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Leeds United are now keen on signing an “unplayable” forward, who could be brought in as an alternative to Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao, according to a report.

Farke looking to sign new winger

With Leeds looking to avoid relegation in their first season back in the Premier League, they are vying to sign a new winger that would guarantee goals, and Paixao has emerged as a major target over the past few days.

The Whites are said to be chasing the Brazilian winger, who performed remarkably well in the Netherlands last season, while also proving himself in the Champions League.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Eredivisie

34

16

14

Champions League

11

2

5

Given the level of the forward’s performances last season, however, there is widespread interest in his signature, with the likes of AS Roma, Atalanta and Marseille also being named as potential suitors this summer.

Consequently, it could be difficult for Daniel Farke’s side to get a deal over the line, but the Feyenoord star is not the only option on the shortlist.

Indeed, according to a report from Leeds Live, Leeds are expected to make further additions to their squad this summer, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon could be among them, given that he remains well-liked by Farke.

Paixao would love him: Leeds in talks to sign £18m Joseph upgrade

Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sign a star who transfer target Igor Paixao would love.

ByDan Emery Jul 22, 2025

Solomon has expressed a desire to remain at Tottenham and prove himself to Thomas Frank upon returning from injury, but Spurs may choose to cash-in before the end of the summer transfer window, opening the door for a move to Elland Road.

As such, a move may not be in the offing anytime soon, with Frank also expected to take a look at the former Leeds loan star when he recovers from a minor calf injury, in order to make a decision over his future.

"Unplayable" Solomon ready to test himself in the Premier League

The Israeli was one of the driving forces behind the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League last season, collecting 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 Championship games, with former Leeds boss Neil Redfearn lauding him after an impressive performance against Hull City.

Redfearn said: “I thought Manor Solomon was probably the man of the match to be honest. He’s got a quality that is better than this level, you can obviously see that. Initially in the first 20 minutes it was like tackling smoke. He was unplayable at times.”

With Tottenham setting an asking price of £20m back in May, a deal for the 25-year-old could be on the expensive side, but he is clearly ready to make the step-up to the top flight.

However, Paixao could also be an attainable target for Leeds this summer, with widespread reports suggesting Marseille’s pursuit of the forward is at a standstill, and given his performances in the Champions League last season, he could be the preferable option.

Manchester United are exploring deals to improve their squad during the summer transfer window, as they look to add to the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

The Red Devils are reportedly confident that they will be able to complete a deal to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

In the 2024/25 season, the Cameroon international delivered 20 goals and seven assists in all competitions, which suggests that he could add a huge threat to Ruben Amorim’s side next term.

Whilst the signings of Cunha and Mbeumo, if the latter goes through, show that United are looking for Premier League proven performers to help them kick on, the Red Devils are also looking further afield.

Man Utd eyeing up LaLiga ace

As well as wanting to improve their options at the top end of the pitch, by signing players who can score and assist goals, the club would like to improve their midfield.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are one of a number of teams in the race to sign Barcelona defensive midfielder Marc Casado this summer.

The report claims that Amorim’s side are interested in a deal to bring the Spaniard over to England, but they have not made contact with the LaLiga champions yet.

It reveals, however, that their Premier League rivals, Chelsea and Arsenal, have spoken to Barcelona to enquire about a potential swoop for the 21-year-old talent.

Caught Offside adds that it will take a fee of around £43m to tempt the Spanish giants into cashing in on the midfielder, despite him having an £86m release clause.

Man Utd could find their next Carrick

If United can get a deal over the line for the Barcelona star this summer, Amorim could unearth his own version of Michael Carrick in the middle of the park.

The former Red Devils star, who recently managed Middlesbrough, was a metronome in midfield for the club during his playing days with his fantastic ability to dictate play with his quality on the ball.

From the 2009/10 season onwards (from when the data became available), the England international completed 88% of his attempted passes in 272 games before the end of his career.

In Casado, United could find a young midfielder with similar qualities to Carrick. However, at the age of 21, he is still very raw and needs time to develop and hit his stride at senior level.

He made 23 appearances for Barcelona in their LaLiga title-winning season last term, leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to hail his “incredible” form, and showcased the kind of qualities that you would associate with the former United midfielder.

Passes attempted

76.37

Top 5%

Pass accuracy

89%

Top 10%

Progressive passes

5.98

Top 18%

Assists

0.17

Top 22%

Passes into the final third

7.71

Top 6%

Passes offside

0.00

Top 4%

As you can see in the table above, he ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of possession-based metrics, with both his pass accuracy and progressive passing statistics pointing to his efficiency and effectiveness with the ball at his feet.

These statistics suggest that Casado could be moulded into a Carrick-esque figure for Amorim, as a deep-lying midfielder who can move the ball around and dictate games, whilst being progressive in doing so.

However, Casado only won 53% of his duels, including 28% of his aerial battles, and he may need to improve the physical side of his game to truly thrive in England.

This is why he may not be the finished article right away for Manchester United in the Premier League, but he does have the attributes to potentially develop into Amorim’s own Carrick in the future, or straight away if he can hit the ground running.

Amorim's own Haaland: Man Utd make "world-class" £60m CF their top target

Manchester United appear to be making moves for a new forward in the transfer market.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025

Slowly and then all at once might be one way to describe Arsenal’s transfer window so far.

For weeks and weeks, it felt like very little was happening at the Emirates, but now Martin Zubimendi’s transfer is reportedly wrapped up, as is Kepa Arrizabalaga’s, and there have been reports of progress being made towards both Rodrygo and Viktor Gyokeres.

It’s not just incomings either, as Fabrizio Romano broke the news yesterday afternoon that Thomas Partey is now “set to leave” this month.

As if that wasn’t enough, yesterday also saw news come out linking Arsenal to Christian Nørgaard as a potential replacement, but if other reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta could be looking to sign another midfielder who’d be even better than the Brentford star.

Arsenal target Nørgaard upgrade

While it’s been known for a few days now that the contract talks with Partey were not advancing and that there was, therefore, a real chance the Ghanaian could leave this summer, there were no murmurings that Nørgaard was being looked at as a potential signing.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, the report from Danish journalist Mads Glenn Wehlast on Wednesday morning was the first time most people had any idea the club were even supposedly interested in the 31-year-old.

The report claims that the Gunners have already submitted an offer worth around €11m in total, which is about £9m.

While that could end up being a good deal, there is still another midfielder the club are interested in, someone who’d be a better signing: Lucien Agoume.

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal are still very much interested in the Sevilla star, who has been the subject of talks.

A price for the young Frenchman is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claim that he could be available for just £20m, although he is also a target for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

It might not be a big-name signing, but based on the ability Agoume has already shown, and the potential so many believe him to possess, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he would be a better addition to the squad than Nørgaard.

How Agoume compares to Nørgaard

So, if it ends up being a choice between signing Agoume and Nørgaard in the coming weeks, why should Arsenal opt for the former?

Well, the first argument, and its significant one, is the statistical one, as when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers, it becomes clear that the Sevilla star, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig described as “10 out of 10 talent,” is the more well-rounded midfielder.

The Dane might do marginally better in a few metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists and passing accuracy per 90, but he comes out a clear second-best in most other statistics that are relevant for a number six.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.14

0.18

Progressive Carries

1.23

0.45

Progressive Passes

5.74

4.92

Passing Accuracy

81.5%

81.6%

Key Passes

1.15

0.58

Passes into the Final Third

5.36

4.38

Shot-Creating Actions

2.55

1.85

Goal-Creating Actions

0.21

0.42

Tackles

2.98

2.52

Blocks

1.28

1.66

Interceptions

1.74

1.57

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.00

0.03

Successful take-ons

0.94

0.22

Aerial Duels Won

1.79

1.57

For example, the former Inter Milan gem comes out looking far better in things like progressive passes and carries, key passes, shot-creating actions and, most crucially, tackles, interceptions and aerial duels won per 90.

This suggests that not only does he have the Bees ace beat in plenty of attacking areas, but he’d also be able to better provide cover for the back four, and the fact he’s so good at winning balls in the air will be like music to Arteta’s ears.

Finally, there is another number that matters here: his age.

At 22 years old, the Yaoundé-born maestro has plenty of time to continue developing, and if he does do that, then the Gunners would have a serious midfielder on their hands down the line, whereas at 31, the Brentford star is only going to regress over time.

Moreover, if Zubimendi is going to be the starting six anyway, surely it makes sense to bring in a promising understudy to cover for him, someone who could seriously rival him for game time in a few years.

Ultimately, while Nørgaard wouldn’t be a bad signing by any means, Agoume just looks like the far better option, and therefore, Arsenal should be doing what they can to get him this summer.

Dream teammate for Rodrygo: Arsenal now in talks to sign £68m "magician"

The creative monster could help the Brazilian reach another level at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

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.

After announcing the arrival of Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United have now reportedly entered talks to sign a long-term target who Eddie Howe loves in a deal worth £30m.

Newcastle announce Cordero arrival

Having spent the last two windows watching other clubs spend big and welcome key additions courtesy of their PSR concerns, Newcastle and PIF wasted no time before getting their business started this time around. Securing the addition of Cordero, the young Spanish winger will arrive at the end of his Malaga contract on July 1.

Welcoming Cordero to the club in what could be one of his final acts at the club, departing sporting director Paul Mitchell said: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe.He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”

PIF are not done there though. In search of a winger instead of Bryan Mbeumo, who could soon be on his way to Manchester United, the Magpies have been linked with moves for the likes of Anthony Elanga as well as Brighton forward Joao Pedro.

Elanga is a name that was mentioned last summer before Newcastle were ultimately unable to make their move. One year on, however, they’ve got the necessary breathing room to spend and have reportedly already enquired about a potential deal to sign the Nottingham Forest star.

The Swede isn’t the only target that Newcastle could revisit this summer, either. Making up for last summer’s disappointment, those at St James’ Park are now “in talks” to sign a long-term target who Howe loves, according to reports.

Newcastle "in talks" to sign £30m Trafford

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are now “in talks” to sign James Trafford from Burnley, who value their shot-stopper at just £30m this summer. The England international is a player that Howe has had ‘long-term admiration and interest in’ and wants Trafford to compete with current No.1 Nick Pope next season.

The latter has struggled on the injury front over the last 12 months and the addition of Trafford could see his place come under threat.

Newcastle’s interest in Trafford is, of course, far from new. The Tyneside club even agreed personal terms with the goalkeeper last summer before failing to negotiate a deal with Burnley.

One year on, whether that agreement remains in place or Newcastle are forced back into negotiations will be interesting to see, especially if Trafford’s stance has changed.

The dream XI Newcastle can build: No Gordon; Joao Pedro & £120m trio sign

Newcastle are looking to make sweeping changes as they step back into the Champions League.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 10, 2025

Dubbed “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, Trafford has more than earned the interest of a Champions League club and may yet arrive at Newcastle before taking Pope’s starting spot.

With just a couple of games to go in the Premier League this season, Chelsea sit in a superb position to claim a top-five place and secure a Champions League spot.

The Blues are two points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, but could be set for a last-day showdown with the Reds at the City Ground – in what will undoubtedly be a nervy affair.

However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Enzo Maresca deserves tremendous credit for the work he’s done during his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian has achieved a 60% win rate in the role, with the prospect of winning the Europa Conference League firmly within their own grasp ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden.

However, given their previous work in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see them spend big again to take the side to the next level under the manager’s guidance.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Since Maresca took the reins back in the summer of last year, he’s desperately been in the market for a new talisman to help lead the line and take Chelsea to the next level.

Liam Delap has been one player who’s been on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, potentially moving to the Blues after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

However, he’s not the only attacking player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao once again emerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Blues have begun talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a move to the club after registering 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Portuguese international is seen as a top-level reinforcement for Maresca, taking the side to the left level as a result – but it’s previously been reported he could cost in the region of €80m (£64m).

Why Chelsea’s £64m target would be a better signing than Gittens

Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to land Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Bundesliga side.

The 20-year-old has impressed in Germany this campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists to date, with other English sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal also interested in his signature.

The former Manchester City youngster looks almost certain to return to England this summer, but the Blues should look to swerve a deal despite their keen interest.

Such an interest in Leao proves the club are evaluating all options to improve their attacking department, needing to make the right call over whom to land to fill the void in the final third.

When comparing the Milan star’s stats with those of Gittens, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Maresca’s side.

Leao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Dortmund star’s, whilst also completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries per 90, along with more passes completed into the final third – having the tools to aid other people in improving their own tallies in the final third.

How Leao compares to Gittens in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Leao	Gittens
Games played	33	30
Goals & assists	16	11
Progressive passes	3.6	2.1
Passes into final third	1.5	0.8
Shot-creating actions	4.4	3.7
Take-ons completed	46%	45%
Aerials won	57%	41%
Stats via FBref

His all-round dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, potentially offering Maresca an added option in central areas should they fail to land a new striker.

£64m may appear to be another hefty fee to splash out on a new signing, but Leao has proven in Serie A this campaign that he has all of the qualities needed to improve the Blues squad.

As a result of the latest transfer story, the hierarchy should look to forget about any deal to land Gittens in the coming months, subsequently putting all of their focus into a deal for the Milan star.

The perfect Jackson upgrade: Chelsea ready to bid for £76m "complete CF"

Chelsea are looking to add a new striker to their ranks this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

May 7, 2025

One title-winning manager is reportedly in love with the prospect of a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, something which chairman Daniel Levy realises, as the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou faces a very uncertain future at the club.

Managers linked with potential vacant Tottenham job

Regardless of Spurs’ campaign in the Europa League, it is reliably believed that Levy could still part company with Postecoglou at the end of the season (Matt Law).

Related Tottenham eyeing another "top" manager who Guardiola called "innovative"

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 24, 2025

Tottenham are just one game away from equalling their highest number of defeats in a single Premier League season, and with a tough trip to Anfield on the horizon, Postecoglou is staring down the barrel of that unwanted record on his resume.

Liverpool could finally be crowned champions by defeating Spurs on Merseyside this weekend, so odds are that Arne Slot’s men will throw the kitchen sink at a vulnerable Lilywhites side who’ve also lost four out of their last five top flight matches.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Postecoglou’s saving grace after a dismal domestic campaign lies in Europe, where the Australian has a chance to make history by guiding Spurs to their first piece of major silverware since their League Cup triumph in 2008, under Juande Ramos.

However, with victory in the competition not even a guarantee that Postecoglou keeps his job for next season, attention is beginning to turn to who could replace the former Celtic boss in N17.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have all been linked in the last few weeks, while Fabrizio Romano has reported Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi is liked by Tottenham.

The Mail also claimed earlier this week that Burnley boss Scott Parker has some fans inside Spurs as well, but perhaps the most exciting appointment would be a return for ex-fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine enjoyed a successful spell at the Tottenham helm from 2014-2019, which included an unprecedented run to the Champions League final in 2019, and you can argue the north Londoners haven’t enjoyed consistency akin to Pochettino’s tenure since he departed.

Mauricio Pochettino would "love" to return to Tottenham

Now manager of the USA national team, as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup, journalist Graeme Bailey has reported for The Boot Room that Pochettino hasn’t quite settled into his first international role.

Alternatively, if he were to leave the States, Pochettino would “love” to re-join Tottenham, and Levy is said to be “aware” of this. The 53-year-old would also be Levy’s first choice to replace Postecoglou, given their already-close relationship and communication.

After a string of lacklustre results with the USA, Pochettino is also said to be under pressure, and he is very much in Levy’s thought process as a potential replacement for Postecoglou.

The former Southampton, Chelsea and PSG boss won a Ligue 1 title with the latter, and he appears to currently be one of three trophy-winning managers under consideration by Spurs – the other two being Glasner and Inzaghi.

Their margin of victory has heaped pressure on England and given Richie Berrington’s team the chance of a famous progression

Vithushan Ehantharajah09-Jun-2024A lot of things can get sorted over a drink. A business deal, a second date – even an end to dating altogether. Over a couple of chugs of water and isotonic formula, Brandon McMullen and Matthew Cross decided to sort something among themselves. Why not blow this Group B wide open?It was during the drinks break after 10 overs of the chase, with Scotland just 41 away from overhauling Oman’s par score of 150 for 7, that the license for the kill officially came through from captain Richie Berrington. Granted, 60 runs had come from the four overs that followed the powerplay. But for the first time in the innings, the conversation out in the middle turned to the prospect of pumping up that net run rate.”The priority was to win and get the points, but at drinks we said, ‘we should get this done’,” revealed McMullen later. And how.Just 3.1 overs were needed to dust off what remained: 34 of them in boundaries, three of them sixes. McMullen finished on 61 not out, Cross unbeaten on 15. The wicketkeeper-batter even went as far as chastising himself for missing out on a cut shot off Ayaan Khan at the end of a 13th over that had already gone for 20 because it could have finished the job a ball earlier. Scotland even overshot their target by two, finishing on 153 for 3.That’s how serious they were about notching a statement win that now forms the backdrop of the next seven days. The column showing Scotland’s five points to put them top of Group B is now rivalled for relevance by the adjacent one reading “2.164”. Scotland’s NRR is currently 3.964 better than England’s – their likeliest challengers for a Super Eight spot – who can now only equal their points tally.The onus is on Jos Buttler’s men who will have to thrash Oman and Namibia in their next two games. And even that might not be enough. Enter the tantalising prospect of England rooting for Australia to inflict enough damage on Scotland in the final match of Group B to reduce the run-rate figure.The defending champions relying on favours from their enemy. Perhaps nothing sums up just how well Scotland have done in this World Cup more than that sentence right there.Comparisons are flimsy at this juncture, given skewed sample sizes (Scotland’s two-and-a-half matches to England’s one-and-a-half) and differing opponents. But there’s a serenity to Scotland that England are missing and might not find. A control of their own destiny. Heck, even something as simple as comfort. The kind that should come more naturally to three-time World Cup winners across formats than a team who usually arrive at ICC events having to qualify to be let in having already qualified to be let in.The first half of this match was by no means crisp. George Munsey dropped Pratik Athavale over the fence for six to take Oman batter to fifty. Cross missed the chance to stump Ayaan on 14, allowing him to bat through to the end, finishing unbeaten on 41.The chase should not have been as high as it was. And there were portents for awkwardness against a side that had Australia fretting. Scotland responded with 50 for 1 in the first six overs, their most productive powerplay yet. At that stage, Australia had only managed 37 for the loss of Travis Head against a combination of Bilal Khan, Kaleemullah and Mehran Khan.Much like Bridgetown, Antigua’s North Sound had itself a short boundary and an assisting breeze. Before McMullen and Cross utilised it for a quick finish, the early going was made straight and true or with the odd shuffle down the pitch to pierce the infield. Then Munsey dipped into his bag of sweeps once the fielding restrictions had been lifted – notably with back-to-back reverse swept sixes off opposition captain Aqib Ilyas – and the rest piled in.In a tournament that has largely played out on slower, grippier surfaces so far, Scotland’s malleable top six can lay claim to being the most in form, with the receipts to prove it. Munsey and Michael Jones started with an unbroken 90 against England. Berrington and Michael Leask stunned Namibia with an expertly rescued second innings, before McMullen – the team’s first half-centurion on this trip – and Cross did their bits here. All are striking above 130 through attacking whenever possible, buying into a broader team edict of aggression while encouraging batters to find their best ways of achieving that. McMullen’s wristy hockey strikes through a V of mid-on to forward square leg was a shining example of that.This is already shaping up as the best of Scotland’s nine appearances at global ICC events. It will be confirmed outright if they make it through to the next stage. Of course, they do not need to beat Australia on Sunday to do that. Losing in style works just as well. Not that they’re entertaining the latter. Why would they given how things have run for them thus far?”We’re just going to have to be the quickest team to adapt when we get there and assess out the conditions first,” said McMullen, reciting from a well-worn but effective playbook. “And then just go and play our brand of cricket.”It is hard to remember a time when Scotland had such a clear brand of cricket, so instep with modern trends and yet equally adaptable. It will face its strongest test next weekend. That glory sits on either side of the result is more a condition of their excellence than the whims of weather and scheduling. Most of all, it has been earned.

Match-ups, quick runners and rain create “unique set of circumstances” in T20 Blast fixture

Matt Roller06-Jun-2022Tactical retirements in T20 cricket are like London buses: you wait forever for one, then several arrive in quick succession. A batter had never retired out in the first 19 seasons of English domestic T20 cricket, but Carlos Brathwaite and Samit Patel both did so in the same rain-reduced Vitality Blast fixture between Birmingham Bears and Nottinghamshire on Sunday.When R Ashwin retired himself out playing for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022, it quickly became apparent that his decision would be a seismic moment in T20 strategy. Analysts and coaches have long debated the merits and drawbacks of tactical retirements, but a high-profile player making a high-profile call has helped to destigmatise the move.Brathwaite and Patel’s retirements were only the fifth and sixth such dismissals in T20 history, according to ESPNcricinfo’s extensive database, and none of the previous four had happened in the same match. With the game shortened to eight overs a side, wickets were significantly devalued and both teams were willing to adapt accordingly.R Ashwin retired out in the IPL two months ago•BCCIBrathwaite, the Bears’ captain, was working as a pundit on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time:Out show when Ashwin opted to retire and declared his support for the move at the time. “How often have we thought, ‘yeah, he’s batted five balls too much, couldn’t get it away, couldn’t get out, and as a result we’ve lost a bit of momentum’?” he said. “I think it was gutsy from Rajasthan. Moving forward, it’s something we’ll probably see a lot more of… it’s something that will become a part of the game.”On Sunday, Brathwaite was 17 not out off 11 balls – and had hit the final ball of the seventh over for six – when he saw that Calvin Harrison, Notts’ legspinner, had been given the eighth and final over of a shortened game. Harrison’s first over, bowled exclusively to Brathwaite, had cost only six runs and he had beaten him outside off stump three times.Brathwaite was clearly aware of his own struggles against legspin: since the start of 2020, he has faced 98 balls from legspinners in T20 cricket, from which he has scored 67 runs and been dismissed eight times. He walked off and called for Sam Hain – who has averaged 57.50 against legspin with a strike rate of 135.29 in the same period – to replace him.”Carlos isn’t a big sweeper and I think he felt that someone else might have attacked it a bit better,” Peter Moores, Notts’ head coach, told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s a pretty selfless decision by a captain because everyone wants to be the man to bang it out the park but he’d faced the over before and found it tough – Calvin bowled a really good over at him – and I think he decided to give someone else a crack at it.”We could have bowled someone else if we wanted to – there’s nothing in place to stop that. It doesn’t happen very often. We know Carlos is a fantastic striker of a cricket ball so it’s quite a big decision but I think most of these decisions people make on instinct, and he clearly felt that he would give somebody else a go.”The final over cost 18 runs, though Hain (batting at No.6) did not face a ball: Chris Benjamin was dismissed off the second ball after hitting the first for four before Alex Davies, in at No. 7, hit a six, two twos and a four to finish on 14 not out off four balls.

“The rule is there and so I think it’s fair to use it. People make comments about this, that and the other but for me, when Carlos walked off, there’s no problem with that at all.”Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire’s coach

In the run chase, Brathwaite conceded only eight runs from the penultimate over to leave Notts needing 15 off the last, an equation which became six to win off the final ball. Craig Miles bowled a high full toss which Patel plinked into the leg side for only a single and the Bears started to celebrate, only to see that it had been given as a no-ball for height.That left three to win off one with Tom Moores back on strike (no-balls are worth two runs in English domestic cricket rather than the usual one) and Patel, at the non-striker’s end, walked off to be replaced by Harrison, a quicker runner. He charged through for one but Moores could only dig Miles’ yorker out to extra cover, sealing a one-run win for the Bears.”Calvin was still in the dressing room because he wasn’t next in and with six off the last ball there was no relevance,” Peter Moores explained, “but with the no-ball, Alex Hales walked outside on the balcony and looked across at me and Dan [Christian, Notts’ captain] and we shouted up and indicated for Calvin.”Samit realised what was going on and we swapped it around. Calvin’s got a few years on Samit and we know that an extra yard is quite a bit when it comes to a run-out. It seemed to make sense at the time. It’s a quirk in the rules but it made sense at the time.”Patel’s retirement was reminiscent of another incident earlier this year which saw Jordan Silk retire hurt in similar circumstances. Silk had been sent out to target a short leg-side boundary in the final stages of Sydney Sixers’ BBL Challenger final game against Adelaide Strikers having earlier pulled a hamstring in the field.Related

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Silk taken out retired hurt with one ball remaining and two runs to win

When he found himself off strike ahead of the final ball with two runs required, he was replaced by a fully-fit batter in Jay Lenton; while Silk was officially retired hurt, due to his injury, the situation was effectively the same as the one at Edgbaston. Incidentally, Christian was in the batting team’s dugout on both occasions.”It’s one of those quirks that really you could only see being used in the shorter formats because otherwise wickets are too valuable,” Moores said. “It’s got to be a unique set of circumstances and a shortened game like that has more chance of throwing it up than a full T20 game. I don’t think we’re going to see lots of it because I don’t think the circumstances are going to happen very often in a way that feels like there’s going to be a competitive advantage.”The rule is there and so I think it’s fair to use it. People make comments about this, that and the other but for me, when Carlos walked off, there’s no problem with that at all. I don’t think it will happen very often. If it’s going to happen, it’ll be in those really short games because otherwise the value of people that are in is too high.”

MLB trades are beginning to pick up as the offseason continues, with the latest significant move coming between the Orioles and the Angels on Tuesday night. Los Angeles is sending outfielder Taylor Ward to Baltimore in return for right handed pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, the Orioles announced.

Ward has spent the entirety of his eight-year career in Los Angeles. The Orioles were searching for a strong hitting outfielder this offseason, and Ward might be their answer to that gap.

Rodriguez didn’t play at all during the 2025 season because of multiple injuries, including undergoing a season-ending elbow debridement surgery. He’s played just two seasons prior to this year, both with the Orioles.

Ward may be a short-term solution for Baltimore as he’s set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, his final year under arbitration. On the other hand, Rodriguez isn’t set to become a free agent until 2029. The Orioles also are keeping their eye out for starting pitchers, so it’s interesting they traded one of theirs away before locking down another. But, Rodriguez’s health for next season is still up in the air as he hasn’t pitched in a game since July 31, 2024.

During the 2025 season, Ward averaged .228/.317/.475 with 132 hits, and recorded career highs with 36 home runs, 103 RBIs and 86 runs scored—an impressive year for the veteran outfielder.

In 20 game starts in 2024 when Rodriguez last competed, the pitcher posted a 3.86 ERA and 130 strikeouts over 116.2 innings pitched.