Grant Bradburn has been fired as Glamorgan’s head coach with immediate effect, following a recent charge of misconduct by the independent Cricket Regulator.Bradburn, 58, was referred to the regulator by the club after receiving allegations of inappropriate behaviour. In a press release, they said they were “confident a fair and transparent process has been followed in this case”.Glamorgan have a “zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behaviour of any kind”, the club added.Having completed their own internal investigation, Glamorgan said it was clear Bradburn’s position was untenable and the club is now providing the appropriate support to those affected.”At Glamorgan we put the well-being of our people first and are providing support for those affected,” Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, the club chair, said.”We’re incredibly proud of our track record in terms of making sure everyone who is involved with the club feel they are respected, belong and are treated fairly.”Bradburn had been in charge at Glamorgan for a solitary season, in which time he oversaw the club’s victory in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, in a rain-shortened final at Trent Bridge in September. The club also finished sixth in both the second division of the County Championship, and in the T20 Blast South Group.He had joined Glamorgan in January on a three-year deal, after a brief tenure as Pakistan men’s head coach. He had initially joined the PCB as an assistant coach in 2018 before becoming head of high-performance coaching in 2020.
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.
FotisIoannidis
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.
Fotis Ioannidis
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.
Beto scoring for Everton.
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.
Matthew Waite stars with bat and ball as opponents’ survival hopes dwindle
ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2024Lancashire’s relegation from Division One of the Vitality County Championship was confirmed on the third day of their final match of the 2024 campaign against Worcestershire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.After bowling out the home side for 180, Lancashire were themselves then dismissed for 177 in 55.1 overs.Their fate was sealed as relegation rivals Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire picked up sufficient points from their meeting at Trent Bridge to both guarantee their own safety.Lancashire’s fall from grace has been rapid after finishing runners-up in 2022, when they came so close to winning the title, and then fourth 12 months ago.The make-up of their side has altered from two years ago with players leaving, call-ups to franchise cricket and injuries.The Red Rose county have suffered four innings defeats in a season for the first time in their history, including three in succession.It was their fourth relegation from the top flight since last winning the title in 2011 – in 2012, 2014, 2018 and now 2024.Worcestershire had already guaranteed their own safety with a game to spare and now have their sights on trying to secure a top six finish.They resumed on 119 for 7 and Matthew Waite completed an excellent half-century off just 37 balls with four sixes and two fours.He was given staunch support by Logan van Beek during a free-flowing partnership of 84 from 15 overs.Waite (60) eventually fell to Anderson Phillip when he went for a pull through midwicket but gloved the ball to Keaton Jennings at second slip.Joe Leach, in his final match before retiring, received a standing ovation from supporters on his way to the wicket but made only two before he was bowled off the inside edge to give Phillip his fifth wicket.Van Beek and Jack Home added 26 useful runs for the final wicket before the former on 48 from 70 balls chopped on to George BaldersonPhillip finished with figures of 13-2-65-5 and Tom Bailey 15-5-22-3.Lancashire were left 35 minutes batting before lunch and they suffered an early setback.Skipper Jennings drove at a widish delivery from Waite and the ball flew to Rob Jones who held onto a head high chance at second slip.Josh Bohannon had an escape in the same over before he had scored when Waite failed to hold onto a sharp one-handed return catch away to his rightBut there was another breakthrough when Harry Singh pushed forward to Leach and was caught behind.The wickets continued to tumble after lunch when Bohannon attempted to work Leach to leg and was lbw.It became 30 for 4 when Rocky Flintoff attempted a straight drive and was also leg before.Keeper Matty Hurst and George Bell tried to repair the damage and added 43.But Hurst gave his wicket away when he tamely clipped Waite to Home at mid wicket.Home came into the attack and accounted for Luke Wells (38) who lost his middle stump working to leg.Waite picked up a third scalp when George Bell missed a straight ball and was lbw.Ethan Brookes added to Lancashire’s woes in his first over after tea as Bailey became another lbw victim to a delivery which cut back.Determined resistance came from Phillip and Balderson who added 56 for the ninth wicket.But the innings was wrapped up with Balderson (38) caught low down by Waite at mid-on off Brookes and then Phillip (30) was collected at cover by Brookes off van Beek.Bad light halted play at 5.10pm after one over of Worcestershire’s second innings.
أثار عمرو الصفتي، مدافع الزمالك الأسبق، جدلًا واسعًا بتصريحاته النارية حول بعض قرارات الأهلي الأخيرة على صعيد التعاقدات ورحيل اللاعبين.
وقال عمرو الصفتي في تصريحات عبر بودكاست “جول كاست”: “نقول للأهلي شكرًا لأنك قمت ببيع وسام أبو علي، لقد أسديت إلينا أعظم معروف، ومن اتخذ قرار بيع وسام يجب أن يُعدم داخل النادي الأهلي”.
وتابع: “وسام لاعب مميز، وهل تملك مثله لتقوم ببيعه؟ لاعب يجيد ضربات الرأس، ويستعمل قدميه اليمنى واليسرى، وينفذ ركلات الجزاء والركلات الحرة، ماذا تريد أكثر من ذلك؟ إنه يمنحني الفوز ثم أبيعه، هل بعد رحيله الأهلي في نفس مستواه؟”.
وتابع متسائلًا باستغراب: “يعني أنا أدفع مائة مليون للتعاقد مع زيزو، وأنت لا تريد أن يحدث مثل هذا في الأهلي؟ بينما اللاعبون في ذلك الوقت يحصل أحدهم على ثلاثة وأربعة ملايين، وتعطي آخر 100 مليون، ولاعبًا آخر مليونًا واحدًا، كيف تريد للأهلي أن يفوز؟ أنا ألعب تسعين دقيقة وهو يلعب تسعين دقيقة”.
وأضاف: “ما الذي جذب إدارة الأهلي في زيزو مع الزمالك؟ والله العظيم بأمانة، ماذا كان يفعل زيزو يختلف عن اللاعبين الذين كانوا عندك؟ أم أنها صفقة كيدية للزمالك؟”.
طالع أيضًا | خالد الغندور: لاعب الأهلي كسب الجمهور.. وماذا سأقول عن زيزو وأنا زملكاوي؟
وعن سؤال: هل كان زيزو أفضل لاعب في مصر في فترة من الفترات؟ أجاب: “لا، لم يكن في رأيي أفضل لاعب على الإطلاق، بالنسبة لي زيزو طوال الوقت لاعب عادي جدًا، حتى وهو في الزمالك لاعب عادي جدًا، ولو كان في زمننا لم يكن ليدخل قائمة الـ 18، لو كان في وقت تألق شيكابالا وحسين ياسر المحمدي، أقسم بالله ما كان سيدخل قائمة المباريات، أقسم بالله لم يكن ليدخلها”.
وواصل: “زيزو لا يستطيع المرور من لاعب في مواجهة واحد لواحد إلا بسرعته على الخط، وهذا إنصافًا له، فهذا فقط ما يفعله، وينفذ ركلات الجزاء، ماذا فعل زيزو غير تنفيذ ركلات الجزاء؟ أعطني شيئًا آخر، أنا طوال عمري أراه هكذا، لكن لم يُسألني أحد عنه من قبل”.
وأكد: “زيزو لم يلفت نظري أبدًا، لم يكن يومًا أفضل لاعب في الزمالك، جاء وقت كان فيه بدنيًا قويًا، وهذا ما ساعده على التفوق، إذ كان يمكن أن يتخطى لاعبًا واحدًا بقوته البدنية وسرعته، ولكن كي أكون منصفًا، كان ذلك في فترة قصيرة، ربما لمدة عام واحد فقط، ثم انتهى الأمر”.
واختتم: “الأهلي تلقى الضربة بالفعل، من باع وسام أبو علي ومن تعاقد مع زيزو هم من وجهوا الضربة إلى الأهلي، ربما يكون هؤلاء أشخاصًا منتمين للزمالك والله.. والله العظيم هذا ممكن، وليس بعيدًا، الاثنان أثّرا على النادي الأهلي بشكل واضح، وفي رأيي الفني، لقد أثرا سلبًا على الأهلي، أما اللاعبين المصريين، كما قلت من قبل، فقد خذلوا الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية”.
Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier lifted England to an impressive total which proved more than enough when Charlie Dean ripped into a struggling New Zealand line-up to seal victory in a rain-affected second T20I in Hove.Persistent rain delayed the start by two hours and cut the match to nine overs per side. Capsey’s 28 off 15 balls and Bouchier’s 23 off 15 set England up for a total of 89 for 6, then Dean took 2 for 3 in a single over as New Zealand crumbled to 42 for 5 in 6.4 overs before the rain returned to end the match even more prematurely than expected, the hosts taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series which moves to Canterbury on Thursday.New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made two changes to the side which lost the opening match at Southampton on Saturday by 59 runs, bringing in seamer Hannah Rowe and offspinner Leigh Kasperek for Fran Jonas and Eden Carson. England, meanwhile, brought back Lauren Bell – rested after her five-wicket haul in the third and final ODI – and called up Dani Gibson to replace Freya Kemp and Linsey Smith.
Dry, not dull
Hove’s enviable drainage – and hardworking ground staff – ultimately delivered a playing surface that was sufficiently dry. But, at nine overs per side, the match promised not to be. Although there were no big individual scores, Capsey and Bouchier found, and cleared, the boundary with finesse while Heather Knight struck three fours in her 14-ball cameo of 15 and Sophie Ecclestone hammered a six off the only ball she faced to end the England innings in the best possible way.It took four legitimate deliveries for Bouchier to get off the mark but to do so she despatched a shorter ball from Jess Kerr over backward square leg and into the stands and she followed up with four through midwicket off Rowe’s first delivery. When Danni Wyatt fell for a third-ball duck, Capsey arrived and helped herself to back-to-back fours off Sophie Devine, a lap through fine leg and a glance through third. Bouchier overcame a knock to the grille via an edge onto her own glove attempting a reverse off Lea Tahuhu to find the boundary twice more but her attempt at a third in a row went awry when she holed out to Maddy Green at long-on.Georgia Plimmer put down a straightforward chance off Jess Kerr running in from deep square leg when Nat Sciver-Brunt was on 3 and Sciver-Brunt looked to capitalise when she swung Tahuhu into the grounds of the flats which sit beyond the fence at deep midwicket. She survived a review for caught behind next ball but fell moments later as Tahuhu pegged back middle stump. Capsey, who had smashed a six off Jess Kerr over wide mid-off, welcomed Kasperek back to T20Is for the first time in a year by launching her third ball over midwicket and into a hospitality tent, but fell next ball, caught by Jess Kerr at short third.Amelia Kerr grabbed two wickets in three balls with a return catch to remove Knight and tempting Gibson down the pitch and beating the bat as Izzy Gaze whipped off the bails. That left Ecclestone one ball to face and she muscled it into the stands over long-on.
Dean defeats damp squib
Devine promised the most in terms of fireworks and walked out to open with Suzie Bates, but she fell for just 9 spooning Lauren Bell tamely to Capsey at mid-on. Then Amelia Kerr picked out Capsey at midwicket off Sciver-Brunt and England had two prize wickets inside the three-over powerplay. Sciver-Brunt fell to the ground, rolled over and stayed there, waiting for it to swallow her up after she parried a Brooke Halliday slog over the rope for six. But Dean managed to remove Halliday in the next over, pinned lbw for 14 and New Zealand were 28 for 3 needing 62 off 29 balls.Sarah Glenn held an excellent catch diving forward from short third to remove New Zealand’s remaining big hope, Bates for just 4, giving Dean her second wicket in the space of five balls and, after Jess Kerr picked out Knight at extra cover to give Ecclestone her first, the rain returned. The players left the field with 2.2 overs remaining and the rain set in, with handshakes exchanged a short time later, the weather deciding the result in the end on the DLS method and Dean walking away with impressive figures of 1-0-3-2.
Manchester City’s deal to sign an “incredible” star is now advancing following positive talks, and he can’t wait to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.
Man City planning to move swiftly in the transfer market
Man City’s season ended on May 25th, with a 2-0 victory at Fulham securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, but this year it is a very quick turnaround, as they return to action on June 18th, taking on Wydad Casablanca in the new-look Club World Cup.
As such, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has confirmed that City are looking to get new signings through the door as soon as possible.
Manchester City chairmanKhaldoonAl Mubarak, former player Mike Summerbee and CEO Ferran Soriano
With the transfer window now open for an initial 10 days, in order to allow teams to register players for the Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to get a deal done for an attacking midfielder, with Kevin De Bruyne seemingly heading to Napoli.
That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states productive discussions have now been held over a deal for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, which means the move could be wrapped up in a matter of days.
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Cherki can’t wait to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium, and the deal is now edging closer to completion, with Lyon looking to hold out for a fee of £35m.
City are hoping to complete the move prior to flying out to the United States for the Club World Cup, and they are also confident about striking an agreement for AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders.
Rayan Cherki
"Incredible" Cherki could be ideal De Bruyne heir
Florian Wirtz was heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, but there were concerns about the total package amounting to around £253m all-in, so signing the Lyon star could be a savvy move, as it would free up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.
Not only that, but there are plenty of signs the Frenchman could be an ideal heir for De Bruyne, most notably ranking in the 99th percentile for assists and shot-creating actions per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders.
At 21-years-old, the “incredible” starlet is at a good age to be a long-term success at the Etihad Stadium, and his attacking numbers for Lyon this season are arguably already approaching world-class level.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Ligue 1
30
8
11
Europa League
12
4
8
Coupe de France
2
0
1
Cherki could be a fantastic signing at just £35m, and it is promising news that a deal could be wrapped up before City jet out for the Club World Cup.
Celtic have the chance to win the domestic treble for the second time in three seasons when they travel to Hampden Park to take on Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup this weekend.
The Hoops have already won the Scottish Premiership title and won the League Cup, beating Rangers on penalties, in the first half of the campaign, which means that a win on Saturday would clinch the treble.
Brendan Rodgers is seemingly not satisfied with that, though, as the Scottish giants are already eyeing up players to come in and bolster the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller has been linked with a cross-Scotland switch to Glasgow, whilst Peterborough star Kwame Poku was recently linked with a move to the club.
The Scottish giants have, however, already wrapped up one signing before the summer transfer window even opens for business, as Kieran Tierney will be joining the club on a free transfer at the end of June.
Why Kieran Tierney is an exciting signing for Celtic
The Scotland international’s contract with Arsenal is due to expire this summer, and it has already been confirmed that the defender will be returning to Parkhead for a second spell in Glasgow.
This is an exciting signing for the Hoops for multiple reasons, not least because of the emotional backdrop to it. Tierney came up through the academy system and made his breakthrough in the first-team before starring for many years.
As you can see in the graphic above, the defender made 170 appearances for the club before his £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019, and won five Scottish Premiership titles in that time.
He came up through the academy as a Celtic boy and achieved great success with the team, which is why his return could be an emotional one for him and the supporters heading into next season.
It could also be an exciting signing because of the quality that Tierney can provide from a left-back position, as shown in the impressive highlights package above.
The flying full-back scored eight goals and provided 37 assists during his first spell at the club, which shows that he is a defender who likes to burst forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.
This means that he could provide Rodgers with another attacking outlet down the left side, due to his ability to score and create goals from a left-back role, to support the winger ahead of him.
However, it is also worth pointing out that the 27-year-old is due to return to Celtic with a concerning injury history that suggests that he could miss a lot of matches for the Hoops.
Kieran Tierney’s injury history
Season
Injuries
Days missed
Games missed
24/25
1
160
18
23/24
3
103
21
22/23
0
0
0
21/22
2
116
17
20/21
4
87
19
19/20
1
97
19
18/19
5
140
27
17/18
1
23
5
16/17
1
86
16
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Tierney has been absent for at least 16 games in seven of the last nine seasons of his career for Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and Celtic combined.
This means that there may also be a degree of concern over the move, as his injury history suggests that the defender may not be a consistent performer, due to a lack of availability, for Rodgers.
With this in mind, Celtic could land an even more exciting signing than Tierney by swooping for Blackburn Rovers attacker Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer, having been linked with an interest in the English forward.
Why Dolan would be more exciting than Tierney for Celtic
Whilst the Championship winger would not arrive at Parkhead with the same emotional connection with the supporters that Tierney has, Dolan could be a more exciting signing for Rodgers and the Hoops for footballing reasons.
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Firstly, at the age of 23, the English star would be more of a long-term signing for the Hoops because he is four years younger than the Scottish dynamo. This means that he could be a part of Rodgers’ team for many, many, more years to come, making him an exciting signing for the future, as well as the present.
Dolan would also arrive as a durable and dependable performer from a physical perspective, as he has not had any notable injuries that have kept him out for significant periods, unlike Tierney.
This suggests that the Blackburn star, described as “absolutely terrific” by journalist Elliott Jackson, would be far more likely to be available week-in-week-out during the season, which is backed up by his statistics for the English side in the 2024/25 campaign.
24/25 Championship
Tyrhys Dolan
Appearances
44
Touches per game
38.1
Goals
7
Conversion rate
14%
Big chances created
7
Key passes
44
Assists
6
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Dolan featured in 44 of their 46 league matches in the Championship, and contributed with 14 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined.
Whilst that return in front of goal may not be hugely exciting on paper, it is worth taking into account that Blackburn averaged 49.1% possession per game and only racked up 51.7 xG in 46 matches, the 16th lowest amount in the division.
This means that Dolan has not been playing in a dominant, successful, and attacking side with Blackburn, which is why his personal numbers are not particularly amazing.
Now, the thought of a player who can score seven goals and create seven ‘big chances’ in a defensive Blackburn team playing in a dominant, front-footed, Rodgers-coached Celtic side is an exciting thought, as he would have far more opportunities to showcase his ability at the top end of the pitch.
Tyrhys Dolan in action for Blackburn Rovers.
This is another reason why the 23-year-old star could be an even more exciting signing than Tierney for Celtic, because of the untapped potential that the Northern Irish boss could get out of the winger.
Dolan would arrive as a young talent with huge potential and an encouraging injury record, rather than an experienced head with a concerning availability record, and it is now down to the club to strike a deal for his services.
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Arne Slot has done a sensational job in charge at Liverpool during his first campaign at the helm, producing a seamless transition after taking over from Jürgen Klopp last summer.
Their latest win over Tottenham Hotspur secured their second Premier League title with four games to spare, highlighting the impressive work conducted by the Dutchman.
The success endured has been made even more impressive given the fact that only one addition was made last summer in the form of Federico Chiesa, who’s only featured for 33 league minutes in 2024/25.
Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool
However, if they are to build on their achievements in Slot’s second season, additions are needed to bolster the squad and inject further quality in key areas of the pitch.
With the title secured, undoubtedly attention will now shift onto the transfer window, with numerous names already thrown into the mix over a switch to Anfield.
An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers
In recent days, it’s emerged that Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League clubs in the race for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman during the summer window.
The Nigerian, who has scored 18 goals this campaign, also has admirers from Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Serie A side demanding a £50m fee for his signature.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
However, despite the interest in his services, the Reds have also made a move for Monaco’s 20-year-old forward Eliesse Ben Seghir, making an approach for him, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
The report also states that Slot’s side have been keeping a close eye on his progress in Ligue 1, with Manchester City also in the race to land the Moroccan international.
It also goes on to state that he’s frustrated at his current outfit, potentially being open to a move to England should the side give the attacker first-team assurances.
Why Liverpool’s target would be an upgrade on Luis Diaz
After joining in January 2022, many expectations were placed on winger Luis Diaz to succeed, especially after Sadio Mané departed Merseyside just a few months after his arrival.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz
Whilst he’s managed to net 40 goals in his 145 appearances to date, frustrations have been growing around the Colombian in recent months, leading to rumours around his future at the club.
Barcelona have recently been credited with an interest in signing the 28-year-old, whose current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027 – but could yet extend his stay on Merseyside.
Such a situation could lead to a move for Ben Seghir in the months ahead, offering Slot an upgrade on the former Porto ace, adding a new dimension to his already impressive front line.
The Moroccan, who’s been labelled a future “£100m” star by The Athletic’s Euro Expert, may have registered fewer goals and assists, but has managed more progressive carries and carries into the final third per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.
Games played
30
33
Goals & assists
9
17
Progressive passes
6.5
4.1
Progressive carries
4.5
4.1
Carries into final third
4.5
2.1
Take-ons attempted
4.9
4.4
Fouls won
2.9
1.2
Aerials won
37%
26%
Ben Seghir has also managed to achieve a higher tally of take-ons, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, offering Slot an excellent all-round option within the final third.
His talents don’t stop there, winning more fouls per 90, along with more progressive passes completed, demonstrating his relentless athleticism, which has seen countless defenders struggle to contain him.
At just 20, he has the current ability and potential to transform into an elite-level talent, having all the tools to back up the Euro Expert’s predictions around his future at the top level of the professional game.
Whilst it’s unclear what the situation is with Diaz heading into the summer, a move for the Monaco gem would allow the club to cash in should no contract be agreed – also landing a star who could improve tenfold and secure his place in the side for many years to come.
Worth as much as Huijsen: Liverpool struck gold on "special" £4m signing
Liverpool could sell this young star for a significant profit this summer.
Though just two international matches old, Rhys Mariu has given enough evidence of being a good fit for the highest level
Deivarayan Muthu23-Aug-2025Rhys Mariu was a run machine at the 2024-25 Plunket Shield, churning out 747 runs in 11 innings at an average of 74.70 for Canterbury.The 23-year-old Mariu’s remarkable consistency earned him a New Zealand ODI debut against Pakistan towards the end of the previous home summer. In his second match, he made a fairly smooth transition into top-flight cricket with 58 off 61 balls in Mount Maunganui.Mariu has always had the potential – he was New Zealand’s highest run-getter in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. More mature now, he has found a method to pile on the runs in red-ball cricket too.Related
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“I think I found a good formula for batting last season,” Mariu told ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of a camp at the Chennai Super Kings Academy in Chennai in June. “Obviously, with cricket you go through patches of scoring runs and not scoring runs. But I think I just found a good base and sort of worked through that and managed to find some success through that.”Then it was just about staying level, I guess. I was understanding that I’m not always going to be scoring lots of runs, so just trying to stay consistent with it even if it’s not successful. But at that time, I was lucky that it went well.”Mariu credits mental-skills coach John Quinn, who has also worked with Rugby NZ and Black Sticks Men (hockey team), for his success in the previous season.”Yeah, I think it’s mainly down to my mental routines and all that I’ve been working on,” Mariu said. “I work closely with John Quinn back home – a mental skills coach – and he’s really helped me sort of find a routine that I can repeat, and it just keeps me consistent. And when I am tired or things are changing, then I can just go back to that. It’s helped me play long innings as well.”Rhys Mariu hones his skills at the Super Kings Academy•Super Kings AcademyMariu hails from a cricketing family. His father Marcus and older brother Josh represented Canterbury at the Hawke Cup level. When he was younger, Mariu had even operated the manual scoreboard for Canterbury matches at Rangiora’s Mainpower Oval. Years later, he’s troubling the scorers with his prolific batting for Canterbury.”Dad played a little bit and it’s good playing with my brother,” Mariu said. “Obviously, I sort of just followed him [his father] in terms of choices to play cricket, but I was always [watching cricket] on TV and playing in the backyard, so it was good fun.”We would just sit up on the balcony and spend most of the day, especially four-dayers, just watching games and putting the numbers and names up, which was cool at the time. We just got paid 50 bucks a day [for operating the scoreboard], but it was just really good fun spending days with him [my brother] and some of our mates would also come down.”Like most New Zealanders, Mariu played a lot of sports while growing up, cycling through cricket, rugby, football and hockey. He believes that his hockey background has had a positive effect on his cricket.
“At this camp, I’ve worked on hitting straight, which is what I wanted to do coming over here […] Just keeping everything a bit more square-on and finding ways of hitting down the ground. So, that’s been the main work here”Rhys Mariu on the experience in Chennai
“Yeah, I think I’ve always been decent at sweeping just because I think that comes from playing hockey at school. That [sweep] has always come naturally to me.”Given his long reach and strong base, there are shades of Daryl Mitchell in Mariu, especially when he sweeps and reverse-sweeps. It was only fitting that Mitchell had handed Mariu his maiden international cap.”Yeah, it was pretty special with Daz presenting me that,” Mariu said. “He’s been really, really helpful with Canterbury and then making the jump up. He’s always let me know that if I have any questions or need anything, I can go to him. So, it’s nice having someone like that in your corner.”Mariu’s golden run last season included a career-best 240 in just his ninth game for Canterbury and first as captain, against Central Districts at Saxton Oval. His mammoth score led Canterbury to a ten-wicket win.”Yeah, it was a decent CD attack,” Mariu recalled. “I think the conditions were sort of in the favour of the batting team on those couple of days. And I think we just found good partners through that. Like, [Matt] Boyle was really helpful. He obviously had a hell of a knock there as well [116 from No. 4]. It was a young team and there was a really good vibe around for the whole week. Things just sort of fell into place in that game.””I think I’ve always been decent at sweeping just because I think that comes from playing hockey at school”•Getty ImagesMariu, however, wasn’t satisfied. He’s always hungry for runs and improvement. During the New Zealand winter, he travelled to Chennai and focussed on holding his shape for long enough and hitting the ball down the ground.”At this camp, I’ve worked on hitting straight, which is what I wanted to do coming over here,” Mariu said. “Sri [Sriram Krishnamurthy, former NZ pathway coach and current CSK Academy head coach] has been really good. Just keeping everything a bit more square-on and finding ways of hitting down the ground. So, that’s been the main work here.”In the recent past, Canterbury have supplied a number of players to the Black Caps, including Will O’Rourke, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay and Chad Bowes. Mariu draws inspiration from his domestic team-mates and hopes to emulate them.”Fults [Peter Fulton] and Brendon Donkers [the Canterbury coaches] have created a good environment,” Mariu said. “With a lot of Black Caps being churned out, success breeds success. It’s cool seeing those guys go up to the next level. It makes it feel like it’s less of a jump because you spend a lot of time with those guys and then you go see them play up high. It’s cool and it doesn’t make it seem too far away.”Mariu’s next assignment is an A team tour of South Africa, which comprises three one-dayers and two four-dayers. If Mariu can maintain his consistency, he might not be too far away from breaking into the Test side either.
There has barely been a session, let alone a day, without some drama
Andrew McGlashan13-Jul-2023The men’s Ashes is poised at 2-1 ahead of the Old Trafford Test next week, but to highlight the extraordinary nature of the series it could easily be 3-0 to either team. There has barely been a session, let alone a day, without some drama.With everyone pausing to take a breath before the battle resumes, it provides a chance to look back on how the first three Tests have unfolded in a contest that is living up to all the hype and arguably matching 2005.1st Test, EdgbastonDay oneZak Crawley drives the first ball of the series from Pat Cummins for four. Australia immediately look on the defensive with spread fields, although it’s part of their pre-series planning. England canter along at five-an-over but trade wickets in the process. Ironically, Harry Brook is bowled padding up to Nathan Lyon. At 176 for 5 when Ben Stokes edges behind it threatens to go wrong, but Joe Root compiles a brilliant century and adds 121 with Jonny Bairstow. Late in the day, England pull their first big trick of the series as, despite Root still flying, Stokes declares and gives Australia’s openers 20 minutes to face. Battle lines have been drawn.Related
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Day twoStuart Broad makes early inroads, resuming his hold over David Warner and claiming Marnus Labuschagne first ball with his ‘new’ outswinger. When Stokes (who else?) traps Steven Smith lbw, Australia are wobbling but Usman Khawaja and Travis Head steady things. Stokes’ aggressive captaincy tempts Head into taking on Moeen Ali – whose Test career was over before an SOS to replace Jack Leach – and he perishes, but crucially Cameron Green is missed first ball when Bairstow fluffs a stumping. However, Moeen produces a beauty to bowl him through the gate although England can’t find a way past Khawaja who brings up a first century in England – another landmark in his triumphant return to Test cricket – and celebrates by flinging his bat to the ground.Day threeOnly 32 overs are bowled, but plenty is packed in. Ollie Robinson gives Khawaja an almighty send off after yorking him for a magnificent 141. Stokes goes full funk with his fields and in the end the difference on first innings is just seven. As the weather closes in, Australia make good use of a brief 20-minute window under stormy skies to nab two top-order wickets. England are grateful they don’t get back on.Joe Root gets into position to play a scoop shot•Getty ImagesDay fourIn a completely normal piece of cricket, Root attempts to reverse scoop Cummins’ first ball of the day over the slips. He doesn’t connect, but soon does against Scott Boland sending him for six. Ollie Pope is yorked by a ball-for-ages from Cummins. England won’t rein themselves in and each time they threaten to pull away lose a wicket. In the end, Australia’s target is a tantalizing 281 – one short of the 2005 figure. Warner and Khawaja start well, but Broad does a Broad thing and surges late to remove Labuschagne and Smith.Day fiveAfter a delayed start there is nothing to split the teams all day. Moeen, whose spinning finger is not fit for purpose, removes Head for the second time in the game. At tea Australia need 98 with five wickets in hand, but Green falls shortly afterwards. Stokes, basically on one leg, ends another marathon from Khawaja and Alex Carey is brilliantly caught-and-bowled by Root. Australia now need 54 with just two wickets left. Cummins and Lyon proceed to put on a stand that will go down in Ashes history although Lyon is dropped, a tough chance to Stokes, with 37 needed. It proves England’s last opportunity. Cummins carves the winning runs at 7.21pm.Pat Cummins is jubilant after leading Australia to victory•AFP/Getty Images***Between Tests, England are very vocal. In a column for , Robinson relays what Brendon McCullum said after the game. “We played all the cricket in the game. If it wasn’t for us, the Australians wouldn’t have even had a chance to win… We’ve entertained the world, and we’ve put the Aussies on the back foot. For him to say that after a loss is quite significant for us.” Meanwhile, speaking to , Crawley shows no lack of confidence. “I think it will suit us a bit more, that pitch. So I think we’ll win by, I don’t know, 150 runs?”2nd Test, Lord’sDay oneJust Stop Oil protestors get onto the field. Bairstow carries one of them off. England can’t make the most of favourable bowling conditions and, again, miss vital chances with Warner spilled on 20. He and Khawaja lay the foundation then Smith and Head take control in a stand of 118 in 20 overs. However, Root just about saves England by removing Head and Green in the space of three balls.Steven Smith and Travis Head give Australia early control at Lord’s•ECB/Getty ImagesDay twoSmith reaches a 32nd Test hundred, but a fightback with the ball sees Australia bowled out for 416, their last seven wickets falling 100. England are superbly placed during the afternoon when what appears a pivotal moment occurs: in his 100th consecutive Test, Lyon pulls up with a calf injury. It’s clear his match – and series – is over. However, from 188 for 1, England offer Australia a helping hand as they fall for the short-ball plan, including Ben Duckett for 98, before Stokes brings a sense of calmness.Day threeStokes falls to the second ball of the day, edging Starc into the slips. There are gasps of disbelief when Brook carves into the off side. England lose their last six wickets for 46 and concede a lead of 91. Another solid opening stand puts Australia well ahead on a truncated day.Day fourThe bouncer barrage. It’s almost a complete diet of short bowling from England which doesn’t make for great viewing but removes Khawaja, Smith and Head in quick succession and Australia’s last eight for 88 in total. Lyon, who is barely able to walk, limps out to bat at No.11, adding 15 for the last wicket alongside Starc. But any hopes the home side have of chasing 371 appear to be blown away when they crash to 45 for 4 against Starc and Cummins. Moments before the close it is nearly five down, but Duckett is reprieved when replays show Starc scrapes the ball along the ground. Stokes is unbeaten at stumps.Day fiveJonny Bairstow’s dismissal triggers a huge controversy•AFP/Getty ImagesDuckett and Stokes start nicely and the requirement dips under 200 when the former is superbly caught by Carey off a top edge. A short while later, chaos ensues. Bairstow ducks a bouncer, walks out of the crease (after briefly tapping his back foot in) and is stumped by Carey’s underarm. England are furious. While Broad goes head-to-head with Australia’s close fielders – telling Carey: “That’s all you’ll be remembered for” – Stokes channels his emotions into the most extraordinary 155 including nine sixes. At lunch some of the Australian players are abused in Long Room. Memories of Headingley 2019 abound as Stokes and Broad get down to 70 needed when Hazlewood removes the England captain and it’s too much for the lower order. Australia are 2-0 up, but the fallout has only just started.***The three days between Tests are dominated by the Bairstow dismissal. Unsurprisingly, Broad takes a leading role. “I was angered by Australia’s decision, particularly having heard their lines about creating a new legacy as a team, and how they have changed since the tour of South Africa in 2018,” he writes in the . “I just said to Pat on repeat: ‘All these boos are for you, for your decision.’ And: ‘What a great opportunity you had to think clearly.'”Australia remain unapologetic. “I don’t think there’s any discussion; it’s out,” Cummins says. “If the shoe was on the other foot, I wouldn’t be looking at the opposition, I’d probably be thinking [about] our own batter, and would be thinking it’s pretty silly.”Three MCC members are suspended for their part in the pavilion fracas.3rd Test, HeadingleyMark Wood’s pace rattles Australia•Getty ImagesDay oneThe recalled Mark Wood produces some of the fastest bowling seen for England. His first spell does not dip below 90mph and nudges 96mph. Australia wobble on 85 for 4 when Mitchell Marsh, who has replaced the injured Green, constructs a remarkable 102-ball century in his first Test for four years. But Wood blows the lower order away to finish with 5 for 34. Cummins responds for Australia. It’s a breathless day.Day twoCummins strikes with the second ball of the day to remove Root for the 10th time in Tests. At lunch England are 142 for 7 and the Ashes are within Australia’s grasp. But Wood swings the first ball of the afternoon for six and Stokes plays another magnificent captain’s innings while barely able to stand. In 10 overs England add 95. It’s almost an even game. Warner goes to Broad again (No. 17) but Australia are building nicely and England are still dropping catches when, almost inexplicably, Labuschagne and Smith hand their wickets to Moeen. Khawaja falls, too. The lead is 142.Day threeIn rains, and it rains. Looks like a washout. Silliness ensues as Carey is mistakenly called out for not paying for a haircut. Then the weather clears for a two-hour session. England seize their moment under cloudy skies as Chris Woakes, Wood and Broad work through Australia. When Cummins falls the lead is only 196, but Head replicates Stokes and it grows to 250. Duckett and Crawley do very well to get through to the close and knock off a vital 27 runs in the process.Cummins: “Everyone kind of feels like you could have done something a little bit different that might have contributed to a different result. But we’ve all played enough cricket so yeah, brush this one off, and make sure we get ready for Manchester.”***Old Trafford awaits.