Their own Wirtz: The "best finisher in the world" now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United’s hunt for new attackers has already been a success so far during the summer window, signing a player who would improve the options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal.

Matheus Cunha has already signed for the Red Devils in a £62.5m deal this window, with the Brazilian becoming the manager’s second first-team addition after Patrick Dorgu’s arrival in January.

He could also be joined by Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, after the winger confirmed his desire to join the club following interest from the hierarchy in recent months.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match

The club have already had their first offer of £55m including add-ons rejected for the 25-year-old, with Thomas Frank’s side demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with him this summer.

However, the pair could also be joined by other talents this window, with numerous other names mentioned over a potential move to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Despite the deal to sign Cunha this summer, Amorim wants added reinforcements in such a department to help his side return to their former glory.

Victor Osimhen, Gonçalo Ramos and Hugo Ekitiké have all been mentioned as potential targets for the centre-forward position, but there’s yet to be any movement with any of the aforementioned players.

Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.

However, they may not be needed in the coming months, with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres once again appearing on their shortlist, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

He stated in recent days that the Swede, who registered 54 goals in his 52 appearances this season, would be open to a move to United this summer – reuniting with Amorim after their stint together in Portugal.

Jacobs also claimed that it would take a fee in the region of £67m to sign the 27-year-old, with Arsenal also still in the race for his signature this summer.

Why United’s £67m target would be their own Wirtz

Florian Wirtz is a player who’s been constantly in the news over recent weeks, with the Bayer Leverkusen star in talks over a move to join rivals Liverpool.

The Reds are prepared to pay a fee in the region of £130m for the German international, who’s registered 30 combined goals and assists this season – with his deal set to break the English record.

Such a deal showcases the ambition shown by the Red Devils’ rivals, looking to build on their success after claiming a record-equalling 20th league title at the end of the season.

However, Amorim’s side could be about to land their own version of the 22-year-old, with FBref ranking Gyokeres as a similar player to Wirtz based off their respective figures this season.

The Swede would also be following in his footsteps by being the club’s marquee addition during the off-season – bolstering their chances of success in 2025/26.

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled “the best finisher in the world” by analyst Spencer Mossman, has massively outscored the German and posted a better shot-on-target rate – showcasing his impressive ability within the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons per 90, with more progressive carries per 90 – thriving with the ball at his feet which would undoubtedly hand Amorim the added quality he desires.

How Gyokeres compares to Wirtz in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Gyokeres

Wirtz

Games played

33

31

Goals & assists

46

22

Shot-on-target accuracy

41%

37%

Take-ons completed

1.9

1.8

Progressive carries

4.9

3.6

Aerials won

30%

20%

Carries into opposition box

2.1

2

Stats via FBref

Gyokeres has also won more aerials, and completed more carries into the opposition box, offering an all-round presence in the final third for the Red Devils.

Whilst £67m may appear to be a huge fee for the striker this summer, it’s a deal they simply must complete if they are to fight at the top end of the table next season.

At 27, he’s coming into the prime years of his career, looking to fire the Red Devils back towards the summit and derail Liverpool’s progress under Arne Slot in the near future.

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More exciting than Tierney: Celtic expected to complete "no-brainer" deal

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will be targeting even more success in the 2025/26 campaign after his side failed to clinch the domestic treble this season.

The Hoops won the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup, beating Rangers on penalties in the final, but they lost to Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup last month.

Celtic also reached the play-off round of the Champions League, in which they were knocked out by German outfit Bayern Munich, and they may want to go further in the European competition next term.

The Scottish giants will be in the market to bolster their squad in order to improve their trophy haul next season, and they have already dipped into the market to make one new signing.

Left-back Kieran Tierney will officially sign for the Hoops on a free transfer at the end of the month, when his contract with Premier League side Arsenal expires.

Six years on from his move to The Emirates from Parkhead, the Scotland international is returning to Glasgow to be Brendan Rodgers’ first-choice left-back.

Why Kieran Tierney is a good signing for Celtic

The Scotland international is set to fill a hole for the Scottish giants because Greg Taylor is out of contract and is yet to put pen to paper on an extension at Paradise.

This means that Tierney will walk in as the immediate first-choice left-back to start week-in-week-out when available for the Hoops in the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

The 28-year-old star could be a terrific addition for the club because, as evidenced in the graphic above, he has already proven that he can deliver in the Premiership, winning five titles during his first spell at Paradise.

Tierney knows what it takes to play for Celtic, having come up through the youth system, and could deliver a big threat as a creator down the left flank, given his 37 assists in 170 matches from a left-back position the first time around.

This suggests that the free transfer could be a very good signing for Celtic, because he is a known quantity who could hit the ground running next season, but there are some concerns over his fitness issues.

Kieran Tierney’s injury history

Season

Injuries

Days missed

Games missed

24/25

1

160

18

23/24

3

103

21

22/23

0

0

0

21/22

2

116

17

20/21

4

87

19

19/20

1

97

19

18/19

5

140

27

17/18

1

23

5

16/17

1

86

16

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Tierney has a less-than-assuring injury history throughout his career, spanning across his time at Celtic, Arsenal, and Real Sociedad.

This means that Rodgers may have to worry about whether or not he will be available week-in-week-out, which may take some of the excitement out of his arrival whilst there are still those concerns.

The Hoops are, however, reportedly on track to complete a deal for a player who would be an even more exciting addition than Tierney this summer.

Celtic expected to sign new forward

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, FC Nordsjaelland forward Benjamin Nygren is “expected” to complete a move to Celtic in the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that Belgian giants Anderlecht expect the player to sign for the Scottish Premiership champions, after they held talks with the winger’s agents.

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Anderlecht understand that the 23-year-old attacker has decided to turn down a move to the Pro League in order to link up with the Hoops this summer.

This news is backed up by Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, who claims that Celtic have agreed terms with the Sweden international, beating off competition from across Europe.

If this move now goes through as expected, Nygren could arrive at Parkhead this summer as an even more exciting signing than Tierney for the club.

Why Benjamin Nygren is more exciting than Kieran Tierney

Positionally, a winger is naturally more exciting than a left-back from a fan perspective, as they are the players who get supporters off their feet by taking defenders on and delivering goals and assists on a regular basis.

At the age of 23, Nygren is also a young player with potential who could grow and develop over the years to come, whilst Tierney is heading into the latter years of his peak at the age of 28. This means that the Swedish star is also more exciting in terms of what he could go on to achieve in a Celtic shirt, and his possible resale value in the future.

The Sweden international, who Danish Scout on X claimed is a “no-brainer” signing for the Hoops, also has the quality on the ball to excite supporters with his play at the top end of the pitch from a right wing position.

24/25 Superliga

Benjamin Nygren

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

10.90

Top 4%

xG on target

16.95

Top 1%

Shots on target

40

Top 1%

Goals

15

Top 1%

xA

5.97

Top 8%

Assists

2

Top 50%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Nygren is a lethal finisher who can outperform the quality of chances that are created for him, as evidenced by his 6.95 xG overperformance based on the quality of his shots on target.

This shows that he would provide an efficient presence in front of goal to find the back of the net on a regular basis for Celtic, which could make him an exciting player for the club as a huge attacking threat.

Nygren’s assist tally of two should be taken into context, too, because he had an xA of 5.97, which suggests that his teammates did not provide enough quality with their finishing.

The winger, who scored 15 goals in 28 Superliga starts, has shown the kind of impact that he can have at the top end of the pitch in domestic football, but also scored an eye-catching five goals in five Conference League matches during the 2023/24 campaign, which shows that he can also deliver on the European stage.

Unlike Tierney, the forward also has a promising injury record. The attacker has only missed 14 matches through injury since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, which means that Celtic can realistically expect count on him to be available most weeks.

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Overall, Nygren would be a more exciting signing than Tierney for Celtic due to his style of play, as a winger, his age profile and potential, his injury history, and his impressive statistics in Denmark.

Aston Villa now in the conversation for shock deal to sign £85m striker

Despite their PSR concerns, Aston Villa have now reportedly emerged as shock contenders to sign one of the best strikers that European football has to offer this summer.

Aston Villa yet to commence summer business

It’s a tough summer ahead for Aston Villa. After missing out on Champions League qualification last season, they can no longer escape their PSR problems and may need to sell at least one key man in the coming months. It’s a problem that forced Newcastle United into quiet transfer windows in recent years and one that the Villans must carefully navigate.

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Those concerns have already sparked a number of exit rumours too, with Emiliano Martinez among those rumours. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper appeared to be emotional on the final home game of last season and is now reportedly one of the players that could be heading for the exit door.

The Argentine’s departure would be a frustrating blow no matter what, but reports are now suggesting that he’s waiting for Manchester United in what would add salt to Aston Villa’s wounds.

Meanwhile, veteran defender Lucas Digne has also been the subject of interest. According to Fabrizio Romano, if Atletico Madrid fail to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool, then they will turn towards the Aston Villa left-back.

Whilst those sales would hand Villa a major boost on the PSR front, they could also pave the way for fresh faces to arrive in the opposite direction. And even as they keep one eye on their profit and sustainability, those at Villa Park may yet cause the biggest shock of the transfer window.

Aston Villa emerge as shock contenders to sign Gyokeres

According to GiveMeSport, Aston Villa are now in the conversation to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer after hiring scout Chris Badlan, who knows the Swede well after initially signing him whilst at Coventry City.

The deal won’t come cheap, however. Arsenal have already reportedly offered as much as £55m and failed to secure a deal, whilst Gyokeres’ release clause stands at a hefty £85m this summer. Whether Aston Villa can afford to splash out such a fee in the coming months will be the big question as they look to upset the odds and secure one of the best strikers in the world.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick

One way or another, Gyokeres seems destined for the exit door at Sporting Club after publicly falling out with the club and refusing a meeting to clear the air. The clinical striker posted on social media: “There is a lot talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”

Dubbed “clinical” by analyst Ben Mattinson in recent years, Gyokeres scored a staggering 54 goals last season. The fact is, whether it’s Villa, Arsenal or another club, the Swede would be a transformative signing.

WI and Afghanistan look to protect unbeaten records in last clash before Super Eight

Pitches in St Lucia have been friendlier to batters than most in this World Cup, with three totals of 180 or more in four innings so far

S Sudarshanan17-Jun-20241:08

Will West Indies batters vs Afghanistan spinners decide the game?

Match detailsWest Indies vs Afghanistan
Gros Islet, 8.30pm localBig picture – Battle of two unbeaten teamsWith a line-up packed with power-hitters from top to bottom, West Indies have always been the prototype of a perfect T20 batting side, and it’s no different at T20 World Cup 2024. Add the incisive fast bowlers and effective spinners and they look like the team to beat.The balance of the Rovman-Powell-led team resembles the ones they had during their title-winning runs in 2012 and 2016. Samuel Badree gave them successful starts with the ball with his legspin then, a role Akeal Hosein has assumed this time with his left-arm orthodox. It may not be a mere coincidence that Daren Sammy, who captained West Indies to the title in those two editions, is at the helm as head coach now.Related

Hazratullah Zazai replaces injured Mujeeb in Afghanistan squad

Time for Johnson Charles to put on a show

With all Super Eight spots decided, West Indies’ clash against Afghanistan has little significance. But try telling that to the players that. “Momentum” and “pride” were the keywords in the pre-match press conference that Powell and Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott addressed.Afghanistan will have tough competition in the Super Eight round, having been clubbed alongside India, Australia and Bangladesh, and will want to carry positive vibes into it. Having enjoyed an unbeaten run thus far, neither team will want to trip up heading into the business end of the competition.Form guideWest Indies WWWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Afghanistan WWWWWIn the spotlight – Rovman Powell and Rashid KhanAmong those in the current squad, only Nicholas Pooran (1914) and Brandon King (1365) have more T20I runs for West Indies than Rovman Powell (1351). Pooran (487) and King (621) also are the top scorers for them in T20Is since January 2023 with Powell (461) at third. But Powell’s strike rate of 163.47 is far superior to that of the other two, which highlights his destructive powers. However, he is yet to fire in this World Cup – 39 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 105.40. A decent hit ahead of the Super Eight will bode well for the co-hosts.Rashid Khan has six wickets in this World Cup, and all of them have come in the middle overs. In his T20I career, he has only nine wickets in eight matches against West Indies. They are one of only four teams against whom Rashid averages in the 20s. But against a line-up dominated by right-hand batters, Rashid should be licking his lips to have a perfect outing.Will Rashid Khan be effective against West Indies’ power-hitters?•ICC via Getty Images

Team newsBarring any last-minute injuries, both teams are likely to be unchanged. It could perhaps be a last chance for Johnson Charles to come good, with Shai Hope waiting in the wings.West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 4 Roston Chase, 5 Rovman Powell (capt), 6 Andre Russell, 7 Sherfane Rutherford, 8 Akeal Hosein, 9 Romario Shepherd, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Gudakesh Motie.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Gulbadin Naib, 4 Azmatullah Omarzai, 5 Mohammad Nabi, 6 Najibullah Zadran, 7 Karim Janat, 8 Rashid Khan (capt), 9 Noor Ahmad, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi.Pitch and conditionsThe pitches so far in Gros Islet have been more conducive for batting than most at this World Cup, with teams scoring 180 or more in three out of four innings. At this venue, teams generally prefer to bowl first after winning the toss. In 14 T20s since the start of 2022, only twice have teams opted to bat first. But the results have been mixed: teams batting first have won six times and teams bowling first have also won six times, while two games were washed out.There’s no threat of rain on Monday but expect it to be a bit windy, as was the case in the last two games here.1:34

Bishop: Hard to name someone with Farooqi’s skillset

Stats that matter Since the start of 2023, West Indies’ run rate of 11.94 in the death overs (17-20) is the highest among all participating teams in this World Cup. Afghanistan have been the most frugal spin-bowling team at this World Cup with an economy rate of 4.88. West Indies are next-best at 5.04. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has a strike rate of 148.48 (49 runs off 33 balls, one dismissal) against left-arm spin at this World Cup. With West Indies having Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie in their line-up, it will be an interesting match-up.Quotes”We start with Akeal Hosein. His strength is predominantly in the powerplay and while he does such good work in the powerplay, right as we come out the powerplay is Gudakesh Motie’s time. So it’s like Akeal Hosein passing the baton to Gudakesh Motie and it’s been very good so far. When we sat down as a selection group and picked the World Cup team, we picked both knowing the role that they would play on these Caribbean wickets.”
“I said to them, ‘When you were a youngster and I said you were going to play against West Indies in St Lucia in a World Cup, you would have bitten someone’s hand off for that opportunity. So don’t let this opportunity pass you by just because there’s nothing on the line with regards to qualification.”

As exciting as Mbeumo: Man Utd make enquiry to sign "generational" £85m ace

Manchester United’s plans this window have become extremely evident under Ruben Amorim, with key additions being targeted in various areas of the pitch.

The Red Devils have already spent big on Matheus Cunha this window, forking out £62.5m to sign the Brazilian from fellow Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, their moves in the transfer market have shown no signs of slowing down, with various names mentioned across the board ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders have all been on their radar, but the attacking department is the one that is in need of investment – as seen by their pursuit of numerous players this window.

The prospect of Cunha being partnered with multiple other elite-level stars, continuously being linked with big-money moves to Old Trafford during the off-season.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Moise Kean is a striker who’s been firmly on the radar, with the Italian having a £44m release clause that becomes active from the 1st of July – a potential bargain given his record of 19 Serie A goals this season.

Antoine Semenyo is another option within the final third, potentially leading to a battle with Tottenham Hotspur, with the Lilywhites also firmly in the race to land the Ghanaian amid his £65m asking price.

AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, as West Ham United star
Mohammed Kudus has emerged as a potential target, according to the BBC’s Sami Mokbel.

He claims that the Red Devils have already made an enquiry to the Hammers over a deal for the winger, who currently has a £85m release clause in his contract.

Mokbel also states that Graham Potter’s side are likely to accept a figure below his clause, but could face keen competition from Arsenal, who have a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old.

Why United’s £85m would be a just as exciting addition as Mbeumo

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has been a player who has constantly been linked with a move to join United this summer, as Amorim looks to bolster his attacking department at the Theatre of Dreams.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

However, a deal could finally be edging towards a conclusion, after the hierarchy made a second offer in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old’s signature.

He’s already agreed personal terms over a switch to join the Red Devils, but the minor details need to be ironed out before the Cameroonian international can complete his move this summer.

Whilst it may appear to be an expensive deal at around £60m, Mbeumo would provide the added threat the club have been hunting for, after he netted 20 league goals this season – the most from any player whose side didn’t qualify for Europe.

However, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils will pursue a move for Kudus if the Brentford talisman moved to the Theatre of Dreams, but any deal for the Hammers star would also be a superb addition.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Ghanaian has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially handing Amorim another sensational option in the final third.

Kudus, who’s been labelled a “generational” talent by journalist Gary Al-Smith, has posted the same tally of goals per shot on target this season, having the ability to cause havoc in front of goal alongside him at Old Trafford.

How Kudus compares to Mbeumo in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Kudus

Mbeumo

Games played

32

38

Goals & assists

8

27

Shots taken

2.6

2.1

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Pass accuracy

84%

66%

Passes into final third

1.8

1.6

Take-ons completed

3.2

1.3

Take-on success

48%

46%

Stats via FBref

He’s managed to complete more of his passes this campaign, whilst making more passes into the final third per 90, having the creative output that could see him shine alongside Mbeumo.

The Hammers star has also thrived in the take-on department, completing more per 90 and achieving a higher success rate – highlighting his desire to take the ball forward at any given moment.

After the arrival of Cunha and pending the move for the Bees’ talent, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils will actively make a move for another attacking talent this window.

However, that being said, Kudus has all the attributes to add the needed quality and depth to such a department, helping bring that fear factor back to the club that has been desperately lacking in recent seasons.

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Jofra Archer: 'I had a bit of a cry' on return to action in Barbados

England quick savours the emotions of his successful return after fearing he was a ‘burden’

Melinda Farrell06-Jun-2024

Jofra Archer savours the prospect of another World Cup match in Barbados•Getty Images

Jofra Archer had tears in his eyes as he surveyed the scene at Kensington Oval, about to represent England but, for the first time, in his motherland. When his name was announced at the start of the second over, his first in the match against Scotland, the cheering could hardly have been louder or warmer than if he had been wearing maroon.The loudest applause came from a large group of children in yellow uniforms, students of Archer’s , Christ Church Foundation. They had been given the day off lessons, along with students from Chris Jordan’s former school, to join friends and family and fans alike in welcoming the not-so-old boys home.”Yeah, it was a little bit emotional,” Archer said, speaking at Windward Cricket Club, just a stone’s throw from his Barbados home. “I had a little bit of water in my eye, a bit of a cry but I was just settling.”The prime minister invited us up to the box when [the match] got cancelled, but she said she pretty much cancelled school, and CJ’s old school, so the kids could come and watch us. It was really, really emotional. As I said earlier, I had a little bit of water in my eye and it wasn’t the rain. It was really, really nice. I saw a clip of one of the reporters as well – she went to primary school with me – and she was going around to people in the ground, by the statue, and that was touching. I felt really supported. I felt unbelievable.”Archer had avoided talking to the media ahead the game, preferring to concentrate on getting his return to Barbados under his belt.”Once you get the first ball out of the way, any nerves are gone,” he said. “You tend to forget everything else and just focus. I feel that’s the best way. There’s so much surrounding the cricket before you bowl a ball. So much goes into playing a game.”Certainly, a lot has gone into getting Archer ready for this tournament, so great is his value to the England side. Since he flew home from last year’s IPL and underwent surgery on his right elbow, his return has been carefully managed with England’s T20 World Cup defence in mind, the caution sharpened by his history of back and elbow injuries.Jofra Archer in action during the Scotland match•Getty Images

“It was just a little bit of luck because, you know, if we’d gone a little bit… it could have gone wrong,” he said. “Maybe I could peak too early and could have missed this. Or I didn’t get up to speed fast enough and I miss it again. So I just feel very lucky that everything had checked along with this block. Hopefully I can peak for all of it.”Archer raised eyebrows during England’s tour of the Caribbean last year when he was spotted playing a local league match for his old school during the Barbados leg of the series, apparently without the knowledge of the ECB. However, he said he had been careful to monitor his own levels to ensure a gradual return to action.”I’ve been playing cricket since November. I’ve been fit since November,” he said. “I’ve just been trying not to do too much or too little. Just trying to be okay for this period, for this summer. Just really glad that everything seems to be going all right. Not just this tour but to finish the summer and continue playing a part. Obviously it’s been a while. I don’t know how much rehab I have in me.”He signed a two-year contract with the ECB in October – he was offered three years but turned it down – and was anxious to return to the fold and repay the faith shown by England Men’s Managing Director, Rob Key.”I found it a little bit worrying, not really frustrating, because I was able to spend most of my rehab here,” he said. “I only live 150 metres from this ground right now, so being able to do your rehab, just get away from the noise back in the UK, was really good. I made a joke with Keysy as well earlier. I said ‘I’m really glad I’m back playing because I reckon I would have lost my contract in October’. And he laughed and said, ‘no you’re all right’.”Sometimes you feel like a burden not playing, and sometimes I’ve seen a few comments as well, people saying he’s on the longest paid holiday I’ve ever seen. You try to not let it get to you, but you can ignore 100 of them but sometimes that 101 is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I’ve changed a lot of my social media stuff just so you don’t see a lot, but there’s a little that always filters through. But you’ve just got to keep going.”Jofra Archer speaks to the media ahead of England’s match with Australia•Getty Images

In March, Archer played his first competitive cricket since his elbow injury in Barbados. He felt he was fully fit from the first of five club matches. But it wasn’t until he bowled against Pakistan at the Oval in the fifth T20I that he knew his body was up to the rigours of international cricket.”It’s alright to train and it’s alright to play in games here, but to get that last 10% intensity and [feel] actually, the body is okay. You know when you are able to step it up and the body takes it, then that’s really, really refreshing.”Archer will not play Test cricket this summer. But his (hopefully) eventual return to Test cricket is being managed just as carefully as his rehab leading up to this tournament.”I’ve got a PDF file of every single game I’m supposed to play in from now till next summer anyway,” he said. “Yeah, they’ve really planned out almost everything. Probably the only thing they haven’t planned out is the showers I take. It’s been really, really good. Even when I wasn’t playing, they made me feel really involved as well. They sent me targets that I’d keep trying to tick off and it’s really nice that they’re actually falling into place, honestly.”Related

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England have one more match at Kensington Oval before moving to Antigua for the rest of their group matches, the highly anticipated clash with Australia that, after the washout against Scotland, may be crucial to their T20 World Cup hopes. The majority of fans will again be cheering, not just for England, but for one of their own. But there are a few extra guests Archer would like to sneak into Kensington Oval; his beloved dogs. Whether he can get them past security is another matter.”I can definitely try. I can put one of those service jackets on him and probably get caned, something like that.”The animal lover has added a couple of parrots to his menagerie, named Jessie and James. Not after the American outlaw, but for two characters in the Pokemon video game. They play for Team Rocket.England would dearly love to see Archer fire a few rockets of his own when they face Australia on Saturday.

عمر مرموش يضاعف قلق مانشستر سيتي قبل ديربي مانشستر يونايتد

أثار عمر مرموش، نجم نادي مانشستر سيتي، قلق فريقه وذلك عقب الإصابة التي تعرض لها أمس الثلاثاء خلال مواجهة منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو، ضمن تصفيات قارة إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026 في كندا والمكسيك والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

عمر مرموش تم الدفع به بشكل أساسي من قبل مدرب منتخب مصر، حسام حسن، حيث لعب ابن الـ26 عامًا كمهاجم صريح ومن خلفه محمد صلاح ومحمود حسن تريزيجيه.

لكن عمر مرموش أصيب مبكرًا وخرج في شوط اللقاء الأول، وحل بدلًا منه مهاجم البنك الأهلي، أسامة فيصل.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ردود أفعال جماهير مانشستر سيتي على إصابة عمر مرموش أمام بوركينا فاسو: ما يحدث جنون

ووصل عمر مرموش بنجاح صباح اليوم الأربعاء إلى القاهرة، وذلك بجانب بقية زملائه في منتخب مصر عقب عودة البعثة من بوركينا فاسو، حيث انتهت المباراة بالتعادل السلبي.

وأثار عمر مرموش قلق جماهير مانشستر سيتي، حيث ظهر نجم أينتراخت فرانكفورت السابق وهو يسير بعكاز على قدمه.

وذكرت صحيفة “مانشستر إيفننج نيوز”، أن عمر مرموش سوف يخضع إلى فحوصات طبية وآشعة على قدمه، وتقييم طبي من قبل الجهاز الفني لنادي مانشستر سيتي فور عودته إلى إنجلترا.

ويعتبر موقف عمر مرموش من المشاركة خلال لقاء ديربي مانشستر الأسبوع المقبل بين مانشستر سيتي ومانشستر يونايتد صعبًا للغاية.

Frank wants £40m Aston Villa star with Tottenham prepared to make key offer

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is a real fan of one Aston Villa star, and the Lilywhites are reportedly prepared to offer him something key which could well tempt him to north London.

Real Madrid "now expected" to make concrete move for £165k-a-week Tottenham star

Xabi Alonso’s side are big fans of the player.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025

Spurs are poised to make J League sensation Kota Takai their second summer signing after a permanent deal for Mathys Tel, with the 20-year-old expected to undergo his medical at the club next week (Luca Bendoni, Sky Italia).

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The centre-back was identified by technical director Johan Lange, and there is hope within Tottenham that Takai could eventually replicate the journeys of Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr as promising young players who are now crucial to the first team (Alasdair Gold).

Tottenham will pay a record fee for a Japanese player from the J League, around £5 million, but supporters will be hopeful that they could sign a few more senior players as well.

Frank’s side will be competing in the Champions League next season, and they’re in dire need of proven reinforcements to bolster their Premier League squad ahead of another congested fixture calendar.

Tottenham are known to be in talks for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, as reported by trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media outlets, with the Ghanaian also apparently keen on a switch to N17.

However, Kudus is not the only Premier League ace garnering their attention.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank wants Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey

Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs scout and Daniel Levy employee, Mick Brown, has shared information on their interest in £40 million Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

Spurs have been linked with a move for the Englishman in the last few days, but Brown says Frank is a personal admirer of Ramsey, and Tottenham are prepared to offer him more top-flight minutes, which could turn his head.

“Jacob Ramsey has to make a decision,” said Brown.

“In his own mind, he’ll weigh up whether he thinks he’s going to be a regular in the Villa team. If that’s not the case, he has to ask the same question about whether he would be at Tottenham.

“From what I hear, Spurs would be prepared to offer him more minutes from the start of games than he is currently getting at Villa. If that is the case, I’m sure he would be happy to make that move.

Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey

“He’s had doubts about whether he’s going to be a regular starting XI player at Villa, or if he’s going to be better served moving somewhere else. So a move to Tottenham would be a fresh start and a new environment for him. There have been a few questions about what his future at Villa might look like, because the manager isn’t certain he’s going to be a big part of the plans.

“That opens the door for Spurs, because Thomas Frank rates him, and he’s one they’ve been interested in for a while.”

The versatile 24-year-old has made 167 senior appearances for Villa already, and possesses that unique blend of both youth and experience. Taking this into account, Ramsey could be an excellent option to reinforce Frank’s midfield whilst providing first-teamers with more competition for places.

Strength in depth will be vital for Frank next season, so this is a move which could tick a few boxes.

Dom Sibley century breaks Surrey's losing streak

Surrey end run of five straight defeats to dent Leicestershire’s knock-out hopes

ECB Reporters Network06-Aug-2024

Dom Sibley scored his second hundred in three innings•Alex Davidson/Getty Images

In-form Dom Sibley’s second hundred in three matches spurred Surrey to end a run of five straight defeats with their first Metro Bank One-Day Cup victory of the season, dealing a blow to Leicestershire’s hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages.Sibley followed his 149 against Warwickshire and 72 versus Nottinghamshire with 105, sharing stands of 138 for the first wicket with Ryan Patel (72) and 111 for the second with Ben Geddes (61) as Surrey totalled 296 for 6. It proved enough despite losing five wickets in the last eight overs.The Foxes were given a chance as opener Sol Budinger maintained his place as the competition’s leading run scorer by hitting 70 from 68 balls and Tom Scriven’s career-best 55 raised hopes of a gripping finish for a crowd of almost 1,400 but ultimately proved in vain, leg-spinner Cameron Steel taking 3 for 48 for the victors.All-rounders Ian Holland, with 2 for 50, and Scriven, with 2 for 51, were the pick of the Foxes bowlers, with 19-year-old seamer Sam Wood taking 1 for 34 on his List A debut.If the Foxes finished well with the ball, the start provided by Sibley and Patel with the bat was comfortably Surrey’s best of the season.Asked to bat first on an overcast morning, Surrey were 51 without loss from 10 overs and were 125 for nothing by halfway, Sibley having gone to fifty from 59 balls with Patel reaching his from 72.Patel suffered an unlucky dismissal. Shaping to hook the tall Wood, he seemed to be hit on the shoulder before the ball deflected off his helmet on to the stumps.Geddes maintained Surrey’s positive start. Dropped by Chris Wright at fine leg on 35 off Liam Trevaskis, he cashed in to the tune of 26 more runs before falling to a catch at deep midwicket off Roman Walker.Sibley had gone to his hundred from 115 balls in the 42nd over with his 11th four but soon miscued to long-off, giving Scriven wickets in consecutive overs after Rory Burns was bowled sweeping.Holland then had Josh Blake caught at backward point and 19-year-old Surrey debutant Ollie Sykes at long-on, a fifth wicket to fall in seven overs with Surrey slipping from 249 for 1 to 286 to 6.The Foxes’ chase suffered a double stumble to leave them 49 for 2 from 10 after Holland picked out deep backward square off James Taylor and Lewis Hill was caught behind off Conor McKerr.Ajinkya Rahane had an escape when he was spilled at cover on four off McKerr, which was beginning to look like an expensive drop by Steel as he and Budinger began to accelerate, the latter passing fifty for the fourth time in five innings, the run including 120 against Essex at Chelmsford. But Rahane could make only 27 before he was caught at midwicket off Patel, the ball perhaps sticking in the pitch a little.Budinger and Peter Handscomb shared a match-winning 113-run partnership against Essex on this ground last year but could add only 48 this time before Budinger holed out to deep midwicket.It felt like a significant moment at 142 for 4 in the 26th, one that was amplified two overs later as Handscomb hit straight to cover, both batters falling to Steel.Trevaskis was bowled by left-arm spinner Yousef Majid and Cox fell leg-before to McKerr. Scriven’s 45-run eighth-wicket stand with Wood, stumped off Steel for 22, kept the contest alive, Scriven hitting two sixes, but 20 off Taylor in the last over was always unlikely and the match ended with Scriven falling to a stunning catch by Patel at backward point as Leicestershire were all out for 279.With three wins from five, qualification for the knock-out stages is still possible, although Group B leaders Warwickshire and Glamorgan both have five wins from five.Both sides wore black armbands and a minute’s silence was observed at the start of the match as the cricket world mourns the loss of great England and Surrey servant Graham Thorpe.

PSG "prepared" to smash transfer record with £217m bid for Chelsea star

Ligue 1 and European champions PSG have reportedly set their sights on a key Chelsea star, right after Luis Enrique’s side were dominated by him in the Club World Cup final.

Chelsea in talks to sign £40m "superstar" who'd brilliantly replace Madueke

With Noni Madueke on his way to Arsenal for £52m, Chelsea remain “in contact” to sign one of the Premier League’s “brightest young talents” for £40m.

1 ByBen Gray Jul 15, 2025

Enzo Maresca led the Blues to a triumphant 3-0 win over PSG at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – a result very few on-lookers expected given PSG’s imperiousness in the build up to Sunday’s game.

The French heavyweights won five out of six matches en route to the final, including convincing performances against Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, with the elite European trio all failing to score against them.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

However, while Enrique managed to shut their previous CWC rivals out, he had no answer for Chelsea’s tactical masterclass.

In what was a real statement performance all-round, Chelsea transitioned from defence to attack in devastatingly effective fashion, with Cole Palmer’s brace and a strike from summer signing Joao Pedro putting the result beyond all doubt before half-time.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer

Chelsea hoisted the Club World Cup trophy aloft with US president Donald Trump on stage, finally putting an end to their long 2024/2025 campaign, and BlueCo also received a seismic £87.5 million financial windfall via the tournament’s prize money pool.

Attention now turns to 2025/2026 with pre-season for most clubs already starting, with Chelsea having almost no time for any rest ahead of what will be yet another crucial season for Maresca.

Stamford Bridge chiefs are also working to trim their bloated overall squad, which will have a profound effect on any plans to bring in more new recruits (Simon Philips), which they could still do.

General view inside Stamford Bridge before the match

Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Christopher Nkunku, Armando Broja, Axel Disasi, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are among the players up for sale at Chelsea right now, and striker Nicolas Jackson could yet follow Noni Madueke out of the exit door.

This comes after Djordje Petrovic sealed a £25 million move to Bournemouth and Mathis Amougou joined Strasbourg in a permanent deal last week, just months after he signed for Chelsea from Saint-Étienne.

PSG prepared to pay £217 million for Chelsea star Cole Palmer

Now, a very bold claim has surfaced from the European media.

According to reports in Spain, PSG are “prepared” to pay £217 million for Chelsea forward Palmer, coming after the England international’s two goals against them secured Chelsea a memorable Club World Cup final win at Enrique’s expense.

Palmer is one of Maresca’s most crucial star men, and has been since his move from Man City in 2023. This definitely isn’t lost on PSG, according to this report, and their alleged potential bid would smash the world-record £200 million fee they paid for Neymar in 2017.

PSG’s sporting directors have apparently “outlined an ambitious plan” to sign Palmer, but they’re set to fall short.

Indeed, unlike many of the surplus players on their books right now, it is believed that £217m might not even be enough to get Palmer, as Chelsea are not considering his departure “under any circumstances”.

The doors are “firmly closed” when it comes to any negotiations, and the 23-year-old is happy at Chelsea as he gears up to spearhead a 25/26 trophy charge.

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