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Brentford are keen to bank maximum value on their star forward, the £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo, this summer, meaning Newcastle United have hope yet in pipping Manchester United to his signature.

However, Mbeumo has intimated his desire to sign for Old Trafford, and thus Eddie Howe and his transfer coterie will need to turn toward alternative targets.

Having already missed out on Man United-bound Matheus Cunha, a bounce-back is needed, for sure. And Newcastle might just be centring on the perfect new forward.

Newcastle lining up new forward

Though Tynesiders will be relieved to hear The Athletic’s David Ornstein declare there’s “no chance” Alexander Isak will be leaving the club this summer, the need for more firepower is evident.

That’s why, as per Sky Sports report Rob Dorsett, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is on Newcastle’s shortlist, with Howe in particular desperate to bring in such an attacking profile.

The 24-year-old is expected to leave the AMEX this summer – amid admirers in the Premier League and in Europe – and Brighton will do business if their €70m (£59m) valuation is met.

Why Joao Pedro would be perfect for Newcastle

Though Pedro attacks from a central berth, and Mbeumo is a principally right-sided forward, he could regardless fill in a hole at St James’ Park, should Callum Wilson depart at the end of his contract later this month.

Joining Brighton from Watford in a deal just shy of £30m in June 2023, Pedro has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists across 70 appearances in all competitions.

Across his two years on the south coast, the former Hornets star has converted 19 goals in the Premier League, only missing 17 further big chances, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, Pedro drifts out to the left before arcing inward, suggesting Howe could utilise the Brazilian across central and wide berths, maximising his dynamic and skilled approach and indeed his suitability at Newcastle, with the manager apt to field such flexible players as Anthony Gordon across different parts of the frontline.

Joao Pedro – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

8

1

Right winger

5

0

0

Data via Transfermarkt

As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 1% of Premier League forwards this season for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. Such qualities have led the data-driven site to draw him against the two aforementioned forwards.

Yes, the £50k-per-week star’s creativity and ball-playing skills are not unlike those of the dynamic Mbeumo and indeed Cunha, whose exploits with Wolverhampton Wanderers have led journalist Nathan Juddah to describe him as a “maverick” and a “flawed genius”.

Pedro’s countryman, indeed, created 13 big chances in the English top flight, and given United only finished eighth for big chances created this term, you can see why Howe is demanding such a profile.

Moreover, his discussed clinical quality aligns with that of Mbeumo, who has been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the Premier League” by The Athletic’s Jay Harris after scoring 20 top-flight goals across the year.

This player, a veritable conglomeration of Newcastle’s desired profiles, would be perfect for Newcastle, aiding Isak and, through his “magical” talent on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, he might just hit the ground running.

Related Newcastle eyeing "scary" £44m Delap alternative who's outscored Mbeumo

Eddie Howe wants to sign some new forwards at Newcastle this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

Over the years gone by, the Manchester United faithful have been blessed with countless attacking talents who have led them to numerous triumphs domestically and continentally.

Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best and Wayne Rooney are just three players from separate times who have starred at Old Trafford – with the latter remaining their record scorer to this day.

However, current boss Ruben Amorim unfortunately doesn’t have the same luxury, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund’s drought of 21 games without a goal earlier this season showcasing the problems they’ve faced.

The Dane has struggled to provide value for money after costing £72m back in the summer of 2023, with a move away from the club potentially on the cards before the end of the transfer window.

Any funds generated from such a move could allow the manager to land a new talisman who could offer the huge presence needed in their hopes of a revival in 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new talisman

With Matheus Cunha already arriving, but likely to operate in a number 10 role, Amorim will want the hierarchy to hand him added funds to make the big-money addition he craves at the top end.

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the main targets in recent months, but a deal for the Swede appears to be dead in the water after it was confirmed he’s only interested in a move to Arsenal.

Such a turn of events over the last few days has seen a new name enter the mix, with Victor Osimhen the latest striker in their sights, according to one GOAL journalist.

He claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Nigerian’s representatives after he scored 37 times in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli this season.

Transfer Focus

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

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Furlan also states that they face competition from PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, after he rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Ekitike for United

In their hunt for a new striker, United have stumbled across Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké in an attempt to improve the options at Amorim’s disposal.

The Frenchman has starred in the Bundesliga throughout 2024/25, registering 23 combined goals and assists in his 33 league outings – but he could cost a pretty penny this summer.

He’s also on the radar of fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea, but any interested party will have to fork out a fee in the region of £84m to land the talisman.

There’s no denying he’s a quality player, as seen by his impressive tally this campaign, but such a fee may prove to be too expensive – especially when considering the other options on the table.

Osimhen would certainly be a better signing, with the stats from their respective campaigns highlighting why the hierarchy should pursue a move for the Nigerian’s signature this summer.

The Napoli ace, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored Ekitike, whilst also posting a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to win more aerials than the Frankfurt star, handing Amorim the focal point he needs in the attacking areas, subsequently offering a different dimension to the Red Devils’ attack.

How Osimhen compares to Ekitike in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

Osimhen

Ekitike

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

31

23

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

38%

Aerials won

4.6

1.8

Aerial success rate

64%

45%

Take-on success

60%

44%

Stats via FBref

Whilst he’s likely to command a higher pay packet to prise him to the North West, it’s a price worth paying given the difference between the quality of the two options.

If the club are to have any chance of returning to their former glory in the near future, top-level talents are required, with Osimhen just the man to do that given his record within the final third in recent seasons.

Related Huge Hojlund upgrade: Wilcox opens talks to sign "new Mbappe" for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025

The wicketkeeper-batter has signed a three-year deal and will be available for the entirety of every season

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jun-2024

Sam Billings will be back for Sydney Thunder•Getty Images

England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings has become the first player to sign for the BBL under the new multi-year contract option with a three-season deal for Sydney Thunder, committing to the competition ahead of rival T20 leagues in the UAE and South Africa.Billings previously played two seasons for the Thunder in 2020-21 and 2021-22 before spending the next two campaigns with Brisbane Heat. He was one of a group of overseas players to leave the tournament early last season to take up a deal with the ILT20 and the BBL’s new multi-year option is an attempt to secure players for the duration by offering them security.Related

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The SA20 will again significantly overlap with the BBL when it starts in early January, while the ILT20 begins earlier next season so it creates an even greater clash.In return, under terms of signing a three-year deal, a player must commit to the entire BBL including the finals from the 2025-26 season, but Billings has gone a step further and will also be available throughout next season’s edition.”I love Sydney and in particular Western Sydney and the chance to come back to a family club that is so connected to their members and fans and the people from the area was too good an opportunity to ignore,” Billings said.”On the field we are pulling together a really good squad and the chance to work with such an accomplished coach as Trevor Bayliss again was very appealing.”The BBL is in such a great place these days, it’s well run, well supported and definitely the best tournament in the world staged at that time of the year. That’s why I have committed long term and to be here right until the end of the tournament each year.”Thunder finished bottom in last season’s BBL with just one win in 10 matches so are attempting to rebuild under new general manager Trent Copeland and former England coach Trevor Bayliss who recently signed a one-year extension.”The beauty of bringing a player the calibre of Sam Billings to the club is not just the elite skillset he brings to every facet of the game but also his leadership on and off the field,” Copeland said.Billings is the second Thunder signing confirmed in two days after the club secured highly-rated young batter Sam Konstas on a two-year deal. Konstas, 18, who made his New South Wales debut last season, was part of Thunder’s squad last summer but did not feature before heading to the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa where he helped Australia to the title.The WBBL has the same multi-year contract mechanism with New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr the first signed under the agreement as she moved to Sydney Sixers from Heat.Sydney Thunder BBL squad 2024-25: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Oliver Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, William Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha

The countdown to the start of the Russell Martin era at Rangers is very much on.

A week on Saturday, the Light Blues will commence their pre-season campaign, before competitive action returns to Ibrox, now less than four weeks away.

New Rangers boss, Martin, will very much be thrown in at the deep end upon his arrival in Glasgow, with a Champions League qualifier his first match in charge on 22 July; the first leg is at Ibrox, before a visit to the enormous and hostile Spyros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens eight nights later.

Victory in that tie is so crucial because, not only does it keep Rangers’ Champions League hopes alive, it’ll guarantee, at least, a spot in the Europa League, while defeat could see them end up in the Conference League, or potentially even with nothing.

Thus, Martin is determined to get signings in the door and fast, with that massive tie rapidly approaching.

Rangers looking to bolster their squad

Given their earlier-than-usual start date to this season, Rangers have been extremely busy in the transfer market already.

Robin Pröpper is set to return to FC Twente, having only arrived from the Eredivisie side just 12 months ago, with Conor Coady on course to be his replacement.

Meantime, Lyall Cameron was unveiled this week and Max Aarons has also put pen to paper on a move, joining on loan from Bournemouth, although the Gers are seemingly set to miss out on Kwame Poku, who reportedly appears likely to join Queens Park Rangers instead.

Now, though, according to TEAMtalk, Rangers have opened talks with Liverpool to sign full-back Owen Beck, who is valued at around £1m, according to Transfermarkt.

The 22 year old spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Dundee, earning rave reviews, with Andy Jones of the Athletic noting that he ‘impressed’ during his time at Dens Park, describing him as a ‘flying left-back’ and praising his ‘ability to drive forward’, documenting Rangers’ long-standing interest.

How Owen Beck can replicate Ryan Kent's Rangers career

The Welshman was on loan at EFL Championship club Blackburn Rovers last season, making 26 appearances before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury, with his former manager John Eustace describing his performances as “exceptional”, adding that he is a “very young, talented player”.

So now, will he be able to replicate a certain Ryan Kent at Ibrox?

Transfer Focus

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

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Indeed, this is not the first time Rangers have signed a Liverpool academy graduate.

Back in 2018, newly-appointed Steven Gerrard used his Melwood connections to sign Ryan Kent on loan, before that deal was made permanent 12 months later for a whopping £7.5m, which remains a club-record fee in the post-liquidation era, only eclipsed by Tore André Flo’s move from Chelsea in 2000 all told.

Kent would go on to make 218 appearances for the Light Blues, scoring 33 goals and providing 56 assists, winning a Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, also a key figure in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team that reached the Europa League Final, starting all nine knockout phase ties, most notably scoring against Crvena zvezda at the Marakana en route to Seville.

The winger ultimately departed for Fenerbahçe two summers ago, now plying his trade with Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer, featuring for the Rave Green at the Club World Cup, starting against Botafogo, before coming off the bench during defeats to Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the Pacific Northwest.

So, could Beck become a Rangers mainstay, just as Kent was for many seasons?

Well, let’s assess his statistics from his season on loan at Dundee.

Owen Beck 2023/24 statistics

Statistics

Beck

Premiership rank

Minutes

2,231

82nd

Appearances

25

129th

Assists

4

35th

Big chances created

6

28th

Crosses

168

13th

Tackles per 90

2.8

2nd

Total tackles won

48

7th

Average SofaScore rating

7.30

11th

Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, Beck impressed both in and out of possession during his season at Dundee, especially ranking highly for tackles and crosses, despite somewhat limited minutes.

In fact, only six defenders registered more Premiership assists than he did in 2023/24, one of which was potential future teammate James Tavernier.

Euan Booth Robertson of Transfermarkt documents his ‘standout performances’ for the Dark Blues, labelling him a ‘revelation’, asserting he is similar stylistically to Liverpool captain Andy Robertson.

Thus, with neither Jefté nor Rıdvan Yılmaz having nailed down the left-back spot at Rangers, Beck could certainly arrive and establish himself as first-choice from Liverpool, just as Kent did all those years ago.

Related Rangers deal agreed: Gers accept bid to sell Ibrox ace without Martin's approval

They won’t be making a profit either.

Posts 1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 25, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are expected to make a bid to bring a Nike-sponsored attacker to Ibrox following their move for Thelo Aasgaard.

Rangers sign Thelo Aasgaard on four-year Ibrox deal

The Gers, new owners the 49ers Enterprises and manager Russell Martin have been busy so far at Ibrox this summer, with Aasgaard becoming the latest permanent addition from Luton Town.

An attacking midfielder, Aasgaard has cost those at Ibrox around £3.5m and has signed a four-year contract in Glasgow. Talking after completing his move to Scotland, Aasgaard said:

“When I heard about Rangers I was over the moon. I have played against the manager’s teams a few times and I always pictured myself in his team and to be here now is really good. It was an easy decision, I love the number of games here, it is like the EFL and I love playing. The stature and history is enough as well.”

Meanwhile, Martin was “delighted” at securing Aasgaard’s services: “We are delighted to bring Thelo to the club. He is a player who we have liked for a long time, and we believe he possesses the necessary qualities to thrive at this club and in this team. He wants to win and develop as a player, and we believe we can help him do both. His attributes will enhance the group and look forward to him getting to know his teammates on and off the pitch.”

Related A better signing than Djiga: Rangers exploring move for "lethal" £5m star

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jul 6, 2025

Aasgaard joins Lyall Cameron, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez as Rangers’ summer signings, and by the looks of it, a new attacker is now wanted by Martin and co.

Rangers and 49ers set to make Weslley Patati bid

According to recent reports relayed by Ibrox News, Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Weslley Patati is a target for Rangers this summer.

It is claimed that the Gers are expected to make an offer for the Brazilian in the coming days, with Patati’s asking price of more than £8m.

A left-footed attacker, Patati is primarily a right-winger but can also turn out on the left or even as an attacking midfielder if required. Still just 21 years of age, Patati is already sponsored by Nike and currently holds a career-high €2.5m Transfermarkt valuation.

Weslley Patati stats 24/25

Games

39

Goals

13

Assists

10

Under contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv until 2027 after signing last year, Patati enjoyed a successful first season with the Israeli side, winning the league title in 2024/25.

As can be seen, he registered double figures for goals and assists, so a move for Patati could be a shrewd one by Rangers, considering the Gers have just Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo and Ross McCausland as their only wing options at this moment in time.

New Zealand produce their best batting performance of the series to offer a contest

Valkerie Baynes03-Jul-2024

Lauren Bell claimed her first five-wicket haul•Getty Images

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 76 and Lauren Bell’s five-wicket haul ensured England’s 3-0 sweep of the ODI series against New Zealand despite a vastly more spirited performance by the White Ferns.Amelia Kerr led the tourists with her half-century and England’s batting depth was called upon for the first time in the series as Hannah Rowe and Molly Penfold made early inroads in Bristol. The hosts had lost three wickets across the first two matches but today were 33 for 3 inside the powerplay, reduced to eight overs when rain delayed the start by 95 minutes and cut the match to 42 overs per side.Player of the series Maia Bouchier couldn’t push on from her unbeaten century in Worcester on Sunday but Sciver-Brunt, who had facilitated that milestone, produced a typically cool-headed innings to lead England out of danger and ultimately to victory. She and Amy Jones rescued England from 72 for 4 with a fifth-wicket stand worth 90 off 86 balls, Jones posting a run-a-ball fifty as the duo lifted their side 50 runs shy of the 212 target.Tammy Beaumont was put down by wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze off the first ball of the run-chase, a full delivery from Rowe, which swung away and caught the edge of Beaumont’s attempted drive. But then fortune swung New Zealand’s way just four balls later when Beaumont was given out lbw and declined to review with replays showing that the ball would have missed leg stump.When Heather Knight sent a leading edge straight back to the same bowler, England were 29 for 2 and Bouchier fell on the penultimate ball of the powerplay with an aborted pull shot off Penfold that ballooned to the keeper.Her dismissal brought Sophia Dunkley to the crease, back in the starting XI for the first time since a disappointing tour of New Zealand earlier this year as England shook up their team for this dead rubber. It was a nervy start for Dunkley, who faced six balls to get off the mark then overturned an lbw decision off Kerr’s fourth ball of the innings, a wrong’un which brushed her back leg high up as she lunged forward and was ultimately shown to be going over the stumps.Heather Knight lifts the series trophy after England’s 3-0 win over New Zealand•Getty Images

Two balls later, Dunkley managed to steer Kerr for four past short third and, settling into a rhythm, she then punched down the ground for another, more authoritative, boundary off Kerr’s next over when Sciver-Brunt also chimed in through midwicket. But Kerr curtailed Dunkley’s comeback via an inside edge as the batter shaped to cut and was caught behind for 15 off 24 balls.Sciver-Brunt brought up her 21st ODI fifty with a glorious drive down the ground for four off Rowe and Jones raised hers with a chipped single off Kerr towards point. Moments after Jones fell edging Brooke Halliday behind, Sciver-Brunt was dropped on 63 by Georgia Plimmer at cover. By that stage, England needed 49 from 69 balls and Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey eased their way home.Earlier, Bell’s five-wicket haul and Kerr’s fighting half-century gave a more even complexion to the contest than in the first two games, when New Zealand had struggled to string significant partnerships together and batters made starts without converting them to impactful innings.Kerr struck 59 and shared partnerships with Sophie Devine and Halliday worth 68 and 65 runs respectively to push the White Ferns to a good total, by far New Zealand’s best of the tour after they had been bowled out for 156 and 141 previously. But Bell’s 5 for 35 from nine overs kept the target manageable, especially in light of England’s current batting form, or so it seemed before the top-order collapse.In New Zealand’s innings, a sublime throw by Charlie Dean, firing the ball in from backward point, removed Plimmer and, though Kate Cross was expensive early, she made it 46 for 2 when Jones took an excellent catch off Suzie Bates.With Sophie Ecclestone rested for this match, Devine stepped up the rate against the home side’s other two spinners. She struck Sarah Glenn for two fours in three balls, through the covers to bring up the fifty stand with Kerr and to deep midwicket, then crunched Dean through the covers for another boundary in the next over.But Devine’s reaction said it all when Bell returned to the attack and struck with her second ball back, one that angled in from a full length as Devine shaped to cut and chopped onto her stumps, dropping her bat and throwing her head back in exasperation as a promising innings ended on 43.With Maddy Green having fallen to a marginal lbw decision to Cross while the DRS was unavailable, Kerr forged another partnership with Halliday, who made 51 in the series opener and 31 here.But Kerr and Halliday both fell within three balls of one Bell over, Kerr pinned lbw and Halliday caught behind down the leg side as the White Ferns went from 181 for 4 to 182 for 6. Bell and Sciver-Brunt then teamed up twice to remove Gaze and Lauren Down, Sciver-Brunt’s safe hands helping Bell to her maiden international five-for.Encouragingly for England, Sciver-Brunt sent down eight overs and, even though she went wicketless, it was her heaviest workload so far this series, having been restricted to spells of four and five overs in the previous two games as she manages her recovery from a knee problem.

Manchester United are interested in signing an “outstanding” attacker in a surprise move, and he wants a £100,000-a-week contract to move to Old Trafford.

Man Utd still hopeful over Mbeumo signing

The signing of Matheus Cunha felt like a significant piece of business by the Red Devils, showing that they still have plenty of pulling power, despite failing to qualify for Europe last season.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has stood out as United’s primary transfer target since the arrival of Cunha from Wolves, but Tottenham are thought to be providing stiff competition for his signature, having appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager.

Some reports have said that the Red Devils are closing in on the signing of the Cameroonian, who was one of the Premier League’s best attacking players last season, scoring 20 goals in the competition and starting all 38 of Brentford’s matches.

Mbeumo would surely be a perfect option on the right-hand side of United’s attack, with Ruben Amorim admitting he wants a signing in that position, despite the emergence of Amad Diallo: “I think Amad in that position (right wing-back) he could be an option but in this moment with the type of players we have we need a left footer on that position in front. I try to reinforce the team with the idea and try to use the characteristics of the players.”

Free agent wants £100,000-a-week to join Man Utd after talks

Now, according to a fresh claim from Caught Offside, Manchester United are “considering” completing the surprise signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of the new Premier League season after recently holding talks with the free agent.

The England international is available after leaving Everton earlier this summer, and it is believed that he is looking to earn £100,000-a-week at his next club, coming in at over £5m per year, which the report says could be too much for the Red Devils.

In truth, there are both positives and negatives to United signing Calvert-Lewin, with the free element of the signing jumping out as a good thing, not to mention the fact that Sean Dyche lauded him during their time together at Everton.

“I thought he was excellent. He’s had a bit of illness. We’re hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, He’s not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit.”

On the flip side, though, Calvert-Lewin has suffered badly with injury problems down the years, not starting over 30 Premier League games in a season since the 2020/21 campaign, so there would be a big risk element in bringing him in.

At 28, the striker, who scored at Old Trafford in 2021, is also no longer a young player who could develop or overcome fitness issues, so United should arguably be looking elsewhere for someone to lead the line.

Related Amorim's answer to Kane: Man Utd in talks to sign "world-class" striker

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025

If Amorim brought in Calvert-Lewin as a squad option, as well as a superior signing to play most weeks, it could be sensible business, but it may be a non-starter due to his wage demands.

Hosts beat champions Southern Vipers by one run in a last-ball thriller chasing 241 at Headingley

ECB Reporters Network04-Sep-2024

Rachel Slater traded bowling for batting with her star turn for Diamonds•Getty Images

No. 11 Rachel Slater hit the winning two to long-on to help Northern Diamonds beat champions Southern Vipers by one run in a last-ball thriller chasing 241 at Headingley to qualify for a home semi-final in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.Diamonds were on the ropes at 216 for 9 after 46.5 overs in reply to 240 for 8. Visiting captain Georgia Adams impressed with 57 and a season’s-best four for 26 with her off-spin.Debutant left-arm spinner Rebecca Tyson impressed with three wickets, but she couldn’t quite defend nine runs off the last over with Katie Levick at the crease alongside Slater. They shared 25, with Slater finishing 18 not out. Leg-spinner Levick’s 13 had been preceded by three wickets.The Vipers innings was built around a measured 82-ball innings from Adams.She was supported by a quartet of scores in the thirties from opener Ella McCaughan, Georgia Elwiss, Emily Windsor and Naomi Dattani.Having elected to bat, Vipers made steady progress. There was little aggression in the innings, more determination to get themselves into the game following back-to-back defeats.This XI may have lacked the experience of previous title-winning Vipers sides, but they still found a way to a competitive total.A superb diving catch in the covers from Abi Glen helped Scotland seamer Slater remove Rhianna Southby before Levick bowled the other opener, McCaughan, for 30.Adams and Elwiss then steadied with a no-frills partnership of 76 in 18 overs.Adams hit all six of her boundaries through the off-side in a 74-ball fifty, cutting and driving nicely. Elwiss added 31. Both then fell as part of a loss of three wickets for 30 as the score slipped from 126 for 2 in the 32nd over to 156 for 5 after 38.Adams was bowled trying to cut a ball too close to her, Elwiss was run out by a direct hit at the non-striker’s end from mid-off and Abi Norgrove was run out having slipped trying to get up from playing a sweep to short fine-leg.A trio of Vipers were run out, including new loan signing Dattani in the final over. Dattani, on loan from Lancashire Thunder, hoisted the only six of the innings off Phoebe Turner’s seam over midwicket.On Sunday, Dattani played against Diamonds for Thunder and was bowled by Turner, who claimed six wickets in that Southport fixture. Today, Turner only struck once, with Levick leading the way.After bowling McCaughan and Adams, she later broke a crucial 47-run stand for the sixth wicket between left-handed Dattani and the ever-resourceful Windsor, getting the latter stumped as the score fell to 203 for 6 in the 45th over.Diamonds lost stand-in captain Lauren Winfield-Hill – Hollie Armitage is on England duty in Ireland – early in their chase as she miscued Adams to mid-on, leaving the score at 5 for 1.But they were boosted by a 91-run partnership between Emma Marlow and Rebecca Duckworth, who were both strong on the drive. Duckworth posted her maiden regional fifty and Marlow only her second, off 71 and 81 balls respectively.However, both fell quickly after reaching their milestones as Diamonds lost three wickets for 26 inside seven overs to set them back at 122 for four in the 32nd.Duckworth and Sterre Kalis were trapped lbw sweeping at Adams before Marlow was bowled by the seam of Elwiss.Australian allrounder Erin Burns added 31, but when she sliced Tyson to short third it felt like a defining moment. Not so.Tyson also bowled a scooping Phoebe Turner and had Glen (24) caught at backward point. In between, Adams bowled Katherine Fraser before Freya Davies bowled Sophia Turner.Slater and Levick chipped away at the target before, with three balls left, the former crashed Tyson through cover for four. Then came the winning two to long-on.

كشف فيديريكو فالفيردي، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، السبب الذي جعله يتواجد على مقاعد البدلاء خلال مواجهة فريقه أمام ريال سوسيداد، اليوم السبت بالدوري الإسباني.

ووضع تشابي ألونسو، مدرب نادي ريال مدريد، فالفيردي كبديل ودفع بدلًا منه بداني سيبايوس، وذلك خلال لقاء الفريق الملكي مع ريال سوسيداد ضمن الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري.

ريال مدريد انتصر على ريال سوسيداد بهدفين دون رد، ليواصل صدارته لترتيب الدوري بالعلامة الكاملة.

طالع .. قرار ناري من ريال مدريد بعد الجدل التحكيمي في مباراة ريال سوسيداد

وقال فالفيردي في مقابلة مع قناة ريال مدريد عن جلوسه كبديل اليوم: “أشعر ببعض التعب من رحلتي نحو إسبانيا بعد العودة من المنتخب، 12 ساعة صعبة بعض الشيء، لكنني تحدثت مع المدرب وأخبرته أنني لست في كامل لياقتي للعب 90 دقيقة اليوم، لقد استمع إلي وتفهم الأمر”.

وعن الوصول إلى 150 انتصارًا له مع ريال مدريد أضاف فالفيردي في حديثه: “أشعر بالسعادة والفخر، إنه لشرف لي أن أواصل تمثيل هذا القميص وهذا الشعار، وأن أواصل الدفاع عن أفضل ناد في العالم، هذا أيضًا جزء من عائلتي”.

وعن ريال سوسيداد اختتم فالفيردي: “إنه فريق يلعب بشكل رائع، ويمتلك لمسات كروية رائعة ويضم لاعبين ممتازين، لقد أثبتوا ذلك وفي الشوط الثاني تصدينا للعديد من الفرص وفي النهاية، يجب أن يكون الحظ حليفنا، كان كورتوا متيقظًا للغاية في العديد من الهجمات وتمكن من صد بعض الانفرادات، أحيانًا تكون هذه المباريات هي مفتاح الفوز بلقب الدوري”.

Aston Villa have made contact with the representatives of a £40 million Atletico Madrid ace who Unai Emery is a big fan of, according to a recent report.

Aston Villa make striker enquiry amid Ollie Watkins exit rumours

Villa may not have been expecting it, but so far in this transfer window, there has been a lot of talk about the future of star striker Ollie Watkins. The England international has been a key player for the Villans for a number of seasons now, but given the recent speculation, his time at the club could be coming to an end.

Related Aston Villa make enquiry to sign £60m star who scored in win at Villa Park

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It’s been reported that Manchester United are considering a bid to sign Watkins as they continue their search for a new striker. Meanwhile, Arsenal previously opened talks over a deal to sign Watkins, which may be stopped now they are close to signing Viktor Gyokeres. But Newcastle United are another team that are interested in Watkins and have placed him on their list of potential targets.

Therefore, no one can blame the Midlands side for looking at potential replacements, and according to journalist Nabil Djellit, Villa have submitted an enquiry to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. The forward could leave Stamford Bridge this summer and is said to have a £60 million fee on his head. Villa are not alone in their pursuit of the player, as Man United have also submitted an enquiry.

Aston Villa make contact with £40m+ Atletico Madrid star

As the Premier League side assess their forward options, they also look to be in the market for a new midfielder. According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have made contact with Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher’s representatives in a bid to bring him to Villa Park.

The report states that despite only joining the Spanish giants last summer from Chelsea, Gallagher could be open to a return to England, as he wants regular minutes. Atletico are not actively looking to sell Gallagher, but they would be open to a departure should they receive a fee in the region of €45-50 million, which is roughly £39-43 million.

This has alerted Villa, but they do face competition from teams such as Nottingham Forest and Newcastle. However, the Villans are the only team to have made contact with Gallagher’s representatives. Villa’s interest is likely being pushed by Emery, who is said to be a big fan of Gallagher’s ‘energy and Premier League experience’.

Conor Gallagher’s Atletico Madrid stats

Apps

50

Starts

28

Goals

4

Assists

6

The 25-year-old’s search for regular minutes may come as a surprise given he played 50 times in all competitions. However, the England international, once dubbed a “pressing and transition monster”, was very much in and out of the starting XI.

He started 19 games in La Liga out of 32 but started just four of the nine Champions League games he played in. Given how Emery feels about Gallagher, a return to England could see him be a regular in the Villa side.