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Having stunned the Premier League with the loan signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City, Everton manager David Moyes is determined to strengthen further before the season’s first whistle.

With a visit to Elland Road on Monday, attention has shifted to finding the perfect right-sided partner for their new star.

The Toffees’ recruitment drive has seen them monitor several options.

Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu has been tracked after an encouraging display in the Foxes’ season opener against Sheffield Wednesday, while Southampton’s Tyler Dibling has also been a target.

Multiple bids for the 19-year-old have been rejected, with Saints holding out for £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause.

Dibling has been training away from the first team and is expected to hold talks with his club to address his future.

Everton's Right-Wing Vision

Yet, another name has entered the frame.

One who could bring creativity, intelligence, and composure to Everton’s right flank, potentially forging a formidable partnership with Grealish in the final third.

Transfer Focus

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

According to reports in Spain, a number of English teams including Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have made efforts to sign Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo – a player widely regarded as one of La Liga’s most technically gifted attackers.

The 24-year-old Japan international joined Sociedad permanently in July 2022 after several loan spells from Real Madrid and immediately became a fan favourite, winning the club’s Player of the Season award in 2022/23.

Kubo’s current contract runs until June 2029, meaning Sociedad are under no pressure to sell.

His release clause is thought to be just over £50m, meaning the aforementioned teams will need to raise their bids, having only offered £34m to date.

Real Madrid, having sold him for just £5.6m, retain a 50% sell-on clause, adding another layer of complexity to any negotiations.

Liverpool have been linked in the past, with midfielder Wataru Endo even naming Kubo as the player he would most like to join him at Anfield, labelling him a “future superstar”.

But it is Everton who are now assessing whether the forward could fill the gap left by Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, both of whom returned to their parent clubs this summer.

Kubo is open to a new challenge and is believed to be interested in a Premier League move, though he also has admirers in La Liga and the Bundesliga.

Why Kubo and Grealish Could Thrive Together

On paper, the prospect of Kubo on the right and Grealish on the left is a tantalising one for Everton supporters.

Both are adept in the final third, capable of driving at defenders, threading incisive passes, and holding the ball under pressure.

Their combined vision and dribbling would stretch defences horizontally, opening space for Everton’s new striker Thierno Barry to exploit with his runs in behind. According to FBref, Barry already ranks among the top percentiles for crosses received, making him an ideal focal point for two wingers who excel at delivery from wide areas.

A look at the numbers from each player’s best season reveals some striking similarities.

In 2022/23, Kubo averaged 4.32 progressive carries per 90 minutes to Grealish’s 6.27, while their progressive passing numbers (2.99 for Kubo, 4.39 for Grealish) indicate a shared ability to advance play and break lines.

Grealish’s passing completion rate of 84.1% eclipses Kubo’s 71%, but both produce consistently in shot-creating actions (3.55 for Kubo, 4.55 for Grealish) and successful take-ons (1.81 for Kubo, 1.97 for Grealish).

Their combined influence could be particularly devastating against deep-lying opponents.

Grealish’s tendency to slow the game, draw defenders, and release overlapping full-backs would complement Kubo’s ability to drift into central positions.

Kubo’s high volume of crosses also adds a different element to Everton’s build-up play, enabling Barry to dominate aerially while midfield runners attack second balls.

Another factor is defensive work rate. Both players understand the modern demand for wide forwards to press and recover possession quickly, something Moyes values highly.

Grealish has been coached in Pep Guardiola’s smart pressing schemes, while Kubo’s work under Imanol Alguacil at Sociedad has honed his ability to win the ball high and transition quickly into attack.

This diligence means Everton wouldn’t be sacrificing defensive solidity for flair.

Tackles per 90 – 2022/23
Jack Grealish	1.62
Takefusa Kubo	1.10
Source: FBref

In the wider context of the Premier League, a Kubo-Grealish combination offers Everton something different from their rivals.

Many clubs boast pacey wingers who thrive on direct runs in behind; fewer can call upon two highly technical wide creators capable of orchestrating attacks as much as finishing them.

This could be the key to unlocking stubborn defences – a problem that has plagued Everton in recent seasons.

From a tactical standpoint, Everton’s midfield structure would also benefit.

With Kubo tucking inside at times to combine with central players, Grealish could hold width on the opposite flank, creating natural overloads.

Full-backs would have space to advance, and the team would be able to alternate between short, intricate combinations and quick switches of play to exploit defensive gaps.

Of course, the move hinges on whether Everton are willing to meet Sociedad’s valuation.

Kubo would represent a significant investment, though his age, contract length, and proven output in a top European league suggest strong long-term value.

In a summer where Everton have already made headlines with the arrival of Grealish, pairing him with Kubo could transform their attacking profile entirely.

Dream signing for Grealish: Everton now targeting another "special talent"

After signing Jack Grealish on loan with a £50m option to buy, Everton have now added a “special talent” to the list of targets…

By
Ben Gray

Aug 12, 2025

تحدث طارق يحيى، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن الأوضاع الحالية داخل القلعة البيضاء، معربًا عن حزنه لما يمر به النادي من أزمات وصراعات داخل مجلس الإدارة وخارجه.

قال طارق يحيى في تصريحاته عبر برنامج “اللعيب” على قناة “MBC مصر”: “أشعر بحزن شديد لما أسمعه وما يحدث داخل نادي الزمالك، لكن هذه فترة مهمة ويجب على الجميع أن يتكاتفوا للوقوف خلف النادي”.

وتابع: “لا أريد أن تتداخل المصالح الشخصية في المشهد، لقد عانى النادي كثيرًا من تضارب المصالح بين مسؤولين سابقين وحاليين، نادي الزمالك وجماهيره وتاريخه هم دائمًا من يدفعون ثمن هذه الصراعات بين المجالس المتعاقبة، للأسف، ما يحدث هذا الموسم تكرر كثيرًا من قبل، دون أن يتعلم أحد أو يأخذ المبادرة لإنهاء هذه الأزمات”.

وأضاف: “أتحدث بصفتي زمالكاويًا غيورًا على ناديه، يجب أن نترفع عن هذه الخلافات التي أضرت بالكيان، من المؤسف أن نجد صراعات داخل المجلس الواحد رغم أن الجميع اتفق على اختياره، لا أفهم مثلًا سبب الخلافات مع أحمد سليمان ومنعه من ممارسة مهامه داخل المكتب التنفيذي، هذه أمور غير منطقية، أتمنى أن ينصرف الجميع للعمل من أجل النادي”.

وواصل: “نعاني من أزمة مادية واضحة منذ فترة، باستثناء المرحلة التي كان فيها المستشار مرتضى منصور، حيث شهد النادي خلالها استقرارًا ماليًا نسبيًا، لكن على مجلس الإدارة الحالي أن يجد حلولًا حقيقية، لا أن ينتظر أرض أكتوبر ووعودًا أو أموالًا قد لا تأتي، لا بد من وجود خطة بديلة، ما يُعرف بخطة (B)”.

طالع أيضًا | ميدو ينفجر: جمهور الزمالك “هيتجنن”.. وقد أفقد صوابي

وتابع: “الضغوط الجماهيرية أصبحت أكبر من أي وقت مضى، وهي تدفع أحيانًا المسؤولين لاتخاذ قرارات متسرعة لا علاقة لها بالواقع، الهجوم الدائم من الجماهير بعد المباريات، خاصة عقب لقائي الأهلي وغزل المحلة، زاد من حدة التوتر داخل النادي”.

وأردف: “لا أريد أن أوجه اللوم للاعبين فقط، صحيح أن هناك أزمة مالية تؤثر على تركيزهم، لكن لا بد أن يدرك اللاعب أنه يرتدي قميص نادٍ كبير وعريق، معظم لاعبي الفريق الحاليين ليسوا من أبناء النادي، ربما ثلاثة أو أربعة فقط، ومع ذلك يجب أن يقدّر الجميع ظروف الزمالك الحالية، في المقابل، على مجلس الإدارة أن يعمل بجد لإيجاد حلول لهذه الأزمة، الجانبان يجب أن يسيرا في خطين متوازيين ومتساويين”.

واستكمل: “ما زلت عند رأيي بأن الزمالك قادر على الفوز ببطولة الدوري، بشرط أن يدرك اللاعبون قيمة القميص الذي يرتدونه وأنهم يمثلون نادياً له تاريخ كبير وبطولات عديدة، من المؤسف أن يفقد الفريق 12 أو 13 نقطة بهذه السهولة، فلو لم يضيع الزمالك تلك النقاط لكان الآن في موقع مختلف تمامًا ينافس بقوة على القمة”.

واختتم: “أتذكر الموسم الذي فاز فيه الزمالك بالدوري، كان مؤجلًا للأهلي سبع مباريات، ثم خسر بعض النقاط ونجح الزمالك في الفوز بمبارياته وحقق اللقب، الموقف الحالي يشبه ذلك، فالزمالك ما زال قادرًا على المنافسة إذا استعاد مستواه وثقته، النقاط التي ضاعت كانت في المتناول جدًا، وما زال الأمل قائمًا”.

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has claimed that it was Travis Head who “abused” him first during their altercation on the second day of the Adelaide Test.”It was a great battle going on [with Head] and he batted really well,” Siraj told Star Sports Hindi before the third day’s play. “When you get hit for a six on a good ball, it fires you up differently. And when I bowled him, I just celebrated and he abused me and you saw that on TV too. I only celebrated at the start, I didn’t say anything to him. What he said in the press conference wasn’t right, it’s a lie that he said ‘well bowled’ to me. It’s there for everyone to see that that’s not what he said to me.”We respect everyone, it’s not like we disrespect other players. I respect everybody because cricket is a gentleman’s game, but what he did wasn’t right. I didn’t like it at all.”By the end of the Test on Sunday, however, both captains and the players sought to play down and move on from the incident, with Siraj and Head seen embracing at the end of the game.The incident had occurred when Siraj bowled Head for 140, a ball after getting hit for six, and celebrated animatedly. There was a send-off from the bowler and some words said by Head, which weren’t very clear on the broadcast.Head had said in the press conference after the second day that he had jokingly said “well bowled” to Siraj after his dismissal. “It probably [went] a little bit far, that’s why I’m disappointed in the reaction I gave back but I’m also going to stand up for myself. Like to think in our team we wouldn’t do that. [It’s] not the way I’d like to play the game and feel like my team-mates are the same. If I see that, I probably call it out, which I did.”Speaking to SEN radio before the third day’s play, Head said: “No one really wants to see that in the game. I feel like both teams can probably represent themselves a little bit better and respect each a little bit more in those situations, and we move on.”India captain Rohit Sharma played down the incident at the press conference after the game. “I was standing at the slips, I don’t know what was exchanged but two competitive teams are going at each other. These things happen,” he said. “Travis was batting well, obviously our plan was to get him out. And on the other side, Travis wanted to try and put our bowlers under pressure. And we got the wicket, he celebrated it. There were obviously a few words changed within the two of them. I exactly don’t know what was said because my job is not just to look at that one incident, I am focused on the overall picture or the overall Test match. But again, I don’t think we can look too much into that. When India and Australia always play, these things happen and these are now just part of the game.”Rohit, however, said it was his job to back Siraj’s aggression. “Yeah, I mean he likes to get into the battle, as simple as that. It gives him success. And as a captain it’s my job to back that aggression. Obviously there is a fine line between that. We don’t want to cross anything that can bring dispute into the game. But obviously having a word or two with the opposition is not a bad thing and he likes it. And that’s what gets him going. In the past we have seen so many cricketers who like that battle and Siraj is definitely one of them. But again like I said, there is a thin line between getting aggressive and getting too aggressive and crossing that line. Obviously as a captain it is also my responsibility to make sure that we don’t cross the line. But yeah, a word or two here and there I don’t think makes a huge difference.”Australia captain Pat Cummins said he was happy with his team’s behaviour. “Look, it’s heated. It’s a big series. You know, it’s been packed crowds all the days. So there’s a lot riding on it. Yeah, I think the umpire stepped in pretty quickly and that was the end of it … To be honest, you know, they [India] can do whatever they want. More worried about our boys. And like always, I thought our boys’ behaviour was excellent this week. Like it seems to be every week. So happy with them.”

Members present at the BCCI’s 93rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bengaluru on Sunday requested incumbent secretary Jay Shah to speed up the process of finding his successor to make the transition as smooth as possible. Shah is expected to step down from his post in the last week of November to take over as chairman of the ICC for a three-year period from December 1.While selecting the new secretary was not on the AGM agenda, it has been learnt that the attendees discussed the succession plan among themselves.”It was a normal request to keep all due processes in place at the earliest as [then] there will be clarity for us,” a state association representative who attended the AGM told PTI.As things stand, Rohan Jaitley, president of Delhi and District Cricket Association, BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar, joint-secretary Devajit Saikia and Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel are in the mix to succeed Shah.The primary focal point of the AGM was the nomination of India’s two representatives to attend ICC meetings. Currently Shah is the BCCI’s representative on the ICC Board and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has the same role in the Chief Executives’ Committee.The AGM entrusted the general body members with recommending two names for the posts at the earliest.Arun Dhumal and Avishek Dalmiya were also elected to the IPL Governing Council (GC) as general body representatives, with the former set to continue as the league’s chairman till at least IPL 2025.Former Andhra cricketer V Chamundeswarnath was nominated by the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) as a player representative and was inducted into the IPL GC.The AGM also ratified the annual budget for the 2024-25 season, and the members unanimously resolved to maintain BCCI’s legal status as a society, an item which was originally not on the agenda of the meeting. “The members further resolved that the tournaments of the BCCI, including the IPL, shall not be converted into a company,” a BCCI statement said.

Tottenham Hotspur could undergo a serious squad revamp ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full campaign in charge of the Lilywhites, with a few intriguing names facing uncertain futures in north London.

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Their most high-profile departure of the summer window could well be club legend Son Heung-min, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, and he was initially set to leave on a free this year, before chairman Daniel Levy triggered the season-long extension clause in his contract.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Son is attracting serious interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, and credible news outlets like The Telegraph suggest there is every likelihood that the season just gone may have been the South Korean’s last at Spurs.

Asian media sources claim Levy will demand around £50 million for the 32-year-old, as Tottenham’s chief looks to make as much money back off his sale as possible, but he may not be the only star player to depart before the beginning of 2025/2026.

Defender Cristian Romero, who played a key role for Spurs in their Europa League campaign, winning the tournament’s Player of the Season award, is a wanted man in Madrid.

Atlético boss Diego Simeone recently confirmed his interest in signing Romero, and if the La Liga side make a significant-enough offer, Spurs may well be forced to consider it given the Argentine has just two years left on his contract.

The likes of Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil appear nailed on to leave at this point, given both men spent 2024/2025 on loan elsewhere, and the former’s sale would count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR due to the fact he signed as a free agent.

Another player who joined Spurs two years ago, but hasn’t quite found a route into the first-team, is 21-year-old striker Alejo Veliz.

Tottenham in talks to sell Alejo Veliz after bid made

The Argentine has spent the last one and a half seasons on loan spells at Sevilla and Espanyol, but he hasn’t exactly set the world alight in that time – scoring just one La Liga goal.

For Tottenham, Veliz has made just eight Premier League appearances, scoring once in a 4-2 defeat against Brighton in 2023, and Levy could well decide to cut his losses.

According to South American news outlet Ole, via Sport Witness, Racing de Alma have made a bid to sign Veliz from Tottenham, reporting on Thursday night that it came in the last few hours.

Frank’s side are clear; they’ll only consider a permanent deal, not a loan, and Racing are attempting to oblige. They also want a significant sell-on clause inserted into the deal, with Racing currently “in full negotiations” to find an agreement, though there is no mention of whether their opening bid will be accepted.

Racing have apparently offered around £3.6 million for the forward, who’s been called a “phenomenon” by 1978 Argentine World Cup winner Daniel Bertoni, so Levy may have to take a loss on the £12 million they paid to sign Veliz from Rosario Central.

Southampton are looking to bounce back to the Premier League and could be set to pounce for a talented star if they lose one of their higher-profile assets this summer, according to a report.

Southampton look to build with Kamaldeen Sulemana funds

With the window underway at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton have sold Kamaldeen Sulemana to Atalanta for £18 million as they begin to clear the decks ahead of returning to competitive action.

Will Still’s men have also inserted a sell-on clause in the agreement, which will see the Ghana international link up with Ivan Juric after the pair worked together last season.

Joshua Quarshie has come in from Hoffenheim and there will be more signings to come at Saints, with FC Köln striker Damion Downs reported to be on their list.

Previewing how his potential arrival could unfold, German journalist Constantin Eckner has pleaded for caution as the United States international continues to develop.

He stated: “He’s still an up-and-comer with little experience but has developed into an interesting striker. He’s more of a project rather than a finished product.”

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Bobby Clark is reportedly keen on a move to Southampton after being left out of RB Salzburg’s squad for the Club World Cup, and he has all the hallmarks of a smart acquisition that could add some fresh legs in the engine room.

On the other hand, any fee for Downs would likely sit just below £7 million, which would represent good value for money after his return of 11 goals and six assists last campaign.

Making tracks, Southampton could now swoop for a reliable stopper between the sticks who has proven pedigree in the EFL Championship.

Southampton enter race to sign Anthony Patterson from Sunderland

According to Football Insider in conversation with former scout Mick Brown, Southampton are in contention to sign Anthony Patterson from Sunderland as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.

He explained: “Patterson is a top young goalkeeper and he’s got a good reputation. I personally still have some doubts about him, and it looks like Sunderland might share those.”

Anthony Patterson in 2024/25 – Sky Bet Championship

Appearances

45

Goals conceded

45

Clean sheets

14

Save percentage rate

70.3%

Shots on target against

128

He added: “I’m told Southampton are one of the clubs looking at him because they expect Ramsdale to leave. He’s got a release clause in his contract and clubs have been looking at him.”

Labelled “excellent” by Simon Moore, the Black Cats seemingly do hold conerns over Patterson as they close in on Djordje Petrovic, making first-team minutes difficult to come by at Sunderland, who are worried by his lack of top level experience.

Brown made it clear the ball will be in his court, but Southampton will hope they can convince Patterson to make the move south if Aaron Ramsdale indeed does leave the club for a new challenge.

Manchester United are set for a huge summer transfer window if they are to rise up the table and be a success in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th position last time around, registering their lowest points tally and finish since the division formed back in 1992.

Ruben Amorim was unable to work his magic after being appointed back in November, but this window presents him with the chance to make his desired changes at Old Trafford.

The likes of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof will all depart at the end of the month, raising key funds in their pursuit of landing key targets.

With the window reopening on Monday, it allows the club to add to the signing of Matheus Cunha, with multiple additions needed if they are to have any chance of pushing for European football.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

All areas of the pitch are expected to be subject to investment as the hierarchy looks to hand Amorim with the tools he needs to be a success at Theatre of Dreams.

Hugo Ekitiké, Richard Rios and Ronald Araujo are just three names thrown into the mix over recent months, but as of yet, no deals have yet been agreed for any of the aforementioned talents.

However, serious moves have been made to land Copenhagen star Rooney Bardghji before the end of the transfer window, that’s according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that the Red Devils have held talks with the Danish side over a move for the 19-year-old, who’s previously scored against United in the Champions League.

It also states that he’s seen as one of Europe’s most promising stars, but has endured somewhat of a dismal spell with injuries, only making six appearances in 2024/25.

Why United’s latest target would be a more exciting signing than Mbeumo

Over recent weeks, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been the most likely star to make the move to join United and further aid Amorim’s attempts in the final third.

The Cameroonian has starred in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, scoring 20 times in his 38 appearances, undoubtedly being the shining light in the Bees’ side.

Such a record has led to the Red Devils’ keen interest, even making a £55m bid for the attacker, but it was swiftly rejected with a £70m price tag mooted.

They face huge competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his signature this window, with the Lilywhites potentially having the edge given the appointment of his former boss, Thomas Frank.

However, given the interest from elsewhere, it’s led to a move for Bardghji, with the Swedish youngster a more exciting and upcoming talent than Mbeumo, with Amorim needing to pursue a move for his signature.

The teenager, who’s been labelled “very special” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase his talents this campaign, but has previously demonstrated the elite-level talent at his disposal.

In the 2023/24 campaign, he thrived in the Champions League, completing 90% of the passes he attempted and creating 1.9 chances per 90 – highlighting his ability to provide for teammates in attacking areas.

Games played

9

Goals scored

1

Pass accuracy

90%

Chances created

1.9

Dribbles completed

3.8

Dribble success rate

75%

Shots taken

2.8

He also managed to complete 3.8 dribbles per 90, at a completion rate of 75%, posing a real threat with the ball at his feet and starring in a competition Mbeumo has yet to be in his career.

Bardghji’s effort against United in such a period is evidence of the brilliance he’s able to produce when featuring on the pitch, having the potential to explode into a top-level talent when injury-free.

Given his tender age, he has bags of time to reach his full potential and build on the impressive start he’s made to his professional career at Copenhagen.

Should he move to United, he would hand Amorim a new dimension, certainly offering a more exciting signing than the Brentford star, given the levels he’s produced and the room he still has to grow over the next few years.

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An “incredible” £100m midfielder who is among Liverpool’s top targets is now open to leaving his club this summer, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new midfielder

It has been an unbelievable first season in the Anfield dugout for Arne Slot, with the Dutch manager securing the Premier League title despite making very few additions to the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp.

However, it appears as though Slot is now looking to put his own stamp on the squad, and bringing in a new midfielder seems to be of particular interest as we approach the summer transfer window.

The Reds are now preparing to submit a £34m offer for Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong, whose future at the Camp Nou is now uncertain, while they are also in the race for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, although it will take £80m to prise the Englishman away from the Eagles.

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Earlier this year, it was reported that Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is a top target for Slot, and there has now been a positive update on the Merseysiders’ pursuit of the central midfielder.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Gibbs-White is now open to leaving Nottingham Forest this summer, with the Englishman set to consider his options if the Tricky Trees fail to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Forest are keen to keep hold of the 25-year-old, but there is growing interest in his signature, with Manchester City and Newcastle United also in the race alongside Liverpool, which could make it difficult to keep hold of him if they fail to finish in the top five.

However, a deal will not be cheap, as Forest may only be willing to sanction a departure for a fee in the region of £100m.

"Incredible" Gibbs-White deserves big move

Despite a stellar campaign, it is looking increasingly likely that Forest will miss out on Champions League football, having now fallen to sixth place after a poor run, which could cause Gibbs-White to look for the exit door, and there are plenty of signs he could be a solid signing for Liverpool.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has excelled since signing for Forest, most notably impressing in an attacking sense, picking up five goals and nine assists in 30 Premier League outings this season.

ESPN’s Janusz Michallik was also left impressed by the Forest star’s work rate in their 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur last month, taking to X to single him out for high praise.

At 25-years-old, there is every sign that Gibbs-White is now entering his prime, and he could be a top-quality addition to Liverpool’s midfield, but Forest are in a strong negotiating position, with the midfielder contracted until 2027, and shelling out £100m would be a risk.

With results not improving under Omer Riza, Cardiff City are now reportedly in shock talks to hire a veteran manager who would be handed the task of salvaging their campaign.

Cardiff on course for relegation

Whilst in charge on an interim basis, Riza won over the trust of Cardiff and was soon handed the permanent managerial role as a result of his hard work. Since then, however, it has been a disaster. Now a point adrift of safety with just four Championship games to save their campaign, Cardiff could yet reportedly make one last-ditch change in the technical area.

The struggling manager called on the Cardiff fans for support in his side’s bid to survive recently after last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City, telling reporters: “Regarding our fans, I think they were behind us for a lot of the game and when you’ve let a goal in on 85-90 minutes it’s expected that the hope goes from them and the only way they know to deal with it is to vent their frustration.

“All we can keep saying is that they’re important to us, the club is important to them, so they need to help the best they can. They are frustrated, I understand that. It’s hard for me to stand here and say what they should and shouldn’t do because who am I to tell them what their feelings are?

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

“All I can say is we’re trying our hardest and we all will continue to do that right to the end.”

In truth, however, it may be too little too late to call on such support with Cardiff now reportedly in talks with a potential replacement for Riza.

Cardiff in shock talks to hire Neil Warnock

In a shocking turn of events, Cardiff are now in talks to rehire Neil Warnock, according to Graeme Bailey via EFL Analysis. The veteran manager knows exactly what it takes to turn a club around, there’s no doubting that, and could yet return to the Bluebirds for the first time since a three-year stint between 2016 and 2019.

Bailey told EFL Analysis after confirming that talks have taken place: “Cardiff are considering making a change before the end of the season and former boss Neil Warnock is their preferred choice to come in.

“Omer Riza was given the permanent job in December having replaced Erol Bulut as boss and has battled hard to keep the club up since that point. However, the weekend’s loss to rivals Stoke City has left the Welsh giants in the bottom three and the club are now looking at bringing back former boss Warnock for their final handful of games to see if he can pull of a great escape.”

One of the most experienced managers around and someone who Pep Guardiola once described as “incredible”, Warnock could yet complete a surprise return to Wales before the end of the season.

Stubbs, who scored 49 from No. 3 on the opening day, says he prefers to bat there “more than anywhere else”

Firdose Moonda22-Nov-20252:42

Is extreme seam movement as difficult to face as extreme spin?

On a day when the shortest Ashes Test in more than a century was completed in Perth, we know that Test cricket can still be a slow burn. Guwahati showed us that.We also know now that the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, which is hosting its first Test, can prepare a pitch worthy of the occasion. Unlike Eden Gardens, where bounce was variable from the outset, this surface has something for everyone and, in particular, seems good for batting.And we know that South Africa did not take full advantage of that. For the first time in Test history, each of the top four scored at least 35 without anyone going on to make 50. Tristan Stubbs, back at No. 3, came closest with 49. Even though he didn’t manage a milestone, we know now that he is batting in the spot he “prefers more than anywhere else”, as he told the broadcasters afterwards. Of all the things we know from today, that could be South Africa’s most significant.Related

• 'Big, strong, strapping' Stubbs to be South Africa's new Test No. 3

• Kuldeep three-for gives India edge on flat pitch

Over his 14-match Test career, Stubbs has been shifted around South Africa’s line-up from No. 3 to No. 7, which he described as “not the easiest” situation to navigate. Even though he was officially given the No. 3 spot last August, he was only there for four and half Tests before it became something of a rotating door with the likes of Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi all batting there. We know that was necessitated by South Africa having strong top-order batters and that Stubbs’ reputation as a white-ball finisher means he could be moved around. What we didn’t know was how he felt about that. Now we do and we also know that he worked hard to try and make the spot his own.”It’s not the easiest moving around, but whatever the coach asks [I’ll do]. I’m just happy to be in the team,” he said at the post-match press conference. “I’ve worked a lot on my defence. I had to, coming in as a white-ball player and then being asked No. 3, so I grafted hard on the defence. I find that at No. 3 you can afford to be a little bit more defensive, whereas at No. 5 and 6, you have to come in and take the game on a bit earlier.”

“I’ve worked a lot on my defence. I had to, coming in as a white-ball player and then being asked No. 3, so I grafted hard on the defence”

Stubbs described the adjustment he had to make as “not so much technical, but more mental” and said he looked at “tightening my game plan, especially if it’s doing a bit up front and reining in your scoring options.”That explains why Stubbs has been ultra-cautious in the way he has played. Against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, for example, he scored 13 runs off the first 60 balls before going on to finish with 76 off 205. Here, against a more challenging attack, he was 13 off 37 before he trusted his footwork enough to take on Kuldeep Yadav and hit him down the ground for six. That was one of six attacking shots he played in an innings that was characterised by conservativeness.Stubbs spent a lot of time getting on the front foot to block Kuldeep and later on Jasprit Bumrah, whom he kept at bay successfully. In total, 25 of the 32 balls Stubbs faced from Bumrah were dots and only one of them actually beat him. Stubbs was compact, left no gap between bat and pad, and used his feet well. What he didn’t do as much as he might have liked was look for more run-scoring opportunities, partly because India made it too difficult but also because he is still learning about the tempo of a Test innings and he knows that.”You can bat time, but you look up and the scoreboard’s sort of gone nowhere,” Stubbs said. “They bowled quite well, their seamers especially, just kept bowling a straight line to attack the stumps.”Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs added 84 together•AFP/Getty ImagesStill, his 84-run stand with Temba Bavuma is the highest of the series, albeit the slowest of the match, with a run rate of 2.77. But it showed the kind of guidance Stubbs can thrive under if he can bat more with the top order. Bavuma was more proactive than usual, was scoring quicker than Stubbs, and pushed him for singles. At one point, Bavuma called Stubbs through and ran to the danger end himself as he tried to inject energy into the innings. Stubbs has only played 30 first-class matches, almost half of them Tests, so he has not had many opportunities to build big partnerships with someone of the experience of Bavuma, who has 178 first-class caps to his name.Though Stubbs was ultimately frustrated because neither he nor Bavuma could kick on, what he would have learnt in their time together in this match could be both valuable for his development and instructional for South Africa in how they use him going forward. It’s worth saying that South Africa didn’t play another Test for almost 11 months after this and it also can’t be known if Stubbs will still feel the same way about where he wants to bat. So plans could change but this innings feels important for what it showed about Stubbs’ ability.For now, what’s more pressing is what South Africa do with the four days they have left in this series, given that they ceded some of the early advantage. With five of the top six dismissed by a build-up pressure leading to poor shots, Stubbs owned their errors. “All of us had opportunities and no one kicked on, so we can take that on ourselves,” he said. “When you get in, you don’t want to give it away ever and four or five guys got starts. Ideally, you want one, maybe two, to go on to make big hundreds and then at the end of play, we would maybe have been three down. If you ask any of the batters, they’ll take that on themselves. It’s not nice to score 30 or 40.”All South Africa’s specialist batters have been dismissed, all of the XI can contribute with the bat and the current pair, Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne, have had success in the subcontinent. Muthusamy has a career-best 89 not out in Pakistan and Verreynne a century in Bangladesh, and Stubbs suspects South Africa will need something significant from them because on a pitch that is expected to deteriorate, as he said, “first innings runs are gold”.