Leeds United are probing the market and have now entered the race to sign an experienced forward who has scored over 250 goals at senior level, according to a report.
Leeds United in the market for goalscorers
Without a striker capable of firing against the elite, it is hard to imagine any newly-promoted side managing to maintain their Premier League status.
Daniel Farke will be aware that his side need to act swiftly on the market, hence why Leeds United are firmly pursuing Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz to help offer a distinguished presence in front of goal.
Fulham's RodrigoMunizcelebrates scoring their third goal
Furthermore, Patrick Bamford is on the radar of Coventry City after being told that he isn’t part of the plans this season at Elland Road, which has left the door ajar for a new striker to arrive.
Wasting no time, Farke recently stated on his future: “I had a really open and honest conversation with Patrick, which was important, He knows how much I rate him as a player and I would have preferred a fit Patrick Bamford for the last two seasons, but he is a player who needs to be the main man.
“He needs an arm round the shoulder after some difficult seasons. I was not willing to tell him he was the main man at Premier League level. In the second day of pre-season, I got him into my office and told him he is not in my plans for the upcoming season.”
Leeds’ top five scorers in 2024/25
Joel Piroe
19
Daniel James
12
Manor Solomon
10
Wilfried Gnonto
9
Brenden Aaronson
9
Plenty of time remains in the window, but bringing in another forward option after Lukas Nmecha is bound to be on the radar and Leeds could now land themselves a bargain if reports are to be believed.
Leeds United fighting to sign Mehdi Taremi
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Leeds are in the mix to sign Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi, who could soon be subject of a £7.84 million bid from Botafogo. West Ham United and Fulham are also interested in the Iran international, who has netted 255 goals across his career for club and country.
The 33-year-old’s agents are in talks over a move to South America, but there is no mention that they are engaging in discussions over a potential path to Elland Road, yet.
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Labelled “excellent” by Rahman Rezaei, Taremi has been given extra time to assess his options in pre-season and hasn’t returned to training after a return of three goals and six assists in 43 appearances last term.
With his time in Italy looking certain to end, Leeds may be the ideal destination for Taremi to reignite his career at a bargain fee, albeit he would need to improve on his tally if a move to Elland Road were indeed to materialise.
Everton manager David Moyes finally completed a deal to bring Thierno Barry to the club from Villarreal.
A fee of £27m was spent to sign the Frenchman, but given his eye for goal in La Liga last term, it could turn into a bargain.
Next up for Moyes is adding another midfielder or two to his squad in the coming weeks. John McGinn has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside.
He isn’t the only midfield option that Everton have been linked with, however, as Moyes also has his eyes on two former Premier League stars.
Everton’s search for a midfielder
According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Everton are showing interest in bringing Douglas Luiz back to England this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
He has been discussed internally at Everton, alongside McGinn, while Moyes could be set to target an ambitious move for Joao Palhinha – with the Portuguese also named as one of those under consideration.
The Bayern Munich midfielder hasn’t settled in Bavaria, which could open the door for Moyes to make a swoop this summer.
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
This experience abroad will have enhanced Palhinha’s skills, no doubt about that. The question is, could he be a better signing than McGinn for the Toffees?
Why Everton must sign Joao Palhinha
McGinn would be a fine signing, for that there is no doubt. Across 203 Premier League appearances, the Scot has scored 17 goals and grabbed 25 assists for Villa.
He will turn 31 in October, however, and while McGinn certainly has a few years left at the very top of the game, Moyes would be best to make a move for Palhinha, who offers more from a defensive point of view.
The Toffees conceded 53 goals last season across 42 matches. Not the worst return, but there is room for improvement.
When compared to his positional peers during his final Premier League campaign for Fulham in 2023/24, Palhinha ranked in the top 1% for tackles (5.07) per 90, while also ranking in the top 8% for interceptions (1.53) and in the top 10% for blocks (1.9) that season.
He may have only started six Bundesliga games for Bayern last term, but the Portuguese midfielder still won 58% of his total duels contested, while losing possession just 3.4 times per match.
Joao Palhinha’s stats for Fulham in 2023/24 (Per 90 in the Premier League)
Accurate passes
33.2
Tackles
4.6
Interceptions
1.4
Total duels won
7.6
Possession lost
9.1
Balls recovered
5.9
Via Sofascore
Hailed by journalist Dom Smith as “world-class” in November 2023, it was always going to be difficult for Fulham to keep one of their star men.
After just a single season in Germany, it appears as though Palhinha could be available this summer.
Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha in action against Bayer Leverksen.
McGinn would offer plenty in the final third, but with Barry arriving, plus at least another couple more attacking players, Moyes must add some solidity to the midfield, especially after losing Abdoulaye Doucoure.
As such, signing a player such as Palhinha could turn into a stroke of genius by the manager given his previous success in the English top flight.
The dream squad Everton can build: £88m quintet & "beast" sign after Barry
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1
By
Joe Nuttall
Jul 10, 2025
Much will depend on the fee, but if it is within the club’s price range, Palhinha could be a fantastic signing, turning out to be even better than McGinn.
Moyes' own Palmer: Everton enter race for "special" £35m McAtee alternative
Everton are making sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.
أعلن عماد النحاس المدير الفني لـ فريق الكرة بـ الأهلي، عن قائمة اللاعبين الخاصة بمباراة حرس الحدود، والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.
ومن المقرر أن تقام المباراة بين الأهلي وحرس الحدود، غدا الثلاثاء، على أرضية استاد الكلية الحربية، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري المصري.
كان الأهلي قد فاز في مباراته الأخيرة أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا بهدف دون رد، في اللقاء الذي أقيم الجمعة الماضية على ستاد القاهرة الدولي.
ويحتل الفريق الأحمر حاليًا المركز العاشر بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز برصيد 9 نقاط من 6 مواجهات.
طالع | الأهلي يٌعلن موعد إجراء انتخابات اختيار مجلس إدارة جديد
وتُمثل مباراة حرس الحدود الاختبار الأخير في مباراة القمة بين الأهلي والزمالك، والمقرر إقامتها يوم الإثنين المقبل 29 سبتمبر الجاري.
وشهدت قائمة الأهلي تواجد عدد كبير من اللاعبين الشباب، بجانب عودة أحمد عبد القادر وظهوره الأول في قائمة الفريق منذ بداية الموسم الحالي. قائمة الأهلي لمباراة حرس الحدود في الدوري المصري
حراسة المرمى: محمد الشناوي – محمد سيحا – مصطفى شوبير.
خط الدفاع: ياسين مرعي – عمر كمال – ياسر إبراهيم – مصطفى العش – محمد هاني –هشام مصطفى.
خط الوسط: محمود حسن تريزيجيه – أحمد رضا– مروان عطية – حسين الشحات – أشرف بن شرقي – أليو ديانج – طاهر محمد طاهر – مهند أيمن – محمد رأفت عبد العظيم – أحمد عبد القادر.
خط الهجوم: نيتس جراديشار- محمد شريف – حمزة عبد الكريم.
“I thought I’m able to play, I’m able to bowl, I’m able to stay in the field till the end, why not, I should go for it,” Rashid said after match-winning five-for
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Sep-2024
Rashid Khan picked up a five-wicket haul to derail South Africa•Afghanistan Cricket Board
Rashid Khan was struggling with his hamstring, but he knew his contribution would “be the key” if his team were to pull off a historic series win against South Africa. So, he thought, if he could somehow “stay in the field till the end, why not, I should go for it”. Go for it he did, and finished with figures of 9-1-19-5 to spin out South Africa and hand Afghanistan their first series win against a team ranked in the top five of the ICC rankings.”I got a hamstring [injury], I had it a month before as well, quite unlucky but I tried my best to stay on the ground till the end, tried my best to do for the team as much as I can,” Rashid said after the whopping 177-run win was sealed in Sharjah. “Big opportunity for us as a team you know, to win the series against a big team and that’s what I had in my mind: my contribution will be the key so I have to go and stay till the end.”Rashid has struggled with injuries quite a bit of late. Hamstring trouble had ruled him out of the final week of the Hundred in August, before he returned home to play Afghanistan’s domestic T20s, the Shpageeza Cricket League, and picked up a back niggle. He went on to miss the one-off – washed out – Test against New Zealand. In fact, this ODI series is his first cricket in either of the two longer formats since the 2023 ODI World Cup in India in November last year. After that World Cup, Rashid had undergone surgery on his back, and was sidelined altogether for four months after that.Related
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On Friday, Rashid’s 26th birthday, he was batting when his hamstring issues resurfaced. Coming out in the 47th over, he ran a two first ball, and immediately needed the attention of the physio. He continued to bat though, finishing six not out off 12. Would he come back out to bowl, though?”We had a big opportunity to win a series against South Africa and I think the love for this game is just pushing you to play, doesn’t matter how [hard] it is and I thought I’m able to play, I’m able to bowl, I’m able to stay in the field till the end, why not, I should go for it,” Rashid said. “Good job done by the physio as well, to get me ready and deliver for the team.”Afghanistan had one more injury concern on the night, with half-centurion Rahmat Shah going off the field in the 21st over with what seemed like cramps at the time. That, it turned out, was hamstring trouble too. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was hopeful it is not too serious though.”I talked with him, he’s good , maybe he will play the next game,” Shahidi said at the post-match presentation. “But before that also I think he was not feeling good, hamstring happened to him, hopefully he will be okay and play the other game.”Afghanistan have sealed the series 2-0, but have a third game to play, also in Sharjah, on Sunday. After that, they have a bit of a break, with – as things stand – their next scheduled cricket being an all-format tour of Zimbabwe in December-January.
Tottenham Hotspur continued their pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 campaign with an interesting split of two games on the same day against Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers.
The Lilywhites failed to win either match, with a mix of first-team and youth players, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by the Hatters and a 2-2 draw by the Choir Boys.
New signing Mohammed Kudus, who arrived from Premier League rivals West Ham United earlier this summer, played in the goalless draw with Luton, failing to help his team break the deadlock.
One player who was not in action in either of the matches, though, was centre-forward Dominic Solanke, as the club confirmed that he has suffered a minor ankle injury.
The England international is the club’s only senior, natural, number nine option, and he missed 14 games through injury in the 2024/25 campaign, which may leave Spurs wary of going into next season with him as their only natural striker to call upon.
Why Spurs need to sign a new centre-forward
The Lilywhites should be in the market to sign another goalscorer because the team seriously lacked a consistent scorer in the Premier League last term, as evidenced by Brennan Johnson ending the year as the top scorer with 11 goals.
Dominic Solanke celebrates for Tottenham
Solanke’s fitness issues are a concern, because of the 14 games he missed last term and the ankle injury he has already sustained in pre-season, but his performances when fit have also been concerning.
The 27-year-old centre-forward did not enjoy a particularly impressive debut season with Spurs in front of goal, as the former Bournemouth attacker failed to hit double digits for goals in the Premier League.
Solanke ended the season with a return of 16 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for the Lilywhites, but he underperformed against his xG of 16.55 and only nine of those goals came in the top-flight.
The English marksman scored nine goals from 10.97 xG in the Premier League and five goals from 5.58 xG in the Europa League for Spurs, which shows that he was wasteful in front of goal.
Appearances
27
xG
10.97
Goals
9
Minutes per goal
245
Big chances missed
12
xA
1.15
Assists
3
As you can see in the table above, the ex-Cherries attacker missed too many ‘big chances’ in the top-flight and was not a reliable goalscoring presence for Ange Postecoglou.
It now remains to be seen whether or not he can step up his game to be the consistent goalscorer that Thomas Frank needs to push the team up the table next season.
That is why the club must sign a new number nine option to bolster their squad, and they are reportedly looking at a forward who would be a big upgrade on Solanke.
Spurs exploring deal for prolific striker
According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham Hotspur are one of a number of clubs exploring the possibility of a deal for Al Hilal centre-forward Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The report claims that Premier League sides Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Spurs are all keen on a possible swoop for the Serbia international during the summer transfer window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that Tottenham want to add new players to their forward line this summer because of Richarlison and Heung-min Son’s declining form, and that they view Mitrovic as a player who can be a viable alternative to Solanke next season.
CaughtOffside adds that Al Hilal are looking for a fee in the region of around €30m (£26m) in order to sanction a summer transfer for the prolific centre-forward.
However, it remains to be seen whether Spurs, Newcastle, or Manchester United are prepared to pay the £26m that is needed to secure his services in the coming weeks.
Why Spurs should sign Mitrovic
The Lilywhites should push to win the race for the experienced number nine before the end of the summer transfer window, because he would come in as a big upgrade on Solanke for Frank.
As aforementioned, the current Spurs number nine has struggled to score goals on a regular basis and has been a wasteful finisher in the Premier League, but that is unlikely to be the case for Mitrovic in North London.
The 30-year-old star, formerly of Fulham, has racked up a staggering 68 goals and 15 assists in 79 appearances for Al Hilal since his move from the Cottagers in 2023.
He also produced a phenomenal return of 111 goals in 206 games for Fulham during his time in England, which shows that he is also a proven and consistent goalscorer in English football.
Mitrovic, who was described as an “absolute monster” by Saudi Arabian news journalist Matt Monaghan, is an experienced and proven goalscorer who could come in to offer far more than Solanke in front of goal in the Premier League next season.
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
As you can see in the table above, the Serbian marksman has scored 47 goals in two seasons in the Saudi Pro League, outperforming his xG in both of those campaigns.
These statistics show that he is an incredibly efficient forward who can consistently put away the high-quality chances that are created for him, or created by his own movement and play in possession.
Mitrovic also scored 14 goals in 23 starts in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign with Fulham before his move to Saudi Arabia, which shows that he can also be an effective number nine in the English top-flight.
With question marks over Solanke’s ability to be the starting number nine that Spurs need to kick on next season, due to his lacklustre finishing and underwhelming goal return, signing the Al Hilal star for £26m is a move that could make a lot of sense this summer.
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Mitrovic could come in as a huge upgrade on the England international, if he can translate his form in Saudi Arabia over to the Premier League, as he has the potential to offer significantly more to the team in front of goal.
Celtic were dealt a big blow earlier this month when Nicolas Kuhn officially completed a move to Serie A side Como for a reported fee of £16.5m.
The German forward, 25, produced 13 goals and nine assists in the Scottish Premiership for Brendan Rodgers last season, which means that the club have lost a scorer and a creator of goals.
Kuhn’s exit has left a hole in the squad in the right wing position ahead of next season, but the Hoops also have a hole to fill on the left flank because Jota may be out until the start of next year with a knee injury.
According to the Daily Record, Celtic are set to push to sign Belgian forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha on a permanent deal to take up that place on the left wing.
The report claims that the club have been in talks with Royal Antwerp in recent weeks and that they are now hopeful that a deal can be struck for the 24-year-old attacker.
Why Balikwisha would be an exciting signing for Celtic
Balikwisha would come in as a like-for-like replacement for Jota as another right-footed left winger who likes to drift inside onto his favoured foot to score and create goals.
The 24-year-old talent has caught the eye with some impressive performances in the Pro League for Royal Antwerp, and his statistics suggest that he would be an exciting player for supporters to watch at Parkhead next season.
Starts
27
12
xG
6.46
2.65
Goals
7
4
Big chances created
6
7
Key passes per game
1.5
1.6
Assists
5
3
As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha is a winger who offers a threat in front of goal as a scorer, whilst also creating three chances every two games on average.
This shows that the Belgian sensation is constantly looking for that killer pass to provide his teammate with a high-quality chance to score, which means that fans could get excited when he gets the ball at his feet, knowing that the forward will be aiming to make something happen.
The Royal Antwerp star did miss 29 matches through injury last season, though, so there may be some concerns over whether he will be available week-in-week-out, but his form in Belgium suggests that the forward will be an exciting player when fit.
If Celtic are able to strike a deal for Balikwisha in the coming days, there is still a hole to be filled on the right flank after Kuhn’s departure and the club are reportedly keen on a winger who would be just as exciting as the Belgian whiz.
Celtic in the race to sign free agent forward
According to Football League World, Celtic are among a number of teams that are interested in a deal to sign Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer this summer.
He has been a free agent since his contract with Blackburn Rovers expired at the end of last month, and there is a fairly long list of suitors aiming to sign him.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that Celtic, Rangers, Bristol City, and Espanyol are all among the contenders to secure a deal for the right-sided attacker in the coming days or weeks.
It adds that he has strong interest from several unnamed clubs in the English Championship and that he has had offers from teams overseas, alongside the four teams mentioned in this latest report.
This shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature and that the Hoops will need to move swiftly and convincingly to secure his signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Why Celtic should push to sign Tyrhys Dolan
The Scottish Premiership champions should push to win the race for Dolan’s services this summer because he would be a valuable signing who would be just as exciting as Balikwisha at Parkhead.
Despite the modern trend of inverted wingers cutting in onto their favoured foot, the English forward is a right-footed player who predominantly plays on the right wing, which means that he could fill the spot left by Kuhn’s exit in that position.
Tyrhys Dolan in action for Blackburn Rovers.
Dolan is a versatile player who is not limited to one position, though, as he has also started 18 or more career games as a left winger, a right winger, an attacking midfielder, and as a striker, showing that Rodgers would be able to call on him in a multitude of roles.
His durability is also something that may be attractive to Celtic. The 23-year-old star has not suffered a single significant injury in his career, to date, and has already racked up 210 first-team appearances for Blackburn, playing 44 of their 46 league games last season.
Dolan’s performances for Blackburn, in a midtable team that failed to make the play-offs in either campaign, also suggest that he would be an exciting player for supporters to watch in action in the Premiership.
Appearances
36
44
Touches per game
37.6
38.1
Goals
5
7
Conversion rate
15%
14%
Big chances created
7
7
Key passes
40
44
Assists
4
6
As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old talent has scored 12 goals and created 14 ‘big chances’ in the last two seasons in the Championship, and has been unfortunate to only register ten assists from those 14 ‘big chances’.
These numbers may not be mind-blowingly amazing, but they are impressive within the context of him playing for an average team in the Championship, because at Celtic he would be in a dominant team that puts him in more positions to shine in the final third.
Dolan, once praised as “outstanding” by former manager John Eustace, could thrive in a team that has won their domestic title in each of the last four seasons, in the same way that Balikwisha could do on the opposite flank.
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Both players have shown potential as both scorers and creators of goals from their respective wing positions, which is why both of them would be exciting signings if the club can pull them off.
It seems that Everton are looking to completely overhaul their attack this summer. David Moyes’ side have lost Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who departed the club after his contract expired. French under-21 striker Thierno Barry signed as his replacement.
Indeed, Moyes will no doubt be hoping for more consistency in front of goal. The Toffees were one of the Premier League’s lowest scorers last season, with Understat detailing that they managed just 42 goals. That was better than just three sides in the top flight, all of whom were the relegated trio last season.
Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin is replaced by Beto.
However, an increase in goals will not only come from the strikers, but those playing in behind them, too. That is perhaps why the Toffees are heavily linked with a new attacking midfielder, too.
Everton target new attacking midfielder
It is clear to see that Moyes wants more goals from his attack. Barry is a statement signing for the present and future, and Charly Alcaraz, who made his loan move from Flamengo permanent, is also a clear sign.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Now, Everton are seemingly plotting a move for Manchester City and England international Jack Grealish. According to The i Paper, the Toffees manager is ‘a huge admirer’ of the former Aston Villa star, with the club ‘ready to make a pitch’ to the 29-year-old.
However, they are by no means the only side in for Grealish. West Ham United are one of the Premier League sides who will rival Everton for his signature, with Serie A winners Napoli also in the conversation.
Grealish was valued at £40m earlier in the summer, but the Merseysiders may only want a loan move for the England star.
Why Grealish would be a good signing
There is no doubt that the last 12 months or so have been tough for Grealish. He has not had any level of consistent game time at the Etihad Stadium, and did not make City’s Club World Cup squad over the last month or so.
Manchester City's JackGrealishon the substitutes bench
In the 2024/25 campaign, Grealish played just 32 games for Pep Guardiola’s side. In that time, he scored three goals and managed five assists. In 2025, the attacker played just seven games in the Premier League, featuring for more than half an hour once in that time.
Yet, let’s not forget the contribution Grealish has made overall in his 190 Premier League appearances so far. He is a three-time champion and has 27 goals and 31 assists. In the 2020/21 campaign, he contributed 18 goals and assists in 26 games for Villa.
If Everton manage to pull this signing off and bring Grealish to the Blue half of Merseyside, he could be their new James Rodriguez.
The Colombian was described as “an intelligent, top player” by legendary manager Claudio Ranieri, and was sensational in a Toffees shirt.
James-Rodriguez-celebrating
He only played 26 games for the club in the 2020/21 season, but had a huge impact. Rodriguez bagged six goals and created nine across all competitions, bringing creative flair to their side from the number 10 role.
That is certainly the impact Grealish would love to replicate. Described as a “special” player by former Arsenal player Paul Merson, he could bring the same game-changing ability to the Hill Dickinson Stadium that Rodriguez showed at Goodison Park.
The stats via Squawka from the 2020/21 campaign show just how similar the pair are. For example, Grealish averaged 0.8 goals and assists and created an average of 3.3 chances per 90 minutes. In comparison, the Colombian averaged 0.7 goal involvements and created 2.1 chances each game.
Goals and assists
0.8
0.7
Chances created
3.3
2.1
Forward passes
13
12.2
Take-ons completed
2.7
1.8
Touches
65.2
72.6
Ball recoveries
5.2
6.3
If Grealish can replicate the form he showed in his final season at Villa Park, he can surely be the second coming of Rodriguez. The creative impact he possesses and the ability to drive his team forward is certainly similar to the former Toffees star.
Man City's Jack Grealish warming up with Erling Haaland and Manuel Akanji.
This is, in many ways, a risk-free deal for Everton. Signing a player with the talent of Grealish on loan could be a smart move, especially if he can replicate what Rodriguez did for the club all those years ago.
He's the new Barkley: Everton showing real interest in "special" £55m star
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Chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed that Smith had requested to move back down the order prior to Cameron Green’s injury
Alex Malcolm14-Oct-20241:36
What’s the logic of moving Smith back down the order?
Steven Smith won’t open the batting against India in the Border-Gavaskar series with Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey confirming that Smith had indicated his desire to move back down the order, and that it was set to be accommodated even prior to Cameron Green’s injury.Speculation had swirled around Smith’s batting position dating back to Australia’s last Test series against New Zealand in March after his eight innings at the top of the order had yielded just 171 runs at 28.50.Despite Smith making the initial request to open the batting back in January, which allowed for Green to slot in at No. 4, Bailey confirmed that Smith, in conversations with captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald, had requested a move back to the middle-order prior to Green’s summer-ending back injury.Related
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“Pat, Andrew and Steven Smith had been having ongoing conversations separate to the untimely injury to Cameron anyway,” Bailey said on Monday after the announcement of the ODI squad for the Pakistan series and the Australia A squad for the India A tour.”And I think Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position. Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he will be dropping back down the order for the summer. So, yeah, clearly we’ve got a No. 4 spot to fill and an opening spot to fill.”Bailey did not rubberstamp that Smith would slot in at No. 4 for the first Test against India which starts on November 22 in Perth and was careful to reiterate that Cummins and McDonald were the ones who decided the batting order. He added that the order was still not set in stone given there is five weeks to go before the first ball is bowled.Bailey did hint that Smith would have moved regardless of Green’s injury but he would not divulge how they would have configured the top six had Green been fit to play.”Part of those discussions have been had and what it might look like,” he said. “But I guess once you do get moving parts, a lot of those conversations become null and void.”0:56
Steven Smith: ‘Bumrah is the complete bowler’
Time for a specialist opener?It seems very likely that Australia’s selectors will pick an opener to replace Green and return Smith to his preferred position. Bailey was asked whether the need for an extra bowling option in the top six was necessary, given Green’s absence and queries over Mitchell Marsh’s bowling capabilities. But he was quick to note that Australia’s attack had played without an allrounder before.”They’ve done it in the past,” Bailey said. “You don’t know how each Test is going to play out in terms of the workload for the quicks, or how much of an impact Nathan Lyon’s going to have across the summer. We certainly have been and will continue preparing for Mitch Marsh to be able to bowl some overs as well, and that’s been part of his management and build for the last couple of months. So there’s other ways. There’s teams that have played, and we’ve been a team that has played, without an allrounder in the past. There’s more than one way to structure up a team.”All eyes then turn to Australia’s domestic openers to see which one will emerge from the pack to win a place alongside Usman Khawaja. Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and New South Wales’ teen sensation Sam Konstas were the three openers named in the 17-man Australia A squad that will face India A in two four-day games starting on October 31 and November 7.
“He’s in the mix as are plenty of others. I certainly don’t want to single him out. I think the consistency of Cam Bancroft over a number of years, the consistency of Marcus Harris over a number of years, they’ve both had a look at Test cricket as well. So I don’t think there’s any need at this stage to put undue pressure expectation on Sam.”George Bailey on Sam Konstas’ chances of a Test call-up
Matt Renshaw, who was the reserve batter in the Test squad for Australia’s last two series against West Indies and New Zealand following David Warner’s retirement, was not named in the A squad but Bailey said it shouldn’t be taken to mean they have moved on from him.”No, we still really like Matt’s ability to play,” Bailey said. “As far as Australia A selection goes, part of the process around that is trying to identify opportunities that may come around in the short term for any opportunities that that might pop up, but also making sure that we do keep an eye on developing opportunities for those players who may become important in different roles in the future as well.”So whilst there’s an Australia A squad there, I think Matt Renshaw, Pete Handscomb, Nic Maddinson as three examples are guys who we’ll continue to watch really closely in Shield cricket.”Bailey did suggest that the 19-year-old Konstas could put himself in the mix for the opening slot for India if he continues to perform following his twin centuries in the opening Shield round.”He’s in the mix as are plenty of others,” Bailey said. “I certainly don’t want to single him out. I think the consistency of Cam Bancroft over a number of years, the consistency of Marcus Harris over a number of years, they’ve both had a look at Test cricket as well. So I don’t think there’s any need at this stage to put undue pressure expectation on Sam.”He’s five games into his first-class career. He’s had a good start to that, and he certainly looks like he’s got a well organised game that we’re really excited and looking forward to seeing at the A level, and we’ll just continue to watch as that progresses.”Bailey also noted that Bancroft’s untimely pair against Queensland in the opening round of the Shield season would not count against him.”I spoke to Cam after that game, I sort of jokingly said to him, if he [wasn’t] in such good nick, he might have played and missed those as well,” Bailey said. “So that might be a really good sign for the rest of the summer. There’s plenty of batters that have managed to get a feather on an early Michael Neser ball. So no harm done. He’s certainly got credits in the bank. His consistency over a number of years has been phenomenal, as have a number of those other players I’ve mentioned. A one-off game like that wasn’t going to have any impact.”
For the first time this transfer window, the transfer activity in through the door at Birmingham City seems to have slowed down.
After all, in the space of just a week recently, Birmingham had managed to welcome in the likes of Demarai Gray, Tommy Doyle, Kyogo Furuhashi, and many other star names to the camp, with some calm perhaps now needed to balance the books appropriately.
Still, when it comes to Chris Davies and Co., there might well be another sublime addition just waiting around the corner at any moment, with Birmingham not giving up all hope just yet that they can resign this midfield ace very soon, among other targets being chased after.
Birmingham still pursuing move for EFL ace
Reports do seem to suggest that the Blues will have to move on some bodies to be able to finance some more high-profile captures, especially if they want to be successful in landing Hwang Hee-Chan up top.
It was recently revealed that Birmingham had their eye on the Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker, but the £14m fee required to win his services – on top of his potential steep wage costs – has rendered this a deal that will be difficult to get over the line right now.
Kieran Dowell
There are more unwelcome obstacles in Birmingham’s way with other targets, too, with Kieran Dowell, who was expected to be surplus to requirements on his return to Rangers, now being utilised in pre-season under a fresh set of managerial ideas from Russell Martin.
A recent updated report from Birmingham Live does suggest that a permanent move could still be on the cards, with Davies once stating it would be “something we will have to look into” over arranging for the £16k-per-week star to come back to St. Andrew’s for good.
Whilst this has gone cold for the moment, Birmingham do have plenty of time on their hands to try and work out a deal, with Dowell perhaps a dream teammate for Kyogo to bounce off of as he grows accustomed to leading the line in the Championship.
Why Dowell could be a dream for Kyogo
Whilst the Japanese ace has proven himself to be a reliable goal machine in Scotland – as seen in his ridiculous tally of 85 strikes leading the line with venom for Celtic – he has never tested himself before in the challenging terrain of the EFL’s elite league.
Therefore, he could well be daunted by the prospect of having to be the Blues’ leading man here, particularly as he’s coming into Davies’ camp off the back of a barren spell in France with Rennes and the fact that he’s been purchased for a fee around the excessive £10m mark.
Games played
123
Goals scored
26
Assists
12
Big chances created
25
Those nerves would surely be quelled knowing he has the likes of such a reliable Championship playmaker in the form of Dowell by his side, with the second-tier veteran notching up a hefty 26 goals and 12 assists across his last 123 outings in the division. On top of that, 25 big chances have also been created, which will be music to the ears of a poacher-like forward in Kyogo.
At the height of his goalscoring powers at Celtic during the 2022/23 season, which saw him net a blistering 27 Scottish Premiership strikes, the potent 30-year-old would only need to average a mere 13.3 touches per league game to cause said widespread damage, meaning he should become even more prolific if he latches onto plenty of Dowell’s defence-splitting passes to come.
Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell.
Whilst they used to be divided across enemy lines in Glasgow, both Dowell and Kyogo might well form a dream partnership in the West Midlands very soon, with Davies even going as far as to describe the 27-year-old as “high quality” last campaign when he popped up with four assists from just 17 League One starts.
He might well have only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of at St. Andrew’s with his promising loan stint, with the Championship more his bread and butter, as Birmingham aim to potentially bring him back to take their new division by storm.
He'd be Kyogo 2.0: Birmingham looking at incredible deal to sign £14m star
Birmingham City could seal another ambitious deal very soon.
Afghanistan have made two additions to the squad that beat South Africa in Sharjah in September, for the ODI series against Bangladesh at the same venue in November: opening batter Sediqullah Atal and left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad come into a 19-man squad. Ibrahim Zadran, who is recovering from an ankle surgery, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, sidelined by a right phalanx (hand) sprain, are not yet fit to play.Atal, who has six T20I caps to his name, has been in top from at the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament, with scores of 52, 95 not out and 83. Noor makes a comeback off a stellar Caribbean Premier League performance where he was Player of the Series for his table-topping 22 wickets for St Lucia Kings.Afghanistan Cricket Board chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said: “Ibrahim Zadran is currently undergoing rehabilitation and continues to recover from the surgery he recently had. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also remains unavailable due to ongoing treatment.”However, Noor Ahmad is back in the squad, and we have included a promising top-order batter in Sediqullah Atal, who has impressed everyone with his consistent top performances.”Afghanistan play Bangladesh in three ODIs overall, from November 6 to 11, which will serve as part of the team’s build up to the Champions Trophy in February 2025. In their previous assignment, the three ODIs against South Africa, Afghanistan created history with their first series win against an opposition ranked in the top five of the ICC rankings.
Afghanistan squad for Bangladesh ODIs
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik. In: Sediqullah Atal, Noor Ahmad