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Lauren Winfield-Hill continued her fine form with a matchwinning 60 from 35 balls, and in the process set up an intriguing clash with her soon-to-be team-mates at Essex, as Yorkshire overpowered Staffordshire in the second round of the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup.After winning the toss at Weetwood, captain Winfield-Hill found a key ally in Rebecca Duckworth, who made 51 from 54 balls, as Yorkshire set their Tier 3 opponents 177 to win.Olivia Thomas took 3 for 17 from four overs of legspin, while Claudie Cooper and Beth Langston claimed two wickets apiece as Staffordshire were bowled out for 108 off the penultimate ball of their chase.Winfield-Hill made 88 in Yorkshire’s round-one victory over Derbyshire on Monday, and was soon into her stride, hitting four boundaries in the second over, bowled by Staffs captain Lucy Shenton.She was given two chances en route to a 28-ball fifty, then picked off the first six of the innings before Georgie Harrison bowled her for 60 to end a 91-run stand with Duckworth.Staffordshire’s hopes were dented by a tight start from Yorkshire’s bowlers, who conceded nine runs in the first three overs of the chase, before offspinner Cooper struck courtesy of Winfield-Hill’s smart stumping of Helen Hughes for 3.Staffordshire recovered to 50 for 1 but fell away to 67 for 4 at the halfway mark, and never threatened thereafter. It means Yorkshire will host Tier 1 opposition for the first time when Essex visit next weekend, with Winfield-Hill due to join her opponents on loan later this season when the T20 Blast gets underway.Elsewhere, Glamorgan secured a home tie against Tier 1 side Lancashire by overcoming Sussex by 48 runs in Cardiff. Batting first, Glamorgan racked up 156 for 7 in their 20 overs, Bethan Gammon top-scoring with 41 from 30 balls. In reply, Sussex’s first two wickets fell for ducks as they were restricted to 108 for 7.Oxfordshire will host The Blaze in round three after seeing off Hertfordshire by 24 runs at St Edward’s School. Their imposing total of 191 for 7 was built on Sophie Grayson’s 48 from 37 balls, and a fast-paced finish from captain Ellie Ingram, who was unbeaten on 53 from 29. Hertfordshire battled hard, reaching 80 for 1 at the halfway mark, but could only tally 167 for 3.Leicestershire made light work of Cheshire at Grace Road, restricting their visitors to 93 before easing to victory in 12.1 overs, with Becki Brooker top-scoring with 42 from 37. Cambridgeshire, meanwhile, beat Northumberland by 18 runs at Corbridge, with Kelly Haynes’ 3 for 13 proving instrumental in their defence of 131.In Sunday’s ties, Northamptonshire overcame a dramatic top-order wobble to see off Shropshire at Shrewsbury, recovering from 50 for 6 to post 137 for 7, thanks to Mabel Reid’s 54 not out from 34 balls. In reply Shropshire were rolled aside for 66.At Butleigh Salterton, Devon saw off Suffolk in a tense 14-overs contest, eventually chasing 67 with two balls to spare. While at Wokingham, Kent marched into round three with an emphatic 47-run victory over Berkshire.

Former England allrounder tells Disney+ documentary of the sport’s role in his recovery from life-changing crash

Valkerie Baynes24-Apr-20251:45

‘Flintoff’ on Disney+: An exclusive look at Freddie’s story

There’s a point in , the Disney+ documentary released on Friday about the life of England allrounder Andrew Flintoff, that stands out from a cricket perspective.Amid harrowing, never-seen-before images of the devastating injuries he suffered in a car crash just over two years ago, interspersed with footage from the highs and lows of a storied career, Flintoff’s wife, Rachael, says it first: cricket saved him.In the most confronting examples imaginable of cricket’s influence on his life, and the accident itself, Flintoff describes his instincts during the crash while filming the TV series in December 2022 as being like the split-second decision a batter makes on how to deal with a delivery hurtling towards him.As the open-topped three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 he was driving around Surrey’s Dunsfold Aerodrome overturned on that fateful day, he believed that if he turned his head a certain way, he would likely break his neck or die. So he made the decision to fall face first.He was left with broken ribs and serious facial injuries, which required extensive reconstructive surgery and left him with noticeable scarring.Related

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“You get 0.4 seconds to make your mind up where the ball’s going, what shot are you going to play, how are you going to move your feet,” Flintoff says. “As it started going over, I looked at the ground and I knew if I get hit on the side, I’m going to break my neck. If I get hit on the temple, I’m dead. My best chance is go face down. I thought my face had come off. I was frightened to death.”And perhaps it is his cricket background that has contributed to the difficulty he has experienced healing the psychological scars of the accident.As a player, he says, he was able to not just visualise performing a particular skill, but to feel like he was living it. In the documentary, he likens that experience to the intensity of the nightmares and flashbacks he has of the crash, remembering everything in vivid detail. It left him battling anxiety which kept him housebound for months except for medical appointments early on in his recovery.”After the accident, I didn’t think I had it in me to get through,” Flintoff says. “This sounds awful, part of me thinks I should have been killed. Part of me thinks I wish I had died. I didn’t want to kill myself. I wouldn’t mistake the two things. I wasn’t wishing, I was thinking: that would have been so much easier. Now I try to take the attitude, the sun will come up tomorrow and my kids will still give me a hug. I feel in a better place now.”Andrew Flintoff says cricket has played a pivotal role in his recovery•ECB via Getty ImagesAgain, cricket has played a pivotal role in Flintoff reaching this point, finding comfort and purpose in his role as head coach of England Lions.”The common theme through my life is obviously my family – parents, brother, grandparents, Rachael, the kids – but then it seems almost everything comes back to cricket,” he tells friend and former England rugby player now presenter Martin Bayfield in a Q&A session after the film’s premiere in London.”That’s been the one constant thread through my life. It’s probably the one thing, like Rachel again said, probably saved me. I’ve been welcomed back into that fold and I’m loving it. I’ve got the opportunity now to coach. Who would have thought a 31-year-old me would be put in charge of kids, the next-best England players? And I absolutely love it.”So for everything that’s happened, I think sport has been the one thing that’s given me the coping mechanisms to get through pretty much anything, because some of the lows in cricket were so low, and you have to come back. It was resilience, it was passion, surrounded by people you love and people you trust. It was probably one of the most important things in my life after my family and my friends.”One of the friends most instrumental in Flintoff’s return to cricket is Rob Key, a former team-mate who is now director of England men’s cricket.In a moving scene in the documentary, Key sheds rare tears talking about how cricket has helped to look after his mate of nearly 30 years. The film reveals how, after the accident, Key would invite Flintoff to attend England Test matches in virtual secrecy, watching from a secluded area and visited by a select few mutual friends as he began to venture out of the house after so long.Key is now also effectively Flintoff’s boss, overseeing the Lions coaching role he has held since last October. And Flintoff was eager to bat away a question from Bayfield about progressing to the England head coach role, held by another friend, Brendon McCullum.”As a player, you’re always looking for the end of the game,” Flintoff says. “It’s about making decisions now, make a good decision now, and make a move, and then put yourself in a position to win a cricket match. I was guilty of that with a lot of things. You do a TV job, and it’s, ‘what’s the next job?’ It’s always chasing something.”We have got an exceptional England coach who is incredible. I’m so happy with where I’m at now. I’m not looking for the next job, I’m coaching the Lions, and I think for me, that is the perfect place for me to sit.”I can work with these young lads. You’re not just coaching them as cricketers, you’re trying to help them navigate through a career, through life, to be better people. I don’t see it as a stepping stone, I see it as the perfect job for me at this moment in time. I hope I am the perfect choice for them.”Flintoff says he will also continue to work in television from time to time.The crash interrupted filming a second series of Flintoff’s programme, where he teaches a group of young men from his hometown of Preston about cricket as a positive influence on their lives and which he has since finished and seen go to air. He also filmed a special edition of the gameshow with plans for more to come.But cricket is very much back as an integral part of his life again. Perhaps it never left.‘Flintoff’ is available exclusively on Disney+

Glasgow Rangers have not won the Scottish Premiership title in over four years and they have not won any trophy since they lifted the League Cup in 2023.

It is no secret that Russell Martin needs to bring glory back to Ibrox, by winning trophies, but it is a collective effort that starts from the ownership and goes down through Kevin Thelwell, Martin, to the players on the pitch.

Ultimately, there needs to be a strong footballing model in place that creates a squad that is good enough for the manager, whomever that may be, to get results on the pitch.

Whilst supporters may not want to hear it, one thing Rangers can learn from their city rivals is how they develop and sell young talent for profit. They have made millions over the years by selling the likes of Jota, Kyogo, Virgil van Dijk, Odsonne Edouard, Matt O’Riley, and many, many more.

The Light Blues, however, have not had as much success in the department, as Calvin Bassey is the only player to have been sold for more than £20m in the club’s history, per Transfermarkt.

Rangers signed Youssef Chermiti from Everton in a deal worth up to £10m on deadline day. For that outlay, the Gers will surely be hoping that he joins that exclusive £20m+ club with Bassey.

Why Youssef Chermiti needs to be a success at Rangers

The Light Blues really need the Portugal U21 international to be a success at Ibrox because of the fee that was splashed out for him and because of what his success could mean for the club.

From the financial perspective, the Gers need Chermiti to be a big player for the team because the £10m deal to bring him to Glasgow is the most expensive deal sanctioned by the club since the club-record £12m move for Tore Andre Flo from Chelsea in 2000.

That places pressure on the centre-forward to perform and pressure on Thelwell for the signing to work out, because his judgement may get called into question if it does not work.

Appearances

20

4

Minutes

287

49

Shots

8

3

Goals

0

0

Key passes

5

0

Assists

0

0

As you can see in the table above, Chermiti did not enjoy a good time with Everton over the last two seasons in England after his £15m move from Sporting in 2023.

This shows that Rangers have not signed a ready-made superstar for Scottish football, which is why it is even more important for him to be a success because they have taken a huge financial gamble on a player who has yet to prove himself at senior level.

Another reason why Chermiti needs to be a success at Ibrox is because it would provide the Gers with an example to show other promising young talents in the future that they can provide a platform for young talent.

Celtic can point to van Dijk, O’Riley, Dembele, Edouard, and Kieran Tierney, among others, and show potential signings that there is a clear pathway to major clubs across Europe.

This is merely a theory, but it does make you wonder if Rangers have ever missed out on any promising young talents because they did not see enough of a pathway to a bigger move in the future.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

In fact, the Scottish giants had one such promising young talent on trial with the B team in 2023, Yan Diomande, but he ultimately did not decide to sign for the club. He is now playing in one of Europe’s major leagues and is worth millions more than any current Rangers player.

Rangers missed out on Yan Diomande

In October 2023, the 16-year-old winger played for the Rangers B team against Monaco, whilst Steven Davis was the interim manager of the first-team, in a 3-1 loss to the French side.

Football Scotland confirmed that Diomande was on trial for the Scottish giants from American side AS Frenzi, who were in the fourth tier in the USA, for the game.

Rangers Youth Blog on X noted at the time that the Ivorian starlet was arguably the best player on the pitch for the club in that clash with Monaco, but, for reasons unknown, the attacker did not sign a contract with the Gers.

It is unclear if Diomande opted against a move to Glasgow or if the club decided not to offer him a deal, although the latter seems unlikely if he did impress in the game against Monaco as Rangers Youth Blog suggested.

Either way, the Light Blues will now look back on their failure to bring him to the club as a mistake because he sealed a £17m move to RB Leipzig from Leganes this summer.

Appearances

10

Starts

6

xG

1.72

Goals

2

Key passes

14

Assists

1

Dribbles completed per game

2.3

Dribble success rate

62%

As you can see in the table above, Diomande caught the eye for Leganes with 1.4 key passes per game and 2.3 completed dribbles per game across ten appearances in LaLiga in the second half of last season.

After his trial with Rangers, the teenage talent went back to the DME academy in Florida and stayed there until his move to Leganes in January, which led to his impressive performances in the Spanish top-flight.

Diomande, who was described as an “athletic beast” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, then made the move to Leipzig for a fee of £17m this summer, which means that he is worth £7m more than Chermiti, who signed for Rangers in a £10m deal.

It also means that he is worth more than any current Gers player, excluding loanees, because no player in the squad is worth more than £10m, per Transfermarkt, and that is why the club will surely regret not landing his services back in 2023.

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ByDan Emery Sep 11, 2025

Rangers must now hope that Chermiti is a big success at Ibrox because he can set the blueprint for other players to see that there is a pathway for young talent in Glasgow, a pathway that could convince the next Yan Diomande that a move to Ibrox is the best next step for them.

Manchester United have conducted some excellent business in the transfer market this summer – addressing the problems that have plagued the side in recent times.

Ruben Amorim has had his first off-season to get his feet under the table, allowing him to make the changes he’s desired since taking the reins in November last year.

He’s made a beeline to the attacking department this window, a decision which is understandable given the measly tally of 44 Premier League goals in their 38 outings throughout 2024/25.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all been added to the Red Devils ranks, with the trio having the opportunity to nail down their starting roles in the side for years to come.

However, one area of the pitch is in desperate need of added investment before the window closes, with numerous players already in their hierarchy’s sights.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer

Over the last couple of days, Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has emerged on United’s shortlist, potentially taking the next step in his career after making 32 appearances in the Bundesliga last season.

Despite the interest in the German’s signature, reports of a move to Old Trafford for the 24-year-old appear to be wide of the mark – with other alternatives subsequently being drawn up.

One player the Red Devils have made a move for before the transfer deadline is Chelsea star Andrey Santos, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that Amorim’s side have requested information over a deal for the Brazilian, potentially handing him added game time for his development in the Premier League.

The report also states that talks have been ongoing due to the potential departure of Alejandro Garnacho, which could hand the Red Devils a boost in their pursuit of the midfielder.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno

Given the additions of Cunha and Mbeumo to the number ten role, captain Bruno Fernandes will likely have to operate in a deeper role throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The 30-year-old featured in such a role in the opening day defeat to Arsenal, but still managed to produce numerous impressive figures within attacking areas.

He registered five chances created at Old Trafford – the most of any player on the pitch – showcasing the talent he possesses when driving through the lines in Amorim’s side.

Bruno’s tally of 37 combined goals and assists last campaign proves he’ll be crucial in any success in the coming season – needing a free role to replicate such numbers this time around.

However, 30-year-old, who’s the club’s captain, may struggle to replicate such numbers in his new role, ultimately having to sacrifice his own numbers to allow the team to progress.

However, if he is to do such a thing, he will need a deep-lying option alongside at the heart of the side – something which Santos could offer should he join the side this summer.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at French side Strasbourg, a stint that gave him needed game time to continue his progression in Europe’s top five leagues.

His underlying stats showcase the ball-winning talents he possesses, able to partner Bruno in the middle of the park, which could allow the duo to star alongside one another.

Santos, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in the 94th percentile for tackles made (3.4), achieving a success rate of 59% – able to sit in a deeper role and regain possession for the Red Devils.

However, upon winning the ball, it’s crucial that any new addition is also able to thrive in possession to help the side impress in transition – something which the Chelsea talent demonstrated in 2024/25.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

4.7

Passes into final third

1.3

Tackles made

3.5

Interceptions made

1.1

Blocks made

1.5

Aerials won

1.2

% of tackles won

59%

He completed 88% of the passes he attempted, with 4.4 of which being into the final third – with such numbers able to provide Bruno with the chances to build on his impressive goal contribution tallies from last season.

Despite being a more defensive-minded midfielder, Santos still managed to post 13 combined goals and assists of his own – which could add a new dimension to Amorim’s side in his quest for success.

It’s unclear if the Blues would be willing to let the youngster leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but there’s no denying that he would be a superb addition for the Red Devils.

If he does move to the Theatre of Dreams, it could allow Bruno to continue his impressive career in Manchester – with the pair able to play a huge part in any success endured in 2025/26.

He's like Baleba: "Extraordinary" £35m star now wants to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United appear to have moved on from Carlos Baleba with a move for another star.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 22, 2025

Sydney Thunder defended 135 – the second-lowest total defended in a BBL playoff game – to go through to the Challenger

Tristan Lavalette22-Jan-2025Legspinner Tanveer Sangha thwarted Glenn Maxwell on a tricky Showground surface and quick Nathan McAndrew claimed five wickets as Sydney Thunder superbly defended a modest total in the BBL elimination final.Melbourne Stars had high hopes of chasing 136 in 19 overs, but lost regular wickets including Maxwell for 28 off 21 balls. McAndrew started the damage with a brilliant new ball spell and finished with 5 for 16 on a spin-friendly pitch.The match was reduced to 19 overs per side due to lightning early in Thunder’s innings, which led to a brief delay.Thunder will play crosstown rivals Sydney Sixers at the SCG in Friday’s Challenger with the winner to meet Hobart Hurricanes in the final.It was a disappointment for Stars, who were riding a five-game win streak but their title drought extends by another season.McAndrew, spinners crush StarsThunder were under pressure defending what appeared a below par total. They needed early wickets and McAndrew delivered by dismissing openers Sam Harper and Thomas Rogers.The match boiled down to how their spinners would fare against Maxwell and Stars skipper Marcus Stoinis. Offspinner Chris Green stepped up and lured Stoinis into a mishit on the legside, where George Garton claimed a brilliant catch diving forward at deep midwicket.After copping early punishment, Sangha produced the key wicket of Maxwell, who tried to work it to the legside but got a top-edge and the bowler held on with glee.Sangha was on a hat-trick when he dismissed Tom Curran first ball before McAndrew claimed late wickets to ensure Thunder avoided any late nerves. After leading superbly and making all the right moves in the field, skipper David Warner fittingly took the final catch to trigger jubilation for Thunder’s players and fans.Maxwell shines briefly after top-order collapseIt always felt that the match would be decided one way or another by Maxwell. He was at the crease within five overs after Stars’ top-order struggles continued as they crashed to 27 for 3.In his season debut, as a late replacement for Beau Webster, veteran Peter Handscomb had a tough initiation. Having missed out on the Test tour of Sri Lanka, Handscomb was keen to showcase his prowess at facing spin but never looked comfortable and on 11 he was trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Tom Andrews.Glenn Maxwell took the pressure off after early wickets•Getty ImagesIn came Maxwell on the back of a purple patch where he almost single-handedly lifted Stars into an unlikely finals berth. While other batters had struggled mightily, Maxwell made it look easy with a hat-trick of boundaries off Andrews.The first two were trademark reverse sweeps before whacking a boundary through midwicket – where a fielder had just been moved from.Maxwell then hit Sangha for a monstrous six over deep midwicket to race to 23 off 11 balls. But on this occasion Maxwell couldn’t put the cape on and Stars fell apart without their talisman despite some late hitting from Mark Steketee.Warner falls early, Davies guides them at backendWarner has been Thunder’s rock amid top-order shuffling. After a slow start to the tournament, Warner anchored Thunder’s batting superbly to ensure they earned a home final.But Warner’s first BBL final ended quickly when he fell for a second-ball duck after he mistimed Curran to cover.Matthew Gilkes came to the crease and decided to go for broke in the powerplay, knowing that the surface would wear and become more difficult to bat against spin. He whacked Curran for six over deep square leg and his aggressiveness rubbed off on 20-year-old Hugh Weibgen, who unleashed a boundary off the back foot in his new role as opener.Gilkes raced to 22 before having good fortune when he hit to cover where Curran caught it low to the turf. But third umpire Michael Graham-Smith gave it not out after replays suggested the ball touched the ground.Thunder struggled on resumption and were strangled by Stars’ spinners in tough batting conditions. Sam Billings had a cameo, but played a risky strategy, and it was left to Ollie Davies to ensure they batted the allocated overs.Davies top-scored with 36 but frustratingly fell in the 18th over. Thunder did finish off with some momentum after a last ball six from big-hitting Andrews.Usama Mir struck with his second ball•Getty ImagesStars spinners relish favourable conditionsStars’ quicks struggled in the powerplay, including veteran quick Steketee who was a revelation in the backend of the regular season to help lift Stars into the finals.As soon as the powerplay ended, Stoinis had no hesitation in giving the ball to legspinner Usama Mir. He delivered almost immediately with a well flighted delivery that held up in the surface and deceived Weibgen, who spooned a return catch.It was the fourth time this tournament that Mir claimed a caught and bowled as he continued to spin the ball sharply off the surface. He concentrated almost entirely on legbreaks as an intriguing battle emerged with Billings, who tried to break the stranglehold by reverse sweeping.Mir had Gilkes holing out to a fired-up Maxwell, who told nearby fans to quieten down as Stars took control in the middle overs. Left-arm spinner Doug Warren, playing just his third match of the season and first since Boxing Day, bowled quick darts at the stumps and was unlucky not to have Billings stumped after a fumble with the gloves from Harper.He was finally rewarded with the key wicket of Billings in the 12th over as Stars’ seamers returned in the backend and focused on taking the pace off the ball to ensure Thunder never flourished at the backend.

Manchester City have secured the future of one of their brightest young stars, with Rico Lewis committing his long-term future to the Premier League giants. The 20-year-old defender has signed a fresh two-year extension to his existing agreement, ensuring he remains at the Etihad until 2030. Reports suggest there is also an option that could stretch his stay through to 2031.

Lewis turned down summer exit rumours

Despite heavy speculation linking him with a switch to Nottingham Forest during the transfer window, Lewis made it clear he had no interest in leaving. His loyalty has now been rewarded with a contract that cements his place in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the foreseeable future. For a player who has been part of City’s set-up since he was eight years old, the deal represents the latest chapter in a fairytale rise. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLewis expresses pride over City commitment

Lewis could not hide his delight after putting pen to paper.

“Manchester City mean everything to me so to have been given the opportunity to sign this new contract is such a special moment both for me personally and my family,” Lewis said.

“I am still improving and developing as a player, and I know that the opportunity to carry on working with Pep, his coaching team and our amazing squad will only help me to keep getting better. I have spent so much of my life at this club. City means everything to me, so to be able to stay longer makes me incredibly happy.  

“It’s an absolute honour and privilege to represent the Club every single day and to play in front of our fantastic fans who have always been so supportive of me. I will give everything to try and help us look to achieve more success both this season and beyond and with the world class squad we have, I very am excited about what the future holds for the Club.”

From academy prodigy to treble winner

Lewis has been part of City’s academy since childhood, working his way through every level before breaking into the senior side during the historic treble-winning season of 2022/23. The defender has since gone on to feature almost 100 times for the first team, a staggering achievement for a player who has only turned 20. Guardiola has increasingly deployed him as a hybrid midfielder, where his technical ability, tactical awareness and energy have added an extra layer of dynamism to City’s style of play. This adaptability has made him indispensable in a squad stacked with world-class talent.  

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Trophy cabinet already stacked with silverware

At just 20 years of age, Lewis already boasts a collection of silverware that would make seasoned veterans envious. He has lifted two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Community Shield. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers are showing serious interest in signing a “fantastic” defender who is now a free agent after leaving a top flight club this summer.

The Midlands side have added two new signings, who are both wingers, to their squad so far this summer, as well as the permanent arrival of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. But given the hole that has been left by Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United, Wolves are still in the market for more attackers.

Wolves join race for £23m winger with "electric pace", he's open to PL move

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Last week it was reported that Wolves are in the race alongside Aston Villa to sign striker Mika Biereth from AS Monaco. The 22-year-old only joined the French side in January but scored 13 goals in just 16 league games, form that has placed him on the radar of a few English teams. Biereth is under contract until 2030, but Monaco are said to be open to letting the player leave should they receive a fee of £40 million.

The Premier League side are also looking to add another winger to their mix, and according to a report from ESPN, Wolves are interested in signing Amine Adli from German side Bayer Leverkusen. The Morocco international has attracted interest from West Ham as well, and the player himself is said to be open to the idea of playing in England. Adli played an important role in Leverkusen’s title-winning 2023/24 campaign, but they are open to letting the player leave for around a fee of £23 million.

Wolves showing interest in "fantastic" free agent

While new attackers may be on Vitor Pereira’s mind, the Premier League side are also scouring the market for a new right-back after losing Nélson Semedo. Now, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Wolves are interested in signing free agent Vladimir Coufal.

The 32-year-old joined West Ham back in 2020 and spent five years at the club, helping them back into Europe, and he played an important part in their UEFA Conference League success. However, at the end of last season, the Hammers decided against renewing his contract, and now the Czechia international is continuing his search to try and find a new team.

Under David Moyes, Coufal, who has been dubbed “fantastic” by former teammate Ben Johnson, was a regular for the Hammers. But last season, the right-back played just 22 games in the Premier League, with only 11 coming as a starter.

Apps

22

Starts

11

Touches per game

35.0

Interceptions per game

0.4

Tackles per game

1.0

Clearances per game

1.6

Duels won per game (success rate)

3.0 (50%)

The Old Gold do have Matt Doherty, Pedro Lima and Ki-Jana Hoever as their current right-back options, but with a strong possibility that one of them leaves, a free transfer for a player with over 140 games in England’s top flight looks a no brainer.

Liverpool are in the final stages of wrapping up a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, having already signed the Werkself’s electric right flanker Jeremie Frimpong after meeting his £29.5m release clause.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez should follow, with the two Premier League clubs engaged in advanced discussions for the Hungarian’s transfer this summer.

While bringing in a new centre-forward is also on the agenda, Liverpool may have to contend with one or two reluctant sales, most notably of which concerns Luis Diaz.

The latest on Luis Diaz

Diaz has been a key component of Liverpool’s Premier League triumph this season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists for the Reds across all competitions.

However, aged 28 and entering the penultimate year, it would make sense to cash in if a handsome offer were presented to FSG. With Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr both keen, this is something bound to be on sporting director Richard Hughes’ mind.

With a bid worth around €85m (£72m) being pieced together by Al Nassr, Liverpool could take the money and invest in a new star, especially with a world-class player in Wirtz already heading to Merseyside.

Especially when there’s a rising talent who’s been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months who might just be the perfect long-term investment.

Liverpool could sign Wirtz-esque Diaz replacement

While Cody Gakpo has nailed down the left-sided forward spot at Liverpool, Diaz’s departure would require a direct replacement being brought in, even if Liverpool secured a new centre-forward too.

That’s why FSG should consider increasing their interest in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who has enjoyed a promising emergence in Bundesliga.

The 20-year-old has been hailed as a “very good finisher” by former Yellow Wall boss Nuri Sahin, also noted for being “incredible one-on-one”, and though he’s young, there’s enough there to suggest he could be the perfect Diaz heir.

He’s still got levels to scale, but Gittens has made an impressive start to life on the major stage, with his silky approach even leading data-driven site FBref to liken him to Wirtz.

24/25

48 (34)

12

5

23/24

34 (18)

2

8

22/23

20 (5)

3

1

21/22

4 (1)

0

0

Ranked among the top 15% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers in 2024/25 for goals scored, and the top 1% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, you can see he’s got some of the ball-carrying similarities of Wirtz, though Gittens is more of an out-and-out winger.

Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even pronounced him “England’s best left-winger in 2024/25” earlier in the campaign, which is lofty praise indeed, given the calibre of competition he’s against.

Thomas Tuchel’s recently selected summer Three Lions squad perhaps doesn’t reflect that, but then Gittens is still in the fledgling phase of a promising career, having laid the foundations for something special.

As per Sofascore, Gittens averaged 4.9 successful duels per top-flight fixture this year too, showcasing a tenacious side to his game that could bear dividends in the Premier League.

The same could be said for Wirtz, who marries his absurd technical level with a combative underbelly. Given that the German has been profiled by FSG’s analysts and targeted in a club-record deal, Gittens might just fit the bill.

While he won’t be at the top of Liverpool’s shopping list, this could be a shrewd move to keep the champions firing on all cylinders over the coming years.

Just another Nunez: Liverpool add "outrageous" £67m forward to shortlist

Liverpool have turned their attention to a new target as they seek out a centre-forward.

ByAngus Sinclair May 31, 2025

It’s been a hectic off-season so far for Aston Villa, as many members of Unai Emery’s camp consider moves away from the West Midlands.

Emiliano Martinez, Amadou Onana, and Youri Tielemans all reportedly face uncertain futures with the Villans, with plenty of fresh signings then needed to balance the books, even amid a tricky PSR situation.

Some major sales could finance this statement deal; therefore, with the Villans now ready to enter into the intense race for this attacking star’s services.

Aston Villa join race for £50k-per-week ace

As per a new report from The Independent, Villa are now set to enter the race for Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho this summer.

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The report states that Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, and an Erik Ten Hag-led Bayer Leverkusen are all keen on the pacey 20-year-old, with a bumper £70m price tag also placed above his head off the back of this frenzied interest.

It is also stated that a big move for Garnacho will only take place on Villa’s end if the likes of Morgan Rogers were to move on.

Whilst he has experienced a bumpy patch of his Old Trafford career under Ruben Amorim, it’s undeniable that the £50k-per-week winger is a top, Premier League-capable talent on his day.

It could even be argued that the Red Devils youngster is a bigger talent than Jhon Duran once was during his electric Villa playing days, with the Colombian also a wide-eyed attacker in his own right that terrorised top-flight defences for fun.

Why Garnacho is an even bigger talent than Duran

Duran’s spell at Villa Park went by in a goal-laden flash, with the clinical 21-year-old only on the books of Emery’s men for 78 games in total.

He definitely left a lasting impression, however, with 20 strikes picked up along the way, despite mainly being utilised as a blistering impact substitute by the Spaniard.

Garnacho once had to be patient himself at the Theatre of Dreams for first team opportunities, as seen in his first five goal contributions for the illustrious club in Premier League all coming from off the bench, before going on to solidify himself as a deserved regular with acrobatic efforts such as this wondergoal against Everton soaring in.

Of course, his spell at United could well be tainted now for good by a public falling out with Amorim, but his consistent numbers for United – away from his stay at Old Trafford turning sour – over many a season shows off his expertise of the daunting level, proving further that he is a more exciting talent at his peak than the dangerous Duran.

Garnacho’s G/A numbers by season for United

Season

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

24/25

57

10

10

23/24

50

11

7

22/23

34

5

5

21/22

2

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Despite being pushed to the exit door, Garnacho is just fresh off collecting 20 goals and assists combined from 57 total clashes last season, with his entire tally for United in the men’s ranks coming in at a very impressive 26 strikes and 22 assists from 144 contests.

Amazingly, that hefty goal tally is six more than Duran would manage at Villa Park, despite the 21-year-old lining up as an out-and-out centre-forward. Equally, the United man has registered 24 goals and assists in 93 Premier League outings, while Duran provided just 12 – none of which were assists – in 55 top-flight games for Villa.

Garnacho, too, also boasts big-game experience, having scored against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and Community Shield last year.

That’s also some weighty experience of the Premier League for an attacker who is still only 20 years old, with Emery hopeful he can work his Marcus Rashford magic on the exciting South American if he relocates to the West Midlands shortly.

After all, Emery managed to help repair Rashford’s own damaged Red Devils career with four goals and six assists heading his way last season, donning Villa claret and blue.

In this example, however, it’s not as if Garnacho’s form has suffered from a horrible dip, with everything pointing in the direction that the “superstar” – as he’s been previously lauded by football content creator Liam Canning – could be a rip-roaring success at Villa Park, much like Duran was.

Related Emery loves him: Aston Villa now one to watch in race for £300k-a-week star

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Posts ByDominic Lund Jun 10, 2025

Liverpool carry a wide sense of appeal to potential targets this summer, but they may now have a new obstacle to overcome in their pursuit of one of Europe’s hottest properties.

Liverpool look to bolster their ranks this summer

The Reds are nearly there in their quest to lift the Premier League title and there is now tangible evidence that Arne Slot could add some premium talent to his side over the next few months.

According to reports, Liverpool are leading the race to sign Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who has emerged as one of the world’s most in-demand young defenders following his excellent displays on the South Coast.

Following news that Virgil Van Dijk has signed a new contract at Anfield, any moves to strengthen a backline already rich on quality would likely go down well among their expectant fanbase.

Winning the top-flight is one thing, but staying at the top next term in the face of a renewed challenge from the elite of English football will be what sets Slot apart, so it is no surprise to see that the Reds also have Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike at the top of their wishlist.

Hugo Ekitike’s goalscoring record in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances	43
Goals	21
Assists	9

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League exit at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur may dampen his desire to stay in Germany, though they remain in contention to seal Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga.

Either way, recent developments surrounding Liverpool’s interest have taken a sharp turn that may throw up an obstacle to any prospective deal.

Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 18, 2025

Sky Sports: Eintracht Frankfurt raise Hugo Ekitike asking price

Per Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Eintracht Frankfurt have raised their asking price for Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike to £85.7 million, though he is still deemed ‘likely’ to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer.

Chief executive Markus Krösche is thought to be behind the move, raising the price by about £17m to try and maximise his profitability following an excellent campaign for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain striker.

Demonstrating his lethal edge in front of goal, Ekitike has managed to place 40 of his 101 shots on target while featuring in the German top-flight and has also earned a non-penalty XG total of 17.20.

Liverpool are clearly big admirers of his talent and want to bring him to Anfield, but they won’t want to be caught in the trap of being held to ransom in negotiations.

FSG will likely have a cut-off point, though the fact Ekitike is still expected to leave may play into the Reds’ hands on this one.