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A West Ham United mainstay is now being targeted in a "surprise" transfer plan, with one 2023/2024 title-winning team considering opening imminent talks to sign the player.

West Ham's summer transfer window detailed with more deals still possible

With the UK summer transfer window closed, Julen Lopetegui will be pretty happy over how the Irons backed him – as nine major signings arrived for around £120 million in total.

West Ham offer once £110,000-a-week Egan alternative a two-year contract

The east Londoners are in the market for free agent centre-backs.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 6, 2024

Centre-back Max Kilman, winger Crysencio Summerville, centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, forward Niclas Fullkrug, Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, midfielder Guido Rodriguez, backup goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and midfielder Carlos Soler put pen to paper on moves to the London Stadium, with technical director Tim Steidten bolstering an array of positions.

Many players also departed West Ham, freeing up squad space and balancing the books, with Nayef Aguerd, Maxwel Cornet and James Ward-Prowse all sealing last-minute loan moves on deadline day.

West Ham summer signings	From	Fee (Transfermarkt)
Max Kilman	Wolves	€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville	Leeds United	€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug	Borussia Dortmund	€27m
Luis Guilherme	Palmeiras	€23m
Mohamadou Kante	Paris FC	Undisclosed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka	Man Utd	€18m
Wes Foderingham	Sheffield United	Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez	Real Betis	Free transfer
Jean-Clair Todibo	Nice	Loan transfer
Carlos Soler	PSG	Loan transfer
West Ham summer departures	To	Fee (Transfermarkt)
Flynn Downes	Southampton	€17.85m
James Ward-Prowse	Nottingham Forest	Loan
Maxwel Cornet	Southampton	Loan
Nayef Aguerd	Real Sociedad	Loan
Said Benrahma	Lyon	€14.4m
Angelo Ogbonna	Watford	Free transfer
Thilo Kehrer	Monaco	€11m
Nathan Trott	FC Copenhagen	€1.5m
Ben Johnson	Ipswich Town	Free transfer
Joseph Anang	St. Patrick's Athletic	Free transfer

There is also a chance West Ham could conduct further business beyond the window, as the free agent market is still viable for them until the Premier League squad submission deadline this Friday.

Ex-Sheffield United defender John Egan has held talks to join Lopetegui on a free deal, while CaughtOffside claimed last week that former Liverpool defender Joel Matip received a two-year contract offer from West Ham.

There is also the matter of the Turkish transfer window, which remains open until Friday, so West Ham could theoretically agree more exits.

Galatasaray hatch "surprise" plan to sign West Ham star Emerson

According to Sabah, Super Lig champions Galatasaray have West Ham defender Emerson Palmieri on their list heading into their deadline day.

The former Chelsea defender, who is apparently valued at around £10 million, has started all three of Lopetegui's opening league games in charge of West Ham, but the Turkish giants could look to tempt him abroad.

Sabah claim that Galatasaray are hatching a "surprise" plan to move for West Ham's Emerson, and they're considering opening imminent talks with just 48 hours to go until their window shuts.

Okan Buruk is after a new left-back, with Galatasaray also eyeing Tottenham defender Ben Davies for the role, according to other reports.

“Emerson is a very good player, a top player," said teammate Lucas Paqueta on the Italian's ability.

"I’m very happy to play with him because he understands me and he knows me and when I have the ball I understand him. It’s so easy to play with him and I’m so happy."

West Ham United failed with a late offer to sign a "sensational" former Julen Lopetegui star pre-deadline, with the Hammers otherwise enjoying a very busy transfer window and perhaps their best of this decade.

West Ham spend £120 million on 9 signings this summer

In what was a real statement of intent for Lopetegui's debut campaign, and a major rebuild, West Ham signed nine senior players and spent £120 million over what was a hectic few months at the London Stadium.

West Ham have already hit gold on amazing star who's worth more than Soler

West Ham have enjoyed plenty of success in the transfer window this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Aug 31, 2024

Lopetegui saw centre-back Max Kilman, winger Crysencio Summerville, centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, forward Niclas Fullkrug, Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, midfielder Guido Rodriguez, backup goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and midfielder Carlos Soler join the east Londoners, with many players also going out the other way.

Over the course of deadline day, Nayef Aguerd, Maxwel Cornet, James Ward-Prowse departed West Ham on season-long loan deals. Aguerd made a temporary switch to Real Sociedad, while both Cornet and Ward-Prowse signed for Southampton and Nottingham Forest respectively.

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Undisclosed

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

Carlos Soler

PSG

Loan transfer

Flynn Downes

Southampton

€17.85m

James Ward-Prowse

Forest

Loan

Maxwel Cornet

Southampton

Loan

Nayef Aguerd

Real Sociedad

Loan

Said Benrahma

Lyon

€14.4m

Angelo Ogbonna

Watford

Free transfer

Thilo Kehrer

Monaco

€11m

Nathan Trott

FC Copenhagen

€1.5m

Ben Johnson

Ipswich Town

Free transfer

Joseph Anang

St. Patrick's Athletic

Free transfer

Lopetegui and Steidten's major squad shake-up is now over, though, with the August 30 deadline now passed as the former looks ahead to what will be a very interesting Premier League season in the dugout.

West Ham were also linked with a deadline day swoop for Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea, but that didn't come to fruition. As well as Chukwuemeka, the Irons registered a late interest in ex-Lopetegui man Lucas Ocampos.

West Ham failed with late offer for Ocampos after opening talks

The Argentine, who ended up staying at Sevilla despite late interest elsewhere from Mexican outfit Monterrey, played under Lopetegui during their time together in southern Spain, and it is believed the West Ham boss wanted a reunion with him in east London.

According to TYC Sports reporter German Garcia Grova, West Ham opened talks to sign Ocampos and made a proposal to the 30-year-old, but it didn't come to fruition despite their best efforts.

Ocampos, who has scored 44 goals and registered 22 assists in 208 appearances for Sevilla across all competitions, has been called "sensational" for his contribution there by members of the Spanish media.

He would've provided both experience and versatility given his ability to play on the right and left, but Lopetegui may not be too disheartened after a very productive last few months of incomings.

With a deal reportedly agreed to sign Mikel Merino, Arsenal have turned their attention towards another reinforcement for Mikel Arteta's side, even preparing an offer to secure his signature, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal transfer news

The Gunners were in no position to panic heading into this summer's transfer window. Coming off the back of two consecutive Premier League title races, Arsenal needed to fine-tune their current squad rather than overhaul Arteta's side like they have needed to do in the past.

Report: Arsenal make £40m+ player-plus-cash offer to sign 26 y/o forward

The versatile forward could provide cover across the Arsenal frontline.

1 ByBen Browning Aug 23, 2024

The aim in recent months has, like in the last two years, been welcoming those who would help close the gap on Manchester City. And as Arsenal attempt to make it a third time lucky up against Pep Guardiola's winning machine, that gap is arguably smaller than ever.

Arrivals such as Calafiori will undoubtedly play a part, as will the pending arrival of Merino. The Real Sociedad midfielder is reportedly set to complete a move to The Emirates in a package worth €37m (£31m) ahead of transfer deadline day.

The Spaniard may not be the only arrival from La Liga, however. According to Romano, Arsenal are now preparing an offer to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol this month, having already agreed personal terms with the goalkeeper.

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column via GiveMeSport: “Arsenal already have an agreement with Joan Garcia to replace Ramsdale if he leaves. The Espanyol goalkeeper, 23, won the Olympics final with Spain this summer, and he has an agreement on a contract with Arsenal.

“Now it’s down to a club-to-club agreement, but that’s not going to be a problem from what I’m hearing, so when Ramsdale leaves, they will be ready with an official bid for Garcia, this is the idea.”

"Raya 2.0" Garcia would replace Ramsdale

Of course, the reason that Arsenal have turned to Garcia this summer is because Aaron Ramsdale is likely to leave before the window slams shut amid interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Opening the door for Garcia, Arsenal may be left paying his reported £26m release clause in the coming days to secure a shot-stopper dubbed "Raya 2.0" by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Saves

2.36

1.41

1.50

Save Percentage

82.5%

68.1%

64.3%

Pass Completion Rate

74.3%

74.9%

69.7%

Minutes

1,260

2,880

540

It's easy to see where Mattinson got his comparison from, with Garcia's pass accuracy incredibly similar to Raya, which is where Ramsdale crucially fails to replicate the Spaniard.

At just 23 years old too, the Spaniard arrives as an Olympic gold medalist, having helped his side defeat France in the final at the Paris Olympics this summer. Now, it's Premier League gold that he could find himself gunning for this season.

Surrey 191 for 4 Burns 55) vs SomersetOn the sort of surface which might convince an opening batsman – or a spinner – they should give it all up and become a plumber, Rory Burns made his fifth half-century in seven innings and fourth in succession. Nobody in the land has reached 50 more often this season.But these are uncertain times for Burns. He lost his England place in India and is far from certain to win it back in the New Zealand series. With Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley seemingly assured of their places in the top three, Burns’ involvement may depend on where England decide to play James Bracey, who they appear to see as a utility player capable of fulfilling a role in the top and middle-order. In that light, Dan Lawrence’s eye-catching century for Essex might not be great news for Burns.But, at his best, Burns’ batting has a phlegmatic quality that rises above such concerns. His maiden Test century, made against Australia in Birmingham, was in many ways a masterclass of mental strength overcoming every challenge. He was dropped often and beaten frequently but not for a moment did he lose his composure.It was similar here. With damp conditions denying any chance of play before 2pm on the second day, this pitch had been under cover for a long time before Somerset’s bowlers took first use of it. Inevitably, the ball nipped around and edges were beaten.But apart from one occasion, when Burns followed one he could have left, he refused to be drawn into pushing at the ball and was able to put any play-and-miss behind him. Eventually, as the ball softened and the bowlers tired, more poor balls were his reward. He failed to fully capitalise on his start but in terms of the basics of opening the batting, he looked in fine order.Related

• Jack Leaning scores century, but a once-promising contest drifts out to sea

• Kiran Carlson shines amid the showers as soggy draw ensues

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• Keith Barker, Kyle Abbott too good for flatlining Middlesex as Hampshire surge to victory

• Joe Root's clock stops on 99 – just as predicted

He would have been relieved to hear that Somerset had rested Craig Overton. Overton bowled 40 overs in the second innings of Somerset’s win over Hampshire last week and has already clocked over 200 this season already; heaven knows he has earned his break. But, with three five-wicket hauls in his last three Championship matches, his absence leaves quite a hole in this attack. Jason Kerr, the Somerset head coach, later confirmed the decision had been taken in collaboration with the England management. If Overton does win an England chance in the coming weeks, Somerset want him in the best possible shape to seize it.Perhaps more of a surprise was the absence of Jack Leach. He, too, was rested, though having bowled only 129.5 overs this season, this was more with a view to the challenges ahead; Leach has spent a long time in bubbles and there is more of the same to come. Perhaps the lush green surface persuaded Somerset that he would be surplus to requirements anyway. There wasn’t an over of spin in the day.Somerset were also without Steve Davies, who was absent to undergo a minor medical procedure. That left Tom Banton as designated keeper for the first time in first-class cricket.As it was, having beaten the bat regularly but without fortune in the first hour, Somerset’s control slipped. Burns, having weathered the storm, was able to accumulate neatly off his legs and drove a couple sweetly through the off-side when the bowlers over-pitched. Kerr later conceded that he found the performance “a bit frustrating”.”We haven’t quite capitalised on a surface which had been under cover for two days,” he said. “We didn’t ask the batsmen questions often enough.”Indeed, Somerset might consider themselves a bit fortunate with a couple of the wickets. Hashim Amla, who was starting to look ominously sound, pulled a long-hop to the long-leg fence – it provided Lewis Gregory with his 300th first-class wicket – and, after a couple of typically elegant cover drives, Ollie Pope top-edged an attempted pull shot from a ball that was too full for the stroke.Burns was, perhaps, a little unlucky. In attempting to defend a good-length delivery, he saw the ball bounce off the face of the bat and roll back onto the stumps. His consistency is impressive, certainly, but he will know that it is centuries, not half-centuries, that force selectors to take notice.”In those conditions, we have a decent score,” Surrey head coach, Vikram Solanki, said. “We needed a bit of luck early on, with playing and missing, but that is always going to be the case on that sort of pitch. I thought both Rory Burns and Mark Stoneman played well to overcome the new ball.”With the forecast grim, there is every chance that none of this will count for much. But if progress in the weeks ahead is decided by a point here or there, perhaps Somerset will reflect on this match and rue a squandered bowling point which they probably should have been able to claim.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Grêmio colecionou mais uma derrota no Campeonato Brasileiro. No Mineirão, o time gaúcho encarou o Atlético-MG, mas acabou superado por 2 a 1.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

O resultado fora de casa deixou o Tricolor afundado na zona de rebaixamento e cada vez mais perto de atuar na Série B 2022.

Vagner Mancini

Em sua quarta partida no comando da equipe, o treinador gostou da postura da equipe ao longo do jogo, apesar do placar negativo.

‘Importante que o desempenho foi bem superior ao que a gente tinha visto até então. O Grêmio começa a ter a cara daquilo que quero. Time agressivo, que marque alto, marcação mais pressão para que a gente jogue também com um pouco de contra-ataque e transição. Falta alguma coisa? Falta. Obviamente vamos tentar o mais rápido ajustar aquilo que vimos de errado, mas o comportamento hoje (quarta) foi bem diferente’, comentou.

Calendário

Com apenas 26 pontos conquistados, o Grêmio aparece na penúltima colocação do Campeonato Brasileiro. O próximo jogo é sábado, diante do Internacional, no Beira-Rio.

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Liverpool lost 1-0 to Preston North End in the first pre-season match of the Arne Slot era. This was met with dismay from certain sections of the fanbase but such a clash must be taken with a pinch of salt.

Slot is pumping his style into the Anfield first team and is starting to piece together a unit that will be expected to compete at the upper end of the Premier League and Champions League.

While no signings have been made yet, sporting director Richard Hughes has stressed that incomings will arrive, though likely toward the end of the window, when a more tangible idea of which area needs attention is painted.

That said, FSG are always keen to secure a bargain and could yet launch a move for one of the 2024 European Championship's standout performers.

Liverpool eyeing Euro 2024 star

According to Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool are displaying strong interest in RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo, with the Spain international holding a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract.

Admittedly, that clause expires today (20/07/24), but with Bayern Munich also sniffing around, Leipzig are not against doing business for an affordable fee. Liverpool just need to ensure they advance their intrigue into something more concrete.

Why Liverpool should sign Dani Olmo

Liverpool have a good relationship with RB Leipzig, having signed Ibrahima Konate from the German Bundesliga outfit in 2021 and returning last summer to land Dominik Szoboszlai.

Arriving after his £60m release clause was met, Szoboszlai's first year on Merseyside ebbed and flowed but he did more than enough to demonstrate his high-level quality, ranking among the top 4% of Premier League midfielders last season for shot-creating actions, the top 17% for passes attempted and progressive passes and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

But the Hungary captain fizzled out, benched for five of the Reds' final six Premier League matches of 2023/24, and while Slot's 4-2-3-1 system could suit him better than the industrious, central position he operated in Jurgen Klopp's engine room, Olmo would provide the perfect competition.

Left winger

15

2

4

Right winger

6

5

1

Attacking midfield

4

1

0

Increasing the dynamism, Olmo can play centrally but was most often found on the flanks under Marco Rose's wing last season, suggesting that the former teammates could actually unite on the field with regularity next season, with Szoboszlai's energy and creativity enriching the "magic" – as he was described as by talent scout Jacek Kulig – Spaniard's fleet-footed silkiness.

Progressive and deadly from the wing, Olmo spent much of last season battling injury but still notched some impressive numbers, creating eight big chances in the Bundesliga despite starting only 17 times.

The 26-year-old's incisiveness could be exactly what Liverpool need next term, and Slot must repeat a trick in signing another of Leipzig's prized attacking talents to add to his growing cause on Merseyside.

Another Yoro situation: Liverpool must push ahead for £63m "warrior"

He might just fall into another outfit’s clutches this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 20, 2024

Chelsea are now hoping they can sweeten a deal for one £70 million defender by including Trevoh Chalobah, with Enzo Maresca's side tipped to bring in another senior centre-back after Tosin Adarabioyo.

Chelsea expected to bring in another centre-back

The signing of Tosin will work wonders to help fill the void left by Thiago Silva, who re-joined boyhood club Fluminense in Brazil following the expiry of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea chiefs have spoken about signing "tough" £50 million rival striker

Alan Shearer rates him very highly.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 12, 2024

Silva proved himself a mainstay at the heart of Chelsea's backline and his contract was extended multiple times, after originally only joining on a one-year deal from PSG after leaving the Parc des Princes for free.

"Chelsea means a lot to me," said Silva in an emotional goodbye to supporters. "I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.

"My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.

"I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here But…it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you."

His influence and experience will be difficult to replicate, and it is believed Chelsea remain in the market for another central defender, regardless of their move to bring in former Man City starlet Tosin.

Chelsea 5-0 West Ham

8.17

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

7.53

Chelsea 6-0 Everton

7.48

Sheffield United 2-2 Chelsea

7.48

Chelsea 3-2 Brighton

7.46

This has been backed by Fabrizio Romano, who claimed earlier in the window that Chelsea could sign multiple centre-backs in their bid to reinforce Maresca's options.

Chelsea were even contending with Arsenal to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna recently, but another option to the Italy starlet could be Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.

Chelsea hope to use Trevoh Chalobah in deal for Murillo

According to information relayed by GiveMeSport, Chelsea have asked about Murillo and hope to use Chalobah to sweeten a deal for him.

Other reports claim the Brazilian could cost around £70 million to prise away from the City Ground, as Nuno Espirito Santo's side dig their heels in and ask for the highest rate possible.

Murillo was a mainstay of Forest's backline last season, starting 32 Premier League games and impressing in that time as his side narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship.

Forest could also be under pressure to sell for PSR reasons, so the 22-year-old's departure will be one to watch over the coming weeks.

Aston Villa have made a number of new signings during this summer transfer window already, as Unai Emery goes about strengthening his side all over the pitch, ahead of some daunting Champions League clashes to come.

The decorated Spaniard has signed off on the likes of Ian Maatsen, Samuel Illing-Junior, Jaden Philogene-Bidace and more to arrive through the revolving door at Villa Park, whilst also sanctioning Douglas Luiz's exit alongside the now-expected departure of Moussa Diaby.

Ross Barkley is also another name Emery has taken a shining to this busy transfer window, with the now former Luton Town midfielder rebuilding his damaged career at Kenilworth Road, before relocating to his new surroundings in the West Midlands.

The ex-Arsenal manager could also be tempted into bringing in this fellow midfielder who is in need of breathing life back into his stuttering playing days too, who has struggled himself playing in North London.

Villa looking at audacious swap deal

According to SyC Sports on social media, an audacious swap deal is being negotiated between Villa and Tottenham Hotspur regarding Jacob Ramsey moving onto Ange Postecoglou's outfit, whilst Giovani Lo Celso moves to Villa Park to test himself under Emery again.

Previously playing under the 52-year-old at Villarreal and at Paris St. Germain, this could be a switch that reignites his faltering career, having struggled to perform consistently in England to date.

He could see this move as a way to prove doubters wrong at Spurs in a new environment, with SyC Sports reporting that the swap deal will also involve an exchange of £19m in order to things get over the line.

Linking up potentially with fellow Argentine compatriots Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia if the move comes to fruition, Villa's midfield could be stacked full of top talents ahead of the new Premier League season to come, with Barkley and Lo Celso front and centre of the new-look central positions.

What Lo Celso can offer Villa

Lo Celso, at the very start of his up-and-down time in North London, showed to everyone why Spurs eventually splashed out £27.2m to land the South American permanently, as can be seen watching the clips above.

However, despite early signs of promise, he has struggled to be a consistent, week in week out performer in North London across his now four-year span at the club, with only 22 top-flight games handed his way last campaign by Postecoglou.

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Villarreal

51

3

4

PSG

54

6

9

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Lo Celso's on-the-fringes presence in North London has even seen him be chucked out on loan, where he linked back up with Emery in Spain, with three goals and four assists managed from 51 games.

Under Emery when the pair were together in France too, Lo Celso also performed far better than his lacklustre Spurs days to date, with six goals and nine assists from 54 contests when played either as a standard central midfielder or further forward in a more attack-oriented role.

Postecoglou has even described Lo Celso as "fantastic" from the hot seat in North London, but it could be time for Lo Celso to link back up with his former manager for a staggering third time, who could make Villa forget all about Luiz being missing alongside fellow midfielder Barkley.

The new Villa signing will operate in a very similar fashion to his new potential Argentine teammate in the West Midlands, with five goals and four assists managed last campaign, but grit is also present in the ex-Everton man's game to play in a deep role if necessary, having averaged 6.1 duels won on average last season for the Hatters in the top-flight.

With that in mind, this could be a beautifully technical duo to behold in the centre of the park, potentially pairing the likes of tough-tackling John McGinn and Amadou Onana.

There's no guarantee that either Barkley or Lo Celso are going to be rip-roaring success stories, looking at their rather topsy-turvy career paths, but Emery will relish the challenge of getting more out of both of them next campaign.

Imagine him & Watkins: Aston Villa looking at £50m Williams alternative

There’s a realistic chance that he signs for the Villa Park side this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 21, 2024

Mumbai Indians bowling coach says no one wants to play the defending champions because of their aura

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2020Having already beaten the Delhi Capitals in the two matches they have played this IPL, the Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond is “completely confident” of winning Qualifier 1 on Thursday, which will put the defending champions directly in the final. Bond talked up the four-time winners and group-stage toppers further, saying that no rivals want to take on the Mumbai Indians because they will “do some damage” both with the ball and with the bat.Having become the first team to qualify for the playoffs, the Mumbai Indians rested their strike bowling pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, along with Hardik Pandya, who has not featured in the last two matches, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last league game. They lost, allowing the Sunrisers to become the fourth team to qualify for the playoffs.Bond admitted that Mumbai “did not play well” and were “not as accurate as what we needed to be”, but was not too bothered by the defeat. “We’ve played brilliantly all season,” he said. “I’ve been here a couple of times, where we have been in SRH’s position, and lost in 2016 and 2018. And we know the stresses of having to win those games when the playoff race is tight.

We’ve got as good a batting line-up as anyone’s in the tournament, and our bowling line-up’s as good as anyone’s in the tournament. We are a team that no one really wants to play, because they know that if we play well we can do some damageShane Bond

“Last year and this year, we have played beautifully. We have qualified well in advance, which always takes the pressure off. So to be in a position to be able to rest players is a real bonus for us.”We know that if we turn up with the attitude I know we will and the talent and the quality that we’ve got, and we execute our gameplan, we are always very, very tough to beat. So, I go into this game (against the Capitals) completely confident that we’re going to win it.”Qualifier 1 will be played in Dubai, where the two teams have had mixed fortunes. The Mumbai Indians have lost two out of the three matches at the venue, with both defeats coming in Super Overs. The Capitals have played seven matches in Dubai, losing three of them while winning four, including once in a Super Over.Jasprit Bumrah celebrates after taking a wicket•BCCIOne of those defeats for the Capitals, on October 31, came against the Mumbai Indians, where Boult and Bumrah shattered the opposition with three wickets each in a one-sided contest. In the first fixture, though, the Capitals took the games deep, but they still lost by five wickets with two balls to spare. That victory was set up by the Mumbai Indians top order of Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav, who both made 53s, followed by a powerful cameo from Ishan Kishan, who blasted 28 from 15 balls to wrap up the chase.Those three have remained Mumbai’s best batsmen and their success has made up the absence of Rohit Sharma, who had to sit out four matches with a hamstring injury before returning against the Sunrisers.Bond said he was happy vice-captain Kieron Pollard had managed to get enough batting time against the Sunrisers, which would keep the team in good stead in the playoffs.”When our top order is scoring runs, we are scoring big runs. So, look, the bonus from the batting point of view was that Kieron Pollard got to face 20 balls and whacked it, so that puts him in great shape for the finals, because he hasn’t had too much batting,” he said. “So, in terms of that, it’s worked out pretty good. And look, we’ve got as good a batting line-up as anyone’s in the tournament, and our bowling line-up’s as good as anyone’s in the tournament. We are a team that no one really wants to play, because they know that if we play well we can do some damage.”We move into the finals now, where we have a whole lot of players who have experienced winning the tournament, they know how to win, we have won tight games, so we go in there with that behind us and that makes a huge difference.”

After their promotion to the Premier League, Ipswich Town have jumped at the opportunity to spend like the big boys as they look set to open their chequebook during the summer window.

Tractor Boys splash the cash on top targets

Whilst Ipswich's best piece of business likely came when they convinced Kieran McKenna to stay at Portman Road, the Tractor Boys have gone on to announce themselves on the top flight stage with a number of big signings.

Ipswich could drop Morsy by signing "monstrous" £15m gem

Kieran McKenna could shake up his Ipswich Town starting line-up with this summer buy.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 2, 2024

The big news out of East Anglia in recent days has been the return of Omari Hutchinson. The 20-year-old winger spent last season on loan at Ipswich, contributing 10 goals and 6 assists in 44 games for the Tractor Boys. His exploits during this time earned the winger a £18 million permanent move this summer, breaking Ipswich's record transfer fee.

Another player who has made the move to Portman Road is free agent Ben Johnson. The Englishman left West Ham upon the expiration of his contract last month, allowing Ipswich to sign the versatile young defender without needing to spend a penny.

A new name between the sticks is also on McKenna's target list with Brighton's Carl Rushworth rumoured to be moving to Portman Road this window. The England youth keeper kept 10 clean sheets in the league last season while on loan at Swansea City.

Whilst a number of Ipswich's deals look close to completion, the Tractor Boys have launched an aggressive campaign to land their most ambitious swoop yet.

Ipswich plot swoop for £30 million duo

As reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Ipswich Town have submitted a £30 million-plus double bid for Hull City duo Jacob Greaves and Jaden Philogene.

This audacious bid by the Premier League new boys comes off the back of Ipswich showing individual interest in both players with this development the first time that McKenna's men have launched an official bid for either of them.

Despite operating at opposite ends of the pitch, the pair have stood out as two of the Tigers' top perfomers, both earning their fair share of plaudits as Hull finished 7th in the Championship last season.

Philogene only joined the Tigers last summer in a £5 million move from Aston Villa. Since touching down in East Yorkshire the winger has been electric, contributing 12 goals and 6 assists throughout the course of the last campaign.

In a similar vein, Greaves has been a colossus at the heart of the Tigers' defence. Aged just 23, the defender already has 212 senior appearances to his name as the left-footed centre back has established himself as a fan favourite at his hometown club.

Whilst the news of the bid suggests genuine interest from Ipswich, there is a feeling that this offer is below the stars' combined worth. Hull owner Acun Ilicali has previously stated that he wants £25million for Philogene alone with Greaves also likely to command a fee just below this figure.

Despite Ipswich's bid falling short of the Hull owner's estimations, Ilicali has previously said that he will not stand in the way of players who want to leave, perhaps opening the door for the Tractor Boys to agree a deal.