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As the 49ers desperately look to sharpen Russell Martin’s frontline, Glasgow Rangers are reportedly eyeing a late swoop to sign a Premier League forward this month.

Latest on Rangers' transfer targets

It’s been a fairly disastrous start for Russell Martin at Ibrox. The Gers simply have not got going and their midweek thumping courtesy of Club Brugge summarised where they find themselves at present. They were hit by a 20-minute rout by the Belgian side to spark early Ibrox exits, before Danilo handed Rangers a slither of hope ahead of this week’s second leg.

Whether anything changes on the transfer front ahead of that crucial tie is the big question. With just over one week left until the transfer window slams shut, Rangers still have several reported targets on their radar and that includes Jamie Vardy.

The former Leicester City forward is still a free agent after leaving the Foxes as a club legend at the end of last season and may now be on his way to Scotland. If the Gers are attempting to spark their frontline into life then signing a Premier League winner is certainly one way to do it.

That said, at 38 years old, Vardy is not the only name on Rangers’ shortlist. The 49ers are also reportedly targeting Karl Etta Eyong, who has starred for Villarreal’s B team and since made his debut for the La Liga club’s senior side.

Martin could win over Ibrox with Rangers swoop for £3.5m 'Portobello Pirlo'

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With one experienced option and another who arguably lacks experience, it remains to be seen which route Rangers decide to go down. They could yet, of course, find the perfect in-between by shopping in the Premier League this month.

Rangers eyeing late Chermiti swoop

As reported by Rangers Review, the 49ers are now eyeing a late Rangers swoop to sign Youssef Chermiti from Everton this month. The 21-year-old forward has had much of his Everton career interrupted by injuries since arriving for around £10.8m from Sporting Club in 2023 and now needs a loan move to guarantee game time.

Dubbed a “superb prospect” by scout Jacek Kulig during his time at Sporting, Chermiti is still very much a player full of potential despite his recent injury woes.

If Rangers can keep him fit then, alongside the likes of Mikey Moore, they could have an exciting core of attacking talents at their disposal. After stuttering to another draw in the Scottish Premiership – this time against St Mirren – it’s the type of firepower that the Gers so desperately need.

As the transfer window approaches deadline day and the Gers seek reinforcements, Chermiti and Rangers may well be ones to watch.

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.

Excitement at Arsenal football club is at an all-time high during the Mikel Arteta reign, with their actions on and off the pitch fueling the expectations of the fanbase.

Eberechi Eze was confirmed as the Gunners’ latest addition on Saturday afternoon, joining the side in a £67.5m deal from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

His tally of 16 combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight adds a new dimension to the side’s attack, subsequently being able to operate in a number ten role, or off the left-hand side of the frontline.

The 27-year-old, who’s a boyhood Arsenal fan, was presented to the fans before the 5-0 triumph over Leeds at the Emirates – with their superb showing catapulting the side to the top of the table.

However, with less than a week remaining in the summer window, the manager is still targeting added reinforcements to the squad, leading to numerous names being mentioned with a move in recent days.

Arsenal’s hunt to land added reinforcements after Eze

Despite the move to land Eze over the last week, another attacker has appeared on their radar, with Rodrygo once again being touted with a move to join Arsenal this summer.

It was reported recently that the Gunners’ hierarchy were set for a meeting with the Brazilian’s representatives, with Real Madrid open to allowing the 24-year-old to depart on a permanent or temporary basis.

However, the winger isn’t the only player currently on their radar, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie another player they’re making a move for ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

According to one insider, the Gunners are big admirers of the Ecuadorian, with Arteta already holding talks with the player over a switch to North London this summer.

It’s also been reported that any move could hinge on Jakub Kiwior’s pending move to join Porto, with a £52m transfer fee being mooted for the star Leverkusen at present.

Why Arsenal’s £52m target would be a better signing than Eze

A move for Eze has injected a newfound sense of optimism within the Arsenal fanbase, which is understandable given his big-money transfer fee – making him the third most-expensive player in their history.

Such a deal has been sweetened, especially after the Gunners clinched his signature despite huge interest from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur before his move to the Emirates.

However, he will have a huge amount of expectations to live up to given the fee, but there’s no denying that the England international possesses a lot of top-level quality.

A transfer for Hincapie could arguably be a better addition this summer, offering needed cover in the centre-back and left-back departments – with the latter being a problem position for Arteta.

The likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Riccardo Calafiori have all tried to fill the void, but have massively struggled with injuries over the past couple of campaigns.

Calafiori has started both of the Gunners’ two Premier League games to date, even scoring the winner against Manchester United – often popping up at key moments.

A deal for Hincapie would offer an immediate and long-term solution to Arteta’s biggest problem in the defensive department, with the 23-year-old already racking up over 160 appearances for Leverkusen since his move to the German side back in 2021.

His underlying stats from the Bundesliga last campaign highlight the talent he possesses in and out of possession – potentially being an excellent pickup despite the £52m price tag.

He ranked in the 95th percentile for passes completed last season (88%), whilst falling into the 85th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.1) – demonstrating the talent he possesses in finding teammates in attacking areas.

Piero Hincapie’s stats for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

5.1

Passes into the final third

5.4

Carries into the final third

1.6

Progressive carries

1.8

Tackles won

1.4

Aerials won

2.2

Aerial success rate

60%

Stats via FBref

Such numbers could prove to be perfect for Eze, potentially handing the Englishman the tools to be a success during his debut year in the Gunners’ first team.

He also ranked in the 95th percentile for carries into the final third per 90 (1.6) – able to make overlapping runs if needed, offering an added creative threat in key areas to Arteta’s side.

However, Hincapie was just as impressive out of possession, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and achieving a 60% aerial success rate – tallies which could further bolster the club’s defence, which has been the best in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.

Whilst £52m may appear to be a hefty sum for the youngster, it’s one that can finally put an end to the club’s hunt for a consistent starter on the left-hand side of the backline.

If he can transfer his numbers from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, Hincapie would be a phenomenal pickup and one that could prove to be more important than Eze in the Gunners’ hunt for Premier League glory.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 26, 2025

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.

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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.

Barcelona are weighing up a sensational move for Harry Kane in 2026, with reports in Spain suggesting the Bayern Munich striker could be available for as little as €40 million (£35m). Deco considers the England captain an “ideal option” to replace Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires that summer, making the low-cost swoop a realistic possibility.

Barcelona eye €40-50m Kane transfer in 2026Seen as Lewandowski’s ideal long-term replacementPremier League sides could challenge for strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Lewandowski’s deal runs out in June 2026, and Barcelona are already preparing for his exit. Kane, who will turn 33 that summer, is seen as the perfect successor thanks to his proven pedigree. As per Catalan outlet El Nacional, the most attractive factor, however, is the expectation that Bayern will lower their demands to around €40-50m (£35-43m/$47-59m).

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona reportedly want to repeat the strategy used when they signed Lewandowski in 2022 — securing a world-class striker at a bargain price. Kane’s market value is expected to fall due to age and his contract with Bayern Munich ending in 2027, making him affordable for the Blaugrana despite their financial limitations. For a club still balancing the books, such a deal is seen as a rare opportunity.

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Kane has scored freely at Bayern, reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s best forwards. Barcelona believe his leadership and experience would provide instant impact in an attack being reshaped around Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

Barcelona will keep close tabs on Kane’s situation over the next 18 months. Premier League clubs may also enter the race, but the Catalans hope their sporting project and the chance to play at Camp Nou will swing the deal. The summer of 2026 is being viewed as the decisive moment in their hunt for Kane.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has made quite the impression already since taking over from his predecessor, Edu Gaspar, in late March – and the 53-year-old is personally very keen to get one transfer over the line.

Arsenal complete signing with medical "done", announcement due "this week"

Mikel Arteta is set to welcome another player.

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By
Emilio Galantini

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Berta is currently attempting to seal an array of deals behind-the-scenes, right after the club officially announced the arrivals of Spanish duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, with Christian Norgaard also completing his move to Arsenal after a medical (David Ornstein).

Arsenal are in advanced talks for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the prolific 27-year-old could be joined by either Real Madrid star Rodrygo or Chelsea’s Noni Madueke as the Gunners also target a new left-winger.

Madueke has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, but Rodrygo is understood to be their “dream” target in that area, and Berta is known to do work on targets simultaneously before pressing ahead with the best deal.

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera has agreed terms over an Arsenal move too, but the Premier League title hopefuls are yet to find an agreement with his club and some reports suggest that talks for the 21-year-old have stalled.

Moves for either Madueke or Rodrygo, as reliably reported, won’t impact their talks to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal have held positive talks over signing Eze, but it is believed that Berta and co do not wish to pay the England international’s full £68 million release clause as all parties attempt to find a solution.

Eze is rumoured to be keen on joining Mikel Arteta’s side, though, giving the club some encouragement that there is a deal to be done here.

Arsenal could offer "emerging star" in swap deal for Eberechi Eze

There are a few avenues Arsenal could go down in their attempts to find a full agreement, and one of them is a potential player-exchange.

That is according to journalist Rahman Osman, who told The Sun this week that Arsenal could offer an unnamed “emerging star” to Palace in a swap deal for Eze.

Berta himself is personally “determined” to sign the 27-year-old – who scored 14 goals and registered a further 11 assists in all competitions last term – and the Italian has held talks with his representatives.

He will keep trying to convince Palace to part company, but the south Londoners are just as steadfast in demanding Eze’s full release clause be paid. That being said, Osman also reports that they might be open to accepting a “promising defender” as part of the deal.

A proven Premier League star, Eze spearheaded Palace to their first ever major trophy with the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City at Wembley last season – 14 years after he was released by Arsenal as a 13-year-old academy youngster.

Moreeng served as South Africa women’s head coach for 11 years before his stint ended in March

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jul-2024

Hilton Moreeng has been appointed the new head coach of USA’s senior and Under-19 women’s teams. He takes over from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whose contract came to an end in 2023.Moreeng served as South Africa women’s head coach for just over 11 years before his stint ended in March this year. Under him, South Africa made two ODI World Cup semi-finals, two T20 World Cup semi-finals, and became the first national senior side to reach a World Cup final, at home in the 2023 T20 World Cup.”I am thrilled to join USA Cricket and eager to collaborate with both current players and emerging talent,” Moreeng said. “My goal is to methodically build a competitive squad capable of rivaling the best in women’s cricket globally. Together, we aim to foster a culture of excellence and achievement within USA Cricket, paving the way for a successful future on the international stage.”Former Australia international Julia Price served as the head coach of the team from 2019 to 2022 before Chanderpaul took over.”Coach Hilton brings a rich background and vast experience to USA Cricket having been a critical part of the transformation of South African women’s cricket,” USA Cricket chairman, Venu Pisike, said. “USA women are also at the beginning of a transformative period with an Olympics in four years’ time and we believe Hilton’s successes, diverse experiences, and understanding of challenges in an emerging cricket nation is well suited for our program.”Moreeng’s first assignment will start with preparations for the 2025 U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Newcastle United, like every other Premier League side, found out their fate with the new fixtures getting released on Wednesday morning.

The Magpies will be hoping to start the campaign strongly, looking to build momentum heading into their Champions League campaign and get themselves into the top four.

It will not be an easy start for Eddie Howe’s side. They face Aston Villa away from home, followed by a visit from champions Liverpool as their first game at St James’ Park. To end August, the North East outfit have a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United.

Howe will need his biggest players to step up and perform at the start of the season, and they might well be adding someone to the squad this summer who can help with that.

Newcastle’s latest transfer target

It is no secret that the Magpies are looking for a new attacker this summer, due to a need to strengthen and a lack of clarity on Anthony Gordon’s future. One Liverpool insider recently revealed that the Reds are ‘in active contact’ with the winger over a move.

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Names like Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga have both been touted but Newcastle could actually look to bring a Manchester United attacker to St James’ Park instead.

Caught Offside report that Marcus Rashford is ‘being eyed up’ by Howe’s side. The Toon side are said to be ‘names to watch in the Premier League’ as the race for Rashford’s signature goes on.

It remains unclear whether this will be a loan deal or a permanent move. Aston Villa, one of the other sides interested in Rashford, had a £40m buy option in his loan contract, so he may well be valued at the same price by United. Other interested parties included Tottenham Hotspur and European giants Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Why Rashford would be a good signing

After a tough first half of the 2024/25 campaign for Rashford, he really made a strong end to the season during his short stint at Villa Park. The 27-year-old reminded the world why he is such a deadly attacker.

In 17 games for the Villans, the England international scored four times and grabbed six assists. What makes that even more impressive is the fact that he played just 940 minutes, the equivalent of 10.4 full 90-minute games, leaving him with a rate of almost one goal involvement per game.

Of course, let’s not forget the sensational career Rashford has had at Old Trafford. The Wythenshawe-born superstar scored 138 goals and registered 79 assists in 426 games for his boyhood club.

The winger was once described as a “big-game player” by Statman Dave. That is good news for Newcastle, who need that kind of quality with the start to the season they have. They have been on the receiving end of it too. He scored against the Magpies in the 2023 Carabao Cup final.

If the Magpies do sign Rashford, he would arguably be a perfect replacement for Gordon. The Newcastle star scored and assisted 16 goals in 42 games last season, fewer than Rashford’s 20 in 41 games for both United and Villa.

Last season, there were several standout moments for the winger, who could soon depart to Anfield, it seems. He scored in both legs of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, but did miss the final against Liverpool, after a red card in the Premier League.

Their numbers on FBref stack up well with each other, too. For example, Rashford last season averaged 3.55 shot-creating actions per game, compared to Gordon’s 3.74. This shows that both wingers are constantly involved in chances, even if they don’t end up being the one who has the shot, which is a good trait for an attacker to have.

Rashford and Gordon key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Rashford

Gordon

Goals and assists

0.57

0.41

Expected goals

0.3

0.3

Key passes

1.77

1.89

Take-ons completed

1.14

1.41

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.74

Stats from FBref

Losing Gordon would be a huge blow for Newcastle, but if they were to sign Rashford as his replacement, he’d be the perfect alternative. The goals and assist numbers from the United star were better last season, and he would keep the same level of directness Gordon offers.

Whether this is a £40m move or a loan deal, it could be the type of signing that keeps Howe’s side as true competitors across all competitions.

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Posts 3 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 17, 2025

Arsenal are now in the race to sign an “entertaining” attacking midfielder who’s been likened to Eden Hazard, with Mikel Arteta believed to be a fan of the player, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on attacking midfielder

Injuries suffered by the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz have undoubtedly hindered the Gunners in their pursuit of the Premier League title, but questions also have to be asked about the performances of some of their other key players this season.

Martin Odegaard, for instance, has fallen short of his usual lofty standards, with the Norwegian on course for his worst full season, in terms of attacking contributions, since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, having picked up just two goals and seven assists in the league.

As such, Arteta may feel that new options are required in the attacking midfield area, and sporting director Andrea Berta is personally pushing for the signing of Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-In, with the French club now willing to sell the South Korean.

Arteta has also sanctioned a move for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, with a £22m offer for the 21-year-old now in the works, having been a bright spark in a very poor Foxes side this season, but another option is now emerging from further afield.

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According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now pushing for the signing of Las Palmas maestro Alberto Moleiro, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle United also keen.

Moleiro has been closely monitored for months, and Arteta believes the 21-year-old could provide a fresh injection of quality, into an area of the pitch where a lack of depth has been an issue.

The starlet has a €60m (£51m) release clause included in his Las Palmas contract, but there is a feeling the Spanish side would be willing to sanction a departure for a lower price, given that his current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2026.

"Entertaining" Moleiro likened to Hazard

The Spaniard has caught the eye with some of his performances in La Liga this season, picking up six goals and one assist for Las Palmas, while football scout Ben Mattinson has claimed he is an exciting player to watch.

Not only that, but Mattinson has claimed the youngster reminds him of former Chelsea great Hazard, given the way he dribbles, and he ranks in the 84th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders.

Of course, Arsenal should persist with Odegaard as their first choice attacking midfielder, despite the Norway international’s drop-off in form this season, but it would be useful to have a solid alternative option, and Moleiro could be an exciting long-term addition to the squad.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now joined the race for a “top” player who legendary striker Didier Drogba is a huge fan of, but there could be competition for his signature from a number of rival Premier League clubs, according to a report.

Wolves' summer transfer plans

At one stage in the campaign, relegation from the Premier League was a very real threat, but Vitor Pereira has managed to steer Wolves clear of the bottom three, with the gap widening to 12 points after the 2-1 victory at Ipswich Town last time out.

The job may not be done mathematically, but Pereira can now start to look ahead to the summer transfer window, and the manager will be aiming to bring in players capable of helping his side push much further up the table next season.

Amid doubts over Matheus Cunha’s future, bringing in a new goal threat may be of key significance to Pereira, and a move for FC Twente attacking midfielder Sem Steijn is now being plotted, with the 23-year-old scoring a remarkable 27 goals this season.

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Charlie Smith

Apr 9, 2025

Not only could the Old Gold look to bolster their attacking options, but there are now suggestions they could bring in a new goalkeeper, with a report from Football Insider revealing they are now checking on Angers’ Yahia Fofana.

Fofana is said to be viewed as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe, given his impressive performances in Ligue 1 this season, which have led to interest from a whole host of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United and Brentford also keen.

Not only that, but former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is a big fan of the goalkeeper, having previously convinced him to play internationally for the Ivory Coast, rather than France, the country of his birth.

Despite the level of his performances this season, the 24-year-old could be available for the bargain fee of just £15m this summer, potentially making the goalkeeper an even more attractive option for Wolves.

Fofana lauded as a "top" goalkeeper

Drogba is not the only person who admires the Angers shot-stopper, with football scout Ben Mattinson singling him out for praise back in February.

Despite his side losing 1-0 against Paris Saint-Germain last time out, the 6 foot 4 colossus was one of the best players on the pitch, preventing 1.64 goals and making two big saves to keep his side in the game.

Jose Sa has received heavy criticism at times this season, with Jamie Carragher particularly scathing in his review of the 32-year-old’s performances, and Fofana’s displays in Ligue 1 indicate he could be a fantastic long-term replacement.