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Tottenham, in unprecedented circumstances, missed out on Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, with the club now forced to move on to other transfer targets.

Tottenham advancing move for £24m defender after 'emerging' as favourites

Spurs have been told what it would take to get a deal done.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

The announcement of Gibbs-White’s new contract dropped on Saturday evening, thwarting Thomas Frank’s hopes of bringing in a proven number 10 to inject some much-needed creativity – at least for now.

The England international was due to be another statement signing immediately after Tottenham’s £55 million deal for Mohammed Kudus, with chairman Daniel Levy and co booking Gibbs-White in for medical tests at Hotspur Way on July 11 (BBC).

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites were also ready to pay his £60 million release clause, but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis put a stop to the transfer, threatened Spurs with legal action and somehow convinced Gibbs-White to pen a contract extension.

Gibbs-White praised Marinakis in an interview after the new deal was confirmed, with the Greek tycoon standing proudly next to him in what was seen as a bizarre move.

It is never straightforward when it comes to Tottenham, with Levy, technical director Johan Lange and the recruitment team wasting over a fortnight on their chase for Gibbs-White as just weeks remain of the summer window.

Their need for a new creator is emphasised by club legend Son Heung-min’s potential departure to the States.

Los Angeles FC are actively pursuing a deal for the South Korea international with an approach made, but the north Londoners are unlikely to sell before the end of their pre-season tour of Asia due to certain contractual obligations and his obvious commercial appeal in the Far East (The Telegraph).

There are reports that Levy is prepared to sanction Son’s move to LA for around £15-20 million, and another update has now come to light.

Son close to agreeing personal terms with LAFC over Tottenham exit

According to GiveMeSport, Son is now close to agreeing personal terms with LAFC, and the MLS side are eyeing a transfer towards the end of August.

The 33-year-old also has firm admirers in Saudi Arabia, who are prepared to pay £30 million plus add-ons, but it appears LAFC are taking the lead right now with talks “advancing”. That being said, Son has made no final decision on leaving just yet.

The £190,000-per-week winger is expected to hold crunch discussions with Frank over his future and role in the first team once they return to London, with Tottenham happy to keep Son and let him leave on a free transfer next year.

Levy won’t stand in the former Bayer Leverkusen star’s way if he does choose a move to LA, though, meaning Son’s future is entirely in his hands.

An exit would bring an end to Son’s incredible 10-year stay in N17, where he cemented himself as a club icon. Son is past the century mark in terms of both goals (173) and assists (101) since joining Spurs, with supporters facing the prospect of bidding an emotional farewell to the forward.

Robbie Keane called Son the most “underrated” player in Premier League history, and he could soon become the new star of LAFC’s project.

Scotland did themselves no favours, spilling chances in the field – as did Bangladesh – and failing to get their power-hitting going

Vithushan Ehantharajah03-Oct-2024An unwanted 16-match, decade-long losing streak in T20 World Cups has come to an end in the form of a first tournament match win away from home for Bangladesh, in one they were meant to be hosting. Their victory in the first match of the women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was layered, and at times laboured, eventually besting Scotland by 16 runs.It was a gritty affair in Sharjah, and a chastening experience for Scotland, making their first appearance in a World Cup. They managed just five of the 15 boundaries struck between both teams.Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana, playing in her 100th T20I, was right to bat after winning the toss. The logic of having first use of a fresh pitch, and using draining temperatures – a high of 38°C – to sap the energy of the team fielding first was sound.The application, however, was far from smooth. They had to do a lot of running to post their total of 119 for 9, with Shathi Rani’s 29 and 36 from Sobhana Mostary – both career-bests in the format – the most noteworthy contributions.Scotland’s catching was poor, with at least three straightforward chances going down•ICC/Getty ImagesRani’s dismissal – the second wicket – was the first of six to fall in 49 deliveries for just 50 runs. Offspinning allrounder Saskia Horley was the main beneficiary of this cascade, pocketing her best T20I figures of 3 for 13, having only been brought into the attack in the 18th over. But with Fahima Khatun’s 10 off 5 – the only batter to post a double-figure score at a strike rate greater than 100 – Bangladesh were at least able to ask Scotland to chase a run-a-ball score.It did not take long for the run rate to escalate, compounded by the loss of Kathryn Bryce – bowled by an inducker from Marufa Afkter that kept low – to make it 31 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. Ritu Moni’s wily medium pacers kept Scotland in check, and she finished her four overs with 2 for 15, by which point Scotland required 38 from the final three overs.Any hope of getting those rested on an exhausted Sarah Bryce. The keeper-batter should have been dismissed on 29, running past a delivery from Rabeya Khan and then somehow reclaiming her ground after Sultana had first missed the original take behind the stumps, and then botched the second attempt in front of them.A further life came on 38 when her straight heave was dropped in the penultimate over by a diving Rabeya, who made amends three balls later to remove Katherine Fraser for Nahida Akter’s 100th T20I wicket. Aged 24 years and 215 days, the left-arm spinner is the second-youngest to reach the milestone, after England’s Sophie Ecclestone.Sarah finished unbeaten on 49, though not before a third reprieve at cover. That she could only manage one boundary from her 52 deliveries spoke to a broader issue that left Scotland well short of their opponents.Sobhana Mostary top-scored for Bangladesh•ICC/Getty ImagesRani and Mostary set the foundationIt was at the start of the 12th over of Bangladesh’s innings that the charge was on.At 60 for 1, the stage had been steadily built by Rani and Mostary, a union that began midway through the fifth over. The latter had scored the two boundaries on a stand that had reached 38 at the time, with the former having made use of the fielding restrictions in the first six overs to heave over mid-on and slash beyond point for her two. But when Rani skipped down the track to launch Katherine Fraser over mid-off, it was clear Bangladesh were looking to hit the game beyond Scotland’s reach.Alas, Rani would fall four balls later, attempting to clear midwicket, before Mostary was stumped at the start of the 16th, having got herself in a funk that had already resulted in the run out of Taj Nehar. Scotland, to their credit, had kept a leash on matters, operating solely with spin 11 overs from the conclusion of the fifth, enticing errors in the process.But the endeavour to find the ropes did at least keep Bangladesh’s innings moving, as they came within a run of doubling their score in the final eight overs, despite only striking four more boundaries.Fahima makes an impactLow-scoring matches mean that small contributions have a big impact. And few had a more profound effect on this match than the cameos from Fahima in all three facets.Her brace of fours – both lifted over short fine – ensured Bangladesh found the 16 runs that would eventually be the difference between the two sides. After her first delivery of legspin extracted extra bounce to find an edge from Saskia Horley, only to be grassed by Sultana behind the stumps, she slowed it down outside off to drag Horley out of her crease and allowed her captain to redeem herself with a stumping two balls later.But perhaps her biggest moment came in the 15th over. With 50 required from 35 deliveries, Darcy Carter struck arguably the cleanest hit, crunching Moni for what most of the ball’s flight looked like being the first six of the match. Had that come to pass, the complexion of the final throes would have morphed, perhaps into the beginnings of an all-time Scotland victory.Fahima killed that story dead, racing the ball to the fence, tracking it over her shoulder and taking a tumbling catch within a whisker of the sponge. In a match of seven drops, the 31-year-old was the exception – and exceptional.Sarah Bryce batted through the Scotland innings•ICC/Getty ImagesSarah Bryce’s 40-over gameThe late switch of the tournament from Bangladesh to the UAE has thrown many a team’s plans into the unknown. Even the market leaders of women’s cricket – Australia, England and India – are working things on the fly, having never played an international here.Learnings will be taken from anywhere and everywhere, and perhaps the first comes in the form of Scotland’s Sarah Bryce. Having crouched behind the stumps for 20 overs during the hottest part of the day, the keeper-batter then spent the next 20 scuttling between them in a valiant innings that left her visibly drained.It spoke to her fitness and bloody-mindedness that she was still running twos by the end – four in the final five deliveries of the innings. That she should have been out three times came with a sense of cruelty – a dismissal would have at least given her some deserved respite as the chase circled the drain.As one of Scotland’s major players, it highlighted the need for teams to protect their assets in these conditions. With two of Scotland’s three remaining matches occupying the same time slot, there may be cause to shift her down the order to better preserve her energy and talents.Kathryn Bryce makes historyIt was more by accident than design that Kathryn Bryce took Scotland’s first wicket at a T20 World Cup. It should have belonged to Olivia Bell; the offspinner did not feature in the qualifiers but looked set to etch herself in the history books as a clothed flick from Murshida Khatun drifted towards midwicket. Rachel Slater’s drop was perhaps the worst of three in the first innings.Halfway through the next over, Murshida was snared down the ground, Katherine Fraser taking a high catch moving to her right from mid-on. And with that, Kathryn, Scotland’s talismanic skipper, had another line for a CV that is spilling over into the second page.On Tuesday, she was showered with awards at the PCA do for her performances during the English season. Among her four gongs was becoming the first non-English cricketer to be named women’s Player of the Year.That Kathryn was named the ICC’s associate women’s player of the decade for 2011 to 2020 despite making her T20I debut in 2018 says all that needs to be said about her standing, which has now been reinforced.

Birmingham City fans will now be counting down the days until their side kicks off their hotly anticipated Championship season.

Indeed, the Blues only have one friendly left until Ipswich Town come to St. Andrew’s for a Friday night kick-off to start the second-tier entertainment, before clashes against Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United, and Leicester City then round off a busy August for Chris Davies’ men in league action.

In bittersweet fashion, however, Lukas Jutkiewicz won’t be lining up for Davies’ side as they triumphantly return to the Championship, having confirmed his retirement right after Birmingham lifted the League One title.

It will be strange for die-hard supporters of the Blues not seeing Jutkiewicz line up for their beloved team in the EFL’s elite league, having often been viewed as the main marksman when Birmingham last regularly competed at the level.

How Jutkiewicz made himself a Birmingham legend

Birmingham’s previous Championship exploits haven’t always been rosy, but the 6-foot-1 striker remained as constant, even during those testing times.

The Blues will be entering back into the division hungry to compete near the top of the division, which will be some feat to pull off, considering Jutkiewicz’s days as the main source of goals at St. Andrew’s saw his lowly side be consistently plunged into a battle against the drop.

By the time the 36-year-old had called time on his playing days, the towering attacker had bagged a memorable 68 strikes for the Blues across 358 appearances, with 54 of those coming about in the notoriously punishing league.

Now, it will be up to a new face to be as impactful – away from Davies just relying on Kyogo Furuhashi and Jay Stansfield up top – with a fresh target on the Birmingham shopping list possessing the potential to become the club’s next iteration of their dominant number ten.

The "complete number 9" who could be their next Jutkiewicz

Arguably, Birmingham might not need to pursue the signature of another attacker, with both Kyogo and Stansfield sticking out as obvious choices to lead the line.

Yet, neither of those options will be able to throw themselves about with authority, which is where Blues target Bojan Miovski could come into his own if he makes the leap to join Birmingham shortly.

Coming in at a lofty 6-foot-2, Miovski is now seemingly one of the main targets Birmingham is casting their eye over to further enhance their striker personnel, with the ambitious Championship side currently in talks over a move to sign the lethal Macedonian at the expense of Celtic and Rangers, according to reports.

Whilst he has only managed to bag a middle-of-the-road four goals for Girona from 22 appearances in Spain, the 26-year-old more than proved himself when leading the line for Aberdeen that he is a worthwhile Jutkiewicz replacement in terms of his deadly finishing game when soaring into aerial duels, but also with the ball at his feet as a well-rounded presence.

Games played

98

Goals scored

44

Assists

7

Braces

8x

Fee sold for

£6.8m

The 38-time North Macedonia international registered a blistering 44 strikes for the Dons across 98 appearances, with his ability to be powerful in the air, yet classy when running through on goal, earning him the title of being a “complete number nine” by journalist Josh Bunting.

He should, therefore, be ready for the pressures of the Championship, even if his £6.8m move out to Girona hasn’t gone completely to plan, knowing he has what it takes to be the “best centre forward in the league” in the Scottish Premiership, as he was also labelled by ex-Dons teammate Nick Devlin.

Sealing a deal for Miovski to join the building might not be as instantly eye-catching as Kyogo’s statement deal was.

But, he should be able to leave a lasting impact on the English game if he finds his Aberdeen mojo again as a battling, skilful striker built very much in the same mould as Jutkiewicz.

Birmingham could sign a bigger talent than Cashin in "dynamite" £10m star

Birmingham City could soon win themselves a bigger talent than Eiran Cashin by landing this dynamite attacker.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 25, 2025

Ralf Rangnick was seen riding an e-bike during Austria's World Cup qualifying win on Tuesday, two months after undergoing an emergency ankle surgery.

Rangnick rode an e-bike during Austria's gameGerman taking precautions after ankle surgeryOpened up on his conditionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Austria head coach Rangnick grabbed eyeballs during the 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 67-year-old German e-biked across the pitch in Zenica several times – for example, before the match to give an interview to and at half-time to go to the dressing room.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Rangnick is still dealing with the aftermath of a serious ankle issue that required multiple surgeries over the summer. The former Manchester United head coach initially underwent a successful operation, but complications arose when an infection developed post-surgery. He was subsequently readmitted to hospital, where he underwent a second procedure to address the issue. He is still feeling the effects of the medical ordeal and has been consciously limiting his movement, taking as few steps as possible to aid his recovery.

WHAT RALF RANGNICK SAID

"It could be better. But I'm taking small steps and things are looking up," said Rangnick. "Unfortunately, my ankle is still not in such good shape." 

Rangnick had previously used a gold cart to get around, but the lack of space in the stadium forced them to seek an alternative method. He added: "I've known for a few days that the distances here are long. It can't be much further." 

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

Rangnick has been coaching the Austrian national team since 2022, leading them to the round of 16 at Euro 2024. Their last World Cup appearance was 27 years ago. After the tournament in 2026, Rangnick is expected to step down from his role in Austria. 

Celtic may bring in a new centre-forward to compete with the likes of Adam Idah, Shin Yamada, and Johnny Kenny before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed that the Hoops want to “improve” their “forward” options after his side beat St Mirren 1-0 at Parkhead in their first match of the Scottish Premiership season.

When looking at potential options to add to the club’s striker ranks, the Premiership champions do not have to sign a marquee forward from one of Europe’s major leagues.

In fact, one of Celtic’s most successful striker signings in the past 15 years or so was Gary Hooper, who joined from Scunthorpe United in 2010.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Gary Hooper

In the two seasons prior to his move to Glasgow, the English marksman scored 19 goals in the Championship and 24 goals in League One for Scunthorpe, but he had never played in the Premier League.

The Hoops took a gamble on a player from the lower leagues in England and they hit the jackpot with Hooper, as he went on to be a roaring success at Parkhead.

In 138 matches for the Scottish giants, the prolific forward racked up an eye-catching haul of 82 goals and 30 assists in all competitions, before sealing a move to Norwich in 2014.

Transfer Focus

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

Hooper was an exceptional striker for the Hoops, as evidenced by his sensational goal return, and Celtic can now repeat that masterclass with a swoop for Richard Kone.

Why Celtic should sign Richard Kone

The Scottish giants are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Wycombe Wanderers star, who is valued at £7m by the English club, as he could be Hooper 2.0.

As was the case when Hooper joined, Kone would arrive at Parkhead without any top-flight or European football under his belt. He has only played at League One level with the Choir Boys to date.

This means that the Ivorian marksman would join as a young, at the age of 22, and hungry striker who has everything to prove, rather than being an experienced forward who may see a move to Celtic as a step down or a last payday.

His form for Wycombe in League One last season also suggests that Kone has the potential to be an effective and exciting number nine option for Rodgers to call upon if the Hoops get a deal over the line for him.

xG

15.89

Top 7%

xG on target

16.84

Top 6%

Goals

18

Top 7%

xA

3.33

Top 8%

Assists

3

Top 32%

Successful dribbles

44

Top 6%

Duels won

240

Top 5%

Aerial duels won

131

Top 9%

As you can see in the table above, Kone outperformed his xG by just over two goals and ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in a host of metrics, as a goalscorer, a creator, and as a physical presence.

These statistics suggest that he could thrive in a Celtic team that creates plenty of chances, as evidenced by the three ‘big chances’ that were created for Idah against St Mirren.

Idah failed to take any of those three opportunities to find the back of the net, but the Wycombe star’s form last term suggests that he would not be as wasteful.

Kone, whose nine-minute hat-trick in League One last season was dubbed “extraordinary” by pundit Gabriel Sutton, could be the lethal and consistent striker that Celtic are looking for, which is why they should be pushing to sign the lower leagues star in a Hooper repeat.

Celtic can drop Yang with move for "top-level talent" who earns £150k-p/w

Brendan Rodgers could drop Hyun-jun Yang with a move for this reported Celtic target.

1 ByDan Emery Aug 5, 2025

Scott Boland is the reserve fast bowler in a 13-player squad to face India in Perth

Andrew McGlashan09-Nov-20242:20

Malcolm: ‘McSweeney could be a future captain if he finds his feet’

Nathan McSweeney will open the batting for Australia in the first Test against India in Perth having won the race to partner Usman Khawaja while Josh Inglis has been included as the reserve batter in a 13-player squad.McSweeney had firmed as the favourite for the vacant role in recent weeks and though he couldn’t convert two starts against India A at the MCG – where he made 14 and 25 on a tricky pitch opening for the first time his first-class career – he has been preferred ahead of specialist openers including Marcus Harris who does not even make the squad.Related

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“I’ve been able to perform pretty consistently over the past couple of years in Shield cricket. I feel like my game is constantly getting better and improving,” McSweeney said. “I feel like I’m playing probably the best cricket I have. It’s nice to spend some time in the middle against India A in Mackay and here at the MCG and feel like my game’s ready.”McSweeney was only given the word by national selector George Bailey after the end of the second A game at the MCG. “There’s been a lot of talk about it, didn’t really know until I finally got the word, still probably hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” he said. “Getting a lot of nice messages. Very lucky and grateful for the opportunity.”One of those messages was from Marnus Labuschagne, who has been a mentor to McSweeney from his days with Queensland and with who there are often comparisons.”That was a nice phone call to Marnus last night as well. He’s super chuffed for me, and I’m thankful for his knowledge and the way he’s helped me through the start of my career,” McSweeney said. “At times I probably look similar, and I like to think I’ve got my own way of playing, but definitely using Marnus as a resource, that’s been very helpful for me.”Despite just one match at the top of the order, there is confidence McSweeney is ready for the role. “He’s a player whose growth is on a great trajectory, a very organised, composed player at the crease who has a game that will suit Test cricket,” Bailey said.For McSweeney, very little changes. “Other than walk out one position earlier than I normally do, my prep is the exact same,” he said. “I trained with the new ball batting at three, and you can be in there in the first over of the game.”As expected, Scott Boland takes his place as the back-up quick bowler behind captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for the first Test at Optus Stadium which begins on November 22.The decisions taken by the selectors follows their recent mantra of picking the best six batters rather than focusing too heavily on the positions they traditionally occupy. The vacancy at the top of the order arose after the decision to move Steven Smith back to No. 4 following his four-Test stay earlier this year after the retirement of David Warner.Overall in first-class cricket McSweeney averages 38.16 with six centuries in 34 matches but over the last two years that average rises to 43.44 with all his hundreds coming during that period. In a sign of his standing among the selectors he was handed Australia A captaincy before he led his state, South Australia.Harris looked to have made a strong case for selection with a hard-fought 74 in the first innings against India A in Melbourne but it wasn’t enough to return him to the Test fold. Sam Konstas sealed victory in the match with a fine innings at No. 4 but after early-season excitement with his twin hundreds against South Australia it has been decided it is a little too early for the 19-year-old. Cameron Bancroft’s horror run of form meant he drifted well out of contention but Bailey insisted he and Harris remained in the selectors’ thoughts.”It’s a tough one because whenever the information is first given it potentially feels hollow that they’ve been overlooked again,” Bailey said. “But as I said its just to be really clear to them that not being selected is not us saying that we don’t think you aren’t a good player, we just have to make a decision on who is going to fit the role best and at the moment we think that’s Nathan.”Inglis’ selection is something of a left-field decision but rewards him for being one of the most in-form players this season with two Sheffield Shield hundreds. His credentials were lauded by New South Wales Greg Shipperd last month who said he should be in contention to open. Bailey played that down but did say he could play a role this season and that opportunity is now a step closer. He also provides wicketkeeping back-up for Alex Carey.Inglis will captain Australia for the first time later on Sunday in the deciding ODI against Pakistan and then in the three-match T20I series meaning he will link up with the Test squad after those matches are complete.Australia squad for 1st Test vs IndiaPat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc

Fair to say, this transfer window has not gone to plan for Newcastle United.

The Magpies have seen countless targets opt to join Premier League rivals; Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap, João Pedro, James Trafford and now Benjamin Šeško, to name but a few.

Winger Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale have both arrived, but Eddie Howe will surely be desperate to add more reinforcements this month, so could a new striker be on his way to Tyneside?

Newcastle's ongoing striker search

It’s the transfer saga of the summer, so what is the latest on Alexander Isak?

Transfer Focus

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

Well, the Swede did not feature at all for Newcastle United during pre-season, currently training away from the rest of the first-team squad.

Meantime, over the weekend, Luke Edwards of the Telegraph reported that the club have informed Isak that ‘he is not for sale this summer and will not be allowed’ to leave; it remains to be seen how this will play out.

Nevertheless, the Magpies do remain active in the transfer market, searching for a new possible replacement, hence why Craig Hope of the Daily Mail is reporting that they have made an ‘informal enquiry’ about Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, adding that he is valued at £80m by the Portuguese giants.

It’s previously been documented that Aghehowa is Newcastle’s top striker target, following Šeško’s move to Manchester United, so could the Spaniard soon swap Northern Portugal for England’s North East?

Why Samu Aghehowa would be a success at Newcastle

Since joining Porto from Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of £12.7m last summer, having not played a single game for Atleti, Aghehowa has become one of the most highly-rated centre-forwards in European football.

During his debut campaign with the Dragões, he scored 27 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions, including netting six times in just nine Europa League outings, most notably bagging a brace during a thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Estádio do Dragão last October.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout was certainly impressed, labelling the Spanish international the “complete” striker and a “monster”, praising his “pace, physicality, aerial ability and shot power”.

Tall, quick and imposing, there really is a lot to like about the Porto forward, so, let’s assess how Aghehowa of the present day compares to Isak just prior to his move to Tyneside.

Appearances

45

41

Minutes

3,400

2,761

Goals

27

10

Assists

3

3

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:

Shots

2.85

2.99

Shots on target %

41.9%

48.4%

Goals – xG

+6.6

-4.2

Shot-creating actions

1.9

2.72

Goal-creating actions

0.3

0.14

Big chances missed

0.69

0.49

Big chances created

0.19

0.25

% of touches in opposition box

20%

18%

As the table outlines, when comparing the Spaniard’s first season at Porto to Isak’s final campaign at Real Sociedad, they’re remarkably very similar.

The hulking attacker did score six Europa League goals to the Swede’s three, on target a whopping 17 times more across all competitions, albeit at a slightly lower level; Global Football Rankings believe the Primeira Liga to be the seventh strongest in the world, four places below La Liga.

The most interesting of Aghehowa’s numbers is the fact he massively overperformed his expected goals, while Isak underperformed his during the 2021/22 campaign in San Sebastián, suggesting the Spaniard could be an even more clinical finisher.

Nevertheless, the data reaffirms their stylistic similarities, most notably the fact that the duo took a nigh-on identical proportion of their touches in the opposition’s penalty area.

Thus, all available evidence suggests that, should he choose to move to Newcastle, Aghehowa could replicate Isak’s impact at St James’ Park for sure.

Better than Wissa: Newcastle lead race to sign "extraordinary" £65m striker

As Newcastle search for a new striker, following Benjamin Šeško’s move to Manchester United, could they land an “extraordinary” PL star worth £65m?

1 ByBen Gray Aug 10, 2025

A foreign player had flagged a fixing approach made by the Galle Marvels owner

Madushka Balasuriya13-Dec-2024 • Updated on 14-Dec-2024Prem Thakkur, the team owner of Galle Marvels in Lanka T10, has been arrested on match-fixing charges. Thakkur was arrested on Thursday, a day after the tournament began, and was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Friday; he has since been remanded till December 16.Sri Lanka Police told ESPNcricinfo that Thakkur, an Indian national, had been arrested by the Sri Lanka Sports Police Unit under the 2019 Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act. He was arrested at a hotel in Kandy, where the Lanka T10 tournament is underway. It is understood that a foreign player had flagged a fixing approach made by Thakkur. Like in the LPL earlier this year, a representative of the ICC anti-corruption unit is also in Sri Lanka to oversee the tournament at the request of Sri Lanka Cricket.While SLC is yet to speak on the matter, Lanka T10 tournament director Samantha Dodanwela confirmed that the tournament “will go ahead as scheduled”.TTen Global League and IPG, the consortium partners, released a statement on the matter, saying, “We strictly maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in cricket. We are fully committed to upholding the integrity of the sport and will provide complete cooperation to the authorities in the ongoing investigation.”The league management is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of all players and officials while ensuring the seamless operation of the event.”This is the second franchise tournament in Sri Lanka this year in which a team owner has been arrested under the country’s sports anti-corruption ordinance after LPL franchise Dambulla Thunders’ co-owner Tamim Rahman was arrested in May on allegations of match-fixing. In 2019, Sri Lanka became the first nation in South Asia to criminalise match-fixing, with offences related to corruption in sports carrying various fines and a prison term of up to ten years.The Lanka T10 is Sri Lanka’s first foray into hosting a T10 franchise league, with the event rights for the tournament managed and operated by a consortium consisting of the Innovative Production Group, T Ten Sports Management and T Ten Global Sports, which also operates several other T10 franchise leagues across the world.

Who's hot, who's not? GOAL ranks all 14 teams across the National Women's Soccer League

Matchday 20 of 26 featured big debuts and movement around the table. The top two teams faced off in Kansas City, and each walked away with a draw.

Gotham downed San Diego, and Esther González is back on top of the Golden Boot race after scoring the first of the team's goals. Newly acquired Jaeydn Shaw immediately delivered for Gotham FC.

The reigning champions extended their winless run. And a word for Savannah DeMelo, who collapsed on the field during Racing Louisville’s match with Seattle Reign. 

So, who's leading the pack, and who's falling short of expectations?

INDIVISA presents the latest 2025 NWSL Power Rankings.

Getty ImagesUtah Royals

Prior Ranking: 14

Result: Beat Houston Dash 2-0

Ramifications: The Royals have now gone five games undefeated, with two wins and three draws. They’re still sitting at the very bottom of the standings. But their form is solid, and they haven’t been officially ruled out of the playoffs. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesChicago Stars

Prior Ranking: 13

Result: Drew Portland Thorns 1-1

Ramifications: The Chicago Stars haven’t lost a game since before the international break. That seven-game win streak includes six draws and one win – last week against Orlando. They’ll need a bit more to break out of the bottom of the table, but the results have been steady.

Getty ImagesHouston Dash

Prior Ranking: 10

Result: Lost 2-0 to Utah Royals

Ramifications: One weekend after beating San Diego 3-0, the Dash lost to last-placed Utah. That’s a blow to fans hoping this team can sneak into the playoffs. The Dash are sitting a few spots below the playoff line with just six matchdays to go. And after going six-games undefeated – with big wins against top of the table teams – losing to the last-placed team in NWSL will sting.

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Getty ImagesBay FC

Prior Ranking: 12

Result: Drew Orlando Pride 1-1

Ramifications: The Pride aren’t putting out their best results these days, but they’re still a tough team to play. Bay FC fans can be pleased with the performance, in which Racheal Kundananji scored her third goal of the season. That said, they finished the weekend in 12th place – four spots and nine points below the playoff positions. They play third-place Gotham next with time running out to make a second-consecutive postseason berth. 

Even in defeat, Manchester United’s opening-day performance felt like progress, but Ruben Amorim’s side followed that one up with a draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage, and it is clear there is still much work to do.

Whether the Red Devils succeed in welcoming further additions before the closure of the transfer market remains to be seen, but negotiations are ongoing with Belgian side Royal Antwerp for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, that pressure point of a position at Old Trafford, while Amorim has made it clear that he seeks a central midfielder too.

Man United have succeeded in refashioning their frontline, but with Mason Mount fit and catching the eye, Amorim has made the decision to drop Bruno Fernandes into a deeper midfield berth.

The skipper remains effective and influential, but it’s crucial that the right profile is partnered with him, lest tactical imbalances become more prominent.

With this in mind, it’s starting to look like Kobbie Mainoo’s time at the Theatre of Dreams could be drawing to a premature close.

The latest on Kobbie Mainoo's Man Utd future

Mainoo is a cherished part of his current Manchester United crop. He’s one of their own. However, Amorim clearly hasn’t warmed to him despite his impressive debut campaign in red.

Indeed, the England international’s reduced playing time under the Portuguese tactician’s wing has led him to consider his future at Old Trafford, and a potential departure before the deadline is now on the cards.

Already, the 20-year-old has played 72 times for Man United’s senior side, scoring as Erik ten Hag’s side defeated Manchester City to win the 2023/24 FA Cup final, but as Amorim alludes to, there is no room at the inn right now.

His departure this summer would be a contentious thing for those of a Man United persuasion, but there’s little doubt that, should he leave, United would act to bring in an exciting replacement.

Man Utd discuss move for new midfielder

According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester United are interested in signing Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller before the transfer market slams shut, and are engaged in internal discussions over a formal offer.

However, there are some within the INEOS hierarchy with reservations over signing the German international, for he does not boast a similar profile to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, a top summer target whose route to Manchester has been closed off by his employers.

Valued at €60m (around £51m), Stiller, 24, could become a more concrete target upon the possible departure of Mainoo, whose exit is indeed edging toward happening.

How Stiller compares to Mainoo

Stiller’s technical quality and completeness in the middle of the park make him an intriguing option for Amorim’s Manchester United side, who could do with some more fluency and quality when directing the flow of their attacking play from X to Y.

A product of Bayern Munich’s youth academy, Stiller has since left for Hoffenheim and then been rehoused once more at Stuttgart, where he played 83 times, scoring five goals and supplying 17 assists while protecting the backline from his anchoring berth.

Looking at how the deep-lying playmaker compares to Mainoo, you begin to see why Jason Wilcox and Amorim are eager to snap him up.

Mainoo was at his career best during that breakout season. The 2023/24 term put the then teenager’s name on the map, all right. However, Stiller’s roundedness suggests he could prove an upgrade on the Three Lions man.

Matches (starts)

32 (31)

24 (24)

Goals

1

3

Assists

8

1

Touches*

90.3

49.0

Pass completion

90%

87%

Big chances created

13

0

Key passes*

1.8

0.6

Dribbles*

0.6

1.3

Ball recoveries*

4.4

4.0

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

2.9

Duels won*

4.2 (58%)

5.0 (52%)

Mainoo might have a bit more of a robust defensive profile, but Stiller’s press resistance and slick, smooth ball-playing game make him a more Amorim-shaped midfielder in any case. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte leave plenty to be desired, but the tough-tackling duo do provide the squad with more variation.

Remarked by his Stuttgart teammate Denis Undav to be “one of the best sixes” currently hailing from Germany, Stiller also ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe for passes attempted, the top 2% for progressive passes, the top 10% for assists and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, courtesy of information from FBref.

His creativity and maestro-like skills might appear to be more in line with the talents of Fernandes, and perhaps that is so, but with Mainoo so frustratingly on the periphery in Amorim’s system, does it not make sense for the outfit to target a replacement who differs and who aligns with the manager’s vision?

Given that Liverpool have also shown a vested interest in the German this year, it would appear that his is a profile which could have a positive effect on the development of Amorim’s project.

Mainoo only started 19 times in the Premier League last year, and his 45% success rate in the duel further underscored Amorim’s hesitance about unleashing him from the outset each week.

Praised by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley for his “special” skill set, Stiller’s signature could come with the promise of progression, and while many would rightly hope for Mainoo to stay put, his sale would demand a suitable replacement.

And, through the Stiller, initial frustration would be tempered and then some.

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