The January transfer window has officially been open for business for almost two weeks and Glasgow Rangers are yet to make a move to bolster their playing squad.

It has hard to hide away from the need for the Gers to improve Philippe Clement’s options on the pitch, given how far behind their rivals they are in the Scottish Premiership table.

The Light Blues are already 15 points behind Celtic in the division and lost to their Glasgow rivals on penalties at Hampden Park in the final of the League Cup last month.

Clement and technical director Nils Koppen are reportedly looking to add a new centre-back to the club, amid injuries to Leon Balogun, John Souttar, and Dujon Sterling, among others.

Burnley defender Hjalmar Ekdal is one of the reported targets on the radar for Rangers, but the Scottish giants could also benefit from adding more attacking options to the group before the end of the January transfer window.

The Gers currently have Vaclav Cerny on loan from Wolfsburg and they have to start thinking about what life may look like after his return to Germany at the end of the season.

Vaclav Cerny's form for Rangers this season

Rangers only signed the Czechia international on loan from the Bundesliga side and there is no option to make the deal permanent at this moment in time, which means that the forward is only due to be at Ibrox until the summer.

His return to Wolfsburg will be a big blow for the Gers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, provided they do not manage to bring him back for a second spell, because he has been a huge player for Clement this term.

The left-footed whiz has racked up 12 goals and seven assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, including three goals and two assists in six outings in the Europa League.

These statistics show that the Czechia forward has the quality to provide a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals on the right flank, cutting in on his left foot to devastating effect.

As you can see in the table above, Cerny has produced plenty of quality at the top end of the pitch in the Premiership for the Light Blues, with 14 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 20 appearances in the division.

These statistics illustrate how big of a blow it is going to be when the 27-year-old star moves on from Ibrox at the end of the season, which is why the Gers must be attentive to the market to see if there is an opportunity to find his long-term replacement.

With this in mind, Clement and Koppen must reignite the club’s interest in Plymouth Argyle winger Morgan Whittaker, who has the potential to be Cerny 2.0 for the Light Blues.

Rangers' long-standing interest in Morgan Whittaker

The Gers have not been linked with an interest in the English attacker but they have been credited with wanting the forward in numerous windows in the past.

Transfer Focus

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

They reportedly had an offer of £2m turned down by Swansea in the January transfer window at the start of 2023, two years ago this month, before Michael Beale reignited that interest in the summer, only for Plymouth Argyle to sign him on a permanent deal ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

It was then reported last summer, in 2024, that Rangers wanted to sign the forward from the Pilgrims and that they were preparing a swoop for the left-footed dynamo to bolster Clement’s squad.

Journalist Alex Crook recently revealed that Championship sides Hull City and Burnley have both had bids turned down by Plymouth for the winger, although it remains to be seen how much they want for his services.

With interest in Whittaker seemingly hotting up, Clement must reignite the club’s long-standing desire to sign the English star this month, instead of missing out on him yet again.

Why Rangers should sign Morgan Whittaker

Some may look at his form in the current season and question why the Gers should splash the cash to bring him to Ibrox, as he has struggled at times in front of goal.

Whittaker has scored three goals and provided one assist in 18 appearances in the Championship this term, which is far from an impressive return at the top end of the pitch, albeit he did also score in a 1-0 win over Premier League side Brentford in the FA Cup at the weekend.

However, he is playing in a struggling Plymouth side that are currently bottom of the Championship, with just four wins, and that is why it has been difficult for him to thrive.

Rangers should, instead, look to his form from the 2023/24 campaign, as part of a Plymouth team that avoided relegation to League One, to see the kind of quality that he could produce on the right flank for the Gers as their eventual replacement for Cerny.

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old sensation provided consistent quality in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals, just as Cerny has for the Gers so far this season.

Whittaker, who was hailed as “exciting” by his former boss Steven Schumacher, has the ability to cut in on his left foot from the right to score goals consistently, as shown by his form last term, and can create ‘big chances’ for his teammates to find the back of the net.

Rangers could, therefore, sign him to be the long-term replacement for the Czechia international by signing him this month and giving him five months to settle in and learn from Cerny, before aiming to become a star for Clement in the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

Rangers make contact to sign "highly-rated" star who could be Bassey 2.0

Rangers will be active in the January transfer window

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 13, 2025

It is now down to Koppen to make a move for Whittaker and to agree a fee with Plymouth to bring the winger to Ibrox before the end of the January transfer window.

تحدث أيمن يونس، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن ملف تعاقد الأبيض مع طارق حامد، لاعب فريق ضمك الحالي، والتجديد مع عبد الله السعيد.

وقال أيمن يونس عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “أنا مع فكرة تجديد عقد عبد الله السعيد مع الزمالك، ولكن بشرط أن يكون التجديد بمقابل رمزي، 7 أو 10 ملايين”.

وواصل: “أما إذا كان المبلغ كبيرًا، فلا أوافق، ما قدمه الزمالك لعبد الله السعيد كان يستوجب أن يكون هو من يقدّم مقابلًا للنادي، فكرة أن يختتم مسيرته في الزمالك، أمرًا كبيرًا، والزمالك منحه هذه الفرصة”.

واستكمل بخصوص طارق حامد: “أنا أحبه، ولكن هل لا يزال بالمستوى نفسه الذي كان عليه سابقًا؟ نحن بحاجة إلى العديد من اللاعبين، والنادي يحتاج إلى إعادة ترتيب”.

وأتم: “نحتاج إلى مدير فني قوي، وإلى حلول جذرية لا مسكنات مؤقتة، كما أننا بحاجة إلى إداريين محترفين، لا هواة، إذا تعامل نادي الزمالك بهذه العقلية، فإن الوضع سيتغير تمامًا”.

Manchester United have now reached a verbal agreement to land a new face for the second half of the Premier League season in a bid to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Manchester United set for busy final days of January window

With the winter transfer window set to close on February 3rd, there is still plenty to be done at Old Trafford in the coming days. Plenty will depend on their outgoings, with Alejandro Garnacho having been linked with a move away from the club amid interest from both Chelsea and Napoli, and reports even suggesting that he has already agreed personal terms with the Italian side.

Should he depart, the Red Devils may well look to sign a new forward, with Christopher Nkunku having been linked with an Old Trafford switch should Garnacho end up at Chelsea.

Amazing Hojlund upgrade: £58m "monster" now wants to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United are looking to bring in this new attacker before the transfer window closes.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 28, 2025

Meanwhile, there remains the case of Marcus Rashford, who has been frozen out of the squad and could well leave in the final days either on loan or permanently, though his mammoth wages could prove a stumbling block for plenty of clubs chasing his signature.

There is also interest in fellow high-earner Casemiro, who, like Rashford, has been largely excluded from action under Amorim. Though still a part of the squad unlike the Englishman, Amorim has opted to use Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and even youth talent Toby Collyer ahead of the Brazilian in recent weeks, with Casemiro an unused substitute for eight of Amorim’s last 10 Premier League games.

As the Portuguese coach looks to continue shaping his squad as he likes, he is now set to be handed a massive boost as the Red Devils close in on their first signing of his reign.

Manchester United reach verbal agreement for Dorgu, one step left

That comes as transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Manchester United have reached a “verbal agreement” to sign Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu after several days of negotiations. The only hurdle left to clear is checking the documents so they can turn the verbal agreement into a signed and sealed one.

The Danish defender has been high on Manchester United’s priority list this month thanks to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, which has seen Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui having to fill in at left wing-back.

Now though, Dorgu’s arrival could change that with the 20-year-old versatile enough to play on the left side of defence or further forward if required. Dubbed a “phenomenal talent” by Football Analyst Ben Mattinson on X, the Red Devils have struck a deal believed to be worth €30m plus a further €5m in potential add-ons, in a move that could total just shy of £30m.

Appearances

23

Starts

21

Goals

3

Assists

1

Yellow Cards

2

It is added that Dorgu has already agreed a “long-term” contract at Old Trafford, which will likely see him handed a welcome pay bump on his current £10.5k a week (£550k per year) salary with Lecce.

Meanwhile, his exit will be a record sale for the Serie A side, who also fielded interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and Napoli, with the move eclipsing the sale of Morten Hjulmand to Amorim’s former side Sporting CP 18 months ago. For Amorim, this could be a turning point as he still looks for a winning formula at Old Trafford.

MatériaMais Notícias

A semana é de decisão para o Bragantino. Por isso, a equipe vem treinando forte para a Libertadores. O time enfrenta o Nacional, do Uruguai, na próxima terça-feira (24), pela 6ª rodada da fase de grupos. Para avançar, o time precisa vencer os uruguaios e torcer por um tropeço do Vélez, da Argentina.

Quem destacou a preparação da equipe foi o volante Raul, que ficou seis meses sem jogar após romper o ligamento do joelho. Para a partida, o jogador destacou o que o time vem fazendo. “Estamos estudando bastante o Nacional e tivemos também um período para recuperar os jogadores. Cada dia o Mauricio passa mais informações sobre o rival e precisamos explorar os pontos negativos deles e tentar fazer um grande jogo”, revelou.

O volante ainda garantiu que o time está trabalhando forte para a próxima terça-feira. Estamos trabalhando forte, esperamos fazer um bom jogo na terça, precisamos ter a cabeça tranquila, temos que estar focados, precisamos de todo mundo numa decisão dessa”, afirmou.

Por fim, Raul pediu concentração máxima e atenção para o jogo contra o Nacional. “O nível de concentração tem de estar no máximo para não cometer nenhum erro. Os jogos decisivos são definidos em detalhes”, finalizou.

Most of the players who have nominated for the draft are unlikely to be involved in Pakistan’s international commitments

Umar Farooq22-Aug-2022

The PCB has given no-objection certificates (NOCs) to 43 of its players, to be listed in the BBL’s overseas draft, just a few weeks after rejecting an initial list of players.When the first list of 98 overseas players, who had nominated themselves for the BBL draft, came out last month, no Pakistani players were in it. In the new batch of nominations, Trent Boult, Shadab Khan, Andre Russell and Jason Roy were among the big names confirmed as platinum players. Shadab, in fact, headed a sizeable contingent of Pakistan names, including the likes of Mohammad Amir, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal and Wahab Riaz.Related

What might BBL teams want this season? Here's a comprehensive tactical guide to the draft

PSL set to go head-to-head with IPL in 2025

Full members to play more international cricket in new FTP cycle

Hasnain replaces Shaheen in Pakistan's T20 squad for Asia Cup

None of the multi-format stalwarts – such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi – are in; they will be a central part of Pakistan’s home season with Tests against England and white-ball series against New Zealand and West Indies, all between December and February, before the PSL starts in mid-February.Most of the players who have nominated for the draft are unlikely to be involved in Pakistan’s international commitments, or even in domestic first-class tournaments – the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy clashes with the start of the BBL.Asif Ali, a certain pick in Pakistan’s T20I squad, was part of the earlier list, which was denied NOCs, but is in this batch. Asif, Shadab and Shahnawaz Dahani are most likely to be available – if picked at all – only partially in the BBL because of their involvement in Pakistan’s short-format sides. Azam Khan is also in the nominated list, having signed on as the first Pakistani player in the UAE-based ILT20 recently. He is, however, awaiting an NOC to play in that league.The process of issuing NOCs for participation in overseas T20 leagues was one of the issues raised by a group of players before signing their central contracts with the PCB recently; in particular, the timeframe between a request and a response from the board.NOC-related issues led to a near-strike in November 2019, which eventually helped put in place a policy [available on the board website] that the PCB formalised in issuing NOCs: that allows players to seek NOCs for three overseas leagues excluding the PSL.There has been some frustration among players who feel they will miss out on the big-money leagues in the UAE, and CSA’s upcoming league, to add to their absence from the IPL.There was a suggestion at one stage that the PCB might compensate players for not playing in other leagues, but the contract offered made no mention of it. Players eventually signed the contract on the basis that discussions, including around NOCs, will resume after the Asia Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti has issued an honest response to mounting speculation that he is facing the sack at Real Madrid.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ancelotti under scrutiny after UCL exitReal trail Barcelona by four points in La LigaCoach linked with the Brazil national teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ancelotti’s track record at Real Madrid is undoubtedly impressive. Across two spells at the helm, he has led Real to 15 major honours, securing his legacy as one of the most successful managers in the club’s storied history. Despite this, his position has come under threat following a humbling Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, which ended the club’s hopes of defending their European crown.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Adding to the pressure, Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, trailing fierce rivals Barcelona by four points with only six fixtures left in the domestic calendar. The two teams are also set to meet in the Copa del Rey final this weekend, and another defeat could spell the end for Ancelotti.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

Ancelotti has broken his silence on swirling rumours surrounding his Real Madrid future, addressing the growing speculation in a composed manner. Speaking ahead of Madrid’s midweek La Liga clash against Getafe, Ancelotti declared his commitment to the club and underlined the affection he still holds for Los Blancos while rubbishing talk of tension with club president Florentino Perez and the rest of the board.

"I have no grudges against anyone. I love this club, and I hope I can stay as long as possible," he told reporters. "When this is over, I'll be grateful and take my hat off to this club. The honeymoon continues. I’m very happy, contented. There is a lot of pressure, true, but that is always the case at this point of the season. I’m happy with the club, they know this has been a tough season. Stress is fuel – it doesn’t bother me, it gives me more energy."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Speculation over Ancelotti’s next move has gathered momentum in recent weeks. Serie A powerhouses Roma and AC Milan have reportedly expressed interest in bringing the tactician back to Italy, while the Brazilian national team is also said to view him as their ideal coach heading into the 2026 World Cup.

When quizzed about the prospect of moving on this summer, Ancelotti responded: "In football, anything is possible. Anything can happen."

After their first 29 outings of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, many Leeds United fans will be confident that the club can secure a return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

The Whites, led by boss Daniel Farke, currently sit top of the table with just 17 games to go, arguably in pole position to secure the title and make amends for last season’s play-off defeat.

However, despite their impressive form, the January transfer window presents an opportunity for the hierarchy to invest further and strengthen their league standing.

As of yet, no deals have been completed, that’s despite various different rumours over players who could complete a move to Elland Road before the deadline.

A new name has recently been thrown into the mix, with Farke’s side potentially handing one player a lifeline with a move to Yorkshire over the coming days.

Leeds United make contact for Premier League star

According to The Athletic, Leeds have made contact with Newcastle United over a potential move to sign Matt Targett before Monday’s deadline.

The 29-year-old has massively struggled for game time in recent months, making just nine combined appearances over the last two seasons at St James’ Park.

The report claims that the Magpies are holding out for a fee in the region of £15m, which would see them recoup all of the fee they splashed out on his signature after his move to Tyneside in the summer of 2022.

Targett, who earns £100k-per-week in the North East, could be more likely to move to the Yorkshire outfit on loan as a result of the demanded fee and weekly wages, potentially helping Farke in his quest for promotion.

Any move for the full-back could see the Whites land themselves another version of a player who also impressed after his own temporary move to the club from a top division outfit.

Why Targett could be Leeds’ next Ben White

Defender Ben White joined Leeds on loan back in the 2019/20 season, playing a huge role in various positions during their previous promotion campaign from the Championship.

The former Brighton man often featured at right-back and centre-back during his temporary stint, featuring nearly 50 times during that one season, leading to calls for the hierarchy to land the Englishman permanently.

He’s since moved to Arsenal, starring at the very top level, but it’s safe to say the fans are still very appreciative of the 27-year-old after his temporary spell at Elland Road.

Any move for Targett could see the club land a new version of the star, with the Newcastle man able to have a similar impact during his loan move should he move to Yorkshire this month.

He’s previously impressed during a temporary spell, as seen during his move to Tyneside, making 16 appearances and becoming an integral part of Eddie Howe’s side – something which he could repeat under Farke, following in White’s footsteps.

When looking at the current options in the left-back area at the club, Sam Byram is currently starting there, in what is an unfamiliar position, with regular starter Junior Firpo struggling with injuries in recent times.

The “top-quality” Magpies talent, as dubbed by former boss Dean Smith, has produced numerous comparable stats to White did during his spell under Marcelo Bielsa, showcasing why Targett could have a similar impact.

Games played

16

46

Goals & assists

2

3

Progressive passes

4.3

3.5

Shot-creating actions

2.5

0.5

Tackles entered

2.4

1.6

% of tackles won

59%

51%

Aerials won

66%

52%

Targett completed more progressive passes per 90 in 2021/22 on loan at Newcastle compared to White did with Leeds back in 2019/20, whilst also registering more shot-creating actions – highlighting his attacking threat from full-back.

He also made more tackles whilst coming out on top in more aerial battles, handing Farke that defensive solidity in the backline as the club look to secure promotion once again.

Whilst it may seem an unpopular and uninspiring addition, he’s previously shown he’s able to make a positive contribution whilst temporarily featuring for a new outfit – hopefully transferring that to any potential move.

Should he make any form of contribution similar to that of White at Elland Road, he would be a huge hit with supporters, which could play a massive role in their ambitions of returning to the top flight.

Their new Kalvin Phillips: Leeds keen on late move for "world-class" ace

Leeds United may be about to make a statement signing in their quest for Championship promotion.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 28, 2025

West Ham United have apparently reached an agreement on personal terms for the potential signing of one forward, with an update also coming to light on club-to-club talks, as Graham Potter’s side attempt to bring in a new attacker before the deadline.

West Ham scouring January market for new forward signing

Injuries to Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio have exacerbated West Ham’s need for a quality, fresh option to arrive at the London Stadium and reinforce Potter’s forward line.

Related £34m forward receives West Ham offer with transfer likelihood revealed

The Euro 2024 attacker appears to be a top target for Graham Potter’s side.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 28, 2025

West Ham are also among the Premier League’s lowest-scoring teams, with relegation-threatened Wolves bagging more in the final third than Potter’s side, which partly highlights why the Irons are so keen to get a new centre-forward over the line before February 3rd.

West Ham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Chelsea (away)

February 3rd

Brentford (home)

February 15th

Arsenal (away)

February 22nd

Leicester City (home)

February 27th

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

Brighton are set to allow young marksman Evan Ferguson to depart the Seagulls on loan this month, which has sparked interest from West Ham and multiple other sides.

The 20-year-old, who’s been unable to wrestle back his place at Brighton ahead of Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro, is believed to be a top target for Potter, with West Ham hopeful of winning any race for Ferguson ahead of English rivals.

However, the Republic of Ireland international isn’t their only target. West Ham have also held discussions to sign Andre Silva from RB Leipzig, while Ajax forward Brian Brobbey is also high on their agenda.

Dutch media reports shared news last week that West Ham were starting to make a “serious attempt” to sign Brobbey on loan with an obligation to buy, contacting both Ajax and the player himself with a proposal.

However, some reliable journalists have since shared that it may not be that straightforward, and the costs of a potential move are deemed “too high” by West Ham chiefs as things stand – even if a deal isn’t completely off the table (Jacob Steinberg).

Brian Brobbey has agreed personal terms with West Ham

That being said, Potter’s side have still made some serious headway in a move for the Netherlands international. According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, West Ham have agreed personal terms with Brobbey on a £100,000-per-week contract, so there appears to be no issue in convincing the forward to swap Amsterdam for the English capital.

The broadcast giant reiterates that West Ham and Ajax are yet to come to an agreement on payment, though, which means their pursuit of a new number nine is still wide open. If they can land Brobbey, it is worth taking a look at some of the plaudits he has received.

“He is so fast and strong, he was very annoying for the defenders of PSV and dangerous for Ajax,” said ex-Dutch striker Pierre van Hooijdonk.

“The ball on the post, the ball in front. You can see from those running actions that he is a real striker,” says the former striker. Leave Brobbey alone. In my eyes, he should always play. Otherwise, Ajax will have too many attackers who want the ball in their feet and the team will be too predictable.”

Antonio Conte has cast doubt over his Napoli future after calling out the club's transfer strategy.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Conte casts doubt over Napoli future
• Hanging on in Serie A title race
• Not happy with transfer strategy

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Napoli are pushing Inter in the Serie A title race, sitting three points behind their rivals with six matches to play. But Conte has made it clear he is unhappy with with the lack of support he feels he will receive heading into the summer transfer market.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT CONTE SAID

  Conte said: "I said a lot early on. Some still stands, some doesn't. I don't take anything back, but you learn. Like with Kvara [Kvicha Kvaratskhelia], I said Napoli shouldn't be a stepping stone. I’ve realised in eight months that many things here just aren’t possible."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It appears Conte is still sore after Napoli failed to properly replace Kvaratskhelia, who was sold to Paris Saint-Germain in January. It is not the first time the Italian has been angered by a club's recruitment policy, with a similar fall-out ending his time at Tottenham.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CONTE?

  It is unlikely Conte will leave before the end of the season and victory at Monza on Saturday would see his Napoli side go level with Inter, who play Bologna on Sunday.

Matt Critchley ends day unbeaten on 80 as Kent bowlers struggle for rewards

David Hopps05-Sep-2022Essex 327 for 4 (Critchley 80*, Cook 78, Westley 54) vs Kent You could imagine the conversation among Canterbury spectators of a certain age. “The funny thing is I can never remember where I put my car keys but I can remember when I last saw Kent play Championship cricket as if it was yesterday.” It really was that long ago – July 14 to be precise, a distant time to be alive when there were still six candidates for Conservative leader and Penny Mordaunt was widely held to be on a bit of a surge.Nobody is about to claim Kent and Essex are on a surge, not as far as the Championship is concerned at least. Essex are as mid-table as mid-table can be and their challenge during September is to keep it respectable. Kent began fourth-bottom, 15 points above the bottom two, which we habitually assume to be the relegation positions even though it would take a soothsayer with the talent of Elizabeth Barton to predict what the relegation positions actually are.Barton worked on the estates of the Archbishop of Canterbury and her prophecies of impending doom after she had fallen ill both endeared her to the masses and infuriated the authorities. That reputation suggests she would have been a very sound choice to announce the exact future of county cricket, except that she was hanged at Tyburn in 1534, which to be fair is a tactic the ECB has yet to adopt to silence the prophets of doom.Canterbury has a reputation of being one of county cricket’s more somnolent crowds, but they were strikingly responsive on the first day, as if 55 days without Championship cricket had left them keen to show their appreciation. It was a bit of a slog for Kent, who conceded 327 for 4 on a batter-friendly pitch and a sultry day, and they won’t object too much if worsening weather as the games progress brings a succession of draws across the country.Kent have also reached the Royal London Cup final in the interim and it is good that they have announced that the Trent Bridge final will be contested by the squad that achieved it with no recourse to those – no lesser person than the captain, Sam Billings, among them – who have been absent for the Hundred.The long stretch without Championship cricket does at least allow Alastair Cook time to give thought to the family farm in Bedfordshire – the art of sheep dipping has been one thing on his mind according to an appearance on. Cook plays no other format but four-day cricket these days, but he slipped back into the old routine with 78 from 157 balls before reaching at a wide one from Grant Stewart and edging to first slip. He must address that itch although leaping in after the sheep might be taking it too far. Stewart, Kent’s most economical bowler, almost had him caught at second slip on 44 when the ball reached Jordan Cox on the half-volley and deserved his wicket.Cook failed to reach 1000 first-class runs in 2019, the last proper Championship season, but he has 813 at 47.82 now, which places him ninth among Division One run-makers and he still has a maximum of seven innings for normal service to be resumed. If his appetite holds, he has years in him.Cook was a calming influence for those who – even before they consider the cricket – have felt too old to cope with the Hundred’s green and pink colour palette and determinedly modern font (the “Hundred Display”), both of which were held to take us all on “a high-octane journey” (true enough) and to be “warm and family friendly” (a case of designers telling the suits what they want to hear). When Cook leant gently on the sixth ball of the morning, from Matt Quinn, and it trundled almost apologetically through mid-off to the boundary, it was less high-octane than an ultra-responsible exercise in energy conservation.The morning belonged to Cook and his opening partner, Nick Browne, but Quinn held a fast return catch to remove Browne. Tom Westley looked in good trim, but he was surely aghast at the manner of his dismissal for 54. After thick-edging Harry Podmore to deep third, he jogged the first two runs at a sedate pace, only to develop an inexplicable thirst for a third on Joe Denly’s arm and Billings collected an accurate throw to demolish all three stumps with a cry of triumph. Billings departed later with a groin injury with Ollie Robinson deputising.With Dan Lawrence also yorked by Daniel Bell-Drummond’s floaty outswinger, and listing badly to leg in the process, at 221 for 4 Kent had an opportunity to turn the day in their favour, but the second new ball brought no alarms and instead Matt Critchley, who had been dropped on 6 by Ben Compton at short leg just before tea, played with growing elan, making particularly light work of Jack Leaning. Along with Feroze Khushi, he reasserted Essex’s authority in the final session in an unbroken stand of 106.