Manchester United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign an England midfielder for just £26m when the January transfer window arrives.
Man Utd seeking midfield reinforcements
In the summer, it was Ruben Amorim’s frontline that took the focus as INEOS welcomed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in an impressive window. Now, when 2026 arrives, it looks as though Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to turn his attention towards Man United’s midfield.
Those at Old Trafford were eyeing a move for Carlos Baleba at the end of the summer window, before Brighton & Hove Albion priced them out of a move. Months on, it seems as though the midfielder has fallen down Man United’s shortlist of targets, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson now taking centre-stage.
The 23-year-old is quickly becoming the most sought-after player in the Premier League, but he’s not the only option on United’s list of targets in the middle of the park.
They’ve also reportedly been told that they can now sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid at a bargain price in January. The former Chelsea man could be on his way back to the Premier League as he looks to earn his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Man Utd now offered bargain Conor Gallagher deal
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Man United have now been told that they can sign Gallagher for just €30m (£26m) when 2026 arrives. The England international has become surplus to requirements at Atletico Madrid and he’s now ready to leave the club in pursuit of consistent game time.
Dubbed “intense” by Simeone, Gallagher could provide the legs in United’s midfield that Casemiro is otherwise unable to provide these days. The 25-year-old is a true midfield workhorse, who also has a knack for popping up with goals when needed.
Although United’s big target is Anderson, they’d be doing their top four prospects no harm by welcoming Gallagher in the January transfer window, especially at just £26m.
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Whether INEOS will be willing to act as early as the winter window remains to be seen, however. They may yet put all of their funds towards winning what is looking likely to be a hectic race for Anderson next summer.
INEOS can fund Elliot Anderson move by offloading Man Utd's "best player"
Her promotion to No. 6 raised a few eyebrows, but she showed her finishing chops with a match-winning, unbeaten 62 in the first ODI
Shashank Kishore17-Jul-2025There’s little doubt that Deepti Sharma could walk into India’s ODI squad as a bowler alone. Her three five-wicket hauls – the most by an India player in Women’s ODIs – speak volumes of her bowling pedigree. Her batting, however, has often been a subject of debate – not over her ability but her approach.Across 92 ODI innings, Deepti’s strike rate sits at a modest 67.91. For someone who usually bats in the lower middle order, there’s a general sense that she hasn’t quite unlocked her full potential, despite being nearly a decade into her international career.She has struck at 77.74 since the start of 2022, but that’s still in the bottom half (35th) of the 57 batters to have scored at least 500 ODI runs in this period.Related
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Deepti digs deep to deliver India's four-wicket win
Which is why eyebrows were raised when she was promoted to No. 6, ahead of Richa Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur, in the first ODI against England on Wednesday in Southampton. India were 127 for 4 in the 28th over, with the required rate already nudging six an over.Deepti responded with an unbeaten 64-ball 62, forging crucial partnerships with Jemimah Rodrigues (48 off 54) and Amanjot (20* off 14) to help seal a four-wicket win with 10 balls to spare.”Whatever matches I’ve played, I’ve batted in similar situations,” Deepti said at the post-match press conference. “I knew the calmer I am, composed I am… that was the turning point. The focus was on building a partnership with Jemimah. I knew if we worked on the partnership, we could take the game close.”Deepti turned the strike and kept milking runs along with Rodrigues, with the pair adding 90 for the fifth wicket off just 86 balls. Deepti had only hit two boundaries until her 32nd ball – when she gave Lauren Bell the charge and walloped a six over deep midwicket – but had made 29 off her first 31 deliveries with largely risk-free cricket.Deepti hit three fours and this one-handed six over midwicket•Getty Images”I was not nervous because I’ve played in these kinds of situations earlier,” Deepti said. “I knew if I play till the end with Jemi, we can take the game deep. I was confident that if I was there till the end, I could finish the game. I was focusing on that. If Jemi hadn’t got out we could’ve finished the game earlier. After that, Richa and Aman played well, finishing the game with two boundaries. Credit to her.”Deepti spoke of communicating well with Rodrigues during the partnership. One of the plans was to be prepared for Lauren Filer’s bristling pace and potential short-ball tactics. Filer, easily the quickest bowler in sight in the first ODI, extracted lift off the surface every time she hit hard lengths.The ball she bowled to dismiss Rodrigues in her second spell – her sixth over – didn’t come out of the blue. Rodrigues attempted a scoop behind the wicket but only managed a tickle to the keeper with Filer finding extra bounce with her short ball. At that stage, India still needed 45 off 51 with five wickets in hand.Filer continued to trouble the batters – Deepti got lucky on 53 when she got cramped for room and sent a top-edged pull flying to the boundary – but England couldn’t quite exert pressure from the other end. And Deepti’s pragmatism helped India ride the wobbles.”We knew she’ll have to bowl in the end, and we planned really well for that,” Deepti said of the tussle with Filer. “We knew she’ll bowl short balls. We were pretty ready. The fields she put behind the stumps, it was clear. We were clear of our plans.”The win marked India’s fourth straight ODI victory in England, building on from their 3-0 sweep in 2022. They are building momentum heading into the World Cup, which they will host from September 30, but Deepti isn’t looking that far ahead yet.”As a team we’ve done some really good things, in Sri Lanka [where India won the tri-series in April] and here also. The World Cup is a little too far. We’re not thinking about that. We’re just thinking one match at a time.”
Tottenham Hotspur have some painful attacking teething problems under Thomas Frank. Everything is relative, and there are variables at play, but the struggle to impress on the playmaking front is becoming an unwelcome narrative for the club this season.
But that aside, there is also the sense that purses may need to be pulled out for a new centre-forward in 2026. It feels like Richarlison’s days are numbered at number nine, and Dominic Solanke hasn’t fared all that well since his £55m move from Bournemouth last year, too often injured and too often unconvincing.
Both strikers are 28 years old, and while service has proved thin in recent months, Tottenham will need to consider their options in January.
There is another solution, of course. Randal Kolo Muani appears to have replaced Richarlison as Frank’s first-choice frontman, having started two games in a row in the Premier League.
But, unless a formula is discovered to support him, the Frenchman’s season-long loan spell is going to be a forgettable one.
Randal Kolo Muani's opportunity to shine
Tottenham have more than their share of issues at the moment. It’s an interesting one. They are more stable with Frank at the helm, competitive at the upper end of the Premier League and unbeaten on their return to the Champions League, three games in.
But we cannot ignore the depletion of creativity that has left things feeling rather pedestrian, and even with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined since the start of the campaign and a distance away from returning, there is much to improve upon down N17.
Kolo Muani has not scored or assisted across his six outings in a Spurs shirt so far, and the 26-year-old may well feel somewhat aggrieved by the lack of service that came his way against Chelsea, taking only 16 touches across 76 minutes of action, creating a chance and getting stuck in but failing to unleash a single shot (as per Sofascore).
One content creator acknowledged the Les Bleus star for his exciting, progressive efforts when on the ball. However, such efforts were, as stated, few and far between, and he said it “must be absolutely horrible playing up front for this team”.
Premier League 25/26 – xG Leaders
Club
Goals Scored
xG
(1) Crystal Palace
13
18.2
(2) Man City
18
17.8
(3) Man United
15
17.5
(4) Chelsea
18
17.1
(5) Arsenal
18
16.9
(=5) Liverpool
18
16.9
(15) Tottenham
16
10.1
Data via FBref
Tottenham don’t create enough chances, and this is impeding Kolo Muani in his desire to get going in white. However, given that he’s only here for the season, it’s unlikely a permanent deal would be explored if things continue as they are.
Especially when the Lilywhites have an exciting up-and-comer making his way toward the surface.
The Spurs talent who could end Kolo Muani's stay
Tottenham have long boasted one of the most efficient production lines in Europe, and Mason Melia is set to make his way as the latest in this long line of hopefuls.
However, while the pathway from youth to professional football is long and treacherous, Melia is regarded as a rising star with the potential to nail down a place under Frank’s wing, with The Athletic’s Connor O’Neill saying he’s “easily the best young talent I have seen in the League of Ireland”.
The 18-year-old striker has already played 98 senior matches for St. Patrick’s Athletic, scoring 25 goals and registering eight assists. Across the 2024/25 campaign, he posted 14 goals and four assists. As a Republic of Ireland U21 international, he has bagged three goals from just four caps so far.
Both confident in front of goal and athletic enough to drive into the danger area himself, not reliant on his creative teammates, Melia could provide a tonic to Spurs’ current tactical pecadillos, lacking as they are in attack.
He is very young, of course, and could hardly be expected to waltz in and prove an instant upgrade on an established European star like Kolo Muani, but Harry Kane proved in the past that a young striker stands a chance of succeeding where senior peers fail.
Tottenham signed the teenager earlier in 2025 for a record-breaking £3m fee, making him the most expensive footballer to leave Ireland’s top flight. However, he has yet to wear the Spurs shirt in a professional capacity, having agreed to leave his homeland in January 2026.
St. Pat’s’ Young Player of the Year last season, he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Irish football, with his touch and speed and awareness in the final third all suggesting he has the bearing of a Premier League-level striker.
Given the paucity of reliable options in the final third at Tottenham right now, and with Richarlison among those slated to leave next year, Melia could find himself fast-tracked under Frank’s wing, earning regular opportunities in the first team and potentially even outperforming someone like Kolo Muani, who must continue adapting to the English game himself.
Tottenham might need to play the waiting game for now, but with Melia set to arrive in just a few months, he may find himself earning a string of opportunities before the end of the campaign.
And should he impress as if talent suggests is within his capacity, then it’s hardly out of the question to imagine that Melia could be leading the line in the not-too-distant future.
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Tottenham Hotspur appear to have got it all wrong with the addition of one first-team member.
Across every major event in Carse’s professional career, there has been one recurring presence – Stokes
Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Dec-2024There was a point on Saturday afternoon, as Brydon Carse was walking back to the top of his mark, that he turned to his captain. The fields were fine and the plans clear, but Carse had noticed something he wanted to relay.The grass banks were throbbing with anticipation, the air filled with that loud hum you get when a bowler is in the midst of a Test-tilting spell. This one in particular aimed at New Zealand’s middle order. “This is pretty cool,” said Carse – the man responsible – without breaking stride.”Just lap it all up and take it in,” replied Ben Stokes, “because this pretty special.”Related
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About 24 hours later, both Carse – player of the match gong in his possession – and Stokes were sat on the outfield of a now empty Hagley Oval, quiet but for idle conversation and the noise of team-mates kicking around a football. Beers in hand, smiles on the go. This, too, was something to lap up.England had beaten New Zealand – for just the second time in 11 matches on their patch – and Carse had driven it with a match-wide 10 for 106 of historical and cultural significance. All under the guidance of a close friend.An England bowler has not taken a ten-for overseas in the last 12 years before Carse took four in the first innings and added six in the second, with the final three arriving on the final day. You have to go even further back – to Ryan Sidebottom in Hamilton in 2008 – for the last time a seamer did so.Neither James Anderson nor Stuart Broad could manage it, and they played 151 away Tests between them. Carse has done it in just three attempts.
“He’s turned out to be the cricketer I always thought he could be.”Ben Stokes on Brydon Carse
His first three, by the way, which is part coincidence and circumstance. It has not been a straightforward journey.”Timing is obviously everything,” Carse said, reflecting on this first crack of Test cricket in which he currently boasts 19 wickets at an average of 17.10. “I’ve had my fair share of bad luck with certain things. I don’t want to say I knew this day would come, but I was always ambitious to think I can play cricket and I can play at that level. I’m just very proud of today’s performance.”The principle of time is an important one as far as Carse’s story goes. Because across every major event in his professional career, there has been one recurring presence – Stokes. Guardian angel might be lacing that with too much narrative. But Carse’s Test captain was also his first international captain, when a debut sprung out of the blue in 2021. Covid forced a complete squad change for a home ODI series against Pakistan. Stokes, who was recovering from a broken finger, was drafted in to run the ringers.A two-year central contract in 2023 came on merit, but it helped that Stokes had been tipping Carse as one to watch, particularly for Test cricket despite a modest first-class record for Durham, with an average of 33.25 from 44 domestic matches. Ironically, it was Stokes’ delay in returning from a hamstring tear that handed Carse his debut in the first Test of the Pakistan tour. Stokes had the honour of bestowing Carse with cap No. 717. Nine impressive wickets on tough decks underlined the qualities that had not been made clear on the county circuit.
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The pair first met at Durham, when Carse swapped South Africa for the North East for good in 2016. And though Carse battled injuries during the following three-year period in which he was completing his residency qualifications, Stokes recognised the talent brewing. He also saw a lot of himself.Working with a blank canvas following the retirements of Broad, then Anderson, the chance to lift the average speed of the pace attack and furnish it with different weapons brought Carse to the fore, particularly with next winter’s Ashes coming into view. Those plans were put on hold when he was handed a three-month ban in the summer after the Cricket Regulator found him guilty of placing a series of bets on matches between 2017 and 2019.It was during this period the bond between Carse and Stokes grew even stronger. The pair would chat regularly, sometimes over the phone, sometimes over rounds of golf – always with the intention of focusing on the other side of this enforced hiatus. Stokes expressed how important it was for Carse to own his mistakes, while amplifying the light at the end of the tunnel. “I cannot thank him enough,” Carse said of this unwavering support.Stokes involving himself with Carse’s situation was as much about looking after a mate as being unfortunately well-versed in what he was going through. From the Bristol incident in 2017, the court case the following year and the indefinite leave on mental health grounds in 2021, he knows what it feels like to be in the midst of issues that put cricket, and life, on hold.”When those kind of things are coming from someone who knows what it’s like to go through certain stuff, it means a bit more when someone is listening,” Stokes said. “He knows how much value I have in him as a player. I guess it might make him run a little bit harder every now and again when it’s me asking him to bowl an extra over.”Brydon Carse soaks in the applause for his 10-wicket match haul•Joe Allison/Getty ImagesThat was abundantly clear over the last week, particularly given how many interjections Carse was able to make when conditions had seemingly quietened down. Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway were surprised by bounce that belied the lengths they were comfortable enough with on Saturday. In the space of five deliveries on Sunday, Nathan Smith and Matt Henry were sent back leg before with skid and nip, just as it looked like New Zealand were dragging themselves to a meaningful lead under bright blue skies.”I’ve known Ben for 10 years and we have a good relationship,” Carse said. “To have him captain me and be there is a massive factor – he knows my cricket inside out. It’s a very calming influence on me, letting me be myself and play my natural game.”It is important not to focus entirely on the visceral nature of Carse’s story, even if the way he plays lends itself to primal imagery, along with Stokes saying things like, “the kid has got the heart of a lion”.Work has been put in to hone the craft, allied with a self-awareness that younger days were spent trying to push the speed gun into the red. It did not help that English pitches gave medium-paced nibblers the edge over him, which contributed to intermittent County Championship appearances. Since his last first-class five wicket haul – 5 for 49 against Warwickshire in 2021 – Carse has played just 22 first-class matches.”I probably got caught up in trying to bowl too quick at times and probably not having played a lot of cricket in a block of time – often playing a couple of games and potentially getting injured or rested.”I did a lot of work over the last three or four months with Graham Onions back at Durham on a few technical things and a few things regarding my length that I want to bowl.”Brydon Carse claimed his maiden five-wicket haul•Phil Walter/Getty ImagesThe results are clear to see; valued with new and old ball, utilised in an array of in-game situations. All while maintaining a level of control that, well, he has not really had before; an economy rate of 2.77 across all his 38.1 overs rank as his third-most economical of 51 red-ball games. One behind his debut effort of 2.72 from 29 overs in Multan.”To have a bowler in your attack who can almost be three bowlers in one is massive,” Stokes said. “I use him as the enforcer when we go to the short stuff. He’s taken a lot of wickets this week as well, but his economy rate’s been below three. So that says a lot about him as a bowler that he can fit in with whatever you need.”It is hard to avoid the sense that Stokes views Carse as a younger brother. Particularly when he recalls what he made of the man four years his junior when they first crossed paths.”He was very raw when he first came to Durham but he had natural ability. He could bowl fast but one ball could be 90mph, the next could be 82mph. He would keep bowling even if his toe was ripped off. He wouldn’t show any pain, he’d just keep going and going.”It’s a heartening, older sibling mix of affection, concern and, ultimately, pride. “He’s turned out to be the cricketer I always thought he could be.”Perhaps it was experiencing this all in Christchurch that brought that familial love out of Stokes. His birthplace remains a haven for family. Across the four days of this Test, mother Deb and brother James – who both live in the city – have been notable presences on the periphery.For Carse, “home” is carried around with him in the form of a tattoo on his left tricep. It bears the coordinates 33° 57′ 29.2”S and 25° 36′ 00.0”E – the area of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) where he grew up.A reminder of the beginnings of a nomadic journey that is starting to settle. And while he might not have had family here to witness a landmark moment in his career, it probably felt like he did with Ben by his side throughout.
أعلن نادي ريال مدريد تشكيل الفريق لمباراته أمام سيلتا فيجو، في بطولة الدوري الإسباني موسم 2025-2026، حيث يلتقي الفريقان مساء اليوم الأحد.
ويستقبل ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الفريقين، حيث يحل سيلتا فيجو ضيفًا على ريال مدريد، في مباراة بالجولة السادسة عشر للدوري الإسباني “الليجا”.
ويدخل ريال مدريد المباراة وهو في المركز الثاني بجدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني، ويملك في رصيده 36 نقطة، ويتواجد سيلتا فيجو بالمركز الثالث عشر، ولديه 16 نقطة.
طالع موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو اليوم في الدوري الإسباني.. والمعلق
وحقق برشلونة فوزًا أمام ريال بيتيس بالجولة ذاتها وتغلب على خصمه بنتيجة 5-3، ليرفع رصيده في صدارة ترتيب الليجا للنقطة 40. تشكيل ريال مدريد أمام سيلتا فيجو اليوم
حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.
خط الدفاع: فران جارسيا، ألفارو كاريراس، إيدير ميليتاو، راؤول أسينسيو.
Television presenter Laura Woods is due to return to screens following her dramatic collapse live on air ahead of the Lionesses' friendly win over Ghana at the start of December. Woods subsequently issued a positive update, allaying fears over her health and thanking all those who had helped her at St Mary's Stadium. The popular star is now heading back to work and is set to be part of this week's Champions League coverage.
Woods to return after scare
Good wishes were quick to flood in after Woods collapsed on live television and was caught by co-presenters Ian Wright and Anita Asante. ITV promptly cut to an advertising break, with Katie Shanahan taking over hosting duties and telling viewers: "As you may all be aware, Laura Woods fell ill at the start of the programme. We want to reassure you that she's doing OK. We all send her our love."
Woods subsequently offered an update of her own on social media, allaying fears over her health. She posted on Instagram: "Gosh that was a bit weird. Sorry to worry everyone, I'm OK, the wonderful paramedics at Saints have said its probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and hydration. I'm really embarrassed that happened on TV, but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight. And to Wright and Neets for catching me and sorry again x."
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Blockbuster clash up next for Woods
Woods is now set to return to screens on Wednesday in time for Manchester City's huge Champions League tie with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, according to . The popular presenter will front the live coverage for TNT Sports and is set to be joined by pundits Steven Gerrard, Joleon Lescott and Steve McManaman for the crunch fixture in Madrid. Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist are set to provide the commentary as the two European heavyweights clash once again.
Wright and Keane make light of collapse
Wright and fellow pundits Roy Kane, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Jill Scott have been talking about Woods' collapse on podcast. The panel said that Woods "would want" them to make light of the incident and proceeded to do exactly that.
The former Arsenal star said: "She’s fine. I got a message from her this morning. It was worrying at the time but she’s fine. People have been really nice about it. I’m glad she’s okay." Scott added: "She said that she thinks she’s got a virus but it must have been horrible for that to happen, on live TV as well.”
Meanwhile, Keane couldn't resist poking fun at the ex-Arsenal man. He joked: "I’m guessing she’s not the first woman to fall into your arms Ian. That’s just your knack. She’s okay and that’s all that matters, that’s the most important thing, obviously. You’ll get a knighthood or an award for that, Wrighty."
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Dramatic night expected in Madrid
A dramatic night of action is expected in Madrid as the two teams meet for the fifth straight season in the Champions League. The hosts come into the game fresh from a 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo in La Liga that also saw two red cards for the Spanish giants. The loss leaves Los Blancos now four points behind Barcelona in the title race and with serious questions being asked of manager Xabi Alonso. Another defeat would pile more pressure on Alonso, and the Real Madrid coach heads into the game after seeing Eder Militao ruled out for several months with a torn hamstring and star striker Kylian Mbappe a doubt for the game due to a leg injury.
Marnus Labuschagne forced to open after back spasm forces Usman Khawaja off the field
Alex Malcolm21-Nov-2025
AFP/Getty Images
Usman Khawaja was unable to open for Australia after an ill-timed decision to leave the field to get treatment for back spasms just before England’s first innings collapse on the opening day of in Perth leading to a hasty reshuffle of their top order.After months of debate about Australia’s batting order and the selectors’ decision to reinstate Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3, he was forced to open anyway alongside debutant Jake Weatherald after Khawaja spent the last three overs of England’s innings off the field as they lost 5 for 20 in 23 balls to be bowled out for just 172.”I didn’t know about it until the ninth wicket when he still had 10 minutes or so [to make up],” Mitchell Starc said. “We got caught off guard a little bit with the wickets falling pretty quickly in the back end there. It’s just unfortunate that was the case. He’ll manage that overnight and see how we’re at tomorrow.”Khawaja, 38, had left the field several times in the first three hours of play and exited again with the score at 152 for 5 after 29 overs. Khawaja battled back stiffness through the day and had a back spasm the second time he left the field.Related
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England then collapsed while he was stretching to overcome the spasm and it left stand-in captain Steven Smith calling for Khawaja to come back onto the field. Khawaja eventually did return to the field for the end of the innings but according to ICC rules had not returned for the equal amount of time he had been off and therefore was ineligible to open the batting.”I don’t think we really realised he wasn’t going to come out at the start of the innings. It was probably more unsettling for the Aussies,” Brydon Carse said after play.It is understood Khawaja did not have a prior back injury. However, Khawaja did play 18 holes of golf on Thursday, having missed Australia’s last optional training session, and also played several times earlier in the week. It is not unusual for Khawaja to play golf the day before a Test match. Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc, who took a career-best 7 for 58 on Friday, also played on Thursday along with several members of the coaching staff.It meant Weatherald faced the first over from Jofra Archer, although he may have done so anyway. Weatherald had not faced the first ball of an innings in each of his last 20 first-class innings before his Test debut, during a run of form that saw him earn his first Test cap.He was trapped lbw second ball by a searing full delivery from Archer that knocked him off his feet. His duck mirrored that of Nathan McSweeney’s on Test debut for Australia when opening against India at the same ground 12 months ago in very similar circumstances.Given the wicket fell so soon into the innings, it meant Smith walked out at No. 3 for the first time in a Test since 2017, although he had opened alongside in four Tests in early 2024 before returning to his preferred No. 4.Khawaja made his way to the middle at No. 4 after Labuschagne fell to Archer after tea. Like a few in the top order, he didn’t end up surviving long, gloving a superb delivery from Carse to the keeper for 2, as Australia followed suit in struggling with the bat and ended the day on 123 for 9.
As talks continue with Swansea City, former Liverpool coach Vitor Matos could reportedly be about to face an instant problem if he takes the job in Wales courtesy of the January transfer window.
It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks for Swansea, who are still without a manager after sacking Alan Sheehan before the international break. There’s no escaping the fact that they missed out on their top target, either. It looked as though they were destined to appoint Hammarby’s Kim Hellberg, before Middlesbrough came swooping in to hijack their deal.
Since then, those in Wales have been back to square one in their search and have reportedly held talks with Matos. The former Liverpool coach is currently the manager of Maritime in Portugal’s second division, but could now have the chance to take his first managerial job in England courtesy of Swansea.
It’s undoubtedly a gamble, given the 37-year-old’s inexperience in the dugout, but it’s one that Swansea may still take. And to Matos’ credit, Maritime have only lost four of the 12 games that he’s had in charge, highlighting exactly why he could be on his way to the Championship.
It’s no easy job in England’s second tier, however. Swansea currently sit as low as 18th and seven points clear of the dropzone. If Matos, or whoever it is in charge for the foreseeable future, does not get off to a good start then the Swans will be at risk of dropping down even further.
It’s a relegation battle that they could certainly do without if they want to keep their top players too, with one of their key men receiving interest from the Premier League.
Premier League clubs interested in Ronald
As reported by ESPN Brazil’s Felipe Silva, Premier League clubs are now interested in signing Ronald from Swansea in the January transfer window, sparking an instant problem for Matos. The winger is considered “one of Swansea City’s key players” and there’s no doubt that his exit would deal their survival chances a major blow.
Reporting the news, Silva said on X: “Brazilian winger Ronald, one of Swansea City’s key players, could leave the team that competes in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football, in the next transfer window. The forward’s strong performances have sparked interest from some Premier League teams and clubs in the Middle East.”
With three goals and one assist to his name in a Swansea side which has struggled for goals in the Championship this season, the Brazilian winger could become his side’s most influential player under Matos.
At just 24 years old, there’s also every chance that the next Swansea manager could take Ronald to new heights in what would provide those in Wales with a much-needed, consistent outlet.
Swansea hold talks to appoint 4-3-3 manager who's worked with Klopp
The San Diego Padres and Athletics have engaged in a blockbuster MLB trade deadline deal with multiple significant moving pieces.
The Padres have now shored up their starting rotation and back end of the bullpen for the closing stretch of the season, as they are set to acquire Athletics closer Mason Miller and starting pitcher JP Sears, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan.
In return, the the A's will receive the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball – shortstop Leodalis De Vries, as well as three pitchers – RHP Braden Nett, RHP Henry Baez and RHP Eduarniel Nunez – in exchange for Miller and Sears.
Miller, a 2024 All-Star, has posted a 3.76 ERA in 31.1 innings pitched this season, while accumulating 20 saves. While it's a bit of a step back from his All-Star form last season, he's tough to navigate when he's right.
Sears will provide depth to the starting rotation. He's 7-9 this season with a 4.95 ERA across 111.0 innings of work.
The Padres are 60-49 on the season, and sit three games out of first-place in the NL West.
“I can clearly feel there’s still a lot of cricket left in me,” says fast bowler after guiding Bengal to a second straight win in the Ranji Trophy
Shashank Kishore28-Oct-2025
Mohammed Shami is currently the third highest wicket-taker in this season’s Ranji Trophy•PTI
Mohammed Shami served a reminder of his fitness on Tuesday with a match-winning spell to deliver Bengal’s second consecutive win in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy.At Eden Gardens, Shami finished with 5 for 38 – his 13th first-class five-for – as Bengal beat Gujarat by 144 runs. He finished with eight wickets in the match across 28.3 overs. Shami currently sits third on the Ranji season’s wicket-taker’s leaderboard, with 15 wickets at an average of 10.46 after four innings.”When you perform like this, it feels good both mentally and physically,” Shami said. “Coming out of a difficult phase and performing well gives a lot of satisfaction. The time after the [2023] World Cup was tough and painful.Related
Shami five-for leads Bengal to second win
“But then I played the Ranji Trophy, white-ball cricket, the IPL, Champions Trophy, Duleep Trophy [since his comeback late last year]. Now my rhythm is back to where it was before. I can clearly feel there’s still a lot of cricket left in me.”Shami has been open about his hurt of missing out on India selection for the England tour. When asked during the squad announcement for the West Indies Tests about Shami’s availability, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that the fast bowler hadn’t played enough cricket.Since then, there have been a few back-and-forths in the media between the two, even if not directly at each other. It’s perhaps with all this in context that Shami was asked if this felt like another comeback, a suggestion he dismissed.”This was not a comeback match for me,” he said. “If you had said that last year, maybe it would have made sense. But yes, in terms of this match, what we did was a special comeback.”We decided to bat for 8-10 overs today, we had already taken three points [first-innings lead]. The situation was tough, but the boys put in their full effort. To turn the game in this manner is rare, especially on this kind of wicket. It’s a great job by the boys.”Amid chatter that this sets him up well for the South Africa Tests, Shami chose to distance himself from social media speculation, while reiterating he was focused on delivering his best wherever he plays.”Yes, I knew this question would come,” Shami said with a wry smile. “Controversy follows me. What else can I do or say? In today’s world, social media twists everything. My job is to perform well. Wherever I get an opportunity, I’ll give my best. The rest is up to god. Bengal is my home. Every match I play for Bengal is special.”Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla was effusive in his praise for Shami’s discipline, underlining he was fully fit and in great rhythm.”You all saw how Shami bowled. There’s nothing for me to add,” he said. “His performance said it all. There’s no question about his commitment. The entire world knows what Mohammed Shami is. He doesn’t need a certificate from anyone, his bowling is the certificate. He’s completely fit.”That said, Shukla also wanted to tread a cautious path in terms of Shami’s workloads. “We can’t make Shami play all seven matches, though he keeps saying he’s fit and wants to play every game,” he said. “The way he’s running in is unbelievable.”If you compare his run-up and rhythm from when he played for India with now, you won’t find any difference. Even after 500 wickets, he’s in fantastic rhythm. He’s playing with complete calmness now.”