Tag Futebol

Aston Villa have now made an enquiry to sign a £60 million star who scored in a win at Villa Park during the 2023/24 season, according to a recent report.

Rumours of Aston Villa exit for Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa made the hard decision to let Jhon Duran leave Villa Park in January, as they prioritised keeping Ollie Watkins over the Colombian international. Six months later and the Villans could now have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the England international.

That is because Watkins is attracting strong interest from teams in the Premier League. Earlier this week, Caught Offside reported that Manchester United are considering a move to sign Watkins, as the forward is being described as a “key target” for Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, it’s also been reported that Arsenal are also in the race to sign Watkins and have opened talks over a possible transfer.

Aston Villa ready talks to sign £18m forward and may use Malen in swap deal

Talks are planned ahead of a potential move to Villa Park.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 12, 2025

Newcastle United are another team who have identified Watkins as a possible transfer target this summer, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. The Villans would ideally like to keep hold of their striker this summer, but it’s also been reported that the Midlands side have placed a £60 million price tag on the 29-year-old’s head.

Villa have already been linked with a move for Semih Kilicsoy of Besiktas, but there is now a new forward on their list, and he is already well known to the Premier League.

Aston Villa make enquiry to sign £60m striker Jackson

According to journalist Nabil Djellit, Aston Villa and Monchi have submitted an enquiry to Chelsea over signing striker Nicolas Jackson.

Djellit reports that the door is open for Jackson to leave Stamford Bridge in this transfer window, with a decision being made on his future after the Club World Cup final on Sunday evening. He claims that Jackson could leave Chelsea for a fee of £60 million and has been the subject of an enquiry not only from Villa but also from Manchester United, who are searching for a new striker.

Napoli are also a team interested in the Premier League striker, as they look to provide competition and backup to Romelu Lukaku now they are back playing in the Champions League. Jackson is under contract at Chelsea until 2033, but given the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, his time at Stamford Bridge could now be coming to an end.

Apps

30

Starts

28

Goals

10

xG

12.34

Shots per game

2.5

Goal conversion

13%

Big chances missed

19

Assists

5

xAG

1.92

Big chances created

6

Key passes

0.9

The 24-year-old has taken to life in English football very well, as he’s scored 24 goals in 65 league games and 30 goals for Chelsea in 81 games in all competitions. In fact, he is a player Villa do know well, as the forward scored at Villa Park in an FA Cup fourth-round replay during the 2023/24 season.

Jackson started all but two games in the Premier League last season when available, but recent ill-discipline issues in the Premier League and Club World Cup could spell the end of his time working with Enzo Maresca.

تحدث خالد بوطيب، لاعب الزمالك السابق والكوكب المراكشي الحالي، عن فترته السابقة مع القلعة البيضاء، مُشددًا على أنه تعرض لأزمات وتشويه لصورته في مصر.

وقال خالد بوطيب، في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب”، على قناة “mbc masr”: “هذه هي الحياة قد تكون الأمور هكذا في جميع بلدان العالم وفي جميع أندية العالم، هناك من لعب لبرشلونة ثم لريال، هكذا هو الأمر إنها من تبعات اللعبة ولا ينبغي أن نلمهم على هذا فهذه هي الحياة”.

وتابع: “الأمور جيدة لأنني الآن أكتشف دوريًا جديدًا وناديًا جديدًا وكذلك أيضًا زملاء جدد، إنني سعيد بعودتي إلى بلادي وعلي الآن أن أتأقلم مع أسلوب اللعب مع الفريق وكما قلت فإنني أحاول أن أقدم إضافة جديدة”.

عن فترته القصيرة مع الزمالك، قال خالد بوطيب: “نعم حقًا إنها قصيرة ولكن كان ذلك بسبب المشاكل مع الإدارة وأيضًا بسبب إصابتي”.

طالع أيضًا | شوبير: يانيك فيريرا ارتكب كارثة قبل مواجهة الأهلي.. ويُهاجم إدارة الزمالك

وأضاف: “كنت أرغب في تقديم أداء جيد وتحقيق إنجازات مع الزمالك حتى وإن فزت ببطولتين، إلا أن التجربة بقيت ناقصة وتركت لدي طعمًا مرًا هنا في مصر”.

وبسؤاله، هل مشاكلك تم حلها مع نادي الزمالك؟ أجاب: “لقد قلتها من قبل إنه قيل عني في وسائل الإعلام أشياء كثيرة وسيئة، وصورتني على أنني شخص غير نزيه مع أنهم يعلمون جيدًا أنني فعلت كل ما بوسعي للعودة بسرعة ومساعدة النادي قدر المستطاع، بعد ذلك لن أبوح أبدًا بكل ما حدث لأنني لا أريد أن أنزل إلى ذلك المستوى”.

واختتم: “كما قلت هناك بعض الأشخاص في النادي وبعض اللاعبين لا ذنب لهم، والمشجعون أيضًا لا ذنب لهم وعلى الرغم من كل شيء فقد كانت تجربة مهمة، أنا لا أقلل أبدًا مما عشته هناك إنه نادي سيبقى في قلبي رغم كل شيء وأمل أن يحققوا الكثير من الانتصارات”.

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

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.”

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad in almost all areas ahead of another Premier League title challenge next season, but up until now we’ve heard precious little in regard to new defenders on their radar.

Arsenal missed out on Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid

While a new addition to their backline isn’t exactly reported as a key item on Andrea Berta’s agenda, the Gunners did attempt to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, before his high-profile move to Real Madrid.

Star's agents fume over rejected Arsenal bid amid "constant contact"

The Gunners are in touch all of the time.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Arsenal were among the elite Premier League clubs attempting to lure the Spaniard, with Liverpool and Chelsea also showing a keen interest before Xabi Alonso’s side ultimately won the race for his signature.

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

All three sides were ready to trigger his previous £50 million release clause at one stage, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Arsenal also presenting a formal contract offer to Huijsen’s representatives (Cadena SER).

After missing out on Huijsen, Arsenal’s pursuit of a centre-back appears to have been reduced to Berta’s backburner, with Mikel Arteta already boasting Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel all able to play at the heart of his defence.

A recent new deal for the latter also mitigates the immediate need for another centre-back, and even if AC Milan formalise their interest in Kiwior and sign the Poland international, any new defender would potentially need to accept their role as a back-up option behind Gabriel and Saliba.

There are reports of Arsenal holding discussions over 19-year-old Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, who can play at both left-back and centre-back, and he’d be an ideal alternative to Arteta’s star centre-back duo.

A centre-half doesn’t appear completely off the table, with Lille defender Alexsandro now attracting interest from Berta too.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Alexsandro from Lille

The 25-year-old made his first senior appearances for Brazil recently after a fine season in Ligue 1, starting both of their World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, and Arsenal have taken note of his exploits in 2025.

According to UOL, Arsenal scouts were present to watch him in action against Paraguay, and Alexsandro is considering an exit from Lille this summer, so he could be available for Berta.

What’s more, Arsenal have made initial contact over signing Alexsandro, and are said to be fans of the defender, but face competition from Serie A champions Napoli.

He has a market value of around £26 million as well, but after his excellent 2024/2025 at Lille, the French side could well demand more after losing both Angel Gomes and Jonathan David for free.

When will Rangers unveil their new manager at Ibrox?

On Saturday, the Gers concluded their generally miserable campaign at Easter Road, held to a 2-2 draw, with top-scorer Cyriel Dessers and Rangers Player of the Season Nicolas Raskin on target in Edinburgh.

As Scottish Premiership runners-up, the Light Blues will start next season early with a Champions League second qualifying round tie on 22 or 23 July, currently projected to face one of Brann from Norway, Swiss side Servette or Austria Vienna.

Thus, with that first leg a mere 62 days away already, 49ers Enterprises are under pressure to appoint a new Rangers manager very quickly, so who is on their shortlist?

Rangers' new manager search

According to a report by Sky Sports News, six men are ‘under consideration’ to become the new Rangers manager.

They are: Steven Gerrard, Davide Ancelotti, Russell Martin, Rob Edwards, Danny Röhl and Gary O’Neil.

Ever since it was confirmed that his father, Carlo, will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, becoming the new Brazil manager, it has been widely reported, including by Madrid-based outlet AS, that Davide is one of the front-runners to land the Rangers job.

Meantime, Gerrard remains one of the leading candidates too, with Mike McGrath of the Telegraph documenting how the 49ers have held a longstanding interest in bringing the Englishman back to Ibrox.

Of the six names mentioned, only Röhl is currently employed by a club, and he is ‘considering’ leaving Sheffield Wednesday, as reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, but Rangers should not go for him, nor Gerrard nor Ancelotti, with another member of the short list making the most sense.

Who Rangers should appoint as their new manager

Rob Edwards may be a name unfamiliar to a large majority of the Rangers support, but he could be an excellent appointment.

Let’s have a look at the 42-year-old’s senior managerial career so far.

AFC Telford United

2017-18

49

20

Forest Green Rovers

2021-22

53

26

League Two title

Watford

2022

11

3

Luton Town

2022-25

104

33

Championship promotion

Edwards’ biggest career achievement to date is, without question, leading Luton Town into the Premier League which was a miraculous achievement.

The Hatters were relegated after one season in the top-flight, before Edwards departed by mutual consent back in January of this year, with the club actually going on to suffer a second successive relegation, now finding themselves in EFL League One.

Nevertheless, this should take away from Edwards’ impact at Kenilworth Road, with journalist James Cunliffe noting that he did an “outstanding” job at Luton, while Mark Ogden of ESPN praises his “ultra-positive” ​​​​​​​style of play, something that would no doubt go down well with those at Ibrox.

Meantime, Exeter City midfielder Edward Francis, who played for Edwards at youth level, praised his exceptional “man-management​​​​​​​” and “communication skills”, adding “he always treats people well and is honest with them”.

So, Edwards is clearly a young manager on the up, which is in contrast to Gerrard.

The 44-year-old’s time at Aston Villa was disastrous, as documented by Gregg Evans of the Athletic, while he was then also sacked by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq​​​​​​​ back in January following an underwhelming 18-month stint in the Middle East.

So, Gerrard’s last two managerial jobs do not suggest he is the right man for the Ibrox dugout, although he was successful during his first stint in Govan, delivering the club’s first Premiership title for a decade, historically ending Celtic’s quest for ten-in-a-row.

So, reappointing Gerrard would probably be the safe option, as he is a known quantity in Glasgow, but the 49ers should be braver and hire an up-and-coming coach with the potential to get even better, and Edwards certainly fits that bill.

Rangers can forget Ancelotti by hiring manager who's a "joy to watch"

Rangers must move on from Davide Ancelotti to appoint this British head coach.

ByDan Emery May 19, 2025

Chelsea are now very keen on signing a “superstar” striker, and they could be willing to submit a £39m offer for his services, according to a report.

Blues pursuing striker amid Nicolas Jackson struggles

The Blues were dealt a blow in their Champions League pursuit on Sunday, succumbing to a surprise 2-2 draw at home against Ipswich Town, who are almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca will be frustrated by his side dropping two points at home against the Tractor Boys, and the manager may also be disappointed by Nicolas Jackson’s performance, with the striker once again failing to find the back of the net.

After missing one big chance, Jackson was substituted late on, but the 23-year-old’s replacement, Christopher Nkunku didn’t have time to make much of an impact, with the Frenchman failing to add to his goal tally of three in the Premier League.

Chelsea submit £30m bid for "extraordinary" maestro who's keen on PL move

The Blues have tested the waters with an opening bid for a midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Apr 13, 2025

With Jackson and Nkunku both struggling, it is looking increasingly likely that Maresca will look to bring in a new striker this summer, and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap has emerged as one of the main targets.

However, according to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea could also look to bring in a striker from abroad, and they are now very keen on signing Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, who could be allowed to leave the Italian club this summer.

Juventus may be open to sanctioning Vlahovic’s departure, in light of his huge wages, which could open the door for a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United also seriously interested in the Serbian.

The Serie A side are looking to receive €50m – €55m (£43m – £48m) for the forward, while the Premier League clubs may be willing to submit offers of €45m (£39m) for his services.

Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Legia Warsaw (h)

April 17th

Fulham (a)

April 20th

Everton (h)

April 26th

Liverpool (h)

May 4th

Newcastle United (a)

May 10th

Vlahovic may not be the answer to Chelsea's striker issues

Across spells with Fiorentina and Juventus, the Serbia international has been very impressive in Italy, amassing 86 goals and 17 assists in 198 Serie A appearances, while he also has 14 goals in 34 outings for his country.

During his time with La Viola, the 25-year-old was lauded as a “real superstar” by members of the Italian media, and he has put in some impressive performances this season, amassing 19 goal contributions in all competitions.

That said, there will be concerns over some of the striker’s performances over the past year, having underperformed his non-penalty xG by some distance, averaging just 0.31 goals per 90, despite being expected to average 0.43.

As such, Vlahovic may not be the answer to Chelsea’s striker problems, and it could be wise to pursue other targets who have been in better form this season, such as Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Three promising players, and an umpire, made their Test debuts in Sylhet

Mohammad Isam11-Nov-2025It was the day of the debutants in Sylhet. Cade Carmichael, 23, and Jordan Neill, 19, provided a glimpse into Ireland’s future while 24-year-old Hasan Murad showed why he’s a highly-rated left-arm spinner in Bangladesh domestic cricket. Australian umpire Sam Nogajski also made a sound start to his Test career as an umpire.At the end of the first day’s play, there was no discussion about Nogajski, which should serve as good news for the debuting umpire. The three rookie players headlined the day with their strong first impressions.Carmichael scored 59 off 129 balls from No.3 while Neill made 30 off 60 balls from No.8. Murad, meanwhile, returned 2 for 47 in his 20 overs.Carmichael proved the perfect foil for the aggressive Paul Stirling during their 96-run partnership. He struck the ball sweetly to go with some flourish in his followthrough. Ireland then suffered a middle-order slump but despite wickets falling at the other end, Neill batted confidently.Gary Wilson, the Ireland batting coach, said that both Carmichael and Neill earned their places in the Test side.”I think they’re both very, very exciting talents,” Wilson said. “I think that they both performed well. They acquitted themselves very well in Test-match cricket and showed good method at times. They dealt with some pretty good bowling upfront from Bangladesh. I think they can be relatively pleased with their Test debuts.”Carmichael was born in South Africa where he attended Kearsney College, known for producing international cricketers like Andrew Hudson, Kyle Abott and Chad Bowes. Carmichael, however, played most of his formative cricket in Ireland. He was impressive in his lead-up to the ODI debut in May this year, before he made many others sit up and take notice of his talent in his first foray into Test cricket in Sylhet.Like Carmichael, Neill was born in South Africa but played most of his formative cricket in Ireland.”I think they’re the future, but I also think that they’re the now. They are playing on their own merit,” Wilson said. “Cade has come off the back of heavy scoring in domestic. He has good attributes that we like. He looked very accomplished on his ODI debut against West Indies earlier in the year.”[Carmichael] is someone that we have high hopes for. He looks like a very good player. He is only 23. Jordan is only 20 [19]. They are both players for the future and hopefully they can go and have long careers, but they’re also players for the right now.”Related

Ireland let advantage slip as Mehidy, Murad pull game into balance

Injured Ross Adair ruled out of Bangladesh T20Is

As for Murad, he showcased his accuracy and flight, skills that have fetched him a bagful of domestic wickets, when he dismissed Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker. Murad is one of only three bowlers to take 150 first-class wickets in Bangladesh since 2021, the others being the Test bowlers Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan.”I thought [the Bangladesh spinners] bowled accurately,” Wilson said. “It didn’t spin a huge amount in the first couple of sessions and then we began to see more spin towards the end of the day. They made us play if we wanted to take an attacking option. There wasn’t many freebies on board. They made us work for our runs.”Murad faces stiff competition from Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz who are Bangladesh’s first choice spinners in home Tests while Nayeem has been their designated understudy since 2018. There’s also hope that wristspinner Rishad Hossain will make the step-up to Test cricket soon while the likes of Nasum Ahmed and Tanvir Islam are white-ball regulars.Bangladesh, though, need to prepare for life after Taijul, who will turn 34 next February. They are already without Shakib Al Hasan for more than a year, so now it’s time to look into the future and groom Murad.

Firdose Moonda and Valkerie Baynes chat to Nigar Sultana Joty to mark International Women’s Day

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-2024In the second episode of ESPNcricinfo Powerplay, Firdose Moonda and Valkerie Baynes speak with Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana about the hurdles she and her countrywomen have overcome to play the sport they love.