Lewis’ dream move to Pool is left in ruins
NORTHERN Ireland’s Jonathan Rea is back on course for a record sixth successive World Superbike title after a hat-trick of Portugal wins.
Templepatrick rider Rea claimed all three wins in the weekend’s action at Portimao on the Algarve to turn a 24 point deficit starting out into a four point lead in the series.
Rea followed up a Saturday win with two more yesterday and raved afterwards: “I can’t believe it. The fastest laps, pole positions and three race wins. It’s an incredible feeling. The Kawasaki team gave me a great bike to do the job.”
Countryman Eugene Laverty followed his Saturday 10th place with a 12th place finish yesterday despite two crashes that left him thankfully unhurt.
Carrickfergus brothers Andrew and Glenn Irwin dominated the British Superbikes opening round at Donington, with Andrew taking two wins and Glenn claiming a second place on their Honda Racing Team all-new Fireblade machines.
FULL REPORTS: PAGE 34
NORTHERN Ireland defender Jamal Lewis has been denied a dream move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
The Merseyside giants and Norwich have failed to reach an agreement for Lewis, with Jurgen Klopp’s side close to signing Konstantinos Tsimikas as cover at left-back.
The Greek international can be secured for £11.75m from Olympiacos, which represents better value as an option to deputise for Andy Robertson.
Norwich rebuffed Liverpool’s opening offer of £10m for Lewis, demanding at least double that fee to part with a player that won’t be short of options in the window.
The 22-year-old, who has 12 senior caps, had wanted to line up under Klopp and relished the challenge of becoming Robertson’s competition rather than just a back-up in the position.
The German was enthused to work with a player he believed had a high ceiling and the right attitude to develop, but Liverpool and Norwich were too far apart in negotiations.
The Reds had a shortlist of four candidates to strengthen that area of the squad, which featured Tsimikas.
The 24-year-old is due to fly into Merseyside for a medical early next week.