All posts by h716a5.icu

Matthew Breetzke 94 in vain as home side get home in shortened chase

ECB Reporters Network14-Jun-2024Derbyshire 123 for 3 (Donald 68) beat Northamptonshire 193 for 8 (Breetzke 94, Dupavillon 3-43) by 24 runs (DLS method) A brilliant innings from Aneurin Donald gave Derbyshire Falcons a 24 run win over Northants Steelbacks under Duckworth Lewis Stern in the North Group match at Derby.Donald smashed eight sixes in a 26-ball 68, equalling his own record for Derbyshire’s fastest T20 fifty, to put Falcons ahead of the run rate on 123 for 3 after 11 overs when a violent thunderstorm ended the game.Matthew Breetzke batted superbly to score a T20 best 94 from 54 balls, sharing a stand of 81 with Sikandar Raza, as Steelbacks reached 193 for 8.Rain left Falcons with a revised target of 187 from 19 overs but Donald’s demolition shredded the bowling before David Lloyd (33), and Cam Fletcher kept the home side ahead of the game before the heavens opened.Steelbacks scored only six from the first two overs which included a maiden from Daryn Dupavillon before Breetzke took three fours from Pat Brown.Ricardo Vasconcelos was dropped at cover by Samit Patel off Brown but it did not prove costly as the opener was comprehensively yorked in the fourth over by DuPavillion.Breetzke was finding his range and pulled Zak Chappell into the car park before David Willey dished out the same treatment to Dupavillon. But Dupavillon had the last word by getting Willey to miscue a drive low to mid-off as Steelbacks ended the powerplay on 55 for 2.After a brief stoppage for a sharp shower, Breetzke and Ravi Bopara worked the ball around without taking risks and had put on 48 from 36 balls when Falcons made a big breakthrough.Bopara tried to launch Mitch Wagstaff over the midwicket boundary only for Ross Whiteley to take a well judged catch just inside the ropes.But Breetzke and Raza trod on the accelerator to plunder 79 in five overs as the ball disappeared to all parts. After Breetzke reached 50 from 36 balls, he pulled Brown for six and dispatched Ross Whiteley for another maximum before Raza launched Chappell over the ropes.Breetzke passed his previous highest T20 score of 80 by taking three consecutive fours off Dupavillon before a yorker ended a thrilling innings.Brown and Chappell dragged it back by conceding only 11 from the last two overs in which Steelbacks lost four wickets trying to push towards 200.Falcons needed a fast start and Donald delivered, driving Willey straight for six and pulling and driving Ben Sanderson for two more as they raced to 50 in the fifth over.Donald pulled Raphy Weatherall into the home dugout and smashed a Saif Zaib full toss for six before he launched a no-ball over deep midwicket to reach 50 from 19 balls.He hammered two more off Freddie Heldreich before holing out to long-off in the seventh over but he had done exactly what the situation demanded.Bopara had Wayne Madsen caught behind and Patel was caught at deep square but the Falcons had done enough by the time torrential rain ended the contest.

With Thomas Frank looking to make his mark from the off, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly battling Manchester United in another transfer race to sign a £20m gem.

Tottenham open summer business with Tel arrival

Although there are likely to be plenty of others who steal the headlines this summer, Mathys Tel has his place in history as the first signing of the Frank era in North London. The young forward has arrived on a permanent deal following a short loan spell in the second-half of last season. Still just 20 years old, the former Bayern Munich man represents the type of talent that could thrive under Frank’s guidance.

The Lilywhites are unlikely to be done there with attacking additions, however, amid recent reports that suggest they’ve opened talks sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

With Bryan Mbeumo still leaning towards a summer switch to Manchester United, Frank and Tottenham’s attention has seemingly turned towards the Cherries and sealing the arrival of a player who has been on the rise in the South Coast for the last two seasons.

Of course, there will be plenty of frustration if they miss out on Mbeumo – especially given how Frank got the best out of the Brentford star during their time together in West London – but Semenyo very much represents an ideal alternative.

The Mbeumo saga may not be the last time that Spurs and Manchester United do battle in the transfer window, either. Reports are now suggesting that both clubs are interested in the same midfield gem.

Tottenham battling Man Utd to sign £20m Agoume

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now battling Man Utd to sign Lucien Agoume from Sevilla this summer. The young midfielder is reportedly available for just £20m amid Sevilla’s financial troubles and could be destined for the Premier League one way or another in the coming months.

It’s easy to see why two of the Premier League’s so-called big six teams are interested in Agoume this summer. U23 scout Antonio Mango was full of praise for the 23-year-old in his assessment, going on to describe him as “combative” and “extremely well-rounded”.

If they lose out on Mbeumo to Manchester United, then Tottenham should look to exact instant revenge by signing Agoume ahead of the Red Devils this summer. What could reportedly help their battle to do exactly that is the fact that they have Champions League football to offer, whilst Manchester United, of course, do not.

28-year-old wants to join Tottenham as Levy considers "clever" signing

He’d be an interesting addition.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

It would be quite the moment if Spurs’ Europa League victory over the Red Devils saw them hand those at Old Trafford another defeat away from the pitch in the coming months.

Newcastle United will play Champions League football once again next season, but Eddie Howe will certainly know that first-team signings are needed if his side are to make headway after an extraordinary year.

Top five was secured, as was the Carabao Cup trophy after an incredible performance against Liverpool, who so dominantly won the Premier League.

Somehow, Howe achieved the feats with limited attacking options, but he’s seeking to rectify that in the summer transfer market.

Newcastle looking at Elanga alternative

Indeed, despite a slow start, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed on Wednesday that the Magpies have seen a £45m offer rejected for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

The Tricky Trees have no intention of selling, and while Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus have been also discussed, there’s another winger on British shores who could move to Tyneside this summer.

As per Football Insider, Celtic are determined to keep Nicolas Kuhn beyond the summer transfer window, although it’s anticipated that Newcastle and German club RB Leipzig will push to swipe his signature.

Brendan Rodgers considers the 25-year-old one of his most valuable players, but offers in and around £20m would likely be accepted by the Scottish champions.

Given the amount of money offered to Forest for Elanga, this might prove an incredibly shrewd piece of business for a Newcastle side boasting the fluent tactical conditions for such a player to flourish.

What Nicolas Kuhn could bring to Newcastle

Kuhn, who played for Ajax and Bayern Munich in his youth, joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna for just £3m in January 2024, and his stock has since risen considerably.

With 42 goal involvements from 68 matches across all competitions, the German winger hasn’t done too badly, even hailed for his “breathtaking” technical quality by Marvin Bartley.

With such sharp pace and dribbling skills, Kuhn fits the bill from a tactical perspective, with Howe questing for such a profile to add competition for the industrious Jacob Murphy on the right flank.

As you can see below, the Celtic star definitely boasts faculties that rival those of Elanga, albeit having performed his duties at a level of lower quality in the Scottish Premiership.

Matches (starts)

32 (24)

38 (31)

Goals

13

6

Assists

9

11

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.8)

1.2 (0.6)

Big chances missed

9

6

Pass completion

77%

78%

Big chances created

11

9

Key passes*

1.6

1.3

Dribbles*

1.8

0.7

Tackles*

1.2

0.5

Duels won*

3.5

3.0

But even so, the winger takes things in his stride and likes to be in the thick of the action, making things happen. Moreover, his tenacious approach has led to impressive defensive metrics, always chipping in with tackles and duels.

He also carries the ball forward with regularity, although it must be said that Elanga’s low average in that regard is largely due to the pragmatic nature of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactics.

Ultimately, Newcastle could find that they could sign a dynamic forward in Kuhn who is capable of special things, and for a portion of the price that Elanga would be available for.

Given the underlying strengths that point in the Hoops man’s favour, it might not turn out to be a bad thing for a Newcastle side in need of reinforcements across a wealth of positions.

He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"

Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 23, 2025

With India playing their three Super Eight games at different venues in the span in five days, adjusting quickly to conditions will be crucial

Sidharth Monga19-Jun-20246:54

We’ve pushed the needle forward with our batting – Dravid

As this India leadership group starts its last two weeks at the helm, it is a good time to look back. Their biggest legacy will be dragging India towards modern limited-overs batting. Look at its biggest manifestation: Virat Kohli is a much better T20 batter while retaining qualities that made him an ODI great. In India, though, legacy is judged by ICC trophies. That unfortunately remains the yardstick for a team now used to staying among the best at other times.In what has been a bit of an irony, what seems like a last hurrah for Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma at helm and will eventually decide how fondly they are remembered by the wider public, their real legacy of pushing the aggression envelope has had to take a back seat. Two of their biggest hitters, their modern T20 batters, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, have had to play like they would in the middle overs of an ODI.”Like you rightly said, a lot of the impetus over the last few years – and I think we’ve done it in most parts – has been to push the needle forward,” Dravid said. “If you look at a lot of our stats and numbers, we have pushed the needle forward in terms of our batting.”There’s no question about it. Sometimes in certain conditions – you’ve just got to be mindful of conditions also. I think sometimes we just get carried away in T20 cricket and just talking about pushing the needle forward, pushing the needle forward. But then, it’s also, cricket is a very condition-specific game. It’s one of the only sports left where the surface makes such an impact on the actual skill levels, the actual performance levels, what is an acceptable performance level. It’s one sport that we play where the surface makes a huge difference and it has to be brought into consideration at all times.Related

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“I think we saw that in the US, and we saw that in New York, that had to be brought into consideration not only for us but for other teams as well. I think everyone had to do that. Actually, even in Australia [during the last T20 World Cup], there were times where you had to bring that into consideration. Not every wicket is Hyderabad or not every wicket can be the same. So, I think that’s something we pride ourselves in as well. I think we are trying to also get that ability to be smart in our decision making, to try and assess situations cleverly.”If India get the kind of pitches they had in New York, they are favourites. In the Super Eight, though, they, like most other teams, will have to deal with the unpredictability of new conditions in every match in the West Indies, and quickly decide how to approach their innings. In cricket’s other formats, batting is a reactive exercise: the bowlers start the action, and batters react to the merit of the delivery. In T20, the batters’ approach plays a bigger role. And it all depends on conditions.Rahul Dravid: Cricket is “one of the only sports left where the surface makes such an impact on the actual skill levels, the actual performance levels, what is an acceptable performance level.”•ICC/Getty ImagesIn a way, the previous two weeks of the T20 World Cup have been a bit of a lottery. You get put in, you take two extra overs to decide what a par score is, and you could be done for. That’s all it takes. That is likely what happened to Pakistan when they played USA. How do you mitigate the uncertainty, though? Dravid was asked exactly that a day before the start of India’s three Super Eight matches in five days in Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia.”We feel we’ve got the experience and the knowledge and also the ability to counteract different situations that may present themselves,” he said. “And then, of course, we are looking at things that the past games that have been played here, what have been the scores, what’s the level of swing that people are experiencing, amount of turn they’re getting, what’s the bounce. So, you look at all of these factors and you come up with some basic ideas.”But again, I think you’ve got to keep an open mind. I think that’s an important thing. You might have all the stats, you might have all the data, but on the day, sometimes conditions can be very different to what you think it is. Just because a particular ground has produced certain number of runs in the past or even 10 days prior, it can be very different because the preparation of a wicket, the weather, so much can change.”Even in the two or three days leading into a particular game, a lot can change that can force you to recalibrate and rethink. I think we will have to do that, be quick and smart and be able to do that and assess the conditions. I hope we will do that.”If New York was any indication, though, one change, though subtle, is clearly visible. India adjusted down instead of adjusting up. Err high rather than low. The top order, especially Kohli, showed enough faith in the batters to follow. It would have been easy for Kohli to play at a run a ball there but that is not his role. That seems to be the back-up option, and one for someone else to take. Nothing can guarantee success in T20 knockouts but that approach, provided they can manage to retain courage and indifference towards the end result, might just hold India in better stead than on previous attempts.

Hannon-Dalby takes four wickets to put visitors in command at Taunton

ECB Reporters Network01-Jul-2024Tom Banton and Tom Abell rescued Somerset from potential embarrassment on the second day of the Vitality County Championship Division One match with Warwickshire at Taunton.The pair came together with the home side 57 for three in their first innings, trailing by 355 runs, and produced a patient stand of 139, Banton making 77 and Abell 61 not out before three late wickets saw Somerset stumble to stumps on 208 for six, Oliver Hannon-Dalby claiming four for 45.Earlier, Warwickshire had extended their score from an overnight 373 for eight to 412 all out, Michael Burgess falling for 147. Migael Pretorius added the wicket of Michael Booth to his four first day victims for figures of five for 104 from 27 overs.Only one over was bowled at the start of play before a heavy shower wiped out play for the session to the consternation of more than 700 schoolchildren granted free admission for the day. An early lunch was taken at 12.30pm, with play resuming at 1.10pm.Somerset’s frustrations of the previous evening continued and an edged four by Booth off Pretorius took the visitors to a fourth batting point at 402 for eight, having been 40 for four at one stage.Booth then took two to third man to bring up a half-century stand with Burgess in 74 balls before Pretorius parted them, Booth edging to Abell at first slip to depart for 31.Burgess had faced 208 balls, hitting 17 fours and three sixes when last man out, skying a catch to Jack Leach at mid-on to give Kasey Aldridge his only wicket.Needing 263 to avoid the prospect of being asked to follow on, Somerset minds might have been on cautiously negotiating the new ball. Instead, Andy Umeed smacked the second delivery of the second over back over Hannon-Dalby’s head for six and then fell to the fourth, edging a low catch to Jacob Bethell at fourth slip.Tom Kohler-Cadmore also looked to attack at every opportunity and had moved to 22 off 35 balls when caught behind pushing half forward to a good length ball from Booth. At the other end, Chris Woakes completed a seven-over opening spell costing just 15 runs.When Tom Lammonby, on 23, edged another catch to wicketkeeper Burgess, playing down the wrong line to Ed Barnard, Somerset were 57 for three and under pressure. Banton clubbed Booth over a short extra cover boundary for six as he and Abell saw them to 80 for three at tea.An extended final session of 43 overs began with Banton playing some delightful shots and bringing up the fifty partnership from 88 balls with a sweetly-timed back-foot shot through the covers for four off Hannon-Dalby.Abell was largely content to play a supporting role as the stand blossomed. Banton reached a 77-ball half-century with a single of left-arm spinner Bethell, having hit 5 fours and a six, only looking vulnerable when chasing wide deliveries.The pair settled for accumulating steadily as the ball became softer and Warwickshire’s bowlers shared the frustrations of their Somerset counterparts over a pitch offering negligible seam movement or turn.Abell survived a scare on 43 when a delivery from Barnard appeared to miss his off stump by a coat of varnish, but by then the partnership with Banton had passed the century mark and early worries in the home dressing room had eased.A late cut off Barnard for his third four took Abell to fifty off 110 balls. Bethell produced a tidy ten-over spell for 23 runs on the unhelpful surface, but neither Abell nor Banton looked seriously troubled in the early evening sunshine.That was until Hannon-Dalby found the outside edge of Banton’s bat for the only slip, Rob Yates to pouch a low chance with five overs remaining in the day. The crestfallen Somerset player dragged himself off, having faced 143 balls, knowing a great chance of a third first class century had escaped him.Hannon-Dalby then struck two more quick blows to remove nightwatchmen Josh Davey lbw and Jack Leach caught behind next ball, as Warwickshire ended the day on an unexpected high.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could now look to hijack Liverpool’s move for a “world-class” star, who is valued at £85m, according to a report.

Gary Neville urges Arteta to sign new striker

Teams have been successful without out-and-out strikers in the past, with Gary Neville highlighting Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City pre-Erling Haaland as examples, but the Sky Sports pundit has urged Mikel Arteta to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

Neville said: “To not have a recognised striker in the squad: Kai Havertz is half a striker, Gabriel Jesus is half a striker – they can play there. But they do need one or two other forwards who can really be people who can play and lead that line.”

It certainly appears as though Arteta plans to finally pull the trigger on a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres among the most talked-about potential targets, fresh off the back of impressive campaigns.

Player

Benjamin Sesko

Viktor Gyokeres

League appearances

33

33

Goals

13

39

However, according to a report from BILD (via Sport Witness), Berta is now considering alternative options, given that progress is slow, and a Liverpool target has now entered the frame.

The striker in question is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with the report stating Berta could now look to hijack their Premier League rivals’ deal for the 23-year-old, but a deal is likely to be on the expensive side.

Saka will love him: Arsenal agree initial fee to sign £60m "monster"

Arsenal could be growing closer to signing a new striker.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

The German club are thought to be holding out for a fee of £85m, which means a deal for the Frenchman would be more costly than Sesko or Gyokeres. Consequently, the former Paris Saint-Germain man is unlikely to be viewed as a priority target.

"World-class" Ekitike could be ideal Sesko alternative

It has previously been revealed that Sesko is Arteta’s preferred striker target, but there are signs that Ekitike could be an ideal alternative option, given the level of his performances in the Bundesliga last season.

The 23-year-old outperformed the Slovenian in front of goal, finding the back of the net 15 times, while also registering eight assists, leading to him being dubbed as “world-class” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Frankfurt star is also just one year older than Sesko, meaning he could be a long-term solution for Arsenal in attack, while Gyokeres is considerably older than the Bundesliga duo, having recently turned 27.

The only thing that may deter Arsenal from making a move is Ekitike’s huge price tag, with a fee of £85m far too high for a striker yet to prove himself at the top level over a consistent period, but he could be a solid signing if Frankfurt lower their demands.

Rahul scored a patient 57 but could not prevent an India A defeat with Dayal, Saini and Mukesh sharing seven wickets between them

Shashank Kishore08-Sep-20244:05

Takeaways: Musheer shines, Akash stakes serious claim

For over three hours on the final day of the Duleep Trophy game in Bengaluru, KL Rahul’s discipline kept India B waiting. Victory had seemed a mere formality post lunch when India A stumbled to 99 for 6 chasing 275. Rahul, who walked into bat at No. 4, denied himself runs he would pocket on most days because he wasn’t willing to be lulled into driving on the up even with cover vacant.It meant the scoreboard came to a standstill. Rahul battled for 99 deliveries for a half-century, even going 55 balls without a boundary at one stage. But when he saw width from Mukesh Kumar, he couldn’t resist a cut. The ball gripped a hint onto the surface to take the edge as Rishabh Pant dived forward to complete the catch. Rahul’s 121-ball vigil that brought him 57 was over and India B went on to win by 76 runs.The margin of victory could have been a lot bigger if not for Akash Deep’s enterprising 43, which wasn’t the only highlight for him. His 5 for 56 earlier in the day ensured India B were bowled out for 184 after pocketing a 90-run first-innings lead. This included the wickets of Abhimanyu Easwaran, first-innings centurion Musheer Khan and Washington Sundar.Related

Akash Deep uses Shami's advice for impressive Duleep Trophy outing

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Akash finished with a match haul of 9 for 116 to put himself in the frame for the Bangladesh Tests which begin in 11 days as the third fast bowler in the squad. Among the other quicks to make an impression was left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal, whose 3 for 50 triggered India A’s second innings slide.He had Mayank Agarwal nicking to second slip in his first over when he got one to move away appreciably off the seam to square him up. Dayal had his second when Riyan Parag feathered a drive to Pant. He celebrated the wicket with a send-off after not taking too kindly Parag’s adventurous short-arm jab that flew over midwicket for six. Dayal’s third came shortly before lunch when Dhruv Jurel’s loose drive away from the body flew low to Yashavi Jaiswal.In between Dayal’s carnage, Navdeep Saini, who made quite an impression with his ability to bring the length ball back in, had Shubman Gill caught behind with a loose drive. The match seemed to be heading for a quick finish until Rahul’s obstinance took centerstage. This perhaps stemmed from wanting to make up for his first-innings lapse, when he was out attempting a cute paddle sweep off Washington Sundar after battling his way to 37.KL Rahul looked comfortable in what was a tricky time for his team•PTI Losing a clutch of wickets left Rahul with two options: going for runs or looking to take the game into the final session. He chose the second option. It wasn’t necessarily entertaining, but his willingness to put a price on his wicket on a surface Akash felt was “getting more and more tougher” stood out.However, on the positive side, at least from an Indian standpoint, there was also perhaps no bigger endorsement of Rahul’s match fitness, considering he was playing his first red-ball game in over seven months. That said, it wasn’t all dour defence There were two on-drives that oozed class, a cut shot that sped to the fence. He hit seven fours in all.Akash’s slogs provided some late fireworks, but the fun ended when he was run out after losing his balance attempting to fend a bumper, with Musheer Khan at short leg flicking the ball back onto the stumps. India A were bowled out for 198 in 53 overs. Dayal apart, Saini picked up two wickets to go with his three from the first innings, while Nitish Reddy and Washington picked up a wicket apiece.

It’s a step into the unknown for West Bromwich Albion next season with Ryan Mason at the helm.

Appointing the 33-year-old rookie boss is a bold next step that might well pay off for the Baggies, but he will have his work cut out for him from the get-go, with the likes of Grady Diangana, who had been a part of the furniture at the Hawthorns for some time, now heading out the exit door.

After those high-profile departures soured the mood somewhat, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur coach has been backed, notably with Aune Heggebo leaving Brann behind for a fee around the £4.7m mark to join the Championship side.

The additions up top might not grind to a halt here, however, despite the Nordic striker’s lavish fee, as more attacking signings look to be prioritised.

West Brom's next moves in the market

Diangana isn’t the only notable name in attack that could desert the Hawthorns, with Mikey Johnston still likely despondent after a £5m move to Flamengo fell through at the last minute.

Transfer Focus

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

Spurs youngster Mikey Moore might well be on the West Brom shopping list to bolster down this depleted left-hand side, therefore, but Heggebo could also have competition up top very shortly if the West Midlands outfit power on to snap up an EFL-experienced striker for free.

Indeed, a new report by the Sheffield Star has revealed that Rhian Brewster is unlikely to pen a new contract at his current employers Sheffield United, which will open the door for a suitor to snap up the ex-Liverpool forward for nothing.

The Star further indicates that Sunderland are looking at the hit-and-miss Blades striker, but a report by SportsBoom right at the start of July also suggested that the Baggies were keen on a move for the free agent.

This interest might well accelerate back into motion now this exclusive development has come to light, with West Brom perhaps eager to work their Josh Maja magic again on the former Blades number seven in unearthing a goalscoring diamond in the rough.

How West Brom can work their Maja magic on Brewster

Before transforming into West Brom’s number one option in attack, Maja had been through the wringer during his often bumpy playing days.

The one-time Nigeria international would initially come onto the radar of English football fans when rising the ranks at Sunderland, with Maja powering home a promising seven strikes from 29 Sunderland U23 appearances, before taking it up a notch even further when finding the back of the net 17 times in the senior picture.

However, everything started to unravel when he left the comforts of the Stadium of Light behind, with his spell at Bordeaux ridden with injuries, whilst then struggling to find his feet back on English soil with the likes of Stoke City and Fulham.

West Brom have managed to get the best out of the unfortunate 26-year-old again, with an impressive return of 12 strikes coming his way last season in Championship action, but he is still prone to an extended stay in the treatment room.

Games played

190

Goals scored

48

Assists

18

Games missed through injury

158

Days missed

1157

Brewster has an eerily similar story to Maja’s, considering the 25-year-old once had the world at his feet when leading the line for Liverpool in the U23 scene, before finding the men’s game to be a cruel beast.

He has since found his way back on the horse despite an injury-plagued few seasons in South Yorkshire, with a promising seven goal contributions coming his way last season, which led to his then-Blades boss Chris Wilder heralding him as “amazing” for his perseverance.

He might well be Mason’s very own Maja-like project if a move is sealed, with the London-born forward amazingly ahead of his Nigerian counterpart in terms of second-tier strikes bagged, as seen in his 18 strikes and counting, next to Maja’s 15.

With Brewster missing only seven clashes last campaign through injury, the hope will be that he can kick on and reclaim his former Reds magic – which saw him net a blistering 13 U23 goals at Anfield – only this time around it could secure a promotion in the senior game.

West Brom could land the dream Johnston replacement in "future superstar"

If Mikey Johnston does end up finalising a move away from West Bromwich Albion, this rising star could be a perfect replacement.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 8, 2025

While 1998 remains unforgettable, Sri Lanka’s interim coach felt the current side had pulled off a special win in even tougher conditions

Andrew Fidel Fernando10-Sep-20241:02

Sanath Jayasuriya compares Sri Lanka’s win to 1998 Oval triumph

Sri Lanka’s most-famed England victory may still be their Oval win from 1998, but the team that won the third Test of their 2024 tour on Monday did it in tougher conditions. This is what Sanath Jayasuriya believes, and he would know. Jayasuriya was one of the architects of the 1998 victory, crashing 213 runs off 278 balls in the first innings, clubbing 24 not out off 17 in the second dig, and bowling 39 overs of left-arm spin.As the interim coach who oversaw Sri Lanka’s next victory at the same venue, he was full of praise for the fast bowlers in particular. Unlike the 1998 victory, which came on an exceedingly dry deck and mostly under clear skies, this one came on a green-tinged track, in cold and cloudy weather.Related

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Classy Nissanka leaves England as the best version of himself

Sri Lanka do their bit to save Test cricket, the way only Sri Lanka can

“About 27 years ago we won here, under Arjuna [Ranatunga]. Murali [Muthiah Muralidaran] got about 16 wickets, I got a double-hundred, Aravinda [de Silva] got a 150,” Jayasuriya reminisced. “It’s a place we’ll never forget – The Oval.”But these guys played in different conditions altogether. It was tough conditions, with the grass, the weather, and everything was cloudy and cold. All credit to these boys. The fielders fielded well and the batsmen took responsibility in the second innings.”Sri Lanka’s quartet of quicks were the primary architects of the victory, sharing 18 wickets between them, largely evenly (series-topper Asitha Fernando took three wickets, Milan Rathnayake bagged four, Vishwa Fernando took five, and Lahiru Kumara six).”It’s the first time we went with four fast bowlers, and we went with that because of the conditions here, and all of them went beyond 100% in their efforts,” Jayasuriya said. “It’s a joy to talk about them. Our second-innings bowling was remarkable – they stuck to the plan and got them out in under 35 overs, all out for a little more than 150.”The attitude Lahiru Kumara brought to the middle is what I expected – I wanted him to show as much of that as possible in the middle. That’s how we need to play cricket. He bowled an excellent line and length.”Asitha Fernando was outstanding right through the series. Rathnayake was really good as a newcomer – he bowled really well. Vishwa Fernando – the way he bowled in the second innings is absolutely what we wanted.”Jayasuriya’s 213 off 278 balls in the 1998 Oval Test was one of his greatest innings•Getty ImagesThe series also saw the blossoming of young talents for Sri Lanka, with Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka hitting Sri Lanka’s only hundreds in the series. Nissanka was especially aggressive at The Oval, breezing his way to 64 off 51 in the first innings, then leading Sri Lanka’s chase with 127 not out off 124 in the second dig.”Pathum couldn’t play Tests for a few years because of injuries, but he’s been doing well in T20s and one-dayers, ” Jayasuriya said. “He played his natural game here, and I love to see him doing that. Even the non-strikers can play their natural game when Pathum plays like that. It’s good to see him play good cricket in all three versions.”Kamindu was Sri Lanka’s most prolific batter, hitting two fifties in addition to the century to finish with 267 runs for the series. He made these runs batting at No. 7 and 8.”We shouldn’t forget Kamindu Mendis and his innings right through the series. In pressure situations he he batted like an experienced player.”Meanwhile, Rathnayake – who made his debut in the first Test – took 10 wickets through the series, and produced innings worth 72 and 43 from down the order.”Milan played Sri Lanka A cricket and we knew that he was a good bowler and could bat well. But the world didn’t know he could bat,” Jayasuriya said. “He batted really well and bowled really well right through this Test series. He was a bit stiff in his first Test, but after that he bowled really well and started to relax. We will need a seam-bowling allrounder in the future.”

In a major boost in pursuit of yet another addition, one Glasgow Rangers target now reportedly wants to complete a summer switch to Ibrox as the 49ers continue negotiations.

Rangers gearing up for crucial UCL second leg after Ibrox win

It’s an important week for Rangers and the most important of Russell Martin’s tenure so far. The Gers travel to Greek side Panathinaikos in hope of sealing their victory in the second qualifying round of the Champions League. With a 2-0 lead to defend, the Scottish Premiership giants already hold a key advantage, but will be wary of preventing any dramatic comebacks.

Of course, if the Greek side square up against the Rangers side that were just held to a 2-2 draw by Championship side Middlesbrough in a pre-season friendly, then the Gers could certainly be in for a few twists and turns.

Left frustrated by the result, Martin told reporters: “The first half was a bit frustrating because we’re playing a good team. They’re athletic, they pressed really aggressively, but a lot of the moments that were uncomfortable for us were down to a lack of intensity on our part.

“And I said to the guys, I didn’t like the warm-up, there’s a bit of disappointment in a few people, maybe not in the team and all that stuff.

“But, if you’re disappointed and especially playing for this football club, you have to show it in being more aggressive and more intense, not being downbeat and sort of just being out there and letting the game pass you by a little bit. So they know that now. That can’t happen.”

The more that the former Southampton boss sees his side in action, the more he will learn and that has seemingly seen him turn his attention towards the likes of Abu Kamara and one other potential addition.

Rak-Sakyi now wants Rangers move

As reported by The Sun and relayed by Ibrox News, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi now wants to complete a summer switch to Rangers as the 49ers continue to negotiate a deal which could cost as much as £10m with Crystal Palace.

The talented winger spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and impressed many as he scored seven goals and assisted another two for the Blades. Even after impressing in England’s second division, however, the 22-year-old’s place in Oliver Glasner’s plans is far from guaranteed, and he has now set his sights on Ibrox as a result.

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Dubbed “fearless” by Crystal Palace fan account HLTCO, Rak-Sakyi would be following the likes of Thelo Aasgaard, Emmanuel Fernandes, Djeidi Gassama and Joe Rothwell on the list of players to swap English football for Martin’s Rangers side if he completes a move in the coming weeks.

The Gers have so far enjoyed an impressive overhaul, with the 49ers looking to make an instant statement, and the arrival of the Crystal Palace gem would only add to that.