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There was a moment that captured the tension beautifully in Lahore on Wednesday. With England needing 27 runs to get in 20 balls, Jamie Overton tapped a full toss to sweeper cover and the fielder just couldn’t pick it up. He tried once, didn’t work, he tried again, it was fumbled. Azmatullah Omarzai was watching it all, knowing he would be bowling the next over, knowing he couldn’t afford missteps like that.In a wildly see-sawing Champions Trophy game, where both teams had to win to stay alive, Omarzai produced a death-overs performance of 3.5-0-26-3. When he came on to bowl in this unforgiving phase of play, Joe Root was still out there, 114 not out, and it seemed like he had tilted the contest in England’s favour. Omarzai conjured an incredible effort ball that defied a lifeless pitch, got big on a set batter and bounced him out.”Omarzai is one who just flies under the radar,” former Pakistan captain Urooj Mumtaz said on ESPNcricinfo Match Day. “He is so effective with both bat and ball. He’s a very smart cricketer. I think he bowls the harder overs, the tougher overs, and what he did so well was obviously change the pace and continue to hammer down that length, and length on such placid flat tracks is the key. I think he’s got the makings of being one of those Hardik Pandyas or Azhar Mahmoods, the perfect utility allrounder for Afghanistan.”Related

• Steyn: Afghanistan can win an ICC tournament in next decade

• Ibrahim Zadran goes from staid to spectacular to finish England off

• Zadran 177, Omarzai five-wicket haul knock England out

• Stats – Ibrahim Zadran achieves new Champions Trophy high

• Group B scenarios: How can Afghanistan qualify? Are South Africa favourites to finish on top?

Root was slow on the upper cut. That doesn’t happen a lot. It almost seemed like he was expecting the offcutter again. He had been deceived by one earlier in the over, but still managed to hit it for a boundary. And he might have been setting up for another, with short fine and short third up, but was caught completely off guard. Being unpredictable is a vital asset for a fast bowler in the back end of an innings. Omarzai couldn’t be lined up. Not even by a member of the Fab Four.”To outfox somebody of the calibre of Joe at the position of the game, batting well across a hundred, when he had the measure of the other bowlers, that is what [sets him apart],” Mumtaz said.Omarzai had provided Afghanistan with their first wicket as well, taking out the hard-hitting Phil Salt in just the fourth over of a chase of 326. He compensated for Rashid Khan having an off night with the wicket of Jos Buttler through the middle overs. An equation of 110 off 79 balls got that bit harder because England had only two recognised batters left – Overton and Liam Livingstone and – he knocked over one of them to drag a game with plenty of twists and turns back in Afghanistan’s favour.”He picked up Salt, he picked up Buttler, and he picked up Overton as well,” Mumtaz said, “All four of those wickets crucial, obviously in the end finished with a five-for, [with Adil] Rahid[‘s wicket] as well. He broke the game open not once but on three different occasions. I thought Root, Buttler and Overton, given the position of the game was quite spectacular.Azmatullah Omarzai is on top of the world after Afghanistan beat England•AFP/Getty Images

“Afghanistan just held the nerve and I think that is the biggest transition for this side, that they now know how to win key moments in games and they know how to win against better-ranked sides in the international circuit. The crowd, obviously the England support was outnumbered 99 to 1%. The roar was magnificent, and I think a true victory celebration. They are one for the big events now, the Afghanistan side.”Former England batter Nick Knight looked back at Afghanistan’s history to highlight how far they had come. “You don’t have to go that far back. Before you looked at Afghanistan cricket and you just focused on one player. Rashid Khan. If he has a really good day, Afghanistan maybe had a chance of winning,” Knight said. “You think how quickly that’s moved on. Rashid, his figures in the last couple of games haven’t been great [1 for 125 in 20 overs]. His impact in the contest hasn’t been that great.”Yet they’re very competitive. You think of the trajectory that Afghanistan cricket has been on, perhaps the pioneer, you might say, has been Rashid Khan. He’s been a huge influence, but now you think of the other players that are making immense contributions in major competitions.”Omarzai has a cherished memory, one of his earliest associated with cricket, when he went out to celebrate Afghanistan’s first ever ODI victory against a Full Member. Eleven years later, he is the one inspiring others to take to the streets. His team faces Australia on Friday in a rematch of that epic from the 2023 World Cup and if they win, they will progress to a second successive ICC tournament semi-final.

Shafali Verma smashed a 115-ball 197 for Haryana in the quarter-final of the senior women’s One-Day Trophy against Bengal in Rajkot. She hit 22 fours and 11 sixes in her innings as Haryana posted 389 for 5.But Bengal pulled off the chase with five wickets and five balls to spare. This is by far the highest successful chase in women’s List A cricket. The previous record was 309 by Northern Districts against Canterbury in 2019.Almost every Bengal batter contributed to the cause. Openers Dhara Gujjar (69 off 49) and Sasthi Mondal (52 off 29) provided a start of 100 in 9.1 overs. After that, Tanusree Sarkar led the way with 113 off 83 balls. Once Sarkar was dismissed, Priyanka Bala took over and saw the team home with an unbeaten 88 off 81 balls. Earlier, Sarkar had picked up 3 for 56 with the ball.For Shafali, it was her second hundred in the ongoing competition, having opened the tournament with a 98-ball 139 against Uttar Pradesh. In seven innings, Shafali scored 527 runs at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31.Shafali Verma is doing her best to make a comeback in the Indian team•ACC

Shafali’s rich run of form comes at a time when she has been left out of India’s white-ball squads. She was dropped from the ODI squad for the Australia tour, having scored only 108 runs in six ODIs at an average of 18 this year. Despite her strong start to the women’s one-day tournament, Shafali was left out of the squad for the ODIs against West Indies as well.In her absence, India have struggled to find a stable opening partner for Smriti Mandhana. In Australia, where they lost 3-0, they trialled Priya Punia and Richa Ghosh. While it seemed as though the move to promote Ghosh in the second ODI was due to an injury to Punia, the wicketkeeper-batter confirmed at a press conference that she had been in line to open even before the game.Related

• Shafali dropped for Australia ODIs

• Reddy dropped; Kashyap, Bist, Rawal get maiden call-ups for WI series

Against West Indies on Sunday, India had another new opening combination with Delhi’s Pratika Rawal partnering Mandhana. Rawal made a patient 40 in a 110-run opening stand as India secured a massive victory.Shafali’s most recent outing for India was during the home ODIs against New Zealand in October, when she made 56 runs in three innings. She was in poor form during the T20 World Cup in UAE – 97 runs in four innings – where India made a group-stage exit.When Harmanpreet Kaur was asked about a number of senior players missing from the squad prior to the series against West Indies, she had said it could only be answered by the “right person,” a reference to the selection committee. “Because I can only talk about the team that’s here, and what things we can do to win this series. I think regarding Shafali, or any other player, [it’s] better to ask the right persons.”A few weeks prior, Harmanpreet had said how Shafali was crucial to India’s plans. “She [Shafali] is a very important player for us and has done exceptionally well for the country,” she had said ahead of their series opener against Australia in Brisbane. “We are looking forward to seeing her get back into her zone and perform well for the team.”

The promoted sides last season found out the hard way how cruel a beast the Premier League can truly be, with Sunderland desperate to buck that trend.

Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton all sank back down to the Championship in depressing fashion, having conceded a combined total of 248 strikes, with Regis Le Bris the manager now tasked with changing this dire narrative as his side make their return to the unforgiving division.

The majority of the Black Cats’ signings that have stolen the limelight so far this summer have centred on the midfield and attacking spots, with Simon Adingra a brand-new exciting option down the flanks, away from Habib Diarra adding more quality centrally for £30m.

But, to ensure survival can still be reached against all the odds stacked against them, more defensive purchases must surely be prioritised now.

Sunderland exploring move for new goalkeeper

Already, the Black Cats have added in a new left-back to their ever-expanding camp, with Le Bris welcoming in ex-Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo on a free transfer deal recently.

This is unlikely to be the only major defensive addition, however, with Le Bris presumably worried by the prospect of his underdog outfit conceding goals for fun, much like the relegated sides before them.

Off the back of that, a new first-choice goalkeeper might be on the agenda to replace Anthony Patterson, with a new report from Dutch outlet Gazet Van Antwerpen linking Sunderland with a swoop for Royal Antwerp stopper Senne Lammens.

The report – which has been relayed by Sport Witness – reveals that Antwerp are looking to offload Lammens this summer, having already purchased his long-term replacement, which has alerted English clubs in the form of Sunderland, Leeds United, and Manchester United to his services.

Antwerp’s recent Player of the Season winner would be available for just £17m, according to the report, meaning he might just be the ‘keeper addition Sunderland desire now, over pursuing past target Aaron Ramsdale to add strength in depth in goal.

Why Lammens would be a better signing than Ramsdale

Ramsdale – who is reportedly open to the move – would have the immediate advantage of Premier League experience on his side, considering he has a sturdy haul of 183 top-flight games in England next to his name.

However, it’s fair to say his recent experiences in the demanding division have been fraught with difficulties, with Ramsdale adding a worrying third relegation down to the EFL onto his CV last season when attempting to try his best for the basement Saints.

Games played

40

30

Goals conceded

52

66

Goals conceded per game

1.3

2.2

Saves

173

125

Saves per game

4.3

4.2

Clean sheets

9

3

Penalties saved

4/8

2/7

Goals prevented

+15.57

+0.14

Unfortunately, even as Ramsdale averaged a high 4.2 saves per league clash, all his efforts would be in vain as the declining 27-year-old kept a weak three clean sheets. In contrast, whilst the ex-Arsenal keeper continues to experience a crisis in confidence, Lammens’ stock in the game appears to only be rising.

When glancing at the table above, he wipes the floor with his English counterpart in every area of their respective games, with Lammens amazingly preventing +15.57 goals last season in league action when confidently placing himself in between the sticks for Stef Wils’ men.

Le Bris would no doubt be more at ease offering Lammens the first team reins over Ramsdale, therefore, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig even going out of his way to label the 6-foot-4 stopper’s individual campaign as “simply phenomenal”.

Ramsdale also once lapped up compliments in the same glowing manner, but with a mere five clean sheets next to his name across his last two Premier League campaigns, it’s an almighty gamble on Sunderland’s end to trust him as their number one option.

On the contrary, after such a standout season in the Belgian top-flight, Lammens might well be ready now for the test of a Premier League dog-fight, having also been heralded as possessing “elite potential” by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

The next Isidor: Sunderland showing strong interest in "electric" £22m star

Sunderland might be about to win their next Wilson Isidor by picking up this electric £22m attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 15, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are still riding on the euphoria of winning the Europa League, salvaging something from a wretched 2024/25 campaign that led to a 17th-place Premier League finish and Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal from his post.

It was a contentious call, to be sure, but Spurs’ triumph could not and did not detract from the abject domestic form that highlighted so many flaws in the squad, injury-hit though it was.

With Thomas Frank now at the helm, there are plenty of reasons for the Lilywhite faithful to be excited, especially since the success on the continent, beating Manchester United in the final, has rolled out the carpet into next term’s Champions League proper.

While Frank and the club’s fanbase are hoping to see some exciting new forwards welcomed to the fold, Tottenham also need to address their defensive deficiencies.

Incomings are needed, with the potential sale of one of the outfit’s superstars playing into that.

The latest on Spurs' defensive situation

It’s clear that Tottenham need to strengthen at the back, especially as Cristian Romero is at the top of Atletico Madrid’s summer shopping list and could be sold in the next few months.

Despite finalising a deal for Kevin Danso, it’s clear that the Londoners need some added quality in defence; too often last season (and in 2023/24), the club’s fragilities were heightened when Romero and Micky van de Ven were absent – and setbacks have been commonplace for the imperious centre-half pairing.

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Tottenham have joined Inter Milan in lodging an official enquiry for Genoa defender Koni De Winter.

While the suitors have yet to place official offers on the table, discussions are ongoing and Genoa would be willing to do business for a fee in a region of €25m (£21m).

What Koni De Winter would bring to Spurs

Joining Genoa from Juventus in a deal worth €10m (roughly £8m) in 2024, De Winter has enjoyed a standout season for Genoa, featuring 25 times and scoring three goals. He would have featured more prominently, but for a hamstring injury sustained in October, keeping him out for two months.

Having previously played at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium on loan the term before, the Belgium international has enjoyed steady progress in Italy and could now be ready for a move to the Premier League, emulating his countryman Jan Vertonghen in playing for Tottenham.

As per FBref, the 23-year-old ranked among the top 3% of central defenders across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goals scored, the top 9% for touches in the attacking box, the top 10% for aerial duels won and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.

De Winter’s flair for the attacking side of the game further suggests that he could be Vertonghen’s heir down N17 in more than just nationality, with journalist Antonio Mango even saying “his in-game intelligence is unreal”.

Moreover, De Winter’s versatility and athleticism lend themselves to a wider berth, having featured five times as a right-back for Genoa. The left-footed Vertonghen was dispatched on the left numerous times across his long Spurs career for similar reasons.

Vertonghen, now 38 years old, played 313 times for Tottenham after signing from Ajax for just £10m in 2012, with his career in the Premier League leaving him regarded among the finest defenders of his generation, partnered mainly with countryman Toby Alderweireld.

Big boots to fill, but De Winter has the versatility and technical confidence to forge a successful career for himself in the English capital, emulating his Belgian icon.

Better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs make enquiry for "world-class" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time making moves within the summer transfer market.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 5, 2025

Having already agreed a loan deal to sign Cedric Kipre from Stade de Reims, Ipswich Town are now reportedly closing in on their second signing of the summer in the form of another Ligue 1 star.

Ipswich set to sign Cedric Kipre

It’s been a slow summer transfer window at Portman Road so far as Kieran McKenna looks to build a side capable of earning an instant return to the Premier League without Liam Delap. The talented forward was always destined to depart once relegation was confirmed and he did just that when Chelsea came calling to win a frantic race for his signature.

Replacing the forward remains the toughest task for Ipswich this summer, but not one that sits top of their list of priorities. Instead, according to recent reports, The Tractor Boys are set to commence their summer business by signing Kipre on loan from Reims to hand the central defender his first move back to English football since leaving West Bromwich Albion last year.

Kipre will need little introduction to Championship fans given his extensive experience in England’s second tier, and that experience should prove to be key for McKenna’s side next season.

Related Ipswich in race for sought-after "huge talent" who scored 12 goals in 24/25

The Tractor Boys could add some attacking flair this summer…

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Jun 16, 2025

Whether signing Championship experience is part of the overall plan for Ipswich this summer remains to be seen. Recent links have emerged with the likes of Kwame Poku have been mentioned in recent weeks before his move to QPR, but those at Portman Road could first welcome a midfield reinforcement to match the potential arrival of Kipre this summer.

Ipswich in advanced talks to signing Matusiwa

As reported by Le Parisien, Ipswich are now closing in on a deal and are in advanced talks to sign Azor Matusiwa from Stade Rennais this summer. The defensive midfielder initially cost the French side around €16m (£14m) back in January 2024, but is seemingly set to move on just 18 months later in favour of McKenna’s side.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Azor Matusiwa

Jens Cajuste

Minutes

2,078

1,959

Progressive Passes

134

59

Tackles Won

39

22

Ball Recoveries

134

107

As far as replacements for Jens Cajuste go, it’s fair to say that Matusiwa is an impressive option. The midfielder outperformed the former Ipswich loanee and Napoli midfielder in several key departments last season and will thrive in the Championship if he completes a summer switch.

In a deal worth £10m, Matusiwa could even turn into an excellent bargain at Portman Road. During his time at Reims, the midfielder found himself at the centre of praise more than once, including from Ben Mattinson in 2023. The analyst described the Dutchman’s anticipation as “great” and went on to praise him as “strong” as well as “agile”.

So, although Ipswich have taken time to get going, both Kipre and Matusiwa would represent solid signings to kickstart their transfer window at long last.

Surrey 340 for 5 (Lawrence 91*, Smith 86, Sibley 76, Foakes 52) vs Worcestershire It was normal service resumed for leaders and champions Surrey on day one of the Vitality County Championship match with Worcestershire at ‘Visit Worcestershire New Road.’Surrey had suffered an innings-and-278-runs defeat against Hampshire in their previous Championship fixture at the Utilita Bowl ahead of the Blast in contrast to their previous four-day form.But fifties from Dom Sibley and Jamie Smith laid the foundations before Dan Lawrence and Ben Foakes increased the tempo during the final session during a stand of 131 in 35 overs.Foakes fell just before the close – to a fourth catch for Adam Hose – but Lawrence remained undefeated on 91 from 126 balls.It was Surrey’s first visit to New Road since they lifted the 2018 title on the ground and they are well placed to post a formidable total on the second day.Worcestershire captain, Brett D’Oliveira, was side-lined with a shoulder problem and Jake Libby skippered the side.Pace trio Joe Leach, Ben Gibbon and Yadvinder Singh, who all played in last month’s encounter at the Kia Oval, were ruled out through injury.Ethan Brookes, Tom Taylor and on loan Somerset spinner, Shoaib Bashir, all made their Championship debut for the home side.Taylor’s younger brother, James Taylor, made his first Championship appearance for Surrey since April 2022.Surrey were put in on a rock hard looking pitch and quickly lost skipper Rory Burns.Tom Taylor took the new ball and struck with the third ball of the morning as Burns turned a delivery straight to Bashir at mid wicket.Ollie Pope looked in good form and cover drove Taylor for four and used his feet to turn on loan Essex seamer Ben Allison to the midwicket boundary. But he then gave Allison the charge and nicked through to Adam Hose at first slip.Allison, signed because of injuries to Joe Leach, Ben Gibbon and Yadvinder Singh, bowled an excellent opening spell of 7-3-10-1.But Sibley was in excellent touch, straight driving and cover-driving Adam Finch for boundaries, and coming down the wicket to hit Bashir down the ground for four after he came into the attack.Smith also took advantage of over-pitched deliveries from Finch to collective successive boundaries and the 100 came up in just 27.2 overs.Allison bowled another probing post-lunch spell and Sibley edged just short of second slip.Waite again also asked questions of both batters but Sibley and Smith were determined and reached their respective fifties off 108 and 103 balls respectively. The stand was worth 149 in 40 overs when Bashir broke it as Sibley picked out Hose at short midwicket.Smith departed in a similar manner with again Hose the catcher after Finch came into the attack.Lawrence and Foakes upped the tempo during the final session after playing themselves in up until tea.Foakes pulled Bashir for a maximum over wide long-on before having a let off on 31 when dropped at deep midwicket off Finch.Lawrence cut Brookes for four to reach a 66-ball fifty and Foakes went to the same landmark from 104 deliveries.But Finch broke the stand after the second new ball had been taken when Foakes (52) fell to a low catch diving to his right at first slip by Hose.

Until the official announcements are uploaded, Florian Wirtz beaming into the lens as he confirms his ecstasy at having signed for the Premier League champions, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for holding onto their jubilation.

According to German reports, Bayer Leverkusen have on Monday morning rejected Liverpool’s second official bid for Wirtz, worth around €130m (£110m).

The negotiations were never going to be easy, even if this saga is moving forward with comparative swiftness. Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world”, according to former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes, but all parties anticipate a resolution in the coming days or weeks.

With Jeremie Frimpong already completing his move from Leverkusen to Anfield and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in advanced talks to sign for Liverpool, things are looking good on Merseyside.

However, there’s even more for sporting director Richard Hughes to do ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Liverpool's attacking transfer plans

Darwin Nunez got lost in the celebrations as Liverpool won the Premier League, and these will be the memories he takes with him as he leaves this summer.

It’s not set in stone, but the Uruguayan is expected to leave this summer, with interest rising from Spain and the Saudi Pro League.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been touted as the man to replace him, but Chelsea also have a vested interest in the forward and are considered by BILD reporter Christian Falk to be leading Liverpool in the race.

Believe it or not, even more change may be afoot. Luis Diaz enjoyed a productive campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions, but he has reportedly emerged as a priority for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Barcelona also maintain a long-standing interest.

Liverpool have utilised the dynamic forward’s qualities across wide and central berths this season, and if he was indeed to be sold, the club would surely need to bring in an out-and-out striker as a matter of urgency.

Liverpool enter race for new striker

According to Sky Sports, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is on Liverpool’s shortlist of targets at centre-forward with the Anfield outfit ‘looking’ at him alongside widely reported names like Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.

Interest in Alexander Isak also remains, but he’s off the cards after Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League.

Osimhen has just completed a successful season-long loan with Galatasaray after efforts from Chelsea and Saudi suitors fell through last summer, and there’s no way back for the Nigerian in Naples after an acrimonious divorce.

Napoli would be allegedly looking for a £60m fee, so a deal could certainly be agreed in the coming months, especially if FSG succeed in offloading Nunez.

Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen

Osimhen is one of the finest finishers in the game, hailed for his “world-class status” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley. He’s tenacious, layered and physical, surely the perfect fit for Slot’s Liverpool system.

24/25 – Galatasaray

41

37

8

23/24 – Napoli

32

17

4

22/23 – Napoli

39

31

5

21/22 – Napoli

32

18

6

20/21 – Napoli

30

10

3

Though he was forced away from Europe’s top-five leagues this season, Osimhen’s time in the Turkish Super Lig has proved a clinical success, instrumental in Galatasaray winning the league and the Ziraat Turkish Cup.

Aged 26, this would be the time for him to try his hand at Premier League football, and FSG chiefs must seriously consider prioritising him over Sesko and Ekitike, who are both talented but raw and undeveloped.

As per FBref, Osimhen ranked among the top 3% of centre-forwards across Europe in 2024/25 for goals scored, the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area, and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising his elite-level threat.

Sesko, who has a £70m release clause in his contract, and the £84m-rated Ekitike, conversely, still have something to be desired in regard to their prolific output. Across 48 matches this year, Frankfurt’s man bagged 22 goals from 48 matches, while Sesko has posted 27 goals from 64 appearances in the German Bundesliga since signing for Leipzig two years ago.

Coined by analyst Ben Mattinson a “transitional monster” and a “beast in the air”, Osimhen is the real deal, all right, and would provide Liverpool with a ridiculous focal point from which Salah, who turns 33 this month, can ease his burden and the inbound Wirtz can forge a deadly partnership.

That’s not to say Ekitike and Sesko couldn’t make their mark too, but Liverpool are set to undergo some rather drastic changes in the offensive department, and a striker proven to be one of the best in the world would be a sure-fire way to ensure Slot’s finely-woven system remains in place.

Osimhen, furthermore, is more than just a goalscorer. His nifty footwork, swift-limbed and purposeful with his passing and link-up play, suggests there’s a real player in there who could, by turns, make the net bulge himself and feed Salah and co.

Given that, at £60m, Osimhen would come at a cheaper price than Liverpool’s other major striker targets, it feels like a bit of a no-brainer, one that could see the Reds retain their Premier League title and maybe get their mitts on some silverware across other fronts.

One thing’s for certain: all three transfer targets would prove to be upgrades on Nunez, who has sadly fallen by the wayside in Slot’s set-up, and Liverpool cannot afford to have a misfiring number nine fronting the project once again.

Regarded as “the best striker on the market” by data journalist Statman Dave, Liverpool need to make this one happen; Osimhen might just prove to be the final piece of the puzzle for an Anfield side looking to consolidate their position at the very top of the global game.

An amazing Mane repeat: £40m star has now "agreed" to sign for Liverpool

Liverpool are set to bid for another star after signing Jeremie Frimpong, and he could be a Sadio Mane repeat.

ByDan Emery Jun 2, 2025

Whatever happens in the Europa League over the next few weeks, those at Manchester United will be fully aware that they are once again approaching a crucial transfer window in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

In truth, amid what has been the club’s worst-ever Premier League season, the INEOS regime can’t afford another wrong turn this summer, with new boss Ruben Amorim needing to be handed the appropriate tools in order to revive this sleeping giant.

There had been minimal signs of progress upon the Portuguese’s arrival – namely impressive displays away at both the Etihad and Anfield – although results have spiralled in recent months, with the top-flight now merely an unwanted distraction for those at Old Trafford.

The club’s current standing in the bottom half of the table has showcased that major surgery is needed ahead of next term, with the club reportedly already beginning that operation by ramping up their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha.

That move for the Brazilian sensation certainly won’t be the last move of the summer, if recent reports are anything to go by.

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

While last summer still appeared to be partly led by then-boss Erik ten Hag, amid the signings of Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui, the common theme of the INEOS era has been youth.

Indeed, the Red Devils managed to edge Real Madrid in the race for Lille teenager, Leny Yoro, while the club have since brought in Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu during the January window.

The Old Trafford side have also dipped into the South American market to land Paraguayan starlet, Diego Leon, ahead of 2025/26, with that a move that could be replicated amid their interest in River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Argentine outlet Soy del Millio, offers have reportedly been lodged for the 17-year-old superstar, with United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid named as the clubs who have made an approach.

The teenager – who has a €45m (£38m) release clause in his existing deal – would likely represent a signing for the future, however, not least with River insisting that he is set to remain in his homeland until the end of the current league season, which finishes in December.

Whether that is merely a bargaining tool or not remains to be seen, although if INEOS can strike a deal over the coming months, it would certainly be a welcome one.

Why Man Utd could be set to land Di Maria 2.0

From Juan Seba Veron to Carlos Tevez, the Red Devils have no doubt welcomed some high-profile Argentine talents to Manchester in the 21st Century, with the now-veteran Angel Di Maria perhaps one of the more polarising of the lot.

Signed from Real Madrid on a £59.7m deal back in the summer of 2014, the silky left-footer simply never appeared to settle at the Theatre of Dreams, having sealed a hasty exit to PSG just a year later.

At odds with manager Louis van Gaal, the then-number seven could only show flashes of his quality in the red jersey, including his memorable dink against Leicester City in the early stages of the 2014/15 campaign.

As he has showcased elsewhere, Di Maria – who did chalk up 15 goals and assists in just 32 games for United – is an undoubted superstar, as evidenced by his 121 goal involvements in just 190 games in Madrid, alongside 212 goal involvements in just 295 games in Paris.

In many ways, young Mastantuono looks to be the second coming of his compatriot, not least due to his ability to operate on the flanks or in a central role, while waving his wand of a left foot to devastating effect.

Previously described as a “world-class talent” and “one of the most talented players of his age category in South America” by scout Jacek Kulig, the teen playmaker has four goals and two assists to his name in 13 games in 2025 to date, despite his relative youth.

In total, the in-demand talent boasts 12 goal involvements in just 55 games at senior level, with his form across the last year or so seeing him recognised as statistically similar to Di Maria, among those in their position outside of Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Non-penalty goals

0.16

0.07

Assists

0.21

0.20

Shot-creating actions

5.09

6.00

Progressive passes

8.46

6.26

Progressive carries

3.89

3.26

Successful take-ons

1,56

3.65

Touches in opposition box

5.81

4.82

Progressive passes received

10.59

10.95

Tackles

0.88

2.28

Interceptions

0.42

0.20

That likeness is notably evident with regard to their creative streak, with Mastantuono ranking in the top 12% of his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, while the current Benfica star ranks in the top 2% in that regard.

Equally, the pair are also alike with regard to their record for shot-creating actions per 90, with the younger man ranking in the top 4%, while Di Maria ranks in the top 12% for that same metric.

Such likeness should bode well for the career that Mastantuono can have in the game, and while there may be concerns that he might go the same way as his compatriot at Old Trafford, he surely represents an exciting talent for Amorim to be able to nurture.

Of course, United are in need of ready-made figures who can immediately improve the first-team ranks, although looking to the future is also vital amid INEOS’ long-term project.

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After missing the last three games through injury, one Aston Villa star could now make his return to action against Paris Saint-Germain as Unai Emery’s side go in pursuit of upsetting the odds in the Champions League.

Aston Villa show depth against Nottingham Forest

Whilst their balancing act has at times stood in the way of their top four ambitions, victory over Nottingham Forest has kept Aston Villa in the race to qualify for the Champions League in consecutive campaigns. And the credit for that as well as their FA Cup and European exploits on the side should go towards both Emery and sporting director Monchi.

After selling Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, those in the Midlands welcomed a number of key reinforcements and have gone on to benefit ever since. The likes of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have thrived whilst Donyell Malen is now beginning to show his best form – scoring his second goal in as many games this weekend.

Emery was left pleased with victory over Forest too, albeit whilst admitting that he wasn’t happy with how Aston Villa allowed their opponents a glimmer of hope in the second half.

The Spaniard told reporters in his post-match press conference: “We started dominating. They were playing tactically, a medium-low block and we started dominating because they were not pressing high, not getting out. We were creating chances and we scored goals.

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“The second half, I am not happy. They were changing their tactics and taking more duels aggressively, pressing higher and we were not dominating like we have to. This victory is very important. Very happy with the victory. Very demanding of myself to improve things within… I am happy because we have three points more.”

Emery provides Bailey injury update

Aside from the three points, Aston Villa also had some positive injury news to enjoy following their battle against Forest. As confirmed by Emery, Leon Bailey could now make his return from injury against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, making his first appearance in three games.

The winger couldn’t be returning at a better time with such an important game on the horizon. The Villans will need every one of their stars to step up against the French champions and arguably the best team left in the Champions League, meaning that Bailey must be at his best on his potential return.

Emery revealed the news, telling reporters: “It is very important to manage the players we have, we are more less with the players available. Leon Bailey hopefully can be available for Paris.”

The former Bayer Leverkusen man is due some good form too. Before his injury, Bailey had only scored twice and assisted a further four goals in all competitions in a major drop-off compared to last season.

Now on his way back from injury, the £120,000-a-week winger must find a way to return to his clinical best and offer Aston Villa an instant boost in the process.

The Ashes can wait for now as white-ball campaign prepares to get underway in Christchurch

Cameron Ponsonby16-Oct-2025Christchurch. The city of scooters.Contrary to popular belief, not everything runs smoothly in New Zealand. The Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, for instance. A $500 million major sports complex was scheduled for completion in 2015, but when you walk past the site that’s a kilometre down the road from Hagley Oval, the builders are still there. A flat white occasionally takes four minutes to arrive rather than three – and cricket is being played in October.This month’s T20I against Australia, on October 1, was the earliest New Zealand had ever played a home international. Two weeks later, Wellington and Otago are currently playing a pre-season friendly, even though the start of the domestic season is still over a week away. The only team playing competitive cricket in New Zealand currently, is New Zealand. The scooters are good though.But if the timing of this series is considered far too early, and the construction of the local swimming pool considered far too late, then the vibes and morale in both camps is just right.Unusually, in such a crammed cricketing calendar, both sides managed to carve out quality time together in the lead-up to their showdown, which will consist of three T20Is followed by three ODIs. England were down in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, with bungee jumps, skydiving and jet boats available to all.”I was just playing golf,” said Harry Brook.Meanwhile, New Zealand were in Hanmer Springs. An idyllic location consisting of thermal pools, hiking and quiet pubs where the team could get to know one another, and new head coach Rob Walter, that bit better. There are also, at the thermal pools, waterslides.”They got a hammering,” said former No.1-ranked T20I bowler, Jacob Duffy.Jordan Cox will be given a chance at No.7 after his maiden fifty against Ireland•PA Photos/Getty ImagesConditions in Christchurch, where the first two T20Is will be played, are mixed. The mornings and afternoons consist of a strong sun and a jumper wrapped around your waist, while the evenings require multiple layers all at once. The wind that whips round Hagley Oval isn’t for the faint-hearted, and the night-time T20Is will see hands shoved in pockets and jumpers required for players and spectators alike.But, in an oddity of the modern bilateral series, both teams are at close to full strength. Injuries, rather than rest and rotation, are the core reason for any absence. England have left Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith and Jofra Archer at home until the ODIs, but otherwise captain Brook has his full deck to play with.”We’ve got a great opportunity here against a very strong side to go out there and try and capitalise on the momentum we’ve already made,” Brook said. “The last game we played together as a full group, we got 300.”Because of England’s recent ODI woes, it is easy to forget that in T20Is they have been strong, losing only one of their last seven bilateral series. Similarly, New Zealand’s recent T20I record is excellent. The recent defeat to Australia aside, they have lost just one of their previous 11 bilateral series. While a lack of context remains the perennial problem for these series, quality is one thing that the coming week won’t be lacking.As has become customary with this England side, they named their team a full two-and-a-half days before the start, with Sam Curran and Jordan Cox the notable inclusions at No. 6 and 7 respectively.Related

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Curran, previously unfavoured by the McCullum regime, will play a full role as an allrounder, as he has also been included as the fifth bowler. While Cox, off the back of winning the PCA Player of the Year award, will play an unfamiliar finisher role to stake his claim for a place at the World Cup. Jos Buttler, who went down with a stomach bug on the journey over, is now fully fit and will open the batting and keep wicket.England are at pains to stress that the focus of this series … is this series. A bit of T20 World Cup preparation, yes, but the Ashes will come later. And while they may mean it, it’s hard to imagine they really believe it. How could they?Gus Atkinson, for instance – who is not part of the white-ball squads – arrived today to begin his individual preparation to take on Australia, while Mark Wood and Josh Tongue are due to land next week to do the same.They will work with bowling consultant Tim Southee, the former Kiwi legend who has been part of England’s coaching staff over the summer. He had been expected to leave his role following this series and not be part of the Ashes coaching squad. However, this looks subject to change with Southee currently earmarked to stay with the group in Perth for the warm-up against the Lions and for the first Test before leaving to play in the ILT20.”It’s something I’d love to be a part of,” Southee told talkSPORT. “But obviously there’s a few things to go through first.”New Zealand are boosted by the return of Rachin Ravindra and captain Mitchell Santner, but are still missing several players through injury including Finn Allen, Adam Milne, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips and Lockie Ferguson. Kane Williamson and Ben Sears are also absent.”I think we missed him last series,” Duffy said of his captain Santner, whose return has seen Ish Sodhi miss out on selection. “Not only his four overs, but his leadership too. There’s still a few guys missing out, but to have a couple big more horses in the tanks is not going to hurt us.”Even with their number of injuries, New Zealand’s pace attack remains daunting, with Duffy backed by the likes of Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Zak Foulkes. The exciting Bevon Jacobs, who was picked up by Mumbai Indians just under a year ago, before he’d even made his international debut, is also expected to feature.All in all, whether it’s October or not, the contest is well poised and an exciting series of high-quality cricket awaits. And that can never be too early in the year.England XI: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Jos Buttler (capt), 3 Jacob Bethell, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Tom Banton, 6 Sam Curran, 7 Jordan Cox, 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Liam Dawson, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Luke Wood.