Leeds United were given a very timely reminder of how easy it can be to get recruitment wrong at Premier League level when they sanctioned a loan exit for Max Wober this month.

The central defender has been sent out on loan to Werder Bremen for next season, having been deemed not to be good enough to play a key role for Daniel Farke next term.

Wober was initially signed by Victor Orta for £11m from Salzburg in January 2023 whilst Leeds were in the Premier League, but he was unable to prevent the team from being relegated.

The Whites have already added Lukas Nmecha, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Jaka Bijol to the squad that is hoping to avoid the drop next term, but there is still plenty more work to be done before the window slams shut.

Here’s what Leeds United’s dream squad could look like if everything goes according to plan this summer.

The goalkeepers A new number one

Leeds know that they need to recruit a new first-choice goalkeeper to line up between the sticks for them next season, because Illan Meslier is not going to cut it.

The French goalkeeper made three errors that directly led to goals and conceded 2.73 more goals than expected, based on the xG against him, in the Championship last term.

This does not suggest that Meslier is likely to be good enough to make the step up to the top tier again, which is why Leeds should cash in on him amid interest from Fenerbahce.

Leeds have reportedly made contact over a deal to sign goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who has a £19m release clause, from Torino this month, and he would arrive as the new number one in an ideal world.

Appearances

39

37

Save percentage

71%

76%

Penalties committed

1/4

4/7

Goals prevented

-2.73

+10.56

Pass accuracy in own half

93%

93%

Error led to goal

3

1

As you can see in the table above, the Serbia international could come in as a gigantic upgrade on Meslier, as both a reliable goalkeeper who does not make many errors, and as a shot-stopper.

Full list of goalkeepers: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns

The defence A whole new left side for Leeds

The last six teams that have been promoted from the Premier League have been relegated at the first attempt, which suggests that it is likely that the Whites will have a busy defence next season as they bid to avoid joining that statistic.

Leeds did only concede 30 goals in 46 matches in the Championship, despite Meslier’s dire form, which may be why Jayden Bogle could stay as the first-choice right-back, and Sam Byram has penned a new deal to provide depth at right-back and left-back when needed.

Farke has already bolstered his ranks at centre-back, though, with the arrivals of Jaka Bijol from Udinese for £15m and Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg for around £5m. They will now look to compete with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk for the two starting roles at the heart of the defence.

It is on the left side of the defence where it will be all change for Leeds, though, as they do not have any senior left-backs in the building following Junior Firpo’s exit.

Gabriel Gudmundsson has joined for a reported fee of £10m to replace Firpo, but the Whites have also been touted with interest in Slavia Prague’s £22m-rated Malick Diouf.

The Senegal international, who is only 20, could be a back-up to Gudmundsson initially, with the potential to explode as an exciting left-back option in the future, after he scored seven goals in 27 league games in Czechia last season.

Full list of centre-backs: Joe Rodon, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk

Full list of right-backs: Jayden Bogle, Sam Byram

Full list of left-backs: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Malick Diouf

The midfielders Farke reunites with former star

The midfield section of the squad is split into two profiles, with one group of midfielders to play in the double pivot of the 4-2-3-1 formation, and the other group as options for the number ten position.

In the first section, Farke currently has Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu, and Ilia Gruev to pick from, but they are reportedly looking to add to their options in that area of the pitch.

They are said to be interested in Hoffenheim giant Anton Stach, who is valued at £17m, after he started 29 matches in the Bundesliga for his club last season.

Possible signing Anton Stach

6 ft 4

Ilia Gruev

6 ft 1

Ethan Ampadu

6 ft

Ao Tanaka

5 ft 11

Brenden Aaronson

5 ft 10

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old German titan would bring some much-needed height and physicality to Farke’s options in the middle of the park.

In the number ten role, Leeds have been linked with an interest in Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia, who is valued at £20m, as a player who has worked with the manager before.

The Argentina international produced 24 goals and 41 assists in 121 appearances for the boss at Norwich, which suggests that he may offer more to Leeds at the top end of the pitch than Brenden Aaronson, who only managed nine goals and two assists in 46 league games last season.

Full list of central midfielders: Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev

Full list of attacking midfielders: Emiliano Buendia, Brenden Aaronson

The forwards Surprise move for huge Premier League flop

Lukas Nmecha, as a back-up striker, is the only attacking signing that Leeds have made to bolster Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch, but they are expected to be active in the forward areas.

They may already be content with what they have on the right flank, though, as Dan James has put pen to paper on a new contract at Elland Road, and they have Wilfried Gnonto in reserve, whilst Buendia is also capable of playing on the right flank.

There does look set to be a change through the middle for the Championship champions, though, as they are in the market to sign another striker on top of Nmecha.

Leeds are reportedly keen on a deal to bring Nikola Krstovic, who is valued at £21m, to Elland Road from Italian side Lecce, and he may be the best available option for the club to pursue.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

16 (20/21 Premier League)

Nikola Krstovic

11 (24/25 Serie A)

Rodrigo Muniz

9 (23/24 Premier League)

Evan Ferguson

6 (23/24 Premier League)

Josh Sargent

5 (20/21 Bundesliga)

As you can see in the table above, Krstovic has the most recent history of hitting double figures for goals among the club’s top centre-forward targets, as Calvert-Lewin’s best season came five years ago.

The Montenegro international has proven that he can score goals in a major European league and could come in to start in the number nine position, leaving Joel Piroe and Nmecha behind him as depth options for Farke, which could also see Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford seek game time elsewhere.

For the left flank, talks to bring Manor Solomon back on a permanent basis from Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stalled, which means that they may have to explore other options.

As an alternative to the Israel international, Leeds should make a surprise move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Fabio Silva, who was linked with a move to Yorkshire back in June.

Silva was a huge flop in the Premier League with Wolves, scoring four goals in 62 games after a £35.6m move from Porto, but his form on loan in LaLiga with Las Palmas last season suggests that he has developed since then.

The Portugal international, who was once described as a “generational” talent by scout Jacek Kulig, delivered ten goals and three assists in La Liga, playing off the left and through the middle as a versatile forward, which suggests that he could be a solid addition on the flank for Leeds at a reported fee of £21m.

That would leave Largie Ramazani, who managed six goals and two assists in seven league starts last term, as the back-up option on the left wing next season, and possibly force Jack Harrison out of the squad.

Full list of right wingers: Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto

Full list of centre-forwards: Nikola Krstovic, Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha

Full list of left wingers: Fabio Silva, Largie Ramazani

India captain also praises his fielders, saying some crucial catches hastened their push for victory in Kanpur

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-20242:35

Manjrekar: ‘This is the legacy Rohit Sharma will leave as captain’

India captain Rohit Sharma has credited his players for embracing the risk involved in forcing a result in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where there was no play for two days because of rain. Overall only 35 overs were bowled across the first three days, but despite that, India found a way to beat the weather, clock, and Bangladesh for a 2-0 series sweep, which extended their lead at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings.After India’s attack bowled Bangladesh out for 233 in the post-lunch session on day four, Rohit laid down the marker by launching the first two balls he faced for sixes. The other batters also bought into this approach, even if it mean that the result might go either way.”The bowlers came to the party first,” Rohit told . “They got the wickets that we needed, and then when we came inside, we had to take a little bit of risk to get a result. I know the result could have gone either way, but I was okay with it. So was the coach [Gautam Gambhir] and the other players as well because you have to be brave enough to take those decisions and go and play that way. When things fall in place, everything looks good. And that is where it can change quickly, when things doesn’t fall in place. Everybody would’ve started criticising the decision that we took and all of that but what matters is what we think inside this changing room. And that is what mattered. And that is what we went with in this game.”It was a clear plan that we want the result, how we can get the result. Everybody started finding answers for that. I think it was an exceptional series. It may go unnoticed.”Related

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Rohit Sharma and India earn their rewards for being brave

Under Rohit, India have adopted an aggressive approach across formats, even at World Cups, and it was no different in Kanpur, where WTC points were up for grabs. So, what does aggression mean to Rohit?”For me aggression is all about your actions,” he said. “It’s not about my reactions: the kind of batting we do, the kind of field positioning we do, the kind of bowling we do; that to me is aggression.”Look, without the help of the other ten players, and, obviously people who are sitting in the dressing room as well, this wouldn’t have been possible when we had lost two days, two-and-a-half days actually, it’s very easy for everyone to just drift away from the goal that we had of winning this test match. When we came here on the fourth day of the morning, first things first, they [Bangladesh] were batting and we needed to get them out. We needed seven wickets quickly, so I thought everything started there.”1:43

Decoding Yashasvi Jaiswal’s superb slip catch

Both as a batter and leader, Rohit has transformed India into prioritising winning over everything else. He said that his captaincy style is based around trusting his judgement and decisions.”When you are playing at such a high level, you need to have a bit of everything,” Rohit said. “You need to be calm, to think wisely. There are a lot of decisions that you have to take on the field. Not every decision will go your way, but you have to back it and use your experience, use your knowledge. So that is what I do. I, I’ve been there enough to trust my judgment that I do take on the field, the decisions that I take on the field, I trust on it. And then, then I go by it. There are players around me who are open to giving suggestions, but at the end of the day, I trust my mind and I trust my judgment, and that’s all that matters.”Rohit: Some crucial catches turned the gameRohit was also impressed with India’s fielding, especially their slip catching, during the home Test series against Bangladesh. It was Yashasvi Jaiswal who had set the tone on the first day in Kanpur, where he took a smart, low catch to dismiss Zakir Hasan for a duck. Then, in Bangladesh’s second innings, Jaiswal completed another sharp catch, this time at gully, to send back a well-set Shadman Islam for 50 and hasten India’s push for victory.”I was just informed out of the 24 catches that came our way, we took 23 of them, which is a great result especially in the slips,” Rohit said.”You don’t often see in India ball carrying through the slips. But the guys who were standing behind were so sharp and to take those catches, it may look easy on television, but it is not, trust me, because they are standing way ahead than they normally do. So all those catches that come the way, they are very hard to take those catches. The reaction time is very less, and I have seen it. They put everyone puts a lot of effort in getting those things right.”And the Dilip [T Dilip, fielding coach] obviously is helping with the players. Some crucial catches as well, which actually turned the game around.”

In just under a day, Arsenal will finally be back on our screens.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have already played one friendly behind closed doors, reportedly beating Watford 2-0, but they’ll kick off their pre-season proper with a game against AC Milan in Singapore tomorrow afternoon.

It’ll be the first chance fans get to see some of the club’s stars back in action, and how some of the new signings are looking ahead of a season in which they surely have to win the Premier League.

However, we have a feeling that the match might be somewhat overshadowed by reports of a new addition preparing for his medical, an addition who could well be Arsenal’s new Ian Wright.

Arsenal closing in on their new Ian Wright

Usually, a club known for moving slowly in the market and often not doing enough business, this summer has been a real breath of fresh air for Arsenal fans.

Transfer Focus

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

With still over a month to go until the window slams shut, the club has already announced the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Noni Madueke.

Add to that the reports that Cristhian Mosquera has now flown out to join the squad and the persistent links to Eberechi Eze, and this summer has the potential to be unprecedented for the North Londoners.

However, we’ve saved potentially the best news for last, as it looks like Andrea Berta and Co have finally secured the player fans have been clamouring for – someone who could be a modern-day Wright.

At least that is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who has confirmed that Arsenal have now reached “an agreement with Sporting for Viktor Gyökeres.”

Jacobs has revealed that the Gunners will pay a fixed fee of €63.5m, which is approximately £55m, and then add-ons of about €10m, which is approximately £9m.

Moreover, the Swedish international is now expected to undergo his medical “within 24 hours”, and he’s ready to board a flight to join up with the squad at their pre-season training camp in Singapore. That final slice of information comes courtesy of journalist Miguel Delaney.

It’s a significant amount of money to spend on one player, but Gyökeres’ record is undeniable, and he has the potential to become a new Wright.

Why Gyökeres could be Arsenal's new Wright

Okay, so we know this is really quite the statement to make, as while he retired long ago, Wright is a bona fide legend of Arsenal Football Club and someone who was one of the very best strikers in his day.

However, even though that is a lot of pressure to place on his shoulders so soon, there are some undeniable similarities between him and Gyökeres, and we do think the Swede could have a similar impact.

The first is that both players joined, or will be joining, the Gunners relatively late in their careers, which is unusual.

When he completed his move to Highbury in 1991, from Crystal Palace, the Englishman was 28 years old, and when the Sporting CP star finally puts pen to paper this week, he’ll be 27.

Moreover, we think the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, could follow in the 61-year-old’s footsteps because he’s more than proven himself to be an absurdly prolific goalscorer over the last two years.

For example, since moving to Lisbon in the summer of 2023, the former Coventry City star has scored 97 goals and provided 28 assists in 102 appearances, totalling 8417 minutes.

In other words, the outrageously dangerous forward has averaged 1.22 goal involvements per game for the last two seasons, or one every 67.33 minutes.

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

Now, while there is a chance that his exploits in front of goal don’t quite translate in English football, even if he can manage 50% of what he did in Portugal, we see no reason why he couldn’t end up matching Wright’s incredible record of 185 goals and 31 assists in 288 appearances.

Finally, both players are right-footed, so there is a very good chance we will see the Sporting ace replicating some of the goals the forward scored back in his day.

Ultimately, while it’s a bold prediction, we see no reason why Gyökeres couldn’t follow in Wright’s footsteps at Arsenal and become the prolific striker they’ve needed for years.

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Arsenal could seal their new Dennis Bergkamp this summer.

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وجه مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، برئاسة الكابتن حسين لبيب، رسالة شكر وتقدير لإدارة الكرة بالفريق الأول لكرة القدم، بقيادة جون إدوارد المدير الرياضي، وعبد الناصر محمد مدير الكرة، ويانيك فيريرا المدير الفني والجهاز الفني.

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة فريق الجونة، مساء غدًا الثلاثاء، في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن لقاءات الدوري المصري.

طالع | لاعب الزمالك يغيب عن مباراة الجونة في الدوري للإصابة

وجاء بيان مجلس إدارة الزمالك، قائلا: “يتوجه مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك برئاسة الكابتن حسين لبيب بالشكر لإدارة الكرة بالفريق الأول لكرة القدم  بقيادة جون إدوارد المدير الرياضي، وعبد الناصر محمد مدير الكرة ، ويانيك فيريرا المدير الفني وجهازه المعاون واللاعبين على الروح التي أظهرها الجميع منذ بداية الموسم”.

وأكمل: “تجلت هذه الروح في المواقف الصعبة التي يمر بها الزمالك لاسيما سحب أرض النادي بمدينة السادس من أكتوبر مما أثر على التدفقات المالية الخاصة بمنظومة كرة القدم”.

وواصل: “ويُقدر مجلس الإدارة نجاح جهاز الكرة في عزل الفريق عن هذه الأزمة، والتحلى بالعزيمة والإصرار من عناصر منظومة الكرة لتحقيق الهدف الذي تم وضعه منذ بداية الموسم وهو الدفاع عن شعار الزمالك بكل إخلاص مهما كانت التحديات والمعوقات”.

وأردف: “كما يُشيد مجلس إدارة الزمالك، باحترافية وإخلاص اللاعبين خلال الفترة الماضية وتحملهم الظروف التي يمر بها النادي، ويؤكد المجلس أن العمل جاري على حلها من خلال القنوات الشرعية وانهاء تلك الأزمة مطلع الشهر المقبل بصورة نهائية”.

وأتم: “ويطالب مجلس إدارة الزمالك الجهاز الفني واللاعبين بمواصلة العمل الجاد وبذل كل نقطة عرق من أجل القلعة البيضاء، لتحقيق طموحات جماهيره في كل مكان”.

Big Picture

After a T20 series where the view was longer-term to 2026, a number of big names were missing and the decider was washed out on a horrid day in Manchester, it feels like this upcoming five-match ODI series – yes, old-school and, yes, probably overkill – has a little more immediate relevance with an eye on next year’s Champions Trophy as some key multi-format players return.To highlight the shrinking relevance of bilateral ODIs, this is just the second series for both England and Australia since their contrasting World Cup campaigns last year: England lost 2-1 in West Indies last December while Australia beat the same opposition 3-0 in February. Quiz question: name the XIs these two teams put out in the final matches of those series (no cheating by clicking here and here).Related

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One significant player who won’t feature in these matches is Jos Buttler after a setback in the recovery from his calf injury. It means Harry Brook joins the list of England captains for the season, and it’s probably not insignificant given the feeling he is a genuine long-term option to lead the side. There will also be plenty of interest in how Jofra Archer goes in his first 50-over appearance in 18 months. It will be a significant increase in workload for him, although he will be carefully managed.Australia, meanwhile, have had an influx of senior names with Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc all part of the series. Alex Carey is also in the squad but, in ODIs, he is now Josh Inglis’ understudy after being dropped early in last year’s World Cup. Either way, the tour will include his return to Lord’s next week, the scene of a dramatic storyline in Carey’s career.Steven Smith was among those Australia players joining for the ODI leg•PA Photos/Getty Images

At the other end of the experience scale – you couldn’t actually go much further – is the call-up of quick bowler Mahli Beardman as a back-up player. With just one professional game under his belt it has certainly generated a talking point and, though he isn’t officially part of the squad yet, it wouldn’t take much more than some general soreness among the other fast bowlers for him to make a further step up.”He’s a ripping young kid,” Mitchell Marsh, a fellow West Australian, said. “For a 19-year-old he’s got a lot of talent, he showed that during the Under-19 World Cup. I think he’s going to learn a lot by being here. I’ve certainly faced him in the nets a few times. We’ve seen over the history of Australian cricket we’ve got a long list of guys who have been plucked, I guess, out of nowhere but Mahli is certainly extremely talented and bowls fast.”

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)
England LWLWW
Australia WWWWW

In the spotlight: Jofra Archer and Glenn Maxwell

The A-word will never be far away. So much of what England are doing at the moment is with an eye on the 2025-26 Ashes and the rehabilitation of Jofra Archer is at the top of that list. This match will be his first 50-over game – international or domestic – since March 2023 having until now been kept on a diet of T20 action in a carefully-managed return to action. That step-by-step approach will continue and there’s a chance he may not even bowl his full allocation of 10 overs, but it marks another significant step in Archer’s comeback and another stage towards what is hoped is an eventual return to Test cricket.Glenn Maxwell was rested for the series against West Indies earlier this year so hasn’t played an ODI since the World Cup final. After his horror leg injury in late 2022, the effects of which he still has to manage, he is another player who will be carefully handled by the selectors. At the age of 35 he’s one of those who may not be around come the next ODI World Cup in 2027, so the Champions Trophy could be a 50-over farewell for one of the most dynamic white-ball cricketers there has ever been.Jofra Archer’s previous ODI was in March 2023•AFP

Team news: Archer plays; opening question for Australia

Ben Duckett will open for the first time in his ODI career with stand-in captain Brook slotting in at No. 4. Jamie Smith has been confirmed as wicketkeeper and it is likely he would have done so even if Buttler had been fit. Archer will play the opening match of the series. Jacob Bethell is in line for a debut and the final decision would appear to be who goes at No. 6 with Liam Livingstone’s bowling likely to swing things his way to allow Brook to spread overs between him, Bethell and Will Jacks.England: (probable) 1 Ben Duckett, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Will Jacks, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Jamie Smith (wk), 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Jacob Bethell, 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Reece TopleyAustralia’s squad has been reportedly hit by a virus after captain Mitchell Marsh missed the second T20I with the illness. It may severely stretch their already thin squad for the first ODI with a number of senior players affected. As in T20s, Australia are searching for a long-term replacement for David Warner. Inglis and Jake Fraser-McGurk ended up there against West Indies after Travis Head was rested following the opening game so there are no shortage of options. Marsh has previously had success there, too, and if he goes in up top it potentially creates room for both Smith and Labuschagne. Inglis did not train much ahead of the opening match due to quad soreness so there may be a question mark over whether he plays. If so, Carey would come in.Australia: (possible) 1 Travis Head, 2 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 3 Steven Smith, 4 Cameron Green, 5 Marnus Labuschagne, 6 Josh Inglis/Alex Carey (wk), 7 Glenn Maxwell/Matthew Short, 8 Sean Abbott, 9 Mitchell Starc/Ben Dwarshuis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood/Aaron Hardie

Pitch and conditions

Trent Bridge can be a great place to bat in one-day cricket: since 2010 it has the highest average and strike-rate of all England and Wales venues. But the ball can also swing which gives the bowlers a chance. The sunny weather is set to hold on for at least the start of the series.

Stats and trivia

• Australia are on a 12-match winning streak in ODIs. A victory in Nottingham would put this side joint second with Sri Lanka, behind Australia’s own 21-match run in 2003.
• Adam Zampa will play his 100th ODI: since the 2020 tour of England he has taken 94 wickets at 21.71
• The last time the sides met in an ODI at Trent Bridge, England made a then world-record 481 for 6. It is one of only four times the teams have met in a one-dayer at this venue.

Quotes

“That’s a long way away yet. Personally, I’m just going to try and concentrate on each game and I’d probably urge everybody else to try and do that as well.”
“It’s certainly a busy schedule and there are times when we might have to manage guys through and playing five games in 10 days is certainly a big ask but we’ll manage that the best we can.”

Leeds United have now submitted a proposal for an “insane” forward, who is now keen on a move to Elland Road this summer, according to a report.

Leeds eyeing new forwards amid Joseph and Bamford uncertainty

Daniel Farke has now made it clear that Mateo Joseph has expressed a desire to move on this summer, with the manager saying: “With him the situation is quite clear. We really value and rate him – otherwise we wouldn’t have played him, especially in the beginning of the last successful campaign ahead of a golden boot winner in Joel Piroe and an experienced striker like Patrick Bamford.

“Nevertheless, he came to me and asked for a new challenge and would like to move. He has also hinted that he prefers a move to Spain due to his Spanish roots. That was his call.”

It is starting to look increasingly likely the striker will leave, given that Farke has no plans to stand in his way, and he is not the only Leeds centre-forward that could be on the move, with widespread reports suggesting Patrick Bamford’s time at Elland Road could be over.

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As a result, one of Farke’s main tasks will be to bring in a new striker this summer, but the manager is also keen on bringing in a new winger, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon recently re-entering the frame as a potential option.

Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao has also emerged as a target for the Whites, and there has now been a promising new update on their pursuit of the forward, with The Yorkshire Evening Post revealing he likes the idea of playing for Leeds in the Premier League.

The newly-promoted side have now submitted an official proposal to the representatives of Paixao, and his entourage were impressed by Leeds’ presentation, indicating that a deal could be possible.

In a further update, it has now been revealed the Whites have submitted a formal €35m (£30m) offer for the forward’s services, which is close to Feyenoord’s asking price.

"Insane" Paixao could be statement signing for Leeds

Having only just achieved promotion from the Championship, Farke’s side would be making a real statement if they were able to sign the 25-year-old, given the level of his performances for Feyenoord last season.

The Brazilian was the driving force behind his club recording a third-place finish in the Eredivisie, collecting 16 goals and 14 assists in 34 appearances, while also picking up seven goal contributions in 11 Champions League outings.

Scout Ben Mattinson has also likened the Eredivisie star to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, in light of his “insane” ball striking ability, and he is very impressive at dribbling in tight spaces.

It is clear that Paixao could make a real impact in Leeds’ battle for survival next season, so it is exciting news that a deal could very much be on the cards.

The trio hit 40s as South Africa chased down Pakistan’s 154-run target with nine balls to spare

Firdose Moonda20-Sep-2024South Africa capped off their Women’s T20 World Cup preparations with an eight-wicket win in the series decider against Pakistan, which was also their joint fifth-highest successful chase in T20Is.Chasing 154, Anneke Bosch retired four runs short of a fifth half-century in the format in extreme heat but had done enough to set up victory. Laura Wolvaardt’s 45 and Annerie Dercksen’s unbeaten 44 took South Africa to the target with nine balls to spare.In the first day game played in the series, Pakistan were on the field at the hottest time of the day and lacked intensity with ball in hand despite a good start. Muneeba Ali pulled off an excellent piece of wicket-keeping to stump Tazmin Brits with her foot just in the air, off Sadia Iqbal’s fourth delivery. The wicket was Sadia’s sixth, and made her the leading bowler in the series, but she lacked support.Diana Baig and Fatima Sana were ineffective on a slow surface, Nida Dar was expensive and though Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan were economical, South Africa could treat them with caution with runs coming off other bowlers.A highlight of South Africa’s chase was the batters’ use of their feet against spin, which has been a concern for them previously. Wolvaardt was characteristically strong down the ground while Bosch and Dercksen opened up scoring areas square of the wicket, leaving South Africa in a good place ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.Anneke Bosch set up South Africa’s chase with 46 before retiring hurt•PCBPakistan will feel in the opposite position after they squandered the opportunity to post a bigger total on the back of a strong start. Muneeba and Gull Feroza put on 49 in the powerplay, but they were separated in the next over. Gull chipped a return chance back to Sune Luus, who has been bowling offspin since the tour of India mid-year and took a sharp catch. Two overs later Muneeba was run out and Pakistan needed the middle-order to rebuild.Former captain Nida Dar became Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer in T20I cricket, and is now only behind Bismah Mahroof. She was given a lifeline when she was dropped on 10 by Nadine de Klerk at deep mid-wicket. But, Dar only added two runs to her score before making room to play for turn against Nonkululekho Mlaba and was bowled. Fatima Sana’s 17-ball 27 was the major contributor in a 46-run fourth-wicket stand with Sidra Amin and set Pakistan up for a strong finish but when she was dismissed, they struggled to add quick runs.Chloe Tryon’s left-arm spin proved particularly difficult to get away. She bowled the 16th and 19th over and gave away just 11 runs to finish with figures of 1 for 23 in four overs. Luus was South Africa’s most economical bowler and conceded just 18 runs in her four overs. Importantly for South Africa, their attack was able to keep Pakistan in check without Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, who were rested from the second and third matches of the series.Fielding remains a concern for both sides, but cost Pakistan more in the final match. They put down Dercksen on 7, which gave her the opportunity to finish the game. In total, according to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, nine catches were put down across the three matches and South Africa were guilty of six of those. Both teams will want to work on their judgement under the high ball ahead, especially with low lights, in Dubai.

Tottenham are being threatened with legal action by Nottingham Forest for their conduct over a potential deal for playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, and while Spurs are still hopeful they can strike a deal, it is wise for chairman Daniel Levy to weigh up alternatives.

Tottenham hold talks with £166k-a-week star as Yves Bissouma told to leave

The Mali international is facing his final summer in north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources claim that Gibbs-White to Spurs is still on, and the north Londoners are optimistic of concluding a deal for the England international soon amid a “tense” situation.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs midway through July, with a medical scheduled around nine days ago and Levy poised to trigger his £60 million release clause.

However, Forest then blocked his move to N17, citing what they deem to be an ‘unlawful’ approach for Gibbs-White with confidentiality around his clause allegedly breached and the Lilywhites accused of tapping up the player.

“Spurs have received communication asking them to cease contact with Gibbs-White,” said journalist Ben Jacobs.

“Forest declined to comment, but sources say the club believe Spurs tapped up Gibbs-White and could challenge the manner in which the £60m clause was learned of. The Premier League will now investigate leading to the deal being delayed.”

While there is still an expectation that Forest will eventually be powerless to stop Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham from going through, the length of this delay is still unknown, and Levy won’t want to spend too much time on this as pre-season gets underway.

Thomas Frank has already led Tottenham out for a friendly against Reading, and they’ll take on Luton Town next Saturday before a tour of Asia. Frank will ideally want as many summer deals as possible completed ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, and certainly before Spurs’ first Premier League game of the season at home to Burnley.

Xavi Simons begins talks over joining Tottenham via representatives

According to CaughtOffside, Spurs could now have an alternative to Gibbs-White in the form of RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons.

The Dutchman spent a year and a half on loan at Leipzig before signing for them permanently in January, but widespread reports indicate he’s now prepared to leave the Bundesliga side this summer – potentially for England.

It would take a minimum £56 million, plus add-ons, to prise Simons away from the Red Bull Arena before deadline day, with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen on the 22-year-old (Ben Jacobs).

However, they’re not the only London clubs who are contending for his services.

According to CaughtOffside, quoting one of their sources, Simons has “begun talks” over a potential move to Tottenham via his representatives, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.

There is also a word of caution, though, with insiders expressing concerns over the attacking midfielder’s attitude and professionalism behind-the-scenes. Since initially joining Leipzig on a temporary deal, Simons has managed a total of 21 goals and 23 assists in 76 outings, so there is little denying his quality, but Frank and Levy may have to tread carefully here.

Gibbs-White also boasts proven Premier League experience in comparison to Simons, even if the saga surrounding his future shows no sign of ending soon as things stand.

The start of Rangers’ competitive season is fast approaching.

In just ten nights’ time, the Gers will commence their Champions League campaign, entering in the second qualifying round, thereby needing to come through three ties to get into the group stages for only the second time since 2010.

So, before that massive tie, will Russell Martin add to his six summer signings?

Rangers looking to add a new winger

In an otherwise generally miserable campaign, Václav Černý starred for Rangers last season, scoring 18 goals in 52 appearances for the club, on target six times during their run to the Europa League quarter-finals, meaning only Bruno Fernandes, Kasper Waarst Høgh and Ayoub El Kaabi bettered his tally in the competition.

The problem though, is the fact that the Czechia international was only on loan from Wolfsburg, and will not be returning, leaving a rather large void in the squad, one that’ll require replacing.

Thus, according to a report by Sky Sports News, Rangers are ‘close to finalising a deal’ to sign Sheffield Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama.

Manager Martin stated that the deal is “all done at our end”, stating that he “fully expects” the move to be completed “very, very soon”, adding that Gassama provides something “different to what we’ve got”.

Transfer Focus

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

Andrew Newport of the Daily Record claims that the 21 year old will cost £2.5m, with controversial Owls’ owner Dejphon Chansiri ‘stalling’ in an attempt to create some sort of bidding war, thereby driving up the price, even though the EFL Championship side are ‘desperate to raise funds’ as they risk going into administration.

Nevertheless, this all suggests a deal will be finalised sooner rather than later.

How Djeidi Gassama will improve Rangers

Gassama first caught the eye playing for Paris Saint-Germain’s youth teams, scoring five goals in eight UEFA Youth League matches for les Rouge-et-Bleu in 2021/22, spending the following season out on loan at Belgian club Eupen, before making a surprise move to Sheffield Wednesday two summers ago.

The French youth international scored just 12 goals and registered four assists in 84 appearances for the Owls, but his performances have earned plenty of plaudits.

He was named Supporters’ Player of the Year last season, while writer Kai Watson labelled him “clinical in front of goal”, adding that he is an “exciting player to watch​​​​​​​”, who “loves carrying the ball” and is “capable of producing moments of brilliance​​​​​​​”.

Meantime, analyst John Walker is impressed by his dribbling ability too, stating that supporters should be “very excited” about this addition.

So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to those of Černý.

Appearances

47

52

Minutes

3,197

3,933

Goals

8

18

Assists

1

9

Shots

1.5

2.6

Shooting accuracy %

46.94%

55%

Chances created

1.2

2.1

Take-ons completed

2

2.1

Dribble success %

44.6%

51.3%

Touches

44

55.2

Touches in the box

4.7

5.6

Average SofaScore rating

6.9

7.39

As the table outlines, Černý’s statistics are universally more impressive than Gassama’s, but there are caveats.

The Czech winger was playing for a dominant team in Scotland, outlined by his touches and touches in the opposition penalty area statistics, while Sheffield Wednesday finished 12th in the EFL Championship.

The encouraging aspect ahead of Gassama’s move to Ibrox is the fact his numbers are very similar to Černý’s, attempting a near-identical number of take-ons per 90, with a similar number being completed, emphasising their stylistic similarities.

Thus, still only 21 years old, he is clearly a high-potential player, and one who could certainly arrive at Rangers and make a big impression.

Better than Gassama: Rangers "weighing up" move for "dangerous" starlet

Rangers are on the hunt for a winger or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 11, 2025

Liverpool would “without a doubt” look to replace Luis Diaz with “world-class” trophy-laden player this summer, according to an exciting new update.

The latest on Diaz's Liverpool future

The future of Diaz continues to be a big talking point at Anfield this summer, with the Colombian pushing for a move away, amid strong interest from Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga champions have already seen a bid rejected, but it looks as though they will return with an improved offer for the 28-year-old, especially after Jamal Musiala suffered a broken ankle at the Club World Cup, and the fact that they were beaten by Liverpool to the signing of Florian Wirtz.

Reds supporters are split over the idea of Diaz departing this summer, with some feeling he is a vital player, having scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, helping Arne Slot’s side win the Premier League title.

Others believe the winger isn’t a truly elite attacker, however, and given his age, they would be happy to see Liverpool cash in on him, signing a superior option in the process.

Liverpool backed to sign "world-class" superstar

According to a new update from L’Equipe [via Get French Football News], Liverpool will “without a doubt” look to sign Rodrygo if Diaz goes this summer.

The 24-year-old has been mentioned as an option for the Reds plenty of times in recent weeks, with the Brazilian potentially looking to leave Real Madrid, having not been a key part of new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans during the Club World Cup.

The idea of Rodrygo in a Liverpool shirt is a mouthwatering prospect, given his reputation as one of the best wide forwards in European football.

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Posts 1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 21, 2025

He has excelled for Madrid, even if he hasn’t always made as many headlines as the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, being hailed as “world-class” by Luka Modric and earning praise from Carlo Ancelotti.

Rodrygo is four years younger than Diaz, and simply a better player, as a tally of 119 goal contributions in 270 appearances highlights, so signing the former to replace the latter could be inspired business by Liverpool, with the Brazil star having the potential to become an icon on Merseyside.