Half-centuries from Nuwanidu Fernando and Lasith Croospulle led the Sri Lanka A batting performance
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-2025Matt Renshaw continued his return to runs by producing a swashbuckling century for Australia A but couldn’t prevent them falling to a 51-run defeat.Renshaw hit 106 from 75 balls for the hosts in Darwin on Sunday as Australia A lost 8 for 65 to be all out for 243 in reply to the visitors’ 294 for 7. His century included nine boundaries and two sixes, coming after he also hit 80 in an emphatic win on Friday.Renshaw drove powerfully against the spinners, hitting Dushan Hemantha inside-out over cover for a six and plundering several boundaries through the region.Related
Renshaw and Sangha to captain Australia A against Sri Lanka A
McSweeney, Renshaw and Peake star in big Australia A win
He brought up his century off 70 balls when he worked Mohamed Shiraz to the the fine-leg boundary, before holing out in the deep off Hematha shortly after.After initially being considered one of the country’s most conservative batters, Renshaw has risen to power in the white-ball game in recent years.South Australia’s Liam Scott also contributed, making 53 before the Australia A tail fell apart and pace bowler Pramod Madushan finished with 4 for 37.Madushan, who has played 17 white-ball internationals, started the collapse by having Scott caught off a top-edged pull then had Nathan McSweeney dragging on.Earlier, Australia A’s bowlers struggled to make inroads with Jack Nisbet finishing with 2 for 58 from his 10 overs and Sam Elliott 2 for 30 off three overs. Renshaw’s offspin also came in handy as he took 1 for 31 from eight overs.Sri Lanka’s innings was built around Nuwanidu Fernando’s stylish 82 from 90 balls, laced with two sixes and five fours. And opener Lasith Croospulle also struck a half-century, hitting two sixes in his 63 from 70 deliveries.
Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly considering an offer to sign a Premier League striker to replace the struggling Dominic Solanke for Thomas Frank in 2026.
Frank ready to replace Solanke
It’s been an excellent start for Frank in North London. After becoming the first Premier League side to win away at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, Spurs now sit as high as third in the Premier League. Any thoughts about a repeat of last season are long gone and the Lilywhites are on course to earn their place back in the top four.
Not everyone is thriving under the Dane, however. In fact, the likes of Solanke have failed to win over the new manager entirely and now reports are suggesting that the former Brentford boss simply does not rate him.
The same reports also claimed that Spurs could replace the former Liverpool striker as soon as January, which could open the door to an early exit just over a year on from his £65m move from Bournemouth.
What hasn’t helped the forward’s case is his injury history. Since the start of last season, Solanke has missed 26 games through injury. For a £65m signing, that was always likely to give those in North London something to think about.
Tottenham now keen on "world-class" £35m star who Frank's already approved
Spurs are in the race to sign a new forward.
ByDominic Lund Oct 28, 2025
The early season form of Richarlison as well as the introduction of loan signing Randal Kolo Muani is also unlikely to help Tottenham’s record signing, who is facing an uphill battle to get in to Frank’s side for the first time.
Now, further reports have claimed that the Lilywhites are considering a 2026 offer to sign the 28-year-old’s replacement in a brutal decision from all involved.
Tottenham considering Igor Thiago offer
According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are now considering a 2026 offer to sign Igor Thiago from Brentford. Frank initially welcomed the forward to West London for a record deal in 2024 before the Bees broke that record to sign Dango Ouattara in the summer just gone. Now, the Dane could reunite with his towering striker in North London.
The Brentford star has recovered from a long-term injury issue and is now thriving under Keith Andrews – scoring seven goals in 10 games in all competitions so far this season. It’s, therefore, no surprise that Spurs are reportedly eyeing a €35m+ (£31m+) loan to buy offer for Thiago in the January transfer window.
Described as “selfless” by Andrews, Thiago could yet hand Frank an ideal replacement for the struggling Solanke, who takes up £140,000-a-week on Spurs’ wage bill.
Inter Miami will look to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in club history when they face Nashville SC Saturday in the second leg of the opening playoff round at Geodis Stadium. The visitors are under pressure to win and close out the series, while the hosts will aim to force a decisive third game.
Getty Images SportInter Miami focused on one mission at a time
For the second game of the series, Miami visit to Nashville – a team they’ve defeated twice in the past two weeks, both times convincingly.
Despite those recent wins, the Miami manager Javier Mascherano acknowledged Nashville’s quality and the challenges they’ve posed to his side, emphasizing the need for focus and improvement ahead of Saturday’s decisive playoff match. The Herons hold an 8-3 aggregate goal advantage over Nashville across their last two meetings.
“We have to pay attention to the details and keep improving to arrive in the best possible shape,” Mascherano said. “Even though we’ve had two good results against them in recent weeks, we know Nashville have put us in tough situations before. We managed to handle them well, but we expect them to test us again, and we have to be ready for that.”
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'I don’t believe in identical matches'
The Inter Miami boss confirmed that he will have a full squad available, with the only exception being David Ruiz, who remains in recovery. The team’s key figures – including Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Rodrigo De Paul – are all fit and available for selection.
“We have a core group – a spine that’s untouchable – because any team that wants to succeed needs one,” Mascherano said. “From there, we make adjustments depending on what the team and the game demand. I don’t believe in identical matches, so it’s essential that everyone understands their importance.
"I always say the quality of minutes matters more than the quantity. We’ll decide who starts based on what we think the match requires. Aside from David, who’s still recovering, everyone’s ready – and every player will have a role to play.”
Getty Images SportMascherano addresses De Paul’s absence
Mascherano addressed De Paul’s recent trip to Argentina following Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Nashville in the first game of the series. The midfielder used his days off to travel to Buenos Aires to take care of personal matters – and also attended Futttura, the debut concert of his partner, Tini Stoessel.
“He had to travel for personal reasons, and we gave him permission,” Mascherano said. “When you give players time off, you don’t ask what they’re going to do.”
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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?
If Miami win Game 2 of the series at GEODIS Park, they would advance to the next round – and in doing so, erase the bitter memory of last season, when – after claiming the Supporters’ Shield with a record points total – they were eliminated at the same round by Atlanta United, a team that had only made it through via the Wild Card.
Hampshire unable to hold off visitors’ chase in six-over contest on south coast
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jun-2025Max Holden stole the limelight from Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s exhilarating debut as Hampshire Hawks and Middlesex tied a DLS thriller in the Men’s Vitality Blast.South African wunderkind Pretorius hammered a 22-ball 44 as Hawks struck 63 either side of the rain delays.Middlesex needed 76 to win after DLS recalculated the score, and after Chris Wood began with a maiden, Hawks were heavy favourites. But Holden whacked 38 in 18, before Kane Williamson’s 23 and Ben Geddes’ 10 took Middlesex to the brink but both sides had to share two points.It was Hampshire’s eighth T20 tie, and Middlesex’s fourth.Pretorius only arrived in the UK on Thursday having finished an unofficial Test for South Africa A in Saint Lucia on Wednesday. Jetlag seemingly didn’t have any impact on Pretorius as he rocketed a front-foot pull to the boundary off the first ball of the match, after Middlesex had chosen to bowl first.He continued with a well-timed clip off the pads and a wristy thrash through the covers to take two further boundaries off the opening over.Hawks fans had been made to wait for Pretorius – who arrived with high expectations after leading the scoring charts in the SA20 in his homeland over the winter, including a debut unbeaten 97.Dewald Brevis’ immediate impact only whetted the appetite for the second gun Proteas’ entrance, although it was somewhat dampened by the revelation that the pair would only be available until June 20 after being called up to the Test squad to face Zimbabwe.After striking 15 off the first over, runs continued to flow off Pretorius’ bat to reach 29 off 14 balls – although James Vince was caught at cover point off Zafar Gohar.Persistent rain hit after four overs and begun a two hour and 20-minute delay. Play was almost restarted for an 11 over-a-side match but another shower forced another delay. Eventually, a six-over-a-side game was started and Pretorius got going again.In two overs, Pretorius whizzed to 44 not out from 22 deliveries, including a bullet six over deep midwicket, with Toby Albert happy to just rotate the strike. It took Hampshire to 63 for 1, with DLS turning that into a 76-run target for the visitors.Their hopes of chasing that were dented as Wood begun with a maiden over – with just a leg bye on the total.James Fuller started with another dot and leg bye before Middlesex finally kicked into gear. Holden got away with an inside edge before carting over extra cover for four, over square for six and another inside edge for four boundaries in a row to take 19 off the second over.Another 18 runs off the following over got Middlesex closer to the rate but just as Holden reached 38 off 18 balls he skied straight up in the air.A Williamson blast for six made sure the DLS par was level going into the final over, with 13 required. Scott Currie went one, two, two with a dropped catch, two, a Ben Geddes four down the ground before a final ball bye to the wicketkeeper meant the game was tied.
Pundit Jamie Carragher has switched sides when asked for his favourite Scottish club out of Celtic and Rangers.
A Liverpool legend, Carragher made 737 appearances for the Reds across 17 years and has since been a regular for Sky Sports alongside former Manchester United right-back Gary Neville.
As a player, Carragher won numerous domestic cup competitions but never lifted the Premier League title. In Europe, the defender won the UEFA Cup in 2001 and the Champions League in 2005, featuring in the historic final against AC Milan in Istanbul.
Champions League
2005
UEFA Cup
2001
UEFA Super Cup
2001, 2005
FA Cup
2001, 2006
League Cup
2001, 2003, 2012
Community Shield
2001, 2006
Interestingly, the former Reds defender never played against Rangers in his career but did feature on three occasions against Celtic.
In 1997/98, Carragher was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw at Celtic Park in the UEFA Cup First Round first leg. In the return fixture, Carragher started as the Reds qualified on away goals with a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
When the two sides met again in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2002/03, Carragher played every minute of action as the Hoops famously won 3-1 on aggregate.
Martin O’Neill’s side would go on to reach the final at the Estadio Olimpico in a historic European run before losing to Jose Mourinho’s FC Porto 3-2 in extra time.
Carragher chooses between Celtic and Rangers
Players and managers who aren’t associated with either Celtic or Rangers are often asked who they prefer, and Carragher is no different.
Sir Alex Ferguson chooses between Celtic and Rangers for best stadium atmosphere
The iconic manager grew up supporting the Gers.
4 ByCharlie Smith Aug 17, 2025
Talking on American network CBS Sports as he covered the Champions League in 2024, Carragher was asked to pick out of Celtic and Rangers by fellow pundit Micah Richards. The former England defender simply said:
However, back in 2020, Carragher was asked the same question on an Instagram Q&A, and replied at the time: “Right now it’s Rangers because of Steven Gerrard but as soon as Steven leaves it’ll be Celtic.”
Steven Gerrard, a long-term teammate of Carragher’s at Anfield, left his role as Rangers manager back in 2021, which has resulted in Carragher swapping back to green and white.
Winning the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox, Gerrard had a successful spell in charge of the Gers but departed for Aston Villa.
His stint in charge at Villa Park wasn’t as positive as he’d have hoped, which led to Gerrard moving to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq until 2025.
Former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck spoke highly of Ruben Amorim's Red Devils after Brighton's 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday. After enduring a difficult start to their 2025-26 campaign, United seem to be on a roll, having now won all three of their Premier League fixtures in October, including a victory over arch-rivals and reigning champions Liverpool.
New signings star in United's win
United spent heavily in the last transfer window to sign attacking stars like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko as Amorim wanted to rebuild the squad following a disastrous debut campaign at Old Trafford in 2024-25.
The new arrivals took time to adjust to life in Manchester as the club initially struggled to perform in the 2025-26 campaign, however, since the start of October, the Red Devils have displayed terrific form. On Saturday, Amorim's side picked up their third successive victory in the Premier League as they beat Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford.
Cunha scored his first goal for United as he broke the deadlock in the 24th minute before Casemiro doubled the team's lead. Bryan Mbeumo then scored a brace in the second half to seal an important win for his club. Welbeck and Charalampos Kostoulas both scored consolation goals for the visitors.
Following the victory, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves lavished praise on the new United players, telling Premier League Productions: "I don’t think the performances have been amazing but the results speak for themselves. If you think back to the first game of the season against Arsenal, that was a good performance but they somehow lost the game. The results are the most important thing. When you have players like Matheus Cunha who have a real personality… I just love the way he talks and plays. Cunha and Mbeumo along with Bruno Fernandes are guys that you can rely on and trust. Manchester United are scoring goals and look dangerous, I would say they’re conceding more than they would like, 14 is a lot after nine games. But I like the look of the team and the direction they’re going in. The goalkeeper [Senne Lammens] has made a difference as well."
AdvertisementAFPWelbeck delivers verdict on Amorim's United
Welbeck, who started his professional career at Old Trafford, spoke highly of Amorim's improving side after the game.
Speaking on after Brighton's loss at his former home ground, Welbeck said: "It is the best [Manchester United] side we have faced in a while. They were really organised and structured, they always have incredible players and today they really punished our mistakes. A difficult game but one we can look back and analyse. I do believe we can come here and get the three points."
'We are up against quality'
Further analysing the game at full-time, Welbeck told reporters: "We are a bit gutted. There was part of the game early on where we dominated but a few silly mistakes led to goals. We are up against quality so they will punish you. It is a learning curve of us. We showed great character at the end but it wasn’t good enough. We put ourselves in a really difficult position. We have a great group and everyone is going to keep fighting, whatever the score is. We got two goals and were closing to maybe getting a third. It didn’t happen but it is a good sign we showed character."
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AFPWhat lies ahead for United?
United leapfrogged rivals Liverpool – who lost to Brentford later in the day – to occupy fifth place in the points table after the Brighton triumph. Amorim's side will now aim to build on their performance from the last three games and hope to win their upcoming clashes against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League before the third international break of this season kicks in.
Silly season is upon us, but given that Liverpool are the best team in England having won the Premier League, there are scant players across the globe who wouldn’t at least consider a move to Anfield this summer.
And players will come through the gates. FSG hit the jackpot when appointing Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp last year, an affable but contrasting personality whose meticulous tactical approach has borne dividends.
Having done the business without any proper first-team investment, Liverpool’s owners are happy to get their purse out and reward the Dutch coach, with a range of incomings expected.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
While replacing Darwin Nunez, who has failed to react positively to Slot’s tactics and is expected to leave at the end of the season, is the chief attacking priority, especially with Mohamed Salah now tied down for two more years, Slot is keen to strengthen across a number of areas.
And that intrigue has led to Villa Park, with Morgan Rogers added to Liverpool’s shortlist.
Liverpool's interest in Morgan Rogers
Rogers has only been at Aston Villa for 14 months, but he’s made quite the impression, leaving Middlesbrough in the Championship to sign for Unai Emery’s side in a £15m deal.
His rise and rise has caught Liverpool’s eye, that’s for sure, with the mighty Fabrizio Romano revealing to GIVEMESPORT this week that Liverpool and Chelsea are among the top clubs to have been scouting the 22-year-old this season.
However, sealing a deal is hardly going to be a walk around Stanley Park, for Manchester United have also shown an interest in Rogers of late and were met with a response that a bid worth £68m would be required for Villa to consider his departure.
The ice-cold England international has scored 14 goals and added 13 assists across 50 Villan appearances this season, though it bears testament to the level of his ability that it is the underlying quality that has lifted him toward the top of Liverpool’s summer shortlist.
However, with Villa expected to play hardball, especially so if they retain their place in the Champions League, Liverpool might be forced to turn their heads elsewhere.
Luckily, a fitting and more affordable alternative has been earmarked.
Liverpool chasing new forward
As per Football Insider, West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is open to a move away from east London this season after a disappointing campaign, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all interested.
Transfer Focus
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However, Reds fans will be pleased to know that FSG are singled out as the main party in the race so far, confident that they can seal a summer deal for a figure lower than his £80m release clause.
The player himself, meanwhile, is said to want to ‘make that move’ to Anfield and would ‘jump at the opportunity if an offer arrives’.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
While some will harbour reservations after the Ghanaian’s below-par output this season, this talent is unquestionable and the Hammers are willing to consider cut-price offers.
What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool
In August 2023, West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax for a £38m fee, pipping Brighton & Hove Albion to his signature. Regarded as a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith.
He played an important part for United last term, scoring 14 goals and laying on nine assists as David Moyes’ side fought for European qualification in the Premier League and drove their way into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, losing over two legs against Bayer Leverkusen.
However, there’s no denying that Kudus has fallen down a notch this season, albeit struggling alongside the masses over a deeply frustrating year for the Irons.
Matches (starts)
33 (27)
28 (28)
Goals
8
4
Assists
6
2
Shots (on target)*
2.0 (0.5)
2.4 (0.8)
Pass completion
84%
90%
Big chances created
5
3
Key passes*
0.8
1.0
Dribbles*
3.8
3.0
Ball recoveries*
6.4
4.5
Tackles*
2.0
1.2
Duels won*
8.5
6.6
There is a reason why Liverpool have maintained an interest in the winger over the past year. Kudus would be the first to admit he has endured a testing campaign, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a player worthy of a place in Slot’s squad.
Indeed, his propensity for danger down the channels is quite a thing; for instance, Kudus disabled a firm Arsenal defence during a shock victory at the Emirates Stadium back in February, all but ending the Gunners’ feeble title hopes.
This is perhaps best illustrated through FBref’s data. The statistical site list that he ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.
Curiously, FBref also record that Rogers is one of Kudus’ most comparable players when assessing data from the ongoing Premier League season, and if the Villa man does prove to be unattainable in the market this summer, Liverpool may be convinced to move down a different track.
The statistical likeness suggests that either star would be a fitting addition to an already talented and dynamic frontline. Both have been profiled, and both are firmly on Hughes’ radar.
A “fearless” ball-carrying threat, as has been said by scout Antonio Mango, Rogers is proving himself to be a dangerous player indeed, breaking from midfield or the left flank and closer and closer toward the goalmouth, where his growing potency has indeed led to 27 goal involvements across all competitions this season.
However, Kudus demonstrated last season his elite level for West Ham. He will be annoyed at his own regression under Julen Lopetegui and now Graham Potter at the London Stadium, but there’s little question he has ‘generational’ quality that Slot could tap into and shape into something truly special for Liverpool.
Imagine him & Gakpo: Slot driving Liverpool deal for £60m "game-changer"
Liverpool are set for a shopping spree this summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold might be jetting off to the Spanish capital this summer, but there’s plenty to be happy about for those of a Liverpool persuasion right now.
With the Reds winning their 20th top-flight title under Arne Slot’s management this year, Alexander-Arnold has very much played a pivotal part in putting his boyhood club back on its perch – not just this year, but across the illustrious sweep of his career.
But the vice-captain is going to leave for Real Madrid on a Bosman, and his departure will have a say on the roads taken across the transfer market months.
While sorting out Liverpool’s defensive flanks is sure to be a priority for FSG, there’s no question that changes are going to be enforced from an attacking standpoint.
Liverpool eyeing attacking changes
Liverpool are gearing up for a busy summer, and no mistake. FSG’s approach toward transfer business has stoked frustrations over the years, but can we really begrudge them, given the club’s success over the past decade?
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
This new version, it must be said, feels different. The framework has been reshaped and Slot is expecting sweeping changes after minimal investment last summer.
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota may both reportedly depart, opening ample room for a high-level centre-forward. However, with Luis Diaz anticipating new talks to renew his contract, Liverpool’s need for a left winger has been lessened considerably.
That hasn’t stopped the Merseysiders from registering their interest in Morgan Rogers, though, a versatile attacker who shifts seamlessly between the wide lane and a more central berth, and has struck 27 goal contributions from 51 outings this season.
However, Liverpool have yet to double down on a target, and might have found one who would be a better fit than the Aston Villa sensation.
Liverpool could see bid accepted for Premier League star
Sources have confirmed to Caught Offside that Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is on Liverpool’s radar this summer, with the Bees seeking bids of £60m-£65m in order to let him head to Anfield or any other interested party.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, sporting director Richard Hughes will need to accelerate his plans if Liverpool are to prevail, with Manchester United set to make their opening offer in the coming weeks.
While the urgency for a right-sided forward has been eased after Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal, Federico Chiesa has scarcely featured under Slot and is mooted for a return to Italy, with AC Milan reportedly interested.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates for Brentford
Mbeumo could be the perfect addition, adding the athleticism and dynamism needed ahead of a title-defending campaign.
What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Liverpool
Salah’s peerless output in the Premier League this season is something Slot will be hoping to replicate next year. Signing a ball-carrying star such as Rogers could be a way to make that happen, but Liverpool already have a tried and tested midfield three and Diaz is rumoured to be staying put.
1
Mohamed Salah
28
18
46
2
Alexander Isak
23
6
29
3
Bryan Mbeumo
18
7
25
4
Erling Haaland
21
3
24
4=
Cole Palmer
15
9
24
However, he’ll be 33 by the time the 2025/26 campaign arrives, and Mbeumo could be the perfect forward to ease the Egypt international’s workload.
Of course, Mbeumo’s capacity to perform at number nine is something Thomas Frank has made good use of throughout the season and Slot will be sure to take a leaf from the Dane’s book, with his usage of Diaz’s dynamic qualities this year already underlining how he can guide the Brentford man toward new heights.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
The 25-year-old has scored 68 goals and provided 50 assists across 239 matches in England, but it would be hard to argue against the current campaign being his finest for the Bees.
After missing only eight big chances in the Premier League this season (scoring 18 times), he’s proven his clinical edge to be the hallmark of a broad-ranging skill set. Of course, that’s not all, with 16 big chances created and 1.3 tackles and dribbles averaged per game, over four duels won each fixture too.
While Villa’s Rogers would be an attractive option given his prolificness in Unai Emery’s system, Mbeumo is the more dangerous goalscorer while proving himself a multi-dimensional player too, creating heartily.
Highly-regarded, Rogers has pulled all the stops this term and would no doubt prove a worthy addition to Liverpool’s high-flying team.
That said, recent rumours have suggested that Rogers will cost suitors around £70m, which is no small sum. Villa’s reluctance to sell could see that stretch even higher.
Meanwhile, Brentford seem open to selling their talisman which could play into Liverpool’s plans, with Mbeumo’s specific quality suggesting that he could one day succeed Salah while serving as his understudy for now and filling in at centre-forward too.
He’s been more prolific than Rogers in the Premier League this season while outstripping him across most underlying metrics. Rogers has won more duels per game, but only by a 0.2 average.
Hailed for his “sensational” efforts in west London by Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, Liverpool will kick themselves if they fail to beat off competition from their Red Devil rivals and secure Mbeumo’s signature.
Liverpool are going to want an out-and-out striker to join their ranks ahead of Slot’s second season, but if Nunez and Jota both depart, Mbeumo’s addition would make a significant difference to an outfit looking to challenge across four fronts.
Both the Cameroon international and Rogers have the qualities to leave marked effects on Slot’s Liverpool project, but Mbuemo’s goalscoring ability and completeness have the decisive say on the matter: FSG need to bring him in.
Slot's own Suarez: Liverpool plot big move for "one of the best CFs" around
Liverpool could be about to make a move for a player who could become Arne Slot’s own Luis Suarez.
Chelsea are now pushing hard to sign a “superstar” forward who’s been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, with talks intensifying in recent days, according to a report.
Blues stepping up summer transfer plans
With the summer transfer window now on the horizon, the Blues are now stepping up their efforts to improve their squad, having identified the need to bring in reinforcements in a number of key areas, including between the sticks.
A £47m offer has now been submitted for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, given that Enzo Maresca has made the decision to drop error-prone Robert Sanchez at times this season, while the manager is also keen to strengthen in more attacking areas.
Talks have been opened over a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, while Maresca’s side also have a strong chance of winning the race for Barcelona star Raphinha, whose future at the Camp Nou remains up in the air.
Chelsea now favourites to sign £50m player after 7-year contract offer
They’ve reportedly made a tempting proposal.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 25, 2025
Having proven himself at the top level, the Brazilian could set the west Londoners back £77m, but they are also keen on signing an up-and-coming talent who could cost even more, according to a report from Caught Offside.
Chelsea are now pushing hard to sign Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, with talks being intensified in recent days, but the Turkish forward will not come cheap, with the Italian side set to hold out for as much as €100m (£85m).
Juventus'KenanYildizduring the warm up
Yilldiz’s impressive performances have attracted the attention of the Blues, alongside Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, but Juventus are unwilling to sanction a departure unless they receive a huge fee.
The Germany-born winger is now viewed as a priority target for Maresca’s side, but Liverpool or Arsenal could be more tempting destinations, particularly if Chelsea miss out on Champions League qualification.
"Superstar" Yildiz has shades of CR7
The 19-year-old has already managed to establish himself as a key player for Juventus, picking up eight goals and five assists in all competitions this season, and there have been some suggestions that he could be destined for the very top.
The starlet is ranked among the best-performing teenagers in Europe’s top five leagues this season, so it is little wonder that Juventus are set to hold out for a huge transfer fee.
It is still very early days, but it goes without saying that £85m would be a fair fee if Yildiz is truly capable of emulating Ronaldo, and it is exciting news that Chelsea are now pushing to get a deal done.
That said, it would be a huge gamble to shell out such a huge amount on a player yet to prove himself at the very highest level over a sustained period.
Liverpool are believed to be “working on” tying down an “outstanding” player to a new contract alongside Virgil van Dijk, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Salah signs new Liverpool deal
The news that Reds supporters have been dreaming of finally came true on Friday, with Mohamed Salah signing a new two-year deal at Anfield.
There have been concerns all season long that the 32-year-old Liverpool legend would leave the club, but he will now be on Merseyside until at least 2027, saying he intends to win more trophies there:
“If I don’t believe that, I would not have signed. I believe the team can win trophies and with the support of the fans and the city, and that the supporters always give us in the games, I believe we can win many trophies in the next years.”
Now, the hope is that other players will follow suit, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk also both out of contract at the end of this season.
While it looks increasingly likely that the latter will stay put and do the same as Salah, the former’s head appears to have been turned by a move to Real Madrid. That said, nothing has been confirmed over Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool at the peak of his powers.
Liverpool want new deal for "outstanding" ace
According to Romano in his newsletter for GiveMeSport, Liverpool are still looking to seal a new deal for Ibrahima Konate, as well as Van Dijk:
“They are in negotiations. Now the priority was obviously Salah and Van Dijk, but the next one could be Konate as Liverpool are working on it.”
Ensuring that Konate remains at Liverpool for the foreseeable future is of the utmost importance, considering he is still only 25 years of age and eight years Van Dijk’s junior.
The Frenchman is appreciated by so many at Anfield, from Arne Slot to the supporters, and captain Van Dijk also hailed him earlier this season, saying after their win away at Wolves in September:
“As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding, in my opinion.
“He is learning, growing, getting better and looking after himself much better in order to be ready every three days as that’s what asked. And also we have a young player behind him in Jarrell, who is also doing well. We have to keep pushing each other and he is doing a good job.”
Relatively speaking, the £70,000-a-week wage that Konate earns is low compared to many of his teammates, so he deserves an improved contract to show that he is truly appreciated.
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Granted, injuries have hampered him at times in his career, so there is a slight risk involved in handing him an extension, but he should only get better in the coming years, and losing him at this point in his career could be a big blow to the Reds.