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Luke Shaw has been labelled the "most unreliable player to ever wear a Manchester United shirt" after leaving the pitch before half-time at Luton.

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Shaw injured at Aston VillaReturned in time to start Luton gameWent down tunnel before half-time whistleWHAT HAPPENED?

Shaw went off at half-time as a "precaution" during United's 2-1 win at Aston Villa last week, but recovered in time to return to Erik ten Hag's starting XI at Kenilworth Road on Sunday. However, the England full-back tweaked something with seconds to go until the interval, and signalled to the bench before making his way down the tunnel, with Victor Lindelof brought on as his replacement in defence.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Fans took to social media after the incident to criticise Shaw, who also missed the majority of the first half of the season due to injury. One account named @zeeshankxz wrote: "Luke Shaw subbed off. The most unreliable player to ever wear a Manchester United shirt. Protected by the fans like he is something special. The sooner we move on the better."

Another account, called @TenHagEra, said: "Love him as a footballer and a person, but we might have to buy a Luke Shaw replacement with all these reoccurring injuries.."

With the 28-year-old's latest injury having yet to be specified, fan account @BillyMeredithMU simply asked: "What's wrong with Luke Shaw?"

The same account then added in a separate post: "Left Back needs to be a priority next season. Luke Shaw isn’t reliable at all."

Meanwhile, @UtdXclusive asked: "If Luke Shaw wasn't 100% fit why risk making the injury worse?"

WHAT TEN HAG SAID

United went on to win the game 2-1 without Shaw, and Erik ten Hag confirmed after the final whistle that it wasn't just a "knock" that forced the left-back off. The Dutch coach added to BBC Radio Five Live when quizzed on the severity of Shaw's injury: "I can’t tell. We have to wait minimum until tomorrow to see what’s going on. Clear, when you come off, it doesn’t look great."

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Shaw was one of the most important players in the United squad last season as Ten Hag guided the team to a third-place Premier League finish and Carabao Cup glory in his debut season at the helm. However, the Red Devils have only been able to call upon Shaw for 14 appearances to date in the 2023-24 campaign, and he might be facing another spell on the sidelines after this new blow.

Liverpool have completed background checks on Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure, and a reliable journalist has revealed the chances of him moving to Anfield.

Is Cheick Doucoure leaving Crystal Palace?

The Mali international only arrived in the Premier League from Lens last summer and quickly became a regular feature of Roy Hodgson’s side during his debut season, making 34 starts from 38 matches in the top-flight.

Despite still having another four years remaining on his contract, the midfielder firmly established himself as the Eagles’ top-performing defensive player during the previous campaign and has therefore emerged as a summer target for FSG and Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have reportedly identified the 23-year-old as a potential candidate to replace Fabinho who left the club last month to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, but he’s not the only player to have been considered by the hierarchy at Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit had been heavily linked with moves for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but with those two having both joined Chelsea, not to mention that a deal for Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch is yet to come to fruition, the boss has been assessing alternatives in the form of the talisman at Selhurst Park.

Are Liverpool signing Cheick Doucoure?

Taking to X, RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins claimed that Liverpool have gathered information on the conditions of a deal for Doucoure, but says that they are yet to table an opening bid due to the price tag set by Crystal Palace. He wrote:

“Liverpool surveyed Cheick Doucoure. There has been no significant progress in recent days and no concrete offer from the Reds for the 23-year-old Malian midfielder. Crystal Palace values ​​the player at more than 60 million euros (£51m).”

How good is Cheick Doucoure?

According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Doucoure is a defensive midfield “boss” when sitting just in front of the backline, and considering the protection he provides, he could be a fantastic addition should he eventually put pen to paper at Liverpool before September 1st.

The Bamako native ranked in the 94th percentile for interceptions and made a total of 77 tackles over the course of last season which was more than any other of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, highlighting his desire to get stuck into challenges and win back possession for his team.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE…

The Blackskill client, who has also registered three assists during his time at Palace, even has the ability to operate at centre-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role, so he could provide the boss with some welcome versatility should any unexpected injuries occur in other roles that need covering.

The Reds may feel that £51m for Doucoure is too much to pay considering that he only has one season under his belt at the required level, but the fact that he can play in the heart of the defence and the centre which are the two positions that need addressing the most, he could prove to be a more useful acquisition than first imagined.

Manchester United have already made some high-profile additions in this summer window. As September 1st edges closer, Fabrizio Romano has filled GIVEMESPORT in on the latest regarding their pursuit of Bayern Munich and France defender Benjamin Pavard.

Will the Frenchman arrive in Manchester?

Manchester United didn’t look at their best on Monday Night Football but were still able to get the job done and start the new season with three points. A Wolverhampton Wanderers side in limbo visited Old Trafford and left empty-handed after Raphael Varane headed home the only goal of the game.

Talking of Varane and it was a social media post of his after the game, which Benjamin Pavard commented on, that really added fuel to this fire.

Erik ten Hag has made three major signings thus far and Pavard could well become the fourth. Andre Onana was acquired from Champions League finalists Inter, Rasmus Hojlund also arrived from Serie A and of course Mason Mount made an eyebrow-raising switch over from his boyhood club Chelsea.

Pavard has enjoyed the finer things in Munich, winning four league titles and the 2019/20 Champions League as well as a littering of domestic cups. On top of that, he has played a part in France getting to the last two World Cup finals, one of which saw them beat Croatia whilst the more recent one saw Lionel Messi and Argentina lift the iconic Jules Rimet trophy.

The defender, who has been hailed as "outstanding", seems keen to force his way out of the Bavarian region after four seasons there, having joined from fellow Bundesliga side Stuttgart.

What is Fabrizio Romano's update on Pavard?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tells GIVEMESPORT all about the future of Benjamin Pavard and where his head is at.

“Currently, Bayern are not keen on this move, but my feeling is that there is a chance for Pavard to join Man Utd because the player wants to go.

“Over the weekend and the last few days, Pavard has spoken to Bayern and told them he won’t extend his contract and wants to join Manchester United to try this opportunity. So, let's see now what happens between the clubs.”

Other developments at Old Trafford…

As previously mentioned, United have added a goalkeeper, a midfielder and a forward. Defence is now the position with the most going on in terms of both incomings and outgoings.

Former captain Harry Maguire may well fit into the latter category come the end of the window although his proposed transfer to West Ham United seems to be dead in the water.

Alex Crook is now reporting that Ten Hag wants to retain the services of the Englishman and that the centre-back is likely to stay and fight for his place alongside the likes of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.

Meanwhile, there could be a second new signing in the attacking third to accompany the young Hojlund.

Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix is the man in question following rumours that the relationship between him and manager Diego Simeone is on the ropes. The Portuguese international was on loan with Chelsea last year and despite their clear struggles on the field, he showed moments of brilliance.

West Ham United are set to make a flurry of late additions in the window and sporting director Tim Steidten can become a 'hero' at the club if he can help the Irons to follow up on the impending arrival of Mexico international Edson Alvarez, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Which players could arrive at West Ham United?

West Ham have already managed to sign Alvarez from Ajax for a fee in the region of £35 million and he is viewed as a replacement for now-Arsenal star Declan Rice.

And, Moyes has also welcomed James Ward-Prowse to the club in what is now two midfield signings for the Hammers.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has given an update on West Ham's pursuit of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, stating on Twitter X: "Understand, there’s a total verbal agreement between @westhamfootball and Harry Maguire! There’s also an agreement with Man Utd! Transfer fee of around £30m confirmed. Last step is to clarify the severance pay between Maguire &

@ManUtd. Pavard could replace him."

David Moyes has agreed a fee with Manchester United for Harry Maguire and the Hammers have had a bid rejected for Scott McTominay, and he is now weighing up whether to go back in with another offer for the Scotland international, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that West Ham sporting director Steidten could endear himself to supporters if he helps to facilitate further incomings between now and the end of the window.

Jones stated: "I know Steidten will get a lot of the credit for Alvarez but I don’t think that deal is all his doing as West Ham were on that scene before he even arrived at the club from what I heard. He can go from zero to hero in this market though if he can follow up this deal with a similar level of signings. Right now the season does not look like on many Hammers would be optimistic about but I don’t think it will stay that way, there are a big few weeks ahead."

What now for West Ham United?

Nevertheless, Irons playmaker Lucas Paqueta is attracting interest from Manchester City, who could look to pounce for the Brazil international to help fill the void left by the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, according to BBC Sport.

After waving goodbye to former star Declan Rice earlier on this summer, to now lose Paqueta as well would be a rather crazy one unless the Hammers can manage to find a more than suitable replacement, as they could leave themselves short.

FootballTransfers claim that Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has been earmarked as a direct alternative to veteran defender Aaron Cresswell; however, the Scotland international is not interested in a move to the London Stadium.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is garnering admiration from West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace and could be courted as Moyes seeks extra solidity within his backline, TEAMtalk understand.

There was a time in which the strike partnership of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez was one of the best around, as Inter Milan secured the Scudetto under Antonio Conte.

In classic Lukaku style, however, he decided to swap Inter for Chelsea in the summer of 2021, in a move that he has regretted ever since.

Speaking midway through his season back at Stamford Bridge, Lukaku revealed his regret, controversially telling Sky Italia: "The way I left Inter, how I communicated with the fans, it bothers me because it might not be the right time now but it wasn't the right time when I left, either. Now, I think it's right to talk because I have always said I have Inter in my heart. I'll go back to play there, I really hope so."

The Belgian did, at least, manage to reunite with Martinez last season, completing a loan move back to his form club, which many would have assumed could have turned permanent, if he so wished.

That hasn't been the case, however, with Lukaku even attempting to move to Serie A rivals Juventus this summer – which was protested by fans.

Any bridges built at Inter have been burnt to a crisp, including it seems his relationship with Martinez too.

Lautaro Martinez speaks out on Romelu Lukaku situation

Speaking about Lukaku's situation, Martinez told Gazetta, via Fabrizio Romano: “Lukaku saga? I was disappointed by Romelu, it's the truth. I tried to call him in those days of chaos, but he never answered me, the same he did with my other teammates.

“I was disappointed. But ok, well, it’s his choice."

This comes after the Belgian revealed that he missed Martinez back in 2021, saying, via Romano: "I miss Lautaro Martinez, I could die on the pitch for him since day one I met him.

"Lautaro Martinez coming here with me at Chelsea in the future? No… Lautaro, you can stay in Milan, I'll be back there."

The Argentine's future is far simpler than his former strike partner's, meanwhile, revealing his desire to stay put in Milan to Gazetta, reported by Romano: “I received huge bids from Saudi clubs, it’s true. But I’m very happy at Inter and in Milano, no chance and no reason to change.

“I’m the captain here, Inter is my second home. I feel loved here since day one. I’m proud to be here."

What are the latest Romelu Lukaku transfer rumours?

As of right now, Lukaku remains a Chelsea player, but with plenty of time left in the transfer window, that could soon change.

According to Romano, the forward is attracting plenty of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, but his priority is to remain in Europe, with Juventus a potential option.

Given Chelsea's summer activity, welcoming both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, it seems unlikely that Lukaku will have a place under new boss Mauricio Pochettino next season.

As the summer drags on, and he remains without a move, the former Inter Milan man could find himself in an unwanted position come the beginning of the forthcoming campaign at Stamford Bridge.

It's certainly a situation to keep an eye on.

Having overseen back-to-back Test series wins in his first summer in charge – the first time England have beaten both touring sides since 2013 – Joe Root was in understandably upbeat mood

Alan Gardner at Lord's09-Sep-20171:46

‘England moving along nicely’ – Root

Having overseen back-to-back Test series wins in his first summer in charge – the first time England have beaten both touring sides since 2013 – Joe Root was in understandably upbeat mood at the conclusion of the Lord’s Test. England came through a see-sawing decider against West Indies with an accomplished performance on the third day to secure a nine-wicket victory and that prompted Root to suggest his players could do “something really special” when they travel to Australia for the Ashes.He was, in particular, “extremely happy” with the form of James Anderson, whose career-best 7 for 42 helped set up a comfortable chase on the third afternoon. Root also praised the way Mark Stoneman and Tom Westley – two of the top-order Ashes hopefuls – had secured the result in unruffled manner.”Tonight it’s important that we celebrate a great summer of Test cricket,” Root said. “We’ve done some really good stuff and should be really proud of how we’ve gone about this summer. It’s something that the selectors will sit down and think about but I’m really pleased that the two lads at the top of the order, the way they went out and were ruthless, to go and chase a tricky little target down, to show composure and be the two guys not out to win a game for England was great to see and I think it shows where the mentality of the dressing room is right now.”Westley’s unbeaten 44 was his highest score since making 59 on debut against South Africa, while Stoneman finished his first series with an average of 30.00; Dawid Malan also contributed half-centuries in the first two Tests against West Indies. Those may not be numbers to make Australia tremble but, when supplemented by the confirmed abilities of players such as Anderson, Ben Stokes (Man of the Match at Lord’s) and Root himself, it gave the captain cause for optimism.”I’m happy with how the whole group’s shaping up, to be honest,” he said. “Across the summer a number of guys have really stepped up and taken their games forward and that’s what you want, guys that have been set up within the team to keep kicking on and contributing consistently, making themselves more of a presence in world cricket that can only good for our team. A number of guys have stood up coming into the Test arena and really made a case for themselves. There’s plenty of challenges ahead but I think we’re moving along nicely.”We shouldn’t be afraid of going over there and, if we perform at our best, doing something really special. We’ve got all the attributes that could go down there and put in some really strong performances and get results but I think it’s making sure that we approach this next period really wisely, we put the hard work and start preparing now, so when we get to Australia we’re already one step ahead.”James Anderson removed Shai Hope for his fifth wicket•Getty ImagesEngland’s defeat at Headingley in the second Test continued their run of inconsistent form in the longest format and they were again run close in a low-scoring game at Lord’s – by a team ranked No. 8 in the world. However, as with the loss to South Africa at Trent Bridge in Root’s second match in charge, he could point to the team finding a winning response.”They were two difficult weeks [after defeats] but what’s most pleasing is the resilience and the character we’ve shown to come back from both of those with extremely strong performances,” he said. “I think those learnings and the manner that we won after that is great to ahead of what is going to be a very challenging winter. And along with that comes great opportunity, so if we can continue to have the same approach, keep wanting to get better, keep learning then we’ll be in a good place.”Anderson’s form, with 39 wickets at 14.10, has been central to the Root era starting successfully and he was named Man of the Series against West Indies. At Lord’s, he became only the third fast bowler to reach 500 Test wickets and Root hailed Anderson and Stuart Broad as a “fantastic” partnership to spearhead England’s chances Down Under.”He said at the start of the summer, he’s desperate to carry on playing as much as he can for England while he can and I think he has just shown what he is still capable of,” Root said of Anderson. “Putting in his career-best figures shows that he is still desperate to kick on and do some more great things.”The control he has with a ball that’s doing a minimal amount and one that’s hooping around is remarkable, how he can find the optimum amount of pace to work in different conditions and different surfaces – it’s just relentless pressure for the batters. Five hundred wickets doesn’t happen very often so this summer has been unreal for him.”Broady’s bowled some really good stuff this year and not had a lot of luck. Between them, the pressure they create is fantastic. What a partnership to have going to Australia, all those wickets and great for the rest of the guys to learn from as well.”England’s catching has been rather less exemplary, with 16 drops in the series, and Root acknowledged that would be a focus ahead of their next engagement: Brisbane on November 23. “Especially in Australia, you need to make sure when you create opportunities you take them,” he said. “So there’ll be a lot of hard work going into that but it’s not something we’ve shied away from this summer and we’ll continue doing everything we can to take those chances.”

USMNT defender Matt Miazga has accepted his actions were inappropriate, but believes MLS's punishment was harsh regarding his recent suspension.

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Miazga suspended by MLS for 3 gamesFCC eliminated from playoffs without himDefender responds over 'unfitting' punishmentWHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to media on Tuesday, the FC Cincinnati central defender claimed he thought MLS's punishment was unjust, but understood that his actions were inappropriate and that he let his team down. On November 4, Miazga confronted a referee postgame in the tunnel – and reports have been scattered since, but as a result of his actions, he was suspended for three games ahead of the Eastern Conference semifinals last weekend. Cincy fell to the Columbus Crew in extra-time, 3-2.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MIAZGA SAID

"I want to take responsibility for what happened. The intentions of what happened, my intentions didn't play out to what has actually happened. I take full responsibility… I felt the punishment didn't fit what had happened, but you know, I accept it and we got to move forward now."

"It was frustrating because you've been an in-form player all year and then all of a sudden, one of the most important games of the year you can't play. So that was frustrating, but I had confidence in my team that they can get the job done."

Despite crashing out of the playoffs in harsh fashion, the USMNT defender has optimism for 2024: "We're so close and it's a learning experience obviously for everyone involved, especially me as well. So, now there's that extra hunger for next year and extra motivation and, you know, we're a real team so we're excited for the challenges ahead."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Initial reports claimed that Miazga was 'forcibly removed' from the official's room following their November 4 victory over the New York Red Bulls, but as more news surrounding the incident came out, the official's report was described as 'exaggerated' by The Athletic. Fast forward nearly three weeks and MLS's investigation into the incident resulted in suspension – 72 hours prior to kickoff in their most important playoff match of the year.

Following the announcement of his removal from their remaining matches on the calendar, the MLS Players Association released a statement claiming that the investigation contained 'falsehoods' and 'false narratives' to paint the MLS Defender of the Year in the wrong.

Now, following Cincy's removal from the playoffs, Miazga has taken responsibility for his actions, but admits his 'frustration' over the league's findings.

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USA Today Sports WHAT NEXT FOR MIAZGA?

He will be suspended for two matches to begin the 2024 MLS season, but the dates for those matches will not be announced until next year. Until then, it will be a massive 'what if' for the defender, knowing that his side conceded three goals in a conference final without him.

Southampton are now just three weeks away from beginning their first season in the Championship since 2011-12, yet there are still question marks over a number of first-team players, including both Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento.

What players are Southampton selling?

With a host of Premier League clubs, it is tough to see how either Lavia or Livramento will still be at St Mary's come the end of the transfer window on September 1.

Perhaps a more pressing matter is that of the future of captain James Ward-Prowse, who continues to be linked with Premier League pair Fulham and West Ham United.

While players of Lavia and Livramento's quality come and go – a stark reality for a team outside of the elite – replacing Ward-Prowse could be even tougher.

That is down not only to the unique set-piece ability he brings to the side, but also his leadership qualities. After spending more than a decade as a regular, the past three of those years as captain, Ward-Prowse would leave a huge void to be filled.

However, it was recently suggested by talkSPORT that former Saints defender Jose Fonte could return to the club this summer, and that now looks an even stronger possibility after Lille president Olivier Letang confirmed the Portuguese is set to leave the Ligue 1 side.

Is Jose Fonte a good option for Southampton?

Fonte made close to 300 appearances for Southampton across a seven-year spell at St Mary's that came to an end in January 2017 when moving to West Ham.

The 50-cap Portugal international spent two-and-a-half years as captain of the Saints, meaning he is a natural ready-made replacement for Ward-Prowse in that regard should he return.

Indeed, he continued to prove a real figurehead when moving to West Ham, with goalkeeper Darren Randolph hailing him as a "leader". "He is loud and vocal and organises well," Randolph added.

Southampton have plenty of quality in their ranks for new manager Russell Martin to call upon, but they do not possess many capable of stepping up and leading in the way of Fonte, who Capology claims is on wages of £28,000 a week at Lille.

Being able to bark out instructions is one thing; having the quality to perform in the Championship at the age of 39 is another. However, Fonte started 30 games for Lille in Ligue 1 last season, suggesting he is more than capable of playing regularly despite his advancing years.

In fact, Fonte ranked in the top 12% of all centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues for passes attempted last season (68.72 per 90), as per FBref, and in the top 11% in terms of pass completion (90%).

That ability to pass the ball out from the back is a huge plus given that is exactly what Martin was after during his time as Swansea City head coach.

In terms of the more defensive metrics, Fonte won two aerial duels per game in Ligue 1 last season, as per WhoScored, which compares to 2.1 for Saints centre-back regular Jan Bednarek in the Premier League.

Fonte's team-high 3.5 clearances per game, meanwhile, was bettered by only three Southampton players who started 10 league matches or more.

While he may not be the colossus he was six years ago, Fonte showed last season he is still capable of doing a job at a high level. That, combined with his leadership qualities, make his arrival on a free transfer a no-brainer.

Aston Villa have reached an "agreement" to bring Villarreal defender Pau Torres to the Premier League, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

Is Pau Torres joining Aston Villa?

Quique Setien’s academy graduate will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the ongoing transfer window is his club’s final opportunity to cash in should they not want to lose him for free, and 90min have claimed that he’s told them that he’s ready to leave.

The Yellow Submarines centre-back has reportedly been made a top target by the Midlands outfit with Unai Emery a “big fan” of the 26-year-old having managed him for 105 appearances during his time in his homeland.

The La Liga star’s deal has a £55m release clause included but Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that NSWE and Monchi will pay "way less" than that, and if the following update is anything to go by, the conditions of the deal have already been addressed.

Taking to Twitter, Ornstein revealed that Aston Villa have finalised a deal for Torres with the defender having given the green-light to complete a summer move to the Midlands. He wrote:

"Aston Villa have now reached an agreement with Villarreal to sign centre-back Pau Torres. Personal terms are also in place for 26yo Spain international defender to join in what’s another big coup for #AVFC + manager Unai Emery."

Is Torres a good signing for Villa?

Aston Villa will already be aware of what Torres is capable of due to Emery’s existing connection to the centre-back, and having also been dubbed an “extraordinary talent” by his former coach Javier Calleja, he would be a fantastic acquisition for the boss.

The Spain international averaged 4.1 clearances, 1.7 aerial wins and 1.3 tackles per league game last season, via WhoScored, so is a real rock at the heart of the backline, but he also likes to push his team as high up the pitch as possible having ranked in the 99th percentile for most progressive carries by centre-backs.

Torres, who stands at a staggering 6 foot 2, also knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the level that the Villans are looking to achieve having previously won the Europa League back in 2020/21, so he could inspire the rest of the squad to give it their all on the bigger stage next season in their first campaign in the Conference League.

Peter Siddle has withdrawn from his Nottinghamshire contract for 2017 due to a persistent back injury

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Mar-2017Peter Siddle has withdrawn from his Nottinghamshire contract for 2017 due to a persistent back injury. Siddle, 32, has not played since the Hobart Test against South Africa in November, during which he suffered a recurrence of the back problem that had kept him out for much of the previous year.Notts have been linked with potentially signing Siddle’s Victoria team-mate and fellow Australia international James Pattinson, with Mick Newell, the club’s director of cricket, hopeful of “quickly securing a replacement”.Siddle, who played for Notts in 2014 and Lancashire the following season, had signed a two-year deal to return to Trent Bridge but was unable to appear in 2016 due to stress fractures in his back. He made a comeback at the start of the 2016-17 season with Victoria and won a Test recall against South Africa before being sidelined once again.”I guess the years of playing cricket, you always have little setbacks with injury and missing cricket at different stages,” Siddle said. “It makes it a little bit easier to take in when you get older. So, I’ve been able to stay pretty level.”I don’t think I’ve played this little cricket in an 18-month window since I was an 11-year-old kid and was just starting out. That’s the most frustrating thing, not playing the game that you love and your profession. But mentally I’m pretty good. I’m in a good place and I’ve got some good people around me who give me good support.”Notts have already signed another Australian, Dan Christian, for the NatWest Blast but the arrival of James Pattinson – whose older brother, Darren, played for the county between 2008 and 2012 – would be a significant coup. Pattinson has taken 70 wickets in 17 Tests but missed out on a call-up to Australia’s tour of India after Mitchell Starc was ruled out by injury, despite taking a five-wicket haul last week to help put Victoria in the Sheffield Shield final.Newell said: “I feel for Peter in particular because he’s had absolutely no luck in recent years when it comes to injuries. We certainly didn’t imagine, when we signed him on a two-year contract for 2016 and 2017, that he wouldn’t play a single game for us during that time. It’s disappointing because his competitive character and proven ability would have been a real asset for us.”We never stop monitoring the situation overseas. We’re always looking at who is available and who has the kind of quality we need, so we’re confident of quickly securing a replacement.”