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Devdutt Padikkal (86*), B Sai Sudharsan (73) and N Jagadeesan (64) were also among the runs in Lucknow

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Sep-2025Dhruv Jurel scored his second first-class century on a day when all India A batters except captain Shreyas Iyer were among the runs against Australia A. The hosts ended day three on 403 for 4, still 129 runs behind the visitors’ first-innings total of 532. Apart from Jurel, who was batting on 113 at stumps, Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan and N Jagadeesan also went past fifty at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.India A started day three trailing Australia A by 416 runs, with nine wickets in hand, and Xavier Bartlett had Jagadeesan caught behind by Josh Phillipe for 64 in the sixth over of the day to end a second-wicket stand of 49. Padikkal then joined Sudharsan in a productive stand, but with their partnership nearing a hundred, Sudharsan missed an attempted reverse-sweep off Cooper Connolly and was trapped lbw for 73.Australia A struck again 3.2 overs later, with Iyer was trapped in front by Corey Rocchiccioli for 8. It was Iyer’s third successive low score in a first-class game, after he was dismissed for 25 and 12 against Central Zone in the semi-finals of the Duleep Trophy earlier this month.But Iyer’s wicket turned out to be the last for Australia A on Thursday, as Jurel and Padikkal rebuilt. India A were 310 behind when the two came together, and by the end of the day they had put on an unbroken 181 for the fifth wicket.Padikkal was more the patient of the two batters, taking his time in getting to his fifty off 117 balls. The aggressive Jurel reached the landmark in just 54 deliveries, getting there by smashing Rocchiccioli for two consecutive sixes and a four.Rocchiccioli was the most expensive of the Australia A bowlers, going for 128 runs in 24 overs at an economy rate of 5.33. Jurel especially took a liking to the offspinner, scoring 47 runs off him at just better than a run a ball, with three fours and three sixes.By the end of the day, Jurel had rattled along at a strike rate of 85.61 over 132 balls, and Padikkal at 48.31. The left-hand batter went to stumps batting on 86, in sight of a seventh first-class century. Their 181-run stand had come at nearly five runs an over.With only the final day’s play left, and with neither team having begun their second innings, the match seems headed towards a draw.

Chelsea had the chance to build on their impressive win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, but as they have done so many times this season, they faltered.

On paper, a game against Qarabağ looked like an easy three points for Enzo Maresca’s side, but in the end, they had to settle for just one.

The draw leaves them 12th in the Champions League, but the worst thing to come out of the match was another injury to Roméo Lavia.

The Belgian has been extremely unlucky during his time at Chelsea, and unless his luck improves, he could eventually be replaced by one of Cobham’s most promising prospects.

Lavia's Chelsea career

Chelsea signed Lavia from Southampton, and from under Liverpool’s nose, in the summer of 2023.

At the time, it seemed like money well spent, as the youngster was one of the most exciting midfielders in the Premier League the previous season and, as journalist Sam Tighe pointed out, “a shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time.”

Unfortunately, the youngster suffered a muscle tear and then an ankle injury in September 2023 and couldn’t make his competitive debut for the club until the 27th of December.

However, he wouldn’t kick on from there, as, thanks to a hamstring injury, he wouldn’t make another appearance all season.

Last season was marginally better, but even then, five injuries limited him to just 22 appearances, four of which came at the Club World Cup.

To nobody’s surprise, this year has not been much better, as the 21-year-old missed the first five league games with a muscle strain and came off the pitch on Wednesday night with another muscle injury.

Across the last two and a half years, Lavia has made just 30 appearances for the Blues, coming to a total of 1341 minutes.

23/24

1

32′

24/25

22

1069′

25/26

7

240′

It would be hard to describe his time at Chelsea as anything other than a failure at the moment, and if he continues to be unreliable over the coming years, he could see himself replaced by an upcoming Cobham gem.

The Cobham gem who could eventually replace Lavia

While the results for the senior side have been frustratingly inconsistent, the good news for Chelsea is that they have several exciting prospects coming through the academy at the moment.

In The Pipeline

The likes of Chizaram Ezenwata, Shim Mheuka and Reggie Walsh could all make as first team regulars in a few years.

However, when it comes to a potential Lavia replacement, it’s hard to look past Reggie Watson.

The hugely exciting talent may still be just 15 years old, but is already making waves in the academy and could become a part of the first team squad a few years from now.

The up-and-coming ace has demonstrated an ability to play in several different positions, from central midfield to centre-back, but, like the Belgian, is primarily a defensive midfielder.

According to one analyst, the “excellent” prospect has several key strengths which could make him an ideal long-term six for Marseca, such as being an “excellent ball retriever,” having “good passing and vision”, and having a knack for “dictating the tempo of the game.”

As if that wasn’t enough, the youngster is also “physically strong” for someone his age, and with all that in mind, it’s easy to see why he’s been described as being “so complete.”

Finally, on top of doing the business for the Blues’ youth sides, the teenager has also won six caps for England’s U16s, in which he’s scored three goals, primarily from defensive midfield.

Ultimately, it will be a few years yet until Watson is playing for the first team, but if Lavia remains injury-prone at that time, the Belgian could find himself replaced by the youngster.

He was as bad as Hato: Maresca must now ruthlessly drop 5/10 Chelsea dud

It was a night to forget for the Chelsea ace, who was as bad as Jorrel Hato.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 6, 2025

Manchester United’s £200m spending spree over the summer window was a huge statement by INEOS in an attempt to help lead the club back up the Premier League.

The vast majority of the funds were invested into the Red Devils’ forward line, which has handed Ruben Amorim a deadly trio within the final third of the pitch.

Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha were all added to the first-team ranks, with the former of the trio currently sitting as the club’s top goalscorer.

However, other areas of the pitch are also in need of investment in the near future to help Amorim in his quest for success during his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.

The midfield department looks set to be the next area to be improved in the coming months, with additions expected to be made during the upcoming January window.

Man United looking to sign £100m + midfielder

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been just one side tipped with an interest in securing a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes ahead of January.

It has been reported that the player himself would be open to a move to Old Trafford this winter, leading to a £44m price tag being mooted for his signature.

However, no contact has yet been made between the two Premier League clubs, but that’s not to say a move could transpire in the weeks leading up to the window.

He’s not alone in being identified as a potential option for the Red Devils, with Real Madrid star Federico Valverde another star currently in the hierarchy’s sights.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are planning to make a club-record £105m bid for the Uruguayan’s signature in the upcoming window amid his struggles at the Bernabeu.

The report claims that he’s been in the middle of a dispute with current boss Xabi Alonso, and could be allowed to depart the LaLiga giants despite making 23 appearances across all competitions in 2025/26.

How Fede Valverde compares to Elliot Anderson

In United’s attempts to improve the options at the heart of the side, one name has constantly been on the tongue of a huge number of supporters – Elliot Anderson.

The Nottingham Forest star has endured quite the rise over the last 18 months, after he joined the Reds in a £35m deal from boyhood club Newcastle United in the summer of 2024.

He’s since racked up a total of 57 appearances for his current side, achieving a total of 10 combined goals and assists during that time – including a superb strike against Tottenham Hotspur last season.

The 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength in recent months, featuring in every minute of Forest’s Premier League campaign to date – leading to a consistent run in the England national team.

Such a feat is a huge credit to the player, but it’s only driven his price tag up further in recent months, with Sean Dyche’s side now valuing the youngster at around the £100m mark.

However, the aforementioned fee may be a risk given his short period of success at the City Ground, which could lead to a move for Valverde instead this January.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Uruguayan international has managed to outperform Anderson in key areas – which could make him a better option this window.

Valverde, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, with more of his efforts being defined as key passes.

Such tallies showcase he’s arguably better in possession than Anderson, handing Amorim that added ball-playing presence he craves at the heart of the side.

Games played

13

12

Goals & assists

4

2

Pass accuracy

89%

83%

Key passes

1.6

1.5

Tackles won

62%

51%

Clearances made

2.1

1.1

Take-on success

50%

46%

Carries into final third

1.7

1.4

Aerials won

59%

48%

However, the main responsibility of any new addition will be to regain possession, something which the Real Madrid star has demonstrated in abundance this campaign.

He’s bettered Anderson for tackles won to date, whilst also making more clearances per 90 – subsequently offering a better option out of possession than the Englishman.

Other stats, such as a higher take-on success and more aerials won, showcase his all-round dominance over the Forest star – with the board needing to pursue a move for Valverde’s signature.

£105m would be a huge investment from the board, subsequently breaking the club record, but it’s a deal that would emphatically end their hunt for a new midfielder.

There’s no disputing Anderson is a top talent, but it would be rash of the hierarchy to spend such funds on him, especially when a proven talent of Valverde’s calibre is available for just £5m more.

Not Lammens: Man Utd flop is becoming their biggest liability since Onana

Manchester United have a player who has massively failed to deliver at Old Trafford since his transfer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025

A manager has now been told to get “ready” by Premier League pundit Rio Ferdinand as Arne Slot remains under pressure to turn things around at Liverpool.

Slot reveals Liverpool injury news before Sunderland game

Relief echoed around the away end when Cody Gakpo slammed home Liverpool’s second of the afternoon against West Ham United on Sunday. It came moments after Jarrod Bowen uncharacteristically struck wide and signalled a much-needed victory for Liverpool. But the pressure is still on.

Semenyo upgrade: FSG enter race to sign £88m "superstar" for Liverpool

Liverpool and FSG are getting ready to sign a new forward in 2026.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

The Reds’ 2-0 victory at the London Stadium, which also featured a first Premier League goal for record signing Alexander Isak, cannot be a false dawn. Liverpool must kick on, even if they are set to still be without Conor Bradley and must monitor the fitness of others in their next game against Sunderland.

Bradley could at least make a return when Liverpool square off against Leeds United this weekend, however, after Slot told reporters: “Conor got into a team training session yesterday for the first time. Not everything 100% yet so we have to manage that so don’t get hopes up too soon.

“We expect the same with Jeremie (Frimpong) next week. Unfortunately we play a lot of games, so he’ll miss a few. Hopefully Conor is available for Leeds.”

It’s arguably the biggest month of Slot’s Liverpool tenure. He remains under pressure to turn things around and will watch on as his side play six games in 24 days.

Anything but a convincing month of results could spell the end of the former Feyenoord manager, opening the door for an unemployed manager who Ferdinand has told to get “ready”.

Ferdinand tells Gerrard to be "ready" for Liverpool job

Whilst in the Middle East attending the Formula 1 Qatar GP, Ferdinand told Steven Gerrard to get “ready” to take the Liverpool job on an interim basis amid the pressure on Slot.

It would certainly be a brave call from Liverpool and from Gerrard if he took the management role. He previously won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers, but has since been sacked by Aston Villa and Saudi Pro League side El-Ettifaq.

Take the emotions out of the scenario and the Liverpool legend is simply not the most qualified for the job.

Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool open surprise talks to sign "magic" £70m PL star

Newcastle United could be boosted by the unexpected return of a sidelined star sooner than first thought, according to reports.

Howe: "individual errors" hurt Newcastle

It’s not often that Eddie Howe is publicly critical of his Newcastle side, but even he couldn’t hide his frustration after the Magpies saw their lead wiped away by Tottenham Hotspur at the death. It was yet another late goal and yet more points dropped from a winning position for those in Tyneside, who rarely do things the easy way these days.

Howe admitted that “individual errors” hurt Newcastle against Spurs just when they thought they did enough to secure all three points against Thomas Frank’s side.

Fewer passes than Ramsdale: Howe must drop 6/10 Newcastle star after Spurs

Newcastle United were denied another Premier League win by Tottenham Hotspur last night.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

The former Bournemouth boss told reporters: “I think it’s definitely a failing, you can’t sit here and go, I can’t sit here and go, everything’s okay in that respect, it’s happened too many times this season, that doesn’t mean we can’t figure it out and put it right very quickly.

“Today’s really a set piece, it’s a moment and those moments happen in football, they’ve been on the other end of it at times and individual errors usually from set plays hurt you and that’s what happened.”

Tottenham will feel as though their late winner was justified, however, after Newcastle were controversially awarded a penalty, which Anthony Gordon converted in the second-half.

Jamie Redknapp demanded “consistency” from the referees at full-time and Howe has every right to demand the same from his players. In a packed December full of fixtures, the Newcastle boss will be relieved to hear the latest update on Yoane Wissa’s long-awaited return from injury.

Craig Hope shares unexpected Yoane Wissa return date

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Wissa could now make a shock return for Newcastle this weekend and take a place on Howe’s bench against Burnley. The forward recently took part in a training ground game, but it remained uncertain when he would finally make his debut for the club.

The summer signing endured a disastrous start to life at St James’ Park when he was injured not long after arriving. Now, he could get the chance to finally make his mark just when Newcastle need him most.

Dubbed “remarkable” by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank last season, it will certainly be interesting to see how Wissa is used in Tyneside.

Record signing Nick Woltemade has enjoyed such an excellent start, but will undoubtedly have a fight to keep hold of his place now that his competition is nearing a return. Whether Howe sticks or twists, there’s no denying that Wissa’s return will be a major boost.

Howe must finally bin 5/10 Newcastle dud who was "very sloppy" vs Spurs

Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl issued a cryptic update on Harry Kane’s future, saying the striker “knows exactly what he wants” amid speculation linking him with a big-money move to Spanish giants Barcelona. The England captain has been in remarkable goalscoring form for the Bundesliga heavyweights, who are hoping to keep him beyond 2027.

Kane has been in stunning form for Bayern and England in 2025

In what has been a tremendous 2025-26 season so far, Kane has scored 24 goals in just 20 games in all competitions for Bayern, who are currently eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table. 

The 32-year-old helped Vincent Kompany’s side bounce back from their midweek loss at Arsenal in the Champions League with a 3-1 league victory over St. Pauli on Saturday, with Raphael Guerreiro, Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson doing the damage for the Bavarians.

Kane also played a key role in helping England qualify for the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight goals in as many qualifiers as Thomas Tuchel’s men topped Group K with a 100 per cent record. 

In their final competitive fixture before next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, former Tottenham striker Kane scored both goals as the Three Lions downed Albania 2-0 on 16 November.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBayern chief speaks out on England captain's future

However, while Kane continues to flourish at Bayern, speculation is swirling regarding his long-term future at the club. The forward, whose current contract expires in 2027, can reportedly trigger an exit clause before the end of January which would allow him to leave next summer for just £56.7 million (€65m/$76m).

And while Bayern chief Eberl believes there is a strong chance Kane could extend his stay in Germany, he has fuelled speculation over the attacker’s future with recent comments on the situation.

Speaking to following Bayern’s win over St. Pauli, Eberl told reporters: “Harry knows exactly what he wants and we have plans for him. We would like to continue. We can very, very well imagine that, but we will basically discuss everything with Harry.”

Barcelona presidential candidate refuses to rule out Kane bid

Eberl’s comments come after Xavier Vilajoana, who is running against Joan Laporta in Barcelona’s presidential elections next year, refused to rule out a statement move for Kane, should he emerge victorious.

“We have incredibly talented players at La Masia, but of course, if we don't have players, we will look elsewhere,” Vilajoana told “I will always look for a player who understands Barca's DNA, not just a name. It's a dangerous thing to look for just a name, but someone who fits our style and culture."

When asked if Kane would fit that profile, he said: "If we don't have a Harry Kane inside [the club], we are going to get him. Why not?”

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Getty Images SportFormer Tottenham striker remains calm over his future in Germany

Meanwhile, Kane is remaining calm over his future at Bayern, saying there is “no rush” to enter into discussions regarding a new contract.

“I haven't had any contact with anyone, nobody has contacted me,” he told German newspaper this week. “I feel very comfortable in the current situation, even though we haven't yet discussed my situation with Bayern.

“There's no rush. I'm really happy in Munich. You can see that in the way I'm playing. If there's contact, then we'll see. But I'm not thinking about the new season yet. First up is the World Cup in the summer. And it's very unlikely that anything will change after this season.”

Chelsea have made an approach to sign a former Real Madrid sensation, and it is believed that the west Londoners could even strike a deal in January.

Enzo Maresca’s side, despite some shock defeats at home to Brighton and Sunderland recently, have made a solid start to the season overall — losing just once in their last nine matches and climbing up to third in the Premier League table.

However, even taking into account their form on paper, not to mention Chelsea’s near-£300 million spend in the summer, there are suggestions that Maresca is dissatisfied with his current squad and could look to upgrade key areas in the winter.

Chelsea have lost all of Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwil, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo to injury at various points already this season, with Maresca reportedly prioritising the addition of a new centre-back in January.

Now that injury-ridden midfielder Romeo Lavia is also set to be out for “at least” a month with a quadriceps injury (Fabrizio Romano), Chelsea are said to be looking at new midfield options ahead of 2026 as well.

Nico Paz now keen to join Chelsea with approach made to Como

Indeed, it is reported by TEAMtalk that Chelsea have identified Como starlet Nico Paz as their most viable January midfield target, with Maresca looking to strengthen his squad in the engine room as well as further forward.

Chelsea have apparently opened discussions with both the Serie A club and Paz’s representatives through direct enquiries, as they look to address squad depth issues that have been exposed by recent injury problems.

The Blues are actively compiling a shortlist of midfield reinforcements, with Lavia’s latest injury lay-off prompting urgent action.

Paz, who came through Real’s academy system and is valued at around £62 million, has emerged as the leading candidate to arrive at Stamford Bridge in January ahead of both Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo.

What makes the potential deal particularly encouraging for Chelsea is the player’s own enthusiasm about the move. Paz is understood to be genuinely interested in a transfer to England and sees Chelsea as an ‘ideal’ next career step.

His technical ability on the left foot and creativity is said to have caught the eye of Chelsea’s scouting department, who believe he fits perfectly within their current recruitment philosophy.

The young Spaniard represents exactly the type of signing Chelsea have been targeting under BlueCo’s leadership – a player with high potential who ticks multiple boxes in terms of age profile, quality and future sell-on value.

However, Paz still won’t be an easy signing by any means.

Real Madrid basically own the player in practice if not officially, possessing full matching rights on any deal for him, not to mention a 50 per cent sell-on clause and multiple buy-back options worth just £8 million for the summer of 2026 and £8.5m in 2027.(Football Italia).

This means that Xabi Alonso’s side have a massive say over Paz’s future, so Chelsea may even have to negotiate with the La Liga giants alongside Como to make this deal happen.

After he emerged as an early candidate to take the job, sources have shared Scott Brown’s stance on replacing Brendan Rodgers in the Celtic dugout.

Chris Sutton names "obvious choice" for Celtic

Rodgers shock exit has sparked several rumours as to who could arrive to replace the veteran manager. Many expected the former Leicester City boss to leave at the end of his contract next summer, but the Bhoys have now been left with no choice but to replace him several months early following his resignation.

Already eight points behind unexpected leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Derek McInnes’ side on Sunday, Celtic must get their next permanent appointment right.

On that front, one name that has already been mentioned is Ange Postecoglou. Having initially hired Rodgers to replace the Australian in 2023, Celtic could re-hire Postecoglou to come full-circle in a decision that Chris Sutton would certainly back.

The Celtic legend told Sky Sports: “I think Ange Postecoglou would be a really smart appointment. He was loved the first time round.

“His brand of football went down well in Glasgow. He’s out of work. I think that would be a pretty obvious choice, a good choice and bring a lot of positivity back to Celtic, which they need right now.”

The 60-year-old arguably needs the Bhoys just as much as they need him these days following a disastrous 39-day spell in charge of Nottingham Forest. After being sacked twice by two Premier League clubs in the last year though, it remains to be seen whether he’ll make such a swift return.

“Shambles” – Sutton names the 3 ways Celtic were poor against Hearts

The Bhoys were defeated in Edinburgh today to cap another dismal day at the office.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 26, 2025

It may be too soon for Postecoglou and the same may be said for ex-player Scott Brown, who also knows Celtic incredibly well.

Celtic job would come too soon for Scott Brown

Among the early candidates for the job has also been Scott Brown. The legendary midfielder has been perfecting his craft as a manager since 2022 and is now in charge of Ayr United. According to PA Media sources, however, the Celtic job would reportedly be coming too soon for Brown.

“The former Celtic captain is seen as a long-term candidate, but is still learning his trade as a manager with Ayr following a spell at Fleetwood. The 40-year-old led Ayr to the William Hill Championship play-offs last season and has them third in the table. Given the instability around the club, squad and league position, the timing does not look ideal for the former Scotland midfielder.”

For any young manager, especially those more inexperienced, the Celtic job would represent an incredible risk. The Bhoys need the stability that O’Neill could first lay the foundations for and an option like Postecoglou could provide. As things stand, they cannot afford to take a gamble on Brown, who should continue to learn his trade at Ayr United.

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has been linked with a free transfer to Celtic next summer and now a fresh claim has dropped over a potential 2026 switch.

The 31-year-old has enjoyed a glittering career, winning the Champions League and Premier League with the Reds, and proving to be one of the standout left-backs of his generation.

Robertson is also the current captain of Scotland, hopefully leading the troops into the 2026 World Cup, and his current Liverpool deal expires at the end of this season.

The veteran defender has been linked with a move to Celtic in recent weeks, with one report claiming that he is open to the idea of signing a pre-contract agreement in January and that Parkhead talks were planned. He grew up supporting the Hoops, so a move there could be a perfect way for his career to end.

Robertson has a huge decision to make, especially as he has won his place back in Liverpool’s starting lineup over Milos Kerkez of late, but the lure of heading to Parkhead is something that may appeal, given his history.

New update on Andy Robertson joining Celtic

Now, speaking to 67 Hail Hail, journalist Graeme Bailey played down rumours of Robertson joining Celtic, saying he is likely to remain at Liverpool beyond next summer, in a new twist.

This is a disappointing update for Celtic fans, with many no doubt liking the idea of Robertson finishing his career at the club, given his brilliance as a footballer.

Approach imminent: Manager with 209 wins to 70 losses excited by Celtic

The Bhoys appear to have made their move as they target a permanent successor to Martin O’Neill.

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At 31 years of age, he is still far from old, and combines a winning mentality with defensive and attacking quality down the left flank, with journalist Henry Winter recently lauding the “intensity” that he brings for the Reds.

Hopefully, the situation changes in the coming months, with Robertson deciding that a new challenge makes sense, but in truth, it does feel more likely that he will extend his stay at Liverpool on a short-term basis. That’s not to say an eventual move to Celtic won’t happen, though.

Approach imminent: Manager with 209 wins to 70 losses excited by Celtic