There has been a real focus from Leeds United to strengthen in attack this summer. The Whites have signed three new forwards, with Noah Okafor the only one they paid for, joining from Milan for £18m. Lukas Nmecha was one of the free signings, and he scored on his debut against Everton from the spot.

The other centre-forward who didn’t cost a penny was Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The England international switched to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired. However, his debut for the club, a Carabao Cup tie defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday, saw him miss a couple of chances and a penalty in the shootout.

Daniel Farke seems to think there is still work to be done in attack, with Leeds looking at signing another forward.

Leeds' new attacking targets

Even though they scored more goals than any side in the Championship last season, the Whites have still focused on bolstering their attack.

Transfer Focus

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

One name who has cropped up recently is Nottingham Forest winger Jota Silva, with the forward emerging as a target for Leeds.

However, it seems that they could jump ahead of Premier League rivals in the race for another striker. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Farke’s side have ‘swooped in’ to sign Christantus Uche from Spanish side Getafe.

He looked destined to join Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, but an issue agreeing on personal terms has opened the door for Leeds to hijack the move.

West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, as well as Serie A giants Milan, have also shown interest in the £17.5m-rated star, but Leeds are now ‘pushing hard’ to get a deal done.

Why Uche would be a good signing

With Leeds looking to add further depth to their attack, it is no surprise that they have rejoined the race to sign Uche.

The Nigeria international has a unique profile, standing at 6 foot 3, and can play as a striker and a number 10.

Described as a “defender’s nightmare” by football scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old certainly showed his threat in the final third last season. In 33 games for Getafe, he bagged four goals and assisted a further six. Not mindblowing numbers by any stretch of the imagination but he caught the eye.

The 2025/26 campaign has begun superbly for Uche. Getafe’s number 10 is already on the board this term and grabbed an assist, with both contributions coming in their season opener against Celta Vigo. The La Liga side won 2-0, with Uche playing a key role in both goals.

The same cannot be said for Calvert-Lewin, who struggled on his debut for the Whites.

His final season as an Everton player saw the 28-year-old find the back of the net just three times in 26 appearances.

Unfortunately, that tough form continued in his first game as a Leeds player. Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Lee Sobot gave him a 5/10 post-match rating and described his night as a “debut to forget”, with WhoScored explaining his missed chances had an expected goals tally of 2.14 xG.

It is easy to see how Uche could be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin already in Farke’s squad. He has been quick out of the blocks this season, whereas the new Leeds star struggled on debut. On top of that, Getafe’s number 10 outscored him last term.

The stats from the 2024/25 season back up the sentiment. For example, the Nigerian star averaged 0.36 goals and assists and 2.82 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Leeds’ new number nine averaged 0.22 goals and assists and 1.46 shot-creating actions each game.

Goals and assists

0.36

0.22

Goals per shot on target

0.29

0.16

Key passes

1.05

0.39

Shot-creating actions

2.82

1.46

Ball recoveries

3.99

1.96

With his effectiveness in front of goal, the unique profile and the versatility that he offers, it is easy to see how Uche would be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

Ultimately, Leeds need goals to stay in the Premier League, and will be relying on both to find the back of the net often.

Hijacking this deal for the cheap price of £17.5m would surely be a smart move for the Yorkshire side as they look to beat the drop this season.

New Phillips: Leeds chasing big move to sign "generational" England star

Leeds United are eyeing up a move for an England international who could be their next Kalvin Phillips.

ByDan Emery Aug 26, 2025

Here’s how India’s players reacted after winning the Champions Trophy in Dubai

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-2025

KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja hug after the victory•ICC via Getty Images

.KL Rahul: “I don’t think I can say this on camera, but I was s****ing myself at the end. But we still had a couple of batters to come, so I was confident that we could get over the line.”But in moments like this and big games, it’s more about holding your composure, which we all know about. It’s not easy, but I’m happy to win this and happy to get over the line this time. I think I’ve batted in times like this in three out of the five games. And one of the games I didn’t get to bat at all, against Pakistan.”The game’s given me good time in the middle and good time to prepare for a big moment like this. It’s hard to put in words, but it’s just pure skill and the way we’ve all played our cricket growing up. We’ve had to face a lot of challenges. We’ve had to face pressure from the time we held the bat and from the time we decided to be professional cricketers. I think it’s just the first-class cricket, BCCI, how they’ve groomed every player, every talented player that comes around. They’re giving us opportunities and platforms to showcase our skills and to put ourselves under pressure and keep challenging ourselves and getting better.”Related

Rohit time is right on time for India – and it's not over yet

India's spin quartet pulls the strings in dominant display

Rohit, Gill, Iyer and Shami spill chances in Champions Trophy final

Stats – Four drops, a spin strangle, and 15 tosses lost in a row

Kohli: India ready to take on the world for the next eight years

Hardik Pandya: “It’s always amazing to win an ICC event, and especially the Champions Trophy. I remember 2017 very closely to my heart. We could not finish the job that time. But very, very pleased with the way we have played throughout the tournament. And, at the same time, how everyone contributed. That was fantastic.”Oh, brilliant. You know, that was calm, composed [from KL Rahul]. He took his chances at the right point of time. I think this is what KL Rahul is. KL Rahul has immense talent, and I don’t think anyone can hit the ball the way he can. I think that was the exhibition of how he did today.”Varun Chakravarthy: “Yeah, so I was a sudden inclusion, and I didn’t expect it to turn out like this, and it’s a dream come true. Yeah, it was good, because [in] the first innings the spin was less, and we had to be very disciplined and stick to the stumps.”Shreyas Iyer: “Feeling ecstatic, to be honest. It’s ineffable. And hard to say it in words, to be honest. It’s my first ICC trophy, and I’m kind of overwhelmed. Looking at each and everyone in the dressing room, the way we’ve turned up towards this tournament, and the way we’ve progressed, it was simply magnificent.”To be honest, I love to be under pressure whenever there’s a challenge. I feel I thrive under pressure, and I love such moments. It’s just that I’ve been getting amazing starts in the tournament, and not able to get a big one, but at the end of the day, if I’m able to contribute to a team victory, that is immensely satisfying, and I’m truly happy.”Shubman Gill: “Felt amazing. For the most part, I was sitting back and enjoying Rohit ‘s batting but we kept talking to each other and the [opening] partnership was important for us. Definitely very satisfying, we missed out on the last one that we played in 2023 [World Cup], and it’s a surreal feeling to be able to win this one, starting with the ODI series in England, winning eight ODIs back-to-back, amazing feeling.”Watching him [Virat Kohli] on the TV when I was a kid, and then playing with him, and seeing the intensity at which he plays, it’s just phenomenal to watch. And I think it tells us what the game is all about, giving his everything, and that’s the only thing that he talks about, even off the field as well – give your everything when you’re playing on the field. For him to be able to back his words like that, is just phenomenal.”Ravindra Jadeja: “My batting number is such that I’m either a hero or a zero [on finishing India’s matches often]. Hardik and KL had a good partnership in the last ten overs because the wicket was not so easy for new batsmen but the partnership they had changed the momentum of the game.”This means a lot to India. You’re a part of such a team, and there will be regrets if you’re not able to win tournaments after playing for so many years. But luckily in these two years we’ve won the T20 World Cup and now the Champions Trophy, so it’s great for team India.”Kuldeep Yadav: “Luckily [I didn’t have to bat]. Credit goes to KL and Jaddu to finish the game. There are certainly a lot of expectations when you’re playing well over the years, and you enter the tournaments as favourites, although I don’t believe in the favourites’ tag. We’ve played good cricket over the last few years, and I dedicate this win to the fans, they have a lot of expectations from us. It’s been terrific how we played this tournament.”It’s very difficult to manage four spinners on the field and the way Rohit managed was great and outstanding because you have to read the batsmen and who will bat in what situation, so whom to bowl at what time. The planning was there for the last few days according to their batting line-up and what to bowl when. It was terrific.”A big party is due, and entire India will party today.”

Capitals are already through to the playoffs, but will look to end the round-robin stage with a win

Srinidhi Ramanujam06-Mar-2025

Who’s playingDelhi Capitals (DC) vs Gujarat Giants (GG)
Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, 7.30pm ISTBig picture: Capitals in action after six daysIt is Meg Lanning vs Ashleigh Gardner again. But all eyes will be on Gujarat Giants, who have redeemed themselves with two successive wins, and are suddenly in contention for the playoffs. Having started with three losses in their first four matches, Giants would be keen to finish the Lucknow leg on a high before flying to Mumbai for their final group game. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, were the first team to qualify for playoffs, and will be playing their final league game on Friday, after winning five out of seven matches that has kept them at the top of the points table.Giants took some time to find their feet, but they look like a settled unit now. They tried a few different combinations and handed different roles to playersm but towards the business end of the tournament, they seem to play with better clarity than before. Giants are not just dependent on Gardner and Deandra Dottin in the batting anymore, with the likes of Harleen Deol, Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield stepping up.That apart, bowling still remains their biggest strength. In the three games that they won in this WPL, Giants’ bowlers have taken 26 of the 30 possible wickets. Despite limited international experience, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar and Priya Mishra have put their hands up to take 21 wickets between them – they have featured in all six matches so far – while allrounders Gardner and Dottin have supported them ably.Meanwhile, Capitals will be in action after six days, and will be playing their playoffs match only another six days later. Whether that will have an impact on their momentum is something to be seen. They have got many bases covered, and have almost always found a way to bounce back in a contest. Given the highly competitive nature of Lanning, her team will not take this match lightly, although they have advanced to the knockouts.When these sides met earlier in this WPL, Capitals crushed Giants by chasing down 128 with 29 balls remaining. With a playoffs spot on the line, then, will revenge be on Giants’ mind?Shafali Verma has accumulated 167 runs in the last three matches•BCCI

Form guideDelhi Capitals: WWW (last three matches, most recent first)
Gujarat Giants: WWLIn the spotlight: Shafali Verma and Tanuja KanwarAfter three scores in the 40s, Shafali Verma converted her start and made it huge, scoring an unbeaten 80 in Capitals’ previous, game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It was an innings where she showed control and composure in a tricky chase. Having accumulated 167 runs in the last three matches and heading into a match with no pressure of qualification, Shafali will be determined to continue her good touch ahead of the playoffs.Tanuja Kanwar started this WPL quietly, taking just a solitary wicket in her first three matches. But the left-arm spinner found her grip soon, and struck six times in the next three games. She has given Giants crucial breakthroughs, and against UP Warriorz, also picked up 3 for 17 in Lucknow. With Capitals loading themselves up with right-handers – Jonassen is the only left-hand batter in their top seven – Kanwar will be expected to have a vital role on Friday.Team news: Capitals shouldn’t change winning combinationCapitals are unlikely to tinker with the winning combination which beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru comprehensively on March 1.Delhi Capitals (probable): 1 Meg Lanning (capt), 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Jess Jonassen, 4 Jemimah Rodrigues, 5 Annabel Sutherland, 6 Marizanne Kapp, 7 Sarah Bryce (wk), 8 Niki Prasad, 9 Shikha Pandey, 10 Minnu Manni, 11 Shree CharaniIt’s unlikely that Giants will promote Harleen Deol or Pheobe Litchfield to open with Beth Mooney•BCCI

Even though opening batter D Hemalatha has found little success in this tournament, Giants have persisted with her at the top of the order. It’s unlikely that they will promote Deol or Litchfield to open with Mooney.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 D Hemalatha, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Ashleigh Gardner (capt), 5 Phoebe Litchfield, 6 Deandra Dottin, 7 Kashvee Gautam, 8 Bharti Fulmali, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Meghna Singh, 11 Priya MishraKey stats Gardner has hit 15 sixes in this edition, most by a Giants batter. The next best is Dottin’s four. With the ball, Capitals have been the second-best team in the death overs (17-20) this time, having conceded 8.72 runs an over in that phase. Only Mumbai Indians (8.31) have been better than them. Meanwhile, Giants have aced the powerplay with the ball this season. They have taken 13 wickets, and conceded at only 6.08 runs an over in the first six overs – both numbers being the best among all sides.

Erling Haaland scripted more history with his brace against Burnley on Saturday as he beat former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's record. The Norwegian goal machine starred with two goals and an assist as City thrashed Burnley 5-1 at home. The brace took Haaland's tally to nine goals this season in seven matches across all competitions.

• Haaland sets new record at Man City

  The brace against Burnley took Haaland's total goals tally for Manchester City to 133 in 153 appearances across all competitions, which helped him move up to the ninth position in the club's all-time highest goal scorers. He has now overtaken Billy Gillespie and Fred Tilson in the list.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Haaland smashes Solskjaer record

  Haaland also took his Premier League goals tally to 92 in 103 matches as he went past United legend Solskjaer to become the highest scoring Norwegian in the history of the English top-flight. The former United striker and manager had scored 91 league goals in 236 appearances. 

• Second-highest scorer at Etihad Stadium

  Haaland has now scored 52 Premier League goals in 51 appearances at City's home Etihad Stadium, as he surpassed Raheem Sterling's total of 51 goals, which the winger achieved in 109 games. Only Sergio Aguero now has more league goals at home than Haaland, as the Argentine's figure stands at 106 in 142 matches.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  Haaland tipped to break Ronaldo's record

  The Norway international has made a bright start for Manchester City in the 2025-26 campaign and the Cityzens star is backed to break the goalscoring records of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alan Shearer, if he manages to remain fit in his career. 

Tamim fielded for one over before leaving the field to see doctors at a nearby hospital

Mohammad Isam24-Mar-2025Tamim Iqbal, the former Bangladesh captain, suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match in Savar, following which he underwent emergency angioplasty.Doctors said that Tamim Iqbal had regained consciousness and spoken to a family member following the emergency surgery on Monday. Tamim will remain in the coronary care unit (CCU) for the next 48 hours as doctors will monitor his recovery from the heart surgery.Tamim was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club but fielded for just one over of the game’s first innings. After feeling discomfort in his chest, Tamim left the field and went to the KPJ Specialised Hospital and Nursing Home (formerly Fazilatunnesa Hospital) nearby to see doctors.”He was in good spirits during the toss,” Montu Dutta, the BKSP chief cricket coach, told reporters in the afternoon. “When he felt sick, he left the field and went to the hospital. The doctors there did not want to let him leave at the time, but Tamim left anyway.”As he returned to the ground a family member had made arrangements for an air ambulance to take Tamim to Dhaka. But Tamim was unable to do so as his condition worsened, to the extent that the Mohammedan team physio had to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him. He was then rushed back to the KPJ hospital as doctors at the ground felt lifting him on the air ambulance was out of the question.He arrived at the hospital in critical condition, according to doctors, and tests revealed a blockage in his arteries. An hour after the surgery was completed, the hospital held a short press briefing where it confirmed that Tamim had come to the hospital twice on Monday, the second time having suffered a heart attack. Cardiologist Dr. Moniruzzaman Maruf performed Tamim’s surgery, the hospital said.”He returned to us in a critical condition,” said Dr Rajib Hasan, of the KPJ Hospital. “We can call it a heart attack, and we subsequently did an angiogram and angioplasty to remove the blockage. The medical procedure has gone smoothly. He is currently under observation. The swift coordination between the medical staff at BKSP and the hospital ensured Tamim was treated quickly.”BCB’s chief physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury confirmed later that Tamim had regained consciousness. “Tamim Iqbal has regained consciousness. His vital signs are improving so we also hope that his overall health will also get better in the next 24 hours. The hospital has briefed you that they have put a ring in one of his arteries. The other arteries are healthy.”BCB cancelled their scheduled directors’ meeting soon after they heard of Tamim’s situation. President Faruque Ahmed rushed to the hospital alongside chief executive Nizamuddin Ahmed and director Akram Khan, Tamim’s uncle.”We are very thankful to all the medics and specialists for their swift actions in this critical situation,” BCB president Faruque Ahmed said in a statement*. “The outpouring of concern for Tamim reflects how much he is loved and appreciated by the nation.”The Chief Advisor’s Office, The Ministry of Youth & Sports, and the National Sports Council have been in constant touch with us and are receiving regular updates on Tamim’s condition.”The BCB is closely monitoring his health and continues to remain in contact with the hospital’s medical team. The board is committed to providing every support and assistance to ensure Tamim’s swift recovery.”Later in the afternoon, Tamim’s Mohammedan team-mates Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam visited him. A large number of reporters, camerapersons were at the hospital reception, apart from many fans and on-lookers.Having confirmed his international retirement in January this year, Tamim has continued to play domestic cricket. He led the Fortune Barishal franchise to a second successive BPL title last month. He had already struck two centuries in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League, having now led Mohammedan to six wins in eight outings.GMT 1314 The report was updated with BCB president Faruque Ahmed’s statement.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana scored her first ODI hundred, off just 78 balls, and led her team to their highest total in the format and a thumping win over Thailand in their women’s World Cup Qualifier in Lahore on Thursday. Sultana was ably supported by Sharmin Akhter, who shared in two century stands and was unbeaten on 94, as Bangladesh posted the highest total of the tournament so far. The Bangladesh spin twins Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdus did the rest.Fahima, the legspinner, and Ferdus, the offspinner, shared all ten Thailand wickets between them, both recording five-fors. Ferdus was playing in just her third ODI and bowling in this format for the first time and ended with figures of 5 for 7, which included a double-wicket maiden in her opening over. The more experienced Fahima, in her 45th match, took her first five-for to finish with 5 for 21.Thailand were bowled out for 93 inside 29 overs, their lowest ODI total, while Bangladesh secured their largest victory by runs in this format – 178.As the result suggests, Thailand had little joy from the fixture, though it started with an early wicket. In the fourth over, Ishma Tanjim reached for a wide delivery from Phannita Maya and got a thick edge through to the wicket-keeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai. From there, it was all Bangladesh. Fargana Hoque and Akhter put on 104 runs off 141 balls for the second wicket in a partnership that set Bangladesh up. Hoque brought up her fifty shortly after the halfway stage, off 75 balls, and then showed an intent to accelerate. But she top-edged an attempted slog sweep off Onnicha Kamchomphu and was caught at midwicket.That brought Sultana to the crease and her energy immediately upped the tempo. She found boundaries with the cut and the sweep and then began her charge against the spinners, with confident strikes through the leg side. Her fifty came off 45 balls, and she needed just 33 more to get to her century. Impressively, Bangladesh scored 77 runs in the last ten overs and topped their previous highest ODI score of 252 by 19 runs. The 152-run stand between Sharmin and Sultana was Bangladesh’s highest third-wicket partnership in ODIs.[File photo] Fahima Khatun picked up her first ODI five-for•CWI

The only thing they were unable to do was give Sharmin enough of the strike to get to a century. She was on 92 and facing in the final over but could only get a couple of singles. Four of Thailand’s seven-bowler attack conceded at six runs an over or more, including three of their spinners. Bangladesh’s attack was much tighter and more difficult to get away.They opened with spin at one end in the form of Nahida Akter and Thailand negotiated the early exchanges well. Their opening pair put on 38 in eight overs before Fahima was brought into the attack. She struck with her first ball, which she tossed up as Chanida Sutthiruang played down the wrong line and was bowled. Fahima continued to puzzle Thailand as Koncharoenkai played for turn against a delivery that straightened and Nattaya Boochatham missed a sweep and was trapped lbw. Thailand were 47 for 3 inside 15 overs, and things were about to get much worse.Ferdus bowled Natthakan Chantham with her second ball when she took out middle stump with a perfect offspinner. She ended that over with an almost identical ball to dismiss Maya. Before she conceded a run, Ferdus took a third when Naruemol Chaiwai offered a catch to Rabeya Khan at slip. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi scored the first run off Ferdus and then became her fourth wicket, at the start of the next over. She snuck through Suwanchronrathi’s bat-pad gap to find leg stump. Ferdus completed her five-for in her fifth over when she accepted a caught-and-bowled chance from Sunida Chaturongrattana.Fahima already had her fourth by then and was kept on in search of a five-for. She got there with the penultimate ball of her eighth over, when Onnicha Kamchomphu was hit on the pad in front of leg stump.All six teams have now played a match each and Bangladesh, by virtue of their superior net run-rate, top the table. The top two teams will qualify for the ODI World Cup to be held in India later this year.

Wrexham's Hollywood owners have been warned that their valuation of the club may be significantly lower than they estimate. A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac value the club at $472m (£350m) but it could in fact be far lower according to a football finance expert. Reynolds and Mac have invested heavily in a team that has scaled the football pyramid since their 2021 purchase.

• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  Reynolds and Mac value Wrexham at $472m amid talk of selling stake

  Wrexham finally secured their spot in League Two after a series of failed attempts to escape the National League having been taken over by Reynolds and Mac – formerly McElhenney – in February 2021. Since then, the Dragons have gone from strength-to-strength securing three successive promotions. Wrexham have made a solid start to life in The Championship with their midweek draw at Leicester taking them to nine points from the opening eight games ahead of Friday's game against Birmingham.

  And Reynolds and Mac are keen to build upon Wrexham's impressive rise up England's football ladder with reports suggesting the pair have been talking to advisors about selling a minority stake in the club to help fund player transfers and to aid in paying for a new Kop stand.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Wrexham owners told valuation may be inflated

  However, a football finance expert has warned that Reynolds and Mac's valuation may be inflated, estimating it could be worth a third of the $472m (£350m) valuation. "Valuing a football club is always part science and part art and ultimately it is about what someone is prepared to pay," Dr Dan Plumley of Sheffield Hallam University told Grosvenor Casinos via Wales Online. "However, some sensible judgement on the numbers can get us close. Typically, a football club would command a valuation of around 1.5 to 2 times turnover, plus the physical assets it owns and the respective intangibles of brand value, heritage and the power of the fan base.

  "Even on the numbers we can see, that would put Wrexham at a valuation of circa £50m based on 2024 numbers. If the turnover has been higher in 2025 and jumps again in 2026 then talks of a £100m valuation becomes more feasible. Wrexham are trying to grow their turnover in the future through stadium expansion which is commendable. These are long-term projects, however, and would not lead to valuation jumps straight away."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Finance expert issues caution about attempts to reach the Premier League

  Plumley was also quick to praise Wrexham and their owners for the strides take to move up the football pyramid but pleads for caution as they look to achieve their dream of reaching the Premier League in the foreseeable future.

  "They've made positive strides on and off the pitch in the last three years. The next step won't be easy as they battle with increased costs, Championship PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) and other clubs in receipt of Premier League parachute payments," Plumley added.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Wrexham achieving impressive financial results

  Wrexham have previously posted impressive financial results, with the club's revenue for the 2023/24 financial year a notable £26.7m when they were still in League Two. The success of the documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham' has contributed to a rise in overseas interest and an increase in revenue.

  And as they seek investment, it wouldn't be the first time they have sold a minority stake in the club having done so to the Allyn family last year. The club used the investment from the American family to launch a summer splurge, which saw them sign the likes of Nathan Broadhead, Ben Sheaf and Lewis O'Brien, to name three, in their bid to avoid immediately dropping back into League One.

Manchester United are looking to spark a resurgence this year, but the first couple of fixtures since the off-season have issued a reminder that this squad has a long way to go before it gets to where they need to be.

Ruben Amorim has recently spoken of his belief that the Red Devils are closer to their goals this season, but then you would hope that this is so, for United finished 15th in the Premier League last season and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, now excluded from European competition.

Fans would be understood for wanting a few more additions before the close of the transfer window, United having claimed one point from their opening two league fixtures.

The frontline has been reshaped, and efforts for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens continue, yet Amorim remains intent on signing a central midfielder to establish the balance he needs for his tactical engine to start purring.

Man United searching for a midfielder

Much had been put into the bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this month, but the Seagulls have barred the Cameroonian’s exit, and so INEOS have shelved their interest for the time being.

But a deal for another midfielder could yet be struck before the end of the window, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Kobbie Mainoo could leave Old Trafford, and a replacement brought in.

It’s an ambitious one, but that player could be Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, with The Athletic’s Mark Critchley and Laurie Whitwell confirming on Tuesday United’s interest in the England international.

It seems unlikely that the Eagles would sanction their prized midfielder’s exit at this late stage, but it’s encouraging to note that Man United’s interest is genuine, though they would have to cough up something in the ballpark of £100m, a fee that would eclipse the club’s transfer record.

What Adam Wharton would bring to Man United

Described as “the best deep-lying English midfielder since Scholes” by a CONCACAF-certified coach, need we really say anymore?

Wharton, 21, has only been at Crystal Palace since January 2024, joining from Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, but already he has showcased a considerable degree of quality in Oliver Glasner’s trophy-winning system, and England’s top outfits have taken note.

At the Theatre of Dreams, Wharton would occupy a role currently being filled by Bruno Fernandes, who has moved into a deeper berth than he has principally played across his four-and-a-half years as a Red Devil.

Fernandes, 30, has been the subject of transfer speculation brewing from the Saudi Pro League this summer, but he issued an emphatic response, rejecting the concerted approach from Al Hilal.

It’s a good thing too. Not only did the Portugal international score 19 goals and supply 19 assists across all competitions for Man United last season, but he also inspired and roused the rabble as they flattered to deceive.

His playmaking knows no bounds, and that’s why signing Wharton could work so well for the overall fluency of Amorim’s unit, allowing Fernandes to shift back into a more advanced role, facilitated by Wharton’s presence.

Hailed as a “generational talent” by journalist Matthew Stanger, Wharton’s 2024/25 campaign was affected by injury, limiting him to just 16 Premier League starts, but he still ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe for progressive passes and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Signing him would open up a fluent channel between the thirds, Wharton’s passing feeding into Fernandes’ more prolific take on the ball-playing art.

There’s no denying that Man United’s midfield talisman has looked somewhat out of sorts over the first couple of weeks of the term, but Wharton could revive him, all right, and take this proud football club right back to the forefront of domestic and continental football.

Better signing than Baleba: "Phenomenal" star now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could make an even better signing than Carlos Baleba by landing this star.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 25, 2025

يواجه منتخب المغرب تحت 20 عامًا خصمه منتخب الأرجنتين في نهائي بطولة كأس العالم للشباب 2025، المقامة في تشيلي، صباح يوم الإثنين.

وتأهل المغرب إلى نهائي بطولة كأس العالم للشباب، بعد الفوز على فرنسا بركلات الترجيح في دور نصف النهائي.

فيما تأهل منتخب الأرجنتين إلى النهائي بعد الفوز على كولومبيا بهدف دون رد في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات نصف النهائي.

اقرأ أيضًا | القنوات المجانية الناقلة لمباراة المغرب والأرجنتين اليوم في كأس العالم للشباب

وكان منتخب الأرجنتين قد تأهل إلى النهائي بعدما صعد بالعلامة الكاملة من دور المجموعات، وعبر نيجيريا برباعية نظيفة في دور الـ16، ثم هزم المكسيك بثنائية في ربع النهائي.

أما بالنسبة لمنتخب المغرب، فقد حصد 6 نقاط في دور المجموعات وفاز على كوريا الجنوبية بهدفين لهدف في دور الـ 16، وتجاوز أمريكا بنتيحة 3/1 في ربع قبل انتصاره بركلات الترجيح ضد فرنسا في نصف النهائي.

وتعتبر تلك هي المرة الأولى التي يتأهل فيها المنتخب المغربي للشباب إلى نهائي كأس العالم في التاريخ. تردد القناة المفتوحة الناقلة لمباراة الأرجنتين والمغرب اليوم في كأس العالم للشباب

بي إن سبورت المفتوحة

نايل سات

10853

أفقي (H)

27500

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا

Piyush Chawla feels the lack of success so far this season has made Chahal “play more of a safe game”

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Apr-20252:33

Chawla: Not the Chahal we’re used to seeing

Last year, Yuzvendra Chahal the first bowler to reach the 200-wicket mark in the IPL. No one else has reached there yet – the next best among active bowlers is Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 186. But a year on, and five matches into IPL 2025 for his new team Punjab Kings (PBKS), questions are cropping up about Chahal’s effectiveness.In this IPL, Chahal has picked up just two wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 11.13 and has not bowled his full quota in three games. Since making his debut in IPL 2013, Chahal – a wicket-taking option – has never had an economy rate of over 9.41 (2024) in a season. This year, he is going at 11.13, the 56 he conceded in his four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday not helping that number.Piyush Chawal, another legspinner and the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the IPL, felt Chahal has been playing a “safe game”, which is new for him.Related

Hopes: Chahal 'struggling to get into the game at the moment'

Lockie Ferguson hobbles off two balls into his spell

Abhishek Sharma takes T20 hitting out of this world

Abhishek Sharma's whirlwind 141 leads SRH to second-highest IPL chase

“Well, he created that chance [Chahal dropped Abhishek Sharma off his own bowling] and you need at least one chance, and he created that one and he has nobody [else] to blame for that,” Chawla said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “He almost reached there but apart from that… later on when both the batters [Abhishek and Travis Head] were going after him, I didn’t find that Yuzvendra Chahal which we used to see a couple of years back and even till last year. He was just not trying to get the batter out. He was just trying to toss it wide and playing more of a safe game, defensive bowling. That Yuzvendra Chahal we have not seen.”What would Chawla have done on a flat pitch like the one in Hyderabad where the opponents are playing a high-risk, high-reward game chasing a huge target?”I have not seen him bowling googlies also. If you’re bowling wide outside off stump for them [left-hand batters] and it’s going away from there, so you eventually get a chance to get a wicket or something like that,” Chawla said. “But he didn’t bowl that, maybe because of the lack of form. If you see this season, he has bowled some 14-15 [15] overs and he’s not bowled his four [overs] quite often, and he’s conceding more than 11-12 runs in a season at the moment, which [makes] you feel you want to play a defensive game.Yuzvendra Chahal has looked off-colour so far•BCCI

“You just want to get your four overs in and then try to pick up a wicket. But today, I felt it was the day when you have 245 runs on the board, any which way you’re going for runs, so you should better try for wickets and if you pick up those couple of wickets, then you are in the game.”PBKS, who have never won the IPL, went hard for Chahal at the auction and spent INR 18 crore for him, making him the most expensive spinner ever bought at an IPL auction. He is their premier spinner. Though PBKS have won three of their five matches so far, will Chahal’s form affect them as the race for the playoffs heats up?”I think the few deliveries that he bowled when he picked up Travis Head’s wicket, that is what we need to see Yuzvendra Chahal bowl more often,” Wasim Jaffer said. “You’re looking to spin the ball, looking to bowl googly, looking to put some revs on the ball, which I think we are missing from watching Yuzi. He is very defensive in his mindset and the pressure is pretty much visible on his face that, you know, he’s off colour. But you know for Punjab to become good, he’s the main puzzle that they need to solve.”