and Justin Rose in the mix at the Tour Championship. Both settled for the respective runner's-up spots. But this was certainly a victory for decency, and restraint in the face of all that excess.

Quote of the week

'I don't read articles about myself. I figure you're all saying nice things about me, and I don't need to read that. Or maybe you're saying really horrible things about me, and I definitely don't need to read that.'

Who would ever say anything nasty about gentleman Jim Furyk Well, maybe the American press if the controversial Ryder Cup wildcard has a stinker this week.

Ryder Cup: Who's hot