Kirsten bemoans Pakistan's 'poor decision-making'

Player of the Match Bumrah lauds India’s bowlers for keeping calm even as conditions eased out for batting

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-20243:15

Kirsten: ‘Pakistan made poor decisions at important phases’

Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten has put the team’s defeat down to poor decision-making, after they had “the game for 35 of 40 overs”, while Jasprit Bumrah commended the calmness shown by India’s bowling unit even though the conditions eased out for batting.”Disappointing loss, that’s for sure,” Kirsten said. “I knew 120 was not going to be an easy target. If India got only 120, it was always going to be not the easiest. But I think we had the game at 72 for 2 with six or seven overs left. Disappointing not to get across the line from the position we got ourselves into.”Kirsten was asked where the game slipped from their hands. “Decision-making,” he said. “Maybe not so great decision making. You have got the game on, run a ball, eight wickets in hand, decision making at that point. That’s the game. That’s international cricket for you. You make mistakes like that, you are going to pay. I thought we made some poor decisions at important phases of the game. I thought Rizwan played well for us. We knew it was going to be a tough wicket to bat on. We managed the chase very well but then just let it slip in the end.”Related

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Mohammad Rizwan scored 31 off 44 but fell trying to slog the first ball of a new Bumrah spell. Bumrah went on to win his second Player-of-the-Match award in two matches.”The biggest positive for us was the calmness because when we were batting in the morning, there was a lot more help,” Bumrah said. “And when we started bowling, the skies cleared up and the ball stopped seaming and there wasn’t a lot of lateral movement. So, we had to be more consistent and more accurate and we as a unit were very calm and very clear on what we wanted to do. So, we are very happy that as a unit we were able to contribute and created that pressure and then we were able to get the win.”Bumrah said taking the emotion out of his bowling helps him.”I was trying to focus on what is the best option over here on a wicket like this,” he said. “How do I make shot-making difficult? What are the best options for me? So that way, I try to stay in the present and focus on what I have to do. Because if I look at the outside noise, if I look at people and pressure and emotion takes over, then things don’t really work for me. So, I was trying to do that, trying to create my own bubble, and trying to focus on that and try to put my best foot forward.”Kirsten knows Pakistan’s chances of making it to the Super Eight now rely on other teams’ results, but he also knows they need to improve a lot to even rely on other teams to push them through.”It wasn’t a small total on that wicket,” Kirsten said. “It was a good total. We knew that. But we have still got a chance in this tournament. We are still hopeful that things can play into our hands. Obviously we have got to play a lot better cricket than we are playing. It just comes down to executing our skills together as batters and bowlers. We had that game for 35 of the 40 overs. We played good cricket, we did everything we needed to.”Kirsten said he needed some time to start getting the best out of the players. “Everyone’s responsible,” he said. “We accept the loss and we take the heat because the team has not done well. And we will do what we can to try and rectify it. I have been here for 12 days so it is a new journey for me understanding the players that are going to win games for Pakistan, which is what you are looking for.”

After Wirtz: Liverpool targeting "world-class" £67m Nunez upgrade

Liverpool took a gamble when they signed Darwin Nunez in 2022. FSG have a way of doing things on the financial front, you see, and that modus operandi is built on the premise that data-driven analysis dictates the strategies.

But Nunez impressed in the 2021/22 Champions League, scoring against Barcelona, Bayern Munich and, crucially, Liverpool, thus convincing Jurgen Klopp to push for a deviation from the typical approach, signing a raw but brilliant prospect for a lofty £64m.

Nunez will depart Anfield this summer having failed to activate the full £85m payment of his transfer, with wastefulness in front of goal and struggles to adapt to Arne Slot’s system alienating him, leaving him with one Premier League start since Boxing Day, scoring only seven goals all season.

He goes with Merseyside’s blessing, but he needs to leave this summer. The 25-year-old has suitors in Italy and the Saudi Pro League, and when movement starts to happen on that front, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes can move ahead with the signing of a new first-class number nine.

Liverpool in race for new striker

As per Football Insider, Victor Osimhen is still on Liverpool’s radar as FSG prepare to cash in on Nunez. After completing a successful loan spell with Galatasaray, Osimhen will leave Napoli this summer.

Valued at £67m, the Nigerian striker has also piqued the interest of Manchester United, but Liverpool will hope European football, a title-winning team and more stable conditions will hold sway in the race.

Al-Hilal had been pushing to sign Osimhen, but a deal fell through after the player made known his preference to remain in Europe. The door is very much open for the Anfield side.

Why Liverpool want Victor Osimhen

Now that Liverpool have agreed a £116m deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, they can turn their attention toward the front of the ship, and Osimhen could be the perfect man to upgrade on Nunez, affordable and fantastic at his job.

Hailed as “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, Osimhen has been one of the most prolific marksmen in Europe for several seasons now, and despite his unhappy divorce with Napoli, has jetted the flame alive out with Galatasaray this term, posting 37 goals and eight assists across just 41 games.

24/25 – Galatasaray

41

37

8

23/24 – Napoli

32

17

4

22/23 – Napoli

39

31

5

21/22 – Napoli

32

18

6

20/21 – Napoli

30

10

3

His consistency bespeaks his elite-class ability, and with nine goals and an assist from just 17 outings in the Champions League, the 26-year-old has the perfect arsenal to thrive for Slot’s Liverpool, a fierce blend of pace, power and potency in the final third.

It really goes without saying that he’d prove an upgrade on Nunez, whose struggles have been personified by his profligacy in England’s top flight, only scoring 25 Premier League goals across three campaigns and missing a staggering 55 big chances, as per Sofascore.

To be fair, Osimhen has missed 64 big chances across league performances over the same timeframe; the difference, however, is that he’s tucked away 67 strikes.

Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring their first goal

Ranked among the top 9% of strikers across Europe last season for aerial battles won, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 18% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, Osimhen is more than just a focal point, instead, utilising his athleticsm and strength to dominate in the final third, linking play together and controlling in the air.

Osimhen might cost a fair amount this summer, but the proof is in the pudding with this one, and there’s little question he’d prove a huge upgrade on Nunez.

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Arsenal turn attention to "lightning" 15-goal star as Gyokeres alternative

Arsenal are searching for a number nine this summer and have identified a new target who may strengthen their forward line for a cheaper fee, according to a report.

The latest on Arsenal's search for a striker

Undoubtedly, the Gunners’ search for a striker has become something of a saga in the last few weeks, and it doesn’t look like there will be an end in sight anytime soon despite Mikel Arteta’s advances.

Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as Arsenal’s most talked-about summer pursuit. However, Sporting won’t let the Sweden international leave on the cheap, which has compelled the Londoners to assess potential alternatives such as Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal

Of course, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has also been courted by Arsenal over the duration, and Ben Jacobs has confirmed that they are still in the picture to land the Bundesliga sensation.

“They have discussed whether or not there is flexibility beneath the variable release clause, set at the moment around €80 million. That’s why that one’s taking time, because Arsenal want to do Sesko for €70 million, or within that ballpark.”

Saudi Arabian clubs are also believed to be at the table, creating another layer to what is turning out to be a complicated search for a goalscorer in light of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus being stricken by injury last term.

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The Premier League title is on the line and Arsenal need to make sure they get this one right if they are to unseat Liverpool at the summit, so it is only natural that time is being taken to assess all contributing factors.

However, they could now opt to move in a completely different direction from the names mentioned if reports elsewhere are to carry weight.

Arsenal set to court Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic

According to Tutto Juve, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has become a concrete option for Arsenal due to their ongoing frustration in the pursuit of Gyokeres.

Should their chase of the former Coventry City man fall by the wayside, the Serbia international may enter their thoughts more prominently due to the Old Lady’s willingness to listen to offers, providing they recoup a satisfactory outlay for the Serie A marksman.

Five similar players to Dusan Vlahovic (FBRef)

Ermedin Demirovic

Stuttgart

Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa

Artem Dovbyk

Roma

Patrick Cutrone

Como

Valentin Castellanos

Lazio

Labelled “lightning” and “ridiculous” by former teammate Micah Richards, Vlahovic registered 15 goals and five assists in 41 appearances across all competitions last term as Juventus scraped into the Champions League on the final day of the campaign.

Now on Club World Cup duty, the ex-Fiorentina man has only one year left on his contract in Turin and it remains to be seen whether he would fancy the prospect of a move to England, but his contract situation would make him a cheaper option than the likes of Gyokeres.

Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up

Although he isn’t the first name on Arsenal’s list, Vlahovic’s name could be one to watch out for in the Gunners’ search for a high-profile striker to lead the line in 2025/26.

Everton eyeing summer deal to sign "complete" 6-cap Ivory Coast international

Everton are reportedly interested in signing a “complete” midfielder in the summer transfer window, and his versatility could be a major weapon for David Moyes.

Everton reveal £100m transfer budget

The Blues feel like they are beginning a new chapter in their great history, with life at Goodison Park coming to an end and their move to Bramley Moore Dock finally coming to fruition this summer.

Moyes will know the importance of being backed in the transfer market, and it looks as though that will be the case, with a recent update revealing that as much as £100m could be made available to add to Everton’s squad.

Manchester City'sJohnStonesreacts after the match

Former defender John Stones has been mentioned as a high-profile option for the Blues, with the England international potentially leaving Manchester City this summer.

Meanwhile, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has talked up the idea of a “marquee signing” arriving, also confirming the likelihood of a £100m summer: “One marquee signing is certainly possible, especially with some players out of contract, but the chances of a series of big names is less likely. A spend of £50-£100m is the ballpark unless there are exits.”

Everton keen on signing "complete" midfielder

Now, according to an update from The Express, Everton are interested in signing Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande ahead of next season. It is claimed that Blues chiefs have identified him as a “candidate” to bolster Moyes’ options in the middle of the park – the 23-year-old can play as a six, a box-to-box player, a ten and even at full-back.

Kevin Thelwell is of course leaving to join Rangers, perhaps allowing for smooth negotiations between the clubs as incoming Toffees CEO Angus Kinnear looks to make his own first signing on Merseyside.

Mohamed Diomande

Diomande could be just what Moyes is after in his midfield, coming in as a young option who has already shown that he can handle British football.

The two-cap Ivory Coast international has made 73 appearances for Rangers, dealing with the pressure of playing for a huge club, scoring eight goals and registering 10 assists along the way. Analyst John Walker has also hailed him as a “complete” player.

Diomande isn’t out of contract at Rangers until the summer of 2028, so signing him on the cheap may not be easy, but he stands out as a strong option for Everton, not least because of his versatility.

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He would immediately add so much depth to Moyes’ squad, and at 23, his best years should still be ahead of him.

Sky Sports: Celtic hold talks with £60k-a-week ace over Parkhead transfer

Celtic will enjoy a hard-earned summer break after a long season and are already in discussions over bringing a renowned star to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Celtic end the season with defeat in the Scottish Cup final

Years of success at Hampden led many to believe that Celtic’s Scottish Cup final clash against Aberdeen was only going to go one way, but the Dons seized their opportunity to claim glory at the national stadium under Jimmy Thelin.

Two trophies, tangible success in the Champions League and coming a whisker away from winning a domestic treble is a good season by any stretch for the Hoops. Still, Brendan Rodgers will wonder what might’ve been if his side took their chances on Saturday afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers

One thing is for certain, Celtic will be active on the transfer front once the window opens. The Irishman confirmed his intent to bring in fresh blood after their Scottish Cup final defeat, insisting there is plenty of work to be done over the next few months.

He stated: “It’s no different to any summer. I think the result today doesn’t change anything, I spoke during the week and before the game. It doesn’t change anything.

“We know we need to strengthen areas on the field and see how the summer goes. I think for us, we want to strengthen. That’s what you aim to do every summer.”

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Giorgos Giakoumakis has claimed he would love a move back to Celtic, though it remains to be seen whether the Scottish Premiership champions will take the Greece international up on his enthusiastic suggestion.

Either way, movement is set to occur and discussions have taken place between the club and a star who could sign a permanent deal at Parkhead.

Celtic hold talks over permanent Jeffrey Schlupp deal

According to Sky Sports, Celtic have held discussions with Jeffrey Schlupp over a permanent move now that his loan deal is at an end at Parkhead.

Jeffrey Schlupp

The £60,000-per-week earner is set to be available on a free transfer and when his Crystal Palace contract expires, though there is yet to be any indication of whether an extended stay in Glasgow could be on the cards.

Jeffrey Schlupp at Celtic – has his loan spell been a positive one?

Appearances

18

Goals

1

Assists

1

Trophies

Scottish Premiership winner

Labelled “fantastic” by Oliver Glasner, the 32-year-old has become a useful rotation option alongside Greg Taylor at left-back, but his current wages may prove to be a stumbling block given his likely status as deputy to Kieran Tierney next term.

Reports state that if neither Schlupp nor Taylor agree to stick around, the Bhoys will venture into the market to provide further competition in that area of the field.

There is clearly a desire from Celtic to tie up the experienced campaigner on a permanent basis. However, his age would make him a stop-gap signing rather than a long-term solution at left-back.

Sunderland now want to sign 26 y/o defender who has just been relegated

Sunderland face no current competition in their efforts to sign a “fantastic” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Sunderland preparing for season-defining playoff final

The Black Cats face their biggest game of the season on Saturday afternoon, as they take on Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.

For Regis Le Bris and his Sunderland players, it is a truly enormous occasion for so many reasons, firstly because a return to the Premier League would bring so much joy to the fanbase, following years in both the Championship and League One.

Sunderland's Daniel Ballard celebrates with teammates and fans after the match

Le Bris has sent out a message to the supporters before the game, saying: “Sheffield United will now be another very tough game. Coventry were really good in both legs, and Sheffield will be just as strong. We’ll be prepared for the fixture, and we’ll fight until the end. Our focus is now fully on the final. It’s really clear, this is the main objective of the season. We have to take the final step. It will be tough, but we must put the work in now to make sure we’re ready.”

The financial gains are also clearly massive for the Black Cats, generating plenty of funds for new signings, not to mention hopefully persuading current stars to move on. Now, a new incoming rumour has emerged ahead of the summer window.

Sunderland pushing to sign "fantastic" defender

According to a new update from Midi Libre [via Sport Witness], Sunderland are interested in signing Montpellier centre-back Modibo Sagnan this summer, as they look to boost their defensive options.

The 26-year-old has just suffered relegation from Ligue 1 with his current club and looks increasingly likely to enjoy a fresh challenge ahead of next season. It is claimed that the Black Cats are the only club seen as suitors.

Sagnan could be an ideal signing for Sunderland, although it remains to be seen if he would be willing to play in the Championship next season, highlighting the importance of Saturday’s clash with the Blades.

At 26, the four-cap Mali international is at a great point in his career, sitting right in his peak years, which is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, legendary former centre-back Ronald Koeman has had this to say about him: “Modibo is a fantastic defender, so strong and intelligent. He’s shown in the Eredivisie he can dominate.”

Sunderland have impressed in defence this season, not least the monstrous Dan Ballard, who was his side’s match-winning hero in the playoff semi-final triumph over Coventry City, but reinforcements are still needed there.

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Le Bris will want to have as much competition for places as possible, especially if Sunderland make it back to the Premier League this weekend, so a move for Sagnan makes total sense, having averaged 4.3 clearances per game across 27 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

Talks held: Everton now "doing everything" to sign "sensational" £30m star

Everton are now “doing everything they can” to sign a “sensational” Premier League star, with talks currently ongoing, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Toffees eyeing strikers amid Calvert-Lewin uncertainty

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s time on Merseyside could be coming to an end, despite impressing David Moyes since the Scot returned to Goodison Park, with the striker yet to put pen to paper on a new contract to extend his stay beyond the summer.

The race for Calvert-Lewin is now heating up, with Wolverhampton Wanderers recently joining the race for his signature, while West Ham United and Nottingham Forest have also been named as potential suitors for the Englishman.

Should the 28-year-old decide to move on this summer, Moyes will need to bring in a replacement, and the Toffees are now readying a bid for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst, who has been identified as the perfect option.

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However, according to former scout Brown, Everton are also stepping up an audacious move for a Premier League striker, namely Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with talks currently ongoing behind the scenes.

Brown said: “Man United are the favourites at the moment on the grounds that he knows he will get game time because of their issues up front. But I can see him going to Everton for the same reasons – he’d be a landmark signing for them.

Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapin action with Everton's Idrissa Gueye

“Everton know they’re not going to be the front-runners for him because of the other teams involved.

“But they’re speaking to him and his representatives and they’ll be doing everything they can to convince him that they are the right move for him.”

"Sensational" Delap could help transform Everton's attack

The Toffees may find it difficult to win the race for the Ipswich star, who is set to be available for just £30m this summer, but the possibility of being part of the exciting new era at Bramley-Moore Dock could appeal to the striker.

Should Everton get a deal done, there are plenty of signs he could take Moyes’ attack to the next level, having performed very well in a poor Ipswich side this season, picking up 12 goals and two assists in the Premier League.

Lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, the 22-year-old is also at the right age to be a long-term success on Merseyside, and he recently received high praise from teammate Jens Cajuste.

Amid recent reports which stated that Everton could be open to a shock move for John Stones, there was a suggestion the Friedkins could look to make one or two statement signs this summer, and a deal for Delap would certainly be in that category.

Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea could land a £60m Gyokeres alternative

Will Chelsea make a success of this season?

On Thursday, the Blues demolished Djurgårdens in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke both on target in Stockholm, before Nicolas Jackson bagged a quick-fire brace.

Thus, supporters are now pretty certain that their team will be in Wrocław for the final later this month, facing either Real Betis or Fiorentina.

Meantime, in the Premier League, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently fourth, desperate to cling onto the final Champions League spot, ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight meeting with recently crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Even with the Club World Cup on the horizon this summer, Chelsea are expected to be busy in the transfer market, as has very much been the case since Todd Boehly’s takeover, so could they sign a big-money new striker?

The latest on Chelsea's interest in Viktor Gyökeres

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Arsenal are “pushing” to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, valued at around £60m by the Portuguese giants, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea “all in the race”.

The 26-year-old Swede has scored 95 goals in 98 appearances for Sporting, pretty impressive statistics, with a report by David Ornstein and James McNicholas of The Athletic claiming that Gyökeres is expected to be on the move this summer.

Nevertheless, with a high amount of competition for his signature, should Chelsea focus on other targets?

Chelsea's potential new striker

According to a report from Steve Kay of Football Transfers earlier this week, Chelsea ‘have approached’ Aston Villa, enquiring about the possibility of signing Ollie Watkins this summer, adding that the Blues ‘are willing’ to match the Villans’ £60m valuation.

TEAMtalk notes that Watkins has emerged as Chelsea’s number one target, due to concerns about Victor Osimhen’s wage demands, as well as fears that Gyökeres would choose to go elsewhere.

If Villa miss out on Champions League qualification, they may be forced to sell key assets to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider believes they’d be looking to cash in on 29-year-old Watkins.

Transfer Focus

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

So, would Watkins be a good signing for Chelsea?

Chelsea's best recent attacking signings

Since Clearlake Capital’s takeover of Chelsea in 2022, they have signed over 40 first-team players, spending in excess of £1bn, many of whom made little impact at Stamford Bridge, some of whom have been swiftly moved on.

Pretty much indisputably, the Blues’ best signing of the Boehly era is Cole Palmer, who, since arriving from Manchester City for £42.5m, has scored 39 goals for the club, named Chelsea’s Player of the Season as well as the PFA Young Player of the Year for 2023/24.

However, let’s analyse the impact made by some of the other members of the forward line.

Pedro Neto

£54m

40

6

7

João Félix

£45m

20

7

2

Omari Kellyman

£19m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Marc Guiu

£5m

13

6

Zero

Jadon Sancho

£25m

36

4

10

Cole Palmer

£42.5m

86

39

25

Nicolas Jackson

£32m

75

29

11

Christopher Nkunku

£50m

56

17

5

Deivid Washington

£17m

3

Zero

Zero

Ângelo

£13m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Diego Moreira

Free

1

Zero

Zero

Mykhailo Mudryk

£89m

73

10

11

Raheem Sterling

£47.5m

81

19

15

Noni Madueke

£28.5

82

20

9

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

£10.3m

21

3

1

David Datro Fofana

£11m

4

Zero

Zero

It would be a major understatement to say that Chelsea have signed a lot of attacking players in the last three seasons, and the table above certainly underlines that Cole Palmer has unquestionably had the biggest impact.

So, why would Watkins be any different?

Well, let’s assess his season statistics to find out.

Goals

15

7th

Goals per 90

0.6

6th

Assists

7

13th

Shots

76

11th

Shots on target

32

8th

Expected goals

14.5

6th

Goal-creating actions

11

31st

Touches in oppo penalty area

153

11

As the table outlines, Watkins is a very well-rounded striker, described by Statman Dave as “clinical”, both a potent goalscorer but also a chance creator too.

The concern about signing him would be the fact he is 29 years old, but the Englishman is showing no signs of slowing down, so could be the striker Chelsea require to go to the next level.

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Kalvin Phillips open to Leeds return as Man City ready to take huge loss

England international and former star Kalvin Phillips is reportedly interested in a move to Leeds United, who sealed their return to the Premier League on Bank Holiday Monday.

Leeds back in the big time

After a two-season hiatus from the Premier League, Leeds United sealed their return to English football’s top flight this week. Having thrashed Stoke City 6-0, Leeds then watched on as Sheffield United failed to beat Burnley in the afternoon kick-off, losing 2-1 at Turf Moor. That result confirmed the Blades’ place in the play-offs and, at the same time, ensured automatic promotion for both Leeds and Burnley.

Unsurprisingly, the promotion sparked widespread celebrations across the city, with thousands of fans gathering outside Elland Road to revel in the moment.

The players joined in the celebrations too, popping bottles of champagne and belting out the traditional chant: “We are going up!”

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Leeds defender Joe Rodon told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “For me it hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will until the end of the season, but I’m just delighted for everyone involved with the club, the fans and what it means to them. It’s what everyone has worked for all season and I’m buzzing.”

Skipper Ethan Ampadu added: “It’s amazing. If you look at the scenes here, as it was after the final whistle, just pure excitement. Within ourselves we’ve got another target, so we can enjoy this now, but we’ve got another target we want to achieve. But right now, it’s very good.”

Phillips wants Leeds return

Just a day before Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League was confirmed, Football Insider reported that Kalvin Phillips is now interested in a sensational return to Elland Road on the assumption they would indeed go up.

Phillips, a product of the Leeds academy, made his name with the Whites before securing a £45 million move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

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Since then, however, the England international’s career has been on a steady decline. Despite earning over £20 million in wages thanks to his big move, Phillips failed to establish himself at the Etihad. Underwhelming loan spells at West Ham United and Ipswich Town followed, where he again struggled to make an impact, and City are now braced to accept a huge loss on the fee they paid.

Football Insider claims the 29-year-old is pushing for a return to Leeds in a bid to revive his career. He also reportedly hopes that a move back to Elland Road can reignite his chances of an England recall, having not featured for the Three Lions since 2023, before which he racked up 31 caps.

Ipswich Town'sKalvinPhillipslooks dejected after the match

Speaking about Phillips’ potential return to Leeds, former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “To me, he’s a Leeds United player, he suits the club and he’s comfortable playing there, the fans love him and he feels at home there.

“That’s why he’s struggled since the move away, so a return would make a lot of sense. We’ve seen similar before with Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace, some players suit certain clubs, they get the backing from the fans and it allows them to perform beyond their usual standard.”

Everton battling Real Madrid to sign £15m ace who's outscored Calvert-Lewin

Everton are eyeing a move for a £15m-rated player who is also wanted by Real Madrid this summer, according to a fresh transfer update regarding their upcoming transfer business.

Everton eyeing summer signings

The Blues continue to be linked with new signings ahead of next season, with Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin emerging as an option to provide competition for Vitaliy Mykolenko moving forward. He is also out of contract at Goodison Park next summer, too, so the Black Cats player could be viewed as a long-term successor.

Meanwhile, Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis has also been linked with a move to Everton, following an impressive season for the Portuguese giants that has seen him score 24 goals in all competitions. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin potentially leaving, a new centre forward is a must for David Moyes.

In terms of possible shock signings, Liverpool winger Ben Doak has been mentioned as an option for the Blues, with his future at Anfield still unsure because of the options in front of him in attacking areas.

The teenage Scot has spent this season on loan at Middlesbrough, scoring three goals and registering seven assists in the Championship, but there is no guarantee that the Reds see a future for him at the club. He could be a hugely exciting addition for Everton, but it is hard to see it happening.

Everton keen on signing "incredible" £15m ace

According to a new report from The Sunday Mirror [via Goodison News], Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Sevilla ace Juanlu Sanchez this summer.

The 21-year-old is valued at £15m by his current club, with the Blues joined by Madrid, Brighton and Newcastle United in the race to snap him up before the beginning of next season. A £15m move could be seen as cheap, as Sanchez has a reported £34.3m release clause in his contract.

Juanlu could be a strong signing for Everton, not least because of the versatility that he possesses, being able to flourish at right-back, central midfield, attacking midfield and even as a second striker if needed.

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This season, the youngster has outscored Calvert-Lewin in the league, netting four times in La Liga compared to the Blues striker’s tally of three, and he has been described as “incredible” by former Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta, who has said of him:

“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul’s [Niguez] suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”

Spain Under-21s

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Spain Under-19s

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Spain Under-18s

2

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Spain Under-17s

1

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Spain Under-16s

1

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Spain Olympic Team

3

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At 21, Juanlu could be a long-term addition for Everton, covering several positions, and he could grow into a formidable footballer over time.

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