All posts by h79snht.top

Manchester City’s Champions League ambitions took a hit as they could only draw 0-0 with relegated Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

City now have just two games left in the Premier League and now have 65 points. There are still four teams below them who could beat them to a top-five finish, especially if Pep Guardiola’s men drop more points.

There is everything to play for over the next couple of weeks, that’s for sure. The Spaniard will be looking for a better performance than this, however.

Man City’s best and worst performers against Southampton

Kevin De Bruyne was the standout for the Etihad side. Despite the fact he is leaving in the summer, the Belgian still showed his class, making four key passes, delivering 18 crosses and winning four of his six total duels.

Phil Foden showed signs of life after a torrid time recently, registering two shots while completing 95% of his passes.

Elsewhere, Manuel Akanji won just one of his three ground duels and lost possession eight times, while Erling Haaland failed to even register a single shot on target throughout the game.

Southampton vs Man City – Key Statistics

Metric

Highest-Ranked

Accurate passes

Rúben Dias (93)

Key passes

Kevin De Bruyne (4)

Shots on target

Ruben Dias (2)

Ground duels won

Josko Gvardiol (5)

Defensive actions

Jan Bednarek (19)

Via Sofascore

City’s worst performer was arguably James McAtee. Might it be time for Guardiola to act upon his interest in Morgan Gibbs-White?

James McAtee’s game in numbers against Southampton

Playing off the right wing, the Englishman may have completed 100% of his passes, but his overall display was poor enough to be subbed off at halftime.

He delivered just one accurate cross from three attempts, won just a single duel and failed to register a shot – on or off target – during his spell on the pitch for City.

McAtee only took as many touches as Haaland – with both men registering just 17 apiece – and was given a match rating of just 6/10 by the Manchester Evening News.

Is he really the man to take the club to the next level when De Bruyne leaves in a few weeks?

Gibbs-White has been a player of interest for quite some time and perhaps now is the perfect chance to test Nottingham Forest’s resolve.

As per Fabrizio Romano earlier this month, the Forest attacking midfielder remains one of City’s “priority targets” heading into the summer transfer window.

Throughout the current season, he has registered 14 goal contributions – five goals and nine assists – while also creating eight big chances, averaging 1.6 key passes and succeeding with one dribble per game in the top flight.

In comparison, McAtee has notched up just seven goal contributions this term for City. Furthermore, the 22-year-old has created only two big chances, averageing 0.2 key passes and succeeding with just 0.1 dribbles in the Premier League.

Judging by these statistics across several attacking metrics, there is one clear winner. Gibbs-White might cost the club a significant outlay, but he looks to be a player who can potentially take City back to winning the Premier League or Champions League.

McAtee, on the other hand, might find himself out of the door by the time next season comes around.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington May 10, 2025

Arsenal have been tipped to sign a “world-class striker” after completing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with manager Mikel Arteta putting pressure on the club’s board to compete in the transfer market.

Arsenal seal Martin Zubimendi agreement with medical imminent

On Wednesday afternoon, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel was the first to break news that Zubimendi is set to undergo a medical at Arsenal ahead of sealing a switch to north London.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

Arsenal have been in negotiations for the Spain international since January (The Mail), and Real Madrid were reportedly threatening to hijack their move for him at one stage, given the length of time it was taking to shake hands on an agreement.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, those fears are now seemingly being put to rest, and it looks beyond all doubt that Zubimendi will become Andrea Berta’s first signing as Arsenal’s new sporting director.

Arsenal will trigger his £51 million release clause and bring in an adept replacement for Jorginho, who is off to Flamengo after agreeing a pre-contract, with Arteta’s side potentially going into next season with a solid centre midfield trio of Declan Rice, Zubimendi and Thomas Partey – if they can indeed extend the latter’s deal.

The 26-year-old comes to N5 with a glowing reputation as a top-performer for boyhood club Sociedad, who also helped Spain to win Euro 2024 last year, with Arsenal praised for signing a “perfect foil” to Rice in the middle.

Ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer window for Berta, attention now turns to who will follow Zubimendi to the Emirates.

Arsenal tipped to sign "world-class" striker after Martin Zubimendi

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Arteta has been pushing high-ranking Arsenal officials to be active in the market, with Zubimendi potentially just one of many new incomings.

After the Spaniard, Solhekol tips Arsenal to sign a “world-class” striker, amid links to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

“We have heard Mikel Arteta say that when Arsenal come calling, players most often say yes. They find it difficult to turn them down,” said Solhekol.

“I’m sure Zubimendi has been very impressed by what Mikel Arteta is doing at Arsenal. Arsenal are pressing ahead with completing a deal. He will become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.

“Not the last. Arsenal will sign a striker this summer. I think they will sign a world-class striker, like Victor Gyokeres from Sporting or Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. It will be Zubimendi and a striker, as well as other players. Next season, Arteta wants to win the title. He has been putting pressure on the board.

“They will be active in the window.”

This comes as a very encouraging update for supporters, especially after they finished 10 points behind Premier League champions Liverpool and ended 2024/25 trophyless, with Arteta determined to get it right next term.

An elite centre-forward is quite simply imperative after they fell short of their previous goalscoring standards this year, with just 69 scored in the league, not to mention registering more draws than any other side in the top 10.

Scott Parker will hope he’s in it for the long haul at Burnley as they step back up to the Premier League, after finding his last venture in the top-flight to be short-lived with AFC Bournemouth.

The 44-year-old would only last four top-flight contests with the Cherries during the 2022/23 season before being handed his abrupt marching orders, with a horrific 9-0 loss suffered at the hands of Liverpool during his final game not helping his cause whatsoever.

He returns to the elite division with a point to prove, therefore, having just successfully guided the Clarets up to the big time by collecting 100 points, with a defensive solidity on show that was nowhere to be found at Anfield.

However, bit by bit, the defence that only leaked 16 league goals last season is being picked off, with Maxime Esteve perhaps the next to leave Turf Moor behind after CJ Egan-Riley’s distressing contract situation.

The latest on Esteve's Burnley future

Annoyingly, Egan-Riley – who shone brightly next to Esteve last season – looks set to exit Lancashire for good, amidst interest in his services from RC Strasbourg and West Ham United.

The imposing Frenchman, meanwhile, also has his fair share of Premier League admirers, with Crystal Palace and Everton recently named as onlookers keen on adding the 23-year-old to their rosters, alongside ex-Clarets boss Vincent Kompany also keeping tabs on him from the Bayern Munich dug-out.

This would be a huge blow to Burnley’s confidence if they were to lose their in-demand number five, considering Esteve is just fresh off a campaign that saw him average an unerring 91% pass accuracy per Championship clash, alongside also showing off his brute strength with 3.6 duels won per match too.

But, the Clarets might now have a dream replacement for the ex-Montpellier titan up their sleeve, with the target in question already well-versed in how to battle and fight amid a Premier League relegation scrap.

The £12m "warrior" who'd be the dream Esteve replacement

After all, Esteve has struggled in the demanding top-flight in the past, away from his name currently generating a buzz, with zero clean sheets coming his way for Burnley from 16 league appearances during their relegation season.

On the contrary, the Clarets’ new defensive target – as has been reported by the Irish Sun – in Dara O’Shea at least exited this campaign just gone with his head held high, with the Republic of Ireland international even winning Ipswich Town’s Player of the Season accolade for his valiant efforts at the back, despite the Tractor Boys slipping straight back down to the second-tier.

On top of that, O’Shea was also a popular figure when he last donned claret and blue – away from deserting the Clarets after relegation – with the Dublin-born titan even amassing three goals and four assists in league action during the 2023/24 season at Turf Moor, alongside averaging an imposing 5.5 duels won on average.

Again, however, all of his heroic efforts were for nothing as relegation was ultimately served up. But, the £12m defender will hope to buck that ongoing trend if he does relocate back to Lancashire shortly, amidst interest also coming in for his services from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.

O’Shea’s league numbers (24/25) vs Esteve’s (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

O’Shea

Esteve

Games played

35

46

Goals scored

0

1

Assists

2

0

Touches*

58.9

78.0

Accurate passes*

34.0 (79%)

60.5 (91%)

Ball recoveries*

3.1

3.7

Clearances*

6.2

5.0

Total duels won*

5.4

3.6

Stats by Sofascore

His most recent stint with Ipswich shows off how he could be a dream Esteve replacement, with the table above displaying his similarities to the Bundesliga-linked defender, as seen in both centre-backs being unfazed by having the ball at their feet, away from completing their gritty defensive basics.

Parker will just pray that he can land O’Shea over other rivals, especially if Esteve does heartbreakingly seek out pastures new, with the Irishman also being labelled as a “warrior” by former West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael for his full-blooded displays.

The under pressure 44-year-old will need everyone singing off the same hymn sheet defensively if his team stands any chance at survival, with a familiar face in O’Shea rejoining potentially working wonders.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 5, 2025

With the summer transfer window well and truly back open, Aston Villa have a huge few weeks ahead.

After failing to qualify for the Champions League after defeat against Manchester United on the final day of the season, the West Midlands side find themselves in the Europa League.

That surely makes them less appealing to top players they are looking to sign, and also means they have less money, which could make it tough to turn the loan moves of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford into permanent deals. Spain international Asensio did not have a buy clause in his loan from Paris Saint-Germain, and it is unclear if he will come back.

Well, if it turns out that Asensio doesn’t re-sign for Villa, they seemingly have a replacement in mind.

Villa's potential Asensio replacement

It would certainly be a huge blow for Villa if they were to lose Asensio, who had a great impact and brought lots of technical quality in attacking areas to their squad. However, they seem to be targeting a fellow Spaniard to replace him.

According to a newspaper in Spain, via Caught Offside, Unai Emery and his side are seemingly targeting a move for Real Betis attacker Jesus Rodriguez. He reportedly has a release clause worth £30m in his current deal, but Betis are negotiating a new contract with the view of increasing the price of that release clause to around £43m.

Of course, the release clause makes this a complicated situation, and on top of that, Betis are thought to be set on keeping Rodriguez.

However, Villans’ sporting director Monchi ‘is determined to sign’ the attacker, and ‘will be leading negotiations to get the deal done’ this summer.

Why Rodríguez would be a good signing

Despite being just 19 years of age, Rodriguez had a strong second half of the campaign with Betis, after breaking into the first team under Manuel Pellegrini following a stint in the youth team until December.

The Seville-born sensation played in 32 senior games last season for the club, scoring three times and grabbing one assist. He played a lot of first-team football, too, notching up 1739 minutes, the equivalent of 19 full 90-minute games. If anything, that shows the trust Pellegrini has in him already.

The 19-year-old attacker performed well in the UEFA Conference League last season, too. Although Betis lost in the final to Chelsea, he had an important role in their quest to the final, playing eight games and scoring against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok.

There is no doubt about it, Rodriguez stepping into Asensio’s shoes at Villa Park would be no mean feat. Not only is he ten years younger and therefore far less experienced, but the impact he had at Villa would be tough to recreate.

Even Asensio himself struggled to continue the form he showcased during the early part of his career in the West Midlands. He scored eight times and grabbed one assist in 21 games, but after a rapid start, couldn’t keep up his hot run of form past the start of April.

When looking at the underlying stats on FBref last season for both Rodriguez, a Spain U21 international, and Asensio, there are some numbers that stack up well against each other. One of those is goal-creating actions, in which the Betis man averaged 0.41 per game compared to the Villa loanee’s 0.66, showing they are both involved in their team’s goals regularly.

Described as an “explosive” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Rodriguez will certainly bring dynamic ball-carrying to Villa Park, more so than Asensio of the stats are anything to go by. The 19-year-old averaged 4.31 progressive carries each game last season, compared to Asensio’s 2.72 per 90 minutes.

Rodriguez and Asensio key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Rodriguez

Asensio

Goal-creating actions

0.41

0.66

Progressive carries

4.31

2.72

Carries into penalty area

3.17

0.93

Take-ons completed

2.44

1.06

Ball recoveries

4.72

3.05

Stats from FBref

It is not hard to see why Rodriguez will be Emery’s new Asensio. Not only are they both Spanish attackers who can play across the frontline, but he has the technical quality of the former Real Madrid star, combined with the habit of being involved in goals, even if that is not directly.

This seems like a deal Monchi wants to get over the line, and for £30m, the value of his current release clause, it could be an excellent piece of business for the Villans.

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Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 12, 2025

The champions of Europe may have already been crowned, although there is an even bigger prize on offer this summer, as 32 teams compete to be named the best club side on the planet.

Yes, amid much excitement and intrigue, the revamped FIFA Club World Cup is now finally on the horizon, with things kicking off on Saturday 14 June, ahead of what will be a month-long feast of football in the United States.

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Posts 1 ByBrett Worthington Dec 6, 2024

Among those from across the globe who are bidding to reach the showpiece on 13 July are Premier League giants – and recent Europa Conference League winners – Chelsea, with the Blues set to take on MLS outfit LAFC on Monday (16 June).

The west Londoners have earned their place following their Champions League triumph back in 2021, while for their opponents, the Los Angeles-based hopefuls saw off Club America in a lucrative play-off showdown to secure the final spot in the competition.

Watch the FIFA Club World Cup live and on-demand here

Ahead of what should be an enthralling opening fixture for two of the four sides in Group D, here’s everything you need to know on how to watch – and who to be looking out for – when Monday rolls around…

Where to watch Chelsea vs LAFC at the Club World Cup

63 games. The world’s best players. All in one place. All without paying a penny. It really doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

Indeed, FIFA revealed back in December 2024 that this bumper Club World Cup edition will be available for free globally, with the world’s current largest sports streaming platform – DAZN – showcasing every game from this footballing extravaganza.

Available worldwide in 14 languages, DAZN really is the go-to place for this summer’s affair, with easy access provided to watch the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland – and many more – strutting their stuff at the highest level.

If you are already a DAZN subscriber, then the Club World Cup action will already become a part of your membership. For those who haven’t yet signed up, all you have to do is use your email address to register a free account on the DAZN website, with no hidden costs or fees added. You will then be able to watch every game on the DAZN app via your TV, computer, phone or even on your games console.

Chelsea vs LAFC (Monday 16 June – Atlanta – 8pm UK time, 3pm local time)

FIFA Club World Cup Current Champions Manchester CityFounded 2000Most Championships Real Madrid (5)

Expand Collapse DAZN

Watch all FIFA Club World Cup games free on DAZN. The biggest clubs and the best players in the world compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Watch Every Game Live on DAZN Expand Collapse Chelsea vs LAFC – Who to look out for

Fresh off the back of their recent European success, Enzo Maresca’s youthful side have already bolstered their ranks with a handful of key signings, with Strasbourg’s Mamadou Sarr joining Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap in making the move to Stamford Bridge.

Those two new arrivals will be in line to make their Chelsea debuts against their MLS opponents, while there is further excitement surrounding new man Dario Essugo and the returning Andrey Santos.

Delap, in particular, will strengthen a frontline that already includes the dazzling Cole Palmer, with the Blues talisman seeking to build on his return of 67 goals and assists in just 91 games for the club to date. Behind the Englishman, the South American duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will likely prove crucial to the club’s fortunes once again.

As for the side hoping to throw an early spanner in the works, LAFC boast a handful of familiar faces to Premier League audiences at their core, with the World Cup-winning French duo of Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud operating at either end of the pitch.

This meeting will, of course, be something of a reunion for Giroud, following his prior three-and-a-half-year stay in west London, with the veteran striker memorably scoring six goals en route to Chelsea’s Champions League triumph four years ago.

The 38-year-old – who has scored just five goals during his time in the States – is not manager Steve Cherundolo’s danger man, however, with number 99, Denis Bouanga, having hit 20+ MLS goals in each of his last two seasons, prior to netting eight in 15 league games in 2025. One-time Roma and Marseille starlet, Cengiz Under, will be another for Chelsea to keep tabs on down the right flank.

Who else is in Group D?

Chelsea’s Premier League status will make them overwhelming favourites to progress from Group D, although Brazilian outfit, Flamengo, will provide a stern test, having won the Copa Libertadores back in 2022.

Those two sides go head to head in the second round of games, with that fixture providing the chance for another potential reunion, as former Chelsea man Jorginho bids to make his debut for the Serie A side, amid his recent free transfer exit from Arsenal.

Group D Fixtures – Club World Cup

Date

Fixture

Venue – Kick off time (ET/BST)

16 June

Chelsea vs LAFC

Atalanta – (3pm/8pm)

16 June

Flamengo vs Esperance

Philadelphia – (9pm/2am June 17

20 June

Flamengo vs Chelsea

Philadelphia – (2pm/7pm)

20 June

LAFC vs Esperance

Nashville – (6pm/11pm)

24 June

LAFC vs Flamengo

Orlando – (9pm/2am June 25)

24 June

Esperance vs Chelsea

Philadelphia – (9pm/2am June 25)

Elsewhere, aside from latecomers LAFC, the final place in Group D has been taken by Tunisian outfit, Esperance de Tunis, with the relative outsiders having earned their place as the highest ranking eligible side in the CAF – African football’s governing body.

With the chance for new rivalries to be made, this quartet is not one to be overlooked…

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Oct 30, 2024

So much change has occurred at West Bromwich Albion in such a short space of time.

It doesn’t feel too long ago since Carlos Corberan was still situated in the Baggies dug-out, with Tony Mowbray going on to face the wrath of the Hawthorns hierarchy after the much-loved Spaniard departed for Valencia.

Fast forward to this summer and Ryan Mason is now tasked with attempting to put West Brom back on the map by guiding them up to the Premier League.

This will be no easy feat for a manager still learning the ropes – but unlike Mowbray – he should have a fully fit Josh Maja at his disposal from the second football gets back underway, which is a definite boost for a team attempting to accelerate out of the traps.

Maja's explosive form for West Brom

Despite only lining up for a mere two league games in total during an injury-ravaged 2025, the former Sunderland marksman would still be crowned West Brom’s top goalscorer of the season when the dust had settled.

Maja bagged a deadly 12 strikes from only 26 clashes, with a clinical brace picked up against Preston North End on New Year’s Day his final meaningful contributions during an up-and-down campaign.

When performing at the peak of his powers, the explosive Maja would constantly be linking up with assist king Tom Fellows to terrorise Championship defences, culminating in the homegrown winger registering a colossal 14 assists.

Mikey Johnston was the second most effective assist maker for the Baggies with a lesser five next to his name, with the addition of a new, entertaining attacker perhaps getting even more out of Maja in the long run when considering their previous blistering exploits in the EFL’s top division.

The "fabulous" talent who could be a dream partner for Maja

Of course, as Fellows became more well-known for being a creative menace, the pressure significantly ramped up on his shoulders.

Consequently, the exciting Hawthorns prodigy would only pick up two goals and three assists across his last eight Championship appearances of the season. To add more context, it would only take Fellows three games right at the start of the season to reach the same assists tally.

This is where former Derby County ace Tom Lawrence could come to the rescue in lessening the burden on Fellows to solely create, with a recent report by TEAMtalk suggesting that Mason and Co. are keen to add the free agent to their ranks this summer, alongside competitors to his signature in Wrexham and Coventry City.

Maja will already be raring to go ahead of next season as he pushes his injury issues hopefully to one side.

But, if he knows he also has Lawrence as a potential teammate feeding him chances, alongside Fellows and many other stars at Mason’s disposal, the potent number 29 will be aiming for an even heavier goal return than the 12 he just managed.

Lawrence’s G/A numbers for Derby

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

21/22

39

11

5

20/21

23

3

2

19/20

40

10

5

18/19

38

7

5

17/18

42

6

8

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Whilst his celebrated stint with the Rams did see him score plenty of audacious strikes – as seen in his 37 goals from 185 appearances – the ex-Derby captain would also go on to amass a healthy 25 assists at Pride Park across five memorable campaigns.

More specifically, 22 big chances would be created on the end of the Wrexham-born forward across his five Championship seasons in Derbyshire, with the potential here for Lawrence to recapture this previous EFL best if he moves to West Brom shortly.

With a thunderous effort like this one up his sleeve also, the “fabulous” midfielder – as he was once labelled by ex-Rams boss Gary Rowett – could even compete with Maja at the top of the goalscoring charts, with Mason fancying his team’s chances at promotion even more if the free agent was to relocate to the Hawthorns.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 16, 2025

Both hit half-centuries as Birmingham recover from 7 for 3 to secure fourth successive win

ECB Reporters Network21-Jun-2024

Sam Hain and Jacob Bethell powered Birmingham Bears to the top of the Northern Group in the Vitality Blast as they defeated local rivals Worcestershire Rapids by five wickets at ‘Visit Worcestershire New Road.’Haine and Bethell joined forces with the Bears floundering at 7 for 3 in reply to Worcestershire’s 155 for 7. They both hit half-centuries and featured in a century partnership to guide Birmingham to a fourth successive win.Hain was dismissed with one run needed for 76 to end a stand of 148 – a record fourth-wicket partnership against Worcestershire in the competition, beating the 113 in 2014 by Durham’s Calum McLeod and Paul Collingwood at Chester-le-Street. But Bethell remained undefeated on 71 to see the Bears home with 2.1 overs to spare.The duo batted with great assurance and calm as Birmingham moved two points clear of previous leaders Lancashire with a sixth triumph of the summer.For Worcestershire it was their fifth successive setback of the campaign and their hopes of emulating last summer’s quarter-final spot have all but evaporated with six games remaining.Worcestershire produced another disjointed display with the bat and too many of their players contributed to their own downfall when appearing set.The Bears spinners, Danny Briggs, Jake Lintott and Dan Mousley, kept a tight grip on proceedings and had combined figures of 4 for 79 from their 12 overs.Adam Hose led the Rapids against his former club with captain Brett D’Oliveira ruled out with a recurrence of a shoulder problem.Batter Kashif Ali returned for the home side after taking a break from the game in place of Shoaib Bashir.The Bears brought in Michael Booth in place of pace bowler Richard Gleeson who suffered a side strain in last night’s win over Northamptonshire Steelbacks.Bears captain, Alex Davies, put the home side in to bat on a new hybrid pitch.Kashif struck Michael Booth for six over deep mid wicket but perished next ball attempting to repeat the shot.Ed Pollock went on the offensive against George Garton, striking him for a huge six backward of square and two boundaries in an over costing 14 runs.But Jake Lintott pulled off a superb one-handed catch at mid-off to dismiss Josh Cobb off Craig Miles.Ed Pollock then lofted Dan Mousley straight into the hands of mid on in the final over of the powerplay.Gareth Roderick swung Bethell over midwicket for six but then was bowled by a ball of full length from Danny Briggs.Briggs struck again as Hose departed to an excellent catch low down on the long-on boundary and Ethan Brookes fell in the same area off Bethell.Another attempted big hit, by Nathan Smith, led to his downfall at long-off – off Lintott – before some spirited late hitting from Rob Jones and Tom Taylor lifted the total.Worcestershire needed early wickets and Smith struck twice in two balls in the opening over of the Bears innings.Ed Barnard attempted to ramp the New Zealander and lobbed an easy catch to keeper Roderick and then a fine delivery bowled Mousley.It became 7 for 3 when Hayden Walsh held onto a low chance after Bears captain Alex Davies sliced a Taylor delivery to Hayden Walsh.But Hain, so often a thorn in Worcestershire’s side, unleashed a series of fine strokes as he and Bethell launched a recovery, initially rebuilding and then accelerating.It was Bethell who produced the power hitting and he brought up his fifty in three balls fewer than Hain – 37 – with the third of his three sixes.Hain and Chris Benjamin were dismissed in a late flurry by Tom Taylor before the Bears sealed victory.

Disciplined fielding and key run-out enables young team to claim 2-1 series win

ECB Reporters Network03-Jul-2024

England U19 268 for 9 (Benkenstein 102) beat Sri Lanka U19 260 (Weerasinghe 80, Perera 53) by four runs – DLSSkipper Luc Benkenstein’s century and a disciplined bowling performance helped England Men’s U19s clinch their three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka with a four-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis method in the decider at Hove.The Essex batter made 102 in England’s 268 for 9 in a contest reduced to 45 overs because of rain. In gloomy conditions Gayana Weerasinghe led Sri Lanka’s reply with a polished 80 off 76 balls and Mahith Perera’s half-century threatened to take his side to victory. But Perera was run out by Freddie McCann’s direct hit in the 43rd over and the Sri Lankan tail were left with too much to do.England had won the toss and Nottinghamshire’s McCann, who made 174 in Monday’s win on the same pitch, looked in the mood to make Sri Lanka pay when wicketkeeper Sharujan Shanmuganathan dropped a simple catch in the second over when he had yet to score. McCann took three boundaries in an over off Hivun Kenula but then gave off-spinner Vihas Thewmika a simple return catch in the eighth over.It was one of three wickets to fall before the rain arrived in the 16th over but when play resumed Benkenstein, who made 51 in the first match of the series at Chelmsford last Friday, and Essex team-mate Charlie Allison started to prosper.Benkenstein’s first 50 runs came off 69 balls and his partner was only slightly quicker (62 balls) to his half-century before both pressed the accelerator. Benkenstein needed just 29 more deliveries to reach his hundred, which included seven fours and five sixes, as he played aggressive shots on both sides of the wicket.Allison contributed an impressive 87 off 85 balls to a stand of 184 in 29 overs, with seven fours and two sixes, before he played on to Thewmika trying to hit him over mid-wicket in the 37th over. Benkenstein flayed a widish delivery from Dinura Kalupahana to deep backward point for 102 in the next over and England lost momentum.Sri Lanka’s bowlers dragged it back well in the closing overs, taking 6 for 44 in 7.2 overs with Thewmika finishing with 4 for 33. It left them needing 269 at 5.9 runs an over.England’s seamers chipped away when Sri Lanka replied. Harry Moore broke through by bowling Hiran Jayasundara through the gate and McCann picked up the first of two wickets with his off breaks when Pulindu Perera reverse-swept straight to gully.Debutant Alex Green had left-hander Shanmuganathan well caught by Allison, diving forward at deep mid-wicket, and when Noah Thain’s gentle away-swing accounted for captain Dinura Kalupahana with his first ball, Sri Lanka needed 144 in 21 overs.Weerasinghe and Mahith Perera kept them in the hunt, putting on 64 for the fifth wicket in nine overs, but England maintained a happy knack of striking when they needed to and Weerasinghe drove Dom Kelly’s slower ball to mid-off where Benkenstein held a good catch.Sri Lanka hopes now rested with the wristy Perera whose stand with Diniru Abeywickramasingha looked to be taking them over the line. But Abeywickramasingha mis-timed a scoop after they had added 46 for the seventh wicket and Perera (53 off 54 balls) was brilliantly run out by McCann’s direct hit from backward point as England held their nerve.

Leeds United have now submitted a £12m offer to sign an “unbelievable” player, with an agreement also being reached on personal terms, reliable reporter David Ornstein has revealed.

Leeds vying to sign new midfielders

Having missed out on Habib Diarra to fellow promoted side Sunderland, Leeds have been forced to move on to alternative central midfield targets, and it is looking increasingly likely that there could be multiple additions in the engine room.

Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach is of particular interest, with the Whites now growing more confident they will be able to complete a deal for the German, while they have also set their sights on several players who boast Premier League experience.

Newcastle United’s Joe Willock is one of the players on the shortlist, although Crystal Palace may have an advantage in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, given that he is believed to favour a move to the capital this summer.

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Consequently, Daniel Farke’s side have seemingly made little progress in their pursuit of Willock, but they are now stepping up their pursuit of a different Newcastle midfielder.

That is according to an update from Ornstein on X, with the reporter revealing that Leeds are “pushing to sign Sean Longstaff”, having recently submitted a £12m offer for his services.

The latest bid is believed to be “close to the limit” before the West Yorkshire outfit decide to move on to other targets, but they are yet to receive a reply from the Magpies.

With personal terms already “in place”, the deal could move quickly if the offer is accepted, with the Newcastle academy graduate keen for his boyhood club to receive a fee for his services, rather than losing him on a free transfer next summer.

"Unbelievable" Longstaff could be ideal signing for Leeds

The 27-year-old wouldn’t exactly be the flashiest of signings, but he could be the ideal addition to a Leeds squad looking to stabilise as a Premier League club, given his vast experience in the top flight.

During his time with the Magpies, the Englishman has chalked up a total of 171 Premier League appearances, while also being dubbed “unbelievable” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has also praised the Newcastle maestro for his work-rate and versatility: “He can play in a variety of midfield roles and it’s that ability to get the best out of Bruno (Guimaraes) in that Newcastle midfield. Bruno plays better when Sean Longstaff is behind him, in front of him or alongside him. He can run all day, he’s a great athlete.”

As such, Longstaff clearly has the quality to help Leeds survive in their first season back in the Premier League, and £12m seems like a reasonable fee for his services.

تستمر لجنة التخطيط بالنادي الأهلي في تحركاتها لاختيار مدير فني أجنبي جديد لقيادة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، بعد رحيل الإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو عن منصبه بسبب تراجع النتائج، وتكليف عماد النحاس بالمهمة بشكل مؤقت.

وبحسب ما كشفت عنه مصادر مطلعة داخل النادي الأهلي لـ بطولات، فإن البرتغالي روي فيتوريا، المدير الفني السابق لمنتخب مصر، يعد أحد الأسماء البارزة المطروحة على مائدة لجنة التخطيط خلال الفترة الحالية.

طالع أيضًا | خاص | تحذير شديد وعقوبة مؤجلة.. وليد صلاح الدين يُكشر عن أنيابه للاعب الأهلي

وأوضحت المصادر إن روي فيتوريا يحظى بتقدير كبير من مسؤولي النادي الأهلي نظرًا لخبرته بالكرة المصرية بعد أن سبق وتولى قيادة الفراعنة.

وكانت آخر محطات فيتوريا مع فريق باناثانايكوس اليوناني، الذي تولى تدريبه في أكتوبر الماضي، قبل أن يرحل عنه بعد الخسارة أمام كيفيسياس في الدوري المحلي بنتيجة 3-2.

وخلال تجربته مع الفريق اليوناني، قاد فيتوريا باناثانايكوس في 43 مباراة، حقق خلالها 23 انتصارًا، وتعادل في 9 مباريات، بينما خسر 11 مواجهة.

وفي سياق آخر، يستعد الأهلي لمواجهة سيراميكا كليوباترا يوم الجمعة 19 سبتمبر، ضمن منافسات الجولة السابعة من المسابقة المحلية، في مباراة يبحث خلالها الفريق عن استعادة الانتصارات وتصحيح مساره المحلي بعد بداية متعثرة.