Tag Futebol

Russell Martin has had a rocky start to life as Rangers boss, with his team drawing their first four Scottish Premiership games and being dumped out of Champions League qualification by Club Brugge.

The transfer window saw £19.5 million worth of players join the squad, including the likes of Oliver Antman, Oscar Cortes and Joe Rothwell, but the squad does not seem to be clicking yet.

The Gers did manage to become the only team to stop Celtic’s winning run in the league following Sunday’s 0-0 draw. Coming off the back of the 6-0 defeat to Brugge, Martin was happy with his team’s improved performance.

However, the draw will only temporarily patch things over at the Ibrox, and the end of the transfer window saw an Italian club make a move for one of Martin’s frustrated players.

Rangers rejected late loan offer for out-of-favour Barron

Rangers rejected a late-deadline day loan inquiry for defensive midfielder Connor Barron from Bologna. Barron has struggled for minutes since Martin took over at Ibrox, and Bologna may have seen his absence from the team as a sign that the Gers would be willing to let him go for the season.

This would have been the third time that the Italian side has turned to Scotland for recruitment after previously signing Lewis Ferguson and Aaron Hickey. Barron’s first start under Martin came in Sunday’s clash with Celtic, indicating that he may yet be in the manager’s plans, and that may be why Rangers opted to keep hold of him.

After the Old Firm derby, Martin acknowledged Barron and other out-of-favour players’ frustration: “I said in the dressing-room, Dio, Tav and Connor Barron have every reason to be annoyed and disappointed with me because they’ve been out of the team. We always have honest chats about why.”

Barron's return could mark a change for Martin

Martin was clearly impressed with Barron’s performance as he praised him and the other returnees: “Today they proved how hard they’re willing to work and run – and showed why they should be in the team. That’s the best possible reaction you could ever have. I’m proud and grateful for the performances they put in.”

Barron’s reinstatement into the team may be the catalyst for Martin turning things around at Rangers. Despite only having brief cameos in the boss’ first few months in charge, Barron now seems to be in contention for a regular starting place.

He only played for just over 30 minutes against Brugge, but the Belgian side failed to score while he was on the pitch. Brugge had likely taken their foot off the gas, considering they were eight goals up, but considering how poorly the match was going, Rangers did improve when Barron came on, and he was solid once again on Sunday.

Under-fire Forest boss Postecoglou could be out of a job as early as next week as the club plan to make a decision on his disastrous reign during the forthcoming international window. The Aussie manager has failed to see his team win and were humiliated 3-2 by minnows Midtjylland in the Europa League – where some fans chanted for the return of previous boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Will Forest make another managerial change?

Postecoglou's position at Nottingham Forest is under severe pressure following a dismal start to his tenure, and could be out of a job as early as next week, according to a report in the Daily Mail. Forest Fans have already voiced their displeasure, chanting "You're getting sacked in the morning" after the defeat by Midtjylland, which came hot on the heels of the Carabao Cup exit to Swansea City and loss to Sunderland in the Premier League. The results under Postecoglou have been poor: two draws and four defeats and the team has also struggled defensively, conceding 13 goals in these six matches. While Postecoglou was owner Evangelos Marinakis' choice for manager, the owner's history of making swift changes, including the recent sacking of Santo, suggests that poor results could quickly lead to Postecoglou's dismissal if the team's form does not improve. Forest now face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, including matches against Newcastle United and Chelsea.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportForest have flopped under Ange

Postecoglou was appointed as Forest's manager last month, signing a contract until June 2027, after succeeding Santo, who was sacked just three games into the season. Postecoglou took the helm at the City Ground after being sacked by Spurs, which came just weeks after guiding the club to the Europa League crown in May. But the Aussie boss has endured a torrid start, becoming the first permanent manager in a century to open his reign with six winless games for the club, which began with a 3-0 loss to Arsenal and Forest fans have expressed their discontent with chants aimed at Postecoglou, while also singing previous boss Santo’s name.

Ange fumes over basic mistakes

It was a shocker of an evening for Postecoglou in Europe, and he bemoaned the mistakes made by his players. He said: "I heard it. They’re fans. They want to see their team win and they’re entitled to their opinion. Nothing surprises me in football anymore. Really disappointing. Just really, really poor goals we conceded in the first half that again allow the opposition to get comfortable in the game and it’s been the story of our last few games. Key moments, let ourselves down. We knew the threat they provided. It wasn’t anything organisationally, it’s just in those moments we haven’t shared the same desire and determination as the opposition."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportMarinakis' Forest revival

Marinakis acquired 100 per cent of the club back in May 2017, ushering in an era marked by significant financial investment and ambition. His primary goal was to return the club to the Premier League, which was achieved in May 2022 after a 23-year absence from the top flight. Under Marinakis's ownership, Forest's spending has been substantial, particularly since promotion, with £200 million ($270m) invested in the squad and he has converted club debt into shares to strengthen the financial position with nearly £250m ($336.1m) converted to equity over the past five-and-a-half years. Marinakis also owns Greek club Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave and has faced accusations regarding multi-club ownership and UEFA regulations, leading him to place his Forest shares in a blind trust in April 2025 to comply with rules should Forest and Olympiacos qualify for the same European competition.

Alongside the avalanche of major honours, Chelsea fans have been able to watch some genuinely incredible superstars play for their club over the last two decades.

The likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Eden Hazard are some of the best players to have ever graced the Premier League, and are unquestionably legends of the game.

Another, perhaps somewhat underrated, superstar who consistently dazzled the Stamford Bridge faithful during his time in West London was Cesc Fàbregas.

The former Arsenal gem was a key member of the Blues side that won two league titles in the mid-2010s and beat the Gunners in the 2019 Europa League final.

Therefore, fans should be excited about reports linking them to another midfield gem who could be their new Fabregas.

Chelsea target their new Fabregas

As they are every year, Chelsea have been busy in the market this summer, as on top of selling a host of players they don’t really need, the club have made several exciting additions to Enzo Maresca’s squad.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, while they didn’t look great on Sunday, the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens should make the side far more dangerous this season, and it feels like a matter of when, not if, Alejandro Garnacho joins them.

Yet, even with the Argentine set to join, the West Londoners look set to make more signings before the window slams shut and are eyeing a midfield talent who could be their new Fabregas.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed that Chelsea are very interested in Marc Casado.

In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Blues have now made an offer for the Barcelona gem, which could be worth up to €50m, which is about £43m.

Interestingly, the story claims that Hansi Flick does not want the 21-year-old to be sold, but that the Catalans need to raise funds, which is why they have not outright rejected the offer yet.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Casado’s ability and immense potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Chelsea’s new Fabregas.

How Casado compares to Fabregas

It should go without saying that, at just 21 years old, Casado is not at the level Cesc was when he first joined Chelsea, but with time, he could certainly get there.

After all, there are several key similarities between the players and their moves.

For example, it would be another instance of the Blues going all out to sign an exciting Spanish midfielder from Barcelona.

Additionally, while the “spectacular” prospect, as dubbed by Sergio Busquets, does play that little bit deeper than Cesc did during his time at the Bridge, he is still a creative force from the middle of the park.

In 36 appearances for the Catalan outfit last season, he scored one goal and provided six assists, which comes out to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 5.14 games.

His underlying numbers are even more impressive and point to a player who could be a metronomic midfielder for the West Londoners.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in the middle third, the top 6% for completed passes and touches, the top 7% for passes into the final third, the top 9% for goal-creating actions from live passes and more, all per 90.

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

2.01

Top 1%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

58.41

Top 2%

Passes Completed

68.11

Top 6%

Live-ball Passes

73.50

Top 6%

Touches

85.36

Top 6%

Pass Completion %

90.0%

Top 7%

Passes into Final Third

7.23

Top 7%

Total Passing Distance

1049.21

Top 8%

Tackles Won

1.88

Top 8%

Assists

0.21

Top 9%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.38

Top 9%

Tackles

3.05

Top 10%

Carries

46.04

Top 11%

In other words, the midfield “genius,” as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, can take the ball from deep and either control the pace of the game or kickstart an attack, just like the World Cup winner used to.

Finally, despite still being so young, the twice-capped international shows he isn’t one to be overawed by the big occasion, nor was he flustered by the task of helping Barcelona win a league title last season, which is just the sort of player Maresca would want in his side.

Ultimately, it might not be a cheap transfer to get over the line, but Casado looks like the real deal and could be Chelsea’s new Fabregas.

Garnacho upgrade: Chelsea in agent talks to sign "world-class" £43m star

The dangerous international would be a far better signing than Garnacho for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 21, 2025

Diego Simeone freely admitted that he felt an overriding sense of relief after Atletico Madrid picked up their first win of the new Liga season on Saturday. As the Rojiblancos boss admitted after the 2-0 victory over Villarreal, "It wasn't just another day, after only two points from three matches."

Of course, while attention has now switched to Atleti's Champions League opener against Liverpool at Anfield, speculation over Simeone's future is unlikely to die down anytime soon. His status as a club legend is already set in stone but there has been a gradual erosion of his influence at the Metropolitano over the past year or so.

A second successive summer spending spree has also ramped up the pressure on Simeone to deliver to win a first major trophy since the sensational 2020-21 Liga title triumph. In that context, this feels like a make-or-break campaign for the club's iconic coach.

But if he were to stand down at some point between now and next season, who could possibly fill the void? According to Simeone's former assistant coach German Burgos, there's only one possible choice. "Fernando Torres," the Argentine told only last week, "he's ready to do it."

That may seem like a bold claim, given Torres has yet to manage at the very highest level, but the former Spain striker is held in the highest esteem at Atleti – and not just because of his past exploits as a player…

• An unexpected move into management

  On July 25, 2021, Atletico Madrid jubilantly proclaimed: 'El Nino has come home'.

  After two stints with the capital club during his playing days, the retired striker had agreed to take charge of the Rojiblancos' Under-19s (although he was initially listed as the assistant as he had yet to obtain all of the requisite badges from UEFA).

  Torres was one of Atleti's most famous and successful sons, an academy graduate who had developed into one of the most feared forwards in world football.

  But even though he had spent the previous season working within the youth sector, his formal entry into the world of coaching came as a surprise to many.

  "If you'd ask me if I ever imagined Fernando becoming a manager, I'd have said, 'Don't even think about it – there's just no way,'" former agent Jose Antonio Martin Peton told at the time.

  Even Torres himself admitted that he wasn't one of those players that always planned to go into coaching. As a youngster, he never thought much about what he had learned during the training sessions.

  It was only as he got older that he felt compelled to pay more attention to what he was being instructed to do – and why.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'An exciting challenge'

  Torres still seemed more likely to become a behemoth in the world of fitness, as he founded a gym franchise called 'Nine Fitness' after doing various business courses following his retirement from professional football in August 2019.

  However, the chance to return to Atletico proved impossible to resist – particularly as he'd be working in tandem with his former youth team colleague Ricardo Ortega.

  "It's an exciting challenge I've got in front of me," Torres said, "and we'll give everything we can to continue to serve our club."

  Their hard work yielded impressive results, with Atletico Juvenil winning two league titles and a Copa de Campeones, as well as reaching the 2021-22 Youth League Final Four.

  Consequently, Torres' appointment as Atleti's B team coach in 2024 came as much less of a surprise than his return to the club three years previously.

• 'The club of my life'

  Torres knew that running the Rojiblancos' reserves represented a tougher task than looking after the Under-19s. It meant more responsibility and, thus, more pressure.

  However, while Atletico Madrileno missed out on the Primera Federacion – Group 2 play-offs on the final day of the season, Torres' employers were sufficiently satisfied with the progress made in terms of points and performances to hand him a new, two-year contract on May 30.

  "I'm very happy to be able to continue my progression and development as a coach at the club of my life," Torres said after signing on until 2027. "I'm grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to starting this new stage.

  "Regardless of the results, there's a lot of self-criticism. I want to continue bringing the team closer to the kind of football I believe in."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• 'He's got a bit of everything'

  Torres' preferred style of play is a little difficult to define, as the emphasis is very much on tactical fluidity  – which is hardly a shock given he played under a variety of coaches with very different footballing philosophies.

  As a source close to Torres told GOAL, "He's got a bit of everything. He's got a bit motivation that Simeone has, a bit of the relationship with the players that [Luis] Aragones had, a bit of the [Rafa] Benitez tactical mindset, and the push that you have to give a team that [Jose] Mourinho had."

  From a tactical perspective, he's certainly more Mourinho than Guardiola – to compare him to one particular coach would be a mistake.

  Like most modern managers, he instructs his players to try to win the ball back as quickly as possible and as high up the pitch as possible but if the initial press fails, his favoured 3-5-2 formation quickly transforms into a 5-3-2.

  However, Torres' teams have been known to change shape multiple times in the same game as he's not bound to one particular system.

  The only pre-requisite that his players are aggressive and play at pace, trying to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.

  It, thus, won't come as a surprise to learn that Torres was a massive admirer of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, which throws up the rather exciting prospect of him one day coaching the club that he scored 65 times for during a three and a half-year spell at Anfield.

They haven’t even kicked a ball yet, and there is already an enormous amount of pressure on Arsenal.

After three successive second-place Premier League finishes, this season has a do-or-die feeling to it for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Fortunately, the Gunners looked impressive in their final game of pre-season against Athletic Bilbao, and the board have done a great job adding some real quality to the team over the summer.

However, with just over two weeks to go, Arsenal look determined to make at least one more addition, and if reports are to be believed, they’re looking at someone who’d be an even better signing than Rodrygo.

Arsenal target Rodrygo upgrade

So far this summer, Andrea Berta and his team have done a brilliant job in the market.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The Italian has overseen the addition of six players to the first team, with Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres the clear stand-outs.

However, instead of resting on their laurels, the North Londoners appear keen to add more quality to the team and could bring in someone who’d be even better than the previously linked Rodrygo.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which reaffirms Arsenal’s interest in Eberechi Eze.

The story has revealed that while Tottenham Hotspur have been in intense talks with Crystal Palace over the player, and could be set to make a £55m offer, the Gunners are still in the frame.

While it’s hard to be sure which North London side the Englishman will join this summer, sources have informed Caught Offside that “the next two days will decide it all.”

Therefore, Arsenal should move as fast as they can, as Eze would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s squad, and for our money, a better signing than Rodrygo.

Why Eze would be a better signing than Rodrygo

Now, while Arsenal would do incredibly well to sign either Rodrygo or Eze this summer, there are a few key reasons why the latter would be better than the former, and the first comes down to the league they play in.

This matters because while the quality of La Liga is exceptionally high, it would take the Brazilian some time to adapt to life in the Premier League, and when the Gunners need to win something this season, those few months of him getting up to speed could be hugely detrimental.

On the other hand, the Crystal Palace star has made 146 appearances in the competition since moving to South London.

Therefore, beyond getting to know his teammates, there really shouldn’t be much of an adaptation period for him.

The second big argument in favour of the Greenwich-born “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is his output.

For example, in his 43 appearances for the Eagles last season, totalling just 3303 minutes, the 27-year-old monster scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

In other words, the goalscoring dynamo managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, for a team that finished in mid-table.

Eze vs Rodrygo in 24/25

Players

Eze

Rodrygo

Appearances

43

54

Minutes

3303′

3452′

Goals

14

14

Assists

11

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

138.08′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the Brazilian international scored as many goals and provided as many assists, but did so in 54 appearances, totalling 3452 minutes.

That means he averaged a goal involvement every 2.16 games, or every 138.08 minutes, and did so in a far better team.

Finally, away from the quantifiable advantages, another tick for the Eagles ace is that, thanks to his time with the Three Lions, he already has a relationship with several players in the Gunners’ squad, like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke.

While it might not sound like a big deal, this should make his integration into the squad far easier.

Ultimately, while Rodrygo is an exceptional player, Eze would be the better signing for Arsenal this summer.

Related Arsenal can help Gyokeres reach Isak levels with late bid for £100m star

Arsenal could help Viktor Gyokeres reach Alexander Isak levels by signing a £100m star.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 15, 2025

Alzarri Joseph is also back after he was rested for the last Test series, but not as vice-captain

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Nov-2024West Indies allrounder Jason Holder will miss the upcoming two home Tests against Bangladesh starting at the end of the month to continue his shoulder rehabilitation. Offspinner Kevin Sinclair, meanwhile, returns to the side after recovering from an injury that made him miss West Indies’ last Test series, against South Africa at home in August.Right-arm quick Anderson Phillip also returned to the side, having last played a Test in December 2022 in Australia. Phillip is coming fresh on the back of a few wickets for Trinidad & Tobago in the domestic 50-over competition, which followed his county stint for Lancashire that he ended with a match haul of nine wickets against Worcestershire in September end.Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph also returned to the Test fold after he was rested for the South Africa games because of his “considerable workload” at the time. He is currently playing the T20I series against England after featuring in the ODIs against them, although he was suspended for the first two T20Is.Joseph was the vice-captain before he missed the South Africa series and the selectors had named Joshua Da Silva as Kraigg Brathwaite’s deputy in the interim. But even after Joseph’s return for the upcoming series, Da Silva has been retained as vice-captain in the latest 15-man squad.Making way for the returnees are the spinning duo of Gudakesh Motie and the uncapped Bryan Charles. Motie, too, is playing the white-ball games against England, but is not part of the Test side after two unimpressive outings against South Africa. He picked just three wickets in the two matches, including his wicketless showing in Port of Spain. Charlies, the offspinner, has been left out after he didn’t get a Test debut in the South Africa series.The two Tests will start on November 22 in Antigua and on November 30 in Jamaica. Before that, Brathwaite will also lead a CWI Select XI, from a squad of 13, for the two-day warm-up against Bangladesh for November 17 and 18 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.West Indies Test squadKraigg Brathwaite (capt), Joshua Da Silva (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel WarricanCWI Select XI squadKraigg Brathwaite (capt), Justin Greaves (vice-capt), Ryan Bandoo, Daniel Beckford, Navian Bidaisee, Joshua Dorne, Nathan Edward, Chaim Holder, Tevin Imlach, Jordan Johnson, Jair McAllister, Shaaron Lewis, Kimani Melius

Harry Brook will captain England for the first time during their five-match ODI series against Australia, with Jos Buttler ruled out for the rest of the summer with a calf injury sustained in July. Buttler’s injury has also given a lifeline to Liam Livingstone, who has been recalled to the 50-over side after initially being left out.Brook has been groomed as a future England captain for many years, having captained at the Under-19 World Cup in 2018. He deputised as Yorkshire captain for four matches in the T20 Blast in 2022 and led Northern Superchargers in the Hundred this year, winning five out of the six completed matches he oversaw as they narrowly missed out on the knockout stages.Related

• 'Just do it' – Brook to trust his instincts on England captaincy debut

• England remain cautious over Jofra Archer's workload for Australia ODIs

• Rain forces England-Australia T20I decider to be abandoned

• Liam Livingstone embraces veteran status and targets ODI comeback

• Brook wears deputy tag lightly but greater responsibility beckons

He was also Ollie Pope’s vice-captain throughout England’s recent 2-1 Test series win over Sri Lanka, with the team’s management keen to develop long-term leadership options. Phil Salt has captained in the ongoing T20I series, which is level at 1-1 ahead of Sunday afternoon’s rain-threatened decider in Manchester.”It’s going to be a great opportunity for Brooky to be the captain,” Buttler said. “He is a pretty laid-back character, but I think he has everything in line. He is a really good thinker about it… I’m sure he’ll do that his own way, and he’ll get a feel for those moments [in games]. That’s what we’re encouraging everyone as a side – whether that’s a player or a captain – is to try and identify those moments that you think can go a long way to you winning the game and going for it and committing to it.”But Buttler’s prolonged absence is cause for concern, given his recent history of calf issues. He missed most of a series against Sri Lanka in 2021 due to a tear, and was ruled out of England’s seven-match T20I tour to Pakistan the following year with a strain which briefly threatened his participation in the 2022 World Cup.Brook led Northern Superchargers in the men’s Hundred this summer•PA Photos/Getty Images

He has not played any cricket since England’s elimination from June’s T20 World Cup, when they were beaten by India in the semi-finals: he initially targeted a return in the T20 Blast quarter-finals, but suffered a setback in his rehabilitation while running. Buttler has been with England’s squad throughout this week’s T20I series against Australia and will target a return on November’s Caribbean tour.”It’s a bit slower than hoped,” Buttler said of his recovery. “I’m going to be missing the ODI series as well, so that’s a shame. But at my age, just got to make sure I get it right. It’s obviously a shame to miss some cricket and stuff, but I just want to get it right. There’s lots to look forward to in the future.”Injuries force you to stop and take a different perspective and it’s nice to be around the guys, getting to know some new faces and seeing what they’re all about; trying to share my ideas and listen to theirs and how they operate and building those relationships, which are obviously really important.”Buttler also confirmed that he would not have kept wicket if he had been fit for the T20Is, after discussions with England’s incoming coach Brendon McCullum. “Having spoken to Baz about it, he stumbled across it with injury preventing him from keeping wicket, but then he really enjoyed being next to the bowler at mid-off,” Buttler explained.”I’ll see how the calf holds up to running around in the outfield, or we might have a slip in for a long time,” he joked. “But, yeah, I’m very open to those kind of things. I just want what’s best for the team: what’s best for the team is going to be me being the best captain I can be, and if I have to move from behind the wickets to do that then so be it.”Livingstone’s return to the squad comes after his impressive performances in the first two T20Is. He has taken five wickets in six overs with his leg breaks and hit 87 off 47 to win Friday night’s game in Cardiff. He admitted on Wednesday night that he was nonplussed by his initial absence from the ODI squad, after top-scoring in England’s defeat at the Utilita Bowl.England have also confirmed that Josh Hull will play no part in the ODI series, after sustaining a minor quad injury on Test debut at The Oval last week. A team spokesperson suggested that his absence is only precautionary, and that his participation in October’s three-match Test tour to Pakistan is not under threat.The five-match ODI series starts at Trent Bridge on Thursday and runs until September 29.England ODI squad: Harry Brook (capt), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, John Turner.

Bracey posts 204* and Bancroft 184 as home side reach 610 for 5 declared

ECB Reporters Network02-Jul-2024

James Bracey made a double-century to grind down Glamorgan•Getty Images

James Bracey etched his name into the record books as Gloucestershire batted themselves into a position of strength on the third day of the Vitality County Championhip Second Division match against Glamorgan at Cheltenham.The former England left-hander registered a career-best 204 not out and became only the tenth player to score a double century at the famous College Ground, joining a select club that includes the likes of Gloucestershire greats WG Grace, Charlie Townsend and Wally Hammond.Overseas batsman Cameron Bancroft posted 184 and fellow Australian Beau Webster contributed an unbeaten 65 as the home side ran up 610 for 5 before declaring their second innings shortly after lunch. Among the Glamorgan bowlers, only Timm van der Gugten emerged with any credit, the Dutch international seamer finishing with 2 for 98 from 22 overs on a day some of his teammates will want to forget in a hurry.Marnus Labuschagne and Sam Northeast summoned stiff resistance in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 66 in the final session, but Gloucestershire nevertheless made inroads into the top order to reduce Glamorgan to 222 for 3 at the close, still 370 behind.All three results remain possible, but Welsh focus will, first and foremost, be upon trying to save the game when they resume in the morning. A weather forecast that suggests the chance of showers, might yet serve to frustrate Gloucestershire’s pursuit of what would be only their second win of the season.Weary following a long stint in the field and faced with the not inconsiderable prospect of batting out nearly five sessions to save the game, Glamorgan still made a decent start to their second innings, Billy Root and Eddie Byrom staging an opening stand of 67.It soon became apparent that Gloucestershire’s bowlers would have to graft hard for a breakthrough, and there was a sense of relief when Root, having scored 46, top-edged Marchant de Lange to deep fine leg where Ajeet Singh Dale took a very fine catch on the run.Labuschagne then survived a testing examination at the hands of De Lange as the home side pushed hard, Gloucestershire skipper Graeme van Buuren deploying six bowlers in an attempt to make further headway. Having proved obdurate in chiselling 37 from 100 balls and playing second fiddle to Labuschagne in a stand of 68, Byrom was eventually undone by a misjudgment, shouldering arms to a delivery from Singh Dale that knocked back off stump.Kiran Carlson then came and went quickly, pushing at a length ball from Matt Taylor that stuck in the pitch and edging a catch behind via a thin edge as the visitors slipped to 156 for 3. But Labuschagne and Northeast have made 67 and 47 not out respectively and will again seek to block Gloucestershire’s route to victory in the morning.Confronted with a new ball soon after resuming their second innings on 388 for 3, Gloucestershire continued to score at a brisk rate in the morning session, Bracey raising his third first-class hundred of the year and the twelfth of his career from 131 balls with a push to square leg and a scampered single off van der Gugten to warm those Gloucestershire supporters who braved a cold north wind.As on the previous day, Bancroft provided the adhesive upon which Gloucestershire’s second innings was constructed, the experienced opener staging mammoth stands of 201 and 253 with Miles Hammond and Bracey for the third and fourth wickets respectively. His style of patient accumulation may not have caught the eye in the same way that Hammond’s elegant stroke-play did on day two, but his remorseless stamina and mental toughness served Gloucestershire’s cause well and earned him a standing ovation from appreciative Festival-goers when his marathon sojourn finally came to an end after six and a half hours.The Australian’s highest score of the summer occupied 266 balls, was adorned by 20 fours and a six and did much to undermine Glamorgan spirit, reducing the visitors to slope-shouldered dejection as their prospects dwindled. No wonder Andy Gorvin manifested unbridled relief when locating Bancroft’s outside edge and presenting Cooke with a straightforward opportunity behind the stumps.In stark contrast, van Buuren bagged a pair, nicking Dan Douthwaite behind without scoring as Gloucestershire progress was temporarily stalled. Unfazed by events at the other end, Bracey pulled Douthwaite over square leg for six to bring up his 150 as the lead approached 500.He and Webster then required just 56 balls to post a stand of 50, these two raising the tempo in the run-up to lunch, which was taken with Gloucestershire on 534-5. A few eyebrows were raised when the anticipated declaration was still not forthcoming, but Bracey took full advantage of the delay to pass his previous highest score of 177, made in a losing cause against Yorkshire at Bristol in April 2022. He attained that landmark by pulling Mason Crane’s leg spin over mid-wicket for a towering six.Bracey went to his maiden double hundred with a swept four behind square off Carlson and he had faced 231 balls and harvested 20 fours and 4 sixes when the declaration arrived soon afterwards. Making the most of some tired bowling, Webster contributed an unbeaten 68-ball 65 in an unbroken alliance of 136 for the sixth wicket in 20.2 overs.

Birmingham City are now set to sign a “fantastic” £5,000-a-week Premier League player on loan, according to a new report.

Birmingham stepping up transfer plans in preparation for Championship season

As expected, the Blues walked the League One season with relative comfort and are now heading back to the Championship, where they will be hoping to continue their fine form and be a side competing in the top half of the table at the bare minimum.

To do just that, Chris Davies will want to improve areas of his team, and already the club have confirmed three arrivals in the shape of Phil Neumann, who was announced in January, and the permanent captures of loan stars Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Alfons Sampsted.

Birmingham could sign big £12m Anderson upgrade who's "incredible"

Birmingham could land an upgrade on Keshi Anderson by signing this attacker.

ByDan Emery Jun 4, 2025

It’s also been reported by Give Me Sport that Birmingham have submitted a contract offer to sign Kwame Poku on a free transfer from Peterborough United. Poku is wanted by several teams, and the Blues have made their intentions clear over a possible deal and hope it is enough to convince him to move to St Andrews.

As well as looking at Poku to improve their attacking options, the Blues are also interested in reuniting with Che Adams this summer. Birmingham are looking to tempt Adams into leaving Torino and moving back to England, where he has had some memorable moments during his career.

But the most surprising transfer story to come out of Birmingham is the fact that Tom Wagner and the Blues have held internal talks over signing Louie Barry from rivals Aston Villa. Barry may be allowed to leave the Villans on loan once again this summer, and Birmingham could be a surprise destination after seeing what he did during his time at Stockport County.

Birmingham now set to sign Beadle on loan from Brighton

While the Blues line up several attacking targets, they are also looking at ways of improving their spine, and according to TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Birmingham are closing in on the signing of James Beadle from Brighton.

Beadle, who has been with the Seagulls since January 2022, has spent the last few seasons on loan at various clubs throughout the EFL. The 20-year-old has spent the last 18 months at Sheffield Wednesday, where he’s played a key role in a damaged club remaining in the Championship.

During his time with the Owls, Beadle, who earns £5,000 a week at Brighton, really impressed manager Danny Rohl, who labelled the goalkeeper “fantastic”.

Appearances

57

Goals conceded

83

Clean sheets

17

Given Brighton are agreeing to loan Beadle to Birmingham in search of development, it is expected that the Englishman will be the Blues’ number one next season in the Championship.

Aston Villa are increasingly confident of signing a young midfielder with a huge future, according to an update from journalist Jacob Tanswell.

Aston Villa eyeing new signings amid Champions League battle

Unai Emery’s side picked up a priceless three points on Saturday evening in the Premier League, winning 1-0 away to Bournemouth to aid their hopes of securing Champions League football next season.

That would allow Villa to attract further top-level players to the club, so the importance of their final two league games of the season cannot be downplayed.

One individual who has been linked with a summer move to Villa Park is Lyon winger Malick Fofana, who is a young player with a huge amount of long-term potential. The 20-year-old has scored six goals in the Europa League this season, despite only making five starts in the competition.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos has also been mentioned as a target for Villa, with the Portuguese not finding it easy to force his way into the Champions League finalists’ starting lineup in recent months. Just 12 starts have come his way in Ligue 1 in 2024/25, so he may like the idea of a fresh challenge.

Aston Villa confident of signing 18 y/o Nypan

Now, according to The Athletic‘s Tanswell, there is a “confidence” at Aston Villa that they will secure the signing of Sverre Nypan this summer. The 18-year-old midfielder is a huge prospect who is currently plying his trade at Rosenborg, with the Villans sending scouts to watch him in action on several occasions. Not only that, but “presentations have been shown to him and the family, outlining plans to integrate him into Emery’s setup”.

While Villa will of course hope to use elite European competition to lure in big names, NSWE are still planning for the long haul. Despite still only being 18 years of age, Nypan has already made 67 appearances for Rosenborg, chipping in with 14 goals and 11 assists in that time. He has been capped by Norway across six different age groups, winning a combined tally of 37 caps for his country, as well as being lauded as a player with a “huge future” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig.

The teenager could arrive as a squad player to begin with, or potentially even be loaned out elsewhere to aid his development, before hopefully maturing into a superstar at Villa Park over time.

Norway Under-21s

5

0

Norway Under-19s

5

1

Norway Under-18s

3

0

Norway Under-17s

5

0

Norway Under-16s

12

1

Norway Under-15s

7

2

Nypan is already showing so much promise and Villa snapping him up could end up being a major coup over time, and the fact that they are confident of striking a deal can only bode well.