While the transfer window is of secondary importance to everyone connected with Liverpool, they have made significant progress on that front courtesy of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong’s arrivals.

Arne Slot has committed himself to creating a club culture where elite talent can thrive under his stewardship. Their Premier League title victory last season was an example of what can happen when astute tactical ideas and togetherness are mired together with significant on-field talent.

Despite the Reds claiming glory last term, they last made a central midfield signing in 2023, but that could be about to change after Liverpool submitted an official offer for Barcelona star Marc Casado.

Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen are also in the hunt for his signature. Either way, he may be allowed to leave the La Liga giants due to their need to ease their ongoing financial situation.

Marc Guehi and Castello Lukeba are candidates to strengthen Liverpool’s defence, with the former being a well-documented target since the arrival of Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez.

Related A Wirtz repeat: Liverpool enter race for £77m star with a "freak profile"

Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-back this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2025

The spine of the Reds’ side is already impressive by anybody’s standard. Still, there may come a time when the likes of Wataru Endo move on to make way for reinforcements of a more youthful complexion to carry the torch forward.

Slot didn’t feel the need to raid the transfer market in his first campaign, other than Federico Chiesa’s arrival. He may now have an opportunity to bring a trusted lieutenant to Anfield if reports are to be believed.

Liverpool leading race to sign Orkun Kokcu

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool want to sign Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu and are the frontrunners, with the Turkey international prefering a move to Anfield despite interest from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan.

The 24-year-old has previously worked under Slot at Feyenoord and called him “the best coach in the world” in 2024. Intriguingly, his current employers would be willing to let him take on a new challenge if their £35 million valuation is met, and Slot is also keen on a reunion.

Five similar players to Orkun Kokcu (FBRef)

Jack McGlynn

Houston Dynamo

Pedro Vite

Vancouver Whitecaps

Ryotaro Ito

Sint-Truiden

Simone Pontisso

Catanzaro

Alvaro Fidalgo

Club America

Enjoying a productive campaign last term, Kokcu registered 12 goals and 11 assists in 55 appearances for Benfica across all competitions, featuring primarily in centre midfield.

He is also capable of featuring as an attacking midfielder and has a knack for laying opportunities on a plate for his teammates, illustrated by the fact he created 76 chances in the Primeira Liga.

Should Slot look to open the Reds’ chequebook for a midfielder, it makes sense that Kokcu is said to be high on Liverpool’s list given the positive relationship that exists between both parties.

Chelsea find themselves in the hunt for a striker this summer and could now have landed a boost after one target has agreed to leave his current club.

Chelsea looking to sign a striker

Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Flamengo last week at the Club World Cup has raised conversations over whether the Blues should look for another striker despite Liam Delap arriving earlier in the window from Ipswich Town.

The Senegalese attacker was also sent off against Newcastle towards the end of the Premier League season, missing some crucial games during the run-in, but he did contribute with an effort in the Blues’ Europa Conference League final victory over Real Betis upon his return.

While Jackson continues to divide opinion, Chelsea have opened talks to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain as his loan spell at Juventus draws towards a close.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is also mentioned. Nevertheless, Liverpool have emerged as rivals for his signature amid their recent mission to get things done swiftly after claiming the Premier League title.

Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens is a key priority for Chelsea and Mohammed Kudus could move to Stamford Bridge from West Ham United, with the latter capable of stepping in through the middle when needed.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 13, 2025

Whether it be finding the creative foil behind the main man or securing another option to provide competition up top, Enzo Maresca is clearly in the hunt for goalscoring prowess at Stamford Bridge.

Now, he could possibly have landed a boost on that front after recent developments involving a star operating in Europe’s top-five leagues that is open to a move elsewhere.

Chelsea's long-standing Dusan Vlahovic interest could take a twist

According to Sky reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Chelsea are attentive to Dusan Vlahovic’s situation at Juventus and could now have an advantage in their hunt for a striker after it was revealed both he and the Old Lady have found agreement that he will be allowed to leave this summer.

Currently, he is on Club World Duty and won a penalty in the dying stages against Wydad Casablanca before stepping up to slot home his 16th goal of the season in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Vlahovic earns roughly £369,000 per week at Juventus and appears primed for a move, given he has one year left on his contract. He has recently turned down two big proposals from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

It feels like the Belgrade-born man has been someone in line to move to the Premier League for a number of years. However, that dream could finally be realised if Chelsea firm up their interest in his services over the next few months, which they could now do ‘under certain conditions’, per the outlet.

Newcastle United haven’t quite got going in the summer transfer window, but Eddie Howe has a plan and is beginning to put it into action.

Despite missing out on a host of top targets, the Tynesiders will be confident that they can make something meaningful out of a transfer window that is preceded by the Magpies’ success in winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.

They will need to recover from the slew of setbacks which has seen them miss out on Dean Huijsen, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Joao Pedro.

And things are gathering pace on that front.

Newcastle looking to kickstart transfer window

Newcastle have reportedly launched a fresh attempt worth £50m + to sign Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and their pursuit of new talent isn’t going to stop there.

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is also anticipated to be on the verge of joining the St. James’ Park ranks, having been hailed for his “world-class” level by manager Scott Parker earlier in 2025.

With a goalkeeper and a new winger potentially ticked off, it’s over to the midfield. While it isn’t regarded as the highest priority by Howe and Co, the opportunity to sign Matteo Guendouzi might be too good to resist.

As per reports in Italy, translated by Sport Witness, Newcastle have joined Aston Villa and rivals Sunderland in preparing a bid for the Lazio midfielder, who is valued at €50m (£43m).

Guendouzi, 26, is a valued member of Maurizio Sarri’s squad, but financial concerns may force them to cash in.

Why Newcastle want Matteo Guendouzi

France international and former Arsenal star Guendouzi never hit his finest form when cutting his teeth as a Gunner, however, he was always regarded as a “monster in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

He completed 66 fixtures under Unai Emery’s wing before moving back to his homeland. A stint with Marseille led to rehousing in the Serie A with Lazio, where he has now performed for the past two campaigns, featuring prominently.

His combative and progressive mix of qualities, hardened by his time in Italy, suggests he could be Howe’s next version of Sandro Tonali, who served as an inimitable maestro for Newcastle last season.

Guendouzi, indeed, ranked among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 19% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Press-resistant and confident in their roles, Guendouzi would add competition for the Italian, who was so instrumental for Newcastle’s incredible resurgence last term.

Indeed, with Sean Longstaff potentially being sold, the need for such a signing is underscored.

Matches (starts)

36 (28)

37 (37)

Goals

4

1

Assists

2

3

Touches*

53.4

68.3

Pass completion

86%

91%

Big chances created

4

3

Key passes*

0.8

1.2

Dribbles (success)*

0.6 (59%)

0.4 (60%)

Ball recoveries*

4.9

4.7

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

1.9

Duels won*

3.7 (54%)

2.8 (50%)

Both players operate so fluidly in the middle of the park, and Guendouzi could add the perfect bit of depth to ensure Newcastle pull their weight across domestic and continental competitions in 2025/26.

Newcastle have already hit the jackpot with one midfield signing brought over from the Italian scene; might they strike gold once again?

Next Ben Arfa: Newcastle set to bid £50m for "electric" Elanga alternative

As Newcastle chase Anthony Elanga, should they instead go for an “electric” winger, one who is reminiscent of former fan’s favourite Hatem Ben Arfa?

ByBen Gray Jul 3, 2025

Sri Lanka were 140 for 1 in a chase of 214 but then lost nine wickets for 30 runs

Shashank Kishore27-Jul-2024

India’s new T20I era under Suryakumar Yadav began on a winning note, even if it was jittery at various points in their defence of a big score. A spirited Sri Lankan batting unit, spearheaded by Pathum Nissanka and his free-stroking 79 left an Indian team playing with just five bowling options hanging onto crumbs of hope. One of them was scoreboard pressure. Sri Lanka had nine wickets in hand but they still needed 74 off 36.Nissanka, reprieved a ball earlier by Ravi Bishnoi at deep midwicket, fell to Axar Patel to open the floodgates. India converted that opening into a double-strike when Kusal Perera fell four balls later. It would be the start of a sensational meltdown; Sri Lanka losing 9 for 30 in all to concede a game they would’ve backed themselves to win.Gill and Jaiswal lay down a markerOn match eve, Shubman Gill had acknowledged the need to improve his T20I batting template. On Saturday, he walked the talk, cutting and pulling anything fractionally short to put pressure on the bowlers during the powerplay. Yashasvi Jaiswal was equally aggressive, as India’s new opening partnership turned into a healthy contest of one-upmanship.Jaiswal’s intent upset Sri Lanka and their plans to introduce spin early. He welcomed Maheesh Theekshana with a clean hit for six over long-off and followed it with a ferocious slog sweep for four. In all, India scored 11 fours and three sixes in the powerplay during a 74-run first-wicket stand before Dilshan Madushanka had Gill miscuing a lofted shot to mid-on for a 16-ball 34.SKY offsets Sri Lanka’s double-strikeGill’s wicket was followed by Jaiswal’s off the very next ball for a 21-ball 40, Wanindu Hasaranga having him stumped off a ripping googly. But Suryakumar was quickly into his element, moving inside the line to play the pick-up flick for six from just his fourth ball. He offered a chance on 15 when he top-edged a Madushanka bouncer in the eighth over, only for Asitha Fernando to drop the catch at fine leg. It would prove costly.Suryakumar peppered different arcs on the legside boundary with his plethora of sweeps, punishing Hasaranga and the ambidextrous Kamindu Mendis to raise a half-century stand for the third wicket; Rishabh Pant’s contribution to it a mere 11 runs. Suryakumar soon brought up his half-century off just 22 balls, his second-fastest in T20Is, but fell in an attempt to take on Matheesha Pathirana, who was held back till the 12th over to close out the innings.Matheesha Pathirana got rid of Suryakumar Yadav•Associated Press

Pathirana leads Sri Lanka fightbackIt took Pant a dropped catch – by Asitha at deep square leg – and 15 balls to find his first boundary. His next one, a helicopter shot over midwicket in the 16th over broke a 14-ball boundary-drought following Suryakumar’s dismissal. In fact, Pant barely managed to get out of second gear for much of his innings. Prior to his first six, he scratched his way 20 off 23. He made 29 off the next 10, eventually falling 49 while attempting to takedown Pathirana for a third boundary in a row.Pathirana stuck to a simple mantra of bowling straight and fast, relying on a slight tail in to clean bowl Hardik and Pant, while dismissing Riyan Parag in the same way he did Suryakumar – lbw to a low-arm slinger as they missed full balls. Pathirana finished with 4 for 40 as India finished with 213 after being 135 for 2 after 12 overs.The Nissanka-Mendis turbochargeSri Lanka kickstarted their chase in the third over as both batters got stuck into Axar’s drifters into the stumps. Nissanka cranked it up a notch when he hit Mohammed Siraj for two sixes in the fourth over, ramping him first over third man and then clubbing him over deep midwicket. Sri Lanka raised their fifty off 31 balls.Hardik was welcomed with a bludgeon through point, Ravi Bishnoi swept and reverse-swept with disdain as he kept firing deliveries down leg. When Mendis got inside the line to mercilessly flick Arshdeep Singh into the grass banks in the ninth over, India were nervy. But off the next ball, the batter’s attempt to repeat the shot had him holing out to deep midwicket.Sri Lanka’s counter-punch forced mistakes from India, Nissanka raising his half-century off 34 balls with an overthrow that gave him five runs. Nissanka’s exhibited his full range soon after, reverse-sweeping Axar, pouncing on anything dragged down and even improvising to get inside the line of length balls and swatting them over the ropes. But at 140 for 1, Nissanka chopped on attempting to cut. The slow walk back signalled a job unfinished.Parag justifies selectionSiraj and Arshdeep had two overs apiece. With four overs left and India needing to defend 56, it seemed obvious Suryakumar would turn to his two frontline pacers. Instead he threw the ball to Parag, who had been picked ahead of Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar. And unlike Bishnoi and Axar, Parag slowed it down and gave it a rip.After India got lucky with Dasun Shanaka’s wicket courtesy a run out made possible by Siraj’s athleticism at short third, Parag bowled Kamindu and gave away only five runs at a crunch moment. Then with Sri Lanka in a freewill and all but out needing 44 off six, he was given a second over, when he picked up Theekshana and Madushanka off successive deliveries to seal victory.

Abhishek Sharma is set to open with Gill; India likely to hand a number of debuts in this series

Alagappan Muthu05-Jul-20242:07

Gill: ‘Difficult for me to try and achieve what Rohit and Kohli have’

Big picture – Opportunities galoreThe new T20 World Cup champions were given a rousing welcome on their return home but even as the country celebrates their history-makers, one eye turns towards the future.Fifteen of India’s promising colts – captained by Shubman Gill – are in Zimbabwe now laying the groundwork for the time that they too may one day experience: the high of an open-top bus parade with fans as far as the eye can see serenading them.Related

Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Nitish Reddy in India's T20I squad for Zimbabwe tour

After T20 World Cup euphoria, India begin quest for a new generation of champions

Riyan Parag: 'I wanted to know more about my game, because I've been lost inside those 22 yards too many times'

There are spots up for grabs. Two of them, in particular, which Gill, Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad will be trying to make their own. Rinku Singh was there in Barbados but only as reserve. He’ll want to fix that. Riyan Parag is starting to make good on his promise. Washington Sundar is 24 and injury-free with India potentially needing a new spin-bowling allrounder in their first-choice XI.Zimbabwe will see opportunity too, not least in upsetting the newly-minted champions after being unable to make the World Cup. Hosting an India series brings an influx of money and no shortage of eyeballs, some of whom might be on the lookout for skills that can translate to success in the various franchise tournaments happening around the world. These days, a cricket match is not just a chance to bring glory to the team.Form guideZimbabwe WLLLL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
India WWWWWIn the spotlight – Shubman Gill and Sikandar RazaShubman Gill is in the middle of a bit of a blip. His first real brush with captaincy, through April and May, didn’t go as planned with Gujarat Titans finishing eighth out of ten teams in IPL 2024. His time with India at the T20 World Cup in June was very brief but now in July he finds himself with the power to do what he likes, at least for the course of these five matches. Will he bat like India want their players to, with aggression from the first ball, or will he do something different?Sikandar Raza will look to find form•AFP/Getty ImagesZimbabwe tripped up, badly, in the Africa T20 World Cup qualifiers in November 2023. Sikandar Raza was captain. They hosted Ireland in December, but after an excellent all-round contribution in a one-wicket victory, he was suspended from the rest of the series due to an on-field altercation. Then Raza lost his form, with four single-digit scores in six T20I innings, but his last one was a match-winning half-century against Bangladesh. He’s also produced good showings for Northamptonshire in the Vitality Blast (206 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 153). Raza’s back on the up and he wants his team to be as well.Team news – Count the debutsThis India squad is very much a work in progress so the XIs that come out of it might not have all their bases covered. The batting, for example, might only go down as far as No. 7 which certainly does not encourage the hit-every-ball-out-of-the-park philosophy they are trying to perfect. Also, the players themselves haven’t proven themselves at this level. Then again, they haven’t been exposed to it all that often either. Look out for debuts. There could be four or five. Gill confirmed Abhishek Sharma will open the batting alongside him.India (probable): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Rinku Singh, 6 Dhruv Jurel/Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Ravi Bishnoi, 9 Avesh Khan, 10 Tushar Deshpande, 11 Khaleel AhmedZimbabwe are searching for new talent themselves. Some of their better-known players like Sean Williams and Craig Ervine weren’t considered for this series and Ryan Burl has been dropped. Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta, though, are back in contention after serving out four-month suspensions for drug use.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3 Sikandar Raza (capt), 4 Johnathan Campbell, 5 Antum Naqvi, 6 Clive Madande (wk), 7 Wessly Madhevere, 8 Luke Jongwe, 9 Faraz Akram, 10 Wellington Masakadza, 11 Blessing MuzarabaniPitch and conditions – Runs at a premiumThis will be Harare’s first T20I of the year. First-innings totals in the recent past have been a bit middling, with only five of the last 12, going past 150. In those last 12 matches, spinners (69 wickets at 19.71 and economy rate of 6.6) have done better than the fast bowlers (80 wickets at 25.92 and an economy rate of 7.82). There is no threat of rain with temperatures in the mid-20C.Stats and trivia India have faced Zimbabwe in only eight T20Is over the course of 14 years. They’ve won six and lost two. Raza needs 53 more to become the first Zimbabwean to score 2000 runs in T20Is.

Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of huge improvement over the course of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, needing to right the wrongs of last season.

The Lilywhites only managed to register a 17th-placed finish, losing 22 matches out of their 38, a tally of defeats that subsequently cost Ange Postecoglou his job.

Thomas Frank is the latest manager to try and push the club closer to a consistent place within the division’s top four and eventually push for a title charge in the years ahead.

The Dane will need the hierarchy to hand the new boss the funds he needs to make the desired changes to provide him with the platform for success in his first year at the club.

Numerous names have been touted with a move to North London, this window, with progress appearing to be made on deals to land key players in multiple areas.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Ademola Lookman is the latest player who has appeared on Spurs’ radar, with the Lilywhites preparing an offer for the Atalanta star in the coming weeks.

He could be available for a fee in the region of £50m this summer, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 20 goals across all competitions last season.

However, a deal could be edging closer for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, with talks already being held, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the club’s hierarchy are preparing another bid for the Ghanaian international, after their first offer of around £50m was swiftly rejected.

Romano also stated that the 24-year-old would be extremely keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the Lilywhites currently leading the race for his signature this summer despite his £85m release clause.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s own Saka

Bukayo Saka is a player who many Spurs fans have envied in recent years, given the performances he’s often produced against them in the North London Derby.

The 23-year-old has scored five times against the Lilywhites in his career, the most of any side in his professional career, with the Englishman one of the Premier League’s dangermen.

He registered six goals and 10 assists in England’s top-flight last season, but his contributions couldn’t catapult the Gunners to the Premier League title – undoubtedly to the joy of all Spurs supporters.

However, Frank’s side could be about to land their own version of the forward with a move for Kudus this summer, as the Ghanaian has been labelled as a similar player to Saka by FBref.

The West Ham star also possesses a very similar trait of liking to cut inside onto his left foot off the right flank, as demonstrated by the stats he’s produced in recent months.

Kudus, who’s been labelled as “sensational” by one analyst, has registered fewer goal contributions, but has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the clinical edge he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, completing more balls into the final third, having the ability to provide other forwards with the chance for success in forward areas.

Games played

32

25

Goals & assists

8

16

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.2

Pass accuracy

84%

75%

Passes into final third

1.6

0.7

Take-ons completed

3.2

2.1

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Fouls won

2.2

2

The Ghanaian’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and carries into the final third, having the talent to take the ball forward at any given opportunity.

It may be a deal that could cost a small fortune this summer, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be worth every penny in their quest for domestic glory.

Should he get near the levels produced by Saka in recent times, it would be an astute piece of business and one that could provide the difference within the final third.

Frank's own Vertonghen: Spurs make enquiry for "unreal" £21m CB

Tottenham need to sign a new defender or two this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2025

Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson, overlooked for England’s Test squad, bounced back to equal his season’s best tally of four wickets for 42 as Northamptonshire were skittled for 97 on an eventful opening day of this Vitality County Championship match at Wantage Road.Robinson, who claimed identical stats against Yorkshire at Hove, took some stick in his opening overs, but found more control and a better line as he switched ends amid a Steelbacks collapse. This after the hosts had raced to 43 without loss inside six overs before Nathan McAndrew started the slump with two wickets in two balls.On a day which saw 22 wickets fall, Sussex had themselves been bowled out earlier for 143, Northamptonshire seamer Jack White striking with four wickets for 23 runs, his first scalps of the summer since returning from injury. The visitors were undone by some testing seam bowling on a green top with bare ends, the bowlers finding plenty of movement to beat the bat consistently with Sussex losing six wickets for 47 in 19 overs after lunch, despite a series of dropped catches from the hosts.The clatter of wickets meant Sussex were batting again at 5.20pm when, with the sun putting in a late appearance, conditions started to ease. Tom Haines took advantage, hitting 45 as Sussex closed on 83 for 2, 129 ahead.Earlier Haines was first to go in Sussex’s first innings, flashing outside off stump, caught at fourth slip by Matthew Breetzke to give White his first wicket.Daniel Hughes top scored with 35, stroking five boundaries before he was dropped by a diving Prithvi Shaw at second slip off Luke Procter. His reprieve was shortlived as he edged the next delivery behind. Procter soon picked up another when James Coles fell to a good low catch by Breetzke at midwicket.Tom Alsop then departed on the stroke of lunch when tried to work Justin Broad off his hip and was caught behind.After the interval, in-form Sussex captain John Simpson took Sussex into three figures, before the innings swiftly fell apart.Oli Carter was first to go. He had hit consecutive boundaries through the covers before lunch but was undone when White used his height to gain some extra bounce drawing him into pushing outside off stump, keeper Lewis McManus taking the catch.Simpson almost fell soon after, but Shaw shelled a simple chance at second slip off White. The bowler persevered, striking later in the same over when he jagged one back in to trap Fynn Hudson-Prentice lbw.Simpson offered a second chance in the slips off Ben Sanderson, but this time a diving Breetzke could not hold on. He finally fell when Broad gratefully pouched a catch at second slip to give White his fourth wicket. Next Procter had McAndrew caught behind by a diving McManus before Robinson fell first ball, top-edging a return catch to Sanderson.Jack Carson meanwhile took the aggressive route as wickets tumbled around him. He clubbed the ball through the on side and scooped for six before holing out off Sanderson.When Northamptonshire batted, Ricardo Vasconcelos pummelled 16 off the opening over from a wayward Robinson, including a six and two fours before pulling Sean Hunt out of the ground for another maximum. He had moved to 33 when he tried to steer Hunt past fourth slip, Carson taking a superb diving catch.McAndrew then picked up two wickets in two balls thanks to some stunning fielding at third slip from Haines, who first took a good low grab to dismiss Emilio Gay, before an even more spectacular diving catch away to his left as Procter went first ball. South African T20 international Breetzke, playing his first Championship match, was then adjudged lbw to give McAndrew, Northamptonshire’s fourth wicket to fall for 16 runs in three overs.Shaw looked a class apart, driving his first two deliveries from Hunt square for four. He took a liking to McAndrew too, smashing him through the covers and cracking him away off the back foot.But Robinson found a better line and control from the David Capel End and struck on the stroke of tea, Rob Keogh falling to a juggling catch by Coles at slip. He struck again soon after the interval when McManus drove loosely outside off stump and was well caught by a leaping Simpson.Hudson-Prentice made the key breakthrough, removing Shaw, caught by Carson off the leading edge for 31, before Robinson claimed a third wicket, shaping one back in to bowl Sanderson. In his next over he had Raphael Weatherall brilliantly caught by Carson at short cover before taking a catch in the deep himself as Broad holed out off Hudson-Prentice.When Sussex batted again, Northamptonshire made an early breakthrough when White trapped Hughes lbw for 13. Haines though decided attack was the best option, smashing eight boundaries as he and Alsop shared a stand of 63 before he was caught behind off Sanderson.

With Thierno Barry signed and delivered, Everton have reportedly made their first approach to sign a fresh midfield star in a deal that could be worth £30m this summer.

Thierno Barry: "It's a dream to play in the Premier League"

Kicking off their summer business in style, Everton finally unveiled the arrival of Barry earlier this week. The talented striker has arrived in a deal worth around £27m and should put any concerns over Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure to rest. Alongside Beto, the former Villarreal star should provide David Moyes with more than enough firepower.

The new striker expressed his delight after putting pen to paper, telling Evertontv: “I’m very happy. It’s very exciting to be here. I just can’t wait to start and I hope to start very quickly.

“Everton is a big club in the Premier League. They have a good history and good players have played here, like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku. When I was young I liked to watch these players, now I want to do like these players who have gone before.

“I had good conversations with the manager. He told me I have the quality to play in the Premier League. He wants to do good work with me. He wants to help me on my road and I felt the sincerity with him so that’s why I chose to come here as well.

Related The dream squad Everton can build: £88m quintet & "beast" sign after Barry

A look at how Everton’s dream squad could shape up next season

Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 10, 2025

“For me, it is a dream to play in the Premier League. I think I proved in my career so far that I can adapt. For example, last season I went to LaLiga, which is a top league, and I think I had a good season for my first season. I’m not scared to play here and do the same.”

The Toffees aren’t waiting around to admire their new signing, however. Instead, it’s full steam ahead in pursuit of further arrivals and perhaps even a Premier League rival.

Everton make first £30m John McGinn enquiry

As reported by Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Everton have now made their first enquiry to sign John McGinn, telling Aston Villa that they’d be willing to pay £30m to welcome the midfielder this summer. Despite reports that the Scotland international is unhappy about his current role under Unai Emery, though, the Villans have swiftly rejected that approach.

Alas, this saga may be far from over. Everton are reportedly still optimistic that they can strike a deal to sign McGinn in the latter stages of the transfer window, especially if Aston Villa welcome a midfield reinforcement of their own.

If their optimism turns into a summer move, then McGinn will be bringing an end to an excellent seven-year spell in the Midlands, in which he has earned plenty of praise.

Emery, among those with plenty of positives to say about his captain, told reporters in 2023: “He is a very good example, of how he is consistent and trying to help and to be an example, a very good example for players. I really, really appreciate a lot as a person how he is, but as a professional, he is fantastic.”

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

عقد إنزو ماريسكا مدرب تشيلسي، مؤتمراً صحفياً للحديث عن استعدادات فريقه لمواجهة برينتفورد مساء الغد في الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وحول موقف كول بالمر من لقاء الغد قال ماريسكا في تصريحات نقلتها “فوتبول لندن” البريطانية: “لقد شارك بالمر في جلسة التدريبات أمس لأول مرة وليس الحصة التدريبية بالكامل، لدينا حصة تدريبية بعد ظهر اليوم وسنحاول التأكد أنه بخير وإلا سيغيب غداً”.

وأضاف عن بالمر: “إنه يتعافى من إصابة والأمر لا يتعلق بإدارته بل بالتعافي من الإصابة، عندما يكون متاحاً علينا وقتها إدارته نظراً لكثرة المباريات”.

وحول مدة غياب ليام ديلاب عن تشيلسي بعد إصابته قبل التوقف الدولي: “سيغيب ما يتراوح من 10 لـ12 أسبوعاً”.

وفيما يتعلق بلعب ريس جيمس مع منتخب إنجلترا، واصل: “عندما ينضم أي لاعب لمنتخب بلاده يكون جاهزاً للعب الدقائق التي يراها المدرب مناسبة، الأمر ليس بيدي، عندما يكون ريس هنا، نحاول إدارته بأفضل ما نستطيع، يظهر ريس جيمس جاهزيته للعب مباراتين أو ثلاثة أسبوعياً”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. من أجل جوتا.. أمنية غير متوقعة من جون تيري تصدم جماهير تشيلسي

وقال قال ماريسكا: استدعاء كولويل لقائمة دوري أبطال أوروبا يعتمد على مستوى مشاركتنا في دوري الأبطال، إصابة كولويل في الرباط الصليبي الأمامي لذا لن يغيب شهر أو اثنين بل ستة أو سبعة أو ثمانية أشهر، بالتأكيد سيعود لكن هذا ليس مصدر قلق لنا”.

وحول رحيل نيكولاس جاكسون: “الأمر سهل للغاية كونه لاعباً في بايرن ميونخ، أرسلت له رسالة وتمنيت له كل التوفيق، كان يقدم أداء جيد خلال وجوده هنا لذا أتمنى له كل التوفيق”.

وتابع :”أليخاندرو جارناتشو يعمل بشكل جيد، بالتأكيد عليه أن يبذل جهداً لأنه وصل إلى هنا وهو غير لائق تماماً، عليه أن يبذل جهداً، إنه يعمل بشكل جيد وسنرى، نأمل أن نتمكن من منحه دقائق لعب”.

كما أضاف :”لقاء برينتفورد صعب كما العادة، كان الأمر كذلك في المباراتين العام الماضي، الدوري الإنجليزي الأفضل في العالم لأنه صعب ضد أي نادي ونتوقع ذلك غداً”.

وفيما يتعلق ببداية الموسم، قال: “ربما فيما يتعلق باللاعبين، هناك جوانب دائماً يمكننا تحسينها، تحسين اللاعبين غالباً ما يحسن الفريق، نبدأ بإضافة مزيد من الحلول للفريق من حيث البنية والديناميكية، أعتقد أنه لا يزال بإمكاننا إضافة حلول”.

وعن تطور مستوى كوكوريلا قال: “الأمر يتعلق دائماً باللاعبين، مثلما قلنا مع كوكو وإنزو وليفي وآخرين، وضع اللاعبين كان مختلفاً عما هم عليه اليوم، هما يريدون التطور والتعلم، نوفر لهم الأدوات اللازمة لكنهم يتطورون”.

وحول إنزو فرنانديز قال ماريسكا: “عندما تصل من بلد آخر، عليك التكيف وإنزو لاعب جيد واجه صعوبة في بداية الموسم الماضي بشأن ما كنا نطلبه منه لكنه أفضل بكثير عندما أدرك ذلك، إنزو لاعب وسط هجومي وآمل أن يستمر على ذلك”.

وبشأن تقييمه لسوق الانتقالات، تابع ماريسكا: “لدينا تشكيل جيد، قلت إنني معجب بذلك قبل عام في مؤتمر صحفي،منذ ذلك الوقت حاولنا إجراء بعض التغييرات لكن بشكل عام التشكيل جيد جداً”.

وحول خيار اللاعب رقم 9 في تشيلسي أتم ماريسكا: “اللاعب الوحيد هو جويو ويمكن لجواو بيدرو اللعب في هذا المركز، ويمكننا التفكير في تيريك كرقم 9 بعد استهدامه ضد فولهام”.

ورداً على توجيه الاتحاد الإنجليزي 74 تهمة لتشيلسي بسبب انتهاكات مزعومة للوائح الخاصة بالوسطاء: “أعلم من النادي أنهم راضون،ليس لدي فكرة، أريد التركيز على الملعب وهذا أمر أستطيع التحكم فيه واللاعبين غير قلقين من ذلك”.

وختم عن التوقيع مع الأرجنتيني بونانوتي: “هو لاعب جيد، كان يلعب في ليستر سيتي وتواصلت معه هناك ويمكنه مساعدتنا، لدينا العديد من المسابقات والمباريات لذا سيحصل على دقائق لعب”.