An update on her availability for the World Cup opener will be provided over “the next few days”; Australia’s first game is on October 5 against Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Sep-2024Australia have been dealt a potential injury concern heading into their title defence at the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, with batter Phoebe Litchfield being ruled out of the warm-up games with groin soreness. The news came in ahead of Australia’s first warm-up fixture against England in Dubai on September 29.Grace Harris, who has not played competitive cricket since April 2024 because of calf strains in both legs, was also deemed not quite ready to take the field yet because of a “new niggle”, though she is back in training.”Grace has resumed training following a new niggle sustained in her preparation to return to play,” Cricket Australia’s (CA) update said.Harris is making her way back after a first calf strain kept her out of the Women’s Hundred in the English summer, and then a second, in the other leg, kept her out of the recent series against New Zealand.CA said an update on both players’ availability for the T20 World Cup opener will be provided over “the next few days”.Australia play a second warm-up on October 1 against West Indies, before opening their tournament against Sri Lanka on October 5.India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are the other teams in Australia’s group – Group A. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the semi-finals on October 17 and 18, before the final on October 20.

Leeds United are now strongly considering a bid for a “brilliant” midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside their move for Sean Longstaff this summer, according to a report.

Leeds stepping up pursuit of new midfielders

Leeds have now reached an agreement on personal terms with Newcastle United’s Longstaff, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the deal said to be edging closer to completion.

Widespread reports have suggested the Newcastle midfielder is free to leave his boyhood club this summer, with Eddie Howe sanctioning a departure, and a move to Elland Road appears to be an increasingly likely outcome.

However, Daniel Farke may not want to stop there, with some extra quality perhaps needed in the engine room if his side are to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season, and the Championship title-winners have now intensified their interest in a different midfielder.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Leeds are now stepping up their interest in Shea Charles, with the Southampton midfielder catching the eye during a loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday last season.

The Whites tracked Charles’ performances during his loan spell with the Owls, and they were clearly impressed by what they saw, as a move is now being strongly considered, although it is unclear what sort of fee it would take to prise him away from the Saints.

Will Still is also hoping to keep hold of the central midfielder beyond the summer, which could make it difficult for the Whites to get a deal for the £15m-rated maestro over the line.

Charles could be "brilliant" addition to Farke's squad

While the signing of Longstaff makes more sense, considering the 27-year-old is vastly experienced at Premier League level, the Southampton midfielder’s performances in the Championship indicate he could be capable of making the step-up to the top flight.

Not only has the 21-year-old hailed as “brilliant” by members of the media, but journalist Joe Crann believes he could go on to achieve big things in the game.

Perhaps most noteworthy is the Northern Irishman’s defensive ability, performing very well across some key metrics over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.

Shea Charles

Average per 90

Interceptions

1.46 (83rd percentile)

Tackles

2.68 (78th percentile)

Aerials won

1.54 (80th percentile)

However, having recorded five assists in the Championship last season, the former Sheffield Wednesday man is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, capable of contributing on the front foot.

Charles could be a solid signing for Leeds this summer, but Longstaff looks to be a more attainable target, given that Newcastle are more willing to sanction a departure.

Leeds United are in the market to sign a new number to bolster their squad before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of September.

Football Insider reported in May that the Championship champions were not planning for Joel Piroe to be their main number nine in the Premier League, despite the fact that he won the Golden Boot last season.

The Dutch marksman scored 19 goals in the second tier to beat the likes of Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent to the Golden Boot, but he may not be the go-to option for Daniel Farke once the window is over.

Leeds have been linked with an interest in Everton’s Beto and Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz as Premier League proven centre-forward options, whilst they have also been linked with Roma striker Artem Dovbyk.

This shows that the Whites are looking to bring in a high-calibre number nine to take Piroe’s place as a starter in the team for the upcoming top-flight season.

The West Yorkshire outfit will be hoping to find a striker who can score goals on a regular basis in the Premier League for many years to come, which means that they are looking for their best centre-forward since Chris Wood.

The strikers Leeds have had since Chris Wood left

The New Zealand international, as shown in the graphic below, scored 44 goals in 88 games for the Whites before his move to Burnley in the summer of 2017.

Since moving on from Elland Road, Wood has established himself as a reliable goalscorer in the top-flight. To date, the 33-year-old star has racked up 89 goals in 263 Premier League appearances for Burnley, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest combined.

In the time since the Forest star left the club, Leeds have had Kemar Roofe, Patrick Bamford, and Joel Piroe as their main starting number nine options, whilst Rodrigo is a debatable one as a versatile star who played in midfield, as a second striker, and as a striker at times.

24/25

Joel Piroe

Championship

19

23/24

Crysencio Summerville

Championship

20

22/23

Rodrigo

Premier League

13

21/22

Raphinha

Premier League

11

20/21

Patrick Bamford

Premier League

17

19/20

Patrick Bamford

Championship

16

18/19

Kemar Roofe

Championship

15

17/18

Kemar Roofe

Championship

11

As you can see in the table above, Bamford is the only one of those players to have cracked over 13 top-flight goals in a single season, with his 17-goal haul.

However, the former England international has failed to consistently deliver in the top-flight, with just 24 goals in 102 Premier League games overall in his career.

The Whites, though, have now been offered the chance to bring in a centre-forward who would be better than all of the strikers they have had since Wood left.

Leeds offered chance to sign prolific striker

According to The Boot Room, Leeds United are one of the teams to have been offered an opportunity to sign Al Hilal number nine Aleksandar Mitrovic before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Whites could see an offer accepted by the Saudi Pro League outfit because the striker may be on the move this summer, due to his side’s interest in bringing in another option in his position.

Transfer Focus

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

This update reveals that Al Hilal are one of a number of Pro League teams in the running to sign Liverpool marksman Darwin Nunez this summer, and his potential arrival has left Mitrovic’s future up in the air.

The Boot Room states that the Serbia international’s representatives have offered him to Leeds, Sunderland, and Fulham, among others, ahead of a possible return to England, a country the player is said to love.

It has previously been reported this summer that Al Hilal would want a fee in the region of £26m for Mitrovic, which provides an insight into the kind of money Leeds will have to spend to get a deal over the line.

Why Leeds should sign Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Whites should push to bring the Serbian forward to Elland Road in the coming weeks, now that they have been offered a chance to sign him, because he could be the club’s best striker since Chris Wood.

As aforementioned, the New Zealand international is the only striker Leeds have had in the past eight years or so who has been able to establish himself as a regular goalscorer at the top level.

Mitrovic would come in as a player who has already proven himself at the top level, with three Premier League seasons with nine or more goals under his belt. The 30-year-old star has also scored a staggering 62 goals in 100 caps for Serbia at international level.

No past or present Leeds striker has scored nine or more goals in multiple seasons in the top-flight other than Wood since 2016, which speaks to the kind of quality that Mitrovic would bring to Elland Road.

Appearances

28

23

xG

26.60

17.41

Goals

28

19

xG on target

26.26

22.12

xA

2.48

1.33

Assists

5

2

His form in the Saudi Pro League, as you can see in the table above, has also been sensational. The former Fulham star has scored a mind-blowing 47 goals in 51 appearances in the league for Al Hilal.

Mitrovic, who was described as an “absolute monster” by Saudi Arabian news journalist Matt Monaghan, has proven, in Saudi Arabia and in England, that he is a reliable and consistent goalscorer at the top level.

The 30-year-old marksman, who holds the record for the most goals in a Championship season with 43, would be the club’s best number nine since Wood, as he would be the only other forward to have shown consistent quality as a goalscorer in top-flight football.

Therefore, the Whites should be doing everything that they can to win the race for Mitrovic’s signature this summer, as he may be the prolific number nine they need to fire them to safety in the Premier League next season.

The new Rutter: Leeds submit bid to sign "fascinating" £22.5m star

Leeds United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign a star who could be their new Georginio Rutter.

ByDan Emery Aug 4, 2025

Manchester City have enacted a sea change involving their squad this summer and Pep Guardiola could now be about to make a bold move for a Real Madrid ace.

Man City see plates spin in transfer market

The Citizens are known for their swift approach to negotiations and their speedy nature has led to the capture of Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg on a five-year deal.

Speaking after becoming Manchester City’s latest signing, the versatile 18-year-old stated: “I am incredibly happy and proud to have joined Manchester City. It’s a dream for any young footballer to become part of this club and to join such a group of world class talent.

“I am still very young with a lot to learn but the chance to be coached by Pep Guardiola, the best manager in the world, will only help me to become a better player.”

Nevertheless, legendary Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson could soon be set for Galatasaray after enduring a drop-off in performances last season and may potentially be joined by Ilkay Gundogan in the Turkish capital.

Acting to secure his replacement, contact has been made between the Citizens and Burnley over James Trafford, who could complete an unexpected return to the Eithad Stadium courtesy of a £40 million buyback clause included in his deal at Turf Moor.

Arsenal beat Man City and Liverpool to sign "highly-rated" forward after bid

Mikel Arteta is poised to win the race.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

Newcastle United had long been thought of as the natural next destination for the England Under-21 international, though Manchester City mean business this window, and it doesn’t appear that they are likely to care about feathers ruffled along the way.

Having said that, recent noises do back up the notion that Guardiola is keen on a first-choice goalkeeper, but it may not be Trafford between the sticks after all come the start of competitive action.

Man City set to offer £50m+ package to land Andriy Lunin

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City would be willing to offer £52 million inclusive of add-ons for Andriy Lunin as the Ukraine international continues to be behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old would be open to a move given his situation and desire to play a ‘leading’ role elsewhere, but his current employers see him as an important asset for the future and wouldn’t let him depart without a fight.

Andriy Lunin for Real Madrid in 2024/25 – La Liga (Fotmob)

Save percentage rate

65%

Goals conceded

7

Clean sheets

4

High claims

2

Pass accuracy

84.8%

Labelled a “complete goalkeeper” by RB Leipzig star Peter Gulacsi, Lunin made 14 appearances across all competitions last term for Real Madrid, keeping six clean sheets in the process.

Nevertheless, with Ederson now possibly on his way our, it may be time for a change of guard between the sticks at the Etihad Stadium and the Kharkiv-born man is emerging as a strong contender to become the Brazil international’s successor alongside links to Trafford.

After six long and arduous weeks of trying, it looks as though Manchester United are finally set to announce their second landmark signing of the summer.

Matheus Cunha arrived rather swiftly at the start of the window but since then it’s not been plain sailing for Jason Wilcox and Co. However, a breakthrough in negotiations was reached with Brentford a few days ago to seal the signing of Bryan Mbeumo for a fee of around £71m.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that the winger had arrived at Carrington to complete the formalities of a move to Old Trafford.

Yet, United aren’t done there with a new centre-forward being earmarked by the recruitment team.

Man United's pursuit of a new striker

With Rasmus Hojlund scoring just four league goals in 2024/25, it’s abundantly clear that Ruben Amorim needed more firepower.

Mbeumo and Cunha will certainly provide that but they’re not out-and-out centre-forwards.

Transfer Focus

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

Nicolas Jackson is, however, and reports this weekend suggest that the club has held talks with the player’s agent over a potential move. Considering his hit-and-miss form at Chelsea, this isn’t one that is likely to excite Man United supporters.

Viktor Gyokeres’ name will, though. It’s been widely expected that the Swede will move to Arsenal this summer but with Amorim at the wheel, United have stood a chance of securing a player who played so well under the Portuguese at Sporting.

Well, it’s still a move that could come to fruition with reports from Portugal this weekend reporting some exciting news as far as United fans are concerned.

It suggests that with Arsenal’s move stalling, the Red Devils have leapt into the race again and are said to be ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement on a fee for the attacker.

It’s alleged that United are willing to pay just over €70m (£60m) to bring the player back to England.

Despite all of that, Romano has made it clear that the striker is still giving his priority to Arsenal.

Why Viktor Gyokeres could be Man United's answer to Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak’s name has been a hot topic this week with Liverpool laying down a statement of intent.

Indeed, The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggested that the Premier League winners were ready to do a deal at around £120m, but Newcastle United insist that he will not be going anywhere this summer.

That’s understandable considering just how good he was in 2024/25. The Swede found the net on 27 occasions in all competitions and scored 23 in the league, only second to Mo Salah.

In short, he was really rather impressive, showcasing exactly why some, including analyst Raj Chohan, think that he is “the best striker in the world.”

Well, if a player with 27 goals is up there as the best, so is Gyokeres. Described as “the best finisher in the world” by analyst Spencer Mossman and as a “monster” by journalist Alex Turk, there are not many better at hitting the net with such regularity as Isak’s fellow countryman.

Once of Coventry City and Brighton, Gyokeres has done it before in England, but it’s in Lisbon, Portugal, where he’s really found his footing.

On the way to winning the Portuguese league title last season, he scored 39 league goals in 33 games and beat the goalkeeper on 54 occasions in 52 outings across all competitions. That backed up a scintillating 2023/24 term in which the Sweden international bagged 43 in 50.

Like Isak, he’s incredibly prolific, and they do share some similar traits, notably in their ability to carry the ball long distances and run the channels.

Gyokeres vs Isak in 2024/25 (league only)
Stat (per 90 mins)	Gyokeres	Isak
Goals	1.25	0.75
Assists	0.22	0.20
Shots on target	2.12	1.34
Key passes	1.96	1.34
Progressive passes	2.18	2.88
Successful take-ons	1.92	1.37
Progressive carries	4.26	2.71
Aerials won	1.15	0.85
Stats via FBRef.

Signing a player with little experience of the Premier League is always a risk, but with United simply needing more firepower, if they could hijack Arsenal’s move for Gyokeres, it would be a serious statement of intent.

Long have they needed their answer to someone like Isak, a pure out-and-out goalscorer, a powerhouse forward. In Gyokeres, they’d surely find that.

Better signing than Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to land "exceptional" £60m ace

Manchester United’s huge activity within the transfer market looks set to continue despite a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 20, 2025

Afghanistan lost their last six wickets for only 21 runs, crumbling swiftly on a slow and used Sharjah surface

Himanshu Agrawal09-Nov-2024

Debutant Jaker Ali made a quick-fire 27-ball 37 to lift Bangladesh to 252•ACB

First, Afghanistan’s spin quartet ended with combined figures of 38-0-144-7. Bangladesh’s trio replied with 21.3-2-72-5. But where Afghanistan’s quicks bowled 12 overs for 108 runs without a single wicket, Bangladesh’s fast bowlers were more incisive with four wickets in 22 overs, which went for only 111. That was the difference in the end as Afghanistan fell 68 short in their pursuit of 253 and Bangladesh levelled the three-match series with one game to play.Bangladesh’s win was set up by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 76. When Shanto fell on his 119th ball in the 41st over of the first innings, his innings appeared to be too slow. But the value of his runs was visible when the Afghanistan batters struggled to get going, justifying that batting wasn’t easy on a slow and used Sharjah surface. Six of Afghanistan’s top eight scored at least 14, but only one could go on to score a half-century. Rahmat Shah’s 76-ball 52 remained the highest.Afghanistan’s chase of 253 began in sedate fashion. The Bangladesh quicks started with tight lines and lengths with the new ball swinging, but their first two breakthroughs were down to some fantastic catches. Soumya Sarkar anticipated a ball rushing onto him at wide slip to have Rahmanullah Gurbaz caught off Taskin Ahmed, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz – at square leg – leapt and plucked one to send Sediqullah Atal back off Nasum Ahmed’s first ball.Atal departed for 39, ending a 52-run second-wicket partnership with Rahmat, but his dismissal started a sequence where Nasum and Mahmudullah kept a check on Afghanistan, conceding only 19 runs across the next seven overs.Mehidy took over captaincy duties after Shanto had to leave the field with a hand injury, and brought himself back to bowl in the 24th over. One over past the halfway mark, Afghanistan’s required rate had crossed six runs an over, and the slide began in the 29th.Mustafizur Rahman had Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi caught at fine leg for a 40-ball 17 and then Nasum bowled Azmatullah Omarzai for his second duck of the series with a beautiful ball which turned away to hit off stump.Three balls later, Rahmat paid the price for a mix-up with Gulbadin Naib, who pushed one to cover and called. With Naib watching the fielder, Rahmat was halfway down the pitch, and ultimately both ended up running towards Jaker Ali, the debutant wicketkeeper. Jaker, playing in place of the injured Mushfiqur Rahim, threw the ball to Nasum at the other end and Rahmat was well short.Thus, Afghanistan lost three wickets in the space of six deliveries, and although Naib swung his bat around for an entertaining 26, and added 44 for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Nabi, his dismissal left the rest with too much to do. They lost their last five wickets for only 21 runs and folded for 184 in 43.4 overs.That batting performance made Shanto’s half-century and Jaker’s death-overs batting cameo look even better. Bangladesh had lost Tanzid Hasan early in the afternoon, but Shanto and Soumya accelerated. Despite a Shanto slowdown after the powerplay, Bangladesh made 82 in 14 overs.However, it took a further 23 overs to get another 82 for Bangladesh, despite losing only two more wickets in that period. All four of Afghanistan’s spinners – Rashid, Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote and AM Ghazanfar – operated during that phase, and conceded just two fours and a six.Rashid broke the 71-run second-wicket partnership between Shanto and Soumya when he trapped the latter lbw. Soumya, on 35, didn’t review despite a consultation, and later saw the replays show the ball had pitched outside the line.In all, Shanto took 75 balls to get to his half-century, which he completed halfway into the 28th over. Both Mehidy and Shanto struggled to put the Afghanistan spinners away, and had to rely on their running between the wickets amid a plethora of dots. In the 32nd over, Shanto was given out lbw on 55 off Ghazanfar, but he reviewed and overturned the decision.But Rashid broke the 53-run stand when he cleaned Mehidy up with a googly next over. With 12 overs to go and Bangladesh on 174, Bangladesh were on course for a strong finish but with Shanto slow but Kharote struck three times in the next three overs to dent their cause. Towhid Hridoy, Shanto and Mahmudullah all departed in quick succession.But Jaker and Nasum ensured Bangladesh would post a competitive score. The last six overs were taken for 60 runs, as Nasum started the fun with a slog sweep for six off Kharote. When Afghanistan switched to pace in the 47th over, Jaker bashed Fazalhaq Farooqi for back-to-back sixes, with one landing over the roof beyond deep midwicket. Nasum hit 25 at just better than a run a ball, while Jaker put the finishing touch. The debutant ensured Bangladesh crossed 250.

After being released from LSG, the India batter is prioritising a “balanced” team environment over his captaincy aspirations

Shashank Kishore12-Nov-20242:55

Rahul: Bangalore is home, will be nice to go back to RCB

KL Rahul is looking forward to playing with “freedom” in a “much more balanced” environment as he enters the mega auction ahead of the new IPL cycle. Rahul was released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) following their seventh-place finish at IPL 2024.At the time, franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka spoke of their keenness to hold on to “players who have a mindset to win” and those that “put the team before their personal goals and aspirations”. Did that in any way prompt Rahul’s keenness to enter the auction?Related

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LSG wanted to retain 'players who have a mindset to win'

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“No, I mean, I think the decision was made already and I don’t know what the comments are, but they must have come after the announcement,” Rahul told in an interview aired on November 12. “I just felt like I wanted to start fresh, I wanted to explore my options and I wanted to go and play where I could find some freedom and the team atmosphere would be something much more balanced.”The pressure is already there in the IPL, it’s so high. You see teams like Gujarat [Titans] and CSK [Chennai Super Kings] and all of these teams, and you see when they win or lose, they seem really balanced and the dressing room is really calm. That’s something that’s very important for me as a player. I feel like if that happens, it gives all the players the best chance to perform.”We tried that at LSG with Andy Flower [head coach] and GG [Gautam Gambhir, mentor] first and then last year with [new head coach, Justin] Langer, we tried to create that in the change room. I think it was a brilliant atmosphere in the change room. I think sometimes you just need to move away and find something good for yourself.”Rahul led LSG into the playoffs in their first two seasons, in 2022 and 2023. Asked to look back on IPL 2024, Rahul suggested that external pressure may have contributed to their drop in results. After starting with a loss to Rajasthan Royals, they won three matches on the bounce before stuttering mid-season. And then, they went on a downward spiral, even as Rahul topped their charts with 520 runs at a strike rate of 136.12.1:30

Rahul: I want to play where I can find some freedom

Despite those runs, there had been considerable speculation over Rahul’s future at the franchise ever since visuals surfaced of an animated chat between him and Goenka following LSG’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad towards the end of the league phase.”There’s always ups and downs,” he said. “You need to be able to hold your nerves and be able to keep and you need to be able to keep putting up good performances after good performances. All the travel, all the drama outside, the pressure – all of it is there every year. But somehow this season, it felt like there was a lot more and somehow I think that affected the team and we couldn’t put in performances when it really mattered.”Looking ahead, Rahul said IPL captaincy wasn’t the most important thing for him at this stage, but playing in a “good environment” was. “I would never go and ask someone for it,” Rahul said when asked how important IPL captaincy was to him. “If you feel that my leadership skills are good enough, and you find something good in the way I play my cricket and in the way I handle myself, the way that I handle the team that I’ve captained in the last four to five years, and if you find it worthy, then of course I’m happy to do it.”But it’s not something that is a make or break for me. I just want to be part of a team that has a good environment. You feel loved, cared for and respected in that environment and everyone on that franchise has one single goal to win the idea. there then that’s a perfect fit.”Even as social media chatter of a potential reunion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, his hometown team, gathers steam, Rahul was pragmatic about the possibility of playing anywhere. But it’s no secret which team he has a soft corner for. “I most enjoyed playing at RCB. It’s also home,” he said. “You get to spend a lot of time at home, and I know the Chinnaswamy [Stadium] really well. I’ve grown up playing on that ground. So yeah, I really enjoyed my time in RCB.”Would he love to go back to RCB?”Yeah, of course like I said, it’s kind of home and the people there know me as a local Kannada boy, and it would be nice to go back there and get an opportunity again. But yeah, it’s an auction year so you can go anywhere.”

Manchester United could be set for a huge season under Ruben Amorim next season, that’s if the additions he’s made to the squad make the desired impact.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are two senior additions made to the Red Devils squad, costing a staggering £130m – showcasing the ambition from the hierarchy.

Benjamin Sesko could be the next player to move to Old Trafford, after the club made a £74m bid for the RB Leipzig forward, with the player himself wanting a move to join Amorim’s side over Newcastle United.

Such additions will likely provide a huge upgrade on the options who were at the club throughout 2024/25, potentially helping them return to their former glory in the Premier League.

Other areas of the pitch will also need strengthening if they are to be successful, with work already being done behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Douglas Luiz has reappeared on United’s radar in recent weeks, after originally being touted with a move to join the club in the early stages of the summer window.

The Red Devils have already held talks with Juventus over a potential deal to sign the Brazilian international, but the Italian side are demanding a permanent move rather than a loan deal.

However, he’s not the only midfielder still on their radar, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez a player who’s firmly in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that the United hierarchy have made the 22-year-old their top target after completing a deal for Sesko between now and the end of the window.

It also states that the hierarchy are willing to fork out a fee in the region of €70m (£60m) to land the Spaniard, who made 46 appearances across all competitions last campaign.

Why United’s latest target would be Amorim’s own Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been one of Europe’s leading talents over recent years, making huge strides in his career as a professional despite still being just 22 years of age.

He started his career at Birmingham City before a move to Borussia Dortmund, which catapulted him to stardom, subsequently making a move to Real Madrid back in the summer of 2023.

However, his career could’ve been completely different, with the Red Devils previously interested in making a move for the Englishman during the early days of his rise.

The youngster even visited the Red Devils training ground ahead of a potential move, but Bellingham chose a move to Dortmund instead – leaving question marks as to what could’ve been for him in Manchester.

Despite missing out on his signature, the hierarchy have the chance to land their own version of the superstar this window, with current target Lopez labelled a similar player to the Englishman by FBref.

The Barça star has even managed to outperform the Madrid gem in numerous key areas in recent times, showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be to United this summer.

Lopez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, averaged a better goal and assist per 90 record, whilst achieving a higher shot on target accuracy rate – subsequently offering a bigger threat within the final.

How Lopez & Bellingham compare in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Lopez

Bellingham

Games played

28

31

Goals & assists

11

17

Goals & assists per 90

0.79

0.61

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

36%

Key passes

2.1

1.5

Passes into opposition box

1.4

1.1

Take-ons completed

1.8

1.4

Carries into opposition box

0.9

0.5

Recoveries made

4.8

3.5

Stats via FBref

He’s also dominated Bellingham in possession, completing more key passes per 90, with more of which going into the final third, handing potential new signing Sesko with the tools he needs to thrive at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard’s talents are further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and recoveries made, potentially being a perfect box-to-box option in Amorim’s current system.

£60m would be yet another massive statement of intent from the ownership group, as they look to avoid the travesty that occurred across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

If he can move to Old Trafford and replicate his displays in LaLiga, he would be a huge coup and one that could transform into a potential world beater under Amorim’s guidance.

Related Perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha: Man Utd in talks for another deal after Sesko

Manchester United could be about to make another huge move before the end of the window.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 6, 2025

Everton are now going to step up their efforts to complete the signing of a “magnificent” attacking player this summer, according to a fresh transfer report.

Everton suffer Dibling transfer blow

Late last week, the Blues saw a £27m bid for Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling rejected, having been linked with him during the summer transfer window.

Everton clearly see the 19-year-old attacking midfielder as an exciting long-term option, with the Englishman catching the eye for Saints in the Premier League last season, despite their eventual relegation to the Championship. He scored twice in the league and generally looked like a class act who was playing with a maturity beyond his years.

It remains to be seen if the Blues will table an improved offer for Dibling in the coming days, but it would be a surprise if he didn’t leave Southampton before the window closes on September 1st, considering he is too good to be playing in the Championship.

Everton will know that alternative options are needed for the Saints ace, though, should they miss out on him, with Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo one right-sided player who has been mentioned as an option for David Moyes. Now, another winger has been touted as a target.

Everton step up efforts to sign "magnificent" ace"

According to Football Insider, Everton will now push to sign Lyon star Malick Fofana this summer, seeing him as an alternative option to Dibling.

While a move to a Champions League team is the 20-year-old’s preference, with Liverpool linked with a move, their focus on signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United means that the Blues “could seek to use that to their advantage” and snap him up instead.

Fofana is a player who has been backed to join Everton earlier in the summer, and it is easy to see him being a fantastic signing, having been described as “magnificent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Fofana can flourish on both wings, immediately giving Moyes extra attacking depth in key areas, and his end product is far superior to Dibling, averaging 0.47 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, almost five times more than the Saints gem’s rate of 0.10.

At 20 years of age, the Belgian is still raw, but six goals in the Europa League last season shows what he is capable of. He could prove to be a cheaper option than Dibling because he isn’t a young English player, but one who has just as much potential moving forward.

يستعد الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم لعقد مراسم قرعة دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية، كاراباو، موسم 2025/26، وذلك مساء يوم الأربعاء.

وتمكن ليفربول من الحصول على بطاقة التأهل إلى ثمن نهائي كأس كاراباو بصعوبة بعدما فاز على ساوثهامبتون في دور الـ32، مساء أمس، بهدفين لهدف.

اقرأ أيضًا.. الفرق المتأهلة إلى دور الـ16 من كأس كاراباو (محدث باستمرار)

كما تأهل تشيلسي إلى الدور نفسه من البطولة بعدما قلب الطاولة على لينكولن سيتي بهدفين لهدف.

ويواجه مانشستر سيتي، مساء يوم الأربعاء، خصمه هدرسفيلد تاون في إطار منافسات الدور نفسه من البطولة، على أن يصطدم آرسنال بنظيره بورت فايل. موعد قرعة دور الـ16 من كأس كاراباو اليوم

يجري الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم مراسم قرعة دور الـ16 من كأس كاراباو مساء يوم الأربعاء عقب مباراة آرسنال وبورت فايل، التي ستنطلق في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

وتنطلق مباريات دور الـ16 من كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية يوم 27 أكتوبر المقبل.