Coasting to the Premier League title at this moment in time, Arne Slot’s Liverpool could also be one trophy down next weekend when they face off against Newcastle United at Wembley in the EFL Cup final.

With the potential for a Champions League success to also be thrown into the mix down the line, it’s very clear that Slot’s first season in the English game has been anything but a learning curve, with the ex-Feyenoord boss taking to the known tricky climate like a duck to water instead.

Still, this approaching summer could be one of upheaval at Anfield, with talk centring in on the Dutchman selling some prized assets in the attacking areas which could include Luis Diaz’s sale.

The latest on Luis Diaz's future at Anfield

Unlike Darwin Nunez who continues to blow hot and cold for the title-chasing Reds, Diaz has been a consistent performer in recent weeks for his star-studded side.

The ex-FC Porto winger could reportedly soon follow the Uruguayan out the door regardless, even as the entertaining 28-year-old now reaches nine goals and four assists in Premier League action this season, off the back of assisting Nunez for a rare top-flight strike against Southampton last time out.

£67m may allegedly be enough for Slot and Co to be tempted into parting ways as the likes of Barcelona line up attempting to pick up the 28-year-old, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold also considering his future at the Merseyside giants.

If Liverpool were to lose their slick number seven very shortly then the Reds may well have the ideal replacement already lined up.

Slot's "sensational" Diaz replacement

There is still some time before the transfer window kicks back into gear, but the groundwork already looks to be in place for the Anfield side to try and secure a statement purchase.

As per a fresh report by Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are willing to let Frenchman Kingsley Coman leave the building this summer, with Liverpool already establishing contact with Bayern having lodged an enquiry.

Described as “one of the best players in Europe when it comes to wingers” by Julian Nagelsmann, he has enjoyed a distinguished career with the Bavarian titans to date.

That included scoring a Champions League-winning header back in 2021 with Coman surely able to confidently slot into his new team and take on the mantle of replacing Diaz in his stride.

After all, the World Cup winner boasts an impressive 131 goal contributions and counting pulling on Bayern red, with the Paris-born forward’s regular explosiveness down the left flank even drawing direct similarities with the Colombian according to FBref’s similar players tool.

Coman vs Diaz since March 2024
Stat – per 90 mins	Coman	Diaz
Total shots	3.17	2.57
Shot-creating actions	6.22	5.04
Attempted passes	52.71	35.39
Pass completion %	84.1%	84.7%
Progressive passes	4.05	3.83
Progressive carries	4.81	4.50
Successful take-ons	2.76	2.33
Touches in attacking penalty area	6.86	6.81
Progressive passes received	15.95	10.66
Stats by FBref

Looking at the table above, even whilst the South American has impressed under Slot, Coman betters his counterpart in many different areas of their respective attacking games over the last year, with the Bayern number 11 trumping Diaz when it comes to total shots on goal, shot-creating actions and lots more.

That’s the case despite Coman only starting 11 Bundesliga games this season under Vincent Kompany, meaning he could also be an inspired pick-up as an impact substitute.

Available for a fee around the £29m mark according to reports, this would represent smart business on Liverpool’s end if a deal could be secured, as Slot prepares to enter into his second season at the Anfield helm with a slight new look to his forward areas.

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1

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 9, 2025

Milos Kerkez has reportedly left the Hungary camp as the Bournemouth star's Liverpool transfer seems to gather steam.

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• Hungary set to face Sweden & Azerbaijan
• Kerkez left the training camp in Telki
• Liverpool negotiating for the full-back with Bournemouth

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Initially listed in Marco Rossi’s squad for upcoming friendlies against Sweden and Azerbaijan, the young defender’s unexpected departure from the training base in Telki has fuelled the rumour mill. Hungary boss Marco Rossi declined to elaborate on the matter during his press conference, further heightening curiosity surrounding the full-back's situation.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT ROSSI SAID

  Speaking ahead of Hungary’s friendly against Sweden, Rossi confirmed that Kerkez be unavailable. "Of course, a few problems can sometimes creep in. For various reasons, neither Milos Kerkez nor Barnabas Varga will be in tomorrow’s match," the Italian told the Hungarian media.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kerkez’s withdrawal from the national setup comes as rumours swirl regarding a high-profile transfer to Liverpool, with Arne Slot having identified the defender as his primary left-back target to provide depth and competition for Andy Robertson. The Merseyside club are in talks with the Cherries, who are believed to be demanding a transfer fee in the region of £45 million ($61m).

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  If the deal is finalized, Kerkez would become Liverpool’s second signing of the summer transfer window, with the Reds having recently confirmed the arrival of Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, the Merseysiders are reportedly working on a deal to bring in attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, also from Leverkusen.

Son Heung-min sent a heart-warming message to sacked Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou amid murmurs of a player revolt after his axing.

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Postecoglou fired Spurs to UEL success Tottenham players are not happy with his exitSon sent a message to the AustralianFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Postecoglou, who recently led the North London club to a historic Europa League title, was relieved of his duties despite the continental triumph. Son, who served as club captain under the former Celtic boss, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram that has since sparked further speculation regarding unrest behind the scenes.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT SON SAID

Son’s tribute painted a vivid picture of the respect and bond between the two. He wrote: "Gaffer. You’ve changed the trajectory of this club. You believed in yourself and us since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it’s had in decades. We will have those memories for life.
"You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It’s been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you. Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate. 🤍"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to terminate Postecoglou’s contract has reportedly not gone down well among members of the squad. Despite a dismal domestic campaign that saw Spurs end the Premier League season in 17th place, many within the camp had hoped the manager would remain to build on their European success. Meanwhile, Son’s emotional farewell has further intensified speculation that he, too, may consider a move away from Tottenham this summer.

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With Postecoglou gone, attention has quickly turned to who will take the reins ahead of Tottenham’s return to Champions League football. The urgency to install a new manager is growing, especially with key players unsettled and the summer transfer window approaching. Brentford’s Thomas Frank is believed to be the leading candidate in Levy’s search. The Dane’s ability to get the best out of a modest squad has drawn admiration, though he is not alone in the running. Marco Silva has earned plaudits for the stability he’s brought to Fulham, making him a serious contender for the job.

There will be no domestic trophies for Manchester United this season as they have already been knocked out of the FA Cup and the League Cup, whilst being out of contention for the Premier League.

Their top-flight season has been particularly disappointing as they are currently sat in 13th place with just ten wins and 12 losses in the division so far.

The Red Devils have struggled in numerous areas, hence why they are so low down in the table, but goalscoring has been a significant problem for Ruben Amorim’s team, as it was for Erik Ten Hag’s.

Manchester United have only scored 37 goals in 29 matches in the Premier League, which is the second-lowest tally (behind Crystal Palace’s 36) in the top 14 teams in the division.

Despite beating Leicester City 3-0 last time out, goalscoring remains a problem for United moving forward and it has been an issue throughout the squad, not just in the forward department.

Why Manchester United have scored so few goals

The Red Devils have created 42.79 xG worth of chances in the Premier League so far this season, which shows that the overall team have underperformed in front of goal.

Essentially, United have not done enough to make the most of the high-quality opportunities that they have created in matches, and that has cost them throughout the season – as evidenced by their goal output and league position.

Bruno Fernandes

8.95

8

-0.95

Alejandro Garnacho

7.35

4

-3.35

Joshua Zirkzee

4.36

3

-1.36

Amad Diallo

3.87

6

+2.13

Rasmus Hojlund

3.47

3

-0.47

As you can see in the table above, four of the five players with the most xG in the Premier League for the Red Devils this term have underperformed, with only Amad Diallo elevating the quality of his chances to score two more goals.

These statistics can either suggest that United are creating chances for the wrong players and should be looking to create more for other stars, or that the board – simply – need to invest in the squad to improve their attacking options in the upcoming summer window.

Rasmus Hojlund, signed from Atalanta for £72m in the summer of 2023, is the club’s number nine and has only scored three goals in 24 appearances in the top-flight, underperforming against his xG.

Manchester United are, now, reportedly interested in adding another centre-forward to their ranks in the summer, and that could be very bad news for the Danish marksman.

The latest on Man Utd's pursuit of Bundesliga star

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are one of a number of European sides showing an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt number nine Hugo Ekitike.

The report claims that the Red Devils are planning to add a new striker to their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, and that they are keeping close tabs on the Bundesliga star.

Transfer Focus

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It adds that Frankfurt will demand a ‘huge’ fee for their centre-forward, although it does not state exactly how much, and reveals that Newcastle United and other ‘elite’ European teams are in the race to secure the former Paris Saint-Germain ace’s signature.

This suggests that Manchester United will face plenty of competition as they plot a swoop to land the France U21 international to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Ekitike, who has been compared to the likes of Alexander Isak and Omar Marmoush, rejected a move to Newcastle in 2022, which suggests that the Red Devils may have the edge over the Magpies in this race unless the 22-year-old forward has changed his mind on a switch to Tynecastle since then.

The news that United are plotting a ‘huge’ swoop to sign the Frankfurt centre-forward should, now, come as very bad news to Hojlund, as it could end his chances of nailing down the number nine position as his own moving forward.

Why signing Hugo Ekitike would be bad news for Rasmus Hojlund

The Denmark international has been competing with Joshua Zirkzee for the striker role this season and they have combined for just six goals between them, which shows that neither of them have been the reliable forward that Amorim has needed.

Because Zirkzee has also struggled for goals, Hojlund has had plenty of chances to start games – starting 17 times in the top-flight – but those opportunities could be limited by the arrival of a new marksman.

Ekitike, who scored a hat-trick against England’s U21s during the break, is a centre-forward who has the potential to nail down the position as his own as a regular starter, leaving Hojlund and Zirkzee feeding on scraps as substitutes or as rotation options in cup competitions.

Analyst Ben Mattinson recently claimed that the 22-year-old star “is one of the best strikers out there” and it is hard to argue with that when you look at his form for club and country.

Along with his hat-trick for France’s U21s, Ekitike has produced 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions for Frankfurt this season, including three goals from 2.58 xG in the Europa League.

Starts

17

23

Goals

3

13

Minutes per goal

483

145

Big chances created

3

7

Key passes per game

0.5

1.4

Assists

0

4

As you can see in the table above, the French starlet has significantly outperformed Hojlund at league level so far this term, with ten more goals and four more assists.

These statistics suggest that the Ekitike would come in as a huge upgrade on the Danish marksman and that is why his arrival at Old Trafford in the summer transfer window would be very bad news for the former Atalanta man.

It could result in his game time being heavily restricted, as Amorim may want his best number nine to start week-in-week-out, and that could force the £72m signing to consider his long-term future at the club.

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Therefore, Hojlund may hope to enjoy a strong end to the Premier League and Europa League season to show the manager and the board that he has what it takes to be the first-choice, because his form to date suggests that the signing of Ekitike is very much needed.

Celtic have never been a club to shy away from cashing in on their best players and attempting to replace them in the transfer market over the years.

The Hoops have an excellent track record of selling stars for big-money and being able to find excellent replacements for them with bargain deals for young talent.

Matt O’Riley

Brighton

£25m+

Jota

Al-Ittihad

£25m

Kieran Tierney

Arsenal

£25m

Moussa Dembele

Lyon

£19.7m

Odsonne Edouard

Crystal Palace

£18.5m

As you can see in the table above, Celtic have made some significant sales, particularly in recent years with Jota and Matt O’Riley, but they have always managed to find the next star to step up.

Last summer, Brendan Rodgers had to watch on as Brighton & Hove Albion secured a deal to sign O’Riley for more than £25m, but that money allowed the club to go and splash the cash on his replacement.

The Scottish Premiership giants reportedly smashed their club-record transfer fee to sign Belgium international Arne Engels from Augsburg for a fee of £11m.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Arne Engels

It was a big gamble to spend that kind of money on a player who had yet to enjoy a proper breakthrough season at senior level as a consistent starter.

During his time with Augsburg, Engels never started more than 18 games in a single league season and only started 13 of his 32 appearances in the Bundesliga during the 2023/24 campaign.

This meant that Celtic were gambling on him being able to hit the ground running with the drop from one of Europe’s major leagues to the Premiership, and that gamble has paid off.

Engels has racked up ten goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances for the Scottish giants in all competitions, establishing himself as a regular starter in the middle of the park.

Appearances (starts)

32 (13)

27 (18)

Goals

3

9

Big chances created

1

11

Assists

2

5

Key passes per game

0.6

1.7

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.5

0.9

Dribbled past per game

0.5x

0.3x

As you can see in the table above, playing in the Premiership has allowed Engels to showcase the best of his qualities in possession, providing a far greater threat at the top end of the pitch from a central midfield position.

This shows that the Hoops hit the jackpot by signing the Belgium international for £11m last summer, because their gamble has paid off and they now have a terrific, young, midfield player for years to come.

Celtic could, now, repeat the masterclass they have played with the 21-year-old maestro by swooping to sign one of his former teammates, Elvis Rexhbecaj.

Celtic make contact to sign Bundesliga ace

According to Fussball Transfers, the Scottish Premiership leaders are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a deal to sign the Augsburg central midfielder at the end of the season.

The summer transfer window is only a few months away from officially opening for business and the Hoops have seemingly already put plans in motion to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Fussball Transfers claims that Rexhbecaj is contemplating his options ahead of the summer transfer window, as he is torn between staying at Augsburg and trying a new adventure abroad.

The report states that Celtic, Parma, and Besiktas have all made enquiries about a potential deal to sign the Kosovo international this year, and that they are all ‘knocking on the door’ to land his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

It also reveals that Augsburg have been trying to extend his contract, which is due to expire in the summer of 2026, but have not been able to reach an agreement with the 27-year-old star.

Valued at £3m by Transfermarkt, Celtic must now continue to pursue a deal for the experienced midfield ace to bolster their squad, as he could be a repeat of Arne Engels at Parkhead.

Why Elvis Rexhbecaj could be Arne Engels 2.0

The Kosovo international could come in and be a quality addition to the group because his performance levels could increase as a result of the drop down to the Premiership from the Bundesliga, as was the case with his former teammate.

He is already, as aforementioned, an international player and Rexhbecaj showcased his tenacity out of possession and his composure and quality on the ball in the space of a few seconds when he scored his first goal for Kosovo against Iceland last week, as shown in the clip below.

The box-to-box midfield star, who has racked up 179 appearances in the Bundesliga throughout his career, is not known for his goalscoring, though, as he is more of a combative operator in the middle of the park.

Unlike Engels last season, the experienced ace has also been a regular starter for Augsburg in the Bundesliga this term – starting all 20 of his appearances in the division.

Appearances (starts)

32 (12)

25 (24)

Goals

3

2

xA

1.75

1.34

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.5

2.0

Ball recoveries per game

1.9

5.4

Ground duel success rate

52%

54%

Aerial duel success rate

36%

51%

As you can see in the table above, they offered a fairly similar threat at the top end of the pitch but the Kosovan maestro was significantly more impressive out of possession.

The Celtic transfer target, who has made 2.0 tackles and interceptions and 3.8 ball recoveries per game in the current Bundesliga campaign, is a midfielder who can offer defensive security whilst also chipping in with the odd goal contribution.

If Engels’ attacking contributions can soar the way they did after his move to Parkhead, Rexhbecaj could enjoy a similar jump in his performances to deliver brilliant box-to-box midfield displays.

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Therefore, the Kosovo international could be Engels 2.0 as another Augsburg central midfielder to come over from the Bundesliga to strut their stuff in Glasgow.

After what has been a disappointing campaign for Tottenham Hotspur this season, there will surely be plenty of transfer business done in the summer.

As things stand, the Lilywhites will not be playing in Europe next season, given they are languishing in 14th in the Premier League, with just 34 points to their name.

In fact, Ange Postecoglou’s side must win the Europa League in order to qualify for European competitions in 2025/26. Winning that particular competition will see them play Champions League football next campaign.

So, there could well be a squad overhaul for Spurs in the summer. Already, they have been linked with one addition in midfield.

Latest on Spurs' midfield search

One of the biggest bargains of the summer could be Angel Gomes. It seems like the England international will not renew his deal at French outfit Lille, and will depart the Ligue 1 club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 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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Well, according to a report from Pete O’Rourke for Football Insider, the Lilywhites ‘are leading the race’ to sign Gomes on a free this summer. This move comes as part of a ‘planning a potential midfield overhaul’ from Postecoglou over the summer.

One of the teams thought to be interested in signing Gomes at one stage was Manchester United, from which Gomes is an academy graduate.

However, the Red Devils are not thought to be in the running, as per the report. Instead, the North Londoners could face competition from clubs across Europe, from the likes of France, Spain and Germany, should they wish to sign Gomes.

Why Gomes could be Spurs' own Rice

Despite being just 24 years of age, Gomes has been in and around professional football since 2017. As a 16-year-old, he made his debut for Man United, the youngest player in 64 years to achieve the feat, beating the record held by the great Duncan Edwards.

After leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2020, the Englishman joined Lille. He became an established member of their first team the year after joining, following a loan at Portuguese side Boavista.

In total, the versatile midfielder has played 134 times for the club, scoring ten goals and grabbing 19 assists. That included eight Ligue 1 assists last term, where he excelled in a number-eight role.

He is also capable of playing as a number ten and a number six, offering great versatility for Spurs’ midfield should he make the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 24-year-old has already made a great impact for England. Despite not being included by Thomas Tuchel in his first squad during the recent international break, he thrived under interim boss Lee Carsley.

Gomes grabbed a brilliant assist for Jack Grealish against Finland, showing composure under pressure and sliding the Manchester City winger in behind with a lovely reverse pass.

If Spurs sign Gomes, he could become their very own verison of Declan Rice. The Arsenal star was described as “a wonderful midfield player” by Jamie Carragher in February and has certainly made a big impact in his 91 Gunners appearances so far.

Indeed, there are some differences between Rice and Gomes, notably in their physicality. Standing at just 5 foot 6 the Lille star is more lightweight than the 6 foot 2 Arsenal number 41.

However, Gomes makes up for it with his ability on the ball. He is extremely press-resistant and able to evade tackles with relative ease.

Indeed, he can certainly be compared to Rice statistically on FBref, with the pair noted as similar players in Europe’s top five leagues, among their fellow midfielders.

Per 90 minutes, the former Man United star averages 5.98 progressive passes, compared to 6.21 for Rice. He also averages 0.61 successful take-ons, with Rice averaging just 0.42 per game.

Gomes and Rice – key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Gomes

Rice

Progressive passes

5.98

6.21

Key passes

1.71

1.92

Goal-creating actions

0.37

0.29

Successful take-ons

0.61

0.42

Tackles won

0.73

0.75

Stats from FBref

As football statistician Statman Dave explained, Gomes is an “unbelievably gifted” player. He has an abundance of technical quality, and whilst he is smaller than some midfielders, he still possesses the ability to break up play, as the stats show.

For a free transfer, this could revolutionise the Spurs midfield and help them climb the Premier League table to compete for European spots again.

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Falcons’ total underpinned by classy Wayne Madsen fifty but Lightning begin as they mean to finish

ECB Reporters Network20-May-2023Lancashire Lightning beat Derbyshire Falcons by four wickets to start the 2023 Vitality Blast campaign as they aim to end it – with victory at Edgbaston.The Blast will conclude in Birmingham with Finals Day on July 15 and Lightning took an impressive first step towards that showpiece with a win in the first half of the inaugural Blast Off opener in the Second City sunshine.The Falcons’ 179 for 5, underpinned by Wayne Madsen’s classy 50 from 35 balls, was solid but no more than par on a good batting pitch.Lightning then reached 183 for 6 with four balls to spare after Luke Wells laid the foundation with a violent 66 off 35 balls, his maiden T20 half-century.After the Falcons were put in, Luke Wood began with a wide but his second ball was straight enough to win an lbw decision against Haider Ali. Madsen was soon motoring to his 25th T20 half-century though, supported by a sprinkling of lively, if fleeting, cameos.Second-wicket pair Luis Reece (23 off 21) and Madsen added 64 in 48 balls before the former fell lbw to Tom Hartley. Madsen struck four sixes on his way to a 34-ball fifty but perished next ball when he lifted Danny Lamb to Hartley at deep midwicket.Leus du Plooy clubbed three sixes in a 16-ball 33 then fell in pursuit of another when he holed out to Wood. Anuj Dal and Aneurin Donald connected with a blow or two and, after Mattie McKiernan clouted Tom Bailey for a last-over six, only the openers had failed to clear the ropes. The suspicion was, however, that it was a 200-pitch and the Falcons were a few short – and so it proved.Even without star batters Keaton Jennings (injured) and Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler (IPL-duty) Lightning reeled in their target.They started briskly as Pakistan quick Zaman Khan suffered a bracing welcome to the Blast. His first ball was hoisted far over long leg for six by Wells in an over that went for 18. Zak Chappell’s opening over then went for 15 as the Lightning thundered to 44 in three overs.Opening pair Wells and George Bell added 59 from 26 balls before the latter spliced Khan to mid on. Steven Croft was run out after finding himself at the same end as Wells but the opener thrashed a 24-ball fifty and left his side very strongly placed, needing 68 from ten overs, when he fell in familiar Blast fashion, caught in the leg-side deep.Daryl Mitchell’s cleanly-hit 31 off 19 balls kept Lightning’s foot on the Falcons’ throat and victory was closed out with more comfort than a last-over finish suggests.

Spinner was hampered by blistered spinning finger at Edgbaston but Pope believes ‘all good’

Matt Roller26-Jun-2023

Moeen Ali’s spinning finger will again come in for scrutiny•Getty Images

Moeen Ali played a full part in training at Lord’s on Monday morning but England opted against naming their XI two days before the second Test against Australia as they await clarity on the status of his spinning finger.England have selected and announced a team two days before the start of their first two Tests of the summer, against Ireland and Australia, but decided against doing so at Lord’s. Their selection decisions surround the identity of their bowling attack and how they will take 20 wickets on a pitch covered with live grass 48 hours from the toss.Moeen was in clear discomfort during the first Test at Edgbaston, splitting the skin on the first knuckle of his spinning finger and struggling to grip the ball as a result. England suggest that he has benefitted from the gap between Tests, but have called up Rehan Ahmed as cover, who batted and bowled in the nets after linking up with the squad in London on Sunday.Jack Leach, who was ruled out of the summer with a lower-back stress fracture earlier this month, was invited to England’s training session on Monday and was seen in conversation with Moeen – whose decision to reverse his retirement from Test cricket came about as a direct consequence of Leach’s injury.Brendon McCullum indicated after England’s two-wicket defeat in Birmingham that Moeen will play if he is fully fit. He was seen examining his spinning finger in the company of Glen Rae, England’s team physician, as well as spin-bowling coach Jeetan Patel – though Ollie Pope suggested Moeen would be “all good” to play.Related

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“I think Mo’s all good,” Pope, England’s vice-captain, said after training. “It was pretty unfortunate what happened, and hopefully over these few days it has looked after itself and hopefully he is fit to play. I’m sure he’s sweet – those few days have helped.”If Moeen is unavailable, England face a choice between selecting an extra seamer – thereby relying on Joe Root’s offspin – or throwing the 18-year-old Rehan straight into an Ashes Test. Pope suggested that any such decision would depend on the nature of the pitch.”To be honest, it depends what the wicket looks like,” he said. “We know Lord’s can be [seam] bowler-friendly sometimes but we have seen the role Leachy has played over the last year on bowler-friendly conditions as well – so it is a great option to have.”England have stressed that Rehan is with the squad as cover – but did the same in the UAE last year, straight before he was added to the Test squad to tour Pakistan, where he made his debut. He told their in-house channels on Monday that his call-up “means everything” to him.”Baz gave me a call on Friday morning and basically told me I was going to come in and join up with the lads,” Rehan said. “I would never have dreamed this, to be part of an Ashes squad at my age – at Lord’s as well. I never saw it coming.”England will also have to weigh up the identity of their seam attack, with Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood the four fast bowlers in the squad who did not feature in Birmingham. Wood’s extra pace will make him a tempting option, while Woakes’ stellar record at Lord’s cannot be discounted.

With Alexander Isak’s future in doubt, Newcastle United have reportedly made contact with an 18-goal striker who could realise his Premier League dream courtesy of the Magpies this summer.

Newcastle transfer news

Despite reportedly slapping a hefty £150m price tag on their star man, the rumours are still coming thick and fast surrounding Isak’s future amid interest from the likes of Liverpool.

As they continue to struggle in pursuit of Champions League football, keeping hold of one of Europe’s most wanted strikers will undoubtedly become more difficult too, perhaps handing Newcastle a long summer transfer window.

That said, what Isak’s big-money exit would finally do is free up some funds for Newcastle to spend. Eddie Howe has been forced to cope without significant arrivals in the last two windows due to PSR constraints. One major sale would quickly unleash PIF’s spending power, however.

Once unleashed, those in Tyneside could reportedly turn towards the likes of Tammy Abraham as they aim to add depth to Howe’s frontline, even if Isak stays put this summer. Meanwhile, if he does depart, Abraham may not be the only forward to arrive.

According to Sky Sports’ Sacho Tavolieri, Newcastle are now in contact with Hugo Ekitike over a summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt in what would see the Frenchman realise his Premier League dream and potentially replace Isak.

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Newcastle won at the London Stadium ahead of this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 11, 2025

Newcastle are, of course, long-term admirers of the forward having almost landed his signature before he decided to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. In the end, it was a decision that the forward would live to regret after struggling for game time in the French capital and moving on to Frankfurt, where he has since found his best form – scoring 18 goals in all competitions.

Now, with the Magpies calling for a second time, Ekitike could have a decision to make – especially if Isak moves on from St James’ Park this summer.

"Superb" Ekitike is ready for the Premier League

When Ekitike ultimately failed at PSG, the jury was still out on his potential. But what was PSG’s trash has since become Frankfurt’s treasure which they could choose to cash in on this summer. Still just 22 years old, the forward is among a select few candidates who have managed to stay within distance of Isak on the goals front this season.

Starts

22

25

Goals

13

19

Assists

3

5

Expected Goals

14.8

13.9

The stats suggest that there’s even greater potential for Ekitike’s numbers to get even better, given that he’s underperformed his expected goals by almost two, whilst Isak has remained as clinical as ever.

Dubbed “simply superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ekitike is finally back to his best and more than ready to realise his Premier League dream. And whilst there may be some steps that need to take place before Newcastle make their move, he should be top of their wishlist if Isak does depart.

The Premier League has already seen Omar Marmoush make his mark in England. Now, his former Frankfurt strike partner could emerge to leave a mark of his own.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Suryakumar Yadav have been drafted into the West Zone squad for the 2023 Duleep Trophy beginning June 28 in Bengaluru.They have been brought in for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who have been named in India’s Test squad due to visit the Caribbean. Priyank Panchal, the Gujarat opener, will remain captain of West Zone, which also features Sarfaraz Khan and Prithvi Shaw among others.Pujara has been left out of India’s Test squad after the World Test Championship final earlier this month, where he made 14 and 27. While his omission has elicited debate and criticism, Pujara himself appears to be looking forward and has begun training for the new season in Rajkot, his hometown.