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It is fair to say that Celtic and their recruitment team did not enjoy the deadline day that they were hoping for at the end of the summer transfer window on Monday night.

The Hoops went into Monday wanting two wingers and two centre-forwards to bolster their squad until at least January, but they were unable to get what they wanted.

Sebastian Tounekti joined the club on a permanent deal from Hammarby to add to Brendan Rodgers’ options in the wide areas, as a player who has predominantly played on the left wing in his career to date.

However, the Scottish Premiership champions did not add a single number nine to their squad before the window slammed shut, despite allowing Adam Idah to complete an initial £6m move to EFL Championship side Swansea City.

The Hoops were then forced to look at the free agent market to find a replacement for the Ireland international, and Kelechi Iheanacho arrived after his contract with Sevilla was ripped up on Monday night.

Celtic had to swoop for Iheanacho, who worked with Rodgers at Leicester, because they were unable to get a deal done for Kasper Dolberg before the deadline.

Why missing out on Dolberg was a blow for Celtic

The Scottish giants were linked with an interest in the Denmark international heading into the final days of the transfer window, but they failed to agree a deal with Anderlecht, and he went on to sign for Dutch side Ajax later in the week.

Reporter Stephen McGowan has since revealed that the transfer did not happen for several reasons: the club bid too low in their first attempt to sign him, the player was not sold on Celtic, the player was not too keen on Glasgow.

However it happened, missing out on a deal for Dolberg was a blow for the Hoops because he could have arrived at Parkhead as an upgrade on Idah for Rodgers.

The Danish marksman’s form for Anderlecht in the 2024/25 campaign suggested that he would have been a terrific signing for the club, hence why they were keen to bring him in in the first place.

24/25 season

Dolberg (Pro League)

Idah (Premiership)

Appearances (starts)

31 (30)

35 (19)

xG

16.70

N/A

Goals

18

13

Conversion rate

22%

17%

Goals from outside the box

3

2

Assists

2

0

Duel success rate

50%

41%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Dolberg scored five more goals than Idah at league level last season, with a greater conversion rate in front of goal, and performed better in his physical duels.

The 27-year-old centre-forward also scored five goals in nine games for Anderlecht at the start of the current campaign, per Transfermarkt, before he completed his permanent move to Ajax after Celtic failed to sign him.

This is why missing out on Dolberg was such a big blow for the Hoops, because the striker is in the prime years of his career and could have come in as a player who would have been ready to hit the ground running as an instant upgrade on what Rodgers previously had.

Instead, Celtic have had to take a risk signing Iheanacho on a free transfer, after the Nigeria international scored one goal in 24 league matches for Sevilla and Middlesbrough last season, per Sofascore.

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Another risky move the manager could make would be to unleash a player from the B team who could potentially emerge as his own version of Dolberg – Rhys Dargie.

Why Celtic should give Rhys Dargie a chance

Whether it is in a League Cup match or off the bench in the Scottish Premiership, Rodgers should look to present the young attacker with a chance to prove his worth at first-team level.

Celtic are clearly in a difficult position with their strikers, given that they felt the need to sign Iheanacho as a free agent after the window slammed shut, but they have a talented goalscorer in their academy set-up who may have the potential to make an impact for Rodgers.

In July, Broxburn reporter Stu Mclellan described Dargie as “some talent” after his impressive performance in a 3-2 win for Celtic’s B team against Broxburn on the opening day of the Lowland League season.

The 18-year-old starlet is a versatile talent who can play centrally or out wide. Interestingly, Dolberg played on the right wing and as a striker at U19 level for Ajax in his academy days, per Transfermarkt, and this Celtic youngster could follow in his footsteps.

Dargie has shown impressive instincts in front of goal at youth level, as evidenced by his goal in the clip above. The teenage whiz reacted brilliantly in a central position to divert the ball into the back of the net from Jude Bonnar’s effort.

Rhys Dargie

24/25

25/26

Appearances

16

10

Minutes

894

707

Goals

9

4

Minutes per goal

99

176

Assists

0

3

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic B star has a very impressive goalscoring record at youth level with 13 goals in 26 games since the start of last season.

In that time frame, Dargie averaged a goal every 123 minutes. Interestingly, Dolberg also averaged a goal every 123 minutes in all competitions for Anderlecht last term, with 24 goals in 2,963 minutes, per Transfermarkt.

This suggests that Celtic have a player in their academy who has the potential to be just as prolific as Dolberg if he can translate his form over to the first-team.

Although Dargie has played a lot of his football as a right-winger, the teenage talent’s goalscoring instincts suggest that the club could get the best out of him in the centre-forward position, particularly given his impressive goal return, which is the route that Dolberg also went down in the Ajax academy.

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Therefore, Rodgers could unearth his own version of Dolberg by boldly unleashing this impressive youngster as a striker for the first-team in the coming weeks.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo vai em busca de confirmar sua vaga na próxima fase da Copa Sul-Americana. Em jogo decisivo pelo playoff das oitavas de final, o Glorioso mede forças com o Patronato, da Argentina, nesta quarta-feira (19), no Nilton Santos, às 19h. O jogo será transmitido exclusivamente pelo Paramount+. O Lance! acompanha o duelo em tempo real.

Por ter vencido por 2 a 0 na ida, o Alvinegro pode obter sua vaga até se perder por um gol em casa. O Alvinegro tende a levar a campo um time misto.

Gatito Fernández tende a se tornar titular no confronto com a equipe argentina. O paraguaio ainda não atuou nesta temporada.

O único titular confirmado é Victor Cuesta, que, por cumprir suspensão automática contra o Santos, ‘ganhará rodagem” diante do Patronato. No mais, o grupo será formado por reservas. Danilo Barbosa assume o posto de Marlon Freitas, que cumpre suspensão.

Gustavo Sauer e Lucas Fernandes travam disputa pela articulação. Matías Segovia deve ser titular, enquanto os autores dos gols na ida, Janderson e Carlos Alberto, são cotados. Diego Hernández corre por fora. O técnico Bruno Lage não teve tempo de ser inscrito no BID da CBF e deve ficar na beira do gramado.

O Patronato deve lançar a mesma equipe que iniciou o jogo de ida. Arce e Chamorro devem formar o ataque.

FICHA TÉCNICA

BOTAFOGO x PATRONATO

Data e hora: 18 de julho de 2023, às 19h (de Brasília)

Estádio: Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Árbitro: Kevin Ortega (PER)

Assistentes: Michael Orué (PER) e Jesús Martín Sánchez Cabrera (PER)

VAR: Carlos Orbe (PER)

Onde assistir: Paramount +

BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Lúcio Flávio)

Gatito Fernandez, Di Plácido (JP Galvão), Philipe Sampaio, Victor Cuesta e Hugo; Danilo Barbosa, Breno e Gustavo Sauer (Lucas Fernandes); Matías Segovia, Janderson e Carlos Alberto (Diego Hernandez).

Lesionados: Patrick de Paula e Rafael

Suspenso: Marlon Freitas

PATRONATO (Técnico: Rodolfo de Paoli)

Budiño; Geminiani, Ojeda, Domingo e Ghirardello; Vasquez, Barinaga, Esquivel e Novero; Arce (Lautaro Pereyra) e Valdez Chamorro.

Lesionados:Facundo Cobos, Sebastián Malimberni, Enzo Días, Gabriel Díaz, Matías Ruíz Díaz, Cristian González e Nazareno Solis

Australia captain says his rehab for an ankle injury which made him miss the Champions Trophy is going well

Andrew McGlashan26-Feb-2025Pat Cummins has returned to bowling as he prepares for the IPL next month and the build-up to the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June.Cummins, Australia’s Test and ODI captain, was ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury he managed during the Test series against India but told ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday that he was heading for the first bowl of his rehab.”The ankle is all going strong, [have been] able to give it a good rest and then been building up slowly, which you don’t get to do when you play lots of cricket,” Cummins said. “It’s feeling as strong as it has for a fair while. Should be fine [for the IPL], that’s the plan. So have a few weeks of bowling, building back up and then hopefully don’t have to worry about it for a while.”Cummins, an ambassador for Prime who are the exclusive broadcasters for the Champions Trophy in Australia, said his ankle is something he has had to manage on an ongoing basis and it began to become a bit more of an issue during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.”It’s something that we’ve opted never to have surgery on or intervene too much, just a lot to rehab,” he explained. “Having this break meant that I could get a couple of cortisones and really rehab it well the last couple of weeks.”Cummins is confident he will be able to build his workload during the IPL and is eyeing playing a full role in the three-Test series against West Indies which follows the WTC final. There is a chance he will miss some of Australia’s white-ball matches ahead of the Ashes – there are five T20Is in West Indies then series against South Africa, New Zealand and India – before facing England from late November.Pat Cummins is watching the Champions Trophy from afar as he recovers from an ankle injury•Prime Video”Sometimes by missing the odd tour, you actually end up playing more cricket for the whole year,” he said. “I think in the past you used to play everything, whereas now, absolutely, you try and make sure the players are at their peak for as long as you can for the year and to play as much of the important stuff each year. It’s just the way of the world. Everyone’s used to it.”Related

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Inglis savours 'special' innings for Australia

The absence of Cummins in Pakistan, along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, has meant Australia’s pace attack is inexperienced. Ben Dwarshuis took three wickets against England while Nathan Ellis, who captained Hobart Hurricanes to the BBL title this season, was outstanding with 0 for 51 from his 10 overs in game where 707 runs were scored.”[Nathan] has always been so valuable in that he can bowl at any stage,” Cummins said. “He doesn’t necessarily need to take the new ball to have big impact. He can bowl through the middle and at the end.”However, the most eye-catching display from Australia’s one outing so far – their second match against South Africa was abandoned without a ball bowled – has been Josh Inglis with his stunning 120 off 86 balls to guide a huge chase. It followed his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka last month, having been picked for the prowess against spin, where he played alongside Alex Carey with the duo now featuring in the ODI team together with the keeping roles flipped between formats.2:04

Agar: Inglis controlled the innings, the rest could bat around him

“He’s been on almost every Australian tour for about the last four years running drinks. So we’ve always known his quality and scoring two hundreds in different formats in the last month is amazing,” Cummins said. “He’s so dynamic. You can bat him anywhere in the order. He can take down spin. He can also finish off an innings with all his different shots. Just someone who’s coming into a real sweet spot in his career.”Inglis will be part of a tough selection debate ahead of the WTC final with Sam Konstas in the mix to return as an opener and Cameron Green expected to be available as a batter. But while Cummins is not a selector, he can see a world where Inglis retains his spot.”I think you’re open to anything at the moment,” he said. “[Inglis and Carey] are two of the most in-form guys. They’re straight into that ODI side together and it’s no issue. We’ve picked two allrounders before. Picked two keepers in Sri Lanka. I don’t see any reason why they can’t coexist if they’re both scoring runs.”After the Champions Trophy, the next major men’s white-ball event is next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka followed by the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Australia will be defending the title they won in India and Cummins still has his sights set on leading them at that event.”It comes around pretty quick, we’re already almost halfway,” he said. “That’s definitely what we’ve been speaking to. Obviously, when it’s a long way away, Test cricket and other [tournaments] take priorities. But once it gets a bit closer, that becomes a bit more of a focus.”

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تطورات ملف المدير الفني الأجنبي الجديد للنادي الأهلي، مؤكدًا أن عماد النحاس يقترب من الاستمرار في الفترة المقبلة لوقت أطول.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات إذاعية عبر “أون سبورت إف إم”: “منذ البداية، الحقيقة، أخبرتكم أن وليد صلاح قال لي علانية وعلى الهواء إن عماد النحاس سيكمل الخمس مباريات، وبقيت له مباراة واحدة”.

وأوضح: “كلما فاز عماد النحاس بمباراة، كلما أصبحت الأمور أفضل، ويقترب من تثبيت قدميه قليلاً، واستعادة ثقة الجماهير، وهو يتمتع بقبول كبير لدى جمهور النادي الأهلي، فالأمور مستقرة معه ومع الجمهور، فترتفع النغمة بأنه يجب أن يكمل عماد ويستمر”.

وواصل: “أما ملف المدرب الأجنبي فقد وصل ثلاث مرات، ويقترب الأهلي من انهاء الأمر مع مدرب دون أن يكمله، آخرها الرجل الدنماركي (يقصد توماس توماسبيرج)، وعلى فكرة، الذين اجتهدوا لم يخطئوا، لأنه كان على وشك التوقيع مع النادي الأهلي، إذ بقيت له ساعات قليلة فقط، لكن جاءه العرض البولندي فذهب إليه”.

واستطرد: “الأهلي قرر أن يتريث خطوة أو خطوات في موضوع المدير الفني؛ سيهدأون قليلاً الآن، غير مستعجلين، وقالوا لأسامة هلال انتظر، ولا تتعجل وإذا مدربًا يليق بالنادي الأهلي، مليون مرحبًا به، وإذا لم تجد اصبر قليلا وليس هو الوحيد الذي يعمل على هذا الملف”.

وأضاف: “ليس سرًا أن النادي الأهلي نظر قليلاً إلى المدرب التركي فاتح تيريم، رغم أن عمر 73 عامًا، لكن مساعده حمزة أوغلو،  درب جالطة سراي من قبل وفاز معهم بالبطولات، ولكنه يعود لمساعدته حتى بعد أن أصبح مديرًا فنيًا”.

طالع | بينهم سيد عبد الحفيظ.. تفاصيل مهام أعضاء قائمة الخطيب في انتخابات الأهلي

وزاد: “الأهلي نظر قليلاً إلى فاتح تيريم وعلى حمزة أوغلو، ونظر قليلاً إلى برونو لاج البرتغالي وقال لهم عن طلباته، وقد أخبرتكم أن النادي الأهلي ينتظر؛ ولكن الرجل الآن ينتظر موافقة الأهلي”.

وأردف: “برونو لاج وضع شروطا وطلبات لا يحتاجها الأهلي مثل أن الشرط الجزائي كاملاً مدة العقد كاملاً، وهو ما رفضه النادي خوفا من تكرار سيناريو كولر”.

وتابع: ” الأهلي قرر تأجيل ملف المدرب الأجنبي لإشعار آخر حتى يروا ما سيحدث، وكيف ستكون القصة، خاصة أن هناك توقفا دوليا خلال أكتوبر الجاري، وبعد ذلك سيعودون ليلعبوا مباراتين، ثم يعود توقف آخر، وهو توقف طويل بسبب كأس العرب، وأمم إفريقيا”.

وأتم: “من الممكن أنه حتى التوقف خلال نوفمبر أيضًا لا يكون هناك مدرب للنادي الأهلي؛ هنا أقول لكم كيف يفكر الأهلي، لكن كل شيء قد يتغير إذا ظهر مدرب مثالي تمامًا، وقال (أريد تدريب الأهلي)، فسيقولون له (أهلاً وسهلاً)”.

While Sam Kerr edges closer towards a return and Alyssa Thompson has arrived for a club-record fee, the Blues' homegrown forward is still shining

There were so many narratives swirling around Chelsea as they started their Women's Super League title defence on Friday night, especially in attack. Sam Kerr was back in the matchday squad for the first time since December 2023, following an incredibly arduous recovery from a devastating ACL injury, while new club-record signing Alyssa Thompson got the full pyrotechnic treatment as she was introduced to Stamford Bridge ahead of kick-off, following her deadline-day move from Angel City.

Thompson's recruitment had become particularly important for the Blues in the last week of the transfer window after Mayra Ramirez joined Lauren James on the sidelines when she suffered a hamstring injury that will force her to miss the rest of 2025. Many might've expected Catarina Macario to lead the line in the opening game against Manchester City, then. The American was incredibly impactful last season and, following her own prolonged spell on the sidelines, is "expecting to just be free" to do her thing this term.

But amid the talk of Kerr's highly-anticipated return, Thompson's big-money move and Macario's world-class qualities, it was Aggie Beever-Jones, the childhood Chelsea fan who joined the club's academy at nine years old, who led the line as the Blues kicked off the new WSL season in the most highly-anticipated fixture of the opening weekend – and it was her goal that set the defending champions on their way to a statement win over title rivals Manchester City.

It felt like a reminder that while Chelsea have plenty of international talent at their disposal, one of their own remains a serious sensation.

Getty ImagesOut of the spotlight

It wasn't just because of all the other storylines unfolding around Chelsea that Beever-Jones seemed to go into the opening weekend somewhat under the radar; there was also an England angle to it. Many expected the 22-year-old to be Alessia Russo's back-up at the European Championship this past summer, with her looking primed to make her mark on the tournament as a super-sub.

However, Michelle Agyemang's incredible impact knocked the Chelsea forward down the pecking order and allowed others to take centre stage. In the end, only two England players saw fewer minutes at Euro 2025 than Beever-Jones.

After any major tournament, the Lionesses are a focal point ahead of the new domestic season, and that is especially the case when they've won that tournament, as they did this summer. But Beever-Jones' limited on-field role in Switzerland meant she wasn't absorbing the spotlight ahead of the WSL's big kick-off quite like some others.

AdvertisementStarting with a bang

Friday, then, was a reminder of her quality. Up against a young and relatively inexperienced centre-back duo that had never played together, Beever-Jones made sure to test both Jade Rose and Gracie Prior with her intelligent movement, sneaking in behind the former to latch onto Ellie Carpenter's perfect cross and give Chelsea the lead just past the half-hour mark.

That she was withdrawn with little more than an hour on the clock highlighted the fierce competition for places in the Blues' squad, even while Ramirez and James are sidelined, Kerr waits for her big comeback and Thompson prepares for her debut. On came Macario for the final stages of the game as Chelsea saw things out for a 2-1 win. But Beever-Jones had made her mark and justified her status as the starter.

Getty Images'Complete player'

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor was impressed. "From the beginning of the season, she's showing everyone she's ready and she's able to perform in a big game," she told reporters after the game.

"The goal was a great goal, a great finish, but also we spoke a lot with Aggie about her being able to hold the ball when she has a lot of pressure in behind, to have speed, but also she is able to make the runs in behind. That's really good for her and for us because she's more unpredictable when she's able to do both. Today, she showed that quality. She made some good runs in behind but also she was able to keep the ball under pressure. For a forward, that's a nice combination.

"She's a complete player. With the ball, without the ball, she works hard. She was dictating our press tonight and she did that well. That's nice for her, but also for us. She needs to keep the confidence and she needs to keep the right mentality. She has the right mentality, she works hard, she's always listening to the small tweaks we can bring into her game and I think today was a really positive day for her."

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Getty ImagesCompetition aplenty

Competition in the Chelsea squad is always high and so taking those chances is vital, especially as it prepares to grow with Kerr's return and Thompson's arrival. Working in Beever-Jones' favour is her versatility, which allows her to play as a central striker or on either wing; she's even played in the No.10 role before. That said, it can be a blessing and a curse, preventing a player from obtaining rhythm and consistency, or even an elite understanding of each position.

"For me, I'm obviously a forward who plays across the front line and I think that has developed my game understanding of each role massively," Beever-Jones told GOAL last season, elaborating on the pros and cons of being so adaptable. "I had a bit of a time before Christmas where I was consistently playing in the nine, which I find a bit easier, playing consistently in a position, because then obviously you can make mistakes and learn from it. But I think I've got that game understanding now of all three positions, and even the 10 a little bit.

"I think it is just trusting my own ability and what I know in each position and being able to add my own unique bit of flair to it. I definitely have developed that side of my game. For me, it is just being on the pitch and being able to show what I can do, regardless of what position I am, and just making sure I'm ready, whether I'm starting or not."

Pakistan have stepped up attempts to prepare a spinning pitch for their Test series decider against England, using industrial-sized fans, outdoor heaters and windbreakers in a bid to dry out the surface at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.After losing by an innings on a lifeless pitch in the first Test in Multan, Pakistan pulled an unprecedented move and opted to recycle the same strip for a second match in a row. The strategy paid off in style after they won the toss, with spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan sharing all 20 wickets as England were bowled out for just 144 in their final innings.Rawalpindi is typically among the flattest pitches in Test cricket, with minimal assistance for spinners. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the Bangladesh offspinner, took 10 wickets in their 2-0 series win in Rawalpindi last month, but since the venue returned to hosting Tests in 2019, spinners have averaged nearly 50 runs per wicket there.Related

• Rehan Ahmed recalled as England brace for 'raked' pitch in Pakistan decider

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• Pakistan savour the sweet, sweet taste of victory … as the sugar-crash can wait

• Brendon McCullum plays down England spin concerns as Pindi decider looms

Seam bowlers have fared better, taking a wicket every 34 runs, with the average assisted by a Test against South Africa in January 2021. On a surface that offered assistance to the seamers right through the game, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali took nine of South Africa’s ten wickets in the fourth innings, eight of them on the final day. All four innings registered scores between 200 and 300, and the PCB has previously considered that the gold standard for a Pindi Test wicket.Those days are decidedly in the past, though. Shan Masood, Pakistan’s captain, made clear after their 152-run victory in the second Test in Multan that he would like to see an uncharacteristic Rawalpindi pitch for the decider, which starts on Thursday. England are prepared for another turner, with their head coach Brendon McCullum predicting the surface would be “the antithesis of a green seamer”.On Sunday, groundstaff had set up three large heaters and an industrial-sized fan at each end of the pitch, drying it out with hot air, with a windbreak at each end to keep the heat in. Pakistan’s players and staff inspected the surface when they trained on Monday morning, at which stage only the fans remained. It continued to dry out in the afternoon heat.Notably, the Test strip is one of only three that has been cut across the square; the other two are practice strips, one on each side of the pitch. England’s seamers used a dry, abrasive square to get the ball reverse-swinging in the second Test in Multan, but a grassy square and a lush outfield may make that more challenging this week.England did not train on Monday and are open-minded ahead of their session on Tuesday. “I don’t know what to expect. I haven’t seen anything,” Jack Leach, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series, told the BBC. “We’ll go to training and have a look at it. I feel quite clear about what I’m doing and that doesn’t really change depending on the wicket. We’ll see what it is.”

Northern Superchargers solidified their place in the top three of The Hundred women’s competition table with another dominant win, this time away at Birmingham Phoenix.Superchargers drew level on points with second-placed Oval Invincibles, as they bowled out Phoenix for just 54 runs, the lowest score ever in The Hundred women’s competition. It comes just days after Superchargers dismissed Invincibles for 64 at The Kia Oval, the previous lowest in the competition.Northern Superchargers won the toss and chose to bat in what was set to be a crucial clash, with just one point separating the sides in the table.The in-form Phoenix captain Ellyse Perry got the home side off to a flyer, taking a wicket with her third delivery of the opening set, getting her opposite skipper Holly Armitage out first ball.That brought the dangerous Phoebe Litchfield to the crease, but again Perry was more than good enough with the ball to get her caught behind in her second set. Perry would finish with Phoenix’s leading figures 2 for 13.Annabel Sutherland and Alice Davidson-Richards rebuilt the innings, taking the visitors from 25 for 3 to 68 for 3 before Emily Arlott got Sutherland out with 40 balls left in the innings.Davidson-Richards remained there stoically till the end, top-scoring for Superchargers and finishing not out on 49 off 42. Davidson-Richards’ knock took the Leeds-based team to 115 for 5 from their 100 balls, a competitive total on what looked to be a tricky wicket to bat on.Phoenix struggled from the start in their reply as they fell to 14 for 4 losing key batters in opener Sterre Kalis, skipper Perry, England wicket-keeper Amy Jones and Indian international Richa Ghosh with very few runs on the board.Superchargers were lively in the field, taking any chances that came their way – Kate Cross taking perhaps the pick of the catches on the long-off boundary.Their bowlers shared the wickets around as five of their attack picked up dismissals. Linsey Smith and Georgia Wareham, the pick of the team in purple’s bowlers both with 3 for 12, Smith taking two wickets in two balls towards the end of the innings.Meerkat Match Hero Davidson-Richards said: “I didn’t actually feel that good out there when I was batting, it was a difficult pitch to bat on, as you can see from it being such a low-scoring game, but we are delighted to have got over the line. I was trying to work out how to build an innings and find the gaps where the boundaries could come from.”We are looking forward to playing top of the table Welsh fire away from home in a massive game next up.”

As Thierno Barry closes in on completing his move, Everton are now reportedly “interested” in signing a Premier League rival who David Moyes loves this summer.

Latest on Thierno Barry's Everton move

With pre-season fixtures looming, Everton are finally set to commence their summer business and commence it in impressive fashion. According to Fabrizio Romano, Barry is in Merseyside to complete a medical and finalise a move worth around £30m to The Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The impressive forward will instantly replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who chose to depart after failing to put pen to paper on fresh terms. And whilst the latter’s departure may sting, Barry’s arrival should more than soften that blow given the excellent season that he just enjoyed at Villarreal.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Barry

Calvert-Lewin

Minutes

2,559

1,609

Goals

16

3

Assists

4

1

Expected Goals

12.5

6.7

At just 22 years old, Barry is arguably yet to reach the peak of his powers but would already hand Moyes an instant upgrade on Calvert-Lewin next season.

In a new era for the Toffees, the incoming arrival represents a solid start, but that’s not to say the The Friedkin Group don’t still have work to do on the transfer front.

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The American owners have already reportedly submitted an enquiry over signing Douglas Luiz from Juventus following a disastrous spell in Italy for the former Aston Villa man, and he would certainly represent an impressive second signing this summer.

Meanwhile, Everton have also reportedly made contact to sign Manchester City’s young midfielder James McAtee. Like Luiz, he would be an excellent addition. Picking up Premier League talent from elsewhere could become quite the trend too, with the Toffees now also linked with signing another rival player.

Everton now "interested" in signing Mark Travers

According to Sky Sports, Everton are now “interested” in signing Mark Travers from Bournemouth this summer as they enter the market for a backup goalkeeper. Following Asmir Begovic’s and Joao Virginia’s departures, Friedkin could turn towards a player who Moyes is a “big fan of” in Travers, who could, in turn, leave the Cherries in a permament move.

Whilst Travers has been unable to claim the No.1 shirt at Bournemouth, he did impress on loan at Middlesbrough last season and may now have the chance to star in the Premier League again as a result.

Dubbed “fantastic” by former manager Mark Molesley during his time at Weymouth, the Irishman is still just 26 years old, handing him the chance to compete with Jordan Pickford and perhaps even replace him in years to come. As backups go, Travers would certainly be an upgrade on Begovic and Virginia.

In an attempt to get their summer business going, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a defensive target for Unai Emery whose release clause expires soon.

Aston Villa set for tough Newcastle opener

If Aston Villa are keen to find out where their squad is at in the early stages of next season then their opening day Premier League meeting with Newcastle United will hand them the perfect chance to do exactly that. The Villans have been handed a tough start against one of last year’s top five, but Emery will also be well aware that victory over the Magpies would send quite the statement.

Aston Villa’s First 5 Games	Date
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United	16/08/2025
Brentford vs Aston Villa	23/08/2025
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace	30/08/2025
Everton vs Aston Villa	13/09/2025
Sunderland vs Aston Villa	20/09/2025

Once the Midlands club have got Newcastle out of the way, they have the chance to enjoy a far more routine run on paper. Away trips to Brentford, Everton and Sunderland represent realistic opportunities for three points, whilst the visit of Crystal Palace should also be seen as a game that the Villans are favourites to win.

It’s the type of start that Aston Villa could need following what could be a difficult summer amid PSR concerns. Despite their growing success over the last couple of years, Villa’s spending in the years prior could yet force them to sell at least one key man in the coming months before they can focus on potential incomings.

That said, their PSR concerns have not stopped the rumours from arriving when it comes to additions. Names such as Jesus Rodriguez have already threatened to steal the headlines and now those at Villa Park have also reportedly set their sights on signing a defensive addition.

Aston Villa submit opening Lucumi offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have tabled an opening offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. That initial bid was below the defender’s reported €28m (£24m) release clause, however, and is unlikely to be entertained by Bologna anytime soon.

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He’s a Premier League winner…

1

By
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Jun 17, 2025

Whether the Villans go again in pursuit of the defender remains to be seen. Bologna certainly hold all of the cards if those in the Midlands decide against triggering Lucumi’s release clause, which reportedly expires on July 10.

Given that they need to be in the market for bargain deals amid their PSR concerns, Aston Villa should think again about returning for Lucumi this summer. For just £24m, until July 10, they can sign a “composed” centre-back who can play with both feet to an “excellent” standard, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.

Crystal Palace have now joined the hotly-contested race to sign a “brilliant” new striker on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report.

Nketiah reaches 50 goals in Crystal Palace win over Wolves

The Eagles followed up their amazing 1-0 triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday with an impressive 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their final home game of the season, reaching a club record 52 Premier League points.

Crystal Palace now plotting quick deal to sign "aggressive" £20m midfielder

The Eagles are now eyeing a move for an attacking midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

May 20, 2025

Oliver Glasner decided to hand striker Eddie Nketiah a rare start, and it was a move that paid off as he netted twice in a five-minute window to help the South Londoners on their way to victory. It meant Tuesday night’s game was a special landmark for the 25-year-old, as he netted his 50th career goal. After the game, Nketiah revealed he wants to contribute more next season.

“It is nice to reach that landmark. I know I can do much better and help the team. It’s a nice way to end the last home game, and I want to contribute more next season.”

Nketiah joined the Eagles last summer having decided to leave Arsenal in search of regular football. His move to Selhurst Park probably hasn’t quite gone the way he expected, as he’s made just nine starts in the Premier League, scoring only three goals, perhaps understandably struggling to get ahead of Jean-Philippe Mateta in the pecking order.

Crystal Palace join Leeds in race to sign £140k-p/w star on free transfer

Nketiah will hope next season he can contribute more, but his chances of doing so could be dealt a further blow, as according to Football Insider, Crystal Palace have made contact with Jamie Vardy over a move to Selhurst Park.

Football Insider reports that contact has been made between the South Londoners and Vardy’s camp, as they try to get an understanding of whether he would want to move to Selhurst Park. The 38-year-old, who scored in his final game at the King Power Stadium as a Leicester City player on Sunday, is planning to continue playing at the highest level.

Palace don’t have a clear run at signing the Englishman, as it’s already been reported that Wolves are already plotting a move to sign the striker, while Leeds are also advancing on a deal, and Everton are said to be leading the race to sign Vardy.

Jamie Vardy’s Premier League record
Apps	342
Goals	145
Assists	50

The 38-year-old, who has been hailed as “brilliant” by Gary Lineker, has scored nine goals in 35 Premier League games this season, taking his total top flight tally to 145, a number any striker would kill to achieve in one of the top leagues in Europe.

It isn’t clear if Vardy would be interested in a move to Palace, but if the Eagles have any chance of signing the striker, they are going to have to pay around the £140,000 mark for wages, as that is what Vardy currently earns at Leicester.