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Fast bowler commits to three-year county deal that could free him up for franchise stints

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Oct-2024Saqib Mahmood insists he “still has an ambition” to play Test cricket for England, despite committing to a white-ball deal with Lancashire for the next three years.Mahmood, 27, made two Test appearances in the Caribbean in March 2022, claiming six wickets at 22.83, but has been beset by injury in recent seasons, including consecutive stress fractures of the back in 2022 and 2023.He has not played a first-class match for Lancashire since a wicketless display against Durham in May, but returned to the England set-up in last month’s T20I series against Australia, having confirmed he was back to his best with a matchwinning haul of 3 for 17 for Oval Invincibles against Southern Brave in the Men’s Hundred final in August.Mahmood played nine Vitality Blast matches for Lancashire this summer, taking 12 wickets in their progression to the quarter-finals, and will continue his international comeback next week after being named for England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean.While his three-year deal includes “options” to appear in the County Championship, schedule and fitness permitting, and thereby stake a claim for an England Test recall, Lancashire’s priority is to manage Mahmood’s availability around their full Blast schedule, with the likelihood that he will be in demand for franchise competitions that overlap with the English season.”In the ever-changing landscape of cricket, this contract allows greater control over Saqib’s availability during the Vitality Blast blocks in the summer,” Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, said. “This is something we will work closely with Saqib on, particularly around his franchise commitments, which may include the PSL in the early part of next season.”Following a tough few years for Saqib, with two stress fractures of the back, it was great to see him back on the park this summer performing for us in the Vitality Blast before earning a well-deserved England recall.”Mahmood, who is a product of Lancashire’s academy, joined the club in 2012, aged 15, before making his senior debut in 2015 and being awarded his county cap in 2021.”I am delighted to commit my future to Lancashire in the Vitality Blast for at least the next three seasons,” he said.”2022 and 2023 were both difficult years for me injury-wise, but it was brilliant to get through this summer fully fit. I’d like to thank the medical team at Lancashire for their hard work throughout this period and having their continued support was a key factor in signing this new contract.Related

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“While this is a white-ball contract, I still have an ambition to play red-ball cricket for England again and for Lancashire in the County Championship, which is still the biggest test of skill and fitness outside of Test match cricket, and there are options within this contract for that to happen.”While Mahmood’s deal does not preclude him from forming part of the “stable” of fast bowlers that Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, has said he wants to be able to call upon ahead of next year’s Ashes tour, it represents a potential retreat from availability, with his previous injury issues meaning that a future on the T20 franchise circuit might be a prudent option for his longevity, not to mention a lucrative one.Speaking in Multan earlier this week, Richard Gould, the ECB chief executive, acknowledged that the encroachment of such tournaments on the English season was a challenge to the county game that will require a coherent response going forward. He cited concerns raised by Daniel Gidney, Lancashire’s CEO, that county contracts risked becoming “diluted” unless the board took a more robust approach to the issuing of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas tournaments.”We are certainly hearing from our clubs and our members that we need to control things a little bit,” Gould said.”Last year there were 74 English players, men, that played in franchise tournaments around the world. The next best was Pakistan with 45. It’s great that we’ve got them out there playing but we have to protect what we’ve got.”I do think there will be added protections that come in. We’re having discussions, I saw that Lancashire made some comments a couple of weeks ago. We have to be proud of what we’ve got and protect it.”

Tottenham are being threatened with legal action by Nottingham Forest for their conduct over a potential deal for playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, and while Spurs are still hopeful they can strike a deal, it is wise for chairman Daniel Levy to weigh up alternatives.

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Emilio Galantini

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Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources claim that Gibbs-White to Spurs is still on, and the north Londoners are optimistic of concluding a deal for the England international soon amid a “tense” situation.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs midway through July, with a medical scheduled around nine days ago and Levy poised to trigger his £60 million release clause.

However, Forest then blocked his move to N17, citing what they deem to be an ‘unlawful’ approach for Gibbs-White with confidentiality around his clause allegedly breached and the Lilywhites accused of tapping up the player.

“Spurs have received communication asking them to cease contact with Gibbs-White,” said journalist Ben Jacobs.

“Forest declined to comment, but sources say the club believe Spurs tapped up Gibbs-White and could challenge the manner in which the £60m clause was learned of. The Premier League will now investigate leading to the deal being delayed.”

While there is still an expectation that Forest will eventually be powerless to stop Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham from going through, the length of this delay is still unknown, and Levy won’t want to spend too much time on this as pre-season gets underway.

Thomas Frank has already led Tottenham out for a friendly against Reading, and they’ll take on Luton Town next Saturday before a tour of Asia. Frank will ideally want as many summer deals as possible completed ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, and certainly before Spurs’ first Premier League game of the season at home to Burnley.

Xavi Simons begins talks over joining Tottenham via representatives

According to CaughtOffside, Spurs could now have an alternative to Gibbs-White in the form of RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons.

The Dutchman spent a year and a half on loan at Leipzig before signing for them permanently in January, but widespread reports indicate he’s now prepared to leave the Bundesliga side this summer – potentially for England.

It would take a minimum £56 million, plus add-ons, to prise Simons away from the Red Bull Arena before deadline day, with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen on the 22-year-old (Ben Jacobs).

However, they’re not the only London clubs who are contending for his services.

According to CaughtOffside, quoting one of their sources, Simons has “begun talks” over a potential move to Tottenham via his representatives, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.

There is also a word of caution, though, with insiders expressing concerns over the attacking midfielder’s attitude and professionalism behind-the-scenes. Since initially joining Leipzig on a temporary deal, Simons has managed a total of 21 goals and 23 assists in 76 outings, so there is little denying his quality, but Frank and Levy may have to tread carefully here.

Gibbs-White also boasts proven Premier League experience in comparison to Simons, even if the saga surrounding his future shows no sign of ending soon as things stand.

أعلنت لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم عن حكم مباراة الأهلي وإنبي، في الدوري المصري.

ويلتقي الأهلي وإنبي في إطار مباريات الجولة السادسة من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز لكرة القدم غدًا الأحد.

طالع.. بلو وين: بعد فايلر وكولر.. مدرب سويسري جديد يقترب من تدريب الأهلي

وتقام المباراة على ملعب المقاولون العرب، في تمام الساعة الثامنة مساء الغد، بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

الأهلي يقع في المرتبة الثانية عشرة من جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز برصيد 5 نقاط، بينما يأتي فريق إنبي في المرتبة السابعة برصيد 8 نقاط. حكم مباراة الأهلي وإنبي في الدوري 

حكم الساحة: محمد الغازي.

حكم مساعد أول: محمود أبو الرجال.

حكم مساعد ثاني: أحمد توفيق.

حكم رابع: أحمد ناجي.

حكم تقنية الفيديو «Var»: خالد الغندور.

حكم مساعد تقنية الفيديو: عمر فتحي.

Back in the Premier League and on the hunt for reinforcements, Leeds United have reportedly made contact to sign a young Manchester City defender on loan for the season.

Leeds vying to commence summer business

Although it’s still very early days and July is yet to even arrive, Leeds have already reportedly set their sights on a number of potential reinforcements. The Whites will be well aware of the importance of getting the transfer window right. After all, none of the last six promoted sides have survived the following season in the Premier League. With the 49ers’ backing, however, Leeds could be well positioned to put an end to that worrying trend.

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49ers chairman Paraag Marathe spoke about Leeds’ summer plans last month, reiterating that they will spend as much as they can in the coming months. He told reporters: “Whatever they will let us spend, we’ll spend. I can comfortably say that we are going to spend the very last penny that we can. I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be easy, there’s a widening gap.”

Just who arrives with that said is the big question. Names such as Japhet Tanganga and even Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz have threatened to grab the headlines in recent weeks and there’s no doubt that signing the latter would make quite the statement.

Since leaving Aston Villa last summer, Luiz has struggled to establish himself at Juventus and has looked destined to depart for some time. A return to the Premier League would certainly be one way to revive his career, with Leeds now reportedly an option ahead of next season.

It’s not just experience that Leeds are after, however. Those at Elland Road have also been linked with some emerging stars who could discover their potential in Yorkshire and keep Daniel Farke’s side afloat in the Premier League in the process.

Leeds express interest in Juma Bah loan move

As reported by Africa Foot, the 49ers have now expressed interest in signing Juma Bah on loan from Manchester City in January. The 19-year-old defender arrived in January before heading straight out on loan to RC Lens. Now, six months on, he’ll reportedly be granted the chance to complete another loan move amid interest from Leeds and relegated Southampton.

Described as a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Sierra Leone centre-back could find himself wearing the white of Leeds before he even has the chance to represent Manchester City for the first time.

Having impressed on loan at Lens though, the natural next step for Bah should be a Premier League loan move, be it to Elland Road or elsewhere this summer. A player full of potential, the 49ers would be wise to snap up the defender if only for the season.

Arsenal remain in serious pursuit of a new striker, but talks over a deal for RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko are believed to be stalling.

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Sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners recruitment team have held negotiations over signing the Slovenia international for weeks, but as of now, Arsenal are not willing to match Leipzig’s demands of £68-£85 million.

Arsenal first opened “concrete” discussions for Sesko near the end of May, but it’s proving to be a very complicated deal. Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs recently reported that the Gunners want to sign him for around £59 million, so Berta appears to be some way off Leipzig’s valuation as things stand.

Attention is now beginning to turn towards alternatives, even if the 22-year-old appears to be at the top of Berta’s wishlist.

Viktor Gyokeres told Arsenal could sign him

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for The Boot Room, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres remains in their thinking, and his agents have been told something crystal clear behind-the-scenes.

Indeed, Gyokeres’ camp are informed that he’s a striker option for Arsenal if Sesko talks end up going nowhere, following the Swede’s exceptional Primeira Liga campaign.

“From what I’m told, there is some push back from Arsenal on saying that Arteta is the one simply banging on the table saying ‘bring me Sesko’,” said Bailey.

“That’s not how a big club operates now, my belief is that Arteta made it clear in terms of what he wants in terms of a striker — he’s voiced his opinion on certain options and he’s generally happy with who Arsenal are targeting.

“So I don’t think it’s intrinsically true that Arteta is just pushing for Sesko. I know for a fact that other players’ camps like Gyokeres’ have been told that Sesko isn’t the only option.

“Whether that’s the truth or not, maybe it’s somewhere in between, but as it stands, Sesko is still the furthest along in terms of a deal being done. We know Arsenal are speaking to Leipzig about a deal and Sesko has made his feelings known to Leipzig — he thought there was an agreement to leave for X amount.

“Sesko is furthest along, but it wouldn’t take an awful lot for Arsenal to divert to Gyokeres, Ekitike or Watkins if they wanted to. But Sesko is the priority.”

Gyokeres spearheaded Sporting to their first domestic double in two decades last season, all while scoring a sensational 54 goals in all competitions. In truth, he’s seen as “underrated” by some considering he’s still yet to secure a big move away, despite free-scoring in Portugal for the last two years.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has already ruled out the prospect of him leaving for around £60 million, though, so Arsenal may have to invest significantly here as well.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have not only lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United this summer, but they look set to sell Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Manchester City are reportedly closing in on sealing a deal worth around £36.3m for the left-back and this will leave a gaping hole in the Wolves’ defence.

Vitor Pereira will have money to spend, that’s for certain. The onus now is for him to bring in a suitable replacement for the Algerian star.

Wolves looking to sign Ait-Nouri replacement

With another season in the Premier League to look forward to, it won’t be hard to find a player who can step up to the mark and succeed in England.

Recent reports suggest the club are turning towards Barcelona for a player who could replace Ait-Nouri. How much will he cost, however?

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It was reported last week that the Old Gold were showing plenty of interest in Barcelona defender Gerard Martin.

Now, a new report from Spain has emerged, stating just how much the Catalan side are willing to sell their left-back for this summer.

Barcelona are open to selling Martin for a fee in the region of €12m (£10m), which is certainly a bargain deal for the Molineux outfit. The report further states that Wolves are set to make the player an offer that will significantly improve his salary.

Having come through the club’s famed La Masia academy, Hansi Flick will make a profit on the defender, and given Barcelona’s still precarious financial situation, it is a deal they are willing to consider.

With money not an issue in this regard, Pereira will be hoping to secure his signature as soon as possible.

Why Wolves must sign Gerard Martin to replace Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri ended his most productive season at Wolves since joining in 2020. Across 41 matches in all competitions, he scored five goals and grabbed seven assists.

He also created eight big chances, averaged 1.3 key passes and succeeded with 1.7 dribbles in the top flight for the Old Gold, signifying his attacking presence.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

41

5

7

2023/24

38

3

4

2022/23

27

2

1

2021/22

27

1

6

2020/21

27

1

2

This will be missed, of course, but Martin looks like a ready-made replacement ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Indeed, he might have only started 11 of his 28 La Liga appearances, but the 23-year-old still managed to score once and provide three assists domestically.

Arguably, his finest performance came against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final second leg last month.

Although Barcelona lost the tie, Martin provided two assists during the game, as well as delivering nine crosses, winning seven duels and creating two big chances for the club. Essentially, it was a very Ait-Nouri-esque display.

This impact on the biggest stage of all should convince Pereira that Martin is the correct replacement for the departing Algerian, no doubt about that.

Football writer Zach Lowy recently stated that while Martin was still “quite raw”, he “has tremendous upside and character” and Wolves could be an ideal place for him to become a starting left-back.

For a fee of just £10m, it is unlikely the club will do much better throughout the transfer window.

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Looking ahead towards the summer, Newcastle United are reportedly set for talks with Juventus sporting director Cristiano Guintoli over bringing a midfield star back to the Premier League.

When Newcastle could seal UCL qualification

Whilst the transfer window is on its way, the Magpies’ main focus should currently be transfixed on Champions League qualification. With their fate in their own hands too, Eddie Howe’s side could confirm their place in the next two games if results go their way.

If Newcastle manage to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion and then Chelsea next weekend all whilst the Blues suffer defeat against Liverpool in between, then they will have their Champions League place secured.

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The alternative, meanwhile, relies on Aston Villa to lose their next two games against Fulham and Bournemouth whilst Newcastle pick up six points from six, allowing them to seal their place in the top five. Of course, at this stage it is merely a game of predictions, but the Magpies – no matter what – are responsible for their own destiny in the coming weeks.

As things stand in the Premier League

Points

Games played

Liverpool (C)

82

34

Arsenal

67

34

Newcastle United

62

34

Man City

61

34

Chelsea

60

34

Nottingham Forest

60

33

Aston Villa

57

34

Having his say on the Champions League race, Howe recently told reporters: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.

“They do [feel like a cup final]. With four games to go, you’re ticking down. We have put ourselves back into a strong position, but we know it can change quickly.”

Should those at St James’ Park seal their European place then all eyes will, of course, instantly go to the summer transfer window where one particular midfielder could be waiting.

Newcastle set for Douglas Luiz talks

According to TVPlay as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now set for talks with Cristiano Guintoli over signing Douglas Luiz this summer. The Juventus sporting director reportedly wants to learn more about the Magpies’ interest in the Brazilian whilst also discussing a potential swap deal involving Sandro Tonali.

Luiz has endured a frustrating spell in Italy and is almost certain for a Premier League return just one year on from his Aston Villa departure, with both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest interested.

Whether those at St James’ Park are big enough admirers of Luiz that they part ways with the talented Tonali remains to be seen, however. When compared in the Premier League, it’s clear that the choice would be a difficult one to make.

Premier League stats (via FBref)

Douglas Luiz 23/24

Sandro Tonali 24/25

Starts

35

24

Tackles Won

38

29

Progressive Carries

60

33

Ball Recoveries

184

162

Given just how much Luiz has struggled at Juventus, Newcastle could even be in a position to chase his signature whilst keeping hold of Tonali. A player dubbed “strong” by Villa sporting director Monchi even amid his struggles earlier this season, Luiz will be desperate to get back to his best.

West Ham United have struggled this season in the Premier League, switching managers back in January in an attempt to save their season. However, the Hammers still sit 15th in the Premier League after 31 games played.

Defensively, West Ham have improved under Graham Potter, but this has affected their offensive purchase, scoring just six goals in their last six Premier League games. The Hammers also rank 15th for xG generated this season, with 44.42 xG across their 31 Premier League games so far.

Their striker issue is a well-documented one this season, with both Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug suffering from injuries, but this isn’t a new issue at the club, as the Hammers have struggled to nail down that number nine spot for some time.

West Ham's striker issues

In recent years, West Ham have had the likes of Sebastian Haller and Gianluca Scamacca join the club for big transfer fees, never really living up to the expectation, before leaving soon after to thrive elsewhere in Europe. These are just two examples of failed attempts by West Ham to address their need for a top-class number nine.

Haller was signed for around £45m, a club-record fee at the time, going on to make just 54 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist in his 3,681 minutes played.

Meanwhile, Scamacca cost the Hammers around £35.5m, making 27 appearances for the club, netting eight times in 1,342 minutes.

But perhaps one of their worst was the loan signing of Simone Zaza from Juventus in 2016. The Italian only made 11 appearances for the Hammers, scoring zero goals, providing zero assists and totaling just 572 minutes played, before being sent back to Italy at the end of the season.

West Ham's newest Zaza

West Ham have looked to address their striker issues with a loan signing once more, bringing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson to the club in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old has made six appearances for Potter’s side, totaling 137 minutes played with zero goals or assists so far.

Minutes

45

Touches

20

Big Chances Missed

1

Shots

1

Accurate Passes

7/9

Ground Duels Won

2/5

Aerial Duels Won

0/1

Possession Lost

8

Tackles

1

The 20-year-old striker was taken off after just 45 minutes against Wolves in their 1-0 loss midweek, being replaced by summer signing, Fullkrug. Ferguson only managed 20 touches in the game, losing possession eight times and missing his only “big chance”, with The Athletic’s Carl Anka outlining the Irishman’s “unfortunate” decline of late.

Potter didn’t hide his frustration with the first-half performance, stating “we weren’t happy with the overall performance in the first half”. But he was quick to praise the man who replaced Ferguson, stating “you can see he gives us a different option which we haven’t had”.

That resulted in Ferguson ultimately proving an unused substitute for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth, with that man Fullkrug notably netting off the bench just after the hour mark. The Brighton man has then plummeted even further down the pecking order.

With games running out ahead of the climax of the campaign, this could prove to be yet another brief, unsuccessful loan swoop – much like the case of Zaza of before him.

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Arsenal’s fourth Premier League win in a row yesterday has seen the Gunners take a huge stride towards finally ending their drought for a league title.

Mikel Arteta’s men secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates – a result that takes his side four points clear at the summit.

It was far from a vintage display for the Spaniard’s outfit, but the manager will be pleased that his side managed to battle through the adversity and claim three more vital points.

The likes of Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres endured quiet afternoons in North London and were unable to add to their tallies in the 2025/26 campaign.

However, one player did manage to step up to the plate and produce the goods and subsequently pop up with the vital contribution yesterday afternoon.

Eberechi Eze’s display against Crystal Palace

Back in the summer transfer window, Arsenal forked out a fee in the region of £67.5m for the signature of Eberechi Eze – in an attempt to bolster their depth and quality in the final third.

Since arriving from Crystal Palace, the England international had only netted one goal, with such an effort coming against League One side Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.

Ahead of the clash, there was a sense of inevitability he would score against his former employers – and that he did, firing home a loose ball just minutes before half-time.

Alongside his first Premier League goal, Eze also impressed with his creativity, subsequently registering seven passes into the final third, which saw him create two chances in the process.

The 27-year-old also won five of the seven duels he entered, whilst also completing 100% of the duels he entered – producing a really impressive all-round showing in North London.

However, despite Eze’s showing, one other Gunner managed to impress in the triumph, with the regular starter now becoming one of the manager’s most important players.

The Arsenal star who’s becoming one of Arteta’s most important players

Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s star men over the last couple of years, with his performances at both ends having a real impact on the club’s ability to challenge for a title.

The Brazilian’s showing against Palace yesterday was yet another example of his quality, with the centre-back hitting the woodwork and coming perilously close to his third goal of the campaign.

Out of possession, he led the Gunners to a sixth Premier League clean sheet of the campaign, after making six clearances and winning 100% of the ground duels he entered.

However, the 27-year-old isn’t alone in becoming a key man for Arteta, with midfielder Declan Rice producing a phenomenal display against Palace yesterday afternoon.

The Englishman had huge expectations placed upon him after his £105m transfer from West Ham United, but it’s safe to say he’s massively surpassed all of the supporters’ expectations.

He’s started all but one league game this campaign, with his showing against the Eagles one of his most impressive over the last couple of months.

Rice created three chances and made two tackles during the victory, both of which were the highest tallies of any player on the pitch throughout the 90-minute match.

Minutes played

82

Touches

72

Chances created

3

Tackles won

2

Passes completed

38

Passes into final third

12

Interceptions made

2

Aerials won

100%

Other figures, such as 38 passes completed, with 12 being into the final third, showcase his incredible composure with the ball to dictate the play at the heart of the side.

However, out of possession, the Englishman was just as impressive, as he made two interceptions and won 100% of the aerial duels he entered against Oliver Glasner’s men.

To top off his excellent display, Rice was handed a superb 8/10 match rating by The Express’ Tom Parsons – topping off what was a phenomenal afternoon at the Emirates.

After such a showing, there’s little debate that the Englishman is once again becoming one of the club’s first names on the teamsheet in the hunt for a Premier League title.

If he can continue to perform alongside Gabriel and Eze, there’s no reason why Arteta’s men can’t go all the way and end the generational wait for a top-division title.

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Manchester United have now submitted a £26m opening offer for a former Premier League striker, who has been in impressive form this season.

Man Utd looking to sign new striker amid Sesko's slow start

Benjamin Sesko’s Man United career is yet to truly take off, having scored two goals in his first 11 Premier League games, and the Slovenian striker has missed the last two matches due to a knee injury, with Joshua Zirkzee leading the line against Crystal Palace last time out.

With Zirkzee ending his goal drought in the 2-1 triumph against the Eagles, it remains to be seen whether Sesko will be able to force his way back into the side upon his return, but the Dutchman could be on the move in the January transfer window.

West Ham United are now planning to sign Zirkzee this winter as a replacement for Niclas Fullkrug, with AS Roma also being credited as potential suitors, and the 24-year-old departing would exacerbate the need for Ruben Amorim to bring in a new centre-forward.

According to a report from Spain, Man United have now submitted an offer of around €30m (£26m) for Real Betis striker Cucho Hernandez, who has emerged as an important player for the Spanish side under the helm of Manuel Pellegrini.

The bid is said to be ‘financially attractive’ to Betis, but the La Liga side now have a big decision to make, given that Cucho could be the key to them having a successful season, and it would be difficult to replace him.

United are looking to bring in forwards capable of providing ‘energy, mobility and goals’, and they have decided the 26-year-old fits the bill, off the back of an impressive 2025-26 campaign thus far…

Cucho impressing in La Liga and Europa League

The Colombian recently scored his first Europa League goal of the season in Betis’ 2-1 victory against Utrecht, and he has also put in some eye-catching displays in La Liga, chipping in with five goals and two assists in 14 games.

The former Watford man has some Premier League experience too, scoring five goals in 25 matches for the Hornets in the 2021-22 campaign, during which time Claudio Ranieri said: “I love him, because always during the training session he gives 100 per cent. He wants to score, he wants to shoot. He is a fighter. I love these kinds of people.”

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Man United should have reservations about signing Cucho, given that the centre-forward wasn’t exactly prolific during his previous stint in England, but he could be a decent back-up option for Sesko, should Zirkzee move on this winter.