All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United are working hard to get it right in the transfer market this summer, having approached a critical juncture in INEOS’ ownership.

Things didn’t go to plan last season, with Erik ten Hag dismissed by October and his successor, Ruben Amorim, struggling to get a tune out of the suffering Red Devils, who ultimately finished 15th in the Premier League.

But with Matheus Cunha already signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers, his £62.5m release clause activated, there are signs that Old Trafford will rise again.

Man Utd open talks for new striker

Cunha is a brilliant forward, but he’s not a centre-forward. The Red Devils need a partner to field as the number nine, and contacts have been made for such a striker.

Transfer Focus

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

Manchester United are looking to replace Rasmus Hojlund this summer and have set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, as per Tutto Juve, who has resurrected his career on loan at Juventus.

The 26-year-old Les Bleus star was on United’s radar – along with Tottenham Hotspur – in January after falling by the wayside in the French capital, though ultimately settled on a short-term stint in Turin.

Now, the above Italian report claims INEOS have made first contact with PSG for the versatile striker, although the same can be said for Newcastle United. Juventus, moreover, hope to purchase him permanently too.

What Kolo Muani would bring to Man Utd

Amorim is carefully piecing together a strikeforce capable of challenging for honours, capable of going punch for punch with the biggest hitters in the Premier League.

Kolo Muani on his A-game would certainly help in that regard. Leaving Eintracht Frankfurt to sign for PSG for around £76m in September 2023, the France international’s stock has since decreased, but he’s demonstrated with Juve his lingering quality, scoring ten goals and assisting three more across 21 matches in total.

With Cunha bringing his wide-ranging attacking skills to the table, Kolo Muani could find himself born again, thriving as the forward of a Premier League team chasing a return to European competition.

Sometimes, a change of scenery can help reignite the fire that has flickered out for a player. PSG proved to be the wrong career choice for the Frenchman, but a Man United project that he can lead that is showing signs of progress (on the transfer front, at least) is something he should consider pursuing.

24/25

Juventus

16

8

1

24/25

PSG

10

2

1

23/24

PSG

26

6

6

23/24

Frankfurt

2

1

0

22/23

Frankfurt

32

15

14

21/22

Nantes

36

12

5

United might find that Frankfurt’s €100m (£85m) valuation for Hugo Ekitike is a tad on the costly side, but they could snap up another of Die Adler’s star forwards in Kolo Muani, with that £76m price tag creeping down to a reported £50m if PSG sell this summer.

Once labelled a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus, Kolo Muani is a dynamic and incisive striker who has found his footing once again in Italy, ranked among the top 8% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last year for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Furthermore, to have finished the campaign with a scoring rate of 0.50 is pretty impressive, given his woes across the first half of the year. In fact, as per Sofascore, his eight-goal haul in the Italian top flight also saw just four big chances missed, which makes an interesting comment on his prolific instincts.

Working with Cunha, Amorim could create a truly devastating strikeforce (and that’s without even discussing the potential addition of Bryan Mbeumo), with the Brazilian forward having averaged 1.8 key passes per Premier League match last season, creating 13 big chances. He was instrumental in staving off relegation for the Old Gold.

Of course, Kolo Muani is not just restricted to sharpshooting. His silky and furnished attacking style lends itself to creative support, and Cunha would delight in this, having demonstrated an incredible scoring ability for Wolves.

This is exactly the kind of electric signing United need to make to bring them back to a respectable position. That famous Theatre of Dreams pull will need to come into play once again.

Their best signing since Bruno: £40m target now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make another superb signing in this summer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 22, 2025

Embattled Cricket Scotland board calls for unity as more grievances emerge

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-2024Cricket Scotland is braced for another bout of legal action from an aggrieved former player after Hamza Tahir, the 28-year-old left-arm spinner, announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. In his retirement statement, Tahir declared that a fellow South Asian player had told him that, to succeed in the Scotland set-up, “you have to perform twice as well”.Tahir, 28, claimed 63 wickets in 48 matches for Scotland, including a best of 5 for 38 against Oman in 2019. However, he was omitted from the squad for the recent T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean, having been cut from Cricket Scotland’s list of contracted players in March.In his statement, Tahir declared that “enough is enough”, as he listed the grievances that had brought him to his decision, including a solitary appearance at a major international event, against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup in 2021, and an allegation that a senior coach “used the P word several times” during a national tour in 2020.”This is only a snippet of the obstacles put in place of players of colour,” Hamza said. “In major tournaments such as World Cups I’ve always felt l’ve been held back and not allowed to go and showcase to the world what I can do, and make a name for myself on the world stage.”Tahir’s comments come amid a period of intense turmoil for Cricket Scotland, a body which was found to be institutionally racist two years ago, after complaints by two other former players, Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh, prompted an independent review. The entire board resigned on the eve of the publication of the “Changing the Boundaries” report in July 2022, which listed 448 examples of racism and discrimination, of which just five have progressed to disciplinary procedures.In recent weeks, Cricket Scotland has been embroiled in a row with a further former player, John Blain, who claims he was “exonerated” of allegations of racist behaviour after receiving a letter from the former interim CEO, Peter Fitzboydon, in January, but subsequently accused the board of attempting to “rewrite history” in its reappraisal of that position.In a statement, Cricket Scotland reiterated its “utmost sympathy for anyone who has experienced discrimination whilst involved in our sport”, and thanked Tahir for being a “tremendous servant to the Scotland men’s national team”.Trudy Lindblade, Cricket Scotland CEO, added: “I sympathise with those who harbour a feeling of injustice, and we will continue to engage respectfully throughout the mediation process.”The only viable route to common ground is through independent mediation in order to achieve reconciliation. Only then can we speak openly and work together to provide an inclusive sport that we can all be proud of.”Ongoing instability and recrimination, played out in front of the media, will only cause further damage to relationships and reputations, and deepen the wounds that need to heal.”

David Lloyd anchors run-chase after top-order implosion from visitors

ECB Reporters Network07-Jul-2024Derbyshire 131 for 3 (Lloyd 50) beat Yorkshire 130 for 9 (Ferreira 44, Thomson 3-26) by seven wicketsAlex Thomson took three wickets in an over to put Derbyshire Falcons on course for a crushing seven-wicket Vitality Blast victory over Yorkshire Vikings in front of a 5,200 sell-out crowd at Chesterfield.Vikings collapsed to 21 for 5 on a ground where they have now lost their last seven T20 games and although Donovan Ferreira made 44 off 32 balls, they could only manage 130 for nine.On a two-paced pitch, Thomson’s off-spin claimed 3 for 26 and Pakistan pace ace Mohammad Amir took 2 for 23 while skipper Samit Patel conceded only 15 from his four overs.Falcons made short work of chasing down the target with skipper David Lloyd scoring 50 off 32 balls and Wayne Madsen a composed unbeaten 30 to take the home side to 131 for 3 in 15 overs.After heavy rain in the morning delayed the start by 30 minutes, Vikings started disastrously losing three wickets to Thomson in the second over.Dawid Malan sliced the first ball he faced to gully, Adam Lyth drove straight to cover and Shan Masood was stumped after he came down the pitch to play through the offside.It got even worse for Yorkshire in the next over when Amir pinned James Wharton in front with a yorker to reduce the visitors to 10 for 4Vikings hopes of setting any sort of competitive score rested with Ferreira who survived a difficult swirling catch to Lloyd running back from short third man off Zak Chappell when he was on four.Chappell took a stunning catch in the next over when he plucked the ball one-handed at point to remove George Hill which left the Vikings in danger of falling short of their lowest T20 total of 68 made on the same ground last year.Ferreira drove and pulled Pat Brown for two fours to take the visitors to 52 for 5 after 10 overs and put a dent in Thomson’s figures by pulling him for the first six of the innings.That drop was starting to look costly when he mistimed a cut at Luis Reece low to point and although Matt Revis and Jordan Thompson both cleared the ropes in a Madsen over that cost 14, Revis pulled Amir to deep square leg and Dom Bess skied Chappell to mid-wicket.Thompson pulled Amir for six but Brown conceded only three from the final over to leave Falcons chasing a modest target.Vikings needed early wickets to have any chance but Masood dropped Aneurin Donald at mid off in the first over from Bess.Donald put a dent in the target before he drove Revis to mid on and Reece struck two sixes to take Falcons to 50 in the fourth over.Reece miscued a drive off Ben Cliff to long on but at the end of the powerplay, Falcons were 68 for 2 and well on their way.Lloyd was intent on finishing it quickly, hitting five fours and a six from the first 13 balls he faced as he cruised to 50 from only 31 deliveries.Thompson yorked him in the 14th over but by then it was too late and Falcons wrapped up victory with five overs to spare to boost their hopes of making the quarter-finals.

It is hard to map out what exactly a successful season for Celtic would look like next season. They have won the Scottish Premiership title in each of the last four seasons and won the League Cup last term.

Perhaps Brendan Rodgers will be targeting more progress on the European stage, after reaching the play-off round of the Champions League against Bayern Munich in the 2024/25 campaign.

In order to kick on, the Hoops could look to use the summer transfer window to improve their squad, as they have already done with the additions of Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, and Benjamin Nygren.

There could be more yet to come for the Hoops, though. Who will move on from Parkhead? Who will fill the spot Jota’s injury has left on the wing? Here’s what Celtic’s dream summer could look like if everything goes according to plan.

The new arrivals Club-record winger and Premier League striker sign

Jota suffered a knee injury in May that ruled him out for up to nine months, and this has left the Premiership champions in need of a new left-sided attacker for next season.

Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter is a reported long-term target for the Hoops, but is valued at £11m by the Norwegian club, which would see him equal the club-record fee paid for Arne Engels last year.

Appearances

28

7

Goals

5

1

Big chances missed

5

2

Big chances created

12

7

Key passes per game

1.9

2.0

Assists

5

2

Dribbles completed per game

2.4

2.7

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old talent is a direct and dynamic winger who likes to take opposition players on, whilst delivering end product with goals and assists as well.

Orjasaeter may not be the only high-profile signing Celtic make this summer, in a dream world, as they are also reportedly confident of landing a loan move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

The Ireland international, whose finishing was lauded as “phenomenal” by James Milner, has scored 13 goals in 28 Premier League starts in his career, and could be the replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi, who joined Rennes in January.

Ferguson would not be the only striker to arrive at Parkhead this summer, though, as Callum Osmand has put pen to paper on a four-year contract. The 19-year-old is yet to make his senior bow for Fulham, however, and could be a back-up option at first.

As well as the teen sensation, Celtic are set to sign left-sided centre-back Hayato Inamura, as per Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, to bolster their depth at the back.

That is not all. The Hoops are also reportedly in the market to add another midfielder to the group, and are interested in signing Andy Irving from West Ham United to provide competition for Callum McGregor.

The Scotland international completed 90% of his attempted passes in ten Premier League outings last season, and could offer an assured presence in possession for Rodgers when called upon.

Final incomings: Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, Sondre Orjasaeter, Evan Ferguson, Callum Osmand, Hayato Inamura, Andy Irving

The outgoings Bye-bye Auston Trusty

Naturally, a host of new signings will mean that members of the current first-team squad will likely move on from Parkhead, as has already been the case with Scott Bain’s move to Falkirk to make way for Doohan’s arrival as the third-choice goalkeeper.

Bringing Orjasaeter and Nygren in, on top of already having Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda, Hyun-jun Yang, and Jota, could mean that Luis Palma and Marco Tilio, who spent last season on loan at Olympiacos and Melbourne City FC, respectively, could be on the chopping block.

They would find game time incredibly difficult to come by, hence why they had to go out on loan even before two potential new additions, and that is why they will be sold in an ideal world.

The same can be said of Stephen Welsh, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Hyeok-kyu Kwon. They all spent the 2024/25 campaign out on loan away from Parkhead, and the signings of Inamura and Irving, in a dream summer, would send them even further down the pecking order, which is why they should be moved on.

Perhaps the most surprising exit that could happen in a dream world this summer, though, is one for Auston Trusty, who only joined the club from Sheffield United last year.

Appearances

26

22

Clean sheets

14

10

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.9

2.3

Dribbled past per game

0.2x

0.5x

Error led to shot

1

4

Error led to goal

0

1

Duel success rate

72%

64%

As you can see in the table above, Liam Scales significantly outperformed the USA international as a left-sided centre-back option for Celtic, making far fewer mistakes and winning a much higher percentage of his duels.

These statistics suggest that Scales should be the first-choice option in that area of the pitch, which is now set to be bolstered by the signing of Inamura. This would leave Rodgers with three left-sided centre-backs to fill one position, as well as having Maik Nawrocki who can cover there.

Therefore, moving Trusty on this summer, after just one season at Parkhead, could be a dream result for the Hoops, as it would recoup some money, if there are any interested clubs, and leave them with Scales and Inamura to compete for that position, with Nawrocki and Carter-Vickers on the other side.

Final outgoings: Auston Trusty, Luis Palma, Stephen Welsh, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Scott Bain, Marco Tilio, Hyeok-kyu Kwon

The contract renewals Daizen Maeda puts pen to paper

Celtic may also want to tie down some of their top talent this summer to avoid losing them. Sky Sports have reported that the club are set to open contract talks with both Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn.

Brentford have been linked with a potential bid for the Japan international, whilst RB Leipzig are reportedly in talks to sign the German winger ahead of next season.

This shows that the two Celtic attackers are in-demand and that is why pinning them down to new contracts could help to secure their respective futures at Parkhead.

Another player who could warrant a new contract is central midfielder Luke McCowan. His current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2027 and the Hoops may want to extend his deal to ensure that they are not in a position where they may have to sell him next year to avoid losing the Scottish ace for nothing.

Contracts renewed: Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn, Luke McCowan

All in all, the business mapped out here could represent a special summer for the Premiership champions, as they would bolster their squad with fresh talent, secure the futures of their top players, and move on fringe players who are unlikely to contribute much on the pitch.

Celtic have hit gold on "incredible" star who's worth way more than Nygren

Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is currently worth millions more than Benjamin Nygren.

2 ByDan Emery Jun 30, 2025

Experienced batter strikes 46* as Invincibles rue missed chances in rain-hit match

ECB Media08-Aug-2024England star Danni Wyatt led Southern Brave to a breakthrough win and moved top of the women’s runscorers list in a seven-wicket rain-affected win against Oval Invincibles.Wyatt hit an unbeaten 46 from 37 balls, after twice being dropped, to guide the defending champions to a belated first win of this year’s competition with one ball to spare.Lauren Cheatle and Tilly Corteen-Coleman, two weeks shy of her 17th birthday, claimed two wickets apiece as the hosts were restricted to 79 for 4.Marizanne Kapp struck an unbeaten 26 from 17 balls for the hosts, whose innings was delayed for over an hour by rain.A revised target of 83 was therefore set and Invincibles had their chances to claim the key wicket of Wyatt, who was dropped on 4 and 14.Smriti Mandhana was run out cheaply and Maia Bouchier bowled by the impressive Ryana MacDonald-Gay, who claimed 1 for 7 from a maximum 15 balls.Wyatt went past Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 209 runs to become the leading run-scorer in this year’s women’s competition before Sophia Smale claimed Freya Kemp for 3.The 19-year-old left-arm spinner was then tasked with bowling the final five and initially held her never to restrict Wyatt to a dot and a single, before a smart stop kept Chloe Tryon to a single. But Wyatt’s experience told as she made room to shovel her over leg for the winning boundary.Cheatle earlier removed Chamari Athapaththu for a duck from the third ball, edging behind, and then had Alice Capsey caught in the deep after the England young gun had slapped her for six.Rain stopped the game with the home side 38 for 2 after 35 balls as the game was reduced to 65 balls per side.Corteen-Coleman had Invincibles skipper Lauren Winfield-Hill caught and the in-form Paige Scholfield caught in the deep from successive balls before Kapp added late firepower.

Everton will approach the 2025/26 campaign with a sense of excitement that has been missing for several years. Goodison Park will no longer house the Toffees’ Men’s team, but this new chapter promises so much.

After a huge exodus last month, Everton face a steep rebuild as they shuffle over to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, although Moyes is the perfect man to lead this charge, tasked with piecing back together a team fit for purpose in the higher level of the Premier League.

But make no mistake, there’s a lot to sort out for the Scotsman.

The latest on Everton's transfer window

When Everton completed the £27m signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal earlier in July, Moyes confirmed that he is looking to do more business before the start of the season.

He’s been true to his word. Bournemouth shot-stopper Mark Travers has completed his medical and officially signed for Everton, lined up to provide competition for Jordan Pickford. The Merseysiders also want wide defenders and physical and creative profiles in the middle of the park.

However, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom’s departures after unconvincing loan spells have left Everton devoid of options on the attacking right flank.

Transfer Focus

That’s why, as per Portuguese outlet A Bola, Everton are pushing to sign Francisco Conceicao from FC Porto after the 22-year-old’s loan stint in Italy with Juventus.

The Liga Portugal giants value their rising star at €30m (£26m), and while he is thought to be giving priority to Juventus, Everton are named as the only suitors willing to meet Porto’s demands.

Why Moyes wants Francisco Conceicao

Conceicao played a peripheral role for Juventus last season, but his high-speed performances down the right wing made a positive impression, scoring seven goals and providing six assists across 40 matches in all competitions, including a brace against Al Ain in the Club World Cup.

He’s got the makings of something special, and Everton’s vacancy on the right certainly suggests he could be a wonderful addition, with his physicality and athletic style even suggesting he could be the next version of Iliman Ndiaye.

Ndiaye, 25, signed from Marseille for £15m last summer and has established himself as the crème de la crème of Everton’s transfer business in recent years. It’s admittedly not a high bar, but he’d shine as a standout across even a rich and fruitful era for the club.

Everton’s top scorer in 2024/25 with 11 goals across 37 appearances, the Senegalese winger has a rare skill for excitement, and in Conceicao, Moyes could sign a stylistic match to compete down the right.

Matches (starts)

33 (29)

26 (12)

Goals

9

3

Assists

0

3

Shot (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1.5 (0.5)

Big chances missed

3

2

Pass completion

85%

85%

Big chances created

3

5

Key passes*

0.5

1.1

Dribbles*

2.1

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.2

2.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.2

1.1

Duels won*

5.4 (50%)

3.7

Ndiaye has been hailed for his ability to produce “magic” moments by Sky Sports commentator Seb Hutchinson, and there’s no question that he’s more complete and robust at this stage than Conceicao, albeit a few years the Portuguese’s senior.

He could serve as a tutor for this young wideman, who should consider a move to Merseyside after a fringe role on loan with Juventus last season. At Everton, he would have the chance to become a nailed-on starting member.

Conceicao has already been declared ‘statistically the second-best dribbler in the world’ following analytics drawn from the CIES Football Observatory, so he’s got the talent to mirror Ndiaye, for sure.

Ranked among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 12% for tackles per 90, as per FBref. Clearly, he can fill the ball-carrying void that Ndiaye can’t fill on the right, for he plies his trade on the left wing.

Lauded for his “exceptional” dribbling skills and “electric pace” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Conceicao would be a stunning acquisition for an Everton side on the up, establishing a degree of exciting equipoise on the wings as Moyes creates a frontline to be feared.

Dream Doucoure replacement: Everton open first talks to sign £30m star

After Abdoulaye Doucouré departed Everton following the expiration of his contract, could the Toffees sign a “highly talented” replacement for £30m?

ByBen Gray Jul 15, 2025

India did not enforce the follow-on after skittling Bangladesh for 149, and finished the day more than 300 ahead with seven second-innings wickets in hand

Sidharth Monga20-Sep-20242:10

Manjrekar: Bumrah is a bowler without a weakness

Bangladesh escaped the frying pan with four quick wickets to bowl India out early on the second morning, but jumped straight into the fire of the relentless Indian bowling attack, getting bowled out in just 47.1 overs. India chose to bat on despite a lead of 227, and led by 308 with seven second-innings wickets in hand by stumps on day two.Even though India bowled in considerably less helpful conditions than day one, there was no respite for the Bangladesh batters. Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj took eight between them when there was assistance for the pacers, while Ravindra Jadeja broke Bangladesh’s biggest partnership when conditions eased off.The day started on a positive note for Bangladesh. Taskin Ahmed used the second new ball much better than the first for three wickets, Hasan Mahmud completed Bangladesh’s first five-for in India, and they let India add only 37 to their overnight score. However, a quick reminder followed that their bowlers had committed too many errors on day one already. India’s fast bowlers were on the money immediately, bowling testing spell after testing spell, drawing an error once every three balls to reduce Bangladesh to 40 for 5.Shadman Islam was cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah•BCCIBumrah began over the wicket to the left-hand openers, moving the ball away consistently, but went around for the last ball of the first over. Shadman Islam left him, probably because all the previous five balls had moved away, but this one seamed back in to hit the top of off. Zakir Hasan survived an lbw call that both the umpire and the India captain misjudged, but Deep proved to be too good for him and Mominul Haque.The first over from Deep, immediately around the wicket, wasn’t the greatest, but in his second he got the ball to seam in from a good length just outside off. Zakir was beaten completely while Mominul managed to get his pad in line only for the ball to ricochet into the wicket. He would have been lbw anyway. Mushfiqur Rahim edged the hat-trick ball towards gully but it fell short.Post lunch, India went back to their top two bowlers, who had only bowled short spells before the interval. Siraj, who had lost out on Zakir’s wicket earlier, was the most accurate of the three. Najmul Hossain tried to walk at him to counter the movement, but still managed to only edge to second slip as a wobble-seam ball seamed away from him.Akash Deep’s two-in-two rattled Bangladesh before lunch•BCCIBumrah kept testing Mushfiqur before he bowled a rare delivery that swung after pitching. You can’t mean to do that but it sometimes happens – mostly when the seam is upright – that the ball starts to swing after going past the batter. This one started to go even before it went past Mushfiqur, who had the angle covered otherwise. It took the edge, went quickly to second slip, and began to swerve away from KL Rahul at the last moment. Rahul’s upper body turned with the ball, and his soft hands meant the catch was taken.By now the movement began to settle down, and Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan put together a quick stand of 51 with some good-looking drives. Then India’s spin twins came on and gave away nothing despite little assistance for them from the pitch. In trying to dominate them, Litton ended up playing a slog-sweep much squarer than he would have liked, offering a catch to deep square leg. Shakib unfortunately reverse-swept Ravindra Jadeja straight into his boot for a lob to Rishabh Pant.Just before tea, India brought back the threat of Siraj and Bumrah. Siraj found the edge immediately but it didn’t carry, but with what proved to be the last ball before tea, Bumrah got the better of Mahmud. Bangladesh were still 65 short of avoiding the follow-on. The last two Bangladesh wickets hung around for three quarters of an hour, including a boundary off Bumrah that clearly set something off. Bumrah softened Taskin Ahmed up with short balls, hitting him on the helmet and the glove, before cleaning him up with a pinpoint yorker.After a first-innings duck, Shubman Gill got going in the second•BCCIThe tall Nahid Rana didn’t quite fancy getting behind the line of Bumrah either but managed to somehow deny him the five-for, also hitting him for two boundaries. Eventually, he played Siraj on as he slogged at one, giving him his second wicket. India had more than an hour and a half to bat before stumps on day two.So far ahead in the game were they, India came out swinging. Yashasvi Jaiswal took 10 runs off the first over, Rohit Sharma flicked the first ball he faced for four, but they soon discovered the pitch was still not flat enough to be toying around with the bowling. Their wickets made it the most – 16 – in a single day’s play at Chepauk. Shubman gill and Virat Kohli then batted to the merit of the bowling, but a rare dismissal – a right-hand batter getting out lbw to an offspinner playing forward – made it 17 wickets in the day. It was Kohli, who did not review it, and Ultra Edge then suggested an inside edge. By stumps, India were more than 300 ahead.

Manchester United are making progress in their mission to strengthen under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to move forward in their pursuit of a high-pedigree defender, according to a report.

Manchester United urged to break the bank for quality additions

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha would fit the definition of breaking the bank for elite talent, but Premier League giants Manchester United are aware that more signings are needed to match the output of their domestic rivals on the market.

Reports suggest Manchester United would be willing to offer £22 million for Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, which would be another signal of intent, though Rio Ferdinand believes the Red Devils should go all out for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba to bolster the spine of their team.

He stated: “Who would you go and get?”, and there’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’m going to be honest, guys, who I think fits the bill for what we need.

“He’s an Amorim-type player as well. Physically, he’s great. He can drive with the ball, he can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, central midfield… Baleba.”

Without putting too fine a point on it, Manchester United’s lack of solidity in the Premier League last term was evident for all to see, hence why Amorim is also targeting defensive reinforcements in the form of Lucas Beraldo.

Manchester United’s defensive frailties in 2024/25

Goals conceded

54

Defeats

18

Clean sheet percentage across 38 league matches

26%

Ultimately, a failure to secure the back door is a recipe for chaos, leading to a growing appetite for an overhaul within the Red Devils’ backline.

After months of searching, Manchester United could now have found one part of a solution to remedy the well-documented faults within their rearguard.

Manchester United make contact for Inter defender Benjamin Pavard

According to Transferfeed, Manchester United have made contact by enquiring about Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, who may be allowed to leave San Siro this summer for a fee between £26.1 million and £30.5 million.

Despite the Nerazzurri not officially listing the France international for sale, they are looking into potential replacements for the ex-Bayern Munich star, including Genoa’s Koni De Winter.

Better than Sesko: Man Utd in talks to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"

Manchester United could be about to forget about Benjamin Sesko with another move elsewhere.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Labelled “brilliant” by Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps, Pavard, who is outfitted by Adidas, registered one goal and a solitary assist in 37 appearances last campaign, operating almost entirely in central defence.

The 29-year-old also won 78 duels in Serie A, cementing himself as an important factor behind Inter’s ability to go deep both in domestic competitions and the Champions League.

Now, it appears he could be set for a new challenge in the prime of his career, which has piqued Manchester United’s interest as they look to seal a marquee deal to strengthen their backline.

As Liverpool showcased last season, ‘winning the window’ doesn’t always equate to on-field success, with Arne Slot’s side romping to the Premier League title despite only adding Federico Chiesa to their ranks.

Having lain dormant in the transfer market, however, the Reds appear intent on building on their position of strength this time around, having already spent £256m this summer.

Further additions are almost certain to lie in store too, with recent reports even claiming that wantaway Newcastle United man, Alexander Isak, has agreed personal terms with the Merseysiders.

There is undoubted excitement brewing at the prospect of adding yet another marquee name to their forward ranks, although the Anfield must not forget to ensure that the foundations are steady too, with solid and perhaps more unsung signings also in order. James Milner, anyone?

Indeed, with Jarell Quansah joining Bayer Leverkusen, and Joe Gomez struck down with injury, Slot has been left with just two senior centre-backs, a pairing that includes contract rebel – and Barcelona target – Ibrahima Konate.

Having front-loaded the squad so far then, the Reds can’t risk being exposed at the back. Enter, another quietly crucial acquisition.

Liverpool hold advantage in race for £50k-p/w talent

Liverpool have, of course, already moved to bolster the backline this summer, with the signing of full-back pairing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, while Giorgi Mamardashvili has also finally arrived on Merseyside.

That said, as already stated, the dearth of options in the centre of defence remains a reason for concern – even after Virgil van Dijk’s contract extension – with that an area that still needs to be addressed.

With that in mind, Football Insider’s Mick Brown has suggested that the champions still have the advantage over top-flight rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, in the race to sign Marc Guehi.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Brown, despite Spurs showing interest again in the England international, it is Liverpool who are still the “favourites” to sign him, having been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old throughout the summer.

The insider goes on to add that the former Chelsea defender has his “heart set on a move to Liverpool”, with the Reds seemingly ready to make a bid for him “at some stage”.

With just 12 months left on his current deal, the alternative is that the £50k-per-week centre-back remains at Selhurst Park for next season, before making the switch on a free transfer.

Why Liverpool could be targeting the new Milner

As already stated, there has been a sense of glamour to Liverpool’s signings so far this summer, with Slot and co notably gambling on three exciting young talents from the Bundesliga, in the form of Kerkez, Frimpong and £116m man, Florian Wirtz.

That said, there remains the need for ready-made, proven Premier League talents who can slot in somewhat under the radar, with Guehi perhaps the perfect fit in that regard, considering his recent experience at Palace.

Indeed, there could well be shades of the aforementioned Milner about the move, with Guehi’s compatriot having been a muted arrival from Manchester City on a free transfer back in 2015, before going on to assume cult hero status at Anfield.

A jack of all trades, the versatile machine racked up 332 appearances in all competitions for the Reds across the next eight years, having notably been hailed as a “role model” by then-boss Jurgen Klopp in 2022.

The German even went as far as to state that “nothing we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without [him]”, with the underrated midfielder having been a vital, albeit at-times unsung cog in the Anfield machine.

In Guehi – who is currently the captain at Selhurst Park – the Reds would be able to acquire another leader-like figure to bolster the ranks, providing stability and consistency amid a summer of perhaps more marquee additions.

Such qualities have been noted by ex-interim England boss Lee Carsley, who said back in November that the defender “is a player who shows leadership qualities in his career so far not only off the pitch but on the pitch”.

Non-penalty goals

0.09

0.08

Assists

0.06

0.03

Pass completion

83.5%

91.6%

Progressive passes

3.94

5.35

Progressive carries

0.65

0.59

Successful take-ons

0.35

0.08

Tackles

1.79

1.03

Interceptions

0.82

1.51

Aerial duels won

2.00

3.22

Like Milner – who has turned out for an array of top-flight clubs – Guehi is no stranger to Premier League action, having racked up 132 appearances in the competition to date.

A standard-setter and a guiding presence at Palace, even when perhaps outshone by the likes of Eberechi Eze ahead of him, the in-demand talent would be a relatively risk-free and cost-effective signing. Indeed, if he does ultimately end up arriving next summer, he could replicate Milner’s move as a bargain free transfer.

That’s not to say that Guehi doesn’t also have a high ceiling, however, with Palace reporter Bobby Manzi noting that he is simply a “monster in defence”. In all, the 6 foot sensation helped to keep 11 clean sheets in the league last season, while averaging 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside boasting five goal involvements.

An asset in both boxes, the Eagles skipper would be a more than worthy addition amid a hectic summer of activity for the Reds. Yes, there might be more exciting deals being done, but much like Milner proved to be under Klopp, Guehi could prove to be the glue holding things together.

Better deal than Rodrygo: Liverpool enter race to sign £38m Diaz replacement

This winger would be an “exceptional” addition to Arne Slot’s Liverpool squad.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 29, 2025

Edson Álvarez limped off with a hamstring issue that could sideline him for a month.

Mexico will face South Korea on TuesdayHirving Lozano came on in the 60th minuteAguirre admitted his side didn’t deserve to winGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Mexico settled for a goalless draw against Japan in a friendly at Oakland Coliseum, leaving head coach Javier Aguirre with more questions than answers as the 2026 World Cup cycle continues.

The “Vasco” was blunt in his post-match remarks, admitting the Asian side deserved the result. 

“It was a preparation game, but we weren’t better than our opponent,” Aguirre said. “We didn’t deserve to win. They made it difficult, pressed with intensity, and the draw was fair. It wasn’t spectacular, but matches like this help us evaluate where we are.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Japan dictated much of the first half, forcing goalkeeper Luis Malagón into key saves and even requiring Johan Vásquez to clear a shot off the line. Mexico’s night worsened in the 28th minute when captain Edson Álvarez exited with a hamstring injury, later replaced by Erik Lira.

Although Hirving Lozano’s introduction in the second half injected energy, Mexico still struggled to break down Japan’s organized back line. To make matters worse, César Montes was shown a red card after VAR review, leaving to finish the game with 10 men. Despite the numerical advantage, Japan couldn’t find a breakthrough either, and the score remained 0-0.

Getty Images SportWHAT JAVIER AGUIRRE AND HIRVING LOZANO SAID

Aguirre acknowledged Japan’s superior pace and physicality. 

“They surprised us with their speed and intensity. Most of their players are in Europe, so their rhythm is different. We gave away the first half, not because of attitude, but because they outplayed us," he said. 

Still, he noted positives in the second half, pointing to missed chances from Lozano, Germán Berterame, and Lira.

Meanwhile, San Diego FC forward Hirving Lozano shared his thoughts on returning to the Mexican national team. 

“I really wanted to come back to the national team. Thank God I was given the opportunity, Javier gave me the opportunity, and I have to make the most of it. I need to work hard, perform well, and keep pushing forward,” he said.

It had been over a year since Lozano last featured for , with his previous appearance coming in 2024. 

“This is a very good squad, it has very important and very talented players. I think we’re facing a team that is always at the World Cup and that now has some great players,” he added.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO?

Mexico will now turn their focus to South Korea on Tuesday, while Japan will face the United States that same day.