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Glasgow Rangers are closing in on yet another addition to their first-team squad this week, having already made a host of signings to bolster Russell Martin’s squad.

Max Aarons, Lyall Cameron, Joe Rothwell, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Thelo Aasgaard have all already arrived to improve the manager’s options across the pitch at Ibrox.

The Scottish Premiership giants are not done there, though, as Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell are eyeing up several more signings to ensure that the team is ready to compete with Celtic next season.

Sheffield Wednesday’s versatile attacker Djeidi Gassama could be the next player to arrive at Ibrox, as reporter Joe Crann claims that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs.

Rangers have already agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old forward, who came up through the Paris Saint-Germain academy, and it now seems like just a matter of time before he holds up the scarf.

What Djeidi Gassama could bring to Rangers

The French youngster is an exciting young talent who could bring speed, goals, and dribbles to the left flank for the Scottish giants next season.

He is still learning and developing as a player, which means that the attacker is far from the finished article, but his performances in the Championship last season suggest that Gassama could make an instant impact in the Premiership as a goal threat.

The Owls star ended the season with a return of seven goals from 5.92 xG in the second tier of English football, which shows that he offered a decent goal threat and finished the chances that he was provided with at an impressive rate.

A consistent goal threat on the left wing is exactly what Martin is in dire need of at Ibrox, given what the existing left-wing options produced in the division last season.

Rangers’ left-wing options
24/25 Premiership	Appearances	Goals
Hamza Igamane	29	11
Ianis Hagi	23	4
Tom Lawrence	15	4
Nedim Bajrami	25	2
Rabbi Matondo	6	2
Oscar Cortes	8	0
Scott Wright	2	0
Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, Hamza Igamane, who scored nine of his goals as a striker, was the only left-wing option for the Gers who managed more than four goals.

This suggests that Gassama has the potential to be the player that Rangers need if he can translate his efficient goalscoring form on the left wing for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship over to the Premiership next season.

However, the French dynamo may not be the only winger who arrives at Ibrox in the coming weeks, as Rangers are reportedly interested in another wide attacker.

Rangers make contact to sign new winger

According to Africa Foot, Rangers are interested in a deal to sign free agent winger Grady Diangana, who left West Bromwich Albion at the start of the month.

The report claims that the Scottish giants have already made contact with his camp, as they pursue a move to bring him to Ibrox to bolster their options on the flanks.

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

It adds that there is plenty of interest from elsewhere, though, as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Valencia and Al Ettifaq are all also interested in signing the former West Ham United forward.

Africa Foot reveals that Diangana is intrigued by the prospect of a move to Scotland this summer and is carefully considering a switch to Ibrox to link up with Martin, who is very keen on signing a player of his profile.

It now remains to be seen what final decision the 27-year-old dynamo is going to make, with Rangers hoping that he will decide that a move to Glasgow is the best next step for him in his career.

What Grady Diangana could bring to Rangers

Diangana would be an interesting addition to the Rangers squad this summer because he did not deliver outstanding quality on the pitch for the Baggies in the 2024/25 campaign.

However, he is an incredibly versatile attacking option who can play on the left, on the right, or through the middle as an attacking midfielder, having started at least 37 games in each position in his career to date.

This means that Martin could utilise him in a plethora of roles next season, whether that’s on the wing or as an attacking midfield, which would make him a valuable depth option for the Scottish boss to call upon when needed.

Gassama, given his potential and impressive goalscoring output in the 2024/25 campaign, could come in as the first-choice option on the left flank, with Diangana providing an experienced alternative who can support the Frenchman’s developement whilst also being a quality back-up.

Grady Diangana (Championship)	23/24	24/25
Appearances	36	34
Starts	29	14
xG	5.44	3.67
Goals	7	4
Big chances created	8	5
Assists	8	3
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the former West Brom star did provide decent quality in the final third in the Championship in the 2023/24 season, but his form fell off last term as his contract was due to expire.

Diangana, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by pundit Michael Brown, joining Rangers for a fresh challenge could motivate him to get back to his best, potentially providing Martin with a winger who can make an impact in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

At worst, the DR Congo international will be a versatile and experienced player to support Gassama and step in as a starter when needed for the Gers.

At best, Diangana will recapture his best form and be a terrific winger for Rangers who can decide matches with goals and assists on a regular basis, leaving Martin with two brilliant left wing options to pick from next season.

Dessers upgrade at Ibrox: Rangers join race to sign "complete number 9"

Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a big upgrade on Cyriel Dessers.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 9, 2025

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.

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13 ByEthan Lamb Jul 5, 2025

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.”

West Ham United have come forward to sign an “outstanding” striker, who is now likely to leave his club in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Hammers set sights on striker after Forest defeat

Graham Potter would have been hoping the 2-0 victory over Manchester United would give his side the platform to have a strong end to the Premier League season, but his side fell to yet another defeat on Sunday afternoon, with Nottingham Forest prevailing 2-1 at the London Stadium.

Jarrod Bowen, who has been one of the only bright sparks for the Hammers this season, was once again on the scoresheet, netting his 12th Premier League goal of the campaign, with the England international featuring as a striker.

Bowen’s output this season indicates he could be capable of remaining the first-choice centre-forward in the 2025-26 campaign, rather than moving back out wide, with Potter currently short on options in that area of the pitch.

However, with Michail Antonio now 35-years-old and Niclas Fullkrug failing to make an impact in his debut Premier League campaign, it could be wise to bring in another striker this summer, and a forward with top-level experience has now entered the frame.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), West Ham have now come forward to sign AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who is set to leave the Italian side permanently this summer, upon returning from his loan with AC Milan.

A deal will not be easy, however, with Abraham setting his sights on a move to a ‘top-tier club’, despite his recent struggles, and there are doubts over whether he would be tempted by a move to the London Stadium.

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In truth, the 27-year-old is unlikely to be in a position to be too picky about his next club, given that he has hardly set the world alight in the Serie A this season, picking up just three goals and five assists throughout the campaign.

The Englishman could get his career back on track by moving back to his native country, however, and a move to the London Stadium could be a good fit for all parties, with Potter currently lacking options in the striker department.

Despite his recent struggles, the “outstanding” former Chelsea man also has a lot of experience at the top level, having made 22 appearances in the Champions League, winning the competition during his time with the Blues.

As such, Abraham, who cost AS Roma £34m back in 2021, could be a solid signing for West Ham this summer, should he be willing to change his stance and move to a club of the Hammers’ stature.

While the mood around the club is still rather jubilant following their incredible win over Real Madrid in the Champions League this time last week, one thing remains true about Arsenal: they don’t score enough goals.

To give them credit, Mikel Arteta’s side have scored more goals than most teams in the Premier League, but that’s still not enough when the club are desperate to lift the title following what now looks like it’ll be three seasons of finishing in second place.

For example, the Gunners have put the ball in the back of the net 57 times in the league this year, which is only the fourth most, behind Tottenham Hotspur with 60, Manchester City with 62 and Liverpool, who have already scored a brilliant 74 goals so far.

Now, one of the most obvious ways to address this problem in the summer is to sign a new striker to lead the line, and while that’ll likely help, it could be just as important to add more quality wingers to the squad, although whoever they sign is unlikely to be worth anywhere near as much as one of Arteta’s key men.

The wingers Arsenal could sign

So, when it comes to wide reinforcements, there is one name that has followed Arsenal from last summer’s transfer window to this one: Nico Williams.

The Spanish international winger is one of the most exciting wingers in Europe at present, and while there will undoubtedly be plenty of competition for his signature, he does seem to be gettable thanks to a £52m release clause in his current contract.

It’s certainly a lot of money to spend on a 22-year-old, but it’d be worth it, as just this season alone, the Pamplona-born “level-raiser,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 41 appearances.

However, it’s not just youngsters that the North Londoners could sign this summer, as recent reports have also touted Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman for a £39m move to the Emirates.

Now, the Frenchman hasn’t had as good of a season this year, only racking up ten goal involvements in 35 appearances, but he would bring with him an abundance of top-level experience.

For example, since making his debut for Paris Saint Germain over a decade ago, the Paris-born winger has won two league titles in France, two in Italy with Juventus and eight in Germany with Bayern Munich, where he has also scored the winning goal in a Champions League final.

In short, both players would be good additions to Arsenal’s squad this summer, but neither one would be even nearly as much as one of the team’s star players.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Williams & Coman

While they haven’t been as productive as in seasons past, Arsenal do have a few talented wingers in their squad, such as Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but when it comes to being a true leader within the team, only one attacker comes to mind: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender is unquestionably the best player in Arteta’s squad, as not only has he worn the captain’s armband on occasion, but he’s also the most productive player in the entire team this year, with 24 goal improvements even though he missed over three months of action following hamstring surgery.

So, with all that said, it should come as no surprise that Transfermarkt currently values the 23-year-old at a whopping €150m, which is about £128m, or £76m more than Williams would cost and £89m more than Coman may cost.

That is an enormous difference in the three wingers’ valuations, but when you compare their output from this season, it’s hard to argue that it’s not fair.

For example, the Bilbao star has produced his 17 goal involvements in 41 appearances, totalling 2859 minutes, which comes out to an average of one every 2.41 games or every 168.17 minutes.

Saka vs Williams vs Coman
Player	Saka	Williams	Coman
Appearances	28	41	35
Minutes	1998′	2859′	1597′
Goals	10	10	6
Assists	14	7	4
Goal Involvements per Match	0.85	0.41	0.28
Minutes per Goal Involvement	83.25′	168.17′	159.7′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

The Bayern dynamo has produced his ten goal involvements in 35 appearances, totalling 1597 minutes, which comes out to an average of one every 3.5 games or every 159.7.

Last but most certainly not least, the Gunners’ “future legend,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored his ten goals and provided his 14 assists in just 28 appearances, totalling 1998 minutes.

That means the 43-capped Englishman is averaging a goal involvement every 1.16 games or every 83.25, which simply has to be considered world-class.

Ultimately, signing Coman or Williams would help improve Arsenal’s squad, but it seems far-fetched to imagine either one ever reaching a valuation on par with Saka’s.

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1

By
Ben Gray

Apr 13, 2025

Also: what’s the quickest an ODI target has been chased down in terms of scoring rate?

Steven Lynch21-Mar-2023Australia knocked off their target in the second ODI at 11 an over – was this the fastest such rate in a win? asked Murray Greenfield from Australia

Australia passed their target of 118 in Visakhapatnam at the weekend in just 11 overs, at a scoring rate of exactly 11.Only three targets have been overhauled at a faster rate in all ODIs. Top of the list is New Zealand’s demolition of Bangladesh in Queenstown on New Year’s Eve in 2007: a modest target 93 of was knocked off in just six overs – that’s a rate of 15.83 an over – with Brendon McCullum hitting 80 not out while Jamie How contributed seven.New Zealand lie second on the list as well, scoring 118 for 0 at 14.16 an over to beat Sri Lanka in Christchurch in 2015-16. And six days before Australia’s recent onslaught, Nepal went at 13.04 an over in defeating Papua New Guinea in Kirtipur. The World Cup record was set in Wellington in February 2015, when New Zealand hurtled to their target against England at 10.13 an over.India lost in Visakhapatnam with 234 balls to spare, their heaviest defeat by that yardstick, beating a defeat with 212 balls to spare by New Zealand in Hamilton in 2018-19. For that list, click here.Temba Bavuma recently made his second Test century, in his 97th innings, 88 innings after his first. Has any other player had a bigger gap between Test centuries? asked Jeremy Bourke from Australia

You’re right that Temba Bavuma’s second Test century for South Africa – his 172 against West Indies in Johannesburg earlier this month – came 88 innings after his first, an unbeaten 102 against England in Cape Town in January 2016.Only one man has had a longer gap between Test hundreds: there were 92 innings between the New Zealand wicketkeeper Adam Parore’s first ton (100 not out against West Indies in Christchurch in 1994-95) and his second (110 vs Australia in Perth in 2001-02).Another South African, Mark Boucher, had 73 innings between Test centuries; Pakistan’s Moin Khan had a gap of 69 innings, and Mahmudullah of Bangladesh 68.The longest time gap between Test centuries is almost 14 years by Australia’s Warren Bardsley, between 1912 (164 against South Africa at Lord’s) and 1926 (when he carried his bat for 193 against England, also at Lord’s, when he was 43).India’s first six partnerships on the fourth Test were all of 50 or more – has this ever happened in a Test before? asked Jeevan Malhotra from India

India’s innings in Ahmedabad earlier this month was actually the third time a Test innings had started with six successive partnerships of 50 or more. The first occasion was in Australia’s first innings in the famous tied Test in Brisbane in 1960-61, and it happened again in Pakistan’s first innings against Bangladesh in Khulna in 2015.There are 17 instances of the first five wickets all producing partnership of 50 or more.Polly Umrigar is the only other allrounder apart from Vinoo Mankad to complete the set of a fifty, 150 and a five-wicket haul in the same match•William Vanderson/Getty ImagesHas any allrounder scored a fifty, a 150 and taken a five-wicket haul in the same Test, apart from Vinoo Mankad at Lord’s in 1952? asked Raghav Manickam from India

That remarkable performance by India’s Vinoo Mankad – 72 and 184, either side of taking 5 for 196 in 73 overs at Lord’s in 1952 – has been matched only once – by another Indian, Polly Umrigar, who scored 56 and 172 not out after taking 5 for 107 against West Indies in Port-of-Spain in 1961-62. Ian Botham just missed out, with 50, 149 not out and 6 for 95 for England against Australia at Headingley in 1981. There have been five other instances of a player scoring a hundred, a half-century and taking a five-for in the same Test. And there are two cases of this in women’s Tests, both by England’s Enid Bakewell – 114, 5 for 56 and 66 not out ­against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1968-69, and 68, 112 not out and 7 for 61 against West Indies at Edgbaston in 1979.Regarding last week’s question about people who made their first-class debuts in a Test, I thought Parthiv Patel did this? Should he be on that list? asked Mahendra Bhasin from India, among others

The Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel played the first of his eventual 25 Tests at Trent Bridge in 2002, when he was only 17. That was actually his tenth first-class match – but what was unusual was that none of the previous nine had come in India, which makes him unique among Indian Test players.Parthiv made his first-class debut for India A in South Africa in 2001-02, and had also played in Sri Lanka and England before his Test debut. On returning home he had one first-class match before playing his first Test in India, against West Indies in Mumbai: at that point he had still not appeared in the Ranji Trophy (he did not play in it until 2004-05, his 45th match).The Indian statistician Pushkar Pushp tells me that Parthiv is one of only four men to make their Test debut for India before appearing in the Ranji Trophy, since the tournament started in 1934-35, following Ramesh “Buck” Divecha (1951-52), Budhi Kunderan (1959-60) and Vivek Razdan, who made his first-class debut for the Rest of India in the Irani Cup match against Ranji champions Delhi in Bombay (now Mumbai) in November 1989, and was selected for the upcoming tour of Pakistan, and had one further match there before playing in the second Test in Faisalabad, just 20 days after his first-class debut.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Left-arm wristspinner has developed the hard way to seize chance with Birmingham Bears

Matt Roller21-Jun-2021There is no good time to test positive for Covid-19 but for Jake Lintott, Sunday was a particularly frustrating one. He is due to miss at least three Birmingham Bears fixtures in the Vitality Blast while self-isolating, and the fact that the first ended in defeat underlined his importance to the side since the start of last year, during which time he has been their leading wicket-taker.Lintott, a 28-year-old left-arm wristspinner who bowls nearly as many googlies as stock balls, had played three T20s for Gloucestershire in 2018 and a single one for Hampshire the year before, but as he headed into his late 20s, appeared destined for a career playing club, minor counties and second-team cricket, which he combined with a job as director of cricket at Queen’s College, Taunton. His success for the Bears – Warwickshire’s T20 moniker – in the Blast seemed a long way off 15 months ago.Lintott had been due to travel to La Manga on Warwickshire’s pre-season tour last March after Ian Westwood, the 2nd XI coach, had talked him up following some impressive performances the previous summer, but when the UK went into lockdown, he was furloughed from his job and uncertain about what lay ahead.Related

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“I was in a bit of a grey area,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “I didn’t know where counties were going to come out financially at the end of it, and everything was a bit uncertain. When I got furloughed from the school job, I tried to use lockdown as a big opportunity to focus on me and invest as much time as I wanted to in myself.Having struggled to find time to focus on his fitness while working during the week and playing every weekend, Lintott took up running and lost nearly three stone (18kg). “When you’re in a full-time working environment, it can be really hard to find time for yourself. I’ve always moved quite well, even as a biggish lad, but to lose weight, it means the perception disappears and it’s another box ticked. I think it was the last thing I had to do [to earn a contract].”He had spent time on Zoom with Graeme Welch, the club’s bowling coach, working on his action – “it sounds bizarre that he was coaching me through a computer screen” – but turned up to a second-team game before the Blast and left the coaching staff taken aback: “I think I looked like a completely different person, having lost all that weight.”On the first day of the 2020 group stage, he signed a short-term contract to cover the five weeks of Blast cricket, which he combined with his job at Queen’s, regularly driving 130 miles up to Edgbaston and then 130 more back down to Taunton. While the Bears missed out on the quarter-finals after letting a winning position slip against Northamptonshire in their final group game, Lintott’s return – 10 wickets in nine games, with an economy rate of just 6.30 – marked him out as one of the season’s breakout stars.After discussions over the winter – during which time he briefly trained with Jack Leach while working as a pathway spin coach for Somerset – Warwickshire offered him his first professional deal in February, which he is combining with his job at Queen’s this season. He took eight wickets in his first five games in the Blast and since 2020, only three spinners – Matt Parkinson, Danny Briggs and Dan Moriarty – have taken more wickets in the competition; all three have a higher average and economy rate than Lintott.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”I’ve trained a couple of days a week since February up in Birmingham: travelled up, stayed overnight, two days of training, back to the school,” he said. “To be honest, I’ve had no days off since April. It’s tough work but it’s all worth it.”For a while I felt like I’d been a bit unfairly treated. It’s quite hard to break into the county system once you’ve reached a certain age, and that was a good example of it. I felt like I was good enough but my age was holding me back. Because I do lots of coaching I understand that people develop at different ages, but I’m not sure the system here allows players to come in late. The fact I’m different and you see how big wristspin has become in T20 has always kept me going but it has taken a lot of determination. It would have been easy just to give up.”Naturally, he attributes much of his success to his novelty factor. Tabraiz Shamsi, Kuldeep Yadav, Zahir Khan and Noor Ahmad have made reputations for themselves around the world, and the percentage of balls bowled by left-arm wristspinners in T20s around the world has grown fourfold over the last eight years, according to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data. But they remain as rare as Fabergé eggs in England, a graveyard for unorthodoxy: Lintott is already the all-time leading wicket-taker among left-arm wristspinners in the Blast’s history.”I think I’m the only contracted one in the country,” he said. “D’Arcy Short does it for Hampshire on a part-time basis and there are young lads in the academies at Northants [Freddie Heldreich] and Yorkshire [Sam Wisniewski] but there’s really not much of it about. That’s definitely an advantage: it’s just different, isn’t it? And that’s a big thing in T20, being unpredictable. It makes me harder for batters to line up, because they’re not used to it. It’s good fun, as much as anything.”While Lintott has had to put up with various coaches suggesting he revert to bowling left-arm orthodox, wristspin has always come naturally to him. When he was nine years old, he naturally bowled out the back of his hand while masquerading as a seamer, and once he had realised wristspin was a viable option, he pursued it seriously. “It’s nice to be able to spin the ball both ways. That’s the best thing about it: my job is to take wickets and make batters look a bit silly.”

“I’m a really ambitious guy and want to take my cricket as far as I possibly can. That’s shown in how hard I’ve had to work to get here”Jake Lintott

The arrival of Briggs, the slow left-armer who is the Blast’s all-time leading wicket-taker, at Warwickshire has worked in his favour, with their bowling styles and personalities naturally complementing each other. “I’m quite emotional and eccentric and like to get into the battle, whereas he’s chilled and level-headed. He never really gets hit which means players have to start coming hard at me; that brings me into the game, spinning it both ways.”I’ve been working on being more effective to left-handers: generally people think of me as spinning the ball away from them and into right-handers, but I bowl a lot of googlies – near enough a 50:50 split. With right-handers trying to slog me leg-side, I get wickets and dot balls going across them, whereas with left-handers, my legspinner doesn’t rip quite as much as my googly, just because of my angles. I make it a big part of my routine to do analysis on where opposition batters like to hit boundaries, and where I can get dot balls to them.”Things have clicked for the Bears so far, joint-top of the North Group halfway through the group stage, with two players in particular standing out for Lintott. “I’m obviously biased, but how Sam Hain has not played for England is remarkable: he’s easily the best white-ball batter in the country at the moment. Carlos Brathwaite has added a lot to the group as an overseas player, too – in terms of character, and obviously match-winning performances with bat and ball.”It was Brathwaite, a Manchester United fan, who came up with the idea for Lintott’s newly-minted celebration: fists together with the thumb and forefinger pointing out to make a ‘J’ and an ‘L’, evoking midfielder Jesse Lingard’s trademark ‘J-Lingz’ pose. “A few lads got their hair cut before we were on Sky but I don’t need to worry about that… I guess T20’s all about fun, isn’t it?”Propelling the Bears to a top-two finish in North Group after returning from self-isolation is his immediate focus, with a ‘wildcard’ spot in the Hundred or opportunities with Warwickshire in the Royal London Cup potentially down the line. “I know if I keep taking wickets I’ll be in with a shout,” he said. “I’m a really ambitious guy and want to take my cricket as far as I possibly can. That’s shown in how hard I’ve had to work to get here. I’m just happy to finally be settled with a county: I’ve got three years to invest in Warwickshire, because they have invested in me.”

أعلن مدرب نادي مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، عن تشكيل فريقه لمباراة كريستال بالاس اليوم الأحد، وذلك لحساب منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

مانشستر سيتي سوف يحل ضيفًا على نظيره كريستال بالاس، وذلك لحساب الجولة الخامسة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويسعى مانشستر سيتي إلى تحقيق الانتصار على كريستال بالاس من أجل مواصلة المنافسة على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث يحتاج السيتيزن إلى الفوز لتقليص الفارق مع آرسنال صاحب المركز الأول إلى نقطتين فقط.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الأحد 14-12-2025 والقنوات الناقلة.. مانشستر سيتي ضد كريستال بالاس وريال مدريد أمام ألافيس وشهد تشكيل مانشستر سيتي استمرار تواجد عمر مرموش، النجم المصري على مقاعد البدلاء، حيث اعتمد المدرب بيب جوارديولا على إيرلينج هالاند في مركز المهاجم الصريح.

ويعول جوارديولا على خدمات ريان شرقي وفيل فودين في مركز خط الوسط المهاجم، في حين عاد تيجاني ريندرز إلى التشكيل الأساسي. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي اليوم أمام كريستال بالاس في الدوري الإنجليزي

حراسة المرمى: جيانلويجي دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: ماتيوس نونيز، روبن دياز، جوسكو جفارديول، نيكو أوريلي.

خط الوسط: نيكو جونزاليز، برناردو سيلفا، تيجاني ريندرز.

خط الوسط المهاجم: فيل فودين، ريان شرقي.

خط الهجوم: إيرلينج هالاند.

ويجلس على دكة بدلاء مانشستر سيتي كلًا من: جيريمي دوكو، ناثان آكي، عمر مرموش ، سافيو، جيمس ترافورد، ماركوس بيتينلي، ريان آيت نوري، عبد القادر خوسانوف، أوسكار بوب، ريكو لويس، موكاسا.

Mousa Dembélé is a star who exceeded all expectations during his time as a Tottenham Hotspur player, with the Belgian one of the most underrated players in their history.

He would go on to rack up a total of 249 appearances during his seven-year spell at the club, often catching the eye with his physicality and dazzling feet.

Despite his massive frame, you wouldn’t expect a player to easily get past the opposition, but Dembélé used to glide past his men in North London – with many of his former players singing his praises.

However, since his departure in 2019, the first-team have lacked the dominant and ball-playing option at the heart of the side, but that could be about to change in January.

With the window now on the horizon, Thomas Frank is starting to draw up a list of players who could improve the options at his disposal in the middle of the park.

Spurs’ hunt for a new midfielder in the January window

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been one of the Premier League clubs linked with a potential winter deal to land Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United were massively touted with a deal to land the Cameroonian international in the summer, but were massively put off by his £100m valuation.

The same could be said for Frank’s side in January, with the Lilywhites wanting to land the 21-year-old, but are unwilling to fork out the current asking price for his signature.

However, he’s not the only midfielder in their sights at present, with Atlético Madrid talent Conor Gallagher once again appearing on their radar ahead of the upcoming window.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Englishman is available for a fee in the region of €60m (£52m) next month, with Fabio Paratici wanting to fork out such a fee for his services.

It also states that the player himself could be keen on a move back to the Premier League, but Diego Simeone’s side will only sanction a move if the asking price is met.

How Gallagher compares to Dembele

Spurs have often formed numerous rivalries in the Premier League over the years, with Chelsea just one of the sides in which they have had many fierce contests with.

Frank Lampard was a player who regularly starred against the Lilywhites, often leaving the fanbase wishing they had their own version of the English midfielder.

He featured against the club on 41 separate occasions, winning 22 of which and only losing eight times – often providing the difference in the London derby.

The now-retired star scored ten times within the aforementioned meetings, the third-best record against any time in his professional career – further showcasing his impact against Spurs.

Mixing a player of Lampard and Dembélé’s quality is always going to be a difficult ask, but it’s one that Gallagher has managed to do during recent months in Madrid.

He’s been a dominant player for Simeone’s men in LaLiga, with his underlying stats from the 2025/26 campaign showcasing his incredible ability at both ends of the pitch.

Gallagher has won 2.5 tackles and made 1.6 interceptions per 90 this season, with such numbers showcasing his dominant ball-winning presence that Dembélé possessed.

Conor Gallagher – LaLiga stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

15

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

88%

Shots taken

1.4

Progressive carries

2.7

Progressive passes

3.9

Tackles made

2.5

Interceptions made

1.6

Carries into opposition box

0.9

Stats via FBref

He’s also made 0.9 carries into the opposition box as part of his 2.7 progressive carries per 90, another component of his game that the Belgian demonstrated in North London.

However, his ability in possession has also caught the eye, with England U21 manager Lee Carsley previously stating that the midfielder is just “like Lampard”.

Gallagher has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted to date, with 3.9 of which per 90 going into the final third – something which Lampard became known for with the Blues.

His crashing nature also handed the Spurs fans numerous moments of anguish, something which the Atletico star has demonstrated with his tally of one goal and 1.4 shots per 90.

£52m may appear to be a huge investment in the former Blues star, but his all-round stats in Spain’s top-flight this season showcase his elite-level output at both ends.

Should he merge the levels achieved by Dembélé and Lampard in the Premier League, it would be a stellar signing and one that can take Frank’s side to the next level.

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Tottenham Hotspur were fortunate to walk away with a point against Newcastle United last night.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

Newcastle United fans will be growing extremely restless with how poor their beloved side’s away form continues to be.

The inconsistent Magpies must wish they could play in front of their passionate St James’ Park masses every week, with another away day loss in the Champions League against Marseille meaning the Toon have lost their last four matches on the road.

In stark contrast, Eddie Howe’s men have won their last six matches in a row back on home soil.

Of course, home advantage is a common phrase uttered in football – hence the labelling of certain home grounds as fortresses – but this Jekyll and Hyde form will seriously be worrying Howe, with TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole saying “there’s too much of a gap” between the strugglers at their very best and their very worst, after the defeat in France.

Anthony Gordon is seriously letting his side down wherever they’re lining up at the moment, though, with a regret now possibly in the air that PIF didn’t cash in on the up-and-down performer when they could’ve.

Latest on Gordon's future at Newcastle

Indeed, during the summer of 2024, Liverpool were reportedly keen to tempt the England international to Anfield, with last summer also seeing them come back with more interest, as he was touted to have a bumper £100m price-tag above his head.

Gordon warranted all this fervent interest, too, with 37 goals and assists coming his way across two campaigns for Howe’s men.

His confidence was so sky-high that the Liverpool-born forward even labelled himself a “nightmare” for defenders to contain, amid interest also coming from top-flight rivals Arsenal.

Now, however, he has thudded back to reality, with zero goals or assists coming his way from seven Premier League games so far this season, with just 40% of his dribbles accurately completed, as per Sofascore, as he continues to look a worrying shadow of his former self.

Consequently, Liverpool have moved on to another batch of high-profile targets in attack in the form of Michael Olise and Antoine Semenyo, with writer Thomas Hammond stating that a forthcoming sale of Gordon would be “favourable”, just to get him off the books, concerning his ongoing no-shows.

While he has contributed massively to his own downfall, his Newcastle career could be in even more tatters by the emergence of this promising star on Tyneside, who PIF signed on a free transfer earlier this year.

The "explosive" star who can end Gordon's career

Howe could soon have to be bold with what he does in the St James’ Park hot seat, with the current state of affairs unfolding, leading him down the unwanted path of a dismissal.

For the tie at the Orange Velodrome, Howe did bravely decide to gift 16-year-old Sam Alabi a chance from the substitutes bench, with Antonio Cordero another promising star that might be in line for some first team chances soon, partcularly if Gordon continues to frustrate.

For the time being, the former Malaga winger is out on loan in Belgium with KVC Westerlo, but when he returns, he will have even more senior action under his belt, as he attempts to unsettle Gordon, with his standout time in the senior squad at Malaga, leading to one analyst page hailing him as an “explosive” talent.

Despite only being 19, Cordero – who has also been labelled as “exciting” by former Magpies sporting director Paul Mitchell – managed to tally up a weighty 60 appearances for the senior side, with goals and assists aplenty also coming his way.

Cordero’s Malaga stats by position

Position

Games

Goals + Assists

LW

33

5 + 6

RW

16

2 + 3

AM

2

0

RM

1

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Looking at the table above, Cordero would manage to tally up a blistering 11 goal contributions for his former employers down Gordon’s usual left-hand side from just 33 appearances.

The hope will be that Newcastle landing the teenage sensation for nothing proves to be a masterstroke in time, with Cordero further capable of also playing as a right winger, or as a number ten if needed.

The promising youngster has even been noted as being “like Gordon” by analyst Ben Mattinson, with Newcastle perhaps better served now to look to the future and put their energy into the Spaniard, than persisting with Gordon to come good.

In a few years, he might well be a household name on Tyneside, with the ex-Everton attacker off the Magpies roster, subsequently.

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