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The visitors eased to their target on the final morning after a dominant display over the game

AAP09-Mar-2025Queensland revived their Sheffield Shield hopes with a thumping nine-wicket win against Tasmania.Set just 81 runs to win, they cruised to 82 for 1 on the final day at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Test stalwart Usman Khawaja (33 not out) and Jack Clayton (34no) were untroubled in peeling off the last 56 runs to win on Sunday.The result ended Tasmania’s hopes of reaching the Shield final, leaving them last on the table with just one match to come – against New South Wales.Queensland are still alive and kicking, and will finish the round as high as second or as low as fourth. Even if they drop to fourth, they still have a chance to reach the final if they can beat ladder leaders South Australia in the final round.Khawaja helped set up Queensland’s big win over Tasmania by scoring 127 Tasmania were rolled for 161 in reply, with man-of-the-match Michael Neser snaring 6 for 37.Tasmania were forced to follow-on, and although their second-innings total of 345 was much better, the 82-run victory target wasn’t nearly enough to pose Queensland any problems.”Maximising that new ball [was the key], that new ball nipped around a bit,” Neser said. “And then it went dead and it was a lovely batting wicket.”It was a no-brainer to [enforce the] follow on. That wicket was getting flatter. The way Uzzie batted was superb. He set the game up for us.”Queensland’s win over Tasmania was a perfect response from their recent flop at the WACA, where they were thumped by an innings and 12 runs by Western Australia.”We have a massive game in Adelaide now. It’s going to be tough there,” Neser said. “We know it can be flat at times, so spin will be a huge factor for us. Going in with a win is massive for us, so hopefully we can carry that momentum through.”Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald rued his team’s poor batting display.”If we had got [a lead of] 200, 230, we would have been a good chance,” Weatherald said. “We’re just not batting or bowling well enough. Michael Neser was just too classy. He bowled very well throughout this game in good batting conditions.”

Do Wolverhampton Wanderers need to be active in the final few days of the transfer window to avoid being relegated?

In their Premier League opener on Saturday, Wolves were demolished 4-0 by Manchester City at Molineux, their heaviest defeat under Vítor Pereira.

This is the start of the Old Gold’s eighth successive season in the Premier League, their longest stay in the top division since the early-70s, but could it come to an end?

Well, some fresh additions between now and September 1st would certainly help.

Wolves targeting new midfielder

That opening day annihilation at the hands of Man City underlined Wolves’ lack of quality, so do they have their eyes set on a highly-rated midfield general?

Transfer Focus

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

Well, according to reports in Spain, Wolves are interested in signing Marc Casadó from Barcelona, with Real Betis and Como also in the running.

They add that Barça “would accept” a suitable offer, given their ongoing financial issues, only able to register new signings Joan García and Marcus Rashford on the morning of their La Liga opener against Mallorca last weekend.

As it transpires, the three aforementioned suitors have already submitted an offer to sign the player, believed to be worth around £26m.

So, could Casadó soon swap Catalonia for the English Midlands?

What Marc Casadó would bring to Wolves

Ever since they secured their return to the Premier League in 2018, high-quality midfielders have been key to Wolves’ success.

First, Portuguese duo João Moutinho and Rúben Neves formed the bedrock of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, playing 184 matches for the club together, but the one that got away is unquestionably Vitinha.

20 years old at the time, he spent the 2020/21 season on loan from Porto in the Black Country, making just 22 appearances for the club, starting only five times in the Premier League, his only goal this absolute rocket against non-league Chorley in an FA Cup tie.

Wolves did have a £17m option to buy following the conclusion of his loan, but declined, a decision they surely now regret, considering Vitinha has become one of the very best midfielders in the world, thriving at Paris Saint-Germain.

But, how does Casado compare? Well, joining Barcelona’s academy at the age of 13, and is a classic la Masia midfielder; diminutive and possessing exceptional technical ability, much like Vitinha.

After making the odd cameo appearance here or there beforehand, he really established himself as a key figure in Hansi Flick’s domestic treble-winning squad last season, as the table below documents.

Minutes

2,443

11th

Assists

6

8th

Completed passes

1,682

7th

Pass completion %

89.8%

6th*

Progressive passes

154

8th

Tackles

77

2nd

Ball recoveries

120

8th

*minimum 1,000 attempted

Casadó ranked highly for a wide variety of statistics at Barcelona last season, including passing and defensive metrics, despite the fact ten players saw more minutes than he did.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “midfield general”, praising his “control and work rate”, while Pol Ballús of the Athletic notes that he dominated midfield against ‘elite opposition’ last season, believing he could be a massive star in the future. It’s clear to see why the comparisons to Vitinha exist.

However, could this future be away from Camp Nou, with Casadó having fallen down the Barça midfield pecking order, an unused substitute for Saturday’s win at Son Moix, with Fermín López, Frenkie de Jong and Pedro starting, while Gavi came off the bench?

Should Casadó end up in Wolverhampton, he’d be joining the strongest area of Wolves’ team, with Brazilian duo João Gomes and André starting on the opening weekend, surely one of the best pairings in the bottom half, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi deployed further forward.

Nevertheless, the 21-year-old Spain international has the potential to be a world-class operator so, if Wolves are able to take advantage of Barcelona’s dire finances, they can’t afford to fumble this opportunity, as they did with Vitinha five seasons ago.

Wolves submit £26m offer to sign "superb" new star who’s been granted exit

The Midlands club have made their first move.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 21, 2025

Zafar Gohar, the former Pakistan spinner, has joined Middlesex on a two-year contract after qualifying as a local player.Gohar spent four seasons with Gloucestershire as an overseas signing, but has now received British citizenship. He last played for Pakistan in 2021, when he won his sole Test cap in Christchurch. He was also capped in an ODI against England in 2015.”Zafar is a player that we have admired for some time now and have been keeping a watchful eye on,” Middlesex’s managing director of cricket, Alan Coleman, said. “We are delighted to have secured his services as a local cricketer for the next two seasons.”In Championship cricket we have identified the need to increase our wicket-taking threat in all conditions and adding an international quality spinner to our line-up will strengthen us and add a greater threat on all types of surfaces.”Adding a senior bowler to our white-ball teams will also help the side in those situations where we’ve lacked some experience in the shorter formats in recent years.”The addition of someone like Zafar to our squad adds not only quality, but also invaluable experience, and our young spinners will benefit enormously from having him in the playing group. We are excited to see what Zafar can do for Middlesex and are delighted to have him on board.”Gohar claimed 118 wickets at 31.71 in first-class cricket for Gloucestershire, as well as 17 List A and nine T20 wickets, while also contributing handy runs down the order. He was only involved in six County Championship fixtures in 2024, however.Gohar said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Middlesex and making Lord’s my home ground for the next two years. It’s a club steeped in history and to be a part of this next chapter is hugely exciting.”The opportunity to contribute to both the red-ball and white-ball teams formed a big part of my decision to make Middlesex my home, and I can’t wait to play my part in what I hope will be a successful 2025 for the club.”

Australia have been dealt a potential injury concern heading into their title defence at the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, with batter Phoebe Litchfield being ruled out of the warm-up games with groin soreness. The news came in ahead of Australia’s first warm-up fixture against England in Dubai on September 29.Grace Harris, who has not played competitive cricket since April 2024 because of calf strains in both legs, was also deemed not quite ready to take the field yet because of a “new niggle”, though she is back in training.”Grace has resumed training following a new niggle sustained in her preparation to return to play,” Cricket Australia’s (CA) update said.Harris is making her way back after a first calf strain kept her out of the Women’s Hundred in the English summer, and then a second, in the other leg, kept her out of the recent series against New Zealand.CA said an update on both players’ availability for the T20 World Cup opener will be provided over “the next few days”.Australia play a second warm-up on October 1 against West Indies, before opening their tournament against Sri Lanka on October 5.India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are the other teams in Australia’s group – Group A. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the semi-finals on October 17 and 18, before the final on October 20.

Josh Brown and Will Sutherland have been included in the Melbourne Renegades Academy squad for the Top End T20 series in Darwin while Australia quick Scott Boland will be part of Melbourne Stars Academy.Sutherland, who made his ODI debut against West Indies last season, will captain Renegades. He has spent the winter recovering from another stress fracture of the back which ruled him out of a second consecutive county stint having lined up a deal with Somerset.Brown, meanwhile, was one of the big off-season moves after he was lured away from Brisbane Heat having lit up last season’s BBL with some spectacular innings include a stunning 140 off 57 balls against Adelaide Strikers. While the much-anticipated pairing with Jake Fraser-McGurk will have to wait for the BBL in December, the Top End tournament will be Brown’s first outing with his new club.Renegades have also included Kane Richardson and Victoria opener Marcus Harris who does not currently have a BBL deal. Harris made one appearance for Perth Scorchers last season, in the Eliminator final, having been signed as a late replacement.Meanwhile, Boland will have a dual role for Stars having been included in their academy squad for the tournament where he will also serve as a bowling coach. Should Boland play it will be his first competitive cricket since April when he had a county deal with Durham cut short by a heel injury.Stars have also included the experience of Hilton Cartwright who is part of their BBL squad.Alongside the Stars and Renegades academy sides, the Top End T20 features Northern Territory Strike, Adelaide Strikers, Perth Scorchers, Tasmania, ACT Comets, Pakistan A and a Bangladesh High Performance side.Jake Weatherald (Tasmania and Adelaide Strikers) and D’Arcy Short (Western Australia and Strikers) will play for NT Strike.

All the squads for the Top End T20 series

Northern Territory StrikeJacob Dickman, Lachlan Bangs, Harshtik Bimbral, Connor Carroll, Isaac Conway, Coby Edmonstone, Matt Hammond, Hamish Martin, Cadell McMahon, Tom Menzies, D’Arcy Short, Charlie Smith, Caelan Maladay, Jake WeatheraldMelbourne Stars AcademyAustin Anlezark, Max Birthisel, Scott Boland, Dylan Brasher, Liam Blackford, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Hilton Cartwright, Sam Elliott, Jaga Koduru, Reiley Mark, Joe Medew-Ewen, David Moody, Arjun Nair, Connor RutlandMelbourne Renegades AcademyWill Sutherland, Tom Brooks, Josh Brown, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Matt Hennig, Jai Lemire, Blake MacDonald, Fergus O’Neill, Tyler Pearson, Kane Richardson, Callum StowAdelaide StrikersLiam Scott, James Bazley, Jordan Buckingham, Hamish Case, Josh Kann, Ryan King, Harry Manenti, Harry Matthias, Tim Oakley, Tom O’Connell, Lloyd Pope, Sam Rahaley, Jake WinterPerth ScorchersSam Fanning, Keaton Critchell, Joel Curtis, Baxter Holt, Luke Holt, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Lucas Martin, Declan Power, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Spoors, Josh Vernon, Corey Wasley, Teague WyllieTasmaniaGabe Bell, Lachlan Clark, Zac Curtain, Nick Davis, Jake Doran, Kieran Elliott. Rafael MacMillan, Jack Montgomery, Will Prestwidge, Nivethan Radhakrishnan, James Scott, Louis Smith, Charlie Wakim, Tim WardACT CometsTyler van Luin, Scott Murn, Nick Allen, Nic Broes, Kai Brunker, Tom Hogan, Zak Keogh, Tyler Hays, Hanno Jacobs, Zac Maron, Mikey McNamara, Esam Rahman, Jake Smith, Hayden WatlingPakistan AMohammad Haris, Abdul Faseeh, Arafat Minhas, Arif Yaqoob, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Imran, Mubasir Khan, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan.Bangladesh High PerformanceTanzid Hasan, Jishan Alam, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Ariful Islam, Akbar Ali, Wasi Siddiquee, Rakibul Hasan, Al Islam, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Abu Hider, Mukidul Islam, Ripon Mondol, Maruf Mridha

Tottenham Hotspur will be wanting to right the wrongs of this season’s failure in the Premier League, which saw the club finish just one place above the relegation zone.

Despite winning the Europa League, it was the Lilywhites’ lowly league standing that spelled the end for Ange Postecoglou in North London, subsequently being sacked after two years in the role.

Daniel Levy wasted no time in appointing Thomas Frank from fellow top-flight side Brentford, but it’s crucial that the Dane is handed time to transform the side next campaign.

Alongside the players currently on the books, additions are also needed during the current window to help the 51-year-old in his quest for success during his tenure in charge.

Work appears to be conducted behind the scenes to help the new manager in the market, which could see moves made for various targets this summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

In recent days, Spurs have appeared to be stepping up their efforts to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo this summer, after it was confirmed the club are set to make a bid for his services.

He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand another option under consideration ahead of Frank’s debut campaign at the helm.

However, another name has now entered the mix, with one Spanish outlet claiming that the Lilywhites hold serious interest in a move for Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel.

The report claims that the 29-year-old’s agent is aware of interest in the forward after he scored a tremendous solo effort against German champions Bayern Munich at the ongoing Club World Cup.

It also states that no formal offer has yet been made, but the hierarchy are monitoring a move for the Uruguayan, who has netted 43 goals in the last three campaigns.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s answer to Gyokeres

Spitting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most sought after talents throughout this summer window, looking almost certain to leave the Portuguese outfit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Various sides across the globe have been touted with a move for the 27-year-old’s signature and, unsurprisingly so given his record of 54 goals in his 52 outings this season.

Manchester United appeared to be the most likely destination given his previous stint under Ruben Amorim, but it now looks as though the Swede is pushing for a move to join North London rivals Arsenal.

Such a move will likely hand Mikel Arteta’s side an added attacking threat next season, with Spurs needing to make a move to land their own talisman this window.

Frank could land his own version of Gyokeres in the form of Merentiel, with the Boca talisman labelled as a similar player to the goalscoring sensation, according to FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Uruguayan has managed to match or better the Swede in various key areas, looking to be a shrewd addition for the Lilywhites this summer.

Merentiel, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Johannes Skiba, has matched the Sporting star for goals per shot on target, but bettered him for shot-on-target accuracy – taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way.

Games played

22

33

Goals & assists

10

46

Shot-on-target accuracy

62%

52%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Passes into final third

1.7

0.5

Take-on success

60%

45%

Carries into final third

1.6

1.3

Progressive passes made

3.2

2.1

He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more passes into the final third, having the all-round ability to provide those around him rather than relying on teammates creating chances for him in the final third.

The Boca star’s talents are further demonstrated with his take-on success and carries into the final third, showcasing his desire to take the ball forward at any given opportunity – therefore handing Frank’s side an added threat.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 29-year-old would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to thrive in the Premier League.

If he can add further goals to his game in North London, he would be an excellent option for the Lilywhites in their quest to be competitive in Europe and England’s top flight next campaign.

Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs open initial talks to sign £70m "monster"

Tottenham are hoping to sign a right-sided forward this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal have held initial talks over signing an exciting forward over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with sporting director Andrea Berta eyeing more than one winger for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal targeting left-winger and right-winger this summer

The north Londoners, as per recent reports, are considering the possibility of signing a left-winger and an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side (GiveMeSport).

Arsenal make £10m-per-year offer to "top" Barcelona and Real Madrid target

The Gunners want to get in ahead of La Liga’s top two sides.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 21, 2025

Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates, while it is believed by some sectors that Arsenal could sell Gabriel Martinelli if they receive a suitable offer for the Brazilian.

Saka, meanwhile, is Arteta’s superstar player and has been for years, but the England international won’t always be fit and available, as highlighted by his few months spent out with injury midway through the 2024/2025 campaign.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0

His absence was a sore blow for Arsenal, who struggled to cope without his output in the final third, and Arteta will be keen to avoid a similar scenario next season.

This has prompted Berta to weigh up his options for the wide area, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting this week that they’ve suddenly become contenders to sign Rodrygo from Real.

According to Plettenberg, Arsenal are seriously discussing the possibility of signing the 24-year-old Brazilian behind-closed-doors, and a potential deal is described as “on”.

While the South American would undoubtedly add quality to Arteta’s ranks, having racked up 13 goals and a further 10 assists in all competitions, Rodrygo would also be a very pricey option.

His price tag is rumoured to be north of £100 million, so it is definitely wise for Berta to consider alternatives.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams

A name very familiar to Arsenal supporters by now, and one who’s been taking Europe by storm these last two seasons, is that of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.

Edu was repeatedly linked with a swoop for the 22-year-old last summer, and reports suggest that new Arsenal transfer chief Berta remains in pursuit of Williams. The Italian held talks with his representatives in one of his “first acts” as director (Ed Aarons), with Romano now sharing an update on their hunt for the Spain international.

The reliable journalist claims Arsenal have made contact with Bilbao over signing Williams, opening some initial talks to gauge the overall cost of a potential deal, with salary, commission fees and other outlays to consider on top of his £49 million release clause.

“Chelsea and Arsenal love Nico Williams and have made contacts to understand how much the whole package will be,” said Romano.

“In recent years, it has been very expensive. €58m clause, taxes, salary and commissions.”

While the Spain international currently takes home around £170,000-per-week, some are suggesting that he wants north of £400,000-per-week at his potential new club, which would make him Arsenal’s highest earner.

Williams played a key role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024 last year, bagging 19 assists in all competitions for Bilbao at club level, and he’s rediscovered some of that electric over the second half of 2024/2025.

One of Aston Villa’s standout players could still be on the move this summer, despite both the club and the player reportedly being “happy” with the current situation, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Villa thump Magpies to boost Champions League hopes

Aston Villa kept their Champions League hopes alive in emphatic fashion over the weekend with a dominant 4-1 win over high-flying Newcastle United at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins, Ian Maatsen, and Amadou Onana all found the net for Unai Emery’s side, while Magpies defender Dan Burn added to their tally with an own goal.

Forget Watkins & Rogers: 9/10 star is becoming Aston Villa's best player

Aston Villa secured a vital 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 20, 2025

The result moved Villa within just two points of Newcastle. They’re also now just one point behind Manchester City and level with Chelsea, making the race for a top-four finish incredibly tight with only a handful of games remaining.

Next up is a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to face City on Tuesday, a fixture that could prove decisive in the push for Champions League qualification. Speaking after the weekend’s win, Emery stressed the importance of maintaining momentum.

“We can’t stop. We are involved in the key moment of the season. Through the Premier League, we are trying to reach our first objective,” he said.

On Watkins – whose goal drew him level with Gabriel Agbonlahor as Villa’s all-time top Premier League scorer – Emery added: “I’m so happy with how he’s performing and progressing under our management. His individual goal is important—for him, for us, for the club, and for our overall development. Hopefully, we can keep helping him to achieve more and more.”

Watkins could leave Villa Park this summer

While Unai Emery is clearly thrilled with Watkins—who has scored 15 Premier League goals this season—his future at Villa Park isn’t entirely secure. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Watkins could still leave the club this summer if the right offer arrives. Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano noted that both Villa and the player are happy with the current situation, but didn’t rule out a move.

“They’re happy with Watkins and he’s happy at the club,” Romano wrote. “Then if a proposal comes, never say never – as it was the case in January.”

Watkins was reportedly the subject of a £40 million bid from Arsenal during the winter transfer window, though Villa ultimately chose to reject the offer.

Having already seen Jhon Durán depart for the Saudi Pro League in January, losing Watkins this summer would represent a major blow for Aston Villa – particularly if they’re unable to secure the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

That said, Villa have shown a knack in recent seasons for replacing outgoing talent with even stronger additions, so it wouldn’t be wise to bet against them pulling off something similar again if Watkins does move on.

Where does New Zealand beating India stand in the biggest series upsets of the 21st century?

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2024