All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United are keen on completing the loan signing of a player who has been described as “unplayable”, according to a new update from reliable journalist Sam Lee.

Newcastle prepare for final Champions League push

The Magpies have two games remaining in the Premier League this season, as they look to secure a place back in the Champions League, which would be huge for the club, allowing them to target top players in the summer transfer window.

Not only that, but victory away to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon would actually see Newcastle leapfrog the Gunners into second place in the table heading into the final round of fixtures of the campaign, which would be an amazing achievement.

Eddie Howe is well aware that nothing has been sealed yet, though, stressing the importance of his players remaining focused after last weekend’s crucial 2-0 win at home to Chelsea.

“The crowd were up for the game, the atmosphere was amazing. We’re on the road to what we want to do this season, but there’s still a lot of work to do and two tough fixtures to play. The size of the prize is huge, the players are aware of that. There was a worry when we won the trophy [League Cup] that there would be a negative consequence of that, but I think it actually gave us confidence.”

Newcastle keen on signing £100m ace on loan

Now, according to The Athletic‘s Lee, Newcastle United are among the clubs who are “interested” in signing Jack Grealish on loan this summer. The 29-year-old has struggled for playing time at Manchester City this season and a move away on a temporary basis is possible, with the report stating he “could leave” the Etihad before next season.

Grealish arguably hasn’t justified the £100m that City paid for his services back in 2021, even though he has won three Premier League titles and one Champions League crown, among other trophies. A tally of 17 goals in 156 appearances far from an impressive return for an attacking wide player.

That said, the England international’s maverick style has arguably been stifled a little by Pep Guardiola, who has made him a less entertaining player to watch, and he could be keen for a fresh challenge in order to express himself more, with Rio Ferdinand heaping praise on him in the past.

The fact that Newcastle would be signing Grealish on loan would take out some of the risk element, and he has the ability to provide great competition on the left flank, as well as being able to shine as a No.10.

Approach made: Newcastle now in contact to sign "incredible" £8m+ colossus

The Magpies have made a move for a new signing, who could be available on the cheap this summer.

1 ByDominic Lund May 15, 2025

Admittedly, he does turn 30 later this year, and some may argue that his peak has passed, but he is the type of footballer who Magpies supporters warm to, given his direct style of play and the way he could light up St James’ Park.

Manchester City are yet to solve one of the most difficult issues that will present itself to a Premier League side this summer: how do they replace Kevin De Bruyne? The Belgian legend will depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, after years of success.

He has played 419 times for the Citizens, scoring 108 goals and providing an extraordinary 177 assists. Of course, the real highlight for De Bruyne in that famous Sky Blue shirt was the treble success of 2022/23, which included the club’s first Champions League title.

Pep Guardiola’s side appear to be lining up potential replacements, ahead of the summer window, with a handful of names already being thrown into the mix.

Man City's search to replace De Bruyne

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Tuesday evening that Guardiola’s side ‘have contacted AC Milan to express interest’ in Dutchman Tijjani Reijnders.

Ornstein outlined that no formal offer has yet been made, although early talks are underway for the playmaker – with that news coming amid prior links to both Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

One Premier League star who could also be in demand this summer, meanwhile, is Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze. The England international has had yet another impressive campaign for the Eagles, and could be in line to depart the club this summer.

According to a recent report from Football Insider, City are the side who are perhaps best placed to sign Eze. If the London-born star performs well against City in this weekend’s FA Cup final, the club could ‘launch an approach to sign the midfielder as soon as possible’.

However, Eze, who has a £60m release clause in his contract, will also be a target for other English top-flight clubs. Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa could all make a move for the England international this summer.

Why Eze would be a good signing

It has been yet another standout season in South London for 26-year-old Eze, who has been a key man under Oliver Glasner. The attacking midfielder has helped his side to an FA Cup final this weekend against City, where they can qualify for Europe with a win.

Eze has made 40 appearances across all competitions this term and has chipped in with an impressive 12 goals and 11 assists. In four FA Cup appearances, he has managed to find the back of the net three times and has provided one goal for his teammates.

The recent form from the Palace number 10 is perhaps exactly why City want to bring him to East Manchester this summer. In the last seven Premier League games, he has managed seven goal involvements, with five of those goals, including two against Spurs last weekend.

Whilst Eze has shown excellent form of late and could be subject to a bid from City soon, he is evidently not the only target they have to replace De Bruyne, amid those reports surrounding Reijnders.

Just as Eze has been important for Palace this season, so too has Reijnders in that famous Black and Red shirt of the Rossoneri.

He has 15 goals and five assists in 51 games, which is fewer goal contributions than the Eagles star has in more games.

Reijnders was once described as “one of the best ball-carrying midfielders on the planet” by Statman Dave. When looking at the stats on FBref for both the Dutchman and Eze, it is perhaps clear what City are looking for.

That is to say, Guardiola seems like he would like to add more ball-carrying prowess to his side. As the stats show, Eze averages 2.29 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, compared to Reijnders’ 1.1 successful take-ons each game.

Key passes

1.96

1.34

Goal-creating actions

4.68

3.27

Take-ons completed

2.29

1.1

Progressive carries

2.39

3.32

Ball recoveries

4.89

3.35

Described as a “magic” player by football analyst Antonio Mango, Eze could be an excellent alternative to Reijnders for City this summer. He fits the ball-carrying profile Guardiola seems to want, whilst also bringing goals and assists.

For a fee of £60m, this seems like it could be an excellent deal for City, and could really increase the quality they have in attacking areas.

Big Rico Lewis upgrade: Man City agree personal terms with young target

Manchester City are closing in on a star who could be a big upgrade on Rico Lewis.

ByDan Emery May 12, 2025

In a major boost for those in the Midlands, Besiktas are now reportedly willing to listen to offers for a long-term Aston Villa target this summer and the Villans could finally get their man.

All eyes on Bournemouth for Aston Villa

Still battling to squeeze their way into the top five in the final three Premier League games, Aston Villa simply cannot afford anything but three points against a tough Bournemouth side this weekend. Everything is still to play for in the race for European football and anything could still happen. Even sat seventh, Unai Emery’s side should have plenty of hope.

Emery recently spoke about his side’s final run-in and how his side are taking it one game at a time, telling reporters: “Bournemouth, next week. Bournemouth. So, so difficult, Bournemouth. And then, we’ll see. We’ll see. Saturday, finished. Now Bournemouth.

“Before Saturday if we were thinking, ok, the next match is Bournemouth, the next match is Tottenham, Manchester United… if we weren’t winning, forget it! Completely! We have to go to each match and try to win. If we win like today, ok, the next one.”

Following their trip to Bournemouth, Aston Villa will square off against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to end their season. In many ways, nothing quite represents how much the Premier League has changed more than Villa’s fight for Champions League football coming against two bottom half sides who many tipped to be in the Villans’ position at the start of the campaign.

Aston Villa love "talented" £35m Rashford alternative as Monchi eyes move

There’s no guarantee that Rashford completes a permanent move…

ByTom Cunningham May 4, 2025

Things are likely to get even worse for Manchester United and Spurs if Villa qualify for a place among Europe’s elite too. With Champions League football to offer, those in the Midlands could instantly go in pursuit of major upgrades which may yet include one particular young star.

Besiktas now open to selling "dynamic" Kilicsoy

According to Fotomac in Turkey, as relayed by Sport Witness, Besiktas are now open to selling Semih Kilicsoy with Aston Villa already eyeing a summer swoop to finally land his signature. The 19-year-old first grabbed Villa’s attention last summer and was even reportedly the subject of a rejected offer. Now, a year on, a similar offer could be enough for the Turkish side to bid farewell to their young star.

Described as a “dynamic versatile forward” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Kilicsoy is undoubtedly one to watch. His first full season at senior level was incredibly impressive and since then he has not looked back.

In the current campaign, Kilicsoy has managed four goals and six assists – once again proving his ability to be a consistent outlet from either flank or, indeed, the player leading the line. With plenty of years between now and his peak, the teenager is not one that Villa will want to miss out on.

Following their heroics against Real Madrid, there is now a real chance Arsenal’s season could end in Champions League glory.

However, while that would be all fans will remember this campaign for years down the line, it would still be fair to describe their domestic season as a disaster.

While a significant reason for that has been the near-constant stream of injuries Mikel Arteta and Co have had to deal with, it’s also been down to several star players not performing at their best, with club captain Martin Odegaard perhaps the worst offender in this regard.

Since returning from his ankle injury in November, the Norwegian hasn’t been able to hit the heights of the last two years, and that may cost him next season, as recent reports have linked Arsenal to someone who could be a significant upgrade this summer.

Arsenal transfer news

On top of a new midfielder, Arsenal have also been linked with a plethora of wide talent in recent weeks, with perhaps the most consistent being Nico Williams.

The Athletic Bilbao star was touted for a move to the North Londoners last summer as well, but it seems like he could really be available for around £50m this year, and given his tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 42 games this season, that may be a fee well worth paying.

Likewise, the Gunners have long been linked with Raphinha, even before his move to Barcelona, and those rumours have once again reemerged this year, with reports suggesting he could be available for around £80m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

While that’s an awful lot of money, it doesn’t seem too unreasonable considering he’s amassed a sensational tally of 30 goals and 23 assists in just 48 appearances this term, although if the North Londoners are going to sign Florian Wirtz, they might not be able to afford the Brazilian winger.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several top sides keen to sign the Bayer Leverkusen gem this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all interested in the German international, who could cost up to €130m, which is about £111m.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Wirtz’s immense quality and potential, one well worth fighting for, even if his arrival would be bad news for Odegaard.

How Wirtz compares to Odegaard

So, if Arsenal were to get ahead of the chasing pack and splash the cash on Wirtz this summer, they’d likely do so with the intention of having him start most games as an attacking midfielder, which would put him in direct competition with Odegaard.

With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them both? Well, from a pure output perspective, it’s an overwhelming victory for the Leverkusen star.

For example, in just 41 appearances this season, totalling 3040 minutes, he’s scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.46 games or every 108.57 minutes.

In comparison, the former Real Madrid gem has only been able to amass a tally of five goals and nine assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2896 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.71 games of every 206.85 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.51

0.37

Non-Penalty G+As

0.77

0.28

Progressive Carries

4.91

3.59

Progressive Passes

6.80

10.4

Shots

2.79

1.80

Shots on Target

1.26

0.60

Shot-Creating Actions

5.76

5.02

Goal-Creating Actions

0.85

0.55

Ball Recoveries

4.41

3.73

Unfortunately for the Gunners’ captain, he once again comes out on the losing side of this comparison, as the Pulheim-born gem, whom former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has described as “the best midfielder in the world,” does better in most relevant metrics.

For example, he does far better in metrics like expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it would require a club-record bid, Arsenal should be doing all they can to bring Wirtz to the Emirates this summer, even if it sees Odegaard relegated to a squad role.

Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal want to sign "the most in-demand CB in the world"

The tremendously exciting prospect could be incredible for Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

Manchester United have now moved ahead of their rivals in the race for an “incredible” striker, having submitted an enticing offer, according to a report.

Man Utd stepping up striker pursuit

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee once again failed to make an impact at the weekend, with Man United succumbing to a 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United, and it is now looking increasingly likely a new striker will be brought in this summer.

The Red Devils are considering a number of options from within the Premier League, with talks recently being opened over a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, who has a release clause of £62.5m.

Ruben Amorim’s side are also becoming more confident they would be able to sign Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer, should they make a move, and they have now expressed a concrete interest in signing the 27-year-old.

Man Utd making moves to sign "incredible" assist king for bargain £20m fee

The Red Devils are in pursuit of a playmaker, who is set to leave his club on the cheap this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 15, 2025

However, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap has been identified as Man United’s top striker target for the summer, following his breakout season with the Tractor Boys, and there has now been a positive update on their pursuit of the Englishman.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, United have now surged ahead of rival suitors in the race for Delap, given that the offer they have made is “far more solid” than Chelsea’s, which could play a crucial role in deciding the striker’s future.

Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Everton have also been named as potential suitors for the forward, whose agent has fielded a number of calls in recent weeks, but it appears as though the Red Devils are now leading the race for his signature.

Interestingly, the Ipswich star will remain keen on a move to Old Trafford regardless of whether European football is on offer next season.

"Incredible" Delap could be fantastic signing

Ipswich are almost certain to be relegated from the Championship, but it cannot be put down to a lack of effort on their striker’s behalf, having netted 12 Premier League goals.

That total is very impressive, given that the 22-year-old is playing for a side now 14 points from safety, and he has received high praise from reporter Alex Howell, who described him as “incredible” back in March.

Not only has the Winchester-born striker displayed a keen eye for goal, but he has showcased his ability to drive at opposition defences, ranking in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons, and the 86th percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year.

It is well-documented that Man United may not have a great deal of money to spend this summer, given their financial issues, which could make Delap the perfect addition at striker, considering he is set to be available for just £30m.

Nottingham Forest are now very keen on signing a £26m midfielder who is becoming increasingly likely to leave his club this summer, according to a report.

Forest's summer transfer plans

Even the most optimistic of Forest fans wouldn’t have predicted their levels of performance this season, with Champions League qualification still very much on the cards, although they were dealt a blow with the 2-1 loss against Aston Villa at the weekend.

It was an afternoon to forget at Villa Park, with the Tricky Trees’ three-game winning streak in the Premier League coming to an end, but they remain in third place, four points clear of nearest rivals Chelsea.

However, should the Tricky Trees manage to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, they may have to improve their squad depth this summer, with Nuno setting his sights on targets in a range of different positions.

Bringing in a new striker is of particular importance, with the likes of Crystal Palace’s Jean Philippe-Mateta and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres among the targets, while Marseille winger Luis Enrique could be signed to provide competition for Anthony Elanga at left-wing.

£25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star

They could trigger his release clause.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 7, 2025

Not only that, but Nuno could also look to bolster his options in the middle of the park, with a report from Italy revealing Nottingham Forest are now very keen on signing AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah (via Sport Witness).

Musah is likely to exit the San Siro this summer, with a €30m (£26m) fee mooted, having put in some disappointing performances this season, recently being substituted in the first half after making a major error against Fiorentina.

The 22-year-old was booed off the field by the Milan fans, which could lead to a move elsewhere this summer, and a number of Premier League clubs are lining up for his signature, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also expressing an interest.

"Incredible" Musah needs to move on this summer

The midfielder’s relationship with the Milan fans is seemingly at breaking point, given their reaction to his substitution at the weekend, and he may need to move on for the good of his career.

While it was undoubtedly a disappointing performance from the American, he is still very young at just 22, and there are plenty of indications he would have a lot to offer Forest in the Premier League.

Journalist Kyle Bonn lauded the Milan ace as “incredible” earlier this season, and he has performed pretty well across some key metrics for midfielders over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, most notably impressing with his dribbling.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.12 (73rd percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.43 (96th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.25 (98th percentile)

Should Musah decide he needs to move on this summer, he could be a bargain at just £25m, and Forest could be well-positioned to win the race for his signature, should they manage to achieve their goal of qualification for the Champions League.

Looking at the promotion-chasing Leeds United side at the moment, it could be argued that the defensive unit will prove vital if the club are to return to the Premier League.

Of course, the only goalscorer during the Whites’ recent 1-0 triumph over Middlesbrough was 56-time Wales international Daniel James, yet the imperious centre-back duo on the night, consisting of both Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, helped to keep the 22nd clean sheet of the season.

Whilst Daniel Farke will be glad a shut-out and a victory was secured at the Riverside Stadium courtesy of those named, he will be worried about the injury status of Pascal Struijk all the same, with the Leeds captain out again with another serious knock.

Struijk's importance at Leeds

After all, the 25-year-old centre-back just seems to be cursed with constant setbacks in this department.

Last season, Struijk was only fit enough for 25 clashes in all competitions owing to a recurring groin concern, with a new development now revealing that the reliable number five could miss the rest of this season with a potential foot fracture.

This would be a demoralising blow for Farke and Co, considering Struijk has popped up with five crucial goals this campaign from 35 Championship contests, including bagging a double against Sunderland in February to clinch a late win.

Moreover, the injury-prone defender has been dogged at the back away from these goalscoring heroics by collecting a hefty 14 clean sheets.

Whilst Ampadu is a sterling option in the short-term, Leeds aren’t exactly blessed with numbers in the centre-back spots with Struijk sidelined, making the decision to let this rising defensive star leave last summer for just £4m look more bemusing by the minute.

Leeds may have sold a £50m star in the making

Looking more long-term too, there had been rumours in the not-so-distant past that Struijk could leave Elland Road behind, with Serie A side Torino keen admirers.

Therefore, having more bodies at the back in the here and now would be extremely handy in preparing for this possible outcome, with Charlie Cresswell an ideal face to have around to shore up the promotion candidates even more defensively.

The former Whites number five would never quite make the grade at a senior level for his boyhood employers, despite having an “excellent” loan spell at fellow second tier side Millwall during the 2022/23 campaign – as it was labelled by Lions boss at the time Gary Rowell – which bumped up his experience of the testing division.

Much like his 6 foot 3 counterpart, Cresswell showed on loan at the Den that he had an eye for goal with five strikes tallied up from 30 appearances, meaning he could have been the perfect long-term successor to Struijk.

But, regardless of this standout spell in the English capital, the Preston-born titan would never make it at Elland Road, unfortunately, with only 14 senior chances handed to him before a bold £4m move to French outfit Toulouse came to fruition.

This left-field switch to Ligue 1 has worked in Cresswell’s favour, however, when glancing at his impressive FBref numbers below, with direct comparisons to be made between the 22-year-old’s improving game in France and Dean Huijsen’s current breakout season at AFC Bournemouth – the Cherries star noted among the most similar defenders to the Preston native across Europe’s top five leagues.

Attempted passes

54.58

59.81

85.57

Pass completion %

82.5%

84.1%

90.1%

Progressive passes

2.40

4.49

6.15

Progressive carries

0.34

1.45

1.18

Shot-creating actions

0.88

1.64

1.34

Tackles

1.39

1.54

1.05

Interceptions

1.01

2.10

0.89

Blocks

1.64

1.50

0.80

Clearances

6.76

6.78

4.49

Aerials won

3.57

2.71

3.60

Looking at the table above, Cresswell – who was dubbed “amazing” by Jesse Marsch in the past – isn’t a million miles off matching the £50m-rated Huijsen in various aspects of his defensive game, on top of also managing to better Strujjk in some defensive basics.

Therefore, if Leeds had just exercised more patience and didn’t offload the 22-year-old for £4m, they would already have a ready-made Struijk replacement to further boost their depth ahead of the edgy promotion run-in.

Meslier included: Leeds must axe £150k-p/w quartet if they go up

Daniel Farke will tempted by a slight clear-out at Leeds United if Premier League football returns to Elland Road.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 8, 2025

Mason Mount has vowed to build on his positive run of form with Manchester United after a stop-start career at Old Trafford. The midfielder volleyed home a Bruno Fernandes cross to score his second goal in three matches and his third of the season as the Red Devils hammered Wolves 4-1 away from home on Monday to move into sixth in the Premier League table.

Mount enjoying best season at Man Utd

Mount has now scored as many goals this season as in his two previous campaigns with United – which were both overshadowed by serious injury problems. The midfielder was limited to five league starts in his first season since signing for United from Chelsea for £60m in 2023 while he only made eight starts in his second campaign. He has missed a combined 52 matches in his three seasons but he looks to be on the path back to full fitness after playing in 12 of United's 15 league games this season.

AdvertisementAFPMount: I've had setbacks

"Anytime I play I obviously want to play to the best of my ability and perform," Mount told after the win over Wolves. "I've had setbacks. I've had difficult times, I feel now I'm ready to keep pushing on and building on these performances. Getting in the goals, that's the most important thing as a forward player and just keep going and working hard. That's exactly what I'm focusing on now."

On his volley, Mount added: "As soon as I see Bruno [Fernandes] with the ball and has time and space to turn, that's my trigger to try and get in behind and try and time my run. I thought it was going to be a bit close [to offside] but the defender dropped back and bit and kept me onside. Delighted with that. And as I said before, it was about being ruthless in the second half and finishing our chances off.

"We all know the calibre of player he [Fernandes] is. When he gets on the ball he's always trying to create something. He's a joy to play with as a player that's higher up the pitch because you know he's having a look and he's going to play the ball over the top."

Mount praises response after 'frustrating' equaliser

United became the first team to concede a league goal against Wolves since October when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde equalised just before half-time. But they brushed off the disappointment of being pegged back after Fernandes' scrappy opening goal and restored their lead with a goal before Bryan Mbeumo before Mount struck and Fernandes wrapped the points up from the penalty spot.

Mount was pleased with how he and his team-mates responded to the equaliser. He added: "Obviously, first half we let them back in it before half-time and we go into the changing room frustrated and disappointed with the end to the first half. The manager had a few things to say and we come out there and it was down to us to attack with purpose and finish our chances we were creating. We're happy with the second half, parts of the first half as well. Overall, very happy with that.

"I thought some of the combinations going forward were crisp, were sharp and that's what we can do. Attacking with freedom. We know we can do that. It's about us creating as many chance as we can as forward players and trying to get on the scoresheet. I thought going forward we were solid, and as a defence it's about defending as a team and not letting them have any chances to get back into the game."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPAmorim feels 'nothing' despite going sixth

United coach Ruben Amorim claimed he was not thinking about the team climbing into sixth and he stressed the importance of beating Bournemouth in the next game at Old Trafford, where United have failed to win in their last two games against Everton and West Ham. 

"Nothing," he said. "It's always the same feeling we should have more points. But that's in the past, let's focus on the future. We need to win the next one, this one is in the past. Let's go."

Sunderland have now reportedly made contact in the race to sign a teenage sensation, who is on course to leave his current club as a free agent next summer.

Le Bris praises "demanding" Premier League ahead of Liverpool clash

Sunderland just do not know when they’re beaten in the Premier League. They are writing a blueprint that every newly-promoted side must follow to secure survival and their comeback victory against Bournemouth followed that plan to perfection.

The Black Cats came from two goals behind to secure a dramatic victory and keep hold of their place in the top six after 13 games. With Liverpool at Anfield up next, things don’t get any easier, but Sunderland have relished the challenge of upsetting the odds so far this season.

Regis Le Bris was full of praise for both his side and the Premier League itself following Sunderland’s victory over Bournemouth, telling reporters: “This league is really demanding. You make two mistakes and are punished.

“With the ball, we are good, so just keep pushing. We are able to hit their defence, and it was important to be clinical in the box. I think here we have a great energy in the stands. If we give a lot on the pitch, then they will react. We deserved to win in the end.

“It’s important to play game after game. We went to Fulham last week and we lost. We were dominated. We go again. It’s positive to start this week with three points. It’s an exciting league with tough challenges but we want those challenges.”

Survival, which almost looks guaranteed already, would be a major achievement on the pitch, but it would also make an impact away from the action. The Black Cats are already thinking about the future on that front, targeting Rangers teenager Bailey Rice.

Sunderland make contact to sign Bailey Rice

According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Sunderland have now made checks on Rice, who is on course to leave Rangers as a free agent next summer after rejecting the Gers’ contract offers.

The 19-year-old became the club’s youngest post-war player to make a Scottish Premiership appearance in 2023, but now looks destined to leave Ibrox with Sunderland, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City all queueing for his signature.

Manchester City were also tracking the young midfielder when he decided to leave Kilmarnock, only for Rangers to jump in and secure his arrival.

Better than Xhaka: Sunderland flop is one of "the best" in the PL after leaving

Sunderland once had a star who is now more exciting than Granit Xhaka and one of the best players in the Premier League.

ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2025

For Sunderland, it would therefore be a major coup to land a player of Rice’s potential. Man City’s initial interest highlights how highly he’s rated in England and praise from Rio Ferdinand echoed that earlier this year.

The Manchester United legend said on commentary when Rangers squared off against Manchester United last year: “I tell you what, I’m liking Rice by the way, he’s come on and looked composed, the kid’s got something about him, he’s got a lovely left foot on him.”

Sunderland star who Speakman was "excited" to sign is the new Jermain Lens

India have also run Australia close in some high-stakes T20 clashes in recent years but to take them down in ODIs will require a sustained top-level performance

Vishal Dikshit11-Oct-20251:14

Rana: India’s batting ‘not a major concern’

Big picture: The most-awaited clashBatting collapses and low totals on slow pitches, catches put down, questionable umpiring decisions, mostly one-sided matches…if there is a contest the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 needed to kick it alive and make it a blockbuster spectacle, it’s India vs Australia. Australia clean-swept the Women’s Ashes earlier this year, winning all seven games across formats. India have won all 12 of their ODIs against Pakistan. As a result, the face-off between India and Australia has the makings of an epic on the biggest stage.All 15,087 tickets have been sold out for India vs Australia – obviously scheduled for a Sunday – and the ACA-VDCA Stadium’s near-26,000 capacity is set to break the record for the highest attendance at an ICC women’s T20I or ODI World Cup league match, current held by the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, which had a crowd of 22,843 in the opening game of this World Cup.As the competition nears its halfway stage, India have a lot at stake. While both teams have stumbled their way to Visakhapatnam after collapses in all their respective games, it cost India two points when their five bowling options and the batting-friendly conditions couldn’t put the brakes on South Africa and Nadine de Klerk.India’s concerns don’t stop at their five bowlers though; their top five, especially the senior trio of Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, is yet to fire, the fielding hasn’t been as good as it can be and their batters have been perishing to left-arm spinners more than anyone else this tournament, with 12 dismissals in three innings.The washout against Sri Lanka aside, Australia also collapsed in their two outings, but even 128 for 5 and 76 for 7 weren’t enough to keep them down, as Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney reminded us of their depth and quality with their centuries. In their recent bilateral series against India, they did however get bowled out for 190 in the second game, and the high-scoring decider also gave a glimpse of how oppositions could create chances against the world champions.India have also run Australia close in some high-stakes T20 clashes in recent years – the Commonwealth Games 2022 final, the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final and last year’s T20 World Cup league match. But to take Australia down in ODIs will require a sustained top-level performance from India, which they haven’t come close to so far.Form guideIndia LWWLW (last five completed games, most recent first)
Australia WWWLWIn the spotlight: Tahlia McGrath and Harmanpreet KaurYou wouldn’t normally expect a big score from a No. 7 now and then but Australia have collapsed in three of their last four outings, which have given Tahlia McGrath the overs to go out and chip in with notable contributions. When Australia were reeling against New Zealand and Pakistan, she walked out in the 22nd and 16th over respectively but chipped catches to midwicket and extra cover for 26 and a 20-ball 5 which might put some pressure on her. “I’m hoping I don’t have to play much of a role with the bat…” she had joked before their opening game in Indore and even though Australia wouldn’t want another collapse, McGrath will hope more runs come off her bat soon.All eyes will be on Harmanpreet Kaur during the match against Australia•Getty ImagesThere won’t be as many eyes on anyone as there will be on Harmanpreet Kaur on Sunday. The wrecker-in-chief of the historic 2017 semi-final, which made India – and perhaps other teams – believe that Australia are also mortal in World Cups, that too in knockouts, will be itching to get a big one against the world champions after her 9, 19 and 21 in this campaign so far. Even in the bilaterals recently, she scored over 20 just once in three outings, although that came soon after her seventh ODI century, in England. A sell-out crowd in Visakhapatnam will keep their fingers crossed that there’s another big score coming on Sunday.Team news: Will Molineux return to Australia’s XI?The batting conditions in Visakhapatnam and the loss to South Africa will make India wonder if they need to bolster their attack of five bowlers. But they will need to drop a batter for that and their batting has been stuttering anyway, which makes the solution far from straightforward.India (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana, 2 Pratika Rawal, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Jemimah Rodrigues, 6 Deepti Sharma, 7 Richa Ghosh (wk), 8 Amanjot Kaur, 9 Sneh Rana, 10 Kranti Gaud, 11 Shree CharaniWill Australia bring back Sophie Molineux?•Getty ImagesAustralia would have kept their eyes on how India lost wickets to left-arm spinners every game and will be tempted to bring in Sophie Molineux for that reason after she missed their last match, against Pakistan.Australia (probable): 1 Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Beth Mooney, 5 Annabel Sutherland, 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahila McGrath, 8 Georgia Wareham/Sophie Molineux, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Alana King, 11 Megan SchuttPitch and conditionsVisakhapatnam offered runs, swing in the afternoon and under lights, and turn as well as the game progressed between India and South Africa. That match was delayed by an hour because of rain, but there is none in forecast for Sunday. The maximum temperature is set to be around 32 degrees, albeit with plenty of humidity like it has been at most venues this World Cup. There was dew in the evening in India’s game against South Africa here, which could affect the teams’ decision at the toss.Stats and trivia Even though Mandhana has been scratchy against swing in the World Cup so far, it will be interesting to see if Australia bring on Ashleigh Gardner in the powerplay. Out of the nine times Gardner has removed Madhana in T20s, eight have been in the powerplay. But in ODIs, Mandhana has fallen to Gardner just twice in the powerplay in 57 balls. Overall, Mandhana has scored 148 runs off 132 balls off Gardner in ODIs, and been dismissed five times The new-ball contest of Gaud vs Healy is one to watch out for. Gaud, just 10 ODIs old, has dismissed Healy three times in 35 balls while conceding 39 runs for an average of just 13 Mandhana needs just 58 more runs to 5000 in ODIs Mooney needs another 93 runs to reach the 3000 mark in ODIs Deepti Sharma is three away from 150 wickets in ODIsQuotes”We’ve seen Australia’s style for many years; they always play aggressively. But our plans are also clear. Whatever we’ve discussed in our meetings, we’ve made our strategies, and we hope to give a positive start tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I think that’s what makes this World Cup so unique, is that you don’t get an opportunity to settle.”