Brydon Carse to debut, Chris Woakes set for first overseas Test since 2022

Matt Roller05-Oct-2024Ben Stokes has been ruled out of England’s first Test against Pakistan in Multan, as he continues to recover from a torn hamstring. Stokes confirmed after training on Saturday that he is not yet fully recovered from the injury he sustained two months ago while playing in the Hundred.In Stokes’ absence, Chris Woakes will play his first overseas Test in two-and-a-half years and his first in Asia since 2016, while Brydon Carse will make his Test debut. Ollie Pope will captain England for a fourth successive match in Stokes’ absence, having led them to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka last month.”I tried my hardest to try and get myself fit for this first game but we’ve taken the call to miss this one. I’ve not quite managed to get game-ready,” Stokes said. “We got to a certain point, but just looking at the bigger picture around what we’ve got coming up and actually physically where I’m at with my rehab, I’m not quite ready to play.”Related

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Stokes spent the first 45 minutes of England’s training session doing shuttle runs with Peter Sim, the strength and conditioning coach. He later batted in the nets, facing spin from Rehan Ahmed and local net-bowlers as well as throwdowns from England’s coaching staff, but is taking a cautious approach to his comeback.He will now target the second Test in 10 days’ time. “I’ve pushed myself incredibly hard,” Stokes said. “I’ve worked really, really hard with the medical team to get to where I’m at now. I think I’m further ahead than what we expected today. Look, I’ll be working just as hard over the next 10 days to try and give myself a chance to be fit.”Whatever sports you play, you’re going to get injuries. I’m 33 now, so I’ve put my body through quite a lot. I’ve started working incredibly hard over the last two years: I know that I’m getting older, so it’s not through lack of effort. It’s just one of those things where, with what we do, you’re going to put yourself at risk every time you walk out on the field for injuries.”Brydon Carse has been confirmed for a Test debut•Getty Images

If Stokes is available for the second Test, it may only be as a specialist batter – though he said it was “too far away” to tell. “That’s in my 10-day plan from now to that next one, eking bowling back into my training. We’ve had a good plan put together by myself and the medical guys out here, so I’ll be working incredibly hard to try and give myself a good chance of being ready.”England confirmed their XI later on Saturday, two days out from the first Test. They have picked two specialist spinners, with Jack Leach returning to the side for the first time since January alongside his Somerset team-mate Shoaib Bashir. Gus Atkinson has shaken off a thigh niggle and will play his first overseas Test after impressing during the English summer.Carse pipped Olly Stone and his Durham team-mate Matthew Potts – who both featured against Sri Lanka last month – to the final spot in England’s seam attack. Carse, like Potts, impressed in England’s recent ODI series against Australia but his additional pace and superior batting have seen him win the battle to be England’s third fast bowler.Having missed most of the summer due to a gambling ban, Carse regularly hit 90mph/145kph during Australia’s tour and has impressed England’s players in the nets. “He’s a natural wicket-taker,” Joe Root said. “He’s got those balls in him that, out of nowhere, on the flattest of wickets, you can make something happen… He offers a huge amount to the squad.”Carse, 29, was born and raised in South Africa but qualified for England through his ancestry in 2019. He will become England’s sixth Test debutant of the year after Tom Hartley, Bashir, Atkinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Hull, and has been carded to bat at No. 9, just below Atkinson.England XI: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope (capt), 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jamie Smith (wk), 7 Chris Woakes, 8 Gus Atkinson, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Jack Leach, 11 Shoaib Bashir

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، عن تطورات جديدة وهامة في ملف تعيين المدير الفني الجديد لفريق الكرة بـ الأهلي، خلفًا للإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو، الذي رحل مطلع الشهر الجاري بعد الهزيمة أمام بيراميدز.

وقال أحمد شوبير في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “ما تردد في الساعات الماضية عن التوصل لاتفاق نهائي مع فرناندو سانتوس مدرب منتخب البرتغال السابق، الخبر اليقين أنه ليس في الحسبان داخل الأهلي ولا يوجد حماس من الأساس للتعاقد معه”.

وأكمل: “سانتوس له 3 تجارب أخيرة لم يكمل فيها 3 أو 6 مباريات، وأسلوب اللعب الخاص به لا يتوافق مع الأهلي، لذلك فرناندو سانتوس ليس موجودًا”.

وتابع: “بالنسبة لـ أورس فيشر، نعم كان هناك كلام معه وكان قريبًا من الأهلي، لكن الطلبات والشروط بعيدة، وبالتالي هناك أسماء لها أولوية أفضل منه، لكن لو تراجع عن موقفه هذا أمر آخر، لكنه ابتعد كثيرًا عن تدريب الأهلي”.

وأضاف: “الآن الرؤية داخل لجنة التخطيط عدم الاستعجال حتى لا يتورط الأهلي في تجربة جديدة غير موفقة، ويتم البحث عن مدرب له اسم وله تجارب ناجحة وينفذ طريقة لعب الأهلي”.

طالع | مورايس يرد عبر “بطولات” على أنباء مفاوضات الأهلي

وواصل: “منذ فترة قلت إن الأهلي رصد مبلغ يتراوح من 3 ونصف لـ 4 ملايين دولار للتعاقد مع مدرب، وهذا مبلغ كبير، الأهلي لديه ميزانية جيدة تسمح له”.

وأكمل: “هناك تفاوض مع عدة اسماء أخرى حتى يتم التوصل لاتفاق عادل مع المدرب الجديد،

وعن إمام عاشور وتطورات حالته الصحية، اختتم شوبير: “لن يتواجد في المباراتين القادمتين، هو الآن عاد إلى منزله وتم وضع برنامج غذائي خاص له”.

All the issues and implications surrounding a landmark county cricket deal

Matt Roller30-Sep-2024Have Delhi Capitals bought Hampshire?
Not quite. Delhi Capitals are an equal-share joint venture between the sports arms of two Indian conglomerates: JSW Group and GMR Group. GMR bought the Delhi franchise – initially named Delhi Daredevils – ahead of the inaugural IPL season in 2008, and sold a 50% stake to JSW in 2018. GMR are the only relevant party in the Hampshire deal.So who are GMR, and why have they invested in cricket?
The group describe themselves as “a leading infrastructure developer” who own and manage projects in a number of different areas. They own and run six airports, including Delhi and Hyderabad. GMR says its sports division has the “social objective” of “promoting and nurturing potential talent at the grassroot level” in Delhi while the IPL has proved a lucrative investment: having paid US$84 million for the Delhi franchise in 2008, they sold a 50% stake in 2018 for US$66m.Do GMR own any other teams?
Yes. GMR are the owners of Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s ILT20, India Capitals in the Legend League Cricket (LLC), and have a stake in Seattle Orcas (MLC). JSW, their IPL co-owners, run Pretoria Capitals in South Africa’s SA20, and the two companies also co-own Delhi Capitals Women in India’s WPL. GMR also own teams in the Indian sports kabaddi and kho-kho.And have they taken over at Hampshire?
Hampshire announced on Monday morning that GMR have acquired a majority stake – understood to be around 53% – in Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd, and will complete a full acquisition over the next two years. Rod Bransgrove (chair) and David Mann (chief executive) will retain their respective roles during that transition period.GMR have a 50% stake in Delhi Capitals in the IPL•BCCIWhat does this mean for the Hundred?
The ECB started the process of selling stakes in the eight Hundred teams at the start of this month. The proposed model would see the ECB sell 49% stakes in each team to private investors, with 51% transferred to the host venue or county – in Southern Brave’s case, Hampshire.So will GMR become majority owners of Southern Brave by default?
No, not necessarily. The ECB’s sales process includes a mechanism which gives the ECB discretion over whether or not to transfer 51% stakes to hosts. They could opt to retain it if they feel that an investor is attempting to circumvent the wider sale process or buying a franchise via the back door. “The deal is not contingent on getting a Hundred franchise,” Bransgrove said.But in practice…?
The ECB have spoken to every IPL and WPL franchise about the prospect of investing in Hundred teams, and GMR appear highly likely to bid for the remaining 49% of Southern Brave as part of the sales process. If GMR’s bid is successful and is considered by the ECB to represent fair market value, Hampshire would then be transferred the other 51% and GMR would effectively become 100% owners of the Hundred franchise.What’s in it for Hampshire?
Most obviously, money. Hampshire said in their statement that the deal was “designed to strengthen the financial position” of their parent company, which also runs the on-site hotel and golf course at the Utilita Bowl. GMR will provide “a material injection of capital to reduce the leveraging” of the company – in other words, starting to pay off Hampshire’s £60 million debt.Bransgrove said GMR were chosen after a “thorough selection process” because of their “shared values and commitment to our vision”. The Utilita Bowl has been awarded its first men’s Ashes Test in 2027, and Bransgrove said investment was necessary to ensure Hampshire can stay “at the top table… in a leadership position”.What do the ECB make of it?
Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, welcomed GMR to English cricket in a statement. Gould said: “I am pleased to see their commitment to continuing to develop Hampshire’s cricket teams and pathways and enhance facilities at Utilita Bowl, and their respect for the traditions of the game in this country.” After recent criticism of the Hundred’s sale from Lalit Modi, Gould said that the deal “demonstrates the global interest” in investing in English cricket.Related

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Didn’t Hampshire do something like this before?
Yes. Hampshire were previously part of a short-lived tie-in with Rajasthan Royals in 2010, which saw them spend four years playing as Hampshire Royals as one of five ‘Royals2020’ teams around the world. The deal was quietly shelved amid a dispute between Rajasthan’s owners and the IPL which briefly saw the franchise expelled from the league.How long has this been planned?
Hampshire said that the principal terms and conditions of their agreement with GMR were “formally agreed upon by the parties a year ago” and Bransgrove clarified that talks started “the best part of two years ago”. The reported in January that the two parties were in advanced talks and in February, Bransgrove and Mann were GMR’s hospitality guests at the ILT20. Discussions have continued through the year, with GMR representatives attending England’s T20I against Australia at the Utilita Bowl earlier this month, and the deal has now been announced publicly.What’s KP got to do with it?
Kevin Pietersen played an informal role in helping to broker the deal as a “common link” between Bransgrove and GMR’s Kiran Kumar Grandhi. Pietersen represented both Hampshire and Delhi Daredevils (as they were then known) during his playing career, and described Monday as a “historic day” for English cricket.Will Hampshire’s deal be the first of many in county cricket?
Maybe, although not imminently. Hampshire are one of only three counties – the others are Durham and Northamptonshire – who are private limited companies rather than member-run mutual ‘societies’, though Yorkshire’s chair Colin Graves is attempting to demutualise the club to open up the possibility of private funding.The majority of counties are heavily reliant on central ECB funding for income and may consider private investment an attractive alternative. “I’m absolutely certain that we will not be the last to go down this route,” Bransgrove said.

Somerset have appointed Trevor Griffin as head coach of their women’s team. Griffin, who has signed a two-year deal, previously had two spells coaching Western Storm in the women’s regional structure.He oversaw Storm’s two Kia Super League successes between 2017 and 2019, before moving on to coach Sunrisers and London Spirit in the Hundred. He also had a four-season spell in charge of Sydney Thunder in the WBBL.A former district sales manager with Nationwide, Griffin took an unusual route into coaching, via the Devon Cricket Board, Chance to Shine, and the University of Exeter. He worked for Canterbury Cricket in New Zealand before being offered the job of analyst and assistant coach at Western Storm, and was subsequently promoted to head coach when Caroline Foster stepped down.Griffin returned to take charge of Storm in 2022 and will now oversee the reintegration between women’s cricket and the county game at Taunton.”I’m absolutely thrilled. To be the first Head Coach and lead Somerset Women into this new era is a huge honour and I’m really excited for the future,” Griffin said. “Women’s cricket is going from strength to strength, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in the southwest in recent years. To be able to build on this as we move forward with Somerset is incredibly motivating for staff and players alike.”Somerset has a great history of supporting women’s cricket, and I can’t wait to share our knowledge and experience and work alongside their staff and players as we build a women’s squad to compete for top honours, inspire others and entertain the fans.”Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said: “Trevor is a coach who has achieved domestic success both in England and in Australia. He has a really strong understanding of our domestic structure which will enable him to lead this team into an exciting new era for the women’s game.”He has built and developed key relationships with players and staff across the region during his time with Western Storm and he is someone who shares the values that we at Somerset adhere to both on and off the field.”Trevor is held in high regard by players and staff alike and we very much look forward to working with him as we commence our journey to build a team and a brand of cricket that competes on all fronts and inspires the next generation of players.”

Some of Arsenal’s business in the transfer market has been questioned over the last couple of days, especially considering the big money spent by some of their rivals.

Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke are the latest names in the mix, with the Dane already moving to the Emirates whilst the latter appears to be moving closer to a switch across the capital.

The Gunners agreed a £52m deal with Chelsea for the Englishman’s signature, in a move which is expected to see the 23-year-old be a backup to Bukayo Saka.

Such dealings are expected to just be squad additions, with various other key areas of Mikel Arteta’s side in desperate need of investment over the coming weeks.

Various targets have been on their radar in recent times, but it appears as though they could be edging closer to landing a star who could make the difference in their Premier League title charge.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

The attacking third has been the area of most attention this window, with Eberechi Eze one player who could still move to the club given his £68m release clause.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a key option, with the Brazilian expected to be allowed to depart the LaLiga outfit this window, which could aid the Gunners’ quest for his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

However, work has been done for additions elsewhere, with Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres now at long last set to become an Arsenal player.

The news was reported by a number of sources on Sunday evening, firstly by The Athletic’s David Ornstein who revealed that an agreement in principle has been reached for the Swede to move from the Portuguese side to the Emirates Stadium.

It’s revealed that a deal worth €63.5m guaranteed + €10m in add-ons has now been agreed.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared that a “very good phone call with Mikel Arteta” has left the deal “on the verge” of being completed, with Gunners insider Hand of Arsenal revealing that a medical has now been planned.

Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s answer to Salah

Mohamed Salah is a player who has caused countless problems to numerous backlines within the Premier League, with every side wishing they had a talent of his quality.

The Egyptian has registered 186 goals in England’s top-flight, with his tally of 29 in his 38 outings last campaign firing Arne Slot’s outfit to the title and losing just four matches.

He’s scored 11 times in his 18 outings against the Gunners, including the equaliser in the 2-2 draw between the sides in North London back in October last year.

His two-year contract extension will see him continue to offer a constant threat to Arteta’s side once again in the near future, but the Gunners could land their answer to the forward this window.

Gyokeres could be just that man, offering the club the clinical and consistent presence in front of goal that they have desperately been lacking over recent seasons.

Their highest league goalscorer last season was Kai Havertz, who only registered nine goals, with no player managing to achieve double figures in England’s top-flight.

The Swede could be about to change that, given his record for Sporting in the 2024/25 campaign, managing to find the net on 54 occasions in his 52 outings across all competitions.

The top goalscorers across Europe in 2024/25
Player	Team	Games	Goals
Viktor Gyokeres	Sporting CP	33	39
Kylian Mbappé	Real Madrid	34	31
Mohamed Salah	Liverpool	38	29
Robert Lewandowski	Barcelona	34	27
Harry Kane	Bayern Munich	31	26
Victor Osimhen	Galatsaray	30	26
Mateo Retegui	Atalanta	36	25
Stats via Transfermarkt

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has managed to register 2.2 shots on target per 90, getting 52% of his efforts on target – with such a record handing Arteta the quality he craves in front of goal.

Doubts have been raised about his all-round ability, but he’s showcased his all-round ability, creating 2.1 chances per 90, whilst winning 51% of the aerials he’s contested – subsequently offering that focal point the side need this summer.

£70m may appear to be a massive sum of money for an unproven talent, but his goalscoring record in recent seasons is certainly worth taking a risk on, with the positives outweighing the negatives.

If he can move to England and have a similar impact to Salah, he would be a sensational addition and one that could transform the club’s ambitions of ending their title drought.

Instant Norgaard upgrade: Arsenal make contact for "spectacular" £43m star

Following the signings of both Christian Nørgaard and Martín Zubimendi, Arsenal are now targeting a midfielder who is at a “spectacular level”.

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Ben Gray

Jul 12, 2025

Nottingham Forest have struck a “verbal agreement” with a “complete” forward, and they are now “pushing” to get a deal done, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Nottingham Forest set sights on forwards amid Gibbs-White saga

Forest fans may have been given some hope that Morgan Gibbs-White could remain at the City Ground, when the attacking midfielder was selected in the starting XI for the 0-0 draw against AS Monaco on Saturday.

However, Gibbs-White could still be on the move this summer, with The Boy Hotspur saying: “I’ve been told that the Premier League have received a complaint, and ultimately they will give direction, but to repeat the well-worn phrase, slavery was abolished in the 1830s in the UK. Gibbs-White will be a Spurs player, it’s done.”

However, one bonus for the Tricky Trees is that Tottenham will have to pay over the £60m release clause to get a deal for the England international over the line, providing Nuno Espirito Santo with additional funds for the manager’s own transfer business.

Nottingham Forest learn £50m target could be tempted by Europa League place

The Tricky Trees could have an opportunity to land a new star…

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 19, 2025

With Anthony Elanga joining Newcastle United earlier this summer, it is important that Nuno gets a new winger through the door, and Forest now appear to be making progress in their pursuit of a potential replacement for the Sweden international.

Taking to X, Plettenberg stated Nottingham Forest are now “pushing to sign” Bologna’s Dan Ndoye, having already struck a “verbal agreement”, with the forward in line to move to the City Ground on a five-year deal until 2030.

With Ndoye giving the move the green light, the Tricky Trees are now preparing an opening bid, but they may have to spend big to get a deal over the line, as the Italian club are set to hold out for €40m (£35m). Fabrizio Romano has since added that an opening bid has been made, although doesn’t state how much a proposal is worth.

Nuno’s side will also have to contend with rival interest from Serie A champions Napoli, who are also pushing to get a deal done.

"Complete" Ndoye could be ideal Elanga replacement

It will be a tall order to replace Elanga, but the Bologna star could be the man for the job, given that he performed remarkably well last season, regularly chipping in with goals and assists across all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

30

8

4

Italian Cup

3

1

2

Italian agent Lodovico Spinosi has also spoken fondly of his client, saying: “It is true that he is doing very well and everyone is realising how decisive he is in one-on-one situations, thanks to his speed. He can also play as a wing-back, despite being born as an offensive player.

“He is a complete player who, if he manages to be more decisive up front, will be at a top-tier club.”

Despite being versatile, Ndoye has most commonly featured at right-wing throughout his career to date, suggesting he could be the ideal replacement for Elanga, so it is exciting news that he has reached a verbal agreement over a move.

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin is still dealing with changes to his first-team squad as he prepares for a European qualifying clash later this month.

One player whose future at Ibrox remains uncertain is striker Cyriel Dessers, who was not involved in Rangers’ friendly draw last weekend.

After the game, Martin explained the striker’s absence: “Cyriel has had a bit of a niggly ankle so he was here today. We turned down a bid a while ago for him that was nowhere near our valuation at the football club.

“He’s been great, he’s been desperate to train but he’s had some treatment this week on his ankle. He’s coming back and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

The Ibrox boss confirmed that the club have turned down an offer for the 30-year-old attacker, who has been linked with a move to AEK Athens, and it remains to be seen whether or not the striker will still be at the club come September.

It could, however, make sense for Rangers to part ways with the experienced forward in the coming weeks, in order to improve Martin’s team for next season.

Why Rangers should sell Cyriel Dessers

It makes sense from a financial perspective because the striker is now in his 30s, in the latter stage of his career, and only has two years left to run on his contract at Ibrox.

This means that this summer could be the club’s last chance to get optimal value for the former Cremonese star, as he will only have 12 months left on his deal next summer at the age of 31.

It could also make sense from a footballing perspective because Dessers has not been clinical enough in front of goal to be a reliable number nine for Rangers in the big moments.

Wasteful finishing, like the attempt in the clip above, has been a recurring issue for the Rangers number nine, who has only scored two goals in ten matches against Celtic.

His performances on the European stage for the Light Blues were particularly telling of his quality in front of goal, as he struggled against top-tier opponents.

Appearances

12

xG

5.49

Goals

3

Big chances missed

10

Big chances created

2

Assists

2

As you can see in the table above, Dessers missed a staggering ten ‘big chances’ in just 12 Europa League matches, and underperformed his xG by over two goals.

The wasteful striker has missed a whopping 59 ‘big chances’ in his two seasons at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions combined, which is why the Gers could benefit from selling him to fund the signing of a new striker who can provide more quality in front of goal.

Rangers in the race to sign LaLiga striker

According to Macedonian news outlet Gol Mk, Rangers are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign Girona centre-forward Bojan Miovski before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Light Blues want to sign the Macedonia international to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch, one year on from his move to Spain from Aberdeen.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that German sides Hamburg and Freiburg have both made contact with Girona to enquire about a possible deal for the forward, whilst Celtic are also interested in the left-footed marksman.

However, the outlet does not reveal how much the Spanish team would want in order to sanction a move for the striker, who was signed from Aberdeen for a reported fee of £6.8m.

If the Gers can win the race for the 26-year-old centre-forward in the coming weeks, though, then Martin would have a big upgrade on Dessers on his hands.

Why Miovski would be an upgrade on Dessers

The Light Blues would improve their team by selling the Nigerian forward in order to bring the Macedonian marksman back to Scotland this summer, because of his ability in front of goal and his record in the biggest games.

During his time with Aberdeen, Miovski scored four goals in nine matches against Rangers and three goals in seven games against Celtic, making it an impressive haul of seven goals in 16 games against the top two teams in the country.

Whereas, as aforementioned, Dessers has only found the back of the net two times in ten games against the Hoops, as he has let his side down too many times in the biggest matches.

This suggests that Miovski, who was once hailed as a “complete number 9” by journalist Josh Bunting, would be more likely to be a difference-maker for Rangers in the games against Celtic, both in the league and in the cup competitions, to increase the club’s chances of clinching silverware ahead of their closest rivals.

Appearances

75

70

Shots

171

185

Goals

32

34

Big chances missed

31

47

Big chances created

10

10

Assists

4

6

As you can see in the table above, they have a similar goal return across their two seasons in the Premiership, but Dessers has missed significantly more ‘big chances’.

This suggests that Miovski’s output could be even greater as a scorer if he were in a Rangers team that consistently creates the high-quality chances that the current Gers number nine gets on a weekly basis.

The left-footed striker endured a difficult season in LaLiga, with just two goals in 17 games, but he is a proven performer in Scottish football who would, in theory, be able to hit the ground running at Ibrox next season if the club can agree a deal to sign him this summer.

This is why Rangers must push to cash in on Dessers to fund a move for Miovski in the coming weeks, as they could improve their team by signing a proven Premiership star who has the potential to deliver even more quality in front of goal than the AEK Athens target.

Martin's own Defoe: Rangers "frontrunners" to sign "sensational" striker

Rangers are leading the race to sign a forward who could be their next Jermaine Defoe.

2 ByDan Emery Jul 8, 2025

Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker has been far and wide so far this summer as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad ahead of 2025/26.

The 40-year-old has already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his ranks, but the pair are set to operate in the number ten role behind the striker.

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only netting seven Premier League goals between them last campaign, it reinforces the need for a new talisman during the current window.

However, despite their success elsewhere in the market, a new striker has still eluded them to date, opening the door to added investment from the hierarchy.

Various players have emerged on their radar as of late, with a real importance on landing a new forward to help catapult the Red Devils back to the top of England’s top-flight.

Man United on the hunt to sign a new striker

Benjamin Sesko has been a player who’s emerged as a key target for United this summer, but they’re not alone, with Newcastle United also keen on the 22-year-old this summer.

Amorim’s side are said to be in talks with RB Leipzig over a move for the Slovenian international, after he registered 21 goals for the German side throughout 2024/25.

However, the youngster isn’t the only player in their sights, with Chelsea talisman Nicolas Jackson also a player they’re considering, according to The Independent.

They claim that United have held talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign the Senegalese international, but it could be an expensive addition, as they’ve placed an £80m price tag on his head.

Despite the price tag, the report states that the hierarchy are proposing a potential swap plus cash deal which could see bomb squad member Alejandro Garnacho move in the opposite direction.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Sesko

As previously mentioned, Sesko has been targeted by United in recent weeks, but despite his excellent goalscoring record in Germany, the hierarchy must be cautious in any deal for his signature.

Whilst the Slovenian has showcased his goalscoring record, he could cost a pretty penny, with his current employers demanding £80m for his signature this summer.

Such a move could see a repeat for Hojlund, after the Danish international scored 10 goals for Atalanta the season before his own £72m move to Old Trafford.

The additions of Cunha and Mbeumo highlight the club’s recruitment strategy of investing money in players who have already proven themselves in England’s top-flight.

A deal for Sesko would go against their ethos during the current window, subsequently needing to avoid a move for the Leipzig star and prioritise a move for Jackson this summer.

Whilst the Senegalese international may not be many of the supporters’ first choice, his experience in the Premier League could be vital, whilst also being a cost-effective option should Garnacho be included in any deal.

He’s also managed to better Sesko in numerous areas during recent times, undoubtedly being a better addition for Amorim’s side during the off-season.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

15

18

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

43%

Pass accuracy

76%

67%

Key passes made

1.2

0.7

Shot-creating actions

2.8

1.9

Progressive carries

1.9

1.7

Carries into opposition box

1.3

0.5

Jackson managed to achieve a higher shot on target accuracy rate last season, subsequently being more accurate with his efforts in attacking areas, leading to Pubity Sport labelling him as “sensational”.

He also managed to complete more passes, with more of which being defined as key passes, highlighting his all-round ability, which could allow the aforementioned new additions to hit the ground running in Manchester.

His dominance over Sesko is further reflected in his tally of carries into the opposition box per 90, being able to create chances out of nothing, undoubtedly being less reliant on players around him to have chances in front of goal.

If a deal can be agreed with Chelsea over a potential swap deal, it would be a superb piece of business by the club, offloading a player not in Amorim’s plans whilst landing a star who’d fill a key position in the side.

There’s no denying that the Leipzig star would be a solid option, but given the difference in stats and Jackson’s prior experience in England, the hierarchy should be going all out on a move for the Senegalese star.

Perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to sign "unbelievable" £60m star

Manchester United are making moves to land a new forward who would star alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 30, 2025

Tottenham are continuing their plans to back Thomas Frank in the transfer market ahead of his first full season in charge, amid the drama surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White and his potential move to N17.

"It's done" – £80k-a-week attacker submits transfer request to join Tottenham

He’s apparently desperate to join the Lilywhites.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 17, 2025

Spurs remain in pursuit of the England international, despite Nottingham Forest’s threat of legal action against both the Lilywhites and his agent (Sky Sports), with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that Gibbs-White is their priority as of now.

Tottenham appeared set to sign the 25-year-old nearly a fortnight ago after a round of quick-fire talks, even going as far as to book a medical for Gibbs-White on July 11, but Forest’s legal objections have seriously delayed his switch to London.

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

There have even been some reports that this Forest reaction is down to Tottenham hijacking Man City’s part-exchange deal for Gibbs-White involving James McAtee (Football Insider), with Evangelos Mariniakis and co furious at the attacker’s last-gasp U-turn.

While this theory is yet to be backed up elsewhere, the consensus is that Spurs are still hopeful of eventually sealing a deal for Gibbs-White, but in the meantime, chairman Daniel Levy and co have other targets in mind as well.

Tottenham are keen on a new holding midfielder, amid repeated links to Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, and there is a belief that Frank’s side are also looking at signing another centre-back too (The Telegraph).

Brentford star Yoane Wissa, who scored 20 goals in all competitions under Frank last season, also remains a top target.

Spurs face stiff competition from Newcastle United for the Congolese’s services, with the Magpies already having a £25 million offer turned down for him in the last few days.

There is an expectation that Eddie Howe’s side will go back in with an improved offer, but we cannot discount Tottenham, as explained by reliable journalist Ben Jacobs.

Yoane Wissa in London for crunch talks over Brentford future

Jacobs, taking to X, claims that Wissa is now in London for talks over his Brentford future after departing their pre-season training camp in Portugal.

The reporter says that while Newcastle are confident they can sign the 28-year-old, Wissa is also open to joining Tottenham, so there remains a distinct possibility that Frank could reunite with his ex-star striker at Hotspur Way.

Spurs’ boss has already praised Wissa’s “nose for goals”, and if signed, question marks will surely surround the long-term future of Richarlison, who’s attracting rumoured interest from a host of clubs abroad.

“I think they are super players,” said Frank about Wissa and his former Brentford side in 2023.

“Wissa, we knew, has always been a goalscorer. He scored seven goals in the first season and seven in the second in the Premier League, for a player that didn’t play much. It’s remarkable. I definitely think he is best as a 9. He’s got that nose for goals.”

Jayden Goodwin and Hilton Cartwright will look to extend their strong partnership for WA, who moved to within 87 of Tasmania’s first-innings total in Hobart

AAP02-Nov-2024Hilton Cartwright was fortunate to survive a seemingly regulation caught-behind decision late on day two as Western Australia seized control of their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.After Sam Fanning (68) laid a stoic early platform, Jayden Goodwin (73 not out) and Cartwright (48n not out) helped lift WA to 220 for 2 at stumps on Saturday, 87 runs short of Tasmania’s 317.WA will look to erase the deficit early on Sunday before aiming to construct a match-winning lead.Inside the last half-hour of play on Saturday, after a tough day of toil for the home side’s bowlers, Mitchell Owen drew a thick edge from Cartwright, who was on 38, which was pouched low but cleanly by wicketkeeper Jake Doran.The umpires got together before confirming, to Tasmania’s shock, that the original not-out decision would stand.Goodwin and Cartwright have combined for an unbeaten 91-run third-wicket stand, accelerating late after two sessions of attritional grind.”We’ve got two guys who are set at the crease, so I think we’re in a strong position,” Fanning said. “If we want to move the game forward, I think it’s in our hands. We’re set nicely.”

Edged? Bump ball? Did it carry? #SheffieldShield

Day two report from Hobart: https://t.co/4TOczyxq8y pic.twitter.com/TezrybsPIm

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 2, 2024

Tasmania’s lower order spent 17.3 overs poking around for 15 runs, after resuming on 302 for 7, before WA crawled to 23 without loss at lunch in reply. The opening session reaping just 38 runs from 28.3 painstaking overs.Lawrence Neil-Smith made six of 77 balls, while Kieran Elliott’s 77-ball stay ended on 21 thanks to a marvellous one-handed slips catch from Cameron Gannon.Teague Wyllie (22) was the only WA batter to fall before tea, trapped plumb lbw by left-arm orthodox spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.Fanning dominated the 70-run first-wicket union with Wyllie and moved to his highest first-class score before chasing a wide half-volley from Bradley Hope, which he feathered to Doran.”I see a pathway for us to victory – four overs to go before the new ball,” Kuhnemann said. If we can take some wickets early tomorrow and put some pressure on, day three is moving day. I think the bowlers did a decent job, but tomorrow’s a massive day for us.”