Having already advanced towards Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have reportedly been handed another boost towards signing a top target, who is now open to completing a summer switch.

Liverpool advancing in Ekitike deal

It’s been the summer of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes in the transfer market and Liverpool’s double act are now advancing towards their latest blockbuster deal. Not only have they emerged into the race to sign Ekitike this week, but they’ve shoved Newcastle out of the picture entirely.

Reports are now indicating that Liverpool have already received the green light from the forward and are now actively negotiating with Eintracht Frankfurt. Newcastle, meanwhile, have walked away from any potential deal.

Likely to follow Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong on Liverpool’s list of incomings, Ekitike will be solving the biggest problem that Arne Slot had within his title-winning squad last season.

The Dutchman often chose to deploy Luis Diaz as a No.9 over Darwin Nunez as the latter struggled more than ever at Anfield. Now, amid rumours that both South American stars could yet leave this summer, Liverpool are advancing towards an instant upgrade.

Minutes

2,563

2,399

1,133

Goals

15

13

5

Assists

8

5

2

Expected Goals

21.6

12

5.8

Even after Ekitike, however, the Edwards and Hughes show may not be over. Reports are now suggesting that Liverpool have also set their sights on signing a South American megastar in a deal that would arguably be even bigger than Ekitike.

Rodrygo now "open" to Liverpool move

According to Eduardo Burgos, a reporter from Spanish outlet AS, Rodrygo is now “open” to joining Liverpool this summer and the Reds have sent super agent Pini Zahavi to help broker a deal with Real Madrid.

Burgos told The RedmenTV: “It’s genuine. Liverpool already held talks with his camp. They sent an emissary to Madrid to talk to his family, and Rodrygo is happy with the interest.

“He’s open to a move. He always liked the Premier League. Two summers ago, even [Manchester] City tried to sign him. Guardiola called him a few times. He appreciated the gesture but in the end his preference was to stay in Madrid.

“His preference has now changed and now he’s hoping to leave…I think he will leave because he wants to be the star of the team, and [at Real Madrid] it will be very, very difficult, almost impossible. I think it’s not 50-50; it’s maybe 70-30. He’s open to a move and I think Liverpool may make a move.”

Liverpool now contacted with fresh opportunity to sign "superb" UCL winner

They could steal in ahead of Premier League rivals.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 17, 2025

The winger’s arrival would send yet more shockwaves around the transfer market, but it’s one that Liverpool have seemingly set their sights on despite the Brazilian’s hefty £11m-a-year salary.

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.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

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.

Bangladesh allrounder could be in England for a four-day game on September 9 and then fly to Chennai for the start of a Test series against India

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Aug-2024

Shakib Al Hasan played a key role in Bangladesh’s win in the first Test against Pakistan earlier this month•AFP/Getty Images

Shakib Al Hasan could be in line to play one County Championship game next month with Surrey working on a deal to bring him in, before he leaves for Bangladesh’s tour of India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly issued him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the match, set to be played from September 9, against Somerset in Taunton. Surrey will be without all of their England players as that round coincides with the end of the ongoing Sri Lanka Test series and the start of the Australia white-ball series.From London, Shakib will fly to Chennai where Bangladesh play their first Test against India from September 19. Bangladesh are set to play two Tests and three T20Is against India, before their home series against South Africa in October. Shakib is currently playing in the Test series in Pakistan.A former member of parliament in Bangladesh’s previous government, Shakib is among 147 people against whom charges have been filed in connection with an alleged murder during the protests in Bangladesh in early August. At that time, Shakib was out of the country, playing in the Global T20 Canada.Related

Shakib among 147 named in FIR for alleged murder during Bangladesh unrest

Bangladesh dig deep to find glory in a time of upheaval

Shakib picks up fine and demerit point for throwing ball at Rizwan

The champion cricketer is back – whither Shakib the Bangladesh hero?

The BCB had said that Shakib can continue playing for Bangladesh since the investigation is in its nascent stages. “It’s an FIR (first information report), there are a lot of legal procedures left to prove someone guilty following the filing of FIR,” new BCB chief Faruque Ahmed told the Dhaka-based the on Tuesday. “At this moment there is no bar on Shakib to continue playing. We have responded to the legal notice served to us and we have said the same thing (no bar on Shakib playing in the UK) there too.”ESPNcricinfo has learned the ECB has the right to withhold Shakib’s registration to play in their domestic system even if he is granted a UK visa.Bangladesh’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs adviser, Asif Nazrul, said on Wednesday it was unlikely for Shakib to be arrested.”This is a matter for the police administration,” Nazrul told reporters in Dhaka. “We have tried to say as much as we can. Filing a case does not mean an arrest. I believe our Ministry of Home Affairs will take steps to ensure that no one becomes overly enthusiastic about making an arrest. I hope Shakib will not be arrested. As far as I know, our police force has been given certain instructions.”Bangladesh posted a historic win against Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi, with Shakib taking three important wickets on the fifth day. He is also part of the second Test, whose first day, on Friday, was washed out due to rain.

استجاب رونالد أراوخو قائد برشلونة لثقة المدرب الألماني هانز فليك وشارك في فوز فريقه ضد نيوكاسل يونايتد بهدفين لهدف واحد في الجولة الأولى بمرحلة الدوري في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ولعب أراوخو أول مباراة مهمة هذا الموسم وهي أول مشاركة له في دوري أبطال أوروبا وأمام فريق قوي وخصم قوي، وتشارك مع باو كوبارسي في دفاع البلوجرانا.

وقال أراوخو في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية عن تحليله للمباراة: “كنا الفريق المسيطر على المباراة، عندما سجلوا تعقد الأمر وهذا طبيعي، لقد أراد الفريق الفوز ولعب بحماس واستحوذنا على الكرة، سعيد لأنه من المهم أن نبدأ دوري أبطال أوروبا بهذه الطريقة”.

وسئل أراوخو عن المشاكل البدنية التي تعرض لها في المباراة: “كنت أعاني من تشنج في النهاية، كان جهد الفريق هائلاً، حققنا الفوز وهذا هو المهم”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. خوان جارسيا بعد الفوز بثنائية: ما فعله لاعب برشلونة أمام نيوكاسل مذهل

وواصل عن أهم النقاط من الفوز ضد نيوكاسل يونايتد: “حللنا هذا الخصم جيداً، وكنا نعلم أنهم سيبدأون بقوة، هناك بعض المباريات التي يجب أن نلعب فيها بشكل جيد”.

وتابع مشيداً بما قدمه الإنجليزي ماركوس راشفورد الذي سجل هدفين في شباك نيوكاسل: “ماركوس يفعل الشيء نفسه في التدريبات، هو لاعب رائع وجودة عالية”.

وأكمل أراوخو: “لقد عانى كوبارسي من مشكلة في الركبة، نعلم أن هناك فريقًا تنافسيًا للغاية يجعلنا نبذل قصارى جهدنا، المدرب يدير الأمور بشكل جيد للغاية وهناك مباريات للجميع”.

واختتم عن الثقة التي حصل عليها من الألماني هانز فليك: “لقد عملنا بشكل ممتاز، ملتزمون بأسلوب لعب المدرب، الذي حقق لنا النتائج، علينا أن نواصل الإيمان بأسلوب لعبنا”.

Glasgow Rangers, after agreeing a deal to sign Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday, have now reportedly set their sights on bring yet another EFL player to Ibrox.

Rangers agree Ibrox deal to sign Gassama

The EFL is where it’s at as far as Rangers and Russell Martin are concerned this summer. The Gers have welcomed Thelo Aasgaard and Emmanuel Fernandez from the English Football League and have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign Gassama. Meanwhile, they’ve also welcomed two reinforcements from the Premier League in the form of Joe Rothwell and Max Aarons, rounding off quite the shopping spree in English football.

Like Aasgaard and Fernandez, Gassama represents solid business by all involved at Rangers and clearly falls under the category of player that Martin is keen to sign this summer.

The former Southampton manager recently had his say on potential arrivals, telling reporters: “The ones we think will be coming into the building in the next week or two, we’ll be so pleased with them and we still need some help.

“We also can’t be in a rush to get ones we’re not too sure about. When we do get them in, it will be down to a lot of very hard work, a lot of due diligence and we’ll make sure they are the right ones.”

Rangers agree deal to sign "fantastic" player as 49ers go into overdrive

The Gers are not messing about this summer…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 10, 2025

Alas, even after Gassama, those at Ibrox may not be done with their summer business. Reports are now suggesting that the 49ers Enterprises could return to the EFL yet again to sign another talented player ahead of next season.

Rangers eyeing move to sign Abu Kamara

According to Sky Sports, Rangers are now eyeing a move to sign Abu Kamara from Hull City this summer. The winger will be available at a cut-price amid the Tigers’ ongoing financial issues, allowing the Gers to take full advantage.

After scoring six goals and assisting a further four in all competitions last time out, Kamara is another player to keep an eye on. By joining Gassama in Scotland, the 21-year-old winger would be handing Martin two fresh options within his frontline and two young stars who are still so full of potential.

Championship stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Kamara	Gassama
Minutes	2,273	2,975
Goals	5	7
Assists	3	1
Successful Take-ons P90	0.79	1.99

Kamara has impressed everywhere he has featured and that includes during his time at Portsmouth. So much so that former teammate Conor Shaughnessy told reporters when asked about the winger last season: “Abu was brilliant for us, a really good player, talented and really grew into the season, getting stronger and stronger as he went on for us.

“Obviously, he got a good move off the back of it. Hull have had a difficult season, but it will be good to see him on Saturday. I’m sure he will be dangerous on the right wing for them.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in a race to sign a versatile £6.7 million international who could be a replacement for Nélson Semedo, according to a recent report.

Wolves target new midfielder and new striker

Given the fact the Midlands side have already seen Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri leave the club in big-money deals, Wolves have a rather large back pocket full of money. Manager Vitor Pereira will be hoping the club chiefs allow him to spend that money in the transfer market, as they look to avoid another relegation battle.

Wolves make approach for "major talent" also wanted by seven other clubs

The Old Gold are in the market for reinforcements…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 4, 2025

According to a report from Spain, one way the Premier League side want to spend some of their cash is by signing Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid. It is claimed that Wolves are among the teams wanting to sign the midfielder, and they would be willing to pay as much as £43 million to bring him back to England. The Spanish giants could be open to letting the England midfielder leave in this transfer window, as that would allow them to improve their squad in other areas.

As well as a new midfielder, Wolves also want to add more firepower to their team and have made an approach to sign El Bilal Toure from Atalanta. The striker, who scored three goals in all competitions last season, is very much a wanted man this summer, as teams from France, Turkey, and England are all queuing up with an interest.

Wolves in race to sign Tchatchoua to replace Semedo

As well as looking to strengthen their midfield and forward line, the Premier League side may be in the market for a new right-back, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Molineux News, Wolves are interested in signing Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona.

Wolves are still working on a deal to keep Semedo at the club, as his contract expired at the end of June and he has been offered fresh terms. However, they are yet to receive an answer, and now the Premier League side are looking at possible replacements and therefore have turned their attention to Tchatchoua, who is also wanted by Everton, Marseille and Galatasaray.

The 23-year-old, who has earned 10 caps for Cameroon, joined Hellas Verona on loan for the 2023/24 season, and that move was made permanent last summer. He can operate as a right-back as well as a right midfielder, scoring two goals to go with three assists in 36 Serie A games last season.

Tchatchoua

Semedo

Apps

36

34

Starts

36

32

Goals

2

0

Assists

3

4

Progressive carries

88

67

Progressive runs

163

119

Tackles (Won)

50 (31)

62 (36)

Blocks

21

32

Interceptions

14

23

Clearances

75

104

It has been previously reported that Hellas Verona value Tchatchoua at €8 million, or roughly £6.7 million, which could be an absolute bargain if Fosun can convince his agency, DWMA, to bring him to England. The group also represented Wesley Fofana in his £75m move from Leicester to Chelsea however, so may be looking to drive that price up.

Head coach hails outgoing director of cricket, who is retiring after 11 years in the role

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2024

Alec Stewart celebrates with Surrey fans after their victory over Durham•Getty Images for Surrey CCC

Gareth Batty, Surrey’s head coach, dedicated his team’s third consecutive County Championship title to the outgoing director of cricket, Alec Stewart, describing him as “irreplaceable” and adding that it was “delusional” to think that anyone could emulate the influence he has wielded across his five decades at the Kia Oval.Surrey, who beat Durham by ten wickets on Thursday afternoon to put themselves on the brink of the title, were crowned as champions shortly after 11am on Friday morning, once their nearest challengers Somerset had slipped to defeat against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford.That result leaves them 26 points clear at the top of Division One ahead of next week’s final-round trip to Chelmsford, but the celebrations were already beginning at the Kia Oval on Friday, after the club’s 23rd county title.”It’s a whole squad coming together and putting in a heck of a lot of work over a long period of time,” Batty told the BBC. “To do it three times in a row is very satisfying. We shall enjoy today and then start the hard work tomorrow to do it all again.”Every time you get over the line it’s the hardest one, because other teams are trying to close the gap, trying to improve their squads, improve their players.”I feel like we are still keeping some distance, in a healthy, confident way, not in an arrogant way, because we’re working incredibly hard trying to improve our performances year in and year out.”Though Surrey’s pre-eminence on the county circuit is clear, this latest victory was not without its challenges, not least when their shock loss to Somerset at Taunton last week closed the gap at the top to eight points.A major hurdle came in the form of international call-ups, with four Surrey players featuring in both England’s Test and white-ball squads – which was both a credit to the calibre of player emerging from the club, but also a stretch even on their well-resourced squad.”In the T20 Blast we used 25 players in 15 games, and in the Championship it was 24 or 25. Some counties don’t have that size of squad,” Batty said. “So to have the rotation of players, to have the tenacity, the belief, the skill set, to come in and still be playing as a wonderful XI, is a credit to every single person. It’s the staff, it’s the players, it’s the drive.”Rory Burns and Ryan Patel celebrate together•Getty Images for Surrey CCC

Stewart, 61, made his Surrey debut in 1981, and has been a near-constant presence at the club ever since. However, he announced at the start of the season that he would be standing down as director of cricket after 11 years in the role, having taken a leave of absence in January 2023 to care for his wife Lynn, who has been undergoing cancer treatment.”He is irreplaceable,” Batty said. “Anyone who thinks they can do what Alec Stewart has done here is delusional. He is the heartbeat, he is the brains – everything here comes through Alec.”You don’t often get a cuddle and a bit of a tear from Stewie, but when the Lancs boys got the final wicket there was a big outburst of emotion. It was wonderful to see an iconic English cricketer get some rewards for his dedication and the club will forever be thankful to him.”Stewart, for his part, promised that he would not be a stranger at The Oval despite entering retirement.”I’ll still be around the place, sat in the stands watching,” he told the BBC. “If I’m involved in some capacity, very much in the background, then fantastic, because you know what this club means to me and my family.”But it’s about the boys. I thanked each and every one of them. Three in three hasn’t happened since Yorkshire in the 1960s, it doesn’t happen too often and that’s what I’m proud of.”

The latter stage of Arsenal’s transfer window is likely to throw up many twists and turns yet, with Mikel Arteta sending a clear message to the board ahead of their pre-season clash with AC Milan in Asia.

Related Top 2% of goalscorers: Arsenal now make approach for "world-class" £43m forward

The Gunners have held talks over a deal for an attacker, who is now pushing to leave his club this summer.

Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 21, 2025

Arteta, in his first press conference since returning from Arsenal’s summer break, was adamant that his side still need to reinforce the squad with more depth and quality, as the Spaniard attempts to end their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

“It’s like shaking the tree again,” said Arteta about Arsenal’s new signings, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard all included in the squad for their trip to Singapore.

“Bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to different level, and it’s what we are seeking.”

Arsenal estimated transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£140m

Sporting CP’s striker Viktor Gyokeres is a top target for the Gunners, and a deal has now been given Fabrizio Romano’s famous ‘here we go’ tagline, with the striker set to sign a five-year deal at the Emirates.

After Gyokeres, Arsenal will prioritise the signing of a central attacking midfielder (Ben Jacobs), and there are still suggestions that sporting director Andrea Berta could add another high-profile winger after Madueke.

TalkSPORT reported recently that Arsenal maintain an interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo, following their talks over signing the Brazil international earlier this window, which proved “very complicated” at the time, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on the 24-year-old’s uncertain future under Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo set to decide Real Madrid future after early summer Arsenal talks

Writing in his GiveMeSport newsletter, Romano claims that Rodrygo is set for talks with Real Madrid over his career in the coming days, and there is still a possibility that he could choose to depart Los Blancos.

However, his price tag could come in as high as £86 million, so it is unclear whether Arsenal could somehow fit him.

“I’m told, also in this case, it’s still early stages,” said Romano.

“Rodrygo has to speak to Real Madrid again in the next days, decide whether he wants to go or stay, and get a final price, likely to be over €100m (£86m) at the start of talks. It’s not an advanced deal now.”

The former Santos starlet bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Real last season, and his creativity would be a very useful asset for Arteta up against teams in the low block, which they struggled to deal with a lot last season.

AC Milan midfielder and Whites legend Luka Modrić has also already branded Rodrygo a “world-class superstar”.

Dwarshuis injured on debut but Labuschagne leads fightback with ball then bat

Andrew Miller19-Sep-2024Australia 317 for 3 (Head 154*, Labuschagne 77*) beat England 315 (Duckett 95, Labuschagne 3-39, Zampa 3-49) by seven wickets It was a tale of two unconventional opening batters at Trent Bridge, both aggressive left-handers, both with a love of placing bat on ball, especially through anything remotely off-line or length. But where Ben Duckett’s innings ended tamely, on 95 from 91 balls, to open the door for a spirited Australia fightback, Travis Head’s powered onwards and upwards, to 154 not out from 129, and ultimately to a seven-wicket victory in the first ODI.That converted century, Head’s sixth in 66 ODIs and his second against England, was the fundamental reason why Australia overcame the odds, including a sickness bug that robbed them of a swathe of key names, not least Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc – two of the “big three” (alongside the absent Pat Cummins) without any of whose presence Australia had lost each of their last eight completed ODIs against England.The other reason was the resilience of their makeshift attack, stretched to eight personnel including four spinners once Ben Dwarshuis – fresh from bowling Phil Salt on his international debut – had been forced to leave the field after just four overs with a strained pectoral muscle.At the scene of their then-record pummelling in 2018, and with Duckett and Will Jacks proving once again what an invitingly flat pitch Trent Bridge can be, Australia had been bracing themselves for another huge chase at 213 for 2 in the 33rd over.But then, up popped the lesser-spotted legbreaks of Marnus Labuschagne, whose haul of 3 for 39 in six overs not only included the key scalps of Duckett and Harry Brook, both to looping return catches, but also lit a fire under Australia’s premier leggie Adam Zampa, who responded to a leaky first three overs with final figures of 3 for 49.Marnus Labuschagne struck in each of his first two overs•Getty ImagesMatthew Short’s offspin also returned a maiden ODI wicket, and when Head served notice that this contest now belonged to him, by picking up Jacob Bethell and Adil Rashid with consecutive deliveries, England had been bowled out for 315 in a dramatic collapse of 8 for 102 in 17.1 overs. In total, Australia’s spinners claimed 9 for 190 in 30.4: it was a combined impact that England’s own spin cohort, led by Adil Rashid – who remains one wicket shy of 200 in ODIs – couldn’t come close to matching.Labuschagne, like Head, was only just warming up in that phase of the game. After arriving almost slap-bang in the middle of Australia’s chase, at 169 for 3 in the 27th over after Cameron Green had become Bethell’s maiden ODI wicket, there was almost no one better equipped to act as a foil to the now free-flowing Head. His pitch-perfect innings of 77 not out from 61 balls included the winning boundary off Jacks with a full six overs left unused, to cap an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 148 from 107 balls.This was the de facto reboot of England’s ODI fortunes, after their destruction at the 2023 World Cup and leaving aside a barely remembered campaign in the Caribbean in December. A new-look team, led for the first time by Brook, showed promise in patches, not least during Duckett and Jack’s 120-run stand for the second wicket from exactly 100 balls. But even while the going was good in the first half of their innings, Eoin Morgan in the Sky commentary box considered their approach to be no better than “measured”, the sort of damningly faint praise that suggested they ran the risk of being mown down by a more emphatic performance.So it proved, with Australia outgunning England by 10 sixes to eight, five from Head, and three from Steve Smith in a notably aggressive cameo at the top of the order. After the early loss of Mitchell Marsh, Smith’s commitment to attack pushed his team ahead of the rate at 69 for 1 after the powerplay, and allowed Head, with a run-a-ball fifty, to settle in for the longer haul.Head had a moment of fortune on 6, when Brydon Carse – in from the boundary at deep point – all but clawed down a replica of Ben Stokes’ “you cannot do that” epic from the 2019 World Cup. But the feature of Head’s early innings was a fascinating duel with Jofra Archer, making his first ODI appearance in 18 months. Armed with the new ball, Archer bowled a handful of unplayable deliveries, including a cutter that left Head wide-eyed with wonder, but he was also picked off for 53 runs in six overs, including a fabulous flick for six off the toes that obliged him to return the look of incredulity.Ben Duckett can’t believe what he’s done after falling for 95•Getty ImagesFor England, it was a case of what-might-have-been, not least for Duckett, whose self-admonishment was plain as day after he gave away an international century for the second time this month, after his 86 in the Oval Test against Sri Lanka.In his first opportunity to reprise that now-familiar opener’s role in ODIs, Duckett took particular toll of a nervy Sean Abbott, clubbing four fours in an over en route to a 49-ball fifty, meaning that Marsh was already searching for alternate bowlers, even before it had been confirmed that Dwarshuis had strained a pectoral muscle with an off-balance shy from the outfield.Zampa had been the scourge of England’s batting in their most recent ODI encounter, claiming 3 for 21 at Ahmedabad in the 2023 World Cup. However, Jacks thumped his second ball back over his head for six, and as the hundred stand came up in 86 balls, he’d leaked 27 runs in his first three-over foray by the end of the 19th.In his 100th ODI, however, Zampa couldn’t be kept out of the action for long, as Jacks drove on the up to cover, but by the time Brook had stepped into two superbly poised drives over cover for six off Short’s part-timers, England were ominously placed on 201 for 2 after 30 overs.Enter Labuschagne, for what seemed to be a speculative spell of legbreaks. However, his impact was that of a perfectly deployed secret weapon. With the fourth ball of his spell, he landed a googly that stuck just enough in the pitch to confound Duckett’s back-foot push, and he reached to his left to pluck the simplest of caught-and-bowleds. One over later, out came that googly again, and Brook this popped another mistimed push straight back to the bowler.Jamie Smith came and went for 23, caught in the deep two balls after Aaron Hardie at deep midwicket had been forced to sacrifice a chance in order to save the boundary, and at 256 for 5, England’s hopes of a 350-plus innings were back in the hands of their main men from the T20I series, Liam Livingstone and Bethell, who was making his second format debut of the week.Zampa, however, still had three overs up his sleeve, and no sooner had he returned to the attack, Livingstone chose to take him down. It was a suboptimal option. A huge thrash through the line skewed to Green at long-on, and the rest came meekly. Far too meekly, as it turned out.

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has now directly held talks over an Ibrox deal for a “fearless” forward, according to a report.

Rangers vying to sign forward to boost title push

Barry Ferguson believes the Gers will be real Scottish Premiership title contenders next season, although they may still have to make a number of additions to the squad if they are to close the gap on Celtic.

When the former manager was asked who he thinks will win the league, he said: “I have to go with Rangers. At some stage, it has got to change. Russell coming in as the new manager. Got a certain type of way that he wants to play.

“I still think he is going to add another three or four players. There is no doubt in my mind about that. I think one or two of them will certainly be the experienced ones. We keep looking back at the one he brought in, Rothwell, who I think is going to be a brilliant signing. You can tell that he is a proper football player.”

Rangers: "Fearless" gem wants to move to Ibrox with Gers in negotiations

The Gers have been handed a major boost.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 28, 2025

With Vaclav Cerny not returning to Ibrox, it may be particularly important for Martin to bring in a new forward, and the manager is now directly involved in the Light Blues’ pursuit of a Premier League forward.

According to a report from The Boot Room, the Rangers boss has now personally held talks with Tottenham Hotspur over Mikey Moore, in order to convince them to let the 17-year-old move to Ibrox this summer.

Moore has attracted widespread interest from the Championship, but the Scottish Premiership is now looking like his most likely destination, with a loan move to the Gers very much on the cards.

The youngster is said to be open to a move to the 55-time Scottish champions, and Tottenham have liked what they have heard from Rangers, meaning a move is looking increasingly likely.

"Fearless" Moore could kick on at Ibrox

The £5k-a-week forward is yet to establish himself as a first-team regular at Spurs, given his age, but there are plenty of signs that he could be capable of making a real impact at Ibrox.

Tottenham’s James Maddison has singled the starlet out for high praise in the past, saying: “[He has] that young, fearless mentality and you never want to take that away from him. He’s a young kid, a brilliant lad, a lovely boy. He takes in information, and he’s got bags of ability.”

Not only that, but the young forward has been prolific at youth level, amassing 32 goal contributions in 24 games for Spurs U18s, which led to former manager Ange Postecoglou giving him a run in the first team.

As such, Moore may now be ready to be a consistent starter at Rangers, so it is exciting news they are in the driving seat for his signature.