Allrounder Samit Dravid has been selected in India’s Under-19 squad for the first time, for the multi-format home series against Australia Under-19 in September and October.Mohamed Amaan, a middle-order batter from Uttar Pradesh, has been named captain of the 50-over squad, while Madhya Pradesh’s Soham Patwardhan will lead the team for the four-day matches.Dravid, the son of former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid, recently played his first senior men’s T20 tournament – the Maharaja T20 Trophy – in Karnataka, where he is part of the Mysuru Warriors squad.Batting in the middle-order, Dravid scored 82 runs at a strike rate of 114 in seven innings but was not called upon to bowl his medium pace. On the day the junior selectors announced India’s Under-19 squad, Mysuru Warriors were due to play the semi-final of the tournament.Earlier this year, Dravid, 18, played a significant role in Karnataka winning the Cooch Behar Trophy, a four-day format tournament for under-19 cricketers. He scored 362 runs and took 16 wickets in eight matches, including two scalps in the final against Mumbai.India Under-19 will play three 50-over games against Australia Under-19 in Puducherry on September 21, 23 and 26, followed by two four-day games in Chennai starting on September 30 and October 7.
Century and six-wicket haul respectively prove ample to see off Thunder
ECB Reporters Network01-Sep-2024
Sterre Kalis works one to the leg side•Getty Images
Northern Diamonds 290 for 6 (Kalis 100, Langston 58, Winfield-Hill 50) beat Lancashire Thunder 204 (Jones 57, Turner 6-20) by 86 runsSterre Kalis hit a thrilling maiden List A century and Phoebe Turner claimed a first five-wicket haul as Northern Diamonds defeated Lancashire Thunder by 86 runs to go top of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy table.The Diamonds are on the verge of qualifying for the semi-finals with 37 points, 14 points ahead of fifth placed The Blaze who have three games left. The defeat leaves Lancashire Thunder struggling to make the knockout stages.After Lauren Winfield-Hill and Emma Marlow posted a 95-run opening stand, a century partnership between Kalis and Beth Langston for the fifth wicket took the Diamonds to 290 for six and that proved to be too many for the Thunder despite a century stand between Eve Jones and Seren Smale with the Thunder 204 all out.Alice Clarke and Emma Lamb started the Thunder run chase brightly taking 38 from the opening five overs before Rachel Slater removed both Clarke lbw for 14 and bowled Lamb for 19.Eve Jones and Seren Smale rebuilt steadily to take the Thunder to the 25-over halfway point on 130 for two, needing a further 161 runs. But the Diamonds attack plugged away and were rewarded moments after the Thunder duo had reached their century partnership off 115 balls.Turner returned to bowl Smale for 48 and Langston produced a double-wicket maiden having Eve Jones caught at extra cover for 57 and then bowling skipper Ellie Threlkeld second ball.Suddenly game had swung dramatically the way of the visitors with Thunder 166 for five in the 31st over and the Diamonds pressed home their advantage as Turner ran through the rest of the Thunder line-up with a superb second spell to finish with six for 20 and clinch a five point victory for the Diamonds.Winfield-Hill and Marlow made an excellent start after the Diamonds had been put in to bat taking 48 runs from the powerplay and building a good platform of 95 runs by the 20th over before the Thunder hit back by taking two wickets in four balls.Winfield-Hill, dropped on 14, posted an otherwise flawless fifty from 59 balls that included 6 fours but was bowled off the next delivery from left arm spinner Hannah Jones. And the Diamonds suffered a big blow four balls later when captain Hollie Armitage was bowled by Naomi Dattani for 0.Phoebe Graham kept up the pressure by having Marlow caught for 45 from the first ball after the 25 over drinks break while overseas all-rounder Erin Burns, returning from her stint in the Caribbean Premier League, perished for 10 to leave the Diamonds on 136 for four after 30 overs.A 111-run partnership across inside 17 overs between Stere Kalis and Beth Langston revived a faltering innings with Kalis reaching her fifty off 64 balls and, having been dropped from the following delivery, the Netherlands international moved on relentlessly to reach her maiden List A century off 94 balls before driving Naomi Dattani to Seren Smale at cover.Langston hit out to good effect over the closing overs, driving Graham for the only six of the innings, in a damaging 53-ball innings of 58 to take the Diamonds to 290 for six and that proved to be sufficient.
West Ham United are now confident they can get a deal for an “explosive” midfielder over the line, having identified him as a key target, according to a report.
West Ham closing in on El Hadji Malick Diouf
With long-serving left-back Aaron Cresswell departing upon the expiration of his contract, one of Graham Potter’s main tasks this summer will be to bring in a new left-back, and the deal for Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf is now edging closer to completion.
Should the medical go smoothly, the Slavia Prague defender is set to become the Hammers’ first signing of the summer, but he is unlikely to be the last, given that Mohammed Kudus’ departure has left a major gap in the squad.
With Tottenham Hotspur shelling out £55m on Kudus, the Irons should have ample funds to bring in a new attacking midfielder, and they are now eyeing an ambitious move for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, who could be available for around £40m this summer.
That is according to a report from The Guardian, which states West Ham are optimistic and believe that a deal will be possible, although there could be competition for the Englishman’s signature from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
West Ham may get Kudus revenge with £35m Spurs target tempted by Irons move
The Hammers have opened negotiations to sign a “phenomenal” player.
1 ByDominic Lund Jul 13, 2025
The 22-year-old has been identified as a key target for the Hammers, as Potter is looking to freshen up his squad with younger players this summer, having been forced to work with the oldest squad in the Premier League last season.
"Explosive" Elliott could be coup for West Ham
Back in June, the Liverpool ace made it clear he may have to think about leaving the Reds this summer, given that he has never really managed to solidify his place as a regular starter.
As such, a move to the London Stadium could make perfect sense, and the maestro’s performances at international level showcase what he could be capable of if Potter were to give him a consistent run in the starting XI.
England's Harvey Elliott and England's Jay Stansfield celebrate after the match as Germany's RoccoReitzlooks dejected
The London-born midfielder scored five goals for England U21s en-route to their U21 European Championships triumph back in June, maintaining a fantastic record in front of goal over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.66 (99th percentile)
Assists
0.33 (86th percentile)
Progressive passes
8.80 (98th percentile)
As such, Elliott, who has been lauded as “explosive” by Arne Slot, could be a fantastic addition to the West Ham squad, and it is promising news that they believe he may be tempted by a move to the London Stadium.
It must be difficult not to get carried away if you’re a Birmingham City fan at present.
After all, £10m was recently splurged out on Kyogo Furuhashi to boost an already potent forward line, on top of the fact that pre-season action kicked into gear with a bang as the new-look Blues confidently beat Spanish titans Sevilla 3-1.
Any naysayers doubting Birmingham ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign might well have been silenced after this impressive victory, with more new signings now being tipped to join the exciting St. Andrew’s rollercoaster before pre-season is up.
Birmingham now targeting move for Premier League star
Despite a barrage of fresh signings entering the building, only Phil Neumann out of all the summer buys would be unleashed from the get-go against Sevilla, as Davies dripfeeds minutes to his whole camp before the second tier comes into view.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Taichi Hara could soon be another option the Blues boss tests out across the remaining pre-season fixtures, with reports suggesting that Birmingham have added the Japanese gem to their shortlist after he has impressed out in the J1 League with Kyoto Sanga.
Alongside him, Birmingham could tap into the Asian market even more by snapping up Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Hwang Hee-Chan.
Hee-chan Hwang.
Indeed, a development from South Korean journalist Han June has suggested that the newly promoted side views the Old Gold number 11 as a main target due to his top-flight experience in England.
This might well result in Birmingham pulling off another ambitious swoop like the Kyogo deal, with both players in question hailing from Asia, but both well-known and exciting entities when plying their trade in some demanding divisions up and down the United Kingdom.
Why Hwang could be Kyogo 2.0
Whilst Hwang has fallen down the Molineux pecking order since Vitor Pereira’s arrival on the scene, his goalscoring record at the very top for Wolves at his prime will be enough to convince Blues fans that this is a worthwhile capture to chase after.
22 Premier League goals have come his way since he moved to the West Midlands for £14m, with 12 of those being fired home across the 23/24 season, leading to then Old Gold boss Gary O’Neil hailing the South Korean marksman as “excellent” for his clinical nature in front of goal.
On top of that, his goalscoring expertise also stretches out to a standout spell leading the line for Austrian side RB Salzburg, with a bumper 45 strikes collected, with three of those goals even coming in the illustrious Champions League.
Kyogo is well-versed in what it takes to be a goalscoring menace at this intimidating level, too, with three of his mammoth 151 career strikes falling on Europe’s grandest stage.
CF
168
61
35
LW
45
9
4
RW
32
5
3
AM
8
0
0
CF
177
105
29
LW
99
31
22
SS
11
2
1
RW
11
3
1
But, as can be seen looking at the table above, they both won’t just be vying to steal the striker limelight off Jay Stansfield or Alfie May, with Hwang and Kyogo more than comfortable sneaking out to the left wing if needed, alongside also slotting nicely into Davies’ 4-2-3-1 system as a presence just behind by the main striker.
Hwang wasn’t just labelled as a talent who has “got everything” by ex-Arsenal great Ian Wright by fluke, with the 29-year-old a real standout purchase for the Blues if it goes through.
wolves-hwang-hee-chan-pedro-neto
There are some hurdles for Birmingham to overcome in terms of fee and wage costs, but if Birmingham wants to accelerate to that next level quickly, it might well be worth throwing the necessary cash at Hwang, much like they did when forking out £10m for Kyogo.
Birmingham City could sign "special" star who'd be Kyogo's dream winger
Birmingham City could soon win a dream attacking partner for Kyogo Furuhashi by securing a deal for this special forward.
Amid rumours that they’ve already had to reject a bid worth £45m to sell Anthony Elanga, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly opened talks to sign a possible replacement.
Nottingham Forest reject Newcastle's Elanga bid
After securing a shock place in the Europa Conference League in an excellent season last time out, Nottingham Forest are in no position to sell key players. But that hasn’t stopped certain clubs from testing the waters. Among them, Newcastle United reportedly formalised their interest in Elanga with an offer worth £45m earlier this week, only to see that bid rejected by those at the City Ground.
There’s still plenty of time remaining in the summer transfer window, however, and Forest will be well aware that Newcastle could yet come calling a second time.
If that does happen, then preparing for Elanga’s exit in a worst-case scenario would not be a bad idea for all involved at the City Ground. Already, on that front, Forest have attempted and failed to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus and have also been linked with versatile AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah.
YunusMusahof the U.S. in action with England's Jude Bellingham
Whether either of those options possess the quality to replace Elanga is the big question. One man who is unlikely to face problems in that regard is Igor Jesus. The Botafogo forward is reportedly on his way to the Midlands alongside teammate Jair Cunha following their Club World Cup campaign.
The former has already stolen plenty of headlines with his winning goal against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain and is seemingly about to take the Premier League by storm.
Nottingham Forest open talks to sign "elite" new star after Weah rejection
They’ve instantly turned towards another option.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025
Jesus and Cuiabano may not be the only Club World Cup stars to arrive, either, amid reports that Forest have opened talks to sign another attacking target.
Nottingham Forest open talks to sign Pepe
According to ESPN Brazil, Nottingham Forest have now opened talks to sign Pepe from FC Porto, who are demanding over €15m (£12m) to sell their 28-year-old winger this summer.
An experienced winger who scored at the Club World Cup for Porto in a 4-4 draw against Al-Ahly this summer, Pepe would offer Forest instant depth and may even be asked to replace Elanga if the Swede joins Newcastle.
Minutes
1,991
2,501
Goals
3
6
Assists
2
11
Key Passes
31
50
The pressure would instantly be on Pepe if he did step in for Elanga and although his experience could prove to be invaluable, questions will be asked about his ability to match the 22-year-old’s output.
As a versatile backup who can play all across the frontline, however, the Porto man represents an ideal choice as Forest step into European football. At just over £12m too, it’s not a deal that Evangelos Marinakis will need to splash out on for Nuno Espirito Santo in the coming months.
Tottenham Hotspur ended 17 years without silverware in May, defeating Manchester United to lift the Europa League. The cabinet has not only received a new ornament, but the road to next season’s Champions League has also been unlocked for the Lilywhites.
This wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou, though. The Australian manager was dismissed weeks after his incredible triumph due to the wretched domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League.
Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham can begin anew, working from the foundations set by the craggy-faced Aussie and building a sustained period of success.
However, there’s no question that the pace has dropped in the market down N17. With pre-season underway, this is the perfect time for Daniel Levy to reel in a few impactful additions across the park.
And it seems to be the engine room that Tottenham desire an extra bit of quality.
Spurs in contact for new midfielder
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was Tottenham’s dream signing to strengthen the midfield this summer, although after accusations regarding an illegal approach by the Lilywhites, the Englishman has since quashed any speculation by penning a new deal at the City Ground.
With both Rodrigo Bentancur and the routinely under-fire Yves Bissouma potentially on the move this summer, however, a more defensive midfield addition could be the more necessary addition anyway.
Well, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, Tottenham have made an approach to Joao Palhinha’s camp, though Bayern Munich have not received official contacts at this stage. Bayern would be looking to bank at least £30m for the 30-year-old.
Though Spurs would rather an initial loan for the Portugal international, these recent advancements suggest there could be some leeway on Levy’s part.
Why Spurs want Joao Palhinha
It hasn’t worked out for Palhinha at Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, who he joined from Fulham in a move worth an initial £42m.
Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha in action against Bayer Leverksen.
Bayern, in any case, were getting their mitts on one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars, he who had played under the wing of Marco Silva for a number of years at Craven Cottage, making 79 appearances and scoring eight goals.
Widely regarded as one of the division’s most unrelenting ball winners, Palhinha had been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring and a “tackling machine” by Sky Sports’ Adam Bate.
This is evidenced through his data from the 2023/24 season, winning a shedload of tackles, far more than anyone else in the division.
1.
Joao Palhinha
Fulham
152
2.
Joao Gomes
Wolves
128
3.
Vinicius Souza
Sheffield Utd
125
4.
Emerson Palmieri
West Ham
106
5.
Tyrick Mitchell
Crystal Palace
105
This level of tackling intensity is something that Tottenham will need to add to their ranks if Frank is to achieve a level of unity and coherence that wasn’t quite there last year.
Someone like Bissouma has been supposed to perform that role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his rash temperament and inconsistencies on the field limited him to a minor role in Postecoglou’s plans.
Tottenham Hotspur's YvesBissoumareacts after being substituted
The Telegraph claimed earlier this month that the 28-year-old is expected to leave London this summer, one year away from the expiration of his contract. Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce have engaged in talks as they weigh up an official bid.
Tottenham signed Bissouma from divisional rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m in June 2022, and he’s since completed 100 games, scoring two goals, failing to register a single assist and picking up two red cards.
In Palhinha, Tottenham would sign themselves a far more composed and reliable man, whose impact in the Premier League at a lower level with Fulham speaks for itself.
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
And the Iberian star, even having lost his way somewhat in a Bavarian shirt, still ranked among the top 3% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last year for pass completion and the top 3% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.
Bissouma is strong in the challenge, to be sure, but there’s little question that the Malian is error-riddled and unconvincing as a whole, having made six errors in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, in spite of only starting 16 times.
By contrast, Palhinha didn’t make a single error over the 2023/24 English league season, and just one last term in the Bundesliga.
There’s something to be said about Palhinha’s ball-playing skills. Though he’s crisp and calm, his progressive passing leaves something to be desired.
However, this is a foible that Frank could surely abide. After all, the Danish manager has used no player more across his managerial career than Christian Norgaard at Brentford, playing him 262 times. The Danish defensive midfielder has recently signed for Arsenal in a £15m package.
Norgaard is not a forward-thinking distributor, but his rooted defensive principles in the middle of the park worked a treat for Frank over so many years.
Palhinha could emulate this, maybe even taking a more complete and wider-ranging approach at Tottenham. With the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already residing within the Lilywhites ranks, it makes sense that such a profile should be signed.
Bissouma has played his part at Tottenham, and indeed leaves having won a trophy, but to keep him on the books after such unconvincing and irrational performances in recent years would be negligible.
Luckily, Spurs are forging ahead with plans for a new midfielder, and Palhinha could be the man for the job.
Perfect alongside Palhinha: "Phenomenal" star has agreed terms with Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one talent this summer.
‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results’. Well, Manchester United are finally mixing things up a bit this summer.
Indeed, the recent captures of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – signed for a combined fee of around £130m – point to the Red Devils going down the Premier League-proven route, something that has hardly been the norm in recent years.
Since the summer of 2019, for instance, the only player plucked from a top-flight rival for a significant fee was that of Mason Mount, with then-boss Erik ten Hag dishing out £55m to prise the Englishman from Chelsea.
Erik ten Hag
Of course, that statement deal has hardly worked out, considering the injury-hit playmaker has scored just four goals in two years, although the warning signs were there, with Mount scoring just three goals in his final year with the Blues.
Such woes hopefully won’t be replicated with regard to Cunha and Mbeumo, however, with the pair fresh off the back of having scored 35 league goals combined in 2024/25 – just nine fewer than United recorded collectively last season.
Ruben Amorim’s forward line has been given a much-needed fresh lick of paint, although a new number nine still remains elusive. Might there be an option within the Premier League to consider?
Premier League striker wants to join Man Utd
£64m was spent on Rasmus Hojlund in 2023. A further £36.5m was dished out on Joshua Zirkzee a year later. And yet, here we are, still waiting for a reliable and clinical centre-forward to arrive at Old Trafford.
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund pictured with Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes.
The most prominent name to have been linked in recent weeks is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, with recent reports indicating that talks have been held regarding a potential move for the 29-year-old.
That said, the Midlands side appear to have rebuffed such interest amid their desire to keep hold of the Englishman, with alternative options also being considered by Amorim and co.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As per GIVEMESPORT, United have been presented with a chance to sign Nicolas Jackson from Stamford Bridge, with the Senegalese striker said to be keen to join the club this summer.
The report adds that contact has been made to gauge whether or not the Red Devils would be interested in pouncing on that potential opening, with Jackson’s role at Chelsea under threat following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
While the west Londoners’ would surely need to compromise on their reported £100m asking price for the 24-year-old, an affordable deal could well be one for United to consider this summer.
Why Jackson could be a clever capture for United
On the face of it, plucking the former Villarreal man from his current home might not be too popular a move for those of a United persuasion, with Jackson enduring a mixed time of things in English football.
The mercurial talent notably came under fire for his recent red card in the defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup, having also been sent off against Newcastle United at the tail-end of the Premier League season.
He can undoubtedly be erratic – as evidenced by his 19 big chances missed in 2024/25 – although there is reason for optimism, with the forward boasting a respectable record at top-flight level to date.
Across his two seasons at Chelsea, the £100k-per-week marksman has hit double figures for league goals in each of those campaigns, scoring 14 and ten times, respectively, for the Blues. He’s a player who has got “Louis Saha vibes”, according to Rio Ferdinand.
That solid record would certainly be an upgrade on what United’s current options have to offer, with Hojlund and Zirkzee scoring just seven league goals between them last time out.
Jackson’s Premier League record
Stat (*per game)
23/24
24/25
Games (starts)
35 (31)
30 (28)
Goals
14
10
Goal frequency
200min
224min
Big chances missed
24
19
Goal conversion
18%
13%
Assists
5
5
Big chances created
8
6
Key passes*
1.1
0.9
Successful dribbles*
1.5
0.6
Stats via Sofascore
What that impact also points to is that – like with Mbeumo and Cunha – Jackson has proven that he can make the difference at Premier League level, having even been dubbed a “monster of a striker” by John Obi Mikel.
Cunha, for instance, has scored 27 league goals across the last two campaigns, while Mbeumo – who did endure a spell out with injury in 2023/24 – netted 29 times in that same period, with the pair only just ahead of Jackson’s return of 24.
Throwing that ‘proven’ trio into the mix to lead the line for Amorim could well be just the solution to help steer United back toward European qualification. Yes, it might not be a title-winning combination, although needs must as far as the Red Devils are concerned.
Jackson wouldn’t be the most glamorous of additions, but, with Alexander Isak noted as the most statistically similar striker to him in Europe – as per FBref – perhaps there is a diamond there waiting to be unearthed.
He finishes like RVP: Man Utd make "phenomenal" £67m CF their main target
Manchester United have set their sights on a new talisman for Ruben Amorim.
England seamer will swap white-ball for red immediately after conclusion of fifth ODI
Vithushan Ehantharajah26-Sep-2024
Matthew Potts is back in England’s plans and hoping to present his case across formats•Getty Images
Developing as an all-formats, all-conditions bowler is a work in progress for Matthew Potts. At this juncture, he is halfway through gauging how that is coming along, with a fortnight of white-ball action set to make way for a month with the red.Friday’s fourth ODI at Lord’s is an opportunity to square the series with Australia, and set up a decider in Bristol on Sunday, even if rain threatens to have the final say. On Tuesday, just two days after that fifth ODI, Potts will be one of six members of the squad to fly out for the Test tour to Pakistan.It is an unnecessarily tight turnaround. With no time for Potts to head home, he has been dragging around three suitcases to take him through to the conclusion of this series and the three Tests in Pakistan. Home beckons at the end of October.”I think that’s the beauty of being a multi-formatted cricketer,” Potts said. “You’ve got to be ready for every eventuality but at the same time be able to compartmentalize for different things. I’ve got all the stuff packed but I’m focused on this white-ball series first.”Among the clothing, kit and, of course, golf clubs, the Durham seamer is hoping he packed some extra pace. That, he believes, is the first step to becoming the multi-faceted quick he wants to be.”It’s something that I’ve looked at: being not only useful in England, but also useful elsewhere,” he said, when asked about the upcoming Pakistan tour. “There’s been a change, trying to increase my ball speed, try and be a bit more effective elsewhere. I think I’m taking positive steps towards trying to make myself useful everywhere.”Related
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At present, Potts’ speeds from his debut season to now have been consistent, averaging 132kph. But the 25-year-old has made changes which he believes should translate to bigger numbers on the speed gun.”It’s something to do with how my run-up is and how explosive I can be, and maybe using my front arm a little bit more efficiently,” he explained. “I have quite a bustly run-up, but slowing things down sometimes actually returns it into being slightly faster. So it’s just working on things and tinkering around … there’s no real correct formula to how to do it, but just tinkering around with little things and just seeing what it’s like.”Should Potts earn selection in either Multan – the venue for the first two matches – or Rawalpindi, it will be his first overseas Test cap on just his second overseas trip with the full squad. He did not see action on the 2023 tour of New Zealand, having been left out of the previous tour to Pakistan at the end of 2022, despite playing the first five of his eight Tests that summer.That England were able to triumph 3-0 two years ago remains arguably their most impressive feat under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Potts, for all his belief in his ability, appreciates he might not have been able to assist as a seamer back then in the way James Anderson, Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson did.”No, probably not. I probably didn’t have the extra ball speed,” he said. “That is something I’ve been working on over the last six or seven months… I probably wasn’t ready for that, and my game probably wasn’t at that level just yet.”None of those three bowlers are in England’s plans this time around, with Wood ruled out due to an elbow problem, so the onus is on the likes of Potts to step up. Doing so will put an end to what has been an intermittent international career, with 15 appearances scattered across the last two years.His 2024 international summer only began in August. The loss of Stokes to a hamstring injury opened the door for a recall for the first two Tests against Sri Lanka. There was ring-rust in the first innings at Emirates Old Trafford (0 for 48 from nine overs), which was shaken off in the second with 3 for 47, followed by a couple more wickets at Lord’s.He was left “a little bit gutted” when he was dropped for final Test at the Kia Oval, making way for Leicestershire’s Josh Hull. That England plumped for a tall left-armer on debut with just two Division Two wickets this season at an eye-watering average of 182.50, suggested Potts, in their eyes, did not offer anything that they did not already have.This ODI series has given him a first chance to show them otherwise. He has assumed the role of new-ball bowler with little fuss, and in turn showcased some dexterity. There has been good control, as per his economy rate of 5.28, the lowest of all England’s quicks. Of his three wickets, a beaut in the second ODI that took out Steve Smith’s off stump sticks out. The perfect length and some ideal late movement found a rare gap between Smith’s bat and pad. He has been unlucky not to take more.As far as white-ball cricket is concerned, Potts does have an easier route into England’s plans, particularly as they look to rebuild their dynasty from scratch. In many ways, this is an audition to show he can be a viable replacement for Chris Woakes.”Obviously Woakesy’s done a fantastic job for the England one-day side. That’s big boots to fill.”Whether that’s taking the new ball and bowling something at the end, that is generally probably going to be my role in this side. I’m looking forward to it and taking it on – and it’s come out all right so far. So hopefully I’ll keep on going in the right direction.”
Manchester City are preparing for another tilt at the Premier League title and could now be set to fight some of Europe’s heavyweights to sign a premium talent, according to a report.
In surprise fashion, the Blues suffered an early exit from the Club World Cup after a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the last 16 and all focus at the Etihad Stadium will now revolve around potential incomings and outgoings.
Addressing what squad changes could occur in the aftermath of the tournament, Daily Mail’s correspondent Jack Gaughan believes up to eight players could leave Manchester City to make way for reinforcements under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City manager PepGuardiolabefore the match
He stated: “I think there could be as many as eight going if you include Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips.
“They’ve got to get rid of four foreign players because of the homegrown problems they’ve got in the Champions League. If they don’t, Guardiola is going to have to leave people out of the squad and he doesn’t like doing that.”
Of course, a large part of why there are plenty who are now at risk of leaving the club is due to their spate of arrivals between January and the summer, but who else could join Manchester City if all goes to plan?
Pep's fed up: Man City boss requests signing of £65m star to replace Ederson
Pep Guardiola wants to sign an “incredible” goalkeeper to replace Ederson this summer.
ByDominic Lund Jul 3, 2025
Amid doubts over Ederson’s future, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is wanted by Guardiola in what would be a landmark change of the guard between the sticks.
However, it appears that Manchester City aren’t just looking to strengthen for the immediate term and a young midfielder has now crept onto their radar after some impressive recent displays.
Manchester City keen to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit
According to Manchester City News, Manchester City are one of many clubs keen on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit after his breakthrough campaign that has led to the Netherlands Under-19 international claiming the UEFA Under-19 European Championship player of the tournament.
Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United provide domestic competition for his signature, while Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Marseille are keeping close tabs on the continent.
Kees Smit in the Eredivisie – 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Chances created
23
Successful dribbles
10
Touches in opposition box
40
Duels won
53
Recoveries
59
Journalist Graeme Bailey added some context to the situation, stating: “Kees Smit is a player, a real player I am being told and Manchester City know all about him. Will he leave this summer? That is the question but I think there is a real chance and City do like him – one to keep an eye on.”
Last campaign, Smit registered an impressive tally of ten goals and seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions, combining his exploits with Alkmaar’s senior side and second string.
While still in the infancy of his career, the Heiloo-born man is a talent on an upward trajectory and Manchester City will hope to convince him that the Etihad is the best place to continue his development.
Birmingham City will be looking to join an exclusive club next season in attempting to seal the dramatic feat of back-to-back promotions.
Ipswich Town were the last triumphant outfit to manage back-to-back promotions from League One all the way up to the promised land of the Premier League, whilst the likes of Southampton, Norwich City, Manchester City, and Watford have all also achieved the same unthinkable goal, with Birmingham wanting to add their name to this unique list shortly.
The Blues’ whirlwind summer transfer activity to date will have done them no harm in trying to pull off such an inconceivable accomplishment, with the standout capture of Kyogo Furuhashi for £10m one deal that certainly demonstrates the Blues’ hunger to try and become Premier League-bound.
Kyogo's statement arrival to St. Andrew's
It has even been reported now that the ex-Celtic attacker turned down opportunities to go to higher-up sides to hop on board the enthralling St. Andrew’s rollercoaster.
He clearly believes in the project, and he will surely want to be remembered as the goalscoring hero that managed to push the Blues up to the Premier League very soon, having already garnered a reputation for being a deadly goal machine when bagging a mammoth 85 strikes on the books of the Hoops.
The buzz surrounding this Kyogo deal is very reminiscent of Jay Stansfield’s arrival on the scene last summer for an equally hefty fee of £15m with the former Fulham man dropping all the way down to League One – even as he knew full well he was held in high regard at Craven Cottage – to then becoming the decisive star that fired home a promotion-sealing 19 strikes.
Kyogo is on the same pedestal as Stansfield, therefore, in potentially going down as a season-altering purchase, but there is another transfer target on the Blues’ radar that might be seen as an even more daring coup than the much-talked-about attacking duo if a move is pulled off shortly.
The £14m star who'd be a bigger coup than Kyogo & Stansfield
Whilst both Kyogo and Stansfield have stunned supporters across their collective careers with their ice-cold ability to finish off chances under pressure, neither has been a success story at the very pinnacle of English football, with the first of those two names never actually competing in the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Hwang Hee-chan has that on his side, fortunately, as Birmingham now attempt to land the South Korean forward for around the £14m mark, according to reports.
Before he saw his minutes at Molineux deplete under the fresh Wolves reign of Vitor Pereira, Hwang was seen as one of the more reliable attackers in the Old Gold squad, with his tally in the Premier League for the 2023/24 season coming in at a sturdy 12 goals.
Amazingly, that was the exact same amount Matheus Cunha managed that campaign in league action, before his form exploded into life even more to attract Manchester United’s interest.
RB Salzburg
126
45
29
Wolves
119
24
8
FC Liefering
31
13
8
RB Leipzig
28
3
4
Hamburg
21
2
2
Whilst Hwang might well have hoped for a similar earth-shuddering move down the line himself, it’s more a sign of Birmingham’s ambition than it is an indicator of the South Korean settling for an underwhelming switch down a division, with a further 74 goals and assists coming his way in the Austrian top-flight across his well-travelled career to date.
This blistering spell for Salzburg even saw Erling Haaland, who led the line with Hwang in the Austrian Bundesliga, label the 29-year-old as “absolutely crazy” in the way he operates as a captivating forward presence.
Unfortunately for Kyogo, he has also suffered from some barren patches of form in front of goal away from his celebrated Celtic spell, with zero strikes coming his way during a brief Rennes stint.
Moreover, Stansfield only ever tasted the luxuries of the Premier League on occasion with Fulham, with Hwang more than ready to take the Championship by storm as a coup purchase, before then potentially settling back into the challenging division with confidence if the Blues have made their top-flight dreams come true.
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