All posts by h716a5.icu

Everton are poised to pounce for an “excellent” Premier League midfielder, who is now looking increasingly likely to leave his club this summer, according to a report.

Toffees set sights on new midfielder

It is set to be a summer of change for the Toffees, with the move to Bramley-Moore Dock to take place prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign, while David Moyes is also looking to upgrade his squad in a number of different positions.

Having flirted with relegation over the past few seasons, it is little wonder Moyes is eyeing upgrades in several areas, with Leeds United’s Junior Firpo among the targets at left-back, while Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap could be brought in to provide more attacking firepower.

The Merseysiders are also looking to upgrade their options in the engine room, with an offer now being prepared for Lille central midfielder Angel Gomes, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

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He’s been a valiant servant at Goodison Park…

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

However, amid widespread interest in Gomes, it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, and a different central midfielder has now entered the frame as a potential summer target.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton are now poised to pounce for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, who is looking increasingly likely to exit St. James’ Park this summer, with the Magpies prepared to sanction a departure for just £12m.

Eddie Howe’s side are eager to cash-in on Longstaff, with his contract set to expire in 2026, potentially opening the door for a move to Merseyside, having been identified as a strong target by the Toffees.

Moyes is looking to overhaul his squad this summer, and wants to bring in players with Premier League experience, but there could be fierce competition for the midfielder, with Manchester United, Leeds United and teams in Scotland also keen.

"Excellent" Longstaff could be solid signing for Toffees

As the season has progressed, the Englishman has started to play more of a sporadic role, often being limited to appearances off the bench, but he has impressed Howe in the past, with the manager previously describing him as “excellent”.

With Moyes keen on proven Premier League players, the 27-year-old also fits the bill in that regard, having made 171 appearances in the top flight, picking up ten goals and nine assists.

Not only is the central midfielder capable of posing an attacking threat, but he is also willing to pitch in defensively, as showcased by his performance on some key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Touches (Att pen)

2.33 (86th percentile)

Tackles

2.61 (77th percentile)

Blocks

1.77 (92nd percentile)

While Longstaff is unlikely to be the most exciting addition for Everton this summer, there is every sign the Newcastle midfielder could be a solid addition to Moyes’ squad.

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal have held initial talks over signing an exciting forward over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with sporting director Andrea Berta eyeing more than one winger for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal targeting left-winger and right-winger this summer

The north Londoners, as per recent reports, are considering the possibility of signing a left-winger and an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side (GiveMeSport).

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The Gunners want to get in ahead of La Liga’s top two sides.

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Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates, while it is believed by some sectors that Arsenal could sell Gabriel Martinelli if they receive a suitable offer for the Brazilian.

Saka, meanwhile, is Arteta’s superstar player and has been for years, but the England international won’t always be fit and available, as highlighted by his few months spent out with injury midway through the 2024/2025 campaign.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

His absence was a sore blow for Arsenal, who struggled to cope without his output in the final third, and Arteta will be keen to avoid a similar scenario next season.

This has prompted Berta to weigh up his options for the wide area, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting this week that they’ve suddenly become contenders to sign Rodrygo from Real.

According to Plettenberg, Arsenal are seriously discussing the possibility of signing the 24-year-old Brazilian behind-closed-doors, and a potential deal is described as “on”.

While the South American would undoubtedly add quality to Arteta’s ranks, having racked up 13 goals and a further 10 assists in all competitions, Rodrygo would also be a very pricey option.

His price tag is rumoured to be north of £100 million, so it is definitely wise for Berta to consider alternatives.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams

A name very familiar to Arsenal supporters by now, and one who’s been taking Europe by storm these last two seasons, is that of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.

Edu was repeatedly linked with a swoop for the 22-year-old last summer, and reports suggest that new Arsenal transfer chief Berta remains in pursuit of Williams. The Italian held talks with his representatives in one of his “first acts” as director (Ed Aarons), with Romano now sharing an update on their hunt for the Spain international.

The reliable journalist claims Arsenal have made contact with Bilbao over signing Williams, opening some initial talks to gauge the overall cost of a potential deal, with salary, commission fees and other outlays to consider on top of his £49 million release clause.

“Chelsea and Arsenal love Nico Williams and have made contacts to understand how much the whole package will be,” said Romano.

“In recent years, it has been very expensive. €58m clause, taxes, salary and commissions.”

While the Spain international currently takes home around £170,000-per-week, some are suggesting that he wants north of £400,000-per-week at his potential new club, which would make him Arsenal’s highest earner.

Williams played a key role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024 last year, bagging 19 assists in all competitions for Bilbao at club level, and he’s rediscovered some of that electric over the second half of 2024/2025.

Yet to complete their first move of the summer, Leeds United and the 49ers are now reportedly lining up a deal to sign a relegated Premier League defender for Daniel Farke.

Leeds set to commence summer business

Whilst those at Elland Road are yet to welcome their first summer arrival, it’s not been for the want of trying. Several fresh names have been linked with a move to the Yorkshire club in recent weeks, but it remains to be seen just who arrives. Among those names is Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, who would be an instant upgrade on Illan Meslier this summer.

The veteran shot-stopper is an England international and the type of arrival that Farke desperately needs if he is to navigate survival at the first time of asking. Pope is not the only one on Leeds’ reported radar, however.

Gustavo Hamer has also found himself in the headlines as of late. The Sheffield United star suffered playoff heartbreak courtesy of Sunderland at the end of the season, but could yet step into the Premier League without the Blades.

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe had his say on the club’s potential transfer activity this summer when speaking to reporters last month, saying: “I’m not really ready to go into that, but yes, your speculation is probably right.

“It’s going to be a mix of seeing if there are inbounds along with outbounds. And that’s probably, that’s probably accurate, but really not ready to go into more detail than that. But we are looking at maximizing what we can do, and so that involves the whole bag, ins and outs.”

Of course, one market that the Whites could take full advantage of is relegated stars who will be desperate to regain their Premier League place, and that could yet include one impressive defender.

Leeds lining up Dara O'Shea move

According to The Sun, Leeds and the 49ers are now lining up a summer swoop to sign Dara O’Shea from Ipswich Town. The relegated Tractor Boys have already lost Liam Delap, but could still be picked apart even further.

Despite his side’s relegation, O’Shea still impressed at Portman Road and may have done enough to keep hold of his place in the top flight. If that does prove to be the case courtesy of Leeds, then Farke would instantly have impressive defensive depth to choose from in Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and the Ipswich star.

Leeds looking to sign "unbelievable" £15m star who'd be Bogle 2.0

Leeds United could land a star who could follow in the footsteps of Jayden Bogle at Elland Road.

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Kieran McKenna will be desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old, however, having told reporters earlier in the season: “His character and his nature is always going to be beneficial in times of struggle and challenge because he’s a resilient person, he’s a fighter and he’s got character.

“I haven’t had many conversations with him about his experiences (of relegation) with Burnley and West Brom. But I’m sure those experiences have really helped him with us.”

With former club Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers also reportedly interested in a move to sign O’Shea, Leeds should make their move as soon as possible and get their summer business underway.

Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing a free agent for manager Enzo Maresca, with the player leaving his club this summer and now readily available for hire.

Chelsea continue transfer plans after Club World Cup deadline

The Blues couldn’t get some high-profile deals signed and sealed in time before the pre-Club World Cup deadline, which passed on Tuesday at 7pm, but they could still add new players to the tournament’s squad thanks to a unique registration window open from June 27 to July 3.

"World-class" ace wants to leave Chelsea, many clubs now phoning his agent

The Blues also want to sell.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

This does exclude winger Jamie Gittens, though, due to the fact he’ll be registered as a Borussia Dortmund player for the Club World Cup.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

However, regardless of not being able to participate for Chelsea at the tournament in any aspect, if they do eventually strike a deal, club director Sebastien Kehl confirmed in an interview this week that Chelsea will hold transfer talks for the 20-year-old again.

“We spoke on the phone, in the end we did not agree, because we have different ideas about the current value of the player,” he said to Tage Spiegel.

“Jamie definitely makes our team better. We are glad that he is there. We are in a good exchange and see how things are shaping in the future.

“Of course, at some point, if you take a player with it, you also have to sell. I assume that his market value will not fall. We will see to what extent we can keep it until the end of the tournament. There will be talks again.”

Alongside Gittens, Chelsea are believed to be prioritising new attacking additions right now, which includes a new winger, versatile attacking midfielder and another new striker after Liam Delap (Simon Phillips).

They could also add to their large crop of promising youngsters, following deals for Geovany Quenda, Dario Essugo and 19-year-old defender Mamadou Sarr from sister club Strasbourg in the last six months.

Chelsea close to finalising deal for ex-PNE defender Kian Best

According to a report from EFL Analysis, Chelsea want to sign former Preston North End left-back Kian Best on a free transfer.

The teenage defender was a “shock” departure from Deepdale this summer and is free to talk to clubs, which has piqued interest from Stamford Bridge officials who are now looking to bring Best to Cobham.

It is believed Chelsea are “close to finalising” a deal for Best after opening talks, with Maresca’s side pushing to make it happen. The England Under-19 international could then go out on loan to sister club Strasbourg to further his development.

Despite interest from Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, Best is on the verge of a move to Chelsea instead, and he’s been called “different class” by the manager who gave him his senior debut in 2023.

“His intelligence, passing range and quality on the ball is different class,” said former PNE boss Ryan Lowe.

“I think you only have to look at my record, I won’t hesitate to put them in regardless of how old they are. He’s definitely deserved a place in the team so far.”

It might seem overly simple, but if there is one thing Arsenal need to add to the squad this summer, it’s goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side are well known for being one of the hardest teams to break down in world football – and the data shows it – but time and time again this season, the North Londoners found it hard to put the ball in the back of the net when it really mattered.

So, while the addition of Martin Zubimendi will be a great one – when it eventually happens – the club need to do a lot more and strengthen the frontline.

Fortunately, reports have now linked the Gunners with another option to lead the line next season, someone who could be a great alternative to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal’s hunt for a new number nine has been ongoing for over a year now, and over the last few weeks, Sesko and Gyokeres have been constantly linked.

The former was a target last summer, again in the winter, and now, for the third window on the bounce, he has been dominating the talk around the club, with reports suggesting he could cost at least £67m.

The situation is even more unclear regarding the Swedish international, as while he supposedly rejected Manchester United in favour of the Gunners, reports from late last week claimed that Sporting CP’s demands had seen the North Londoners ‘freeze’ their interest in the 27-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

So, it looks like the Gunners might need to seek out an alternative, which could help explain the links to Dušan Vlahović.

Yes, according to a recent report from TuttoJuve, Arsenal are now in the picture for the Juventus marksman.

The report has revealed that in light of Sporting wanting at least €80m – £68m – for Gyokeres, Arteta and Co are now ‘evaluating valid alternatives,’ one of which is the Serbian international.

No price is mentioned in the report, but stories from last month claimed that the 25-year-old goalscorer could be available for just £25m, which could make him an ideal alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres.

Why Vlahović could be a great alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres

Okay, so the first thing to say is that one of the advantages to signing Vlahović over Gyokeres and Sesko is that he’d cost substantially less and, therefore, free up more money to spend elsewhere.

However, while you would expect someone who could cost less than half as much as the Leipzig star, for example, would be significantly less effective, that is not the case.

When it comes to raw output, he’s only marginally worse than the Slovenian star, who is playing in a top-five league and, therefore, at a similar level.

Appearances

41

45

52

Minutes

2569′

3258′

4248′

Goals

15

21

54

Assists

5

6

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.48

0.60

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.45′

120.66′

63.40′

Moreover, while he is miles off the Sporting star, it’s important to note that research from Opta Analyst found that 11 of 18 teams in the Portuguese top-flight are League One standard.

That brings us to one of the significant benefits of signing the Serb, who former Juventus striker Darko Kovacevic once said is “just like Haaland”, over the other two: his vast experience at the highest level.

For example, across his career to date, the Belgrade-born monster has made 202 appearances in Serie A.

In comparison, the former RB Salzburg gem has made just 64 appearances in the Bundesliga, while the Stockholm-born poacher has never played a minute of football in a top-five league.

Ultimately, Vlahović probably wouldn’t be the most exciting addition Arsenal could make to the frontline this season, but he has a proven track record in a tough league, is almost as effective as Sesko and would cost a fraction as much.

Therefore, if the Gunners cannot get their hands on either the Leipzig star or Gyokeres this summer, then the Juventus ace would be a great alternative.

Arsenal set to bid for £40m star who has heart set on move to Emirates

The Gunners could land a long-term target…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 16, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are set to confirm their first signing of the Russell Martin era as they close in on a deal to sign right-back Max Aarons from Bournemouth.

Fabrizio Romano reports that all of the documents have been signed to complete a season-long loan move for the former England U21 international, who is set to bolster the club’s defensive options.

Aarons is no stranger to the new Rangers boss because he came through the Norwich academy when the former Scotland international was the club captain at Carrow Road.

Speaking on the Talk Norwich City podcast in May, the 25-year-old defender explained why he thought Martin would become a manager in the future when they trained together.

Aarons said: “When he came and trained with us he had an aura. I always knew he would go on to be a manager. I think players who played with him always knew that as well.

“I knew we had to be on it when he was training with us and giving 110 per cent because if not Russ would tell you and I loved that.”

What Max Aarons could bring to Rangers

It is fair to say that Rangers are not signing Aarons at the apex of his career, as he has had a difficult time of things since leaving Norwich to sign for Bournemouth in 2023.

After missing just two games through injury in his entire time in Norfolk, the full-back suffered two injuries that kept him out for 15 matches combined in his first year at the Vitality, which heavily disrupted his progress with the Cherries.

The right-footed whiz only played 23 games in the Premier League in his first 18 months with Bournemouth, before being loaned out to Valencia, where he played five times, in the second half of the 2024/25 season.

However, if Rangers can get Aarons back to his best, then they could have a reliable defender who can also provide quality in possession, based on his impressive displays for Norwich when they won the Championship title in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.

Starts

41

45

Goals

2

2

Big chances created

6

5

Assists

6

2

Clean sheets

11

17

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.6

Duel success rate

58%

53%

As you can see in the table above, the former Canaries star, who was named in the PFA Team of the Year on both occasions, offered a threat at the top end of the pitch whilst also helping his team to keep plenty of clean sheets.

Those performances for Norwich came in a ball-dominant team that won the league title both times, which shows that he can thrive as a full-back in a side that competes at the very top of the league, as Rangers will do next term.

As shown in the clip above, Aarons excels at linking up with teammates to maraud down the flank in transition, helping his team to get up the pitch quickly and effectively to create chances in the final third.

The English whiz struck up an exceptional partnership with Emiliano Buendia on the right flank, as they played at right-back and right-wing week-in-week-out in both of those title-winning seasons for Norwich.

Buendia was a natural number ten who was utilised as a right-winger by Daniel Farke, with the license to drift infield into central areas to create space for Aarons to bomb on and make runs into the final third.

That partnership clearly helped the full-back to flourish, given his form for Norwich in those seasons, and that is why Martin can make the defender explode again by signing Tyrhys Dolan, who is a reported Rangers target this summer.

Why Tyrhys Dolan is perfect for Max Aarons

The Light Blues should sign the Blackburn Rovers forward before the end of the summer transfer window because he could be the perfect signing alongside Aarons.

Dolan could also be a bargain signing for the Scottish Premiership giants because his contract at Ewood Park is due to expire at the end of this month, which means that he is set to be available on a free transfer.

It is his quality and versatility on the pitch that Rangers should be most interested in, though, as the wing wizard, who created seven ‘big chances’ for his teammates in the 2024/25 campaign, has the potential to be a Buendia-esque figure ahead of Aarons on the right flank.

Dolan, who was once lauded as “outstanding” by former boss John Eustace, is a versatile attacker who can comfortably play out wide on the right or in a central position.

Right wing

48

5

6

Centre-forward

38

5

3

Attacking midfield

26

6

4

Right midfield

25

4

3

Left winger

17

4

1

Left midfield

12

2

3

Second striker

4

1

1

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old whiz has predominantly played as a right winger, but has plenty of experience as a striker and as a number ten.

This suggests that he would be perfectly suited to playing a similar role to the one that Buendia played ahead of Aarons at Norwich, as he can start out wide on the right and drift inside to create space for the full-back on the overlap.

Interestingly, Adam Armstrong played a similar tactical role for Martin in the 2023/24 campaign in the Championship, as he started on the right wing before coming infield to play as a striker.

This particular position for Dolan, who scored seven goals and provided six assists this season, would be slightly different, coming into a number ten area instead of playing as a number nine, to make sure that Aarons can thrive as an overlapping full-back.

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Therefore, Dolan could be the perfect signing for the Light Blues to help Aarons explode next season, because of the goals and assists he can provide as well as the positional flexibility to play a unique tactical role.

PNG gave West Indies a near-scare in their opening game and will hope to go one better against a demoralised New Zealand side

Sruthi Ravindranath16-Jun-20242:12

Time for NZ to give Ish Sodhi a go?

Match detailsNew Zealand vs Papua New Guinea
June 17, Tarouba, 10.30am local timeBig picture: New Zealand look to end with a bangIs it one last time for New Zealand’s golden generation in T20Is? They only have three players under 30 in their side. None of their senior batters have come to the fore in the tournament so far. Trent Boult, well, has been Trent Boult-ing, but he’s confirmed this will be his last T20 World Cup.Though Kane Williamson believes it may not be the end of the road yet for many seniors, New Zealand bowing out of the tournament early will make them rethink the future.Related

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They did come together to show their prowess against Uganda in the last game, rolling them over for 40. Though all of their bowlers made a mark, their batting unit, one of their biggest letdowns this tournament, did not get much time in the middle. The win also came a bit too late, their fate already sealed: they will not be heading to the knockout stage of a men’s World Cup for the first time since 2014.Papua New Guinea, meanwhile, will be exiting with different emotions. They gave co-hosts West Indies a near-scare in the first game. Their spinners bowled superbly in that game. Their fast-bowling unit has been impressive. This will be the first time these teams come up against each other. Can PNG’s bowlers challenge New Zealand’s demoralised batting unit?Alei Nao has been a bright spot for Papua New Guinea•ICC via Getty ImagesForm guide New Zealand WLLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
PNG LLLLWIn the spotlight: Glenn Phillips and Alei NaoNo New Zealand player is among the top 40 run-scorers at this year’s T20 World Cup. At No. 43 is Glenn Phillips with 58 runs in two innings. He top scored with a run-a-ball 18 against the unplayable Afghanistan bowling unit in the first game and followed it up with 40 against West Indies. He came in at No. 6 and counterattacked, hitting three fours and two sixes in his 33-ball stay, after yet another top-order collapse but his knock went in vain. He’s been one of the positives in New Zealand’s dull tournament.Alei Nao has been the pick of the bowlers for PNG. The 30-year old seamer struck with his very first delivery at this T20 World Cup, removing West Indies’ Johnson Charles for a duck in Providence. He has been excellent for PNG with the new ball and has taken a wicket in the powerplay in all three games. Nao has taken four wickets at an economy of 5.10 so far.Team news: No major changesPNG brought in left-arm quick Semo Kamea for Charles Amini in the last game against Afghanistan. Both teams are likely to go with the same playing XI barring any injury concerns.New Zealand possible XI: 1 Finn Allen, 2 Devon Conway (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 James Neesham, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent BoultIt’s been a disappointing T20 World Cup for Kane Williamson and New Zealand•ICC/Getty ImagesPapua New Guinea possible XI: 1 Assad Vala (capt), 2 Tony Ura, 3 Sese Bau, 4 Lega Siaka, 5 Hiri Hiri, 6 Kiplin Doriga (wk), 7 Chad Soper, 8 Norman Vanua, 9 Alei Nao, 10 John Kariko, 11 Semo KameaPitch and conditions: Batters bewareThe pitches at the Brian Lara Stadium have not been too conducive to batting. The fast bowlers have had a bit of help with the new ball, while the spinners have found some turn. It is expected to be partly cloudy in the morning, and thunderstorms can be expected in spots throughout the day.Stats that matter: NZ’s batting woes New Zealand have the best economy rate of 4.22 in the powerplay in the T20 World Cup 2024 PNG have scored at a run rate of 5.22 this tournament, the third-lowest behind Uganda and Sri Lanka New Zealand have the second-lowest batting average (12.60) among Full Member nations at this T20 World Cup behind Ireland

Manchester United’s need for new additions this summer is hugely evident after their failures across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

The Red Devils only managed to finish in 15th place in the Premier League, losing 18 of their 38 matches and only registering a total of 42 points – their lowest since the division’s formation.

Ruben Amorim has the chance to make the changes he desires this window, needing to recruit the right players for his 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford.

He’s struggled to make the desired impact after taking the reins back in November, registering a 40% win rate and falling at the last hurdle, suffering a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

However, if he is to transform the club’s fortunes in 2025/26, he needs to be backed by the hierarchy in his quest for success, with the transfer market opening up numerous opportunities for additions.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this window

After Matheus Cunha’s arrival this summer, United have shown no signs of slowing down, with Ollie Watkins one of the latest players linked with a move to join the club.

The England international is a man in demand this summer after scoring 17 times for Aston Villa last campaign, but his £60m asking price could prove to be a stumbling block for Amorim’s side.

However, moves have been made elsewhere, with a deal seemingly progressing for the signature of Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor, according to Brazilian outfit Globo.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are in talks over a move for the 29-year-old, who could be available for a fee in the region of £5.8m during the off-season.

It also states that Amorim’s men see the shot-stopper as an excellent option for their number one position, but they could face potential competition from fellow English side Everton this window.

Why United’s latest target would be a more important signing than Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been massively linked with a move to join United this summer, with Amorim’s side having two separate offers rejected for the Brentford star.

The latest was in the region of £55m plus £7.5m in potential add-ons, but the Bees are holding out for £65m to part ways with their star talent during the off-season.

The interest in the 25-year-old is no surprise, given his record of 20 goals in the 2024/25 campaign, the most of any player in the division whose side didn’t achieve European football.

However, a move for Victor this window would arguably be a more important addition for the Red Devils, offering the side an upgrade on current number one Andre Onana.

The Cameroonian has often been culpable for numerous errors in recent seasons, leading to serious questions being asked about his long-term future at the club.

However, when comparing his stats with those of the current United shot-stopper, Victor has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – possibly being a bargain given his current price tag.

The Botafogo star, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, achieved a better clean sheet percentage last season, whilst also making more saves per 90 – handing the side the needed confidence between the sticks.

Games played

11

34

Clean sheet percentage

55%

26%

Save percentage

81%

68%

Goals conceded

0.6

1.3

Pass accuracy

81%

72%

Crosses claimed

0.8

0.6

Saves made

2.7

2.5

He’s also conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst claiming more crosses, offering a need presence and a player who can command his 18-yard box, which could bolster the defensive unit.

Victor’s ability to play out from the back could also massively improve Amorim’s side, giving them the option to build and dominate rather than constantly going long and handing the ball to the opposition.

£5.8m in today’s market is a bargain, especially for a player who would offer a huge upgrade on the options currently at the manager’s disposal at the Theatre of Dreams.

There’s no denying that Mbeumo would improve one area of the pitch, but the goalkeeping department is one of the most crucial, with Victor having the ability to improve the current situation tenfold.

Bad news for Bruno & Amad: Man Utd want to have deal "finalised by Monday"

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to another summer addition for Ruben Amorim.

13 ByEthan Lamb Jul 5, 2025

The PCB made the decision saying “all three cricketers play all three formats and Pakistan will need their services in the next eight months”

Danyal Rasool20-Jul-2024The Pakistan Cricket Board has refused No-Objection Cetificates (NOCs) to Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 in Canada. In a statement, the PCB said it had decided against issuing these NOCs “after consulting with the three players and the selection committee”.The decision comes shortly after the PCB also refused Naseem Shah’s NOC to play the Hundred last week. Naseem had been signed by Birmingham Phoenix in a deal that would have seen him earn GBP 125,000.As ESPNcricinfo reported a few days earlier, the PCB was expected to deny NOCs to all four players owing to their status as all-format international cricketers, and have cited the heavy upcoming international schedule as the reason: “It should be remembered that between August 2024 and March 2025, the Pakistan cricket team has to play nine Tests of the ICC World Test Championship, the ICC Champions Trophy, 14 ODIs and nine T20Is. All three cricketers play all three formats and Pakistan will need their services in the next eight months.”The PCB’s denial of NOCs appears contingent on the extent of international availability of the players concerned. Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz and Asif Ali recently received NOCs for multiple T20 tournaments, but with the busy Test schedule in the months ahead, the PCB has moved to prevent red-ball cricketers from tournaments in the days leading up to the series against Bangladesh in August.Related

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The decision to pull three marquee players out of the league in Canada, as well as Naseem from the Hundred, is significant. The three-year central contracts the PCB and the players signed last year allowed for two overseas franchise competitions per year, as long as those did not clash with international commitments. While the contracts do state the PCB has the right to refuse NOCs if it feels it is in the best interests of the Pakistan team, the decision to withdraw the players from leagues which do not directly clash with international cricket is set to cause discontent among players affected, and questions around whether the allowance made in central contracts is being respected in spirit.Afridi, in particular, had expected to be allowed to take part in the Global T20 Canada, even announcing a pullout from the Hundred last month. The NOC rejections are set to go further than just the leagues over the next month. Pakistan have a virtually non-stop cricketing schedule from October 2024 to May 2025.They play three Tests against England at home, followed by limited-overs series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, a Test series in South Africa, a home Test series against West Indies, a home tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, a home Champions Trophy, eight white-ball games in New Zealand, and the PSL. It is understood the PCB will entertain no NOC requests during that period for all-format players, which coincides with a spate of T20 leagues.Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in mid-August, with two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi beginning on August 21 and August 30 respectively.

South Africa spinner says he prepares to bowl long Test spells even when playing limited overs contests

Firdose Moonda12-Aug-2024If you woke Keshav Maharaj up in the middle of the night and asked him to start a spell, he would immediately oblige.”My passion is spin bowling. I love it. I can wake up at two o’clock in the morning and if you ask me to bowl, I’ll bowl,” Maharaj said from Trinidad, where South Africa and West Indies drew the first Test of a two-match series. “That keeps me motivated. And also, the desire to want to do well for the team and take this team into a different direction, I’ll bowl the whole day if I need to.”He is not exaggerating. Maharaj bowled 40 overs from the Queen’s Park Media Centre End during West Indies’ first innings – albeit it was broken up by rain breaks – and delivered the second-longest spell by a bowler in men’s Test since 2001. In the absence of a second specialist spinner in the XI, Maharaj “knew there would be a lot of bowling for me to do,” and prepared for it in the months of white-ball cricket that preceded this series which included an SA20, IPL and the T20 World Cup.Related

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“Whatever format I play, I always keep my workloads as if I’m preparing for Test cricket,” Maharaj said. “The only thing that changes is your lengths and sometimes your lines a little bit, but from a longevity point of view, I still bowl my long hours, regardless of whether it’s T20 or fifty-over cricket. It’s something I pride myself in. I don’t have many variations like the other types of spinners around the world so I try to rely on consistency and being able to do it for long periods of time.”On a docile pitch, Maharaj’s discipline was key to South Africa taking a 124-run first innings lead but he also found some turn on the third day. A hint of bounce meant that when South Africa declared on the fifth morning, with two sessions and 20 minutes to go, they were banking on Maharaj, to a large extent, to be able to bowl them to victory.But, batting appeared easier on the final afternoon and West Indies were able to score at a healthy enough rate to keep South Africa at bay. In the end, Maharaj thought the hours of rain across the five days also played a part in denying him.”The constant rainfall bound the wicket and made it more pleasant to bat,” he said. “If there wasn’t so much time taken away due to the rain, I think the wicket would have deteriorated the way we expected it to.”Despite foreseeing spinner-friendly conditions, South Africa opted for an XI with only Maharaj as a frontline spinner and left Dane Piedt on the bench. With Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder contributing little more than a fifth of the total overs bowled, South Africa also looked a bowler short but Maharaj believed they “we got it (selection) right in the end. Aiden (Markram) did an exceptional job as our fourth bowler, created opportunities and got that pivotal breakthrough in the morning of the West Indies first innings.”With four wickets in each innings, Keshav Maharaj was South Africa’s best bowler of the match•AFP/Getty ImagesMarkram’s dismissal of Jason Holder sparked a West Indian collapse of 6 for 60 in 17.1 overs which set the situation up for South Africa to push for a win. That they didn’t has been described as “disappointing,” by everyone from captain Temba Bavuma to Maharaj, especially as South Africa have only a few fixtures scheduled.In this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, they play only two-Test series. They have played five Tests and have only seven left between now and January. To give themselves a good chance of making the final, they will have to win all seven and will have to keep looking to force results in their favour.”It’s obviously disappointing not to get a result. We’re always going to play cricket to ensure that we can give ourselves the best chance, even if that process dangles the carrot with the prospect of losing a game,” he said, referring to South Africa setting West Indies a chaseable 298 in Trinidad. “Draws don’t count for much. We obviously know there’s a World Test Championship at stake, but we’re focusing on each and every game.”And in Maharaj’s case – on bowling as much as he can in each and every game. “I never want the captain to take the ball away from me in Test cricket so I’m always trying to bowl my best ball and trying to be a wily old character.”