All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United’s summer rebuild is gathering pace, and it could soon involve a high-profile departure from one of their Premier League rivals.

It has been reported that Leeds and Daniel Farke are preparing a formal offer for Everton striker Beto, in a deal expected to cost between £20–22m.

The Guinea-Bissau international, who joined the Toffees from Udinese last summer for €25m (£21m), is now set to leave after a behind-the-scenes fallout.

Sources suggest manager David Moyes has been left unimpressed by Beto’s attitude during pre-season.

While Everton will sanction a sale, they will not do so without lining up a replacement.

Beto’s departure would leave a void up front for the Merseyside club, but it could open the door for a fascinating tactical development at Leeds.

Farke already boasts new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who spurned interest from Sunderland to join the 49ers-owned project, but the club wants a second striker who can both complement and compete with the England international.

And it’s here where a certain Greek international could come into play.

Leeds targeting another striker after Calvert-Lewin

According to BBC Sport, Fotis Ioannidis, the 25-year-old Panathinaikos striker, has emerged as another leading target, with the Yorkshire side closely tracking the player amid their bid to bolster the centre-forward ranks.

The Greek forward stands at 1.87m, slightly shorter than Beto but with a more rounded technical skill set.

He has been capped 17 times by his national team, scoring six goals, and has built a reputation in Greece as a “complete” centre-forward, as per analyst Ben Mattinson.

Over his Panathinaikos career, he has netted 51 goals and registered 15 assists in 188 games, including four strikes in last season’s Europa Conference League.

The player is also attracting interest from Norwich City, Sporting Lisbon, and Porto, underlining his growing reputation.

Why Ioannidis could outshine Beto & thrive with Calvert-Lewin

For all of Beto’s physical attributes – 1.94m tall, 5.81 aerials won per 90, and a 46.9% shot accuracy – his spell in England has been marked by inconsistency.

In 60 league appearances for Everton, he has scored just 11 goals.

While his eight strikes in 30 games last season suggest improvement, his game remains limited when it comes to interplay and creating for others.

Games

30

30

Goals

3

8

Big chances missed

8

12

Goal frequency

324min

193min

Assists

0

0

Big chances created

3

2

Key passes*

0.4

0.4

Total duels won*

44%

44%

Possession lost*

5.3

8.1

Ioannidis, by contrast, offers a more complementary skill set to Calvert-Lewin.

The former Everton man is at his best when receiving service into the box or operating as a focal point for crosses, using his strength and leaping ability to dominate in the air.

To maximise his output, he needs a partner who can stretch defences horizontally, combine in tight spaces, and carry the ball into dangerous areas.

Ioannidis fits that mould.

Where Beto offers aerial dominance (ranking in the 97th percentile for aerials won per 90), Ioannidis brings more intelligent link-up play and positional versatility.

His movement allows him to drop deep, combine with midfield runners, and create space for a partner – attributes that could prove invaluable alongside a target man like Calvert-Lewin.

According to FBref, Beto outshoots Ioannidis (2.87 shots per 90 compared to 2.13), but the Greek forward’s higher involvement in build-up phases and his intelligent off-ball runs suggest he would allow Calvert-Lewin to remain central, rather than drifting wide to link play himself.

That could be the key to Leeds getting the most out of their marquee forward signing. And this isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about the fit.

Leeds’ Championship dominance last season was built on fluid attacking movements, rapid transitions, and a willingness to commit players forward.

In the Premier League, they will face more organised, physically imposing defences, making quick combinations and creative runs even more essential.

Ioannidis’ ability to operate between the lines could be the tactical tweak that helps Farke’s men bridge the gap in quality.

The financial element also plays a role. At a market value of €15m £13m), as per Transfermarkt, Ioannidis would cost significantly less than Beto’s original fee, allowing Leeds to invest in other key areas.

That value could rise sharply if he adapts quickly to English football, making him a potential long-term asset rather than a short-term gamble.

If the move happens, it would also carry symbolic weight.

Leeds’ return to the top flight has already been marked by ambition – the arrival of Calvert-Lewin, the free transfer of Lukas Nmecha, and continued pursuit of talents like Noah Okafor and Manor Solomon signal intent.

With Everton set to visit Elland Road on the opening weekend, there is a subplot in the making.

Beto could be lining up in white rather than blue – or perhaps not at all – while his potential replacement is unveiled as the man to lead the line alongside Calvert-Lewin.

Should the Greek forward adapt as well as Leeds’ recruitment team believes, this could be the start of a formidable partnership.

Calvert-Lewin’s aerial power and hold-up play, paired with Ioannidis’ mobility and link-up ability, would give Leeds a blend of physical presence and tactical intelligence few Premier League sides could match.

For Farke, who has shown a willingness to tweak his system to suit his personnel, it could be the difference between another fight for survival and a push towards mid-table respectability.

And for Leeds fans, who have seen enough false dawns in recent years, it might finally be a strike duo worth getting excited about.

He’s Gnonto 2.0: Leeds exploring move to sign "electric" £13m forward

Leeds are not done signing attackers this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 15, 2025

Beth Mooney will take the gloves for the three-match series but the opening match is threatened by the weather

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff18-Dec-2024Australia captain Alyssa Healy’s niggling knee will prevent her from keeping wicket in the ODI series against New Zealand.But she is hopeful she can play as a batter in all three games to ready herself for the Ashes in January. Beth Mooney will continue filling in for Healy behind the stumps, starting in Thursday’s series-opener at Basin Reserve in Wellington.”I won’t be wicketkeeping this series … but there’s not a lot of cricket leading into the Ashes, so for me, it’s an opportunity to try and get back on the park, as a batter, and try and find some runs more importantly,” Healy said on Wednesday.”I feel like I’ve hardly played any cricket for the last eight or nine months and there’s a good opportunity to do that. The knee’s tracking well, it’s just a day-by-day thing, and we’ll just assess as we go.”Healy’s frustrating run with injury opened the door for Australia to debut Georgia Voll in the recent home series against India. Voll, who hit scores of 46 not out, 101 and 26 in her first three ODIs, is set to be the unlucky player to drop out with Healy returning.”We’ve been transitioning for a little while, getting some youth in the side,” Healy said. “But obviously forced hand with some injuries at the moment. I think we’re in a really great space, the depth in Australian cricket is really strong.”And everyone who keeps stepping in, to take my job in particular, seems to make my runs or take wickets, so we’re in a good space at the moment.”New Zealand will enter the battle for the Rose Bowl on a high after winning the T20 World Cup in October with this their first home cricket since that historic moment. However, they have not beaten Australia in a bilateral one-day series 1999 or in an ODI since 2017.”I just remind them we pumped them in the round game, but they’re okay to have the trophy,” Healy said. “There is an air of disappointment around our group after the World Cup, I don’t think there is any way to beat around that.”I think the discussions that have come post that have been really promising, and where we want to take our cricket moving forward and how we want to play our style of game, as sad as that may seem.”New Zealand are in danger of missing direct qualification for next year’s ODI World Cup with this three-match series their last of the current Women’s Championship. They are currently sixth in the table with two automatic spots to claim alongside hosts India and already-qualified Australia, England and South Africa. Bangladesh and West Indies, who are below them, still have matches to play.A crowd of 4000 is expected at the Basin Reserve on Thursday although the forecast is poor before being more promising for the matches on Saturday and Monday.”It’s well overdue [beating Australia], but we also know the challenge we’re up against and we know that we’re going to have to be at our best to win at least two games to get that cup back,” New Zealand captain Sophie Devine said. “This is our first opportunity to play back up at home as T20 world champions…so now we just need the Wellington weather gods to play ball as well.”

Tributes have started to fly in after the tragic death of legendary English boxer Ricky Hatton on Sunday. The 46-year-old was known for his passion for Manchester City, and former club captain Vincent Kompany has paid tribute to Hatton by taking to social media. "We'll miss you," said the Bayern Munich head coach, as the world of sport mourns over the loss of a beloved and iconic figure.

Manchester City 'devastated' by Hatton's death

Hatton was 46 at the time of his death on Sunday. The boxing icon was found dead in his home in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following his passing away, Man City released a statement to offer their tribute to the life-long Cityzen. Former player and club legend Kompany, too, took to social media to pay tribute to Hatton.

Advertisement'We'll miss you' – Kompany on Hatton's death

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kompany posted a photo of him and Hatton from his time as a City player. "We’ll miss you Ricky. Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in peace Legend," the ex-defender wrote.

Hatton, a boxing phenomenon and champion

Having started his career in 1997, Hatton held multiple world championships in both the super-lightweight and welterweight categories. He rose to prominence after lifting the British super-lightweight title in 2000. Five years later, in 2005, he recorded perhaps the greatest feat of his career, as he beat the legendary Kostya Tszyu to the world championship at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Other prominent bouts during his career were his fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2007 and 2009, respectively. He retired from the sport in 2012, but was slated for a comeback later this year.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportMan City to observe a minute's appreciation in derby against Man Utd

Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday evening, it was confirmed that City would hold a one-minute appreciation in honour of Hatton at the Etihad Stadium. Both teams will also be wearing black armbands in remembrance of the late boxer.

There are around two weeks left to go before the end of the summer transfer window and Glasgow Rangers have not lost any of their major assets yet.

Brazilian left-back Jefte is reportedly closing in on a return to his home country to sign for Palmeiras for a reported fee of £6m, with the club set to bank a healthy profit on the £800k they paid Fluminense last year.

The crown jewels of Russell Martin’s side, however, have not yet been snapped up, as Hamza Igamane, Nicolas Raskin, and Mohamed Diomande are still Rangers players as it stands.

Premier League side Everton have been linked with Igamane, the Gers are braced for interest in Raskin still, and the Light Blues have fielded an offer from Besiktas for Diomande.

This shows that there is tangible interest in some of the club’s best talents, and that is why there is still some doubt over whether or not they will still be part of the squad at Ibrox when the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of next month.

If Bestikas, for example, come back in with another offer for Diomande, the Light Blues may have their resolve tested despite there not being much time left in the window.

Why losing Mohamed Diomande would be a blow for Rangers

Selling the Ivorian central midfielder before the end of the window would be a big blow to Martin and Rangers because he is a proven performer who has showcased his quality domestically and in Europe.

Diomande is a versatile midfield talent who can easily be deployed as a deep-lying midfielder, as a box-to-box workhorse, or further forward in a number ten role, due to his wide range of attributes in and out of possession.

In the Scottish Premiership, the left-footed star scored four goals, created 11 ‘big chances’, and delivered seven assists in 36 appearances, per Sofascore, which shows that he can make an impact at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

He is not only effective in possession, though, as the 23-year-old talent caught the eye with his defensive contributions in midfield in the club’s Europa League campaign last season.

Tackles

12

Top 19%

Tackle success rate

63%

Top 45%

Duels won

53

Top 11%

Interceptions

11

Top 23%

Ball recoveries

47

Top 22%

Fouls committed

12

Top 18%

As you can see in the table above, Diomande ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of defensive metrics, which shows that he was one of the more effective defensive midfielders in the competition.

This is why it would be a big blow to lose him before the end of the window, because of the quality he provides on and off the ball, but the Gers are reportedly looking at a star who could ease that blow.

Rangers racing to sign Premier League midfielder

According to Football Insider, Rangers are one of the teams racing to strike a deal with West Ham United for central midfielder Andrew Irving this summer.

The report claims that the Light Blues and their Premiership and Glasgow rivals Celtic are both fighting it out to sign the Scotland international to bolster their midfield options.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that Irving wants to play regular football and would jump at the opportunity to play European football, which both teams will have, after a season of mainly watching on from the sidelines or bench with the Hammers.

Football Insider reveals that Celtic and Rangers are both exploring the possibility of a swoop for the former Hearts man, and that West Ham will not stand in his way if a good offer comes their way.

It was reported earlier this month that a fee in the region of £3m could be enough to tempt the Premier League side into cashing in on the midfield maestro.

Why Rangers should sign Andy Irving

The Gers should be pushing to beat Celtic to the West Ham United outcast’s signature because he could come in as a Diomande clone for Martin, easing the blow of potentially losing the Ivorian star this summer.

Even if the former Nordsjaelland ace remains at Ibrox, signing Irving would leave the manager with two top-quality options in midfield to rotate between.

Like Diomande, the Scottish whiz is a versatile midfielder who has the qualities in and out of possession to suit playing in pretty much any role that Martin needs in the middle of the park.

Irving, who made ten substitute appearances, ranked within the top 8% of Premier League midfielders for passes made (60) and the top 16% for pass accuracy (90%) for West Ham last season, which speaks to his ability to play in a deep-lying controller role.

The 25-year-old’s form on loan at Klagenfurt in the Austrian Bundesliga in the 2023/24 campaign, meanwhile, shows that he can be a box-to-box presence in midfield, just like Diomande.

Appearances

28

36

Goals

9

4

Big chances created

7

11

Assists

4

7

Dribbles completed per game

1.1

0.9

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.8

Duels won per game

4.9

4.2

As you can see in the table above, both players offer similar qualities in the middle of the park with their goal contributions, dribbling skills, and defensive work off the ball, which suggests that they make a similar impact on matches in midfield.

In fact, Rangers fan and analyst Kai Watson recently claimed that Irving “would provide everything that most fans have been expecting from Mo Diomande” and that he would suit Martin’s tactical system well.

The statistics from his time in the Austrian Bundesliga suggest that it is an accurate assessment from Watson, as Irving has the offensive and defensive qualities to be a Diomande clone at Ibrox.

This is why Irving could be a fantastic signing for Rangers because he could provide competition for the Ivorian midfielder if he remains at Ibrox, whilst also having the ability to be a brilliant replacement for him.

Rangers must replace Jefte with Ibrox swoop for "offensive" £13m star

Rangers could find a replacement for Jefte, who is closing in on an exit, by signing this star.

ByDan Emery Aug 15, 2025

Saim Ayub still “at least four weeks” away from being fully fit

Danyal Rasool31-Jan-2025Fakhar Zaman has been named in Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy, marking his return after he fell out with the PCB over a social media post in October 2024. In a squad that PCB called “horses for courses”, Faheem Ashraf, who last played international cricket in 2023, has also been called up. Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel are also included. The same squad will also play the ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in the build-up to the Champions Trophy.The squad confirms what was widely feared within Pakistan: Saim Ayub remains unavailable because of the ankle fracture he sustained during the Cape Town Test. At the time, it was announced he would be out for six weeks, but it was believed his chances of recovering in time for the Champions Trophy were exceptionally slim. Earlier today, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Ayub’s return remained “at least four weeks” away.Abdullah Shafique’s loss of form has cost him a place in the squad. In the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, which Pakistan won 3-0, he became the first player to be dismissed for a duck in every match of a series. It means Pakistan will go in with a completely different opening pairing, with Fakhar likely to pair up with either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, with the PCB citing Babar’s success opening in Test cricket as a potential factor to consider.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy,” a statement from Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection panel, said. “Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence.”The squad also retains its pace-heavy element that saw Pakistan win three successive away ODI series towards the end of last year. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain are all part of the final 15, with only one specialist spinner in Abrar Ahmed. Neither Sufiyan Muqeem, who took four wickets on debut in the only ODI he played, nor Shadab Khan, who captained his side to Champions Cup glory in September, have made the final cut.Related

Pakistan boosted by Rizwan's form but bowling remains a concern

Taskin, Tamim headline ESPNcricinfo's BPL 2024-25 team of the tournament

Context is king as Pakistan and New Zealand open pre-Champions Trophy tri-series

Saim Ayub to travel to London for ankle fracture treatment

No captains event or photoshoot before Champions Trophy

“One of the standout qualities of this side is its flexibility – an essential trait in today’s modern-day cricket,” Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection panel. “We are confident that this squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, and has all bases covered. Each player has been chosen with a clear role in mind, ensuring the captain has versatile options at his disposal.”Irfan Khan, who was eyed by the selection committee as a key component of Pakistan’s middle order and feted for his fielding, also drops out. Faheem’s return comes off the back of limited ODI cricket, having had an indifferent Champions Cup in September. Strong showings with the bat in the President Cup in October, however, seem to have played a part in earning him what appeared an unlikely recall.Pakistan’s first game at the Champions Trophy comes against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, following which they go to Dubai to play against India. They play their final group game against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

A fresh look at women's football in Football Manager 26 has been unveiled as Sports Interactive revealed the biggest female database in gaming. After years of promises, setbacks, and cancelled editions, the studio has confirmed that from November 4, players can step into the dugout of legendary women’s teams across the globe. This isn’t a token gesture. This is the largest-ever women’s football database in gaming, spanning continents, leagues, and thousands of players.

Years in the making, now finally real

The idea of integrating women’s football into the series was first teased back in 2021. Originally, FM25 was supposed to be the debut year for the expansion, but technical roadblocks forced Sports Interactive to shelve the edition entirely. That delay has paved the way for FM26 to take the spotlight; bigger, stronger, and finally capable of delivering on the vision.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBuilding a database from scratch

The driving force behind the women’s project has been Tina Keech, Sports Interactive’s head of women’s football research. With little to no pre-existing data to work from, Keech had to start from square one.

“I gradually got to know the database, speaking to anyone that could help,” Keech told . “I spent eight months creating players, teams and leagues. I looked at attributes and how we were going to make them work: ‘Do we want them to be like the men or not?’ There were loads of questions, but it was about patience and reaching out to the right people to help. Without those various individuals, it wouldn’t be possible to get where we are today.”

The first name entered into the new database back in 2001? None other than Emma Hayes, the coaching icon who went on to lead Chelsea Women and the USWNT. Fast-forward to now, and the research team has swelled to nearly 40 people, covering 14 leagues across 11 nations and three continents. The numbers are staggering: more than 36,000 players and 5,000 staff members will be represented. Every name, every club, every competition has been painstakingly researched to match the real-life women’s game.

Cutting edge tech behind the scenes

One of the major reasons FM25 was scrapped was Sports Interactive’s struggles adapting to Unity, the American-developed game engine. But now, FM26 is harnessing that very same technology to power its boldest new match engine yet. Motion capture has been another huge focus. To ensure realism, Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse was used to model the movements of female goalkeepers. Meanwhile, former players turned broadcasters Mollie and Rosie Kmita provided the framework for outfield motion, ensuring dribbles, tackles, and celebrations look as authentic as possible.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Watch the clip

Sri Lankan cricketer has been granted bail for the parking-related altercation

Madushka Balasuriya09-Mar-2025Sri Lankan cricketer Ashen Bandara was arrested on Saturday after it was alleged that he had assaulted his neighbour following a parking-related issue. He has since been granted bail, and is expected to appear in court on March 12.According to the Sri Lanka police, the incident occurred on Saturday evening in Kolamunna, Piliyandala, where Bandara resides. Following an argument over a parked vehicle blocking the road, Bandara is alleged to have entered his neighbour’s house and assaulted the individual.”On Saturday evening one of the neighbours had complained of Bandara causing trouble, and that he had trespassed into someone’s house,” the Sri Lanka police said. “The verbal confrontation had then escalated into a physical one. He was arrested on suspicion of assault on Saturday night and bailed out on the same day.”When contacted for comment, Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva said they would require further information on the incident before deciding on a course of action. De Silva also noted that while Bandara is not presently contracted centrally, he is under contract with Police SC in Sri Lanka’s National Super League, as such he could be liable for sullying the reputation of SLC.”We first need to look at the contract and also look at the incident. If he is thought to have brought SLC into disrepute, then there is further action that we can take,” de Silva said. “So we will discuss the matter internally and if it warrants an inquiry we will conduct one.”Bandara, 26, a middle-order batter renowned for his fielding, has played six ODIs and six T20Is. He last played for Sri Lanka in October 2023 as part of a largely second-string squad in the Asian Games. He last turned out for the first XI in January 2023.

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone defended his decision to bring off Julian Alvarez for Alexander Sorloth during their most recent La Liga fixture by claiming that the Argentine is "the best player we have." The Colchoneros' boss also reflected on the referee's decision to show a red card to Sorloth just 10 minutes after he was brought on for Alvarez.

Atletico Madrid struggling to pick wins

Los Rojiblancos are experiencing one of the worst starts in La Liga under Simeone's orders, as they languish in 12th place after the first five league games, bagging just one win and a paltry total of six points. Their latest outing, a 1-1 draw against relegation-battlers Mallorca, has left them nine points behind cross-city rivals Real Madrid. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe beginning of the end of Simeone's time at Atleti?

Reports from Spain in the past year have already started hinting that Simeone's time at the Metropolitano could soon come to an end and there are even murmurs of club icon and former striker Fernardo Torres being the favourite to succeed Simeone.

Further evidence of El Cholo seemingly losing the dressing room's faith was provided over the weekend, as his decision to bring off Alvarez in the 62nd minute against the Balearic outfit evoked an angry reaction from the 2022 World Cup winner. The situation grew worse when Sorloth, his replacement, was sent off shortly afterwards and Mallorca went on to equalise in the 85th minute.

Simeone defends decision to substitute Alvarez

Speaking to reporters after the game, Simeone said: "He's the best player we have, offensively confident. We need him at his best. He was having a very good game, but I realized we needed Sorloth to create some deeper situations inside the box. He was sent off in a confusing play. We were down a man. And with Julian… all the players get angry when they come off."

Reflecting further on Sorloth's sending off, he added: "There's no point in arguing about whether it was or wasn't. In the end, it was a red card. With one man less, we settled in and the goal came, taking advantage of [Marcos] Llorente's speed. We did what we had to do. We couldn't hold on because of that great goal from [Vedat] Muriqi."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWho will Atletico Madrid face next?

Simeone's side will host 14th-placed Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, before welcoming Real Madrid in the all-important Madrid derby on Saturday.

Fulham are now plotting an incredible raid to sign an “unbelievable” player, who is now one of their leading targets as we approach the climax of the summer transfer window.

Cottagers planning multiple new signings before deadline day

Marco Silva’s side have been extremely quiet in the transfer window up to this point, but Gary Neville has suggested they do not need any new signings to compete, off the back of an impressive showing in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Neville said: “I thought Fulham were really good, really organised. I know that there’s a lot of talk at Fulham about the fact they’ve not made signings and there’s a little bit of despair. When a club doesn’t make signings everyone feels a little bit sort of downbeat about it.”

“But I looked at the Fulham team and I saw the Fulham bench, I thought: Fulham are okay, Fulham have got a good team already, they’ve got a good bench.”

Keeping hold of Rodrigo Muniz was arguably the most important piece of business the Cottagers have done this summer, but it would be a bonus if Silva was able to make a couple of additions to his squad before the rapidly approaching deadline.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Fulham are looking to make three new signings, and they are plotting an incredible raid on Premier League rivals Man United for Kobbie Mainoo, who has found it difficult to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans.

Fulham in talks for £43m star with 6 G/A already this season, he's open to the move

The Cottagers are in discussions to sign a new forward.

ByDominic Lund Aug 21, 2025

Mainoo could be given the go-ahead to leave this summer, having failed to play a single minute of Premier League football so far, but there is likely to be widespread interest in his services, which could be prohibitive for the west Londoners.

Not only that, but a potential £70m price tag has previously been touted, which may be why the 20-year-old is being considered as a loan signing by the Cottagers.

Fulham move could be ideal for "unbelievable" Mainoo

At 20-years-old, the Man United youngster needs to be receiving regular game time, but minutes have been hard to come by under Amorim, who clearly doesn’t favour the Englishman.

As such, a loan move to Craven Cottage could be ideal for the 10-time England international, who needs to be playing most weeks if he is to stand a chance of being called up to the World Cup squad next summer.

Declan Rice is certainly a big fan of his compatriot, with the Arsenal midfielder lauding him as “unbelievable” in the past, and the central midfielder already has plenty of first-team experience, having made 72 appearances for Man United, scoring seven goals.

Having only signed Benjamin Lecomte, Fulham have been extremely reluctant to spend money this summer, indicating loan deals may be more appealing, and Mainoo could be a fantastic signing.

New Zealand were never able to recover from the rut they got into after their powerplay

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Mar-2025Debutant Malki Madara’s three-for combined with two-fors from Kavisha Dilhari and Inoshi Priyadharshani set up a comfortable victory for Sri Lanka in the T20I series opener in Christchurch. Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 64 off 48 balls then took the visitors home with seven wickets in hand. This was Sri Lanka’s first T20I win in New Zealand and second win overall against New Zealand in the format.Emma McLeod (44) was New Zealand’s highest scorer but only two of her team-mates got into double figures, and there was only one partnership that stretched past 20 balls.Despite Priyadharshani dismissing Georgia Plimmer early, the hosts got off to a decent start thanks to captain Suzie Bates’ 14-ball 21. Madara, Sri Lanka’s fourth bowling option, brought on in the fifth over, got the big wicket of Bates which dried up the scoring. The next two overs went for just five runs.Dilhari, the seventh bowler, struck twice upon being introduced in the ninth over as New Zealand slipped from 39 for 1 to 52 for 4. Maddy Green being run out cheaply had New Zealand play with caution as illustrated by the next two partnerships which produced a combined 29 runs off 41 balls.McLeod, who had three fours in her first five balls, finished without adding to that tally across her 46-ball innings. She was the last New Zealand batter to fall as Madara ended the innings in the penultimate over.Athapaththu then hit seven fours and took Sri Lanka to 46 for 0 at the end of the powerplay. Jess Kerr removed Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama in successive overs while Dilhari’s innings was cut short by a run out. Sri Lanka slipped to 66 for 3 but that didn’t stop their captain from attacking.She hit Eden Carson for four immediately after Dilhari’s exit and smacked two sixes and a four off Bree Illing, the first of the sixes brought up her fifty off 43 balls. It left the hosts no room to make an unlikely comeback as Sri Lanka romped to a victory with 35 balls to spare.