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Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis could now imminently swoop to hijack Inter Milan’s deal for an in-form forward, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Nottingham Forest in Champions League race as crucial summer looms

Despite wins for both Chelsea and Aston Villa on Friday night, which dealt a blow to Nuno Espirito Santo and their chances of a top-five finish, Forest remain outside contenders to qualify for next season’s Champions League draw.

Related Nottingham Forest want to sign 23 y/o captain with same agent as Gibbs-White

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Posts ByTom Cunningham May 13, 2025

A win against West Ham on Sunday is absolutely non-negotiable, but three points from their clash with the Hammers will set up a mouth-watering final day tie at home to Chelsea, where victory over Enzo Maresca’s side could pay dividends if results elsewhere go Nuno’s way.

Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining

Points

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Their race for Europe will have a pivotal knock-on effect when it comes to their summer recruitment plans, as the financial windfalls received from Champions League qualification could help Forest splash the cash without having to worry so much about FFP and PSR.

“FFP and PSR plays a big part in the daily talk at Nottingham Forest,” said journalist Pete O’Rourke to Football Insider this week.

“Without Champions League football, it could be difficult for them to hold on to their best players. If somebody comes in with a big bid, and they’re not in the Champions League, it’s going to be very difficult for Nottingham Forest.

“They’ve got an owner who is financially sustainable and very willing to compete at the top. If players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo were to leave the club, their recruitment is going to have to be good, and they’re going to have to pump some money in.

“They’ve got to toe the line with FFP and PSR rules. Gibbs-White may just fall foul of that, and he has been hand-picked by bigger and better clubs across Europe, not just in England.”

Nottingham Forest could "soon" move for Marseille star Luis Henrique

Amid the threat of a sell-to-buy summer, Marinakis and co are on the hunt for astute, quality potential new additions, and Marseille forward Luis Henrique certainly falls into that bracket.

The Brazilian has racked up nine goals and 10 assists under Roberto De Zerbi this season, and it is believed he’d cost around £25 million, which is affordable from the perspective of a Premier League side.

While Inter Milan have been in talks with Marseille over a move, the Champions League finalists are currently falling below Henrique’s price tag in terms of offers, leaving the door open for Forest.

That is according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who reported on X that Forest could “soon” move for Henrique and hijack Inter’s deal.

Called a “complete player” by De Zerbi, the 23-year-old Henrique is exactly the calibre of star required by Forest to keep competing at the very top.

Aston Villa have made multiple attempts to sign a defender, submitting two bids, and they have now received a response, according to a report.

Villa keen to strengthen at the back

With Emiliano Martinez seemingly edging towards a summer exit, one of Unai Emery’s most difficult tasks this summer could be to bring in a new goalkeeper capable of replacing the Argentine, and the manager has his sights on several different targets.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Aaron Ramsdale

Southampton

£25m

Joan Garcia

Espanyol

£25m

Caoimhin Kelleher

Liverpool

£40m

Lucas Chevalier

Lille

£40m

Signing a new goalkeeper could be viewed as a priority, given that it will be a tough ask to find a player on Martinez’s level, but Emery and NSWE are also keen to bolster the club’s defensive options this summer, with bringing in a new right-back on the agenda.

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Aston Villa have been linked with a Premier League sensation

Posts ByRoss Kilvington May 26, 2025

That is according to a report from Panama, relayed by Sport Witness, which suggests Aston Villa are now very keen on signing Marseille’s Michael Amir Murillo, having already made two offers to sign the right-back, which have both been knocked back by the Ligue 1 side.

Having made multiple attempts to sign Murillo, it is clear Villa are determined to sign him, and a deal would be unlikely to break the bank, with the report stating that Marseille are looking to receive a fee of €25m (£21m).

It is unclear whether the Villans are willing to match the French club’s asking price, and the right-back’s arrival may depend on whether Matty Cash or Andres Garcia depart this summer, considering Emery is already very well-stocked in the right-back area.

"Unique" Murillo impressing under Roberto De Zerbi

The report highlights that the Panama international has received increased game time since Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival at Marseille last summer, and his versatility was on show throughout the 2024-25 campaign, often featuring at both right-back and centre-back.

As such, the 29-year-old’s arrival may not be dependent on Cash or Garcia leave this summer, given his ability to play in multiple positions, and he has clearly impressed De Zerbi, who said: “Murillo has unique characteristics. It is therefore not easy to replace him, especially with a player of similar quality.”

That said, given the versatile defender’s age, there could be doubts over whether he would be a necessary addition to the squad, particularly considering the fact that Emery has Cash and Garcia at his disposal at right-back, although the latter is yet to cement himself as a regular starter.

Not only that, but Emery is also well-stocked in the centre-back department, with Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa available, while Tyrone Mings was among Villa’s most consistent performers in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

After what feels like an eternity, Glasgow Rangers finally have their man. The 49ers believe that Russell Martin is the manager to take the Ibrox side to the next level.

The former Southampton manager has been out of work since his sacking on the South coast last December and faces a baptism of fire in Glasgow.

Indeed, some sections of the support do not believe he is the right man to lead the club into next season and beyond, citing his failure at the Saints as a main reason.

However, looking at his playing style and his ability to get his team attacking at every opportunity during games, he could well be a success at Rangers.

First things first, the 49ers must back him accordingly and allow Martin to bring in players who fit his system.

Improving the defence is a priority for the Gers this summer, as they haven’t truly replaced Connor Goldson’s presence at the back ever since he left the club last summer.

Why Rangers still need to replace Goldson

Goldson spent six years at Ibrox after joining from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2018, becoming one of Steven Gerrard’s first signings.

Between then and May 2024, the Englishman made a total of 309 competitive appearances for the Light Blues, missing just 22 games through injury across six seasons.

He was a beacon of consistency, no doubt about that. The time was right for the club to sell him, however, as the 2023/24 campaign saw several mistakes creep into his game.

There were times that he regularly got caught out by long balls over the top, but one under-par season shouldn’t detract from just how effective he was before that.

He was perhaps at his best during the 2020/21 campaign. That year, Rangers won their first league title in a decade, going through the whole league season undefeated in the process.

Connor Goldson’s statistics at Rangers

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

48

0

3

2022/23

38

3

3

2021/22

61

4

4

2020/21

56

8

3

2019/20

52

4

2

2018/19

54

4

0

Via Transfermarkt

Goldson didn’t miss a single Premiership game as the club conceded just 13 goals, keeping 26 clean sheets.

The Englishman won a staggering 71% of his total duels per game that term, while also making three clearances, 1.3 tackles and being dribbled past only 0.2 times per game in the top flight.

Goldson was at his peak then, and while the level may have dipped over the following few seasons, he remained the first-choice centre-back under a succession of managers.

To replace him last year, Philippe Clement brought in Robin Propper. The move didn’t exactly work out as planned, and it appears as though he is set to leave after a single season.

It looks as though money is available for Martin to bolster his squad this summer. Signing a couple of defenders is certainly high on the list.

Could he potentially bring in someone whom he signed for two of his three previous clubs to Ibrox? It would prove to be a shrewd move if he does…

Martin's dream first signing at Rangers

In order to get the fans onside straight away, Martin will have to offload the deadwood and sign some excellent players. Several names have been linked prior to his appointment, including Cameron Burgess, Metinho and Largie Ramazani recently.

Now it looks as though the newest target is familiar to Martin, which means Rangers could soon make their first summer signing.

Harry Darling is a defender who played under Martin at both Swansea and MK Dons and could make for a fairly solid first signing under the new manager, especially with the Light Blues now joining the chase for his signature.

The centre-back is out of contract at Swansea, meaning he wouldn’t cost the Gers a penny, with the Daily Record naming him as a potential option for the club last month.

Transfer Focus

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

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Wrexham, Stoke City and Norwich City are also keen on him. However, the allure of playing under Martin, plus the chance to win trophies and play European football, means Glasgow is likely his preferred destination.

If so, he could be an ideal replacement for Goldson.

Why Rangers must sign Harry Darling

Darling joined Swansea in 2022 and made 112 appearances across his three seasons with the Welsh side.

The 25-year-old managed to score 12 goals, indicating that he can provide a goal threat at set pieces, akin to Goldson at Rangers.

In the Championship last season, Darling won 65% of his total duels contested per game. He showcased his strengths in one-on-one battles.

Elsewhere, the defender made five clearances, recovered 3.9 balls and made 0.8 tackles per game in the second tier, having notably been praised by his manager Luke Williams after a “heroic” performance against West Bromwich Albion at the turn of the year.

The thing that stands out is his attacking qualities. Indeed, when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top 14 leagues, Darling ranks in the top 3% for non-penalty goals, the top 4% for total shots and in the top 7% for assists per 90.

He loves to get forward as often as possible, evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 6% for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the top 15% for progressive carries per 90 for Swansea.

These statistics suggest Darling would be a solid signing for Rangers ahead of the new season.

Not only does he have an excellent rapport with Martin, but the Englishman is capable of offering a threat in the opposition penalty area.

Signing a player with this quality for nothing could see the new manager get off to a promising start in his new role.

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Posts ByBrett Worthington Jun 5, 2025

In what would be a frustrating start to his tenure, the 49ers are reportedly ready to take the decision out of Russell Martin’s hands and sell one of his best Rangers stars for a £19m profit.

49ers looking to commence Rangers business

The 49ers have wasted no time before getting things up and running in Scotland. The American owners have already solved Rangers’ managerial problem by hiring former Southampton boss Martin and the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast ever since. Reports are even now suggesting that the Gers are closing in on signing Josh Mulligan from Dundee to officially get their business underway.

Related 7 teams now chasing 'breakthrough' Rangers talent with contact already made

Martin could suffer a frustrating blow.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jun 13, 2025

New Dundee manager Steven Pressley has only added fuel to the fire amid that recent rumour, telling reporters that keeping Mulligan will be “easier said than done” this summer. He said when asked about keeping his young star: “I would love to, but it’s easier said than done.

“We’d love to keep certain personnel. There’s a number of players that I think are pivotal to move this club in the right direction and we’ll be working tirelessly to do so.”

Mulligan isn’t the only name on Rangers’ reported radar, however. Recent reports have also linked both Conor Coady and Flynn Downes with a move to Ibrox. The latter worked with Martin at Swansea City and then Southampton in the Premier League last season and may well reunite with his manager for a third time this summer.

The 49ers’ ambition should come as little shock after chairman Paraag Marathe told Rangers’ website after officially arriving: “We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

Building a side capable of bridging the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership may not come without sacrifice, though, and the new owners are already reportedly ready to sell one key man.

49ers ready accept £20m deal for Nicolas Raskin

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the 49ers are ready to sell Nicolas Raskin for £20m this summer, making £19m profit in the process. The Belgium midfielder is attracting plenty of interest and, as per O’Rourke, Porto, Fiorentina and Marseille are preparing to test the waters in pursuit of his signature.

Whilst Martin is keen to keep hold of his best players, he is also reportedly well aware that the 49ers could take such decisions out of his hands this summer in frustrating fashion.

Losing a player of Raskin’s calibre certainly wouldn’t be an ideal start to the manager’s reign, but it could be a sacrifice that he has to live with when considering the long-term boost that it could provide.

Dubbed “utterly sensational” by analyst John Walker, replacing Raskin will be no easy task for Rangers if they decide to go in pursuit of major profit this summer.

Newcastle United have spluttered their way into life this summer, starting to show signs of activity in the transfer market.

The feel-good factor was in full swing after Eddie Howe led the Magpies to a top-five Premier League finish, sealing United’s place in the Champions League, having also won the Carabao Cup back in March.

But the gears are indeed beginning to move. A £45m offer has been rejected for Nottingham Forest right winger Anthony Elanga, while efforts are ongoing for Brighton & Hove Albion’s versatile forward Joao Pedro, who is expected to leave the AMEX this summer.

Newcastle line up Joao Pedro alternative

Pedro, 23, would be a wonderful addition, having posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches for the Seagulls.

His high-powered approach to the attacking game would see him act both as a foil for Alexander Isak and indeed a complementary force, sitting in behind or out on the left.

However, Chelsea are also keen, and an alternative pick has been drafted up.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to Football Insider, Newcastle are hoping to sign Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on loan if INEOS fail to ship the England winger off on a permanent basis this summer and are advancing in their efforts to do so.

Valued at £40m, Barcelona are also interested in the £300k-per-week Rashford, who will need to take a pay cut if he is to leave Old Trafford.

However, Howe is curious about a deal, enticed by the 27-year-old’s versatility, capable both as a left-sided and central forward.

Why Newcastle should sign Marcus Rashford

Rashford has been through the wringer in recent years, but despite his trials and tribulations, he remains an immensely talented and explosive player.

If Howe can capture his natural qualities and direct them in a way befitting Newcastle’s project, he could secure an excellent addition to add depth and dynamism to his offensive ranks.

And given Rashford’s versatility, he might be the perfect alternative to Pedro, bringing a goalscoring predilection that has earned such acclaim in the past.

You need only look at his top-flight record through the years to see exactly how good a player the Toon would get if they got him back to his A-game.

Marcus Rashford – Prem Stats by Season (last 6 years)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

25

6

4

23/24

33

7

3

22/23

35

17

6

21/22

25

4

2

20/21

37

11

13

19/20

31

17

9

Stats via Transfermarkt

It’s true that the Three Lions star has lost his way, but Howe has one of the sharpest tactical minds in the country and has demonstrated over a number of years on Tyneside his ability to raise the level of his wide players.

Let’s not forget that across two seasons in his career, Rashford has recorded 17-goal hauls in the Premier League, and he was hailed as a “goal machine” by journalist Mazola Molefe only two years ago.

That player still exists, with a balanced and somewhat selfless version revealed at least in part during his short-term stint with Villa, hitting ten goal involvements from just 17 matches in all competitions.

As per FBref, Rashford actually ranked among the top 14% of positional peers in the Premier League last term for goals scored per 90 (0.38), emphasising the prowess that would surely be enhanced in such a fluent Tyneside system.

The Brazilian Pedro is a good player, but he hasn’t yet proved himself capable of reaching the heights we all know Rashford has in his locker.

Is he approaching the last-chance saloon? Maybe not, but he’ll know that Howe will demand plenty of him, and if it works out, it might just drive this incredible project toward the next degree of success.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 22, 2025

The win was set up by the South Africa fast bowlers, who combined to stop Netherlands at 103 for 9

Shashank Kishore08-Jun-20242:46

Miller: I knew I had to finish the game

South Africa made heavy weather of a modest chase in New York before David Miller and Tristan Stubbs dug deep to save them from a third straight defeat at Netherlands’ hands at an ICC tournament.Miller and Stubbs added 65 for the fifth wicket to lift them from the pits of 12 for 4 on a pitch that didn’t play anywhere as badly as the scorecard suggested, even though there was enough in it for quick bowlers – 13 of the 15 wickets fell to them, while there were two run outs.As he walked out to bat, Miller might have had a flashback of Adelaide 2022, where his wicket, with 47 needed off 28 balls, shut the door on South Africa and gave Netherlands a 13-run win. On Saturday, Miller stayed the course and remained unbeaten on 59, flicking on his best six-hitting self in the penultimate over with South Africa needing 16 off 12.In the end, in a game where 209 runs were scored in 38.5 overs, South Africa won with enough to spare.Vivian Kingma struck twice in the powerplay•AFP/Getty Images

The South African meltdownQuinton de Kock was run out without facing a ball. Reeza Hendricks got a peach from Logan van Beek that angled in and straightened to hit the top of off. Vivian Kingma had the first of a double when he strangled Aiden Markram down leg to leave South Africa 3 for 3. And when Heinrich Klaasen’s rush of blood had him picking out Tim Pringle attempting a pull off Kingma, Netherlands dared to dream – or maybe just expected the expected, considering the recent results between the two sides at ICC events.Miller and Stubbs take overBoth Miller and Stubbs are instinctive batters who love taking the bowlers on. But the situation they walked out to was not for that sort of batting, it was a crisis. A mis-step could have meant curtains. So they chose caution, saw off the powerplay without any further damage, and hit only a further two boundaries until the ten-over mark to leave South Africa needing 72 off the last ten overs.Stubbs was on 9 off 21 at this point, struggling to force the pace, especially when the ball was dug in to the pitch. A hint of grip for the spinners also made it difficult for him to hit out. So when Bas de Leede came on in the 11th, Stubbs gave him the charge and enjoyed a massive slice of luck as a thick inside edge flew wide of the midwicket fielder.Miller, too, rode some luck. A big hit down the ground off left-arm spinner Pringle only just eluded the long-on fielder in the 12th over with South Africa still needing 57 off 50.Stubbs finally shrug off the pressure that had built around him with a hoick for six off Vikramjit Singh, and then launched van Beek down the ground three balls later to turn the tide South Africa’s way.David Miller and Tristan Stubbs put on a match-winning 65-run stand for the fifth wicket•ICC/Getty Images

Miller lands the finishing blowsIt should have been a smooth ride from there, with South Africa needing 29 off 30. But there was another twist. First, Paul van Meekeren delivered a maiden over to Miller, and the pressure showed when Stubbs holed out to deep midwicket in the next, off Bas de Leede. Then, in the 18th, van Beek came back after being walloped for six by Miller to dismiss Marco Jansen.But, with South Africa needing 16 off 12, de Leede erred in line. Miller began the penultimate over by dispatching a half-tracker over fine leg, and then finished the game with a sequence of 2, 0, 4 and 6 – cue a roar and wild fist pumping.Miller had tamed the demons of Adelaide 2022.Sybrand Engelbrecht top-scored for Netherlands after walking out at a ricky time•ICC/Getty Images

Engelbrecht props up NetherlandsSybrand Engelbrecht, who represented South Africa at the Under-19 World Cup in 2008 and only recently made his Netherlands’ debut, top-scored with a 45-ball 40 on surface where the next best among the top seven was 12.At the toss, Netherlands were put in to bat seemingly because South Africa wanted to exploit the morning conditions, and had them tottering at 32 for 4. South Africa’s four-pronged pace attack, led by Marco Jansen, was breathing fire at that stage, with pace and bounce off the pitch for assistance.South Africa’s hostility didn’t end there, with Ottneil Baartman and Anrich Nortje ensuring there weren’t any freebies. This resulted in Netherlands attempting to manufacture strokes, like Scott Edwards did when he executed a reverse scoop for six, but they simply didn’t have enough.It came down to Englebrecht’s patient knock and his 54-run association with van Beek to get them into three figures. It would have been inadequate on most days, but Netherlands can give themselves a pat on the back for making a match out of it to keep Group D very open.

Liverpool have a proud tradition of identifying premium talent and bringing them through to the first team, and they could now be about to repeat the trick if reports are to be believed.

Liverpool continue train of arrivals after big-money deals

It goes without saying, but Liverpool have enjoyed a fantastic start to the window after confirming the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Armin Pecsi.

Despite Giorgi Mamardashvili officially linking up with the Reds after signing last summer, the Premier League champions are also set to sign Freddie Woodman to occupy their third-choice goalkeeper role, and he will fill a homegrown player slot into the bargain.

Not to be deterred after an early flurry, Liverpool have eyes on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as an alternative to Jarell Quansah, once the AXA Training Centre graduate officially completes his move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Sending out a warning to their title rivals, new Reds full-back Kerkez believes his side are primed for more success, after his new side brought a second title of the modern era to Anfield last term.

He stated: “Yeah, definitely. This is a club that wants to win, needs to win. Of course, it’s a big thing last season, completely dominated everyone, I think, and of course, big congratulations.

Liverpool’s first five fixtures of the new season

Crystal Palace (N)

FA Community Shield

Bournemouth (H)

Premier League

Newcastle United (A)

Premier League

Arsenal (A)

Premier League

Burnley (H)

Premier League

“But always, you know, you need to want more, and definitely from last season, I think this season the club is going to build on it and only get a lot better.”

However, building for the future will also form an important part of Liverpool’s long-term sustainability, and they are now reportedly close to bringing in a rising star to strengthen their youth ranks.

Liverpool reportedly agree deal to sign Gabriel Schluter

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Schluter from Blackpool for a six-figure sum, and he is set to undergo a medical next week ahead of finalising a switch.

His performances for the Seasiders at youth level have attracted the interest of several different clubs, including the likes of Fulham and Stockport County.

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 26, 2025

At just 16 years of age, the left-winger made his first-team debut for Blackpool against Liverpool’s Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy, though he will almost certainly be viewed as one for the future if he completes a move to Anfield.

Harvey Elliot, Conor Bradley and Stefan Bajcetic are prime examples of youngsters who have been bought at a young age before being developed into senior stars, and it appears the Reds have spied an opportunity to carry out the same practice with Schluter.

David Warner also helped revive the innings after a slugglish start against a spirited Oman side

Andrew McGlashan06-Jun-20241:24

How Australia’s history helps them in World Cups

Marcus Stoinis and David Warner extricated Australia from an uncertain position in their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Oman with the result ultimately a comfortable 39-run win on a tricky Barbados pitch.When Glenn Maxwell fell for a golden duck, continuing his horror run with the bat, they were 50 for 3 and thoughts briefly turned to what could unfold but Stoinis and Warner added 102 off 64 balls to ensure Australia did not stumble early in their bid for ICC trophies across all three formats.Stoinis was dropped on 9 and then bludgeoned six sixes as he turned around a sluggish start with Oman’s bowlers keeping pressure on their big-name opponents for 14 overs. It was hard work for Warner, who became Australia’s leading run-scorer in men’s T20Is, but he used his experience to not throw the innings away.Australia were then largely efficient with the ball as Mitchell Starc struck in the opening over with an inswinging low full toss – although he was later unable to complete his spell as he left the field but it was confirmed as cramp – and Stoinis’ fine day continued as he added three wickets. Nathan Ellis, who had been selected ahead of the rested Pat Cummins, struck in his first over to claim a maiden World Cup wicket.Marcus Stoinis was in the thick of the action – both with ball and bat•ICC via Getty Images

Oman’s moment(s) to rememberFor well over half of Australia’s innings, this game was far from one-way traffic. Scoring was tough on a niggly surface and after the powerplay the total was 37 for 1 – Australia’s lowest in their last 15 T20Is dating back to the previous T20 World Cup. Head put away one well-timed cover drive early on but timing was hard work for him and Warner with Head picking out mid-off with a drive to lift Bilal Khan’s spirits after his Super Over disappointment against Namibia.Mitchell Marsh couldn’t get going before picking out long-on, then came Oman’s big moment. Maxwell, coming off an IPL where he averaged 5.77, drove at his first ball from Mehran Khan and Oman captain Aqib Ilyas dived full length to his left at cover to hold a spectacular catch. It was Maxwell’s fifth duck in 10 T20 innings.Stoinis takes his chanceStoinis survived the hat-trick ball but there was no immediate release of pressure for Australia. After ten overs they had crept to 56 for 3 with the next two overs only bringing seven runs. Warner began to break the shackles with consecutive boundaries off Zeeshan Maqsood, but then it was a case of what might have been for Oman.On 9, Stoinis edged a turning delivery from Ilyas which wicketkeeper Pratik Athavale could not gather – it was tough but not impossible. Two balls into the next over from Mehran, Ayaan Khan arguably paid the price for not being right on the rope at long-off when he held a good catch, but was unable to stop his backwards momentum taking him into the boundary.That was the first of four sixes Stoinis struck in the over and from there he was away, bringing up a half-century from 27 balls. Australia’s first 14 overs had brought 80 runs; the last six brought 84.Marcus Stoinis and David Warner scored fifties to boost Australia•Associated Press

Warner’s recordBefore this match, Ricky Ponting lauded the winning mentality of Warner as he closes out his international career and said he was the type of player needed at World Cups. He couldn’t quite move through the gears in the same manner as Stoinis but reached a 46-ball fifty having earlier gone past former captain Aaron Finch to top Australia’s run-scoring charts in the format. Finch, at the ground as a broadcaster, appreciated the moment. There was one unfortunate moment for him after being dismissed when he started to accidently walk into the Oman dressing room before being redirected.Professional Australia close it outA target of 165 was always likely to be beyond Oman. Starc’s opening over was a bit of a mixed bag but he pinned Athavale lbw when a low full toss hammered into the toe, although Australia needed the DRS to get the lbw decision. Oman were then grateful for the review system when Ilyas was given lbw to Starc but even live the on-field call from Joel Wilson looked a poor one.Ilyas deposited Stoinis for a six over deep square leg but two balls later edged a lifting delivery to Matthew Wade. Stoinis became only the third player, after Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo, to score a fifty and take three wickets in a men’s T20 World Cup match. However, Oman did not completely fade away as Ayaan provided a couple of moments of late defiance with two sixes off Adam Zampa while Mehran ensured they could cross 100 and bat out the innings.

Leeds United are now set to sign another defender and this time for a fee of under £500,000, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Leeds announce Gudmundsson on four-year deal

With Junior Firpo exiting Elland Road, Leeds needed to bring in a new left-back, and they have wasted no time in their pursuit of Lille’s Gabriel Gudmundsson, with the defender signing a four-year contract on Tuesday.

The fee is thought to be in the region of €12m (£10m) although the club’s announcement does not disclose the true figure, after the 26-year-old completed his medical checks on Monday.

Gudmundsson is not the only left-back set to make a move to Elland Road, however, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal the Whites are on the verge of signing a defender from a rival Premier League club.

The transfer expert states that Manchester City’s Jayden Lienou “will join Leeds United” for a package amounting to under £500k, with the 17-year-old set to link up with the U21 team to begin with.

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Posts 2 ByBrett Worthington Jul 7, 2025

Andrew Taylor and Adam Underwood are said to have been “key” to securing a deal for Lienou, and the deal now appears to be completely agreed, suggesting that an official announcement could be imminent.

Leeds’ opening Premier League fixtures

Date

Everton (h)

August 18th

Arsenal (a)

August 23rd

Newcastle United (h)

August 30th

Fulham (a)

September 13th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

September 20th

Gudmundsson and Lienou are savvy signings for Leeds

Lienou has been showing some promising signs at youth level, most notably scoring a remarkable solo goal for Wales a little over a year ago, showcasing his quality on the front foot.

However, at 17-years-old, the Welshman is clearly one for the future, and Gudmundsson is more likely to make more of an instant impact at Elland Road, given that the Sweden international is vastly experienced.

The Malmo-born defender made nine appearances in the Champions League last season, and his performances across the campaign clearly impressed journalist Joe Donnohue, who described the full-back as a “fun” player and a “risk-taker”.

The former FC Groningen man also caught the eye in an attacking sense during his time with the Dutch club.

Given that Firpo was well-known for his attacking contributions, Gudmundsson could be an ideal replacement for the Dominican Republic international, while Lienou’s performances at youth level indicate he could also be a savvy signing with the potential to become a prototype modern day attacking full-back.

ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB is likely to reject NOCs to several all-format players for upcoming franchise tournaments

Danyal Rasool13-Jul-2024

Birmingham Phoenix will lose out on the services of Naseem next month•ICC/Getty Images

The PCB is set for a collision course with some of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket after deciding to refuse an NOC to Naseem Shah for the Hundred.ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB is likely to reject NOCs to several all-format players for upcoming franchise tournaments. While the Global T20 League in Canada has not yet been officially sanctioned by the ICC – without which the PCB cannot issue NOCs to centrally contracted players – it is believed Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam will not be allowed to play there either way, with workload management likely cited as the reason.The immediate implications of the decision mean The Hundred’s Birmingham Phoenix will lose out on Naseem next month, while Afridi, Rizwan and Babar will be unavailable for the Global T20 League Canada. Neither tournament directly clashes with any international cricket Pakistan play, but with a busy upcoming schedule for the national side, it is understood the PCB wishes to see their all-format players rest up ahead of Pakistan’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which starts on August 21.Related

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Though the GLT20 awaits official ICC sanction, the Pakistan players drafted were fully expected to be allowed to play the league; Afridi is scheduled to travel to Canada shortly, with the tournament officially slated to begin on July 25. Naseem, meanwhile was set to earn £125,000 for his time at The Hundred, which starts on July 23.This doesn’t necessarily mean no NOC requests will be entertained, with the latest NOC repressions likely to only affect those considered all-format regulars. Usama Mir, who had his NOC denied last month for the T20 Blast, will be allowed to play The Hundred, as will Haris Rauf.The NOC rejections are set to go further than just the leagues over the next month. Pakistan have a virtually non-stop cricketing schedule from October to May the following year. They play three Tests against England at home that month, followed by limited-overs series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, a Test series in South Africa, a home Test series against the West Indies, a home tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, a home Champions Trophy, and the PSL. It is understood the PCB will entertain no NOC requests during that period for all-format players, which coincides with a spate of T20 leagues.The three-year central contracts the PCB and the players signed last year allowed for two overseas franchise leagues per year, as long as those tournaments did not clash with the player’s international commitments. While the contracts do state the PCB has the right to refuse NOCs if they feel it is in the best interests of Pakistan’s international obligations, the decision to withdraw the players from leagues which do not directly clash with international cricket is set to cause discontent among players affected, and questions around whether the allowance made in central contracts is being respected in spirit.The past month has seen an uneasy quiet take hold after Pakistan’s disastrous T20 World Cup campaign which saw them exit in the first round. Initial reports suggested PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi wanted to enact “major surgery” on the side, but no immediate ramifications followed in the wake of the exit. Of late, however, there have been signs that events are beginning to gather speed, with Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq sacked from the PCB selection committee.