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Newcastle United have now identified “sensational” £50m+ midfielder as a major summer transfer target by Eddie Howe, according to a report.

Magpies set sights on new midfielder

The players responsible for ending Newcastle’s 70-year trophy drought have etched themselves into folklore forever, but with a Champions League campaign potentially on the horizon, Howe will feel a need to improve his squad in the summer transfer window.

The manager is relatively well-stocked in central midfield, but with doubts over the futures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, at least one new addition may be needed, and Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera has recently emerged as a target.

Herrera has often featured in a defensive role throughout his career, but there are signs the Magpies could look at bringing in a midfielder with more of an attacking mindset, having now joined the race for Manchester City’s James McAtee.

Newcastle identify "incredible" £65m Prem forward as ideal summer target

The Magpies have expressed an interest in signing a Premier League attacker this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 6, 2025

Should Howe’s side qualify for the Champions League, it may also be wise to bring in an attacking midfielder with experience in the elite competition, and they have now set their sights on a player who has performed very well in Europe this season.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle are now keen on signing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, with Howe clearly a big fan of the Englishman, having personally identified him as a major summer target.

Elliott has found it difficult to break into the Liverpool starting XI this season, which means a summer exit could be on the cards, but he will not come cheap, with Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly planning an offer worth in excess of £50m.

"Sensational" Elliott could ignite career at St. James' Park

The midfielder has impressed for Liverpool in the past, having been lauded as “sensational” by football writer Leanne Prescott, but he has only played a sporadic role in the Reds’ title triumph this season, making 15 Premier League appearances.

Given that the London-born maestro is now 22-years-old and yet to receive an England cap, it could well be time to leave the Reds for the good of his career, and he has proven he has what it takes to perform at the top level with his performances in the Champions League.

The former Fulham man scored three goals in five Champions League outings, most notably bagging a late winner in the first leg of his side’s round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

While game time has been hard to come by, the Liverpool ace has certainly made the most of his limited opportunities, ranking incredibly highly across a number of key metrics over the past year, when compared with his positional peers in the ‘big five’ European leagues.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.46 (99th percentile)

Assists

0.46 (99th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.17 (99th percentile)

Elliott is showing signs he could go on to be a top player, but he needs regular game time to make that a reality, so a move to Newcastle could make perfect sense this summer.

Liverpool’s defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday stretched Arne Slot’s winless run to three matches, with the Reds last tasting victory at Anfield against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of April.

Ah, that was the afternoon Liverpool sealed their 20th Premier League title. All good, then. Though Slot will be immensely disappointed with his team’s struggles over the past three weeks, context will temper his frustrations, with the squad out celebrating their triumph in Dubai last week, instead of being at Kirkby, training for their clash at the AMEX.

1.

Liverpool

20

1=

Man United

20

3.

Arsenal

13

4.

Man City

10

5.

Everton

9

While standards have slipped, understandably so, the blip carries the undertow of a deeper issue that Slot has wrestled with across the season.

Rotation has been minimal in the Premier League this year, with the head coach seemingly unimpressed with some of his fringe stars.

That’s why FSG are acting incisively to bring in a range of changes this summer. Jeremie Frimpong is slated to replace the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold, and it looks like bringing in Milos Kerkez is the next port of call.

The latest on Milos Kerkez to Liverpool

Though it feels like there’s little need to panic, Liverpool fans will hold off on celebrating the acquisition of Bournemouth full-back Kerkez until the deal is done and dusted.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that ‘talks are advancing’ between the two clubs, with Kerkez himself desperate to make the move to Merseyside.

But the Hungarian talent has been “absolutely exceptional” in the Premier League this year, as put by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, so important for Andoni Iraola’s high-flying side.

So then, is it any surprise The i News are claiming Manchester City are ready to rival Liverpool for the £45m-rated player’s signature?

Liverpool are still firm frontrunners, but have yet to table an official bid and City’s enquiries are born from real interest in bringing him to the Etihad.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has a lot to sift through, but he’s managing it well, having already shortlisted a potential alternative.

Liverpool enter race for defender

As per Sky Germany, Liverpool might be prioritising a deal for Kerkez, but that hasn’t stopped them from adding Ajax’s Jorrel Hato to the shortlist.

Transfer Focus

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

While Caught Offside understand Chelsea currently lead the race for the dynamic Dutch defender, Liverpool likely trail only because they have focused their principal attention elsewhere.

But FSG can ramp up the gas at any given moment.

Hato is expected to fetch a transfer fee worth €55m (£46m), and the suitors will be emboldened by Arsenal dropping their long-term interest after the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Why Liverpool want Jorrel Hato

Kerkez would be the dream for Liverpool, but it’s a promising thing that Hughes and co are mapping out alternative options. The 19-year-old Hato, to be sure, has the potential to match or even exceed his Hungarian positional peer, having been instrumental from a young age in his homeland, already having made 111 senior showings for the club, hitting 13 goal contributions.

Profiled as a tactically astute player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hato is a dynamic and versatile player with a strong set of core qualities, which make a firm comment on his potential success at Slot’s Liverpool.

Kulig even went as far as to say he’s “one of the most talented CBs of his generation” after breaking onto the big stage in 2023, while scout Antonio Mango has described him as “one of the best young talents in football”. Now this player of “immense quality” – as per Kulig – is proving himself worthy on the flank, too.

As per FBref, Hato ranks among the top 2% of full-backs in the Dutch Eredivisie this season for pass completion, the top 12% for assists, the top 6% for touches in the attacking box and the top 5% for through balls made per 90, bespeaking a flowing passing game that could be perfect for ‘Slotball’.

Even in his nascence, Hato’s vast experience in central defence could further his chances of earning a move to Merseyside, a dream Kerkez alternative but one whose prowess could be called upon to ease the centre-halves duties, especially if Jarell Quansah is to leave, as reported by Sky Germany, and Andy Robertson keeps his place in the senior squad next season.

Left-back

88

4

8

Centre-back

70

3

3

Central midfield

1

–

–

Left midfield

1

–

–

Kerkez might be a more natural wide defender, but that in itself doesn’t mean Anfield should head down that route. Analyst Asim Mahmood has even claimed the Hungarian “needs a lot of coaching/development to mould him into an Arne Slot full-back.”

Whether this is wholly true is open to discussion. The 21-year-old has hit seven goal involvements in the Premier League this year, winning 60% of his ground duels and completing 80% of his passes. Kerkez has made a key pass a game, and Slot has already demonstrated his capacity to enhance exciting young talents.

Maybe it’s time to forget the Bournemouth left-back, who would cost FSG something in the same ballpark as Hato but perhaps isn’t a perfect stylistic fit.

Indeed, Kerkez requiring coaching to align with the Liverpool boss’ tactics is fine, but why bother making that investment when the Ajax starlet could be signed with a ready-made skill set.

Hato feels extremely Slot-esque with his distinct brand of possession-focused football. This isn’t to the detriment of his creativity, though, shackled by his own desire to tick things along. As per Sofascore, Hato’s 90% pass success rate in the Eredivisie has led to six assists, with two goals scored too.

Moreover, Hato has won 4.1 duels, made 1.9 tackles and recovered 4.2 loose balls per game, all denoting a roundedness that stretches into firm defensive roots and an innate athleticism, charged by some inexhaustible wellspring of energy that has sadly left Robertson’s arsenal this year.

Kerkez’s entourage would no doubt point toward their man’s superiority from an attacking standpoint, ranking higher across such relevant underlying metrics this season, but Hato would suggest he has been more economical with his attacking productivity, hitting eight direct contributions to Kerkez’s seven.

Robertson’s 31, but he’s still been a regular feature in a team of Premier League champions, and for the second time at that. But this is a new era at the club, and Slot needs to be trusted with placing his own stamp on the squad.

If Liverpool are stuck between the two transfer targets, it might be worthwhile for Slot to walk down his trusted Dutch road and seal a deal for Hato’s, whose unique qualities would leave him in a fantastic position to dovetail right into the high-flying team.

Even better than Huijsen: Liverpool make £59m "beast" their top target

Liverpool are acting like champions as they prepare to strengthen Arne Slot’s squad considerably this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025

Enzo Maresca is already eyeing signings for Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window, despite a couple of matches to go before the end of the season.

Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is the latest centre-back to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues missed out on Dean Huijsen, therefore, they are moving on to other targets.

While, defensively, the club can improve next term, their need for another centre-forward has seen them linked with a few names. Hugo Ekitiké has been someone on the club’s radar of late amid excellent form at Eintract Frankfurt.

Benjamin Sesko is another striker Maresca is keeping an eye on. Could this be the striker the Blues need?

The latest on Chelsea's pursuit of Benjamin Sesko

The Blues are reportedly showing plenty of interest in signing Sesko this summer, especially with his vast potential and wonderful goalscoring record.

A fee of £84m might be required if the Premier League side are serious about bringing him to England, however. Much of this will depend on whether the Blues can secure Champions League qualification or not.

The 21-year-old is one of the most exciting young forwards in the game and his form in Germany demonstrates why.

Indeed, the Slovenia international has scored 21 goals in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig throughout 2024/25 and judging by that, Sesko could be the answer to Maresca’s problems.

Goals

13

Assists

5

Shots per game

2.1

Goal conversion percentage

19%

Scoring frequency (minutes)

185

Successful dribbles per game

1.2

Via Sofascore

It’s safe to say that the offence is one of the big reasons Chelsea still have a battle on their hands to secure a top five place with Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester City and Brentford all scoring more than their 63-goal haul this term.

Nicolas Jackson, sent off against Eddie Howe’s side a few weeks ago, certainly hasn’t helped their cause in recent weeks.

What Sesko's arrival would mean for Jackson

Following an impressive season at Villarreal in 2022/23, one which saw the player net 13 goals and grab five assists in all competitions, Chelsea signed Jackson for more than £30m.

Jacek Kulig described Jackson as “extraordinary” for his exploits during that campaign, but his spell at Chelsea, however, hasn’t quite been as good.

17 goals during his first season was more than respectable, but this tally has dropped to 12 during the 2024/25 campaign with pundit Tim Sherwood famously remarking that “at times he looks like someone playing in Soccer Aid who’s not a footballer.”

Should Chelsea qualify for the Champions League next season, it is evident they will need someone more influential in front of goal, as Jackson simply isn’t the answer.

He currently earns £100k-per-week, more than Sesko’s £91k-per-week, and it’s safe to say that money would be better spent on the Slovenian instead.

When compared to his peers in the Premier League this season, Jackson fails to rank in the top 40% for no-penalty goals (0.41) per 90, while also failing to break through the top 40% with regard to successful take-ons (0.73) and touches in the attacking third (14.64) per 90.

Those are hardly the statistics of a player who can fire Chelsea to glory, that’s for sure. If Maresca is serious about improving this summer, bringing in Sesko for Jackson would certainly please a vast portion of the support.

The transfer window this summer could turn out to be interesting indeed.

Better than Huijsen: Chelsea set to open talks to sign "immense" £42m star

Chelsea are keen to move on from Huijsen by targeting a Dutch defender

ByRoss Kilvington May 19, 2025

With promotion sealed, Sunderland have now been handed another boost by reports that one of their summer targets is now open to completing a move to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland secure promotion back to Premier League

In one tense, nervous affair, the beauty and the heartbreak of the playoffs was on show for all to see at Wembley. Sheffield United were left in shock, but Sunderland were left delirious when Tommy Watson coolly placed home from range to hand the Black Cats promotion at the death. Coming from behind, Regis Le Bris’ side took Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time in eight years.

Le Bris had his say on an unforgettable moment, telling reporters after his side’s triumph: “It feels fantastic to have lived this moment with our fans. I am really proud of the work we have done this season.

“The players, the staff, and the people in the building have been really connected and believed that it was possible. In the end, the emotion and the feeling are really impressive.

“We are always focused on the present, and the path – the journey – is something we live together. It had its ups and downs, so we are always focused on the next step. In the next few days, we will realise what we have achieved together.”

Sunderland could soon sign their next Amad in "unplayable" EFL star

Sunderland could finally win their next Amad Diallo with this tricky attacker.

ByKelan Sarson May 29, 2025

Now that they’re in the top flight, Sunderland undoubtedly have a tough task on their hands. None of the last six promoted sides have survived at the first time of asking in the Premier League, meaning that the Black Cats are up against a growing trend next season. What would certainly help their push for safety, however, is the arrival of someone who knows exactly how to win in England’s top tier.

Henderson now "open" to Sunderland return

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Jordan Henderson is now open to completing a move to Sunderland this summer with those at the Stadium of Light also keen to make a deal happen as, according to talkSPORT, they ‘believe he would add valuable experience to their young team’.

The Ajax midfielder is seemingly on his way out of the Netherlands after 18 months this summer and could enjoy a full circle moment by heading back to where it all started.

The England international should, on paper, take hold of the opportunity to enjoy a fairytale ending to his career with both hands. Since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq in a move that came with plenty of criticism, Henderson’s reputation has arguably been on a downward spiral, however, during his time at Ajax, he has managed to break back into the England setup under Thomas Tuchel.

Games

79

Goals

5

Assists

10

Minutes played

6,067

There’s no denying his experience no matter what some think of his recent decisions, though. Henderson has won it all as a captain in English football and could be worth every penny of his £75,000-a-week base salary if Sunderland make their move this summer.

Dubbed “selfless” by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in 2019, Henderson could receive the chance to complete the most fitting move to end his career in the Premier League courtesy of Sunderland.

Tottenham Hotspur need to reinforce multiple areas of the squad this summer, especially in preparation for their first campaign back in the Champions League since Antonio Conte’s time in charge.

Tottenham plan transfers now that Ange's fate is sealed

Before their triumph against Man United in the Europa League final, trusted media sources like The Telegraph reported that the north Londoners were set for a ‘sell to buy’ summer.

Tottenham now hold talks over signing "real deal" MLS defender

He’s got a glowing reputation in the States.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

However, after Ange Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a piece of silverware and secured Tottenham their first European trophy since 1984, things are looking a lot more positive in the transfer market.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Unfortunately for Postecoglou, this wasn’t enough for the Australian to keep his job, with Spurs announcing on Friday afternoon that they’ve decided to part company.

His parting gift to supporters was an historic night in Bilbao and an undoubted boost when it comes to their club’s transfer activity, even if Postecoglou himself won’t be around to bear the fruits of his labor after a torrid domestic campaign.

Spurs actually have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to PSR, which was with or without Champions League qualification. The Athletic even suggested recently that chairman Daniel Levy could spend £200 million this summer and still be in line with financial regulations.

The issue actually lies in whether they have the cash to pull off mega-money investment into the squad, but with their Champions League status now confirmed, Spurs are set for a much more “comfortable” summer with the incoming cash-flow from competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Sky Sports recently claimed that Tottenham will prioritise the signing of a new forward and midfielder, if Cristian Romero stays. But, if the Argentine does end up leaving, most likely to Atletico Madrid, their need for a centre-back will suddenly increase ten-fold.

The Lilywhites have identified targets in the event Romero does depart N17, with Genoa defender Koni de Winter attracting interest from Tottenham as one option, according to some reports in Italy.

Another very intriguing possibility is a deal for Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck.

The Germany international was a regular under former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi last season, playing 46 matches in all competitions, and featured in almost all of their Champions League matches en route to their final defeat against PSG.

Tottenham have been pushing to sign Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck

According to a report in Italian newspaper Tuttosport, via Calciomercato.it, the 24-year-old is “increasingly close” to leaving San Siro.

The prospect of him following Inzaghi out of the door is a very realistic one, and they claim that Tottenham have been pushing hard to sign Bisseck this summer given his availability.

They also moot the hint at the potential for a player exchange, with the Nerazzurri said to hold a serious interest in Radu Dragusin, although this is just a “hypothesis” with no real movement on that possibility just yet.

He would be affordable from Levy’s perspective, as other Serie A reports suggest Inter have set an asking price of around £34 million. Bisseck has been called a “diamond” by members of the Italian media, with the Bundesliga’s official website also comparing him to Micky van de Ven.

“He’s also making a name for himself with the way he’s playing,” said Inzaghi about Bisseck. “My technical staff and I have faith in him. He must continue to work in this way.”

New Rangers manager Russell Martin is willing to sell a “brilliant” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer update.

Martin eyeing first signings as Rangers boss

The Martin era at Ibrox is officially underway, with the former Southampton boss hoping to bring plenty of success back to the club, having had to watch rivals Celtic dominate the Scottish Premiership over the past decade or so.

The 39-year-old is clearly extremely excited to get started, admitting as much soon after his confirmation as Rangers’ next manager: “It’s an incredible feeling. I’m really grateful to the board, to Patrick (Stewart), to Kevin (Thelwell), for their faith in me. It’s been a tough and rigorous process and it’s taken some time, but that’s what you expect when you want to be manager of a club of this stature, size and expectation. I’m desperate to get started and I’m excited about what’s to come.”

It’s now a case of Martin being backed in the transfer market, with the Englishman signing players who he sees as ideal for him, and Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes could reportedly be his first addition. He knows the player well from his spell in charge of Saints, and he could add quality in possession, having completed 90.8% of his passes in the Premier League in 2024/25.

That said, some current Gers players could depart before next season gets underway, and a key update has dropped regarding one individual.

Martin could sell McCauslandAccording toThe Daily Record,Ross McCausland's Rangers future is up in the airbecause Martin is considering listening to offers for him.It is stated that Championship side Cardiff City are the latest club to show an interest in signing him this summer, with the 22-year-old preferring to stay put at Ibrox.

It’s ruthless from Martin, should he dispatch of McCausland in the summer window, considering the Northern Irishman is a talented young player who has been lauded by Lee McCulloch in the past.

“McCausland was absolutely brilliant. Bubbly, has pace, technical first touch. Tremendous. Playing in this cauldron, given the magnitude of this game, he looked full of confidence. I think the fans really took to him. He really gave the stadium a lift.”

However, McCausland was limited to only four starts in the Scottish Premiership last season, suggesting he isn’t seen as a key man moving forward, so the club do have a big decision to make this summer.

The new Lundstram: Martin wants to make £18m star his first Rangers signing

As Russell Martin starts his overhaul of Rangers’ squad, could he sign a “class” midfielder in a deal reminiscent of John Lundstram’s move to Ibrox?

ByBen Gray Jun 8, 2025

He only has two years remaining on his current deal, so time is running out before his price tag starts to drop, and if Martin feels like he is an expendable figure, moving him on now makes the most sense.

Real Madrid are now in advanced contract talks with a star player to try and fend off Manchester United’s recent approach, according to a new report.

Balancing incomings and outgoings the order of the day at Old Trafford

As of now, it has been a rather quiet start to the transfer window for the Red Devils, as they have just completed one bit of transfer business, and that was the signing of Matheus Cunha. More arrivals are expected however, with Bryan Mbeumo heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, and now United are said to be confident in beating Tottenham to his signature.

Man Utd eye £34m Onana replacement from the same place they overpaid for Hojlund

Man Utd and INEOS have now identified a new target to replace Andre Onana in goal.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 16, 2025

United are also being linked with players who can improve them in other aspects of the team. They are seriously interested in signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and have now added Marco Carnesecchi to their list of options to replace Andre Onana in goal. However, these purchases may have to be put on hold until the club moves some players out the door.

Alejandro Garnacho is one whose time at the club appears to be up, as United are now prepared to sell the Argentine. The Red Devils are looking to get at least £50 million for the attacker this summer. Chelsea were linked with a move for Garnacho back in January, and they are believed to be still interested in a deal now. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have also joined the race to sign Garnacho, as he may be seen as a replacement for Marcus Rashford, who has now returned to Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen have also been linked with a move for the United man, and while their interest is genuine, it is a deal that is unlikely given finances and the fact that Garnacho’s preference is to remain in the Premier League.

Man Utd make approach for Brahim Diaz

Given the Red Devils are willing to sell Garnacho, they have been on the lookout for replacements, and according to a report from Spain, Man United have made an approach to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid.

However, Fabrizio Romano has since revealed Real Madrid are now in advanced contract talks with the forward to fend off the interest from United and others. Indeed, Arsenal also joined the Red Devils in making an enquiry, but it seems the playmaker has made his mind up and will stay put for the forseeable future.

Diaz, who has been dubbed an “astonishing” talent by journalist Mina Rzouki, has been at Real Madrid since January 2019, when he joined the club from United’s arch-rivals Manchester City. The Morocco international has had two separate spells on loan at AC Milan since moving to Spain, but in the last two seasons he has become an important member of the Real Madrid squad.

Apps

117

Goals

20

Assists

19

Last season, Diaz played 31 times in La Liga, as well as 11 times in the Champions League. The Red Devils would have seen Diaz as a perfect player who could play in the wide number 10 role, a position Amorim is trying to improve in before pre-season gets underway.

Kathryn Bryce makes 62, Sarah 52 not out after Josie Groves and Heather Graham stifle Stars

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2024The Blaze 144 for 3 (K Bryce 62, S Bryce 52*) beat South East Stars 141 for 9 (Redmayne 25, Graham 3-16, Groves 3-33) by wicketsKathryn Bryce continued her outstanding season with a match-winning 62 off 44 balls as The Blaze, who were losing finalists in both women’s regional competitions last season, beat South East Stars by an emphatic seven wickets to lift the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Derby.Bryce, who led the Scotland side she skippers to qualification for their first T20 World Cup earlier in the summer, shared a decisive partnership of 79 with her younger sister Sarah, who herself rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 52 from 46 balls as Stars’ total of 141 for 9 was passed with eight balls to spare.Kathryn finishes the competition as leading runscorer for good measure, having hit an impressive five half-centuries in a tally of 477.It rewarded The Blaze captain Kirstie Gordon for her own strong leadership after the heartbreak of losing both finals to Southern Vipers last year. Her team have suffered only one defeat and avoided Vipers this time after the defending champions were knocked out by Stars in the semi-finals, in which The Blaze beat Central Sparks by five wickets.That sole defeat was inflicted by Stars, who bowled Blaze out for 84 in a five-wicket win on the same ground last Sunday. A repeat victory for the 2021 competition winners never looked on the cards here.The Blaze conceded 22 in the first over after opting to bowl first, yet bowled with discipline and skill thereafter to restrict Stars to 141 for 9, Australian allrounder Heather Graham taking 3 for 16 and legspinner Josie Groves 3 for 33.Georgia Redmayne top-scored with 25 and Alice Davidson-Richards 23 for Stars in what looked like a sub-par total even on a deteriorating surface.Despite left-arm seamer Grace Ballinger’s expensive first over, Stars were limited to 45 for 2 in the powerplay. Bryony Smith (17 from seven balls) was leg before sweeping Gordon’s left-arm spin, and Phoebe Franklin bowled by Graham for 10, having not batted in Stars’ semi-final win over Southern Vipers.More setbacks for the Stars followed as Groves, stepping up in the absence of England star Sarah Glenn, found turn and bounce in a deteriorating surface to have key batters Sophia Dunkley and Paige Scholfield stumped, leaving Stars 62 for 4 in the ninth.Emma Jones clobbered Groves for six square on the on side but she was bowled by Graham in the next over. A recovery of sorts by Redmayne and Davidson-Richards ended when mid-on Marie Kelly, having dropped the latter on 19, made amends off the next ball, giving Groves her third wicket.Having added 31 with her sixth-wicket partner, Redmayne was out when she failed to clear mid-off before Tash Farrant was caught on the square leg boundary off a Gordon full toss in a penultimate over that went for only three, The Blaze skipper finishing as the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 22.Graham bowled Dani Gregory, her last over costing just two after The Blaze restricted their opponents to 16 in the last four.The Blaze chase was finely poised at 49 for 2 after six overs, Kathryn Bryce shaping up nicely again on 29 from 16, although they had lost Tammy Beaumont, run out backing up in a piece of brilliance by bowler Farrant, before Kelly miscued to extra cover. By halfway, Kathryn and sister Sarah were still together, with the target down to 58 more.Kathryn, who had made 44 in the semi-final, edged two slightly fortunate boundaries off Franklin before completing her fifth half-century of the competition from 31 balls.Her hopes of being there to finish the job were ended when she was bowled attempting to reverse sweep legspinner Gregory, leaving that privilege to Sarah, who completed her own half-century off 45 balls before Graham heaved Ryana MacDonald-Gay over mid-off for the winning boundary.

Manchester United’s side is one that has massively struggled over recent seasons, struggling to match the levels that were produced during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

The Red Devils have now gone 12 whole seasons without a Premier League triumph, with current boss Ruben Amorim the latest to try his luck at Old Trafford.

However, so far, the 40-year-old has been unable to transform the situation, achieving a 40% win rate in his 42 games in the role, leading to a 15th-place league finish this season.

Leeway should be handed his way, however, only having the January transfer window earlier this year to make the additions he wanted to help him in his quest at the club.

However, this summer is a huge period in his stint in charge at the Theatre of Dreams, needing to find the right players for his system if he is to be a success in the role.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Viktor Gyokeres is a player who has been firmly on their radar over the last couple of years, but United now appear to be in pole position for his signature after the latest update on his future.

Warren Zaire-Emery is another surprise name on the club’s shortlist, after the hierarchy made an enquiry to sign the PSG youngster, who’s currently valued at £85m.

However, a new name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Borussia Dortmund’s midfield star Felix Nmecha on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Red Devils are preparing an offer to land the 24-year-old this summer, with a £28m price tag mooted for his signature in the coming months.

It also states that the former Manchester City academy star could have his head turned by the Red Devils ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but that the Bundesliga side have no intention of offloading him.

Why United’s £28m target would be perfect for Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo has been a name on the lips of all supporters over the last couple of weeks, understandably so given the keen interest in his signature.

The 25-year-old has been a player who’s thrived in the division over recent years, but he produced his best-ever campaign last time around, scoring 20 times in the Premier League for Brentford.

However, a deal hasn’t been easy up until now, with the Red Devils having two separate offers rejected, the latest being a fee in the region of £60m.

A deal should be completed smoothly if a fee is agreed, after the Cameroonian international has agreed personal terms with Amorim’s side over a move to Old Trafford.

He could be boosted in his chances of success should Nmecha move to the club, as the German possesses a lot of qualities that would aid the forward in attacking areas.

When delving into his stats from this campaign, he’s thrived in numerous key areas, making him the perfect box-to-box option within Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Nmecha, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by former boss Nuri Şahin, has registered an 88% pass accuracy along with 5.1 progressive passes per 90 – subsequently showing why he’d be perfect for Mbeumo and having the tools to provide him with the opportunities needed.

Games played

26

Goals & assists

5

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

5.1

Passes into final third

5.4

Progressive carries

1.3

Take-ons completed

65%

Tackles won

1.3

Interceptions made

1.4

Aerials won

1.4

He’s also completed 65% of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also registering 1.3 progressive carries per 90, further demonstrating his desire to take the ball into forward areas.

The German has also starred without the ball, winning 1.3 tackles per 90 and 1.4 interceptions per 90, making him the perfect ball-winning option in the middle of the park.

£28m for a player of Nmecha’s calibre could prove to be one of the bargain additions of the summer, offering Amorim a new dimension to his midfield and taking the side to new heights.

If he can excel without the ball and provide Mbeumo with added chances in front of goal, it would be a sensational signing and one that could push them back up the table in 2025/26.

Bruno will make him world-class: Man Utd hold talks for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United appear to be making a move in a deal to sign a new talisman.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 28, 2025

ESPNcricinfo has learnt that Morne Morkel is the leading candidate to become India’s new bowling coach

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jul-2024Former India allrounder Abhishek Nayar and former Netherlands allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate are set to join India’s support staff as assistant coaches for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. The pair will reunite with newly-appointed India head coach Gautam Gambhir, having recently served as his assistant coaches during Kolkata Knight Riders’ run to the IPL 2024 title.ESPNcricinfo has learnt that former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel has been approached to become India’s new bowling coach. Morkel had worked with Gambhir at Lucknow Super Giants and Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20, where Gambhir was the global mentor.Related

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Former India and Karnataka seamer Vinay Kumar has also been shortlisted for the bowling coach role, but Morkel is understood to be the leading candidate.The new coaching set-up’s first assignment will be a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, which begins on July 27.Nayar, 40, played three ODIs for India and won multiple Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai in his first-class career, which spanned over 100 matches. Even when he was an active player, Nayar mentored Dinesh Karthik and helped him stage an international comeback. More recently, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy heaped praise on Nayar after KKR won their first IPL title in ten seasons. Nayar has also worked as the head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).As for ten Doeschate, he is currently with Los Angeles Knight Riders in the USA’s Major League Cricket as an assistant to head coach Phil Simmons. He also brings with him the experience of having been a batting coach at Kent.