Bharat Arun will run the programme “aimed at further enhancing the standards of Sri Lankan fast bowlers across junior and senior squads”
ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-2025Bharat Arun will become the latest in a string of high-profile Indian coaches conducting specialised coaching programmes for Sri Lanka’s top cricketers.He will run a 14-day programmed “aimed at further enhancing the standards of Sri Lankan fast bowlers across junior and senior squads at the high performance centre,” a Sri Lanka Cricket press statement on Friday said. Arun, who was the bowling coach of the senior India men’s team from 2014 to 2021, will run a programme starting on June 2.Earlier in May, India’s former fielding coach R Sridhar had run a ten-day programme of his own. Last year, Zubin Bharucha, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) director of high performance, ran a brief batting coaching programme in Sri Lanka as well. These initiatives have all come during the tenure of Sanath Jayasuriya as head coach.”[Arun] will work with the Sri Lanka national men’s and women’s teams, the women’s ‘A’ team, the U19 men’s team, coaches of the high performance centre, club and provincial coaches, and coach-educators during his stay here in the country,” the SLC statement said. “He will conduct separate strategy sessions with the men’s red-ball and white-ball teams, hold technical and skill-based training with fast bowlers, hold video and performance analysis sessions with players and coaches, and also match scenarios to develop ‘game’ understanding.”The Sri Lanka men’s team, in particular, is having a quiet period, with only two Tests to play till next May and a light international schedule, having not qualified for this year’s Champions Trophy.
Manchester City have enacted something of a rebuild across the last two transfer windows and could now be set to continue their spending spree once the January window opens, according to a report.
Manchester City look to overcome mixed Premier League start
Despite making some impressive summer signings, Manchester City have lost consecutive Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pep Guardiola has changed the guard in several positions and may need time to let new faces settle in at the Etihad Stadium, albeit he will be hoping for an improved return on the club’s investments after the international break.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland shakes hands with managerPepGuardiolaafter being substituted
Still, Joe Cole preserves optimism that one of Manchester City’s main men can go on to thrive this campaign and has claimed that Phil Foden is the best player in the Premier League when he is in form.
The former England international told talkSPORT: “He had a difficult season last year. We don’t know the problems he had off the pitch or injuries or what it was, but what you have to do is keep faith with these types of players.
“When Phil Foden plays to the best of his ability, like the season before last, he’s the best player in the country, you know, but there’s only one player who can produce that type of level of performance over the last 15 years consistently. That’s Lionel Messi. And there’s a reason he’s the greatest player in the world.”
Intriguingly, Guardiola could add a new superstar to the fold amid Manchester City’s plan to launch an ambitious move to sign Vinicius Junior in January, albeit it remains to be seen whether they could tempt him away from the Spanish top-flight.
Remaining on that topic, the Citizens could be set to raid La Liga for a rising young star who could now have a pivotal decision to make on his future.
Man City could launch January move for Dro Fernandez
According to reports in Spain, Manchester City want to sign Barcelona talent Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, who is viewed as a breakout star in his homeland after entering La Blaugrana’s second string at 17 years of age.
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, the Spain Under-17 star is also wanted by Chelsea and has registered four goals in 14 appearances for club and country at various youth levels.
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Adored by Hansi Flick for his contribution during Barcelona’s pre-season, he has already got off the mark at first-team level by scoring in a friendly against Vissel Kobe, potentially opening the door to further senior opportunities down the line.
Nevertheless, he now faces an intriguing decision amid interest from the Premier League, which could force his club to offer him a contract extension with guarantees that his developmental needs will be met.
Guardiola always has an eye out for prodigious talent and may have spotted an opening to convince one of Europe’s stars to move to the Etihad Stadium.
Even as Victoria’s hopes of making the final faded away, opener Campbell Kellaway batted through day three and struck a defiant century. His marathon innings ensures Western Australia face the daunting prospect of a big run chase at the WACA to keep alive their dreams of a fourth straight Sheffield Shield title.Kellaway finished unbeaten on 151 off 310 balls as Victoria reached stumps at 335 for 8 in their second innings with a lead of 346 runs.A thrilling final day could be in the works with WA needing victory to leapfrog second-placed Queensland, who are almost certain to draw their clash with South Australia. New South Wales’ chances of playing South Australia in the final on March 26 appear forlorn as they face a near impossible run chase on the last day against Tasmania.Related
NSW face chase of 529 for spot in Sheffield Shield final
“We’ve got nothing to lose tomorrow, that’s the attitude that we’ll take,” WA coach Adam Voges said.Victoria’s chances of progressing to the final are all but over. However, they will be aiming to end WA’s bid to become the first state to win four titles in a row since the six-team competition started in 1977-78.Kellaway, 22, continued his strong late season form on the back of making 79 and 77 last week on a tricky surface against South Australia. He became the first visiting batter to score a century at the WACA this Shield season. The surface, however, has flattened out considerably after the bowlers dominated on the opening two days.”We’re definitely looking to come away with a win. I definitely think there is enough in this wicket [to get ten wickets],” Kellaway said after his second first-class century.Kellaway batted through the entire day’s play after Victoria resumed with a lead of 43 runs and ten wickets in hand. WA hoped to regroup having been left flustered with several tight decisions not going their way, including a big lbw appeal from left-arm quick Joel Paris on Kellaway on the first ball of the innings.The surface had started to become easier to bat late on day two and flattened even more under the sun. Victoria had little trouble until Marcus Harris edged quick Brody Couch to second slip where Cameron Bancroft took a superb one-handed catch to his left low to the ground.Bancroft, one of the country’s best fielders, was ecstatic and his brilliant catch energised WA as Couch started to threaten with sharp back of a length bowling.He was rewarded with an outside edge from Blake Macdonald on four only for Hilton Cartwright to drop a sitter at third slip after moving in front of Bancroft.Couch was left further frustrated when a confident appeal for lbw on Kellaway was turned down in a tight call with height perhaps the only issue. After those fireworks, the batters took control in a rarity amid a particularly bowler-friendly period at the WACA in recent matches.Macdonald pounced on unusually ragged bowling from offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who was up against a surface giving him very little compared to when he took five wickets on the opening day.Macdonald reached his half-century off 67 balls, including ten boundaries, with his driving down the ground a feature. But nerves crept in just before lunch and he almost holed out to Cartwright’s handy seamers before falling down the legside on the last ball of the session.All eyes on resumption were on debutant Oliver Peake after his impressive 52 was the top score in Victoria’s first innings. Having had limited scoring opportunities on day one, the 18-year-old was faced with easier conditions although his first boundary was in streaky fashion through the slips.Peake could not find fluency and on 21 was well caught in the gully by Cameron Gannon after flashing at Paris. Having been a development tourist with Australia’s Test squad in Sri Lanka last month, Peake confirmed his status as a long-term Test prospect after facing 222 balls across the match.His wicket sparked a collapse out of nowhere with Rocchiccioli, who has a knack of making things happen, claiming the wickets of Peter Handscomb and Harry Dixon in the same over.However, Kellaway proved a thorn and he reached his century with a boundary through the off-side, but he celebrated modestly knowing there was still plenty of work to do.
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has revealed that Lionel Messi was his childhood idol, while giving an ultimate compliment to former team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Netherlands international was hit with a series of questions about his career and some of the best players he has come up against. And in it, he sung the praises of some well-known faces over the years.
Gakpo praises Messi and Alexander-Arnold
The 26-year-old was quizzed about who he grew up idolising, the best passer of the ball he's seen, the greatest defender he's faced, his favourite games and goals, and more. Although he is no longer team-mates with Alexander-Arnold, following his move to Real Madrid, he still appreciates his ability.
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Gakpo names his ultimate football list
In an interview with GOAL Global, the Liverpool man lauded the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Messi, and former Chelsea ace Thiago Silva.
Question: "Which player did you want to be when growing up?"
Gakpo: "Messi."
Q: Who is the best player you have played against?
Gakpo: "Messi."
Q: Who is the best passer of a ball you've ever seen?
Gakpo: "Trent [Alexander-Arnold]."
Q: Who is the hardest defender you have ever faced?
Gakpo: "Thiago Silva, one time."
Q: What is the best game you've played in?
Gakpo: "In the World Cup, a 2-2 draw with Argentina was an iconic game. The 7-0 against [Man] United as well."
Q: What is the best goal you've ever scored?
Gakpo: "The second goal [of his goals] against [Man] United."
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Gakpo set for crunch Liverpool games
Liverpool sit top of the Premier League with five wins from five. But they face a stern test in the top-flight with games away to unbeaten Crystal Palace and Club World Cup champions Chelsea in the next week and a half. Sandwiched in between them is a Champions League trip to Galatasaray next Tuesday.
Manchester United have been one of the absolute biggest clubs in the world now for over 30 years, largely thanks to their Premier League dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. They are massive and boast arguably the largest overall fanbase in football.
That, of course, means there are quite a few famous names amongst the fans. We thought we’d pick out some of them – but this is far from an exhaustive list. Also worth mentioning that we’ve gone for actual fans here, not just famous people who wore a shirt once.
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ByCharlie Smith May 8, 2025 Justin Timberlake
We’ll start with an unusual one here – but we’re going back some way for the proof. Justin Timberlake publicly outed himself as a United fan back in 2007, largely thanks to former striker/midfielder Alan Smith.
"I'm a Red! I'm mates with Smithy so he' ..Read more at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2148088.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst "I'm a Red! I'm mates with Smithy so he' ..Read more at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2148088.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst "I'm a Red! I'm mates with Smithy so he' ..Read more at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2148088.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst "I'm a Red! I'm mates with Smithy so he' ..Read more at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2148088.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst"I'm a Red! I'm mates with Smithy so he' ..Read more at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2148088.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst"I'm a Red! I'm mates with Smithy so he' ..Read more at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2148088.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst"I'm a Red! I'm mates with Smithy so he' ..Read more at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2148088.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
“I’m a Red!,” he said back then. “I’m mates with Smithy so he’s my favourite player but [Cristiano] Ronaldo isn’t bad either. I really like [Wayne] Rooney too.
“Smithy hooked me up with some tickets, so I went to watch the home game against West Ham.”
We won’t go as far as to say he’s a die-hard fan but there’s certainly a link there!
Eamonn Holmes
Sticking with celebrity glamour, TV presenter Eamonn Holmes is a long-time fan of United. In fact, he even started the eulogies at the funeral of United legend and fellow Northern Irishman George Best.
Holmes has been very openly a massive fan for decades now, from wanting to name his son after Sir Alex Ferguson, to just this month criticising the new third kit.
The presenter actually featured alongside Ferguson on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” back in 2004. He’s the only person on this list to have done that.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy is another who has worn his United support proudly on his sleeve for some time now. The golfer even found the nerve to out himself as a fan in front of a Liverpool crowd back in 2014. It wasn’t received well.
But after winning the Open that year, McIlroy was invited to parade the Grey Jug around Old Trafford. It was an invitation he quickly accepted.
Just this week, too, McIlroy moved to offer support to under-fire defender Harry Maguire.
“Absolutely [I feel sorry for him],” he told Sky Sports.
“I am sure Harry wakes up every morning, goes to work and tries his best just like we all do and when your life and career are laid bare like that and everyone sees everything… you could make 20 great passes in a game and the one pass that doesn’t go quite right is the one that everyone is going to concentrate on.”
Luke Littler
Darts sensation Luke Littler has helped transform the sport in recent years, but away from the oche, Littler is a die-hard Man Utd supporter.
After bursting onto the scene, Littler was left starstruck after receiving a message from Red Devils icon David Beckham. He won the World Championship in 2025 and even took the trophy to Old Trafford.
Olly Murs
Olly Murs is a loud United fan – he has a box at Old Trafford and recently gave a tour of the stadium for the club’s official website.
He can frequently be seen talking about the club over the years, too, and explained exactly why going to see the club means so much to him in an interview with the Guardian last year.
“Taking my dad to Manchester United matches. He’s a massive fan, but couldn’t take us when we were kids. It’s far from Essex; we couldn’t afford it. When I got into this industry, one of my first purchases was a box at Old Trafford. Being able to take him means a lot.”
A passionate fan of United, then – it’s what you love to see.
Conor McGregor
MMA star Conor McGregor.
Conor McGregor’s support for Man Utd really came into the public consciousness last year when there was talk he would front a bid to buy the club. Now, it quickly became evident that he lacked the funds to make that happen.
Still, McGregor certainly wasn’t just after the publicity. He’s talked about his support for the club before, including a lengthy interview with the official club site back in 2021.
“I was attracted to the success and winning mentality of the club and people surrounded by United. Irish legends like Denis Irwin and Roy Keane were dedicated to their craft and had that winning mentality.
“Roy Keane was one of the best midfielders European football has ever seen. Opponents would be mentally beaten before they’d even stepped on to the pitch to face him.”
It’s a good read and rare that you see this much talk about the club from a ‘celebrity’ fan. McGregor does also have allegiances with Celtic, we should say, but there’s no doubt that he has plenty of support for United.
Dave
Multi-award-winning rapper Dave is a big United fan – you only need listen to his music to find that out. His 2021 release “We’re All Alone in This Together” featured several shout-outs to the club.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Anthony Martial both got name-dropped. Even youngster Amad Diallo was mentioned in a track. Then if you go a touch further back, you’ll find Dave Tweeting like a typical fan back in 2019, primarily with Paul Pogba propaganda.
Angry Ginge
One of the most famous British YouTubers and Twitch streamers around today, Man Utd is part of Angry Ginge’s personality.
Known for his ‘Yanited’ outbursts, Angry Ginge, real name Morgan Burtwistle, is also a season ticket holder at Old Trafford. He even played at the stadium for Soccer Aid 2025, coming up against Carlos Tevez.
Richard Ashcroft
Sticking with the musician theme, Richard Ashcroft has been a United fan since childhood. He’s another to give an interview with the official club site where he explained how he got on board with United.
“I come from such a hybrid area. Skelmersdale, built near to where I was brought up, was a new town for Liverpool. So there was a real mixture of football supporters at school. There were United fans, and Liverpool and Everton fans whose families had moved from Liverpool to Skelmersdale.
“But essentially it was an old friend of mine. There was a family who lived across the road who used to go to watch United. They took me to my first match when I was about 10 or 11.”
The Verve frontman then talked about that first trip to Old Trafford – something that’s clearly stuck with him through it all.
“It is that cliche moment of seeing the stadium and the green of the pitch for the first time. When I first started going to Old Trafford it was when Ron Atkinson was the manager, and we would always be ‘nearly there’ in the league, but with amazing crowds.
“Everyone packed into the Stretford End – those were the days!”
Brian O’Driscoll
Rugby icon Brian O’Driscoll is another huge Red Devils supporter, with the Irishman admitting he went against the majority of Liverpool fans in Dublin growing up to follow Man Utd.
His first idol at Old Trafford was Mark Hughes, and he revealed his favourite ever goal was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in 1999.
Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt has never hidden his allegiance to Man United, going all the way back to his heyday of 2012. The fastest man in history was a guest of honour at Old Trafford in Alex Ferguson’s final season, in fact.
Then, of course, there was that spell where Bolt attempted to break into top-level football, publicly admitting that while he had trials with Borussia Dortmund, his real dream was to play for United.
"One of my biggest dreams is to sign for Manchester United. If Dortmund say I'm good enough, I'll crack on and train hard."I've spoken to Alex Ferguson and I told him he needs to put in a good word. He told me if I get fit and ready, he will see what he can do."
Tyson Fury
It’s pretty unusual to get this far through a list like this without finding a proper local fan but here’s one. Tyson Fury is from Greater Manchester and has been vocal about his support, particularly over the last few years.
But he’s clearly a fan who does know his stuff. Fury even went against the grain and predicted that United would potentially be a better side without Cristiano Ronaldo last year – months before Erik ten Hag moved the player on.
“When you have a superstar like Ronaldo, everybody relies on him to score goals and if he wasn’t there they’d be scoring the goals themselves, like they did the season before last.
“I’m not saying he’s a bad asset, he’s a great asset, but sometimes with a star player, he carries the team and the young people are overshadowed by it all, they don’t get their chance to shine because ‘the great Ronaldo’ is on the pitch.”
You’ll frequently find Fury’s support on social media, too, be it celebrating the EFL Cup or welcoming Mason Mount to the club.
Stormzy
Stormzy went viral last season after appearing on Sky Sports’ coverage during a United game where he admitted to being starstruck by the occasion. After all, here was a lifetime fan of the club, at Old Trafford, getting to talk about the team on Monday Night Football.
But how did Stormzy actually become a fan? He explained in an interview with Soccer AM a few years ago that it was simply a case of a stars aligning.
“I always get stick.
“There’s probably even people watching now saying ‘hear his accent what’s he doing supporting United?’ But that’s just how the stars aligned for me.
“When I was younger I didn’t have a big brother or like a dad who supported United so it all kinda came from me.
“Cockney Red what can you do?”
Stormzy also took part in Paul Pogba’s announcement video for the club back in 2016 but infamously spoiled the signing by posting the video too early. We can hardly blame him for being excited, mind.
Liverpool have enjoyed a terrific summer transfer window that has put them in a fantastic position to defend their Premier League title in the 2025/26 campaign.
The headline of the summer so far has, of course, been the arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a British record transfer fee of £116.5m.
Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike have also arrived as marquee additions to bolster Arne Slot’s options across the pitch ahead of next season.
However, Liverpool have also lost Luis Diaz. The Colombia international recently completed a permanent transfer to German giants Bayern Munich.
Luis Diaz
The former Porto man may not be the only high-profile exit from Anfield before the end of the window, though, as Darwin Nunez may be on his way out of the club.
Al Hilal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign the Uruguay international, as they are in talks over personal terms with the Reds centre-forward.
Why it is the right time for Liverpool to cash in on Nunez
David Ornstein claims that the Saudi Pro League club have agreed an initial fee of £46m, with add-ons on top, with Liverpool for the striker, who has shown a willingness to accept the move.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
Although it remains to be seen how much money could be recouped from the total transfer including the add-ons, it seems like the right time for the Reds to cash in on the former Benfica star.
Liverpool reportedly paid a club-record fee of £85m to sign the attacker in the summer of 2022, and it is increasingly difficult to justify it as money well spent by the club, based on his performances on the pitch.
Unfortunately, a theme throughout Nunez’s time at Anfield has been unreliable finishing. He has not made enough of the chances that the team have created for him over the last three years.
Appearances
42
54
47
xG
17.16
22.64
8.53
Goals
15
18
7
Big chances missed
28
38
17
Assists
4
13
5
As you can see in the table above, the £85m signing has underperformed his xG in all three of his seasons with the club, missing a staggering 83 ‘big chances’ in that time.
This is why it may be the right time for Liverpool to move on from Nunez amid interest from Al Hilal, as he has not done enough to suggest that he can be a reliable option for Slot.
Euro club in talks to sign Liverpool midfielder
Meanwhile, the Reds could be dealt a bigger blow as Jurgen Klopp is looking to poach one of their players for one of his Red Bull clubs this summer.
Transfer Focus
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According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, RB Leipzig are in talks with Liverpool over a potential deal to sign England U21 international Harvey Elliott.
The reporter states that the German side have already made contact with the Premier League champions and are now speaking to them about a move for the left-footed ace.
Ornstein adds that Leipzig are looking to bring him in as a potential replacement for Dutch star Xavi Simons, who may be off to Chelsea this summer.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
The Athletic’s article reveals that Liverpool are willing to sell Elliott for £40m if a buy-back clause is included as part of the deal, or for £50m without one.
Given Klopp’s job with Red Bull and his connections at Anfield, the German boss could have a part to play in this possible transfer of his former midfielder, as Leipzig look to poach him this summer.
Why losing Harvey Elliott would be a blow for Liverpool
Unlike Nunez, Elliott would not be leaving the club because he has not been good enough on the pitch for Liverpool. Instead, it would be in search of more game time.
The English starlet only played 28 times in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, and only started two matches in the Premier League for Slot. He was a useful player when called upon, though, with a return of five goals and three assists from a central midfield position.
Liverpool's HarveyElliottcelebrates
Elliott is still a young player who is developing and improving all the time, though, at the age of 22. This means that Liverpool have not seen the best of him yet, which is why cashing in on him now would be a big blow.
It would mean that Leipzig would potentially benefit from his potential by offering him the chance to play regularly in Germany, rather than the Reds getting to see him blossom by increasing his game time at Anfield.
The left-footed magician’s performances for England’s U21s at the European Championship this summer suggest that he is now primed to have a breakthrough season as a key player for whoever he is playing for next season.
Appearances
6
Sofascore rating
7.53
Goals
5
Minutes per goal
95
Key passes per game
1.7
Assists
0
As you can see in the table above, Elliott was prolific for his country from a midfield position throughout the tournament, averaging a goal every 95 minutes.
The English gem, who was described as “explosive” by Slot, has the potential to emerge as a brilliant attack-minded midfield star, who can both score and create goals, as evidenced by his 11-assist haul in the 2023/24 season for Liverpool.
Liverpool'sHarveyElliottcelebrates after winning the Premier League
This is why losing Elliott this summer would be an even bigger blow than losing Nunez to Al Hilal, because he is an impressive young talent with the potential to grow into a top player for the club, whereas the former Benfica man has already had plenty of chances to impress and failed to take them.
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Therefore, Liverpool should reconsider cashing in on Elliott before the end of the summer transfer window, as he has the quality to be a great option for Slot to call upon in the 2025/26 campaign when needed.
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.
Tottenham Hotspur have taken a risk this summer in sacking Ange Postecoglou, especially after the Aussie ended their 17-year wait for any form of silverware.
The responsibility has subsequently fallen into the hands of Thomas Frank, who was appointed as the new boss on a three-year contract, with the hierarchy forking out £10m for his signature from Brentford.
The Dane will likely be under huge pressure to make a fast start to his tenure, needing to get results on the board and help the club rise up the Premier League table.
Their lowly league standing was what subsequently cost Ange his job in North London, with Frank wanting to avoid such a repeat, which could see his job on the line in the near future.
However, if he is to have the best possible chance of replicating the Aussie, he will need additions, with owner Daniel Levy needing to provide him with the options he craves.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer
Xavi Simons is a star who has set Europe alight this season, registering 11 goals for RB Leipzig this season, with Spurs open to making a move for his signature this window.
He’s not the only player in their sights, with Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo also under consideration ahead of a potential deal over the coming weeks.
Antoine Semenyo scores for Bournemouth
However, another name has emerged on their shortlist in recent times, with Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Joao Pedro a firm target for Frank, according to Spurs Web.
They claim that internal talks have been held in North London over a deal for the Brazilian forward, who’s set to leave the AMEX after scoring 10 Premier League goals this season.
It also states that the 23-year-old could be available for around £70m this summer, but face tough competition from Newcastle United and Chelsea for his signature.
Why Spurs’ £70m target could become Frank’s next Mbeumo
During Frank’s reign as Brentford boss, he took the club from the Championship and made them an established top-flight outfit, developing many talents in the process.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
Forward Bryan Mbeumo is just one example, joining from French side Troyes back in 2019, before developing into a leading Premier League star in recent months.
The Cameroonian international managed to score 20 times for the Bees in 2024/25, the most he’s registered in a single season, leading to interest from the Lilywhites and Manchester United.
It appears as though he will move to Old Trafford this window after informing Frank’s side that he’s only interested in a switch to join the Red Devils this window.
Such a decision could see Pedro become a key option for the club in the transfer window, potentially being the Dane’s new version of Mbeumo in North London.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
The Brazilian has been labelled a similar player to the 25-year-old by FBref, managing to outperform him in numerous key areas throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Pedro, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Ryan Adsett, has posted a better goal and assist per 90 record, handing Frank the added attacking threat he will need in North London.
Games played
27
38
Goals & assists
16
27
Goals & assists (per 90)
0.74
0.71
Pass accuracy
73%
66%
Passes into final third
1.9
1.6
Take-ons completed
1.4
1.3
Fouls won
2.1
1.1
Aerials won
49%
31%
Alongside his goalscoring record, the Brighton star has also completed more passes into the final third and registered a better pass accuracy rate – able to hand out chances to those around him in the final third.
He’s also won more aerial battles and completed a higher tally of take-ons, handing an all-round and versatile option to the manager in his quest for success with the Lilywhites.
£70m may appear to be a hefty price tag for the Brazilian, but it’s a competitive fee for a player who’s been just as impressive as Mbeumo this campaign.
If he can replicate such talents for the Lilywhites next season, he has all the tools to become a fan favourite and play a huge part in the new era at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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It is no secret that Leeds United will be in the market to sign new players in the summer transfer window ahead of the Premier League next season.
Fabrizio Romano gave the Championship champions a ‘here we go!’ on Saturday when he confirmed that Jaka Bijol has signed his contract to join the club from Udinese.
The Whites are set to pay a fee in the region of £19m to sign the central defender from the Italian side to bolster their options at the heart of the defence.
Bijol started 34 matches in the Serie A for Udinese in the 2024/25 campaign, which means that he is set to arrive at Elland Road with plenty of experience in one of Europe’s major leagues.
Jaka Bijol in action for Udinese.
The Slovenia international will now be due to compete with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Max Wober, Joe Rodon, and Pascal Struijk for a place in the starting XI next season.
What Jaka Bijol could bring to Leeds
Bijol is a strong defender in the prime years of his career, at the age of 26, and could provide Daniel Farke with an aerially dominant option at the heart of the defence.
The Slovenian colossus was particularly impressive in the air for Udinese in the Serie A, using his height and frame to tussle with opposition strikers to win key defensive duels.
Aerial duels won
3.31
Top 6%
Aerial duel success rate
67.7%
Top 17%
Interceptions
1.15
Top 41%
Clearances
5.53
Top 14%
Passes blocked
0.61
Top 42%
As you can see in the table above, he ranked very highly among central defenders in the Italian top-flight when it came to competing for headers at the back.
His 68% aerial duel success rate was higher than Struijk (62%) and Rodon (60%) managed in the Championship for the Whites, which suggests that he would improve the Leeds defence from an aerial perspective.
Leeds did, however, have the best xGA (29.6) record in the second tier this season, which suggests that their defence was not a major cause for concern, albeit they have still opted to strengthen in that area of the pitch.
Instead, a bigger issue for the Whites to resolve, on paper at least, is finding a new number one goalkeeper, after Illan Meslier was left on the bench for the final seven games of the 2024/25 season.
Leeds United's IllanMeslierreacts
Farke needs to find a replacement for the French goalkeeper to start between the sticks in the Premier League next term, and the door is seemingly open for them to sign one from a relegated side.
Door open for Leeds to sign Southampton star
Southampton owner Dragan Solak has opened the door to Aaron Ramsdale moving on from Elland Road before the end of the summer transfer window, after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, as relayed by LeedsLive, Solak said: “We unfortunately are not sure that Ramsdale is going to stay, even though he loves the club. He’s a great young man, everybody loves him, but he wants to get his place in the national team and it’s not easy to get there in the Championship.”
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
LeedsLive reports that signing a new goalkeeper is one of the priorities on the club’s transfer agenda, as they go in search of a number one for next season.
Earlier this summer, it was reported that the West Yorkshire outfit have eyed up Ramsdale as a potential target to arrive at Elland Road as Farke’s new shot-stopper.
Solak’s comments show that the door is open for the £25m England international to sign for Leeds, and it is now down to the club to pursue a deal that could be even more important than the one to sign Bijol.
Why Leeds should sign Aaron Ramsdale
As aforementioned, Leeds enjoyed a strong defensive record in the Championship this season and were not in desperate need of a player like Bijol, as much as he could improve Farke’s options at centre-back.
Whereas, the Whites are in desperate need of a new number one to replace Meslier next season because the French dud is, simply, not good enough for the top-flight.
The left-footed flop was dropped by Farke after he made three errors that directly led to goals for the opposition and had a goals prevented of -2.73 in 39 appearances in the Championship.
24/25 (Championship)
-0.4
23/24 (Championship)
-3.1
22/23 (Premier League)
-12.4
21/22 (Premier League)
-16.2
20/21 (Premier League)
-3.4
As you can see in the table above, Meslier was also a liability as a shot-stopper in his three seasons in the Premier League with the Whites in the past, as he let in significantly more goals than he should have, based on the post-shot xG of the shots against his goal.
Ramsdale, however, prevented 0.14 goals in 30 outings in the Premier League and did not make a single error that led to a goal, which shows that he outperformed Meslier whilst playing at a higher level.
The 27-year-old stopper, who was once hailed as “magnificent” by reporter Charles Watts, has 183 appearances in the Premier League in his career to date, which suggests that he could hit the ground running at Elland Road as a player who already knows the division well.
His statistics in the top-flight for the Saints also suggest that he would be a huge upgrade on Meslier, given his more impressive showings as a goalkeeper at a higher level.
Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale.
That means that he would solve a huge problem for Leeds, given the Frenchman’s dismal performances in recent years, and provide Farke with the goalkeeper that he desperately needs.
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Therefore, he would be an even more important signing for Leeds than Bijol because finding a quality goalkeeper is a more pressing matter than replacing Rodon and Struijk, who impressed as a pairing in the Championship.
Birmingham City are currently preparing for a season in the Championship after they took League One by storm to secure the title with a record 111 points.
Chris Davies led his side to 34 wins and just three defeats in 46 matches in the third tier in his first campaign in charge of the club, and he is now tasked with building a team to take on the second tier.
As is natural with a promotion to a higher level, there are some players who played regular football in League One for Birmingham who may not make the cut as regulars next term.
One player who may not have as much game time for the Blues is left-winger Keshi Anderson, who started 27 of his 37 appearances this season.
Why Birmingham need an upgrade on Keshi Anderson
The 30-year-old attacker joined the club from Blackpool in the summer of 2023 and failed to deliver much in front of goal in the Championship during his first season, with a return of zero goals and two assists in 20 matches.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Birmingham’s relegation to League One provided Anderson with an opportunity to produce more quality in the final third at a lower level, with seven goals and five assists in his 27 starts in the third tier.
The left winger’s dismal return at Championship level in the 2023/24 campaign for the Blues and his decent but unspectacular haul this season in League One do not suggest that he is likely to be a key player for Davies next term.
Birmingham should aim for a forward who has the potential to deliver more quality, in terms of goals and assists, on a regular basis at Championship level, which is why they should swoop for Louie Barry.
Why Birmingham should sign Louie Barry
The Championship side should make a move to sign the English winger from their rivals Aston Villa, as GIVEMESPORT recently reported that he could be an option for the club.
Villa are set to send the 21-year-old star, who they valued at around £12m in January, out on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, and Birmingham should take advantage of that to bring him to St. Andrew’s this summer as an upgrade on Anderson.
Barry, whose composure was once hailed as “incredible” by Declan Rice, only played four times for Hull in the Championship in the second half of this season before an injury put an end to his time with the Tigers.
However, his form on loan at Stockport County in League One during the first half of the campaign suggests that he has the potential to be a big upgrade on Anderson.
Appearances
23
Goals
15
Conversion rate
21%
Big chances created
5
Key passes
23
Assists
2
As you can see in the table above, Barry scored more than twice as many goals as the Birmingham winger did in League One, despite leaving the division in the January transfer window, whilst fulfilling a similar tactical role as a right-footed forward on the left flank.
This suggests that the Villa youngster could come in to improve the firepower in Davies’ side heading into the Championship campaign, as he appears more likely to offer a threat at the top end of the pitch in the Championship than Anderson would be.
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Therefore, Birmingham should put their rivalry with the Villans aside to thrash out a loan move for the right-footed star, who could take Anderson’s place in the team and potentially play a key role in a promotion push in the second tier next season.