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Arsenal and Chelsea managers Renee Slegers and Sonia Bompastor called for the introduction of VAR in women's football after a nail-biting Women's Super League clash between the two London rivals on Saturday. The reigning champions took the lead through Alyssa Thompson's first half strike, while the Gunners staged a comeback in the second half as Alessia Russo scored a late equaliser.

London rivals play out exciting draw

Arsenal kept their fading title hopes alive as they came back from behind to hold reigning champions Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. The Blues dominated proceedings in the first half and took the lead through summer signing Thompson, who scored her maiden WSL goal. In the second half, the Gunners bounced back in style, putting the ball into the back of the net three times, but only one of those goals stood.

Gunners boss Slegers and Chelsea's Bompastor were furious with some of the refereeing calls as both head coaches called for the introduction of VAR in the WSL. With the result at Emirates Stadium, the Blues have now equalled the longest unbeaten streak in WSL history, having gone 33 league matches without a loss. In the current season, they have won six out of their first eight games and are at the top of the WSL table, two points clear of Manchester City.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlegers and Bompastor slam refereeing decisions

Speaking to reporters after the match, Arsenal boss Slegers said: "At the moment, if you ask me I think in a game like this, we need just decisions. We need justice. That’s where I think VAR and technology can come in. There’s more and more at stake in the WSL, at the top but also in the relegation battle and everything in between. There’s more and more at stake. I think we have to look at how we grow the game in all aspects."

Bompastor, omeanwhile, said: "I think bringing the technology into the women’s game would be probably the best call we can make. This fixture is probably one of the most beautiful games in the world. Everyone wants to be involved in this game for many reasons. Two good teams. The atmosphere at the Emirates was great. So it’s really, really good publicity for the WSL. We should balance that with the refereeing."

Were the decisions wrong?

Arsenal's Stina Blackstenius saw her goal cancelled in the 53rd minute when she converted a brilliant long-range shot. The Gunners stars were ecstatic as they started celebrating the equaliser, only to realise later that referee Melissa Burgin had given a free-kick against Blackstenius for handling the ball earlier. 

Replays later showed that Blackstenius might not have handled the ball and rather moved her arm backwards while controlling with her midriff. Slegers was understandably furious as she added: "I had no idea [the goal had been disallowed]. The goal is scored, no one is calling for it, I turn around, the players are celebrating, the stadium goes crazy, it’s a fantastic moment, we celebrate shortly then connect with the tech staff on what do we do from here, what’s the plan going forward. Then all of a sudden I turn around and see somebody saying the goal is disallowed so I was very surprised."

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Getty Images SportWSL giants gear up for European action

After the high-intensity contest in north London, the two WSL giants will now prepare to face their European opponents in the Women's Champions League in midweek. The Blues face St Polten on Tuesday, while the Gunners take on Bayern Munich a day later. Next Sunday, in WSL, Chelsea are will take on Liverpool away from home and the Gunners will lock horns against arch-rivals Tottenham in the north London derby.

Tottenham striker Richarlison could leave the club in 2026, and it is believed that Thomas Frank has already been offered a replacement for the Brazilian.

Richarlison targeted by Orlando City with talks held

The 28-year-old started this season in electric fashion, scoring an early goal of the season contender with a bicycle kick against Burnley on the opening day, but doubts have surrounded Richarlison’s ability to lead the line on a consistent basis.

Signed for £60 million from Everton, the striker’s flashes of brilliance have been undercut by stretches of inconsistent form and bad luck with injuries.

Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far	Stats
Matches	11
Wins	6
Draws	3
Losses	2
Points	18
Points per game	1.91

Frank dropped Richarlison in favour of Mathys Tel against Leeds, with the Frenchman responding by scoring their opening goal of the game and helping Tottenham to a gritty 2-1 win at Elland Road.

With his contract expiring in 2027, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and the new-look Spurs board must make a decision on the striker’s long-term future soon.

Crystal Palace have been named as a potential destination for Richarlison, as have MLS side Orlando City, who’ve moved with the most serious intent so far.

Oscar Pareja’s side held a meeting with the forward’s representatives in London ahead of a potential 2026 move, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, with an exit for Richarlison next summer viewed as possible, even if he’s a “key player” for Frank at this moment in time.

Dominic Solanke’s injury woes, with the striker still out of action after minor ankle surgery, also highlights the potential need for Spurs to consider new striker options heading into next year.

Frank is said to have personally contacted Ivan Toney about the possibility of joining Tottenham on loan in January, according to some reports, and now Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović has emerged as an option too.

Tottenham offered Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović by agents

According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, Vlahovic’s camp are reaching out to potential suitors, and they’ve held talks with Spurs.

The Serbia international’s contract expires in 2026, meaning he could be available either for free next summer or for a small fee in January. He’s started the campaign in fine form — scoring four goals in eight appearances so far — including a brace against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

That being said, he’d almost certainly have to take a dramatic pay cut on his rumoured £370,000-per-week wages if a move to N17 is to become possible.

As Tottenham are offered the chance to sign Vlahovic, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also weighing up free transfer offers next summer, Frank’s side could potentially sneak ahead of the European heavyweights by agreeing a low-cost winter deal.

Money won’t be an obstacle, especially since the Lewis family have just pumped £100 million into Spurs via ENIC.

What’s more, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has already called Vlahovic “one of the best of his generation”.

Liverpool have opened the 2024/25 season in perfect fashion, sitting top of the Premier League with four wins from four.

Under Arne Slot, they’ve quickly shown resilience and attacking flair, but the journey has not been without its flaws.

Three times already this season – against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atlético Madrid – the Reds have let two-goal leads slip, only to be rescued by late winners. The most special of all perhaps being Rio Ngumoha’s strike at St James’ Park.

That ability to find decisive moments in the dying stages has become a hallmark.

The 93rd-minute strike against Atlético was Liverpool’s fourth goal scored in stoppage time across all competitions this season, underlining the winning mentality that carried them to their second Premier League crown last season.

While Dominik Szoboszlai has been central to the team’s fluid play, it is a different player who increasingly embodies the leadership once associated with the great Steven Gerrard.

Szoboszlai: A creative hub and tactical fix

Szoboszlai’s start to the season didn’t go smoothly.

Slot publicly criticised him for his role in Bournemouth’s opening goal during the 4-2 win at Anfield on the opening weekend.

Since then, however, the 24-year-old has responded with consistent excellence and versatility.

Last season, the Hungarian produced 12 goal involvements this campaign, a reminder of his value in the final third. His numbers reflect a midfielder who drives play forward relentlessly:

Szoboszlai – Season 2024/25
Progressive Carries per 90	2.60
Progressive Passes per 90	4.73
Shot-Creating Actions per 90	4.30
Pass Completion Rate	84.3%
Progressive Passing Distance per 90	131.4m
Source: FBRef

These metrics paint a picture of a player who not only initiates attacking moves but sustains them with precision passing and clever movement.

His decisive 30-yard free-kick against Arsenal was the standout moment of Liverpool’s season so far, sealing a 1-0 win that kept their perfect record intact.

What makes Szoboszlai even more valuable is his tactical adaptability.

Against Newcastle, with Liverpool stretched at St James’ Park, he filled in at right-back and barely put a foot wrong all evening. He did the same when Arsenal came to town a few weeks ago.

This flexibility makes him a manager’s dream – a midfielder capable of influencing games both with creativity and discipline.

It’s tempting to compare Szoboszlai to Gerrard, as many pundits have, but this season he is functioning as Liverpool’s alternative to Florian Wirtz.

While Wirtz has struggled to adapt since his high-profile Premier League arrival, Szoboszlai has thrived in high-pressure situations, reinforcing why Liverpool chose him as a centrepiece in midfield.

That said, the Hungary international isn’t quite as iconic as Gerrard just yet.

Liverpool's new Gerrard

If Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s creator, Virgil van Dijk is their leader.

At 34, the Dutchman remains a colossal presence at the back, but this season he has added moments of attacking inspiration too.

His stoppage-time winner against Atlético epitomised a player taking responsibility in decisive moments.

Football analyst Josh Williams has described Van Dijk as “outrageous” this season, adding that he “takes responsibility like Gerrard used to.”

It is rare for a centre-back to be compared with Liverpool’s most iconic midfielder, but the parallels are clear.

Just as Gerrard dragged teams through games with moments of inspiration, Van Dijk is now doing the same from defence.

Statistically, his influence remains elite and he showcased that against Atletico.

To illuminate his qualities, Van Dijk ranks in the 86th percentile among his fellow central defenders for pass completion (91.5%) over the last year, ensuring that Liverpool can build calmly from the back.

He is also in the 90th percentile for progressive passes (5.24 per 90), showing how often he breaks lines with distribution from deep.

Defensively, he dominates in the air, winning 3.02 aerial duels per 90, placing him again in the 86th percentile among centre-backs.

Statistical comparisons with Ronald Araújo and Gabriel Magalhães highlight his profile: a defender who combines physical dominance with elite ball progression.

But Van Dijk’s role extends beyond numbers. As club captain, with a contract running until 2027, he is the figure setting standards in this rejuvenating side.

Liverpool’s start has not been flawless. Throwing away leads three times already is a warning sign for a team with ambitions of another title.

Yet those setbacks have been countered by players willing to step up in decisive phases.

Szoboszlai has driven the creative rhythm with his passing and chance creation, while Van Dijk has shown the authority and timing to decide contests late on.

Together, they have shaped Liverpool’s early-season identity: a side capable of brilliance, but reliant on its big leaders to seize the big moments.

Not Salah or Van Dijk: Liverpool star is now "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool left it late once more to collect a Champions League victory at Anfield over Atletico Madrid.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 18, 2025

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has broken ranks with his fellow club legends by naming Eddie Howe as the man he wants to see replace under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing for the Portuguese coach, speculation over Amorim’s future continues to swirl — and Scholes is convinced that Howe is “definitely” the right fit.

Scholes wants Howe to replace stuggling Amorim

Scholes has made his opinion clear on who should succeed Amorim if the Portuguese manager fails to turn things around. Speaking on The Overlap, the Manchester United legend said: “Eddie Howe, Eddie Howe. I’m not sure about his mate [assistant manager Jason Tindall], but definitely him.” His statement, though lighthearted, underscored a serious belief in Howe’s capabilities as a tactician and man-manager.

Scholes praised Howe’s ability to transform struggling teams, pointing to his success at Newcastle United, where he led the Magpies from the brink of relegation to consecutive Champions League qualifications. His comments stand in contrast to those of Roy Keane and Gary Neville, who have instead championed Diego Simeone as the ideal candidate to bring toughness and authority to Old Trafford. Scholes, however, favors a more progressive, hands-on approach akin to Howe’s methods at Newcastle and Bournemouth. Although he joked about not wanting Tindall on the United touchline, his admiration for Howe’s managerial credentials was evident.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAmorim has flopped since Old Trafford arrival

Amorim’s position at Manchester United has come under scrutiny after a disappointing start to the campaign, despite easing the pressure slightly with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland. Questions persist over his tactical setup, particularly his 3-4-3 formation, which critics argue fails to maximize the influence of key players like Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko. Even with minority owner Ratcliffe’s backing, Amorim’s record — just 19 wins in 50 matches — has done little to calm speculation about his long-term future.

United’s struggles date back to last season’s poor finish, when Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag and failed to lift the team out of mid-table mediocrity. The Portuguese coach has yet to register back-to-back league victories since taking over in November 2024, a statistic that has drawn widespread concern among fans and pundits. Though the hierarchy insists on patience and a long-term approach, the club’s inability to sustain momentum has kept the debate alive over whether Amorim is truly the right man to lead the rebuild.

Adding to the uncertainty, Amorim himself has admitted that his position depends on results, acknowledging that “nobody here is naive” about the expectations at Old Trafford. While he insists he will not resign, the mounting pressure is clear, particularly with the fanbase growing restless over performances that lack consistency and clarity. As United prepare for a testing run of fixtures, whispers about possible replacements continue to dominate headlines, with several high-profile names already being mentioned.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle success story

Howe’s rise at Newcastle has been remarkable, turning a relegation-threatened team into one capable of competing among Europe’s elite. Under his guidance, the Magpies secured their first top-four finish in two decades and re-established themselves as a force in English football. 

Scholes' comments also come amid persistent reports linking other candidates to the United job, including former Barcelona boss Xavi, Atletico’s Diego Simeone, and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner. Yet Scholes’ endorsement of an English manager reflects his belief that United need someone who understands the Premier League and can nurture homegrown talent. For Scholes, Howe represents a modern, methodical coach who builds from the ground up rather than relying on short-term fixes.

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Getty Amorim needs an immediate turnaround

For now, Amorim remains in charge and will look to use the international break to regroup ahead of a crucial trip to Liverpool. The clash at Anfield, against an out-of-form Arne Slot side, could prove decisive in shaping perceptions about Amorim’s progress. A positive result would buy him more time, but defeat could once again spark calls for change among fans and pundits alike.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to preach patience, reiterating that Amorim is in the early stages of a three-year project designed to restore United’s identity. For Amorim, the challenge is clear: build on the recent Sunderland win, deliver results against tougher opposition, and prove he is the man to lead United’s rebuild — before his critics convince the board otherwise.

Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh – 147 off 66 ballsThe rest of Lucknow Super Giants – 55 off 55 ballsIt was an innings of two halves in Delhi Capitals’ opening game against LSG in Visakhapatnam. When Marsh and Pooran were going the way they were, LSG looked set for more than 250. Then came an implosion and LSG found themselves well short.That’s saying something because, despite the late quick wickets, LSG finished on 209 for 8. Yet, DC will feel relatively happy going into the break.Marsh, who is playing IPL 2025 as a batter, piled on the runs in the powerplay – 43 off just 19 balls, the most he has ever scored in the phase in the IPL. His countryman, Mitchell Starc, was at the receiving end.Starc started with four dot balls and a single to Aiden Markram in the first over. Then he bowled a length ball on leg stump, and Marsh walloped him over deep square leg for a huge six first ball. Starc’s next over was when Marsh took full toll. The first ball was tonked for a six over long-off by Markram. Then Marsh went 4, 6, 4 against Starc, an over which went for 21.Vipraj Nigam, on IPL debut, was pulled for four by Marsh, but he soon had his revenge as he sent back Markram for 15. That brought Marsh and Pooran together and they pummelled the DC bowlers. Pooran was dropped on 17 by Sameer Rizvi, and once he got that reprieve, there was no stopping him. He carted three sixes in a Nigam over and then hammered four back-to-back sixes and a four off Stubbs, an over which went for 28. Marsh brought up his fifty off 21 balls, Pooran took 24 and the duo added 87 off 42 balls.Marsh fell for 72 off 36 balls, while Pooran was cleaned up for 75 off 30 by a swinging Starc fall. But the wickets brought DC back into play. Rishabh Pant fell for a six-ball duck on LSG debut, while none of the other LSG batters did much.The last seven overs cost DC only 49 runs with LSG losing six wickets, and that included two David Miller sixes off the final two balls.

A Spanish publication reported last week that Real Madrid want to sign Ryan Gravenberch, which would make sense, in fairness. Toni Kroos is still sorely missed at the Santiago Bernabeu after retiring after Euro 2024, as doubts persist over the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga to fill the void left behind by the genius German.

During the same story about Madrid's interest in Gravenberch, though, it was claimed that the Liverpool midfielder was 'valued at €65 million' – to which the obvious response is, by whom?! Nobody who had watched Gravenberch in action in the Merseyside derby at Anfield the day before would have put such a paltry price tag on the best player in the best team in England.

In his new role as a No.6, the Dutchman was absolutely integral to Liverpool running away with last season's Premier League – but having been given "a bit more freedom" to attack this term by Arne Slot, he's now showing why Rafael van der Vaart once described Gravenberch as "better than Jude Bellingham in every way"…

GettyTwo sliding-doors moments at Anfield

It's funny to think about it now but had Liverpool bought Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund for a nine-figure fee in the summer of 2023 – as was their dream – they wouldn't have signed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo Gravenberch, the £34m deadline-day signing from Bayern Munich that felt like an after-thought, a last-minute attempt to address Jurgen Klopp's shortage of options in midfield.

What's more, had Liverpool managed to complete a deal for Martin Zubimendi last summer, it's highly unlikely that we'd have seen so much of Gravenberch in the defensive midfield position that he's made his own over the past year. 

They say, though, that necessity is the mother of invention, and Slot's need for a No.6 specifically suited to his style of play completely changed the course of a career that was in danger of going off the rails in Munich.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGoing 'crazy' under Nagelsmann

Gravenberch had arrived at the Allianz Arena in 2022 touted as one of the most exciting prospects in world football, the latest in a long line of potential superstars to come out of Ajax.

However, Gravenberch got very little game time under then-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who has since claimed that he wasn't solely to blame, alleging that he felt under pressure to pick Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka ahead of the new arrival from the Netherlands.

"I was the new coach at FC Bayern and it wasn't easy to put players from the German national team on the bench," Nagelsmann told .

Whatever the truth, what we know for sure is that Gravenberch was devastated by spending so much time on the bench.

"Under Nagelsmann, I would go three matches in a row spending 90 minutes watching my team," he admitted. "That is when I started to go crazy in my head.

"In the winter, I was totally done with it, but during the last two months of the season under (Thomas) Tuchel, I got more minutes than in the entire period before."

Even when Bayern won the league, though, Gravenberch couldn't bring himself to properly celebrate the success.

"I was happy we were champions, but my contribution was small," he said. "I know we stood there as champions but I did not feel like a champion at all. It was a totally different feeling from all the other times I won trophies."

And particularly Liverpool's 2024-25 title win.

'Something I'll never forget'

Gravenberch was blown away by the outpouring of emotion that followed Liverpool winning a record-equalling 20th Championship.

"It was honestly something really special, something I'll never forget. The scenes on the bus as we approached Anfield before the Spurs game, that afternoon we won the league, will stay with me forever," the Premier League Young Player of the Season told Numero Netherlands.

"The passion on the fans' faces, the red flares, the noise, the songs, just seeing what it meant to them, it gave me goosebumps. That image will never leave me. 

"The celebrations with the lads afterwards, that moment when it really hit us that we'd done it, was incredible. Liverpool's second Premier League title in five years, and my first.

"From my point of view, as a small child, you dream of these moments, so to achieve this is really special. I'm proud to have played a part in what was an unforgettable season."

Of course, Gravenberch hadn't just played a part, he'd been utterly integral to his team's triumph.

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Getty Images Sport'This is it'

Gravenberch's talent was obvious during his first season at Liverpool under Klopp but he had still looked a little lost at times. After the Zubimendi U-turn, though, Slot found the perfect position for the Netherlands international in front of the back four.

However, Gravenberch adapted better – and quicker – to the change than even Slot imagined. Indeed, the player's father knew after the second match of the 2024-25 season, against Brentford, that everything was about to change for his son.

"One minute before the game ended, Arne took Ryan off so he could get the applause," Gravenberch senior told . "I was in the stands and the whole stadium stood up and applauded.

"I just broke down because I thought: 'They're doing this for my boy.' That was the moment where I thought: 'This is it.'" And it was.

As well as winning possession more times (193) in the Premier League last season than any other Liverpool player, and making more interceptions (60) than any other midfielder, Gravenberch also demonstrated a remarkable ability to break the opposition press that Slot attributes to a unique gift for gliding past opponents.

"This is a special quality Ryan has, that he can turn away from his man," Slot enthused. "He is one of the few holding midfielders, pivots, that can create an overload with a dribble.

"Mostly, these players pass a lot, and Ryan is good in passing as well. But to create an overload with a dribble, you don't see this many times from a No.6."

Slot really is right, then, when he says that Gravenberch is "unique". There are few better midfielders in the world right now.

Pedri and Vitinha are both absolutely outstanding while Rodri remains the standard by which all others are judged – but there isn't another No.6 in the game has Gravenberch's particular set of skills and the crazy thing is that, at 23, he's only going to get better.

We're already seeing an improvement, in fact. 

Nottingham Forest have now submitted a £15m offer for an “elegant” midfielder, as they look to move ahead of West Ham United in the race for his signature.

Forest keen on another midfielder after Luiz

The noise surrounding Nuno Espirito Santo’s future will be an unwanted distraction, with the manager’s future now in doubt after publicly making it clear his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis has deteriorated since last season.

However, up to this point, the Tricky Trees have enjoyed a very positive summer transfer window, having brought in the likes of Omari Hutchinson, Dan Ndoye and James McAtee, although securing Morgan Gibbs-White’s future was arguably the most important piece of business.

Forest have also recently added another midfielder to their ranks, with Juventus’ Douglas Luiz arriving on an initial season-long loan, which includes a conditional obligation to buy next summer.

Despite adding a proven Premier League midfielder to their ranks, Nottingham Forest remain keen on bringing in a more defensive option before the September 1st deadline, and an offer has now been submitted for AS Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa.

That is according to a report from Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), which states Forest have now tabled a proposal of €17m (£15m), which is slightly higher than West Ham’s offer of €16m (£14m).

Both offers are currently still on the table, but there could be competition from elsewhere, with Atalanta also keen on the defensive midfielder, having recently contacted his entourage to assess the possibility of a deal.

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Evangelos Marinakis has now entered discussions to appoint a new manager.

ByDominic Lund Aug 24, 2025

As such, there could be an intense battle for Magassa’s signature before the transfer deadline, which would be beneficial for Monaco, should a bidding war break out.

"Elegant" Magassa could be excellent signing for Forest

As previously mentioned, Forest have made major improvements to their midfield this summer, but the majority of their signings flourish going forward, while the Monaco maestro has more of a defensive mindset.

In fact, the Frenchman has performed extremely well across a number of important defensive metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.54 (97th percentile)

Interceptions

1.80 (96th percentile)

Blocks

1.73 (90th percentile)

Scout Jacek Kulig has described the 21-year-old as an “elegant” player in the past, while also revealing the youngster is capable of slotting in at centre-back, which would make him a versatile addition to Nuno’s squad.

Not only that, but scout Ben Mattinson believes the Monaco starlet is very comfortable in possession of the ball, saying: “On the ball he has a forward-thinking mindset looking to play through into the midfielders high up or spray passes wide out to the wings. His passing range is top.”

As such, Magassa, who made seven Champions League appearances for Monaco last season, could be an excellent addition to Nuno’s squad, and a move to the City Ground would surely be a more attractive proposition than joining West Ham, given their recent struggles.

Nic Maddinson would have been a contender to open before his injury while Cameron Bancroft is part of Sydney Thunder’s squad

AAP11-Dec-2024David Warner is leaning towards preferring Sam Konstas over Cameron Bancroft as his opening partner as the Test legend prepares for his first full BBL season with Sydney Thunder.Only weeks after both pushed ultimately unsuccessful cases for the Test opening vacancy, Bancroft and Konstas are set for more internal competition at Thunder.Related

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Nic Maddinson’s finger surgery has left the pair as the two clearest options to partner new captain Warner at the top to start the BBL, which the pair enters with varying recent records.Konstas, yet to make his BBL debut, memorably announced himself with twin centuries in New South Wales’ first Shield game of the summer before making another for the Prime Ministers’ XI in a 50-over match against the Indians last month.Bancroft has failed to pass 20 in 15 of 19 digs across red and white-ball cricket this summer, but did make an unbeaten 105 in Western Australia’s penultimate Sheffield Shield game before the break. Warner said a firm decision had not yet been made on the opening partnership.”We’ll speak about it this week, we’ll see in the warm-up game. I’m probably erring between myself and probably Sammy Konstas at the top,” he said.Warner has been impressed by Konstas, but wants to talk shop with the 19-year-old ahead of Thunder’s first game against Adelaide Strikers next Tuesday.”We know he’s talented but it’s about going out there in the Twenty20 stuff and trying to work out how to sort of play that format as well, and what he’s going to bring to the table,” Warner said. “I’ll have a chat to him about how he wants to play and what his style of cricket is as well.”We’ll have these conversations in the next couple of days about how we want to play and making sure that everyone’s on the same page.”After being signed as a foundation player for the first BBL summer, Warner has dipped in and out of Thunder for the past two summers around Australian duties.Now retired from internationals, the 38-year-old is set to play the entire tournament for the first time in a big boost for a competition that has long struggled for star power in the absence of Test players.”I’m excited,” Warner said of the BBL. “It’s another challenge for me. I’ll uphold my own standards and make sure I’m contributing to the team and getting us off to a good start and leading by example of the field with the captaincy.”With West Indies globetrotter Sherfane Rutherford and rising star Ollie Davies also on the books, Warner said he held high expectations for Thunder’s batting order after a last-placed finish last summer.”There’s questions for all us to answer the last couple of years, the way that we’ve played,” he said. “We’ve got some craft in the middle and hopefully at the top of the order we can fire as well.”

Everton’s pre-season preparations have left plenty to be desired. Still, David Moyes proved his wherewithal upon replacing Sean Dyche last season and will remain confident that a successful season lies ahead.

Against the backdrop of the Premier League’s heavy expenditure this summer, Everton has forked out comparatively little. A new striker has been signed in Thierno Barry, while an initial £25m deal has been agreed with Chelsea for the transfer of robust midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

However, there was a blue-shaded exodus on Merseyside in June, with so many unwanted players filtering out. Two of those players were Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison, whose loan deals remained temporary.

Now, a replacement is needed.

Everton submit bid for new attacking midfielder

Dewsbury-Hall, 26, will add impetus to the Everton midfield. He’s strong, cultured and confident on the ball, having starred during Leicester City’s promotion-winning campaign of 2023/24, posting 12 goals and 15 assists under Enzo Maresca’s wing that year.

His time at Stamford Bridge might not have worked out, but he stands a fantastic chance of becoming a mainstay in Moyes’ Everton system, potentially forging a neat partnership with another top target.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Everton have tabled a second bid for Southampton prospect Tyler Dibling worth £40m including add-ons.

An earlier summer offer has already been rejected, and the 19-year-old is also on Aston Villa and Newcastle United’s radar. Southampton, it is felt, want £50m for their prized playing asset.

This said, Everton will not – cannot – pay over the odds for this talented teenager, and the Friedkin Group are prepared to walk away if Saints fail to reduce their exorbitant valuation.

Why Everton should sign Tyler Dibling

Southampton suffered a wretched return to the Premier League last season, narrowly missing out on the unwanted record of bearing the division’s all-time lowest points total.

But they were relegated all the same. However, Dibling shone as a beacon of solace throughout, making good on the praise from Southampton’s academy manager, Andy Goldie, that he is a “world-class talent.”

He scored four goals and supplied three assists across the 2024/25 campaign, but, as per Sofascore, to have completed 84% of his passes and averaged 4.2 successful duels in the Premier League, in a rotten Southampton side, that’s an indicator of sky-high potential.

And he’s dynamic in a positional sense too.

Tyler Dibling – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Right winger

35

7

1

Attacking midfield

26

11

5

Central midfield

8

1

3

Left winger

2

–

2

Data via Transfermarkt

He’s versatile all right. But given the lack of depth on the right flank at Everton, coupled with his blistering speed and ability to manipulate tight spaces, it’s clear that Moyes wants to field him on the wing.

Especially with the Merseysiders set to wrap up a move for Dewsbury-Hall, who is very much a central midfielder. But he’s a creative one at that, hailed by former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers in the past as being a player who “typifies everything we want to be,” bringing energy and intensity and creativity.

The Englishman ranked among the top 5% of centre-midfielders in the Conference League last term for progressive passes and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, highlighting the smooth passing game which could open up a world of opportunity for the fleet-footed Dibling as he surges forward, into the danger area.

With these kinds of signings, Everton are bound to evolve, and Moyes’ vision for the future might just begin to take shape.

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Having already welcomed Anthony Elanga, Newcastle United are now reportedly “pushing” to sign Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth over £60m this summer.

Securing their second signing of the summer and their biggest so far following Antonio Cordero’s initial arrival, Newcastle will be glad to have got Elanga over the line. The Swede enjoyed an excellent campaign with Nottingham Forest last time out – scoring six goals as well as assisting a further 12 in all competitions – and will now form one of the Premier League’s deadliest trios alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Speaking for the first time since welcoming Elanga, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told the club website: “I’m delighted to welcome Anthony to Newcastle United. He has been a key target for us so I’m delighted to secure him at this early part of pre-season.

“He is an exciting talent with attributes that make him a unique attacking threat. His pace, energy and ability to create and score goals will strengthen us and complement the way we want to play. Anthony is hungry to develop even further with us and to achieve success here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

However, after spending around £55m to reinforce Newcastle’s frontline, PIF still reportedly have unfinished business in the summer transfer window. Recent reports have linked the Magpies with moves for the likes of Giorgio Scalvini, who would be an impressive defensive addition, while a move for James Trafford has been on the cards for some time.

What’s more, fresh reports are now claiming that those at St James’ Park are “pushing” to welcome another talented attacking option.

Downie: What Hugo Ekitike bid means for Alexander Isak

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are now “pushing” to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after submitting a bid worth over €70m (£61m). Jumping ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to sign the Frenchman, the Magpies could be about to form quite the strike partnership between Ekitike and Isak.

Starts

31

34

Goals

15

23

Assists

8

6

Expected Goals

21.6

20.3

Keith Downie has since added comment on the concerns around Isak’s future, speaking to Sky Sports live from outside St James’ Park on Tuesday morning.

While the reporter does confirm the Magpies want the Sweden superstar to sign a new contract and hope to begin talks soon, he claims the club will be in a “completely different scenario” next summer if a new deal is not signed and may well be getting their ducks in a row for Isak to leave in 2026.

There will be some concerns over how Ekitike underperformed his expected goals total last season, but keeping hold of the clinical Isak – at least for now – would instantly nullify those concerns.

The forward’s rise is one that former Reims manager Oscar Garcia saw coming from the start of his career, having told reporters: “There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training.”

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Now, that “special” player could be on his way to Newcastle to stand next to Isak in one of the best attacks that the Premier League has to offer.