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Manchester United are looking to kick on under Ruben Amorim after the win against Sunderland and could now look to beat Manchester City to a statement signing in the January window.

Manchester United look to elevate themselves in Premier League

Undoubtedly, the Red Devils have taken time to get going this season, and their start hasn’t been plain sailing as they integrate new signings and try to find their best starting line-up.

Nevertheless, a victory over Sunderland has restored morale at Old Trafford and has relieved some pressure on Amorim’s situation at the club, which will give supporters some cause for optimism as Manchester United head for the international break.

Oliver Glasner has been linked to the Red Devils’ hotseat, and there will be other names mentioned if results begin to take another dip, but Amorim appears safe for now and will hope his side can kick on over the coming weeks.

With international breaks splitting the season into mini-blocks, the January transfer window isn’t actually too far down the line and rumours are already beginning to circulate regarding who could come in to improve Manchester United’s squad.

Reports suggest that the Red Devils are fighting Manchester City to sign Atletico Madrid full-back Nahuel Molina in a deal that could be worth in the region of £26 million.

Forget Casemiro: Man Utd flop is the biggest waste of money since Antony

Manchester United made a huge mistake in spending big money on a talent who has failed to deliver at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

Truthfully, it remains to be seen if spending power is there after a summer window that saw £250 million shelled out at Old Trafford. PSR rules will need to be respected, and January is a notoriously hard month to conclude business.

Still, Manchester United may not be done in their quest to pip Manchester City to signings if recent developments are to evolve.

Man Utd look to pip Man City to sign Aleksandar Pavlovic

According to SportBild’s Tobias Altschäffl, Manchester United have made an approach via intermediaries for Bayern Munich star Aleksandar Pavlovic and he is now firmly on their radar alongside rivals Manchester City, who have been strongly linked with the player for weeks.

He said when asked by Christian Falk about his situation: “Juventus Turin and Paris are not yet so moving. With the English, this is absolutely true. It is known that the Pavlović side was approached via intermediaries. They would like to get Pavlović. At City, he’s even higher on the list.”

Five similar players to Aleksandar Pavlovic (FBRef)

Jordan Ferri

Sampdoria

Benjamin Bouchouari

Trabzonspor

Manu Morlanes

Mallorca

Remo Freuler

Bologna

Valentin Rongier

Rennes

Making his presence felt at the Bundesliga holders, Pavlovic has made seven appearances across all competitions this term, scoring once against Hamburg.

Primarily a holding midfielder, the Germany international could well be a long-term replacement for Casemiro. Still, the Red Devils will need to convince him that their project is worth investing in, amid a run of inconsistent results this term.

Showing ambition hasn’t been a problem so far for INEOS, though this could be their most important capture yet amid strong interest from their rivals.

One of the recent developments at Aston Villa will have an impact on Unai Emery’s future as manager, it has been revealed.

Emery loses key ally as Monchi departs

Sporting director Monchi is known to have been a key Emery ally, which is why the 57-year-old’s recent departure has set off alarm bells, but the manager has been quick to dispel the rumours that there was a falling out.

The Villa boss said: “He was very good, but after two years he needed to have another chapter in his career. Mutual agreement with the club. I wish him the best with his new chapter.

“We reacted quickly to get one person who I know personally. I have a lot of confidence with Roberto Olabe and he is going to help us.”

Indeed, the club hierarchy moved quickly to appoint Roberto Olabe, formerly of Real Sociedad, as Monchi’s successor, with the 57-year-old joining at a difficult time, given that the Villans are currently languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.

After Monchi’s exit, there were some rumours suggesting that Emery could be soon to follow, but journalist Graeme Bailey has recently suggested that Olabe’s appoitment is a clear show of faith in the Spaniard, who could now be in it for the long haul.

Aston Villa now in talks to sign 48-cap international in 2026 free transfer

The Villans are ready to pounce ahead of their Premier League rivals.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 22, 2025

Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey said: “They’re fully committed to Emery. They know they’ve got a world-class manager there.

“And I think the Olabe appointment is a clear sign that they brought him in to help Emery, to be part of the Emery project. It’s a clear sign the Emery project is still green-lit, full steam ahead. If it hadn’t been someone like Olabe, I would have had my doubts.

“But the fact it’s Olabe coming in, I think really underlines the commitment of the owners to Emery, and should give the fans who want Emery to stay some real comfort in that appointment.”

Villa must stick with Emery despite difficult spell

It is fantastic news that Aston Villa plan to stand by their manager, as it would be incredibly rash to dismiss him after going through his first difficult spell since taking over from Steven Gerrard, at which point playing in the Champions League was nothing more than a pipe dream.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Emery as a major target to replace Ruben Amorim, and it is no surprise, given the job he’s done at Villa Park, setting an impressive record last season.

That said, results and performances alike have not been good enough, with Villa recording an xG of just 3.79 across their opening five games, and the 53-year-old needs to put things right sooner rather than later to avoid further scrutiny.

Liverpool are one of several top Premier League clubs who are interested in signing a “quality” young Dutch defender from one of Europe’s greatest football institutions.

Ekitike excited to link-up with Isak at Liverpool

The Reds return from the international break this weekend, making the trip to newly-promoted Burnley and looking to keep up their 100% winning start to the season.

Alexander Isak could potentially make his Liverpool debut, following his record-breaking move from Newcastle United, and while the Swede could push Hugo Ekitike down the pecking order, the Frenchman cannot wait to play alongside his new teammate.

“It’s fun. When you play for the best teams, you expect to be competing with the best players. Isak is a player I’ve watched too, so seeing him arrive is a pleasure. It’s going to be tough competition, but I’m going to focus on performing well so that it’s a problem for the manager.

“Obviously my life has changed. It’s a big move and I’m watched a thousand times more but I’m taking it positively, it’s really good. It’s the position I wanted to be in. When you have this kind of standard, you have to show that you belong here and you have to continue to perform. But it’s a position that I like and that I want to keep.”

Liverpool have broken their transfer record twice this summer, making huge statements by signing Isak and Florian Wirtz, but now a huge young talent is being linked with a move to Anfield.

Liverpool keen on signing "quality" young star ahead of Man Utd and Man City

According to a fresh update from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the clubs showing “intense interest” in signing towering 6ft2in Ajax teenager Aaron Bouwman.

The 18-year-old centre-back is considered a player with a bright future in the game and called a ‘towering defender’, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Manchester City also “circling” for his signature.

Bouwman wouldn’t be joining Liverpool as an immediate starter if they did get their man, but like new signing Giovanni Leoni, he would be considered a massive part of the club’s future.

At just 18 years of age, the Dutchman has already made his debut for Ajax, and featured in three separate youth age groups for the Netherlands, and scout Elijah Michiels has hailed him as a “quality” player.

Bouwman also couldn’t ask to have a better centre-back to learn alongside than compatriot Virgil van Dijk if he does join, given the Liverpool captain’s status as one of the greatest defenders of his and any generation.

Signed for £5m, sold for 450% more: Liverpool hit gold with the original Wirtz

Liverpool’s original version of Wirtz was sold for a healthy profit.

ByWill Miller Sep 9, 2025

The level of competition for the teenager’s signature shows just how highly he is thought of, but the Reds should be seen as an exciting proposition as anyone currently, excelling both on and off the pitch over the past decade or so.

The fans might not have got everything they wanted, but it was a pretty good summer transfer window for Chelsea this year.

The club were able to ship out several players they deemed no longer good enough, and bring in a host of brilliant young talents who could develop into superstars for Enzo Maresca.

However, unlike some of their Premier League rivals, there was no blockbuster move for a certifiable world-class player, like Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international’s £125m move to Liverpool is now the league’s record transfer, although, painfully, Chelsea did lose a young talent in the past who is now worth more than that.

The best Ex-Chelsea gems

Over the last five years or so, Chelsea have seen a pretty constant stream of academy products come through and make it into the first team.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, like every other team, they’ve also lost out on some serious stars when they were young, with Declan Rice being a big one.

The Arsenal star came up through Cobham alongside Mason Mount and a number of other notable players, but at the age of 14 was let go.

He then moved to West Ham United, where he made 245 appearances and won the Conference League before joining the Gunners for £105m in the summer of 2023 and becoming a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

Another youngster the Blues missed out on was Michael Olise, who left the club at the age of 14 and has gone on to become one of the best wingers in world football.

The Frenchman earned a £50m move to Bayern Munich last summer after impressing at Crystal Palace and more than justified his price tag.

In 55 appearances, he scored 20 goals and provided 23 assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games.

In all, Chelsea have missed out on some unreal talents of the years, although perhaps the worst is someone now worth more than Isak.

The ex-Chelsea gem worth more than Isak

Unfortunately for Chelsea, there are plenty more stars they let slip through their fingers, but in this case, the player worth more than Isak is Jamal Musiala.

Yes, the German international was once a part of the Blues’ academy, but in the summer of 2019, he opted to join Bayern, for which the club received just £170k.

It was seen as such a disaster by some that Massimo Franchi, the creator of the Golden Boy award, compared it to “the Louvre losing the Mona Lisa!”

Dramatic? Slightly, but the mercurial midfielder has been exceptional in the years since, and according to the CIES Football Observatory, is worth up to 151m.

That converts to around £131m, or £6m more than Isak’s record-breaking move, and while that sounds absurd, his performances suggest otherwise.

For example, despite still being just 22-years-old, the “world-class” superstar, as dubbed by former manager Julian Nagelsmann, has racked up 207 appearances for Bayern, totalling 12163 minutes, in which he’s scored 64 goals and provided 39 assists.

That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 118.08 minutes.

On top of that, he has already won 40 senior caps for Germany, in which he’s scored eight goals and provided eight assists.

Ultimately, Musiala is an exceptional world-beating talent, and Chelsea must rue the fact that they weren’t able to keep hold of him.

Chelsea star who was sold for a £38m loss is now playing like Xavi Simons

The international star had moments of brilliance at Chelsea, but never lived up to expectations.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 4, 2025

Grant Bradburn has been reprimanded and handed a suspended £500 fine by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) after admitting to discriminatory conduct that had racist and sexist connotations during his time as head coach of Glamorgan.Bradburn, 58, was sacked by Glamorgan in December, having been referred to The Cricket Regulator – the body responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing adherence with the game’s regulations – for allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The county terminated Bradburn’s employment less than 12 months into a three-year deal following their own internal investigation. Richard Dawson was subsequently appointed as interim head coach in January.In a statement released on Thursday, The Regulator revealed their investigations – which included witness statements from several players and Bradburn’s own interview with The Regulator – had found evidence to uphold three specific allegations that comprised the charge.Related

• Glamorgan fire coach Grant Bradburn following misconduct charge

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It was alleged that on a number of occasions, including in the changing room at Sophia Gardens during pre-season of 2024, Bradburn asked players of Asian background what their “real age” is, responding to their answer by saying “is that your Cricinfo age”, “Cricinfo” or similar. The suggestion was Asian players lie about their age.In a pre-season team meeting, Bradburn suggested selection decisions in Pakistan were made by picking their friends and cousins or names out of a hat. Bradburn had previously held a number of roles with Pakistan, including a six-month stint as head coach.Bradburn was also alleged to have used the phrase “this isn’t Western Storm” (the now defunct women’s domestic side based in the South West of England and Wales who were often based in Cardiff) or similar during fielding practice sessions, suggesting the male players were “throwing like girls” when he thought they were demonstrating a lack of intensity in drills.The Regulator also found the “Western Storm” comment started as a private joke with another coach and acknowledged it had been picked up and used by the players. In the context of the ECB’s objective to make cricket the most inclusive sport in the country, this was determined as an aggravating factor considering Bradburn’s influence on the team culture in his role as head coach. Such comments were not made when in the company of Western Storm players or coaches.Bradburn admitted the charge of bringing the game into disrepute – a breach of Regulation 3.3 of the Professional Conduct Regulations 2024 – with The Regulator accepting he did not intend to cause offence with his words.CDC adjudicator Tim O’Gorman issued Bradburn with a reprimand, a caution as to his future conduct, a requirement to attend an appropriate course on discrimination and EDI – with either the Professional Cricketers Association or the New Zealand Players Association – and a suspended fine of £500.The punishment handed down reflects the fact Bradburn never denied making the offending statements and co-operated fully with the investigation, and unreservedly apologised for any offence taken. The scale of the fine also reflects the fact Bradbun had already paid a significant price for his actions having lost his coaching role with Glamorgan.Director of The Cricket Regulator Chris Haward said: “There is no place for discrimination in cricket and normalisation of discriminatory language through this kind of conduct is unacceptable. Where such instances are identified they will be investigated and those responsible will be held to account.”The Regulator fully endorses the CDC’s observation that the culture in any organisation is heavily influenced by those who lead that organisation and so it is especially incumbent on all senior leaders to set the right tone. In this instance, Grant Bradburn failed to meet expectations.”The Regulator would like to thank Glamorgan for their assistance in this matter and praise the openness and courage of those who reported this misconduct.”Removing discrimination from the game is a priority for the Cricket Regulator. We recognise that it takes a lot of courage for those impacted to come forward. We are committed to investigating thoroughly and expeditiously when allegations are raised with us, whether current or in the past.”In a statement released by Glamorgan, chief executive officer Dan Cherry commented: “Glamorgan Cricket acknowledges and welcomes this decision by the Cricket Discipline Committee.”We have a zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behaviour so as soon as issues were pointed out to us we acted swiftly to protect those affected and show a strong line against poor behaviours that do not reflect the Club’s values.”We’re confident that the systems and processes we have in place to identify poor behaviour are working by virtue of the fact that those affected felt able to come forward on these points.”Bradburn had overseen Glamorgan’s success in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup during his sole season in charge. The county also finished sixth in both Division Two of the County Championship and the T20 Blast South Group.

Peter Handscomb struck 92 off 52 balls to more than make up for an earlier dropped catch as NSW’s tournament came to an end

AAP23-Feb-2025

Victoria 311 for 2 (Kellaway 117*, Handscomb 91*, Dixon 57) beat New South Wales 310 (Shaw 80, Gilkes 72, Green 57, Murphy 3-46, Siddle 3-54)Victoria secured a spot in the One-Day Cup final after defeating New South Wales by eight wickets on the back of blistering knocks from Campbell Kellaway and Peter Handscomb.In reply to NSW’s 310 in Sunday’s clash at Cricket Central in Sydney, Victoria reached the victory target with a whopping 74 balls to spare. Kellaway (117 not out off 101 balls) and Handscomb (91 not out off 52 balls) led the way, combining for an unbeaten 145-run stand on the way to the bonus-point win.Related

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Queensland crash out of One-Day Cup to youthful WA

Victoria will meet South Australia in the March 1 final, with the ladder-leading Redbacks earning hosting rights.Victoria started the last round of the season in fourth spot on the ladder. But third-placed Queensland’s shock loss to last-placed WA opened the door for Victoria to leapfrog NSW, who started the round in second.Things were going swimmingly for Victoria when NSW crashed to 181 for 6 following the departure of Jack Edwards in the 34th over. It looked set to become 181 for 7 next ball – only for Handscomb to drop an absolute sitter at square leg. Chris Green was facing his first ball when he skied Sam Elliott to Handscomb, who bobbled the simplest of catches.Green went on to make 57 off 47 balls among a 117-run partnership with Lachlan Shaw, helping lift NSW above 300.A 106-run opening stand between Kellaway and Harry Dixon set up Victoria’s run chase, with Handscomb joining in on the fun once Marcus Harris departed for 37.Handscomb received a life on 8 when wicketkeeper Josh Philippe grassed a tough one-handed diving attempt.  He was still on 8 when he survived a tight lbw shout. Handscomb made the most of the reprieves to produce a vital knock, cracking 12 fours and two sixes in a raw display of power and finesse.Kellaway was equally impressive, with his 13 fours and three sixes lifting him to a maiden List A century.It marked a disappointing end to the season for NSW, who entered their last match of the regular season in second spot but knowing a loss would cost them a berth in the final.Opener Sam Konstas made a scratchy 18 off 38 balls before charging down the wicket to Todd Murphy and being stumped.Murphy sent Moises Henriques and Oliver Davies packing as NSW went from 96 for 1 to 181 for 6 despite a defiant knock from Matthew Gilkes.Handscomb’s dropped catch was an important turning point, with Shaw and Green taking control of the innings from that point.But Victoria made light work of the big chase, going at more than eight runs an over to not only snare the win, but also the bonus point.

Lancashire secure India tie-up they desired in latest stage of the ECB’s Hundred equity sale

Matt Roller and Nagraj Gollapudi03-Feb-20251:42

Roller: Hundred equity sales a success for the ECB

Lancashire have secured the IPL partner they wanted to run Manchester Originals as a joint venture, with Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group submitting the highest bid for a stake in the Hundred franchise on Monday.RPSG Group, who own Lucknow Super Giants, were the losing bidders in a three-hour auction for a stake in London Spirit on Friday, which was eventually won by a Silicon Valley tech consortium valuing the Lord’s-based franchise at £295 million. But RPSG Group have now secured a stake which values the Manchester-based Hundred team at above £100m, understood to be around £116m.The two parties will now enter into an eight-week period of exclusivity in which they will discuss the exact terms of the deal. Lancashire have previously suggested to members that they are open to a discussion about selling some of their 51% stake in Originals if the price is high enough that it enables them to pay down a significant proportion of their bank debt.Related

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Lancashire want IPL link for Manchester Originals

The club declined to confirm on Monday night* whether RPSG Group are buying anything more than the ECB’s 49% stake in the Originals, though ESPNcricinfo understands that Lancashire told prospective investors that they were willing to part with up to 70% of the overall shares during talks earlier in the sales process.Lancashire confirmed the news in a statement on Monday afternoon. “We have been very focused on securing a great partner – ideally from the IPL – and RPSG has been our preferred bidder for some time,” the club said.”We are delighted by the outcome and look forward to working together to create an exciting future. Together, we have a shared ambition to create a very special cricket team for the people of Manchester and the wider North West region.”ESPNcricinfo first revealed last August that officials from RPSG Group had visited Emirates Old Trafford, with Lancashire chief executive Daniel Gidney making clear in an interview his desire to work with an IPL franchise. Lancashire’s initial shortlist also included Mumbai Indians owners Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), who dropped out of the bidding for Originals after securing a stake in Oval Invincibles last week.Lancashire have actively grown their profile in India in recent years with a deliberate strategy that has included men’s and women’s pre-season tours and signing Indian internationals Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar and Venkatesh Iyer as overseas players. They are set to return to India next month as part of a pre-season tour.Sanjiv Goenka, pictured celebrating with Marcus Stoinis, is the chairman and founder of RPSG Group•SportzpicsGoenka, the chairman and founder of business conglomerate RPSG Group, paid INR 7090 crore (£680m approx. at the time) to buy the Lucknow IPL franchise in 2021. He bought the Durban franchise in the SA20 the following year, and previously owned Rising Pune Supergiant. RPSG were involved in the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons, while Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended.Lancashire will hold a members’ forum next Wednesday. “Key items on the agenda will include details of our partnership with the RPSG Group, the projected financial outcome for Lancashire Cricket and the potential use of the funds generated,” the club said. “The investment remains subject to a satisfactory conclusion of the final due diligence and legal processes and a further announcement will be made in due course.”The deal makes RPSG Group the second IPL owners to buy a stake in a Hundred team, after Reliance. Sun Group, the owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad, are understood to be interested in both Northern Superchargers and Trent Rockets, while GMR Group, the co-owners of Delhi Capitals, are widely expected to secure a stake in Southern Brave, having bought host county Hampshire outright last year.ESPNcricinfo understands that RPSG Group were pitted against two other competitors on Monday, prompting a live auction. One of these was an investor who has struck a partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while the identity of the third bidder could not be confirmed on Monday night.The sales processes for Superchargers and Rockets were initially scheduled for Monday but are understood to have been delayed slightly, with some losing bidders from previous sales considering entering the running for another team. The sale of a stake in Brave will round out the process.*2100 GMT – This story was updated to reflect Lancashire’s statement and to note the identity of one losing bidder

Leeds United certainly had no problem in front of goal in the 2024/25 Championship season. It was a fantastic campaign for the Whites, who reached 100 points and won the league title on goal difference, which perhaps hints at just how clinical they were.

According to FBref, the 95 goals which Daniel Farke’s side scored last term was better than any other side in the division, smashing second-place Norwich’s tally of 71. Leeds overachieved when it came to goals scored, too. Their expected goals tally was 89.1xG, highlighting just how deadly they were in front of goal.

Incredibly, it seems like they will add to the firepower of that attack, but looking to sign a striker this summer.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a striker

It has already been a busy summer at Elland Road when it comes to new signings. Jaka Bijol joined from Udinese as the most costly addition. Fellow centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson, a left-back, have also signed. Lukas Nmecha has joined the club on a free transfer.

Transfer Focus

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

Next up for the Yorkshire outfit could well be someone on a temporary deal, rather than a permanent signing. A report from journalist Graeme Bailey claims the Whites ‘have now registered their interest in signing’ Real Madrid starlet Gonzalo Garcia this summer.

It has been a whirlwind month or so for the striker, who burst onto the scene in the Club World Cup for Los Blancos. However, Leeds, along with Sunderland, Brentford and West Ham United, are plotting an ambitious loan move for the attacker this summer.

The striker ‘is believed to be keen to play regular first-team football’, with Leeds one of the sides who could pounce, although they could reportedly face competition from Chelsea, who were said to be ready to pay €40m (£34m) for his signature.

Why Garcia would be a good signing

It was certainly a breakout tournament in the recent Club World Cup for Garcia. Journalist Zach Lowy was full of praise for the youngster and described his efforts as “world class” during the competition, which Chelsea went on to win.

In total, the 21-year-old, who was born in Madrid, has played 12 times for the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu. He’s managed five goals and two assists in those few appearances, which included one strike in three games during 2023/24.

However, it was the recent Club World Cup where Garcia rose to stardom. He scored four goals in six games, grabbing one assist, too. Despite Madrid getting eliminated by PSG in the semi-final, Garcia took the Golden Boot home with him.

Some of his stats from the competition, courtesy of Sofascore, show just what Leeds see in him, to help add to the masses of goals already in their attack. For example, the Spaniard averaged 1.4 shots on target and 0.8 goals per 90 minutes. He certainly knows where to find the back of the net.

Minutes

450

75

Goals

4

0.8

Shots

11

2.2

Shots on target

7

1.4

Key passes

4

0.8

Aerial duels won

6

1.2

If Farke’s side are successful in bringing Garcia to Elland Road, he could be the biggest talent they’ve had since Archie Gray left the club. The 19-year-old joined Tottenham Hotspur last summer, ending a lifelong association with his boyhood club.

He made 52 appearances in that famous White shirt, at both right-back and his natural position in the centre of midfield. His contributions in 2023/24 helped Leeds reach the Championship playoff final, where they ultimately lost to Southampton.

It certainly feels like Garcia could be the best talent Elland Road has had since their homegrown star departed. Gray has been highly rated across the footballing world for some time. Last year, he was named 43rd on Goal’s NXGN list, which included Lamine Yamal, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro.

It might be too soon for the Los Blancos youngster to be there, given the fact he hasn’t played much football, but just look at how he lit up the Club World Cup. This seems to be a player destined for the top.

He is a player who has already starred on the world stage, so it would be a huge coup for Leeds if they pull it off.

49ers biggest deal yet: Leeds weighing up bid to sign £22m James upgrade

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a Dan James upgrade.

ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

A “natural leader” is now pushing behind-the-scenes to join Rangers this week, ahead of the crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos, according to a report.

Gers gearing up for Panathinaikos clash

The all-important Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos is now on the horizon, with the first leg due to take place at Ibrox next Tuesday, but UEFA’s squad registration rules could cause the Gers a few problems.

No more than 25 players can be named on list A, with eight spots reserved for locally trained players, but Russell Martin currently only has seven to choose from, which means the manager is at risk of forfeiting one of the places in his squad.

The Light Blues need to try and get as many bodies through the door as possible ahead of the initial deadline of this Thursday at 11pm, and Martin appears to be particularly keen to bring in a new centre-back.

Rangers star agrees to leave with deal now on the verge of being finalised

He looks to be heading for the exit door.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

Rangers have now joined the race for Volendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba, while they are also well-known to be interested in Leicester City’s Conor Coady, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the Englishman.

According to a report from The Daily Record, Coady is now pushing behind-the-scenes to secure a move to Ibrox, with the defender desperate to seal a move prior to Leicester embarking on a ten-day pre-season training camp in Austria on Wednesday.

It appears as though Martin would also be very happy if the deal gets the green light in the near future, considering the manager is described as a huge admirer of the Leicester defender, who has set his heart on being a part of the Gers backline.

The Foxes have delayed the move, while getting the deal for former QPR manager Marti Cifuentes over the line, and Rangers will be hoping the new Leicester boss doesn’t view the 32-year-old as part of his plans for next season.

"Natural leader" Coady could be perfect fit for Rangers

Former Gers striker Jermaine Defoe clearly believes the 32-year-old would be a solid signing, saying: “Conor can lead from the back and he’ll be a massive signing for Rangers. He’s a natural leader and you don’t get many of them. Some players develop that over their career.

“But with someone like Conor, I think he’s been like that from a young kid, it’s natural.”

It is clear to see why Defoe holds the Leicester defender in high regard, given that he is vastly experienced at Premier League level, making 198 appearances in the top flight, while also amassing ten caps for his country.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man was very impressive during his time at Molineux, missing just one Premier League game across four full seasons.

Given that he is in the latter stages of his career, Coady has started to receive less game time since moving to Leicester for £7.5m, but his leadership qualities mean he could still be a fantastic signing for Rangers.

West Indies allrounder finishes off chase with time to spare despite Danni Gibson heroics for London Spirit

ECB Media01-Aug-2024

Welsh Fire 151 for 4 (Matthew 78*, Gibson 2-28) beat London Spirit 150 for 5 (Gibson 41, Davies 2-19) by six wicketsWelsh Fire completed their highest-ever chase in the women’s Hundred to inflict a first defeat of this year’s competition on London Spirit at Lord’s. West Indies star Hayley Matthews did the damage with an unbeaten 78 from 46 balls – her highest score in the competition – as the visitors chased down Spirit’s 150 for 5 with five balls to spare.Former Spirit right-armer Freya Davies claimed 2 for 19, including the key wickets of Meg Lanning and Heather Knight, as the home side’s total was built on the back of powerful late hitting from Danni Gibson and Deepti Sharma.Matthews was the difference though striking 11 fours and two sixes in a match-defining innings after she had been dropped on the rope when on 36.Fire lost skipper Tammy Beaumont early, when Tara Norris trapped her lbw on review with her first ball. Gibson’s day then got even better when Sophia Dunkley tickled an edge behind before Norris held a sharp catch at backward point off her bowling to remove Sarah Bryce.With 69 needed from 40 balls the key to the game rested with Matthews, who was finding the boundaries regularly despite wickets at the other end. Eva Gray spilled a tough chance over the rope when Matthews was on 36, prompting some nervous murmurs from the home crowd, before Jess Jonassen slapped Sophie Munro into the stands.Matthews reached her half-century from 37 balls, hitting back-to-back boundaries off England legspinner Sarah Glenn, who arrested some of Fire’s growing momentum when Jonassen miscued to Cordelia Griffith in the deep. But by that stage it was the ‘Matthews Show’ as she crashed Sharma for a straight six, leaving 10 needed off nine, and fittingly won the game with another boundary to secure a second win of the competition for the Welsh side.It was a remarkable chase after Spirit had showcased their batting depth as they chased a third straight win to start the competition. Their improvement has been most significant in an all-star batting line-up with their three totals so far all sitting inside their five highest scores since the Hundred began.Spirit selected former Aussie captain Lanning with pick three in March’s draft and it already looks an astute piece of business as she clubbed 31 from 20 balls before being bowled by Davies.Davies had removed Knight two balls earlier, caught at cover, but Gibson and Sharma then added 67 in 41 balls. Gibson led the way striking six boundaries and a six in her 25-ball 41 to allow India star Sharma, in her first game since arriving from the Asia Cup, to get settled before unleashing her power late. Sharma finished unbeaten on 39 from 26 balls.