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

Everton have now reportedly enquired about the availability of a Premier League star in the summer transfer window, with David Moyes an admirer of the player in question.

Everton in talks with ace and reach verbal agreement with player

The Blues appear to be pushing hard to complete some exciting summer transfer business, with the Merseysiders reportedly in talks with the agents of Fred over a move to Bramley Moore Dock.

The former Manchester United midfielder could be a shrewd and experienced addition who has proven himself in the Premier League in the past, making 139 appearances in the competition. Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is keen on keeping hold of the Brazilian, though.

Meanwhile, Everton have reportedly reached a verbal agreement over the signing of Kenny Tete from Fulham, with the right-back out of contract in west London at the end of this month.

The Dutchman could come in as an upgrade on the likes of Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman, bringing a mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust to Moyes’ team, and the fact that it would be on a free transfer is an added bonus.

Everton enquire about Premier League "fighter"

According to a new claim from Give Me Sport, Everton have enquired to Manchester City about the potential signing of Jack Grealish this summer.

Newcastle United and Napoli are also believed to be in the mix to sign the 29-year-old, who is expected to leave the Etihad after four years there, joining for £100m from Aston Villa back in 2021. However, the Toffees may find a transfer hard to complete as Grealish is looking to play in the Champions League next season.

Grealish’s stock has fallen over the past year or two, with a lack of end product under Pep Guardiola, but it could simply be that he needs a new challenge and regular game time.

Guardiola has described the Englishman as a “fighter”, often being relentlessly kicked and fouled during games, while Moyes heaped huge praise on him back in 2021, saying:

“He is a really good player and probably the best player in the Premier League at this time. He has done such a big job at that club (Villa) and is probably the best player in the league right now.”

There are definite risks in Everton signing Grealish, not least because he turns 30 this year and would demand big wages, but he possesses the swagger and unpredictable style to be a hit among Blues supporters.

Moyes' new Doucoure: Everton start talks to sign "magnificent" £13m star

David Moyes could win Everton’s new Abdoulaye Doucoure by securing this star’s services.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 22, 2025

He may love the idea of being given more freedom to express himself in the final third, compared to Guardiola’s precise tactics, so it is a signing that could be worth the gamble, although it may be tricky to seal.

Manchester United have already wasted no time in the transfer market, already making huge additions to the first-team squad, after the window opened on Sunday.

Matheus Cunha has already been confirmed as a Red Devils player, costing £62.5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers, looking to hand Ruben Amorim a new option in attacking areas.

However, after the club finished 15th in the Premier League this season, it’s evident that more changes are needed to prevent such a situation from reoccurring in the future.

It presents the manager with the perfect chance to overhaul the squad and recruit players he wants to fit the 3-4-2-1 system after taking the reins back in November.

Hefty funds are likely to be spent this summer to try and right the wrongs of 2024/25, with countless names continuously being linked with a switch to Old Trafford during the off-season.

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

All areas of the United team have been subject to improvements during the ongoing window, with various names from all over the world touted for moves to join Amorim’s side.

Ronald Araujo, Ederson and Gonçalo Ramos have all been mentioned as potential summer targets, but no deals have been completed for any of the trio as of yet.

However, progress appears to have been made on a deal to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo after the Cameroonian confirmed he wanted to join the club earlier this week.

Man United Sources’ latest update confirms that an agreement for personal terms is edging closer, with the club and player set to agree on a £175k-per-week contract.

It’s been reported elsewhere that the Bees are demanding a package in the region of £70m to part ways with the 25-year-old, who’s scored 20 league goals this season.

Why United’s £70m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Amad Diallo is a player who has taken his career to the next level at United this season, cementing himself as a key player within Amorim’s system at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian was given a chance to star by the 40-year-old after previously being handed limited opportunities by former boss Erik ten Hag – something which he’s taken full advantage of.

The 22-year-old has registered 11 goals and eight assists across all competitions, with eight of his efforts coming in the Premier League – making him the joint-top scorer along with Bruno Fernandes.

Amad can operate in a wing-back or attacking midfield role, often liking to cut inside onto his favoured left foot and get shots off, which has led to his impressive numbers in 2024/25.

Mbeumo could replicate such success at Old Trafford, given the fact he plays in a similar position and has also been known to cut inside off the right at Brentford.

His underlying stats in the Premier League this campaign are just as impressive, managing to better Amad in various key areas, which will inject added quality into the manager’s side.

The Bees star, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered more combined goals and assists, along with a higher shot on target accuracy rate – handing the manager an added threat in front of goal.

How Mbeumo compares to Amad in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Mbeumo	Amad
Games played	38	26
Goals & assists	27	14
Shot-on-target accuracy	43%	36%
Progressive passes	3.7	2.8
Passes into final third	1.7	1.2
% of tackles won	60%	59%
Clearances made	1.5	0.9
Take-on success	47%	46%
Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more progressive passes and more passes into the final third, allowing the players ahead of him to improve their own tallies as a result.

Mbeumo’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more clearances – having the tools to star in a right wing-back role if needed.

£70m may seem like another mammoth investment from the board, but it’s one that would massively improve the options available to Amorim in various key areas.

The prospect of the Cameroonian at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, potentially being a deadly player in the final third – especially if he manages to follow in Amad’s footsteps in the North West.

Dorgu upgrade: Man Utd make "one of the best LBs in the PL" a top target

Man Utd could look to strengthen their wing-back options this summer

By
Robbie Walls

Jun 4, 2025

Liverpool made mincemeat of the Premier League’s finest in 2024/25, winning the title in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm.

Such was their dominance that a late-season sojourn over in the Gulf states was permitted while rivals worked toward positive finishes to the term.

This wasn’t the case for the Anfield side; far from it. However, 2025/26 will bring a new campaign and Liverpool are acting like it, using their pull, heightened by the recent success, to sign Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool like to pluck exciting talents from their divisional rivals, and this summer is proving no different. Indeed, with a fee agreed with Leverkusen for the £34m sale of Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract, Real Madrid lurking, is it any surprise that sporting director Richard Hughes is hoping to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi?

Why Liverpool target players like Kerkez & Guehi

Liverpool might have broken the British transfer record this month (should Wirtz’s fixed £100m fee be expanded by the £16m in add-ons), but the Merseysiders tend to walk down a less-beaten path, signing up-and-coming talents from clubs settled lower down the Premier League ladder.

Take Andy Robertson, for example, signed from Hull City for just £10m back in 2017. He’s since solidified his name among the division’s all-time great full-backs.

1.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

259

64

2.

Andy Robertson

308

60

3.

Leighton Baines

420

53

4.

Graeme Le Saux

327

44

5.

Kieran Trippier

204

38

And how could we forget Gini Wijnaldum? The Dutchman was the industrious, metronomic heartbeat which kept Klopp’s system ticking, purloined from Newcastle United after their relegation to the Championship.

Shoutout Xherdan Shaqiri, too.

The point is, Liverpool run their club intelligently, identifying players proven in the Premier League and with plenty of scope for growth. Manchester United, with their Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, may well have taken a leaf from their rival.

While FSG are in a position to sign superstars like Wirtz, they haven’t lost track of their roots: Kerkez, signed for £40m, is evidence of his, hailing from the south coast, while the 24-year-old Guehi would also align with this tried-and-tested Merseyside method, having been at the centre of transfer rumours in recent days that suggest Liverpool would be willing to pay £50m to snap him up.

Slot will have had his say in identifying such players, looking to bring them to Anfield, but he is benefiting somewhat from the club’s prowess when Klopp was at the helm. Certainly, there’s one star in particular who aligns with the discussed method who should be the barometer from which to judge an addition’s success.

Liverpool have struck gold on Premier League signing

Like Kerkez and Virgil van Dijk before him, Alexis Mac Allister has proved a stunning signing for Liverpool, joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £35m two years ago.

His first term, the Argentina international, who was instrumental in his nation’s 2022 World Cup triumph, filled in as a holding midfielder after the Anfield side failed in a bid to land Moises Caicedo; since, with Slot in charge, he’s moved back into a more expansive midfield role, winning silverware in both seasons on Merseyside.

One constant, however, has been Mac Allister’s brilliance in the centre of the park. The 26-year-old has only gone from strength to strength after switching the Seagulls for the Liverbird, with pundit Joe Cole even declaring him a “superstar” who “can play anywhere”.

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

35 (30)

Goals

5

5

Assists

5

5

Touches*

74.2

55.8

Pass completion

88%

87%

Big chances created

3

6

Key passes*

1.4

1.3

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

4.1

3.3

Ground duels (won)*

5.0 (50%)

4.3 (50%)

Take a look at the table above. What do you see? Curiously, Mac Allister has shifted roles under Slot, less active and frenetic in his play, calmed into a controlling force which channels the flow of the coach’s ball-playing vision.

The South American star perhaps said it best himself: “In terms of the change, perhaps with Jürgen I played as a lone five [holding midfielder]. So, the position was very different. I was much more defensive than anything else.

“So, the system has changed a little, but the main ideas are the same. I think perhaps the big change is in having that patience to have longer periods of possession and dominate games more and obviously that creates more chances.”

It’s certainly showcased through the metrics: as per FBref, Mac Allister ranked among the top 20% of midfielders in the Premier League last year for goal involvements, the top 16% for progressive passes, the top 14% for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for tackles per 90.

He’s the real deal, having ballooned in value and technical quality since making the leap. It’s a rise that Slot and co will no doubt hope Kerkez will follow, and Guehi too, should he sign from Palace this summer.

The fiesty midfielder’s progress at Liverpool has even impelled Real Madrid to come knocking on the door, with reports earlier in the year suggesting Florentino Perez would be willing to fork out some €90m (£76m) for the maestro, who has been earmarked as a potential long-term successor to Luka Modric’s soon-to-be vacant locker at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Naturally, this puts him in a much higher bracket than Kerkez and Guehi, but we must caveat that with a firm ‘for now’, as the ball-playing specialist may yet find his new and potential teammates to be rivalling him on the financial scales down the line.

Liverpool know their stuff, work with a calculated eye to sign up-and-coming Premier League stars and bring them up to elite status, when certain other high-station clubs then come sniffing around for fully developed product.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Mac Allister is a perfect representation of that, and soon Kerkez and perhaps Guehi will be too.

Better than Gyokeres: Liverpool in the race for "the new Haaland"

Liverpool are sounding out a series of Alexander Isak alternatives this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

Liverpool are not willing to rest on their laurels after they won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield in the 2024/25 campaign.

The Reds have already swooped to make their first signing of the summer transfer window by bringing Jeremie Frimpong to the club from Bayer Leverkusen.

He has come in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has signed for Real Madrid on a permanent basis, and will compete with Conor Bradley for a spot at right-back next term.

The Netherlands international delivered five goals and nine assists in all competitions for Leverkusen this season, which suggests that the full-back could provide plenty of quality in the final third for the Reds.

Frimpong, however, may not be the only attacking dynamo to make the switch from Germany, and Leverkusen specifically, as Liverpool are continuing to work on a deal to sign Florian Wirtz in the coming weeks.

Why Florian Wirtz could be a big signing for Liverpool

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that the club are ‘advancing’ to sign the Germany international, with a medical already being planned for the attacking midfielder.

Journalist Paul Joyce also recently claimed that the Reds have made an offer worth up to £113m for the 22-year-old sensation, which illustrates the kind of money Liverpool will need to spend to get this deal over the line.

It is not a surprise to see that price tag over the Leverkusen star’s head, though, because he has been in fantastic form for the German side over the past two seasons.

Wirtz scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, which shows that he can offer quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from an attacking midfield position.

His form in the German top-flight this season suggests that he could be an incredibly exciting addition to the squad for Slot, due to his form at the top end of the pitch.

Appearances

31

xG

9.40

Goals

10

Big chances created

17

Key passes per game

1.8

xA

9.44

Assists

12

As you can see in the table above, Wirtz hit double figures for both goals and assists in the Bundesliga for Leverkusen, overperforming against his xG.

Meanwhile, none of Liverpool’s central or attacking midfielders managed more than six goals or six assists in the Premier League, which suggests that the German star would be a big upgrade on what Slot currently has at his disposal.

The Premier League champions, however, are now reportedly lining up a move to bring in a star who would be an even bigger signing than Wirtz.

Liverpool set to bid for Premier League star

According to a report in Spain, Liverpool are eyeing up a move to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Reds are set to make a bid worth up to £101m for the Sweden international. £84m would be up front and the rest would come in performance-based add-ons.

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 Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Newcastle’s attempts to pin Isak down to a new contract, and that they are ready to pounce if the striker does not commit his future to St. James’ Park.

The outlet adds that the Reds want to move swiftly with a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund attacker, hence why they are planning to make a mega bid for his services.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not an offer of £101m would be enough to tempt Newcastle into cashing in on their star striker, or if the player would be open to ditching his team in favour of a move to Anfield.

Why Isak would be a bigger signing than Wirtz

Isak would be a bigger signing than Wirtz for Liverpool for a number of reasons, despite potentially costing less than the German star if they can wrap up a transfer at a fee of £101m.

Firstly, it would be a move that would see the club take away one of their Premier League rivals’ top players, weakening their direct competition, rather than going abroad to snap up a talent like Wirtz. This would make him a statement signing for the Reds, because it would illustrate their pull by being able to sign such a player from a rival.

Secondly, and this ties in with the first point, Isak is a proven Premier League performer who would be able to come in and hit the ground running as a player who does not need any time to adapt to the division.

Whereas Wirtz has never played domestic football outside of Germany and, therefore, there are still some doubts over how his game will translate to the Premier League, simply because he has yet to prove himself at that level.

Isak, as shown in the clip above, has also already proven his quality against Liverpool with a terrific goal in the League Cup final at Wembley back in March, leading to Slot describing him as an “unbelievable threat”.

Appearances

34

xG

20.42

Goals

23

Conversion rate

23%

Big chances created

11

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, the Swedish marksman enjoyed a sensational season with the Magpies in the Premier League, as he was directly involved in 29 goals, nine more than Wirtz was involved in for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Luis Diaz was Liverpool’s top-scoring striker option in the top-flight for Slot with a return of 13 goals, which suggests that Isak would come in as a huge upgrade for the club in the number nine position.

Overall, Isak would be an even bigger signing than Wirtz for Liverpool because of the statement it would send out, signing him from a Premier League rival, the proven quality that he would provide, and the upgrade that he would be for the team.

It now remains to be seen, though, whether or not they can convince Newcastle to part ways with the 25-year-old centre-forward after they wrap up a move for the Leverkusen star.

Better than Huijsen: Liverpool target £50m Gabriel & Saliba "hybrid"

Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 7, 2025

“Surya and Hardik’s partnership was very critical for us right at that point in time,” Rohit Sharma says

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jun-20241:18

Manjrekar: SKY showed his value on a tricky pitch

Rohit Sharma lauded Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya’s “critical” partnership for helping India ride through some choppy waters in the middle overs and set up a 47-run win over Afghanistan to begin their Super Eight campaign at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.Suryakumar and Hardik added 60 runs off 37 balls for the fifth wicket after coming together when Shivam Dube was dismissed, leaving India 90 for 4 in the 11th over. Three of those wickets were picked up by Rashid Khan.”Surya and Hardik’s partnership was very critical for us right at that point in time,” Rohit said on the host broadcast after the game. “We kept losing wickets there, so we needed somebody to bat little deep. Surya did that well along with Hardik.Related

SKY shows no limit with tailor-made response to tricky Afghanistan assignment

Suryakumar and Bumrah give India winning start to Super Eight

“Over the last two years, we’ve come here [to the West Indies] and played some T20 cricket, so we understand the conditions a little bit, and we planned [the innings] around what the conditions offer and based our game plan accordingly. Getting 180 [181] was a great effort from our batters. We knew the class of the bowling we have to come and defend that, and they did that perfectly.”Suryakumar, who was named Player of the Match for his 28-ball 53, said that the decision to take the bowling on – Rashid in particular – was deliberate, keeping in mind the slowness of the surface.”When Hardik came into bat, I told him we need to bat with the same intent, let’s not leave it too much till the end,” he said. “It would’ve been difficult with the ball reversing. I just told him let’s keep pressing the pedal and see where we are at the end of 16 overs. Glad we got to 180.”Suryakumar hit Rashid for 16 runs off six deliveries, with two fours and a ferocious slog sweep for six.

“I started chewing my gum even harder when he [Kohli] got out. But I knew I’ve played this phase before, and with the left-handers coming in, it became a little easier”Suryakumar Yadav

“When I play, I’m very clear in my mind what I want to do,” Suryakumar said. “When he [Rashid] bowls, it’s very difficult to pick him. I know what shots to play when I am inside. He’s the best bowler in the world, you can’t let him dominate. You have to be a step ahead.”Suryakumar’s contribution – it was his second successive half-century of the T20 World Cup – came at a strike rate of almost 190. He came in to bat at the end of the seventh over and soon saw Virat Kohli hole out to long-off to leave India 62 for 3 in the ninth.”I’ve practiced that [batting in the middle overs] and have played a lot there,” Suryakumar said. “I enjoy batting in that phase, between overs seven to 15, that’s where teams try and control the game.”I started chewing my gum even harder when he [Kohli] got out. But I knew I’ve played this phase before, and with the left-handers coming in, it became a little easier. But I just backed my game, backed my instincts, and most importantly my intent [which] should have been good at that time.”

Bangladesh qualified for the semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 after beating Malaysia by 114 runs in what turned out to be a complete mismatch.Batting first, Bangladesh posted 191 for 2, their second-highest total in T20Is. Murshida Khatun scored a career-best 80 off 59 balls and captain Nigar Sultana an unbeaten 62 off 37.In response, Malaysia could muster only 77 for 8. They ended their campaign without a win but one hopes they would be richer for the experience. To be competitive at this level, they need to improve in all three departments: batting, bowling and fielding.

Dilara, Murshida punish sloppy Malaysia

Malaysia captain Winifred Duraisingam opened the bowling and started with a wide. Dilara Akter mistimed the next ball towards mid-on but instead of going for the catch, the fielder was happy to stop the ball on the bounce. Those two deliveries were a harbinger of what was to come next. Against the left-right opening pair of Dilara and Murshida, the Malaysia bowlers erred on both sides of the wicket and lacked the backing of their fielders.Dilara Akter played an attacking innings at the top of the order•Asian Cricket Council

Still, Bangladesh could score only 25 in the first four overs. On the first ball of the fifth, Aina Najwa dropped Murshida when the batter was on 13 off 15 balls. Adding insult to injury, Dilara smashed the last three balls of the over for 6, 4 and 4. Murshida got into the act with a boundary off Ainna Hamizah Hashim in the next over as Bangladesh finished the powerplay on 51 for no loss.The 65-run opening stand, in 7.4 overs, finally came to an end when Dilara hit Mahirah Izzati Ismail towards square leg where Aisya Eleesa dived forward to take an excellent catch in a rare show of brilliance by a Malaysia fielder. Dilara made 33 off just 20 balls.

Murshida, Nigar fifties power Bangladesh

Murshida was on 28 off 26 balls at that point. But after Dilara fell, she picked up the pace. With back-to-back boundaries off Ismail, she moved to 53 off 45 balls – her second half-century in as many games. With a slog-swept six off Elsa Hunter in the 17th over, she took Bangladesh past 150.Murshida and Nigar added 89 off 56 balls for the second wicket before Murshida fell to Hunter with substitute fielder Dhanusri Muhunan taking a sharp catch at extra cover.Elsa Hunter was a cut above the rest for Malaysia•Asian Cricket Council

But Muhunan’s effort was an aberration. Malaysia dropped two more catches after that: in the penultimate over, Najwa put down Rumana Ahmed at square leg and in the 20th, Nur Aishah did the same for Nigar at deep midwicket. Nigar brought up her fifty, off 34 balls, immediately after that and wrapped up the innings with a six off the final ball.

Hunter the only bright spot for Malaysia

It was no surprise that Malaysia fell well short of their target. In the absence of Marufa Akter, who was rested, Jahanara Alam took the new ball for Bangladesh and struck straightaway. With her second delivery, she had Hashim edging behind to Dilara for a regulation catch.Nineteen-year-old Hunter was the only Malaysia batter who looked equipped to handle Bangladesh’s bowling. Technically as sound as anyone in world cricket, Hunter hit four boundaries in her 20 off 23 balls. But she fell in the sixth over, giving a return catch to left-arm spinner Nahida Akter while trying to work the ball on the leg side. Earlier, Hunter was also the best bowler for her side, picking up 1 for 27 from four overs with her offspin.Malaysia did not lose another wicket till the tenth over but the scoring rate remained around four. It dipped even further in the second half of the innings. Apart from Hunter, Ismail, with 15 off 25 balls, was the only one to reach the double digits.

Everton are believed to be confident of securing the signing of a “fantastic” attacking addition in an exciting piece of business in the summer transfer window.

Who are the potential ins and outs at Everton this summer?

Life feels more optimistic for the Blues currently, having once again avoided relegation from the Premier League and now preparing for life at their impressive new stadium.

A busy summer window is expected at Everton over the next couple of months, with RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa linked with a move to the club. The 20-year-old has even been described as “incredibly talented” by Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, which can only bode well.

The Blues are also reportedly pushing to seal a big-money move for former Manchester United midfielder Fred, who is now plying his trade at Fenerbahce. Now 32 years of age, the Brazilian could bring huge experience to David Moyes’ midfield, but he admittedly wouldn’t represent a long-term addition.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is among the Everton players who could move on in the summer – the same applies to influential defender Jarrad Branthwaite – and Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has been mentioned as a replacement for the former, having been loaned out to West Ham last season.

Everton confident of sealing summer reunion

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Everton have hope they can re-sign Richarlison from Tottenham this summer, bringing a “club legend” back to Merseyside.

The Blues reportedly want to sign two strikers ahead of next season, with Villarreal’s Thierno Barry also mentioned as an option. The likes of Brentford, Crystal Palace, Leeds United, West Ham and Wolves are all thought to be keen on him, too.

Seeing Richarlison back in an Everton shirt would likely go down well with a large chunk of the fanbase, considering what a popular figure he was during his stint at Goodison Park.

The Brazil star always gave his all for the Blues, scoring 53 goals in 152 appearances in total, and he has 64 goals to his name in the Premier League in his career.

Richarlison’s Everton career	Total
Appearances	152
Goals	53
Assists	15

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin spoke of his admiration for the £90,000-a-week Richarlison during their time together at Everton in the past: “I thought he was fantastic today. His goal was well deserved and his play off the ball, his selflessness was the key for us today. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with him again in front of the Goodison faithful.”

Still only 28, Everton could get several strong years out of Richarlison, who may want a new challenge after a relatively disappointing spell at Spurs. That may depend on whether new manager Thomas Frank sees him as an important part of his plans, though.

Everton now eyeing £38m ace who Haaland thinks is "incredibly talented"

He’s impressed the Man City star.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 14, 2025

You know what you are going to get from the former Blues favourite, from tireless work to an ability to wind up opposition players, and if Everton could sign both him and Barry this summer, it could prove to be successful business in the final third.

Leeds United are leading the race to sign a “fantastic” £8.5 million defender alongside the arrival of Sebastiaan Bornauw, according to a new report.

Leeds closing in on third signing of the summer transfer window

The Whites have already made a rather positive start to the summer transfer window by adding Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol to their squad from Wolfsburg and Udinese, respectively, but given the gap between the Championship and Premier League has got rather big for promoted teams in recent seasons, Leeds know they are going to need more arrivals to stand a chance of beating the drop next season.

Leeds preparing bid to sign "powerful" captain for £12m this summer

The Whites have a midfielder in their sights this summer…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 28, 2025

The Yorkshire side are wasting no time in getting their next signing through the door, as according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are close to signing Bornauw from Wolfsburg. It is reported that the Whites have agreed to pay an initial fee of €6 million, which is roughly £5 million.

Leeds are preparing to offer the defender a four-year contract at Elland Road, which could be signed soon. After an injury-hit season last term, the Bundesliga side are taking their final chance to cash in before his deal expires next summer.

Leeds leading Fulham in race to sign Caci

According to BILD’s print edition (30/06/25), relayed by Leeds United News, Leeds are also interested in signing Anthony Caci from Bundesliga side Mainz 05.

The report states that while Jayden Bogle appears to be irreplaceable, Leeds are on the lookout for squad depth, and Caci is a player the Championship title winners like. In fact, not only do Leeds like Caci, but they are leading the way when it comes to signing him, as they can offer him more first-team guarantees ahead of Fulham, who are also interested in signing the right-back.

It goes on to add that Leeds are ready to “dig at” Caci, and they could land the former France under-23 international for just £8.5 million.

Apps

33

Starts

33

Goals

1

Assists

7

Big chances created

6

Key passes

1.5

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

1.8

Clearances per game

1.3

The 27-year-old, who has been dubbed “fantastic” in the past, has entered the final year of his contract with the German side, and despite Caci missing just one league game throughout the whole of last season, Mainz would rather receive money for their key defender than see him leave for nothing if a new deal isn’t agreed.

Caci would bring a lot of versatility to Leeds’ defence for the season ahead should he join, as he can also cover at centre-back and right midfield if required.

Stars slip to heavy defeat as Davies rips through old side’s batting lineup

ECB Reporters Network10-Jul-2024Freya Davies’ impeccable four-for set up Southern Vipers’ no-nonsense seven-wicket bonus point victory over South East Stars to cement their place at the top of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy table.Former Stars fast bowler Davies hadn’t taken four in an innings since taking 4 for 23 in a T20 for England against New Zealand in March 2021, and last haul of four or more in 50-over cricket was a six-for for Sussex Women in 2018.But she extracted great pace to take 4 for 14 at Falkland Cricket Club, to restrict Stars to 120, with local star Ava Lee and Charli Knott both grabbing two wickets apiece.Knott – on her penultimate appearance – then made sure the chase was straightforward with a classy 57, as holders Vipers avenged their Charlotte Edwards Cup semi-final defeat to Stars in style.Vipers chose to bowl, and after a rain delay which knocked the overs down to 46 a side, they ruthlessly sliced through the Stars’ batting.Mary Taylor made the initial breakthrough when she found Tash Farrant edging a drive behind to Megan Sturge, who was keeping wicket for the first time due to a finger injury to Rhianna Southby.But Davies was the bigger danger in dumping the visitors to 22 for 4 with her swing bamboozling Bryony Smith, Alexa Stonehouse and Kalea Moore.The ball to bowl Smith and the one which Moore gloved behind were particular snorters in an often unplayable first seven-over spell of 3 for 10.Alice Davidson-Richards and Bethan Miles recovered things somewhat by putting on 35 but another collapse of 25 for 4 stymied Stars.This time it was the Vipers’ spin which took hold as Miles and Aylish Cranstone were undone by Knott’s smart offbreaks, before the Australian turned Elastigirl to incredibly catch Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones in the leg-side deep.It was the start of two wickets in an over for Lee – playing on the ground she began playing on at Under-11s for Falkland – as the England Under-19s spinner had Davidson-Richards caught behind.Chloe Hill and Ryana Macdonald Gay held things up with a patient 34-run partnership for the ninth wicket before Hill was run out at the non-striker’s end and Dani Gregory was Davies’ fourth victim and Sturge’s third.The reply was emphatic from Vipers. Where Stars had only scored six boundaries in their entire innings, Vipers, led by Knott, had equalled that inside 14 overs.Stars were also not helped by an apparent hamstring injury suffered by Farrant in the first over, which forced her to leave the field.Knott and Ella McCaughan put on 46 for the first wicket inside eight overs before the latter was outfoxed by a big turning offie from Moore.Georgia Adams, after a 43-run alliance with Knott, and Emily Windsor fell but Knott was graceful in dispatching width to reach a 56-ball fifty, her third half-century and fifth score over 40 for the Vipers.It was only right that Knott would cut the winning runs as Vipers romped to the target in 23 overs.