Nottingham Forest could now look to sign an “unbelievable” forward as part of a swap deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report.

Gibbs-White could be heading for Nottingham Forest exit

It may have been a difficult task for Forest to keep hold of Gibbs-White even if they had secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, but having missed out on the top five, it now appears as though the midfielder could be heading for an exit.

The 25-year-old is now considered a dream signing for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, amid Martin Odegaard’s disappointing performances last season, while Manchester City are also considered frontrunners in the race for the Englishman.

The Tricky Trees are not willing to let their star player leave on the cheap, however, with the aforementioned report suggesting they could look to hold out for a fee of £100m for the maestro, who remains under contract until 2027.

A new report from Football Insider has also suggested that Nottingham Forest could agree a deal of a different nature, as they may look to sign Jack Grealish as part of a swap deal for Gibbs-White.

Having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the final game of the season, Grealish could be on his way out this summer, and a move to the City Ground is a possibility, with transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke adding: “Swap deals are notoriously hard in the Premier League, but we know Morgan Gibbs-White is a major target for Manchester City this summer.

Nottingham Forest make bid to sign "elegant" defender likened to Van Dijk

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are working to strengthen their squad after a terrific season overall.

ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

“If they get an offer which is too good to turn down, Forest might have to let him move to City… to work under Pep Guardiola… you’d probably be thinking that Forest will be looking to double their investment.

“Jack Grealish potentially is a swap deal – [that] might cause unrest if Forest were to break their budget to try and get Grealish in.”

"Unbelievable" Grealish could reignite career at Forest

The England international has been lauded as “unbelievable” courtesy of his contributions for the Three Lions in the past, but he has struggled to force his way into Guardiola’s plans as of late.

As such, it would make sense if City cash-in on their £100m signing this summer, and he could be a solid signing for Forest under Nuno Espirito Santo, if he is able to rediscover his previous form, with the winger often catching the eye during his time at Villa Park.

The 29-year-old was arguably at his best during his Aston Villa days, during which time he regularly contributed goals and assists in the Premier League.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2019-20

36

8

6

2020-21

26

6

12

No Forest fan will want to see Gibbs-White leave this summer, and it could be a risk to sign Grealish, considering he hasn’t been a regular starter for quite some time, but his previous exploits for club and country indicate he is clearly a very talented player.

Newcastle United are confident that they will keep Alexander Isak in the squad this summer, but a new striker is being chased all the same.

Eddie Howe wants more firepower in the attacking third, with Callum Wilson ageing and out of contract, and William Osula, 21, drifting through his maiden year as a Magpie.

Well, The Telegraph understand talks with Brighton & Hove Albion are on the brink of kicking off for the transfer of Joao Pedro, who is valued at £60m and who the Seagulls are willing to sell this summer.

Newcastle open talks for sought-after star

Pedro, 23, is proven in the Premier League and has the dynamic faculties to complement Isak, rather than outright replace him. However, there may be an even bigger fish Howe could add to the Tyneside pond.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, putting their name in the hat as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all tussle for the striker’s signature.

Ekitike might be the talk of the town, but it doesn’t seem like any suitor would be willing to meet the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£85m) valuation of the 22-year-old. Saying that, the player’s entourage have informed the relevant parties that a reduced figure may yet be agreed.

Newcastle agreed an initial £26m deal to sign Ekitike when he was at Stade de Reims way back in 2022, but he rejected their interest when Paris Saint-Germain came calling.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle might have felt the force of Ekitike’s rejection in the past, but he was a teenager who had been presented with a proposal to remain in his homeland with the cream of Ligue 1’s crop.

PSG didn’t work out for him, only scoring four times across 33 senior showings before being rehoused in Germany with Frankfurt, but it’s here where the striker has found his feet, with his first full campaign at the club ending with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

His displays have actually led analyst Ben Mattinson to praise him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

As far as Pedro’s concerned, Ekitike is the superior player, and if Bailey’s on the money (quite literally) with his claims that Frankfurt’s £85m demands might be slashed, putting every effort into convincing the Frenchman feels like a no-brainer.

Goals scored

0.53

0.46

Assists

0.28

0.28

Shots taken

4.00

1.94

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.33

Touches (att pen)

6.88

5.64

Progressive passes

1.86

3.60

Progressive carries

3.27

3.05

Successful take-ons

1.83

1.34

Ball recoveries

3.06

2.73

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

1.16

As you can see, the two forwards are matched up rather well, but Ekitike clearly has the edge, outperforming his South American counterpart across most relevant metrics.

Indeed, should you strip away Pedro’s penalties in the Premier League last season, he would rank among the bottom 21% of the division’s forwards for goals scored per 90.

Oh, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has praised the Brighton man’s “magical” ability on the ball, but Ekitike might just be ‘Europe’s most elegant striker’, so say the Bundesliga, in any case.

But the proof is in the pudding, and Frankfurt’s number nine passes the eye test, all right. There’s a certain lightness to his dribbling, with an underlying creativity that would see him hit the ground running on English pitches, in Howe’s system.

Pedro is a talented footballer, but Ekitike is simply that bit better, and Newcastle have got to aim for the stars as they go from strength to strength.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig believes Ekitike “could reach world-class striker levels.” Pedro is a talented guy, but is the same scale of potential also applicable to him?

This is a tough case, with Frankfurt proving stubborn in their appraisal of the striker and rival interest against top-drawer outfits making PIF’s task difficult.

But just imagine if they pull it off; it would remind the footballing world that there’s a new superpower on the block.

Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star

Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025

For most of this month, it felt like Arsenal were in real danger of falling behind their rivals in the transfer market.

Fortunately, the last week or so has finally seen the club spring into life somewhat, with both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard looking set to join Martin Zubimendi ahead of next season.

However, while the club are starting to get bodies through the door, there is still a question mark over the lack of truly game-changing signings, like Liverpool’s capture of Florian Wirtz.

Yet, there might be no need for concern, as recent reports have once again linked the Gunners with an incredible attacker who could be their own version of the German international.

Arsenal target game-changing signings

While Arsenal’s focus appeared to be on useful squad players last week, the North Londoners have still been linked with a host of potentially game-changing superstars in recent weeks, such as Rodrygo and, more recently, Eberechi Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost up to £85, but with two Champions League titles to his name and a tally of 25 goal involvements in 53 games this season, it would be hard to deny that’s a fair valuation for the Brazilian dynamo.

Likewise, while Eze’s £68m release clause is undeniably massive, he’d be more than worth it, as, on top of helping Crystal Palace win their first major honour ever this season, he racked up a haul of 25 goal involvements in just 43 appearances.

Yet, while both players would undoubtedly have a massive impact on the Gunners, there is another star linked with the club who’d surely be even more game-changing: Viktor Gyokeres.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, the Sporting CP star has been one of Arsenal’s top targets this summer and remains a genuine option to lead the line for next season, with it revealing that the Gunners are maintaining talks and asking to be kept up to date on the Swede’s situation.

However, what’s interesting is that the report also claims it’s now ‘only a matter of time’ before the Swedish international leaves the Portuguese champions, despite the Lisbon side holding out for more money.

Regarding the money, the story reaffirms prior reports that Sporting will not budge on their €80m valuation of the free-scoring forward, which converts to around £68m. Considering the player’s wage demands, it may be a move that ends up totalling close to £111m.

It might not be a straightforward transfer to get over the line, but Arsenal should do all they can to sign Gyokeres in the coming weeks, as he could be as consequential for them as Wirtz looks like he will be for Liverpool.

Why Gyokeres could be Arsenal's Wirtz

Now, there is already one massive difference between Wirtz and Gyokeres, which is their respective positions.

However, the fact that the former is a midfielder and the latter a striker really has no bearing on this comparison.

The basis for the Swede becoming the Gunners’ version of the German is instead solely based on how much of a game-changer he could be for them.

For example, the former Bayer Leverkusen gem was unsurprisingly brilliant this season, racking up a tally of 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3392 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 109.41 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Gunners’ faithful, that level of output is undoubtedly going to have a massive impact on the Champions next season, but the good news is that the former Coventry City star could be just as impactful for Arteta’s side.

For example, in 52 appearances this season, totalling 4248 minutes, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Alex Turk, scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes to a frankly absurd average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

The 27-year-old was just as effective last season, scoring 43 goals and providing 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4,169 minutes, which came out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.87 minutes.

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

It is true that he’s currently playing outside of a top-five league, but if the Swedish machine can replicate even a third of his performances in North London, then his arrival could be what finally pushes Arteta’s side over the line in the Premier League or Champions League next year.

Ultimately, it’s Gyokeres’ incredible output and the fact his arrival would be such a signal of intent that means he could end up being Arsenal’s answer to Witz this summer.

Better move than Norgaard: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £17m phenom

The exciting prospect could develop into something special at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 30, 2025

Jobe Bellingham was given a hero's welcome by Borussia Dortmund fans when the ex-Sunderland man was unveiled to them at Signal Iduna Park.

Bellingham signs for DortmundGiven hero's welcome by club's fansPrimed to make first-team debutFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder swapped Sunderland for Dortmund earlier this summer, but the 19-year-old had not played in front of the German team's fans on their patch until their pre-season friendly with Juventus on Sunday. Before the match, the England Under-21 international was given a raucous reception by the club's home faithful. 

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Much is expected of the teenager, particularly as his older brother Jude had such a successful stint at the German giants before joining Real Madrid in 2023. The youngster may not be as good as his sibling but it is clear the fans are keen to get behind him as he prepares for life in the Bundesliga.

GettyWHAT NEXT?

New recruit Bellingham, who has been described as "extraordinary" by Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, played in his new team's 2-1 friendly loss to Juventus at the weekend. He will hope for a better result in the first round of the DFB-Pokal away to Essen next Monday as their season begins.

A county regular made it to The Oval for the opening night of the Hundred. Would it end up as an “I Was There” moment?

Tawhid Qureshi22-Jul-2021The game
The Hundred is supposedly English cricket’s Brexit; a contentious new format that has polarised opinion. Despite the nagging sense that I was betraying my loyalty to county cricket, it still felt important to be at The Oval for the first-ever match of the Hundred, if only to see what all the fuss was about. Perhaps it will turn out to be a significant “I Was There” moment or it could just end up as a curious footnote in cricket’s long history.I was determined to view the game through the lens of open-mindedness rather than scepticism, but I was also aware that middle-aged me is not really the demographic that the ECB marketing team is so desperate to attract. So I thought it would make sense to invite my nine-year-old nephew and experience the game through his eyes. Unfortunately, as it was a school night, he wasn’t allowed to join me. Even though two hours and 30 minutes might seem like a short time for a cricket match, the 6.30pm start creates a finish time that’s too late for many kids, just one small example of the organisers shooting themselves in the foot.Watching county cricket as a solo spectator is almost the norm: during County Championship matches at The Oval, the stands are flecked with the odd person against a vast backdrop of empty upturned seats. On this occasion, I was very much the exception, as groups of families and young friends were in the majority. It was in keeping with the general theme of the evening, when almost every assumption associated with a game of cricket was challenged.Key performers
I’m ashamed to admit that the last time I went to a women’s cricket match was about ten years ago and I’ve only kept loose tabs on the women’s game. That changed after England’s 2017 World Cup win and the increasing visibility of the women’s game on TV and radio. And having watched much of the recent England series against India, my interest was certainly piqued.I recognised Kate Cross from that recent series, as well as from presenting a popular BBC podcast which also features her team-mate Alex Hartley. Cross picked up two wickets in two balls and three altogether .Her second wicket, a ball viciously jagging back to hit middle stump, was the best of the lot.Wait, what does that mean?•Getty ImagesThe batting partnership between real-life partners Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp broke the back of the chase for the Oval Invincibles. The cameo innings by Mady Villiers, including a much-needed six, was also vital. But it was the brief innings of the Manchester Originals’ Harmanpreet Kaur that really caught the eye. She appeared to have much more time and timing than anyone else. Early in her innings, she hit four fours in five balls, the best boundary being a flowing cover drive which sent the ball skipping to the rope.One thing I’d change
It’s difficult to boil it down to one thing! I ended up with a long mental note of things that need improving. The most fundamental issue is the format itself. Doing away with overs in favour of five-ball sets is difficult to get used to. Similarly deciphering a scoreboard that doesn’t show total runs scored, in favour of runs required and the waving of a white card by umpires to signify a ten-ball over (at least that’s what I think it meant) are also alien concepts. A bit like learning to bat left-handed after a lifetime of holding the bat the opposite way.There was always going to be an element of people taking time to understand the new format, even more so for those who are entirely new to the sport. There were lots of quizzical looks among groups of fans at the start of the game and conversations about what exactly was going on in the middle, and I felt no embarrassment about being confused myself. The giant screen showing runs and balls only was self-explanatory but the more detailed scoreboard on the smaller screen was almost impenetrable. Interestingly the largest scoreboard, the non-digital one, was made redundant: it’s layout sadly deemed no longer fit for purpose. It might seem like a minor detail but to not show partnership runs detracted from the overall narrative of the game. In general, the short five-ball sets initially seemed to make things feel a bit disjointed and caused the game to lack rhythm.The crowd
Easily the best thing about the evening was the crowd. Exactly how many were paying customers is a moot point, as many were enticed by complimentary tickets. In any case, the largest crowd for an English domestic women’s game was exactly how the organisers wanted it to be: diverse. People weren’t obsessed about refilling empty pint glasses; instead the crowd felt innocent and totally intent on enjoying the occasion. It reminded me of crowds at the 2012 London Olympics, which had a similar feel-good undertone. It was very different to the crowds found at the Oval for a T20 Blast match, when the frenetic energy of after-work drinkers can sometimes blur the line between fun and rowdiness.Young fans seemed to enjoy the thrilling finish to the game•Getty ImagesThe pre-match fireworks, the DJ and the music during the interval were all lapped up by the crowd. The most memorable thing were the shrieks of delight from youngsters towards the end of the Oval Invincibles’ chase. With 10 balls remaining and 16 runs required, the crowd played a big part in getting the home team across the line.Marks out of 10
A strangely satisfying 7. As I tried to let the game wash over me rather than judge its shortcomings, I feared I wouldn’t really be invested in the outcome. I only knew a few of the players on show and most of them were playing for the away team, the Manchester Originals. But then I noticed that the crowd didn’t really seem to care who was scoring the runs or taking wickets, they were just enjoying each boundary and catch as an exciting event in itself. I decided to take my cue from them and try and revel in the slightly weird moment, and it almost worked.
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MatériaMais Notícias

da imperador bet： A relação entre o mascote e um clube de futebol está ligada intrinsecamente. Ter uma representação que seja a ‘face’ do clube publicamente é crucial para um time vencedor, sobretudo por conectar diversos elos, como crianças, adultos e idosos. Não sendo diferente, o Vasco da Gama já teve representantes ao longo de sua história, mas afinal, qual a verdadeira mascote do Vasco?

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da bet7： +Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Gigante da Colina com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

DON CORVO I, o vitorioso

A relação entre Don Corvo I e o Vasco da Gama teve início em 1947, quando dois chargistas inseriram o animal em um de seus desenhos sobre o clube. Criado por Álvaro do Nascimento Rodrigues, colunista do Jornal dos Sports, e ilustrado pelo chargista Otelo Caçador, a ave era constantemente vista na caravela cruzmaltina nas charges.  Na Europa, o corvo é sinônimo de azar e agouro, contudo, foi ”importante” para uma das fases mais vitoriosas do clube carioca, o ”Expresso da Vitória”, época a qual o Gigante da Colina conquistou títulos como o Campeonato Carioca de 1947, 1949, 1950 e 1952 e o Sul-Americano de 1948. Nesse meio tempo, surgiu a necessidade de uma representação emblemática para os times; e o Vasco já tinha um mascote, o Almirante, entretanto, o corvo já estava inserido na torcida o suficiente para ser mais adorado. Como não havia corvos no Brasil, a ave foi trazida de Portugal no fim de 1947, e chegou a visitar uma rádio e até ”falar”. A ideia morreu na década de 60, quando o animal faleceu e o Vasco entrou em uma seca de títulos. Após isso, o clube retornou para seu mascote original, o Almirante. 

ALMIRANTE, o mascote do Vasco

O Almirante é, oficialmente, o mascote do Vasco. Criado em 1944, pelo argentino Lorenzo Molas, o mascote é uma forma de homenagear o navegador português Vasco da Gama, que batizou o clube. Nas primeiras ilustrações, o indivíduo era caracterizado com feições marcantes, como seu bigode longo, ausência de cabelo e sobrepeso. A primeira charge foi ao ar no dia 30 de junho de 44, com o Almirante representando o vascaíno na proa de uma caravela com a cruz de cristo, e desde então, foi adotada rapidamente pela torcida do time e passou a figurar mais desenhos do autor. O mascote sempre era acompanhado de uma navegação portuguesa, sendo considerado um “verdadeiro lobo do mar, em sua caravela, sempre pronto a navegar e enfrentar todas as tormentas”, como diz o dono do Jornal dos Sports, característico da época. Tempos depois o clube o adotou como mascote oficial, devido a seu sucesso. No ano de 2012, o Almirante foi alterado, recebendo traços mais infantis, o que não foi aprovado, tanto que, em 2018, o mascote voltou para suas expressões sérias, recebendo o apelido de “Almirante Pistola”. 

BARBOSINHA, o infantil

O Barbosinha é a representação mais infantil que se tem no mascote do Vasco da Gama. O mascote é uma homenagem ao goleiro Barbosa, um dos maiores atletas da história do clube e do esporte. A ideia nasceu em 2020, quando o clube abriu uma votação para que os sócios do clube votassem no nome do novo mascote do Cruz-Maltino, o qual Barbosinha venceu a disputa e ganhou o cargo de mascote oficial, assim como o Almirante. Barbosa foi o goleiro do Expresso da Vitória, a fase mais vitoriosa do clube. O atleta disputou mais de 400 partidas pelo Gigante da Colina, entretanto, teve um marco em sua carreira, a copa de 1950, o qual sofreu o gol que o condenaria por muitos anos de sua vida. Barbosa sofreu um tento de Ghiggia, atacante uruguaio, na final da Copa, da qual o Brasil perdeu de 2 a 1. Em 7 de abril de 2000, o atleta faleceu em São Paulo, deixando um legado extremamente vasto para o esporte. Posteriormente, o CT do Vasco foi apelidado com seu nome, além do Mascote Barbosinha, que ganhou vida em uma tentativa de homenageá-lo. 

EDDIE, o força jovem

Por fim, o zumbi Eddie não é oficialmente um mascote oficial da instituição Vasco da Gama, contudo, é a representação da torcida organizada Força Jovem Vasco, a principal do time. Apesar de não ser vinculado diretamente ao time, o personagem é uma das principais imagens do time no exterior, devido ao sucesso da persona. Eddie é uma criação da banda de rock Iron Maiden, uma das mais famosas do mundo. O Vasco é o único time do mundo que pode utilizar imagens do grupo em suas ideias. E assim, criou o Zumbi Eddie como mascote do Vasco, mesmo de forma não oficial. A estranha relação começou em 1989, quando os torcedores passaram a usar Eddie como símbolo da FJV, utilizando-o em seus itens, como bandeiras e roupas. Em 2001, Janick Gers e o baixista Steve Harris foram convidados para assistir o jogo entre Vasco e São Caetano no Maracanã, na final da Copa João Havelange, antes de se apresentarem no Rock in Rio, festival musical do Rio de Janeiro. Desde então, a torcida e a banda criaram uma relação de amizade, sempre um prestigiando o outro, e Eddie tornou-se símbolo oficial da maior torcida organizada do clube. Os integrantes do clube, sempre que vêm ao país, são homenageados e vistos durante as partidas do Vasco. 

England MD optimistic that fast bowler will be ready to play ‘one or two’ Tests against India

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2024

Rob Key has conceded that Jofra Archer’s decision to play in the IPL next year will put him “a couple of months behind” schedule in his attempted Test comeback. However, the league’s new rules left the ECB’s management feeling unable to deny him the opportunity to earn two seasons’ wages.Archer has not played a Test since February 2021 due to back and elbow issues, but has been injury-free in 2024. His chances of a comeback increased this week when he signed an extension to his central contract, which now runs beyond the 2025-26 Ashes, while Ben Stokes said that Archer remains “very interested” in returning to Test cricket.Key, England’s managing director, had initially planned for him to play for Sussex in the County Championship in April and May to build up his workload ahead of England’s Test series against India in June and July. But under new regulations, missing the IPL’s mega-auction would have rendered Archer ineligible for the subsequent mini-auction as well, at significant financial cost.Archer’s name was on the initial longlist of names circulated to IPL franchises before the auction but he did not feature on the shortlist, with the ECB making the case that they were still managing his injuries. But after clarification from the BCCI, he was added back to the shortlist and was bought for INR 12.5 crore (£1.18m) by Rajasthan Royals, following a bidding war with Mumbai Indians.”Jofra is always brilliant to deal with,” Key said, in an interview on Wisden Cricket Weekly’s Patreon channel. “We were like, ‘The best thing might be to miss the IPL this year and get yourself ready, and we’ll start building your loads up… if you can get through a bit of Championship cricket, and then you can start the Test summer. He was happy with that.Related

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“But we had to look and see what India were going to do with [the IPL’s rules]. We thought that we could make the case that he’s still in part of a managed workload period. The problem with that was he was then bowling with two slips and a gully and bowling 90mph in the T20s in the West Indies, so it’s hard to make the case that he’s injured when he’s bowling like that.”They [the BCCI] came back after a bit of back-and-forth and said, ‘Well no, he won’t be allowed to go into this year, next year from then on. So then you start thinking that could be about $4 million that he loses out on there, and I don’t then feel… then it’s on him, really. You say, ‘Jof, what do you want to do? This is your career, your life. You’ll still be able to play Test cricket.'”We believe there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge for that, but we still think he’ll be alright. We’ll just be a couple of months behind… So then Jofra decided that he felt the best thing for him was to go into the IPL [auction], which we had no issue with, and then do that loading throughout the IPL and get himself ready for the Test series that way.”Key still believes Archer could be “one of the best bowlers” England have ever had and that he could play a role against India – though cautioned that he will not be an automatic selection. “The plan is that he’ll be ready to play,” he said. “He was only ever going to play one or two Tests this summer, probably – at a push, three.”He’s also got to get in the team now. I think he could be one of the best bowlers we’ve had, but he’s got to find form. He’s got to be able to show that he can sustain it through a whole four-day game. It’s not a case that he’s fit, so he just comes into play. We’ve got some very good bowlers around now… I don’t see any reason why he can’t [return to Tests].”Key admitted that his decision-making as managing director has been informed in part by his concern that franchises will offer England players year-round deals which are so lucrative that they opt out of their central contracts. “You don’t know what other governing bodies are going to do,” he said. “We’re very much in a new world.”I don’t think we want to be in a place where centrally-contracted England players walk away from English cricket… Let’s say a franchise signs someone for $2 million to play all year round: we won’t see them for England. These franchise owners, they won’t say, ‘Oh, that’s fine, we’ll pay them $2 million and you go and bowl them 20 overs a day in a Test match.'”

Matthew Waite stars with bat and ball as opponents’ survival hopes dwindle

ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2024Lancashire’s relegation from Division One of the Vitality County Championship was confirmed on the third day of their final match of the 2024 campaign against Worcestershire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.After bowling out the home side for 180, Lancashire were themselves then dismissed for 177 in 55.1 overs.Their fate was sealed as relegation rivals Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire picked up sufficient points from their meeting at Trent Bridge to both guarantee their own safety.Lancashire’s fall from grace has been rapid after finishing runners-up in 2022, when they came so close to winning the title, and then fourth 12 months ago.The make-up of their side has altered from two years ago with players leaving, call-ups to franchise cricket and injuries.The Red Rose county have suffered four innings defeats in a season for the first time in their history, including three in succession.It was their fourth relegation from the top flight since last winning the title in 2011 – in 2012, 2014, 2018 and now 2024.Worcestershire had already guaranteed their own safety with a game to spare and now have their sights on trying to secure a top six finish.They resumed on 119 for 7 and Matthew Waite completed an excellent half-century off just 37 balls with four sixes and two fours.He was given staunch support by Logan van Beek during a free-flowing partnership of 84 from 15 overs.Waite (60) eventually fell to Anderson Phillip when he went for a pull through midwicket but gloved the ball to Keaton Jennings at second slip.Joe Leach, in his final match before retiring, received a standing ovation from supporters on his way to the wicket but made only two before he was bowled off the inside edge to give Phillip his fifth wicket.Van Beek and Jack Home added 26 useful runs for the final wicket before the former on 48 from 70 balls chopped on to George BaldersonPhillip finished with figures of 13-2-65-5 and Tom Bailey 15-5-22-3.Lancashire were left 35 minutes batting before lunch and they suffered an early setback.Skipper Jennings drove at a widish delivery from Waite and the ball flew to Rob Jones who held onto a head high chance at second slip.Josh Bohannon had an escape in the same over before he had scored when Waite failed to hold onto a sharp one-handed return catch away to his rightBut there was another breakthrough when Harry Singh pushed forward to Leach and was caught behind.The wickets continued to tumble after lunch when Bohannon attempted to work Leach to leg and was lbw.It became 30 for 4 when Rocky Flintoff attempted a straight drive and was also leg before.Keeper Matty Hurst and George Bell tried to repair the damage and added 43.But Hurst gave his wicket away when he tamely clipped Waite to Home at mid wicket.Home came into the attack and accounted for Luke Wells (38) who lost his middle stump working to leg.Waite picked up a third scalp when George Bell missed a straight ball and was lbw.Ethan Brookes added to Lancashire’s woes in his first over after tea as Bailey became another lbw victim to a delivery which cut back.Determined resistance came from Phillip and Balderson who added 56 for the ninth wicket.But the innings was wrapped up with Balderson (38) caught low down by Waite at mid-on off Brookes and then Phillip (30) was collected at cover by Brookes off van Beek.Bad light halted play at 5.10pm after one over of Worcestershire’s second innings.

Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first Test in Bangladesh after scans revealed a muscle strain in his left triceps. Aiden Markram will lead South Africa for the first Test, in Dhaka from October 21. With Nandre Burger earlier ruled out of the series because of a lumbar stress reaction, Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been added to the squad.A CSA statement said that Bavuma will “travel with the squad to Dhaka on Tuesday and continue his recovery under the supervision of the Proteas medical team in preparation for the second Test”, which will start in Chattogram on October 29.On October 6, Bavuma was ruled out of the third and final ODI against Ireland with what was understood to be an elbow injury. He had retired hurt during the second ODI, on October 4, and didn’t field in that match. Rassie van der Dussen led South Africa in Bavuma’s absence, with Markram rested for that series.Brevis, CSA said, has been called up “as cover” for Bavuma. He hasn’t played a Test match yet – he has only played two T20Is so far – but has played 12 first-class matches, most recently for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A in Benoni, where he scored 49 and 74 in a five-wicket loss.Ngidi, who played all three ODIs against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, picking up two-fors in the first two matches, now completes the fast-bowling department which also has Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder, the allrounder.

South Africa Test squad for Bangladesh tour

Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram (capt for first Test), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Kyle Verreynne (wk)

While it wasn’t a disaster, it’s hard to deny that last season was a disappointment for Arsenal.

Instead of finally getting over the line and winning the Premier League at the third time of asking, Mikel Arteta’s side had to make do with another second-place finish.

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom, as the North Londoners made it to the Champions League semi-finals for just the third time in their history, and when fit, Bukayo Saka was once again one of the best players in the country.

Appearances

37

Starts

30

Minutes

2619′

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73

Even though he missed almost four months of action, the Hale Ender managed to amass a sensational tally of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Yet, to reach yet another level next year, the 23-year-old may need some more assistance, which is why fans should be excited about reports linking Arsenal to a world-class winger who’d be a dream teammate for Saka.

Arsenal's winger search

With the need for attacking reinforcements undeniable, it’s not been much of a surprise to see that, alongside the strikers, Arsenal have been linked with a host of dangerous wingers this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the names that has been heavily linked with the Gunners has been Chelsea ace Noni Madueke.

The Englishman was good enough for the Blues last season, racking up a tally of 16 goal involvements in 41 games, but with a price tag of up to £50m, it’s easy to understand why some fans would be hesitant.

Moreover, it’s hard to see the former PSV Eindhoven ace being a dream winger addition for Saka, which isn’t the case when it comes to Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal remain very interested in the Real Madrid star.

The report has revealed that even though fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea are also keen on the Brazilian international, the Gunners are in ‘a favourable position’ to secure his services, and have expressed a willingness to meet the financial demands of Los Blancos to make it happen.

According to stories from earlier this summer, the fee needed to bring the winger to North London is likely to be around £78m.

That’s certainly a lot of money to spend on one player, but Rodrygo would be worth it, and Saka’s dream winger signing.

Why Rodrygo would be a dream signing for Saka

As things stand, Saka is the only world-class attacker at Arsenal, and the fact that he was the club’s most productive player despite missing over three months of action last season only reinforces this point.

So, the first reason Rodrygo would be the Hale Ender’s dream winger signing is that the Brazilian’s output would help alleviate some of the immense pressure on him.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 32 goals and provided 20 assists in 106 appearances, totalling 7229 minutes.

That works out to a goal involvement every 2.03 games, or every 139.01 minutes, which is impressive enough in isolation, but is made all the more so when you take into account the fact he was played out of his preferred left-wing position for most of that period.

Moreover, the former Santos gem has shown himself to be capable of scoring massive goals in season-defining games – think back to the game against Manchester City – and so he’d be able to help the Gunners’ number seven realise his ambitions of winning major honours.

However, it’s not all down to what he can do on the pitch alongside the Ealing-born monster.

The second reason he’d be a dream addition for the 23-year-old is that, thanks to his versatility, he’d be able to fill in on the right when needed and, in turn, allow the Englishman to rest when needed.

This could help the talismanic international avoid fatigue-related injuries and prolong his career at the highest level.

Ultimately, from his output and big game experience to the ability to play off the right when needed, Rodrygo would be the dream winger signing for Saka.

Therefore, while it won’t be cheap, Arsenal should do everything possible to bring him to the Emirates this summer.

Eze & Gyokeres will love him: Arsenal explore signing £65m "mini Salah"

Just imagine this player alongside Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 8, 2025