All posts by h716a5.icu

West Indies score their highest total in a men’s T20 World Cup match as they finished the group stage with a perfect record

S Sudarshanan18-Jun-2024It’s been a World Cup for the bowlers, but Nicholas Pooran set the tone early for a dominant batting display from West Indies as they thrashed Afghanistan to finish the group stage with a perfect record. He tore into Azmatullah Omarzai in the powerplay, who leaked a world record 36 runs in an over. And that was a blow Afghanistan never quite recovered from.Pooran’s 98 off just 53 balls helped West Indies to 218 for 5, which was 104 too many for Afghanistan in the last group match of the T20 World Cup 2024. The result had little bearing on the Super Eight seedings that were pre-decided with both teams already cementing their spots. Afghanistan were blown away in the chase to be dismissed for 114, with all the five bowlers the hosts used sharing the spoils.It was the highest total for West Indies in men’s T20 World Cups, and Pooran, who hit eight sixes in his stay, surpassed Chris Gayle to become the leading six-hitter for them in T20Is.Edgy Charles sets the toneHe has a stand named after him at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, and Johnson Charles did not disappoint. He had two ducks and a 44 heading into the game, and understandably, was tentative at the start of his innings. Yet he started with a flurry of fours, mostly via outside edges – beating short third to either side in the second over and then getting one over point in the third.Related

Pooran bursts on to the T20 World Cup, pedal to the metal

Pooran goes on rampage as Omarzai bowls joint most expensive over in T20Is

Anything with pace, he confidently dealt with. However, Naveen-ul-Haq’s change of pace was too much to contend with, and he chipped one to cover after a duel that saw a dropped chance.Powerful Pooran raises decibelsTwo balls were all Pooran needed to get his eyes in on a belter of a pitch in Gros Islet. He signaled his arrival with a record 36-run over against Azmatullah Omarzai, in which he hit three sixes and two fours, including one off a no-ball. Afghanistan generally turn to Mujeeb Ur Rahman for control in the powerplay. But with him out injured, Rashid Khan had to bring himself on in the powerplay for the first time this T20 World Cup. He was welcomed with a couple of fours as West Indies finished the powerplay on 92 for 1, the highest score in the first six overs in men’s T20 World Cups.Afghanistan rein West Indies in in the middle oversAt 85 for 1 in five overs, West Indies looked set to bring back a template we were so used to in IPL 2024 – scores around and over 250. But Rashid and his spin-twin Noor Ahmad used the slight purchase from the surface to tie the batters down. Both varied the legbreak and googly, and also the lengths to keep the batters guessing. The bounce from the surface also came to their aid. As a result, only one four and three sixes – two of them by Shai Hope against Mohammad Nabi – came in the middle phase (overs 7 to 16), where West Indies scored only 66 and lost two wickets.Deserving Pooran misses out on tonThe 17th over almost woke up the sleeping giant Pooran, who got his first four since the powerplay when Gulbadin Naib misfielded one at sweeper cover. He then tore into Rashid, who had figures of 0 for 21 heading into his last over, in the 18th. Pooran stayed deep in the crease and often cleared his front leg in a bid to convert the good length deliveries that Rashid generally bowls.Pooran’s leg side was the longer boundary, and Rashid bowling full only helped his cause. He struck three sixes and a four in the over to take 24 off it, decisively turning the tide in the hosts’ favour. He couldn’t do much damage to Naib, who bowled a couple of superb overs for two wickets, using the slower ones to trick the batters. When Pooran clobbered back-to-back sixes in the last over off Naveen, he looked primed to get to a century, only to be denied by a direct throw from Omarzai from deep cover.Obed McCoy’s three-for dented Afghanistan’s progress•ICC/Getty ImagesAfghanistan no match in the chaseComing into the match, Afghanistan’s middle order (Nos. 3 to 6) averaged a mere 19.71 with the openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran doing the heavy-lifting in the big wins against New Zealand and Uganda. Gurbaz fell early trying to take on powerplay enforcer Akeal Hosein, exposing the Afghanistan middle order in a tall chase.Ibrahim managed to punish an erring Alzarri Joseph, hitting him for one four and two sixes in the first six overs. He also managed to get a few away from Hosein but could not keep down a languid flick off Obed McCoy – brought in for Romario Shepherd, who was home for the birth of his second child – to deep backward square leg.Playing his first match in this T20 World Cup, McCoy then dismissed Najibullah Zadran a couple of balls later before knocking Nabi over to reduce Afghanistan to 63 for 5 inside the tenth over. Omarzai managed to strike a few lusty blows but Hosein, Gudakesh Motie and Andre Russell never let them get away.As a result, West Indies registered their second-biggest win in T20 World Cups (by runs) and head into the Super Eight stage with a clean slate, as if to say, “talk now!”

A “superb” Celtic player is now in talks over a move away during the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Hoops continue to push hard for new signings this summer, with Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry seen as an option to come in and bolster Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

The 22-year-old excelled on loan at Championship side Hull City last season, scoring 15 goals in just 22 starts in the league, and could be sold in a hurry as Villa look to beat the PSR deadline in England.

Girona striker Bojan Miovski has also been mentioned as an option for Celtic ahead of next season, with the 26-year-old proving himself at Aberdeen in the past, scoring an impressive 44 goals in 98 appearances for the club, and 30 in 68 Scottish Premiership matches.

Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji is another name in the mix, being tipped to potentially have as big an impact as Victor Wanyama did during his time at Parkhead.

"Superb" Celtic player in talks over exit

According to Joseph on X, Celtic bosses are “in talks” with Braga over a deal for centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke, with Championship clubs also said to be “interested” in him.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano reports that Braga have “sent” a bid of £1.7m the Hoops’ way, with the defender “keen” on the move. If he did leave for that amount, Celtc would make a £1.3m loss, having signed him for £3m.

This does arguably feel like the right time for Lagerbielke’s Parkhead career to come to an end, even though Rodgers did hail him back in 2023 after a rare goal, praising his “superb” mentality.

“It was a great moment for him because he hasn’t been involved in squads, other guys have been in front of him. But his attitude in training in the main has been superb and he has always been ready. The irony of him being sent off and then getting the goal was great, a really nice moment for him.”

Last season, Lagebielke was loaned out to Dutch side FC Twente, with Celtic finding it hard to justify a place for him in the squad, and it doesn’t look as though the 25-year-old’s situation is going to change next term.

The Sweden international is at a point in his career where he needs to be featuring regularly at a permanent club, rather than warming the substitutes’ bench or being loaned out.

Dream Kuhn replacement: Celtic weighing up bid to sign "electric" £12m star

With Nicolas Kühn seemingly set to leave Celtic this summer, could Brendan Rodgers sign an “absolutely electric” replacement?

ByBen Gray Jun 27, 2025

He still has three years remaining on his current Celtic deal, so there is no reason why the Scottish champions can’t still receive a decent fee for him – more than £1.7m would be preferable – and he would surely jump at the opportunity to enjoy a fresh challenge.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has opened talks to sign a “commanding” defender, who’s now a top defensive target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new centre-back amid Saliba concerns

The Gunners’ centre-back partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba has received widespread acclaim over the past few seasons, with Jamie Carragher saying: “As a partnership, him and Gabriel is as good as anything in the Premier League.

“I think Saliba is the better player but Gabriel is the better leader, and Saliba needs to bring that to his game if he wants to get to the levels we talk about with Virgil van Dijk.

“Saliba needs Gabriel. Since Gabriel has come out of the team, that’s not the same Saliba I’m watching.”

Best ST since Auba: Arsenal agree personal terms for £67m "monster"

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 31, 2025

It has recently been revealed the Brazilian defender is now in advanced talks over a new deal to remain at the Emirates Stadium, but with Real Madrid expressing an interest in Saliba, it could be a wise idea to bring in a new centre-back this summer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, that is exactly what the north Londoners are planning to do, having now moved ahead of Manchester United in the race for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

Such is Arsenal’s level of interest in Leoni, he has now been identified as one of their top defensive targets for the summer transfer window, with sporting director Berta leading talks over a deal to bring the 18-year-old to north London.

Juventus and Inter Milan are also in the race for the teenager, who joined Parma in a deal amounting to €8m (£7m) last summer, which has proven to be a savvy investment, given that he has emerged as a key player for the Italian side.

"Commanding" Leoni impressing for Parma

At the start of the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, the centre-back found game time difficult to come by, but he managed to establish himself as a key player during the second half of the season, which is an impressive feat at such a young age.

Football scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the Italian defender, describing his aerial dominance and duel prowess as “commanding”, while also stating the youngster is “destined” to play for a top club.

Leoni is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, but his emergence as a first-team player at such a young age can only be a good sign, and the Parma ace could be a solid addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

That said, there are a number of other interesting young defenders on the shortlist for Arsenal, and Arteta may even decide against bringing in a new centre-back, given that Gabriel and Saliba are arguably almost undroppable when fit.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Jorrel Hato

Ajax

£40m

Nathan Collins

Brentford

£23m

Cristhian Mosquera

Valencia

£17m

Liverpool celebrated on Sunday, finally lifting their 20th top-flight title after winning the Premier League five weeks ago, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

Though Arne Slot’s side have understandably taken their foot off the gas since sealing the deal, claiming just two points from a possible 12, sporting director Richard Hughes has been working overtime, driving any number of transfer deals toward completion before the window has even opened, before the 2024/25 campaign has even wrapped up.

With Andy Robertson on the decline and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the move, Liverpool have moved quickly to advance deals for Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, who could dominate the wide flanks on Merseyside for years to come.

Florian Wirtz is surely the pick of the bunch, though, with Bayer Leverkusen confirmed to have received Liverpool’s first official proposal on Monday morning, worth in excess of €100m (£85m).

Barring something dramatic and unanticipated, FSG will get this one done. Let’s have a look at how he might fit in.

How Florian Wirtz will fit in at Liverpool

Wirtz is only 22, but he’s already forged quite the career for himself in his German homeland, posting 57 goals and 65 assists across just 197 senior appearances with the Werkself.

Last year, he won the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, invincible and indomitable, claiming the division’s Player of the Season award for his troubles.

Rarely does a player elicit such a captivating response from fans while maintaining an energetic and industrious approach to his craft, so intelligent and aware of his surroundings, both friendly and hostile.

As per FBref, Wirtz ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal contributions, the top 7% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90. As a result, he could fit into a whole manner of different positions down at Anfield.

Where Wirtz could feature for Liverpool

Moreover, his productivity has been dished out with the consistency of a world-class player, the 2022/23 season standing as a lonely outlier due to his ACL injury, and injury he has bounced back from miraculously.

24/25

31 (25)

10

13

23/24

32 (26)

11

12

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

6

Of course, every great playmaker needs a focal point from which they can direct their creativity, and Wirtz is no different. Darwin Nunez is “planning to leave” Liverpool this summer, as per Fabrizio Romano, and FSG have already identified their dream replacement.

Liverpool make the new Mbappe their top target

Newcastle United sealed a place in next year’s Champions League after finishing fifth in the league on the final day. That means Alexander Isak’s going nowhere, so says esteemed reporter David Ornstein.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, Liverpool appear to have found the perfect alternative in Hugo Ekitike, with with reports confirming confirming FSG have turned their full attention to the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, who is now their top target.

Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes is going to need to roll his sleeves up to get this one over the line.

Why Slot wants Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike isn’t just on Liverpool’s radar; The Independent believe Chelsea are ready to make the focal frontman their top target of the summer transfer window.

It’s understandable. Described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Ekitike is an extraordinary profile, physical and rangy and with a killer’s instinct, but also gifted and stylish, creative in his approach and clever in his movements.

The one-time Paris Saint-Germain prospect has already demonstrated a head for thought-out career moves, jumping to the Bundesliga and flourishing. Still only 22, he’s excelled through his first full season with Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and laying on 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has mused that he can “definitely reach world-class striker levels,” and it’s an exciting thing to think about for those of a Liverpool persuasion. It might even be a signing on the level of Wirtz, providing Liverpool with a first-rate number nine for many years to come.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has even declared Ekitike to be “one of the best strikers out there” right now, and that he’s “ready to explode” when given the chance to perform for a high-level Premier League club.

FBref record Ekitike ranks among the top 9% of forwards for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90, illustrating his elite capacity.

Indeed, this dynamic repertoire has led the data-driven site to list Isak as one of his most statistically similar stars. If this young Frenchman can be willed into the robust completeness of the Magpies’ main man, there’s no telling how devastating Slot’s team could become.

To be sure, Wirtz is an audacious capture for the Reds this summer, but Ekitike has the potential to reach the pinnacle of the game, and he’s every bit as exciting.

Ekitike isn’t there yet, but he has the trappings of a world-class centre-forward, now needs to take the right step toward reaching superstardom.

Where could this be? Chelsea could do with a striker, sure, but Liverpool have proven themselves the cream of the crop under Slot’s wing, with rising stars like Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo evidence that the French attacker could skyrocket to the top if joining the fold.

Given the level he’s already at, and indeed the troubles that have beset Liverpool at number nine in recent years, this could be a move as exciting as any at Anfield this summer – and that includes Wirtz.

Liverpool ready to launch £58m bid to sign a "magical" Nunez upgrade

Premier League champions Liverpool are looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 26, 2025

Celtic have the chance to win the domestic treble for the second time in three seasons when they travel to Hampden Park to take on Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup this weekend.

The Hoops have already won the Scottish Premiership title and won the League Cup, beating Rangers on penalties, in the first half of the campaign, which means that a win on Saturday would clinch the treble.

Brendan Rodgers is seemingly not satisfied with that, though, as the Scottish giants are already eyeing up players to come in and bolster the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller has been linked with a cross-Scotland switch to Glasgow, whilst Peterborough star Kwame Poku was recently linked with a move to the club.

The Scottish giants have, however, already wrapped up one signing before the summer transfer window even opens for business, as Kieran Tierney will be joining the club on a free transfer at the end of June.

Why Kieran Tierney is an exciting signing for Celtic

The Scotland international’s contract with Arsenal is due to expire this summer, and it has already been confirmed that the defender will be returning to Parkhead for a second spell in Glasgow.

This is an exciting signing for the Hoops for multiple reasons, not least because of the emotional backdrop to it. Tierney came up through the academy system and made his breakthrough in the first-team before starring for many years.

As you can see in the graphic above, the defender made 170 appearances for the club before his £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019, and won five Scottish Premiership titles in that time.

He came up through the academy as a Celtic boy and achieved great success with the team, which is why his return could be an emotional one for him and the supporters heading into next season.

It could also be an exciting signing because of the quality that Tierney can provide from a left-back position, as shown in the impressive highlights package above.

The flying full-back scored eight goals and provided 37 assists during his first spell at the club, which shows that he is a defender who likes to burst forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

This means that he could provide Rodgers with another attacking outlet down the left side, due to his ability to score and create goals from a left-back role, to support the winger ahead of him.

However, it is also worth pointing out that the 27-year-old is due to return to Celtic with a concerning injury history that suggests that he could miss a lot of matches for the Hoops.

24/25

1

160

18

23/24

3

103

21

22/23

0

0

0

21/22

2

116

17

20/21

4

87

19

19/20

1

97

19

18/19

5

140

27

17/18

1

23

5

16/17

1

86

16

As you can see in the table above, Tierney has been absent for at least 16 games in seven of the last nine seasons of his career for Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and Celtic combined.

This means that there may also be a degree of concern over the move, as his injury history suggests that the defender may not be a consistent performer, due to a lack of availability, for Rodgers.

With this in mind, Celtic could land an even more exciting signing than Tierney by swooping for Blackburn Rovers attacker Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer, having been linked with an interest in the English forward.

Why Dolan would be more exciting than Tierney for Celtic

Whilst the Championship winger would not arrive at Parkhead with the same emotional connection with the supporters that Tierney has, Dolan could be a more exciting signing for Rodgers and the Hoops for footballing reasons.

Transfer Focus

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

Firstly, at the age of 23, the English star would be more of a long-term signing for the Hoops because he is four years younger than the Scottish dynamo. This means that he could be a part of Rodgers’ team for many, many, more years to come, making him an exciting signing for the future, as well as the present.

Dolan would also arrive as a durable and dependable performer from a physical perspective, as he has not had any notable injuries that have kept him out for significant periods, unlike Tierney.

This suggests that the Blackburn star, described as “absolutely terrific” by journalist Elliott Jackson, would be far more likely to be available week-in-week-out during the season, which is backed up by his statistics for the English side in the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

44

Touches per game

38.1

Goals

7

Conversion rate

14%

Big chances created

7

Key passes

44

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, Dolan featured in 44 of their 46 league matches in the Championship, and contributed with 14 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined.

Whilst that return in front of goal may not be hugely exciting on paper, it is worth taking into account that Blackburn averaged 49.1% possession per game and only racked up 51.7 xG in 46 matches, the 16th lowest amount in the division.

This means that Dolan has not been playing in a dominant, successful, and attacking side with Blackburn, which is why his personal numbers are not particularly amazing.

Now, the thought of a player who can score seven goals and create seven ‘big chances’ in a defensive Blackburn team playing in a dominant, front-footed, Rodgers-coached Celtic side is an exciting thought, as he would have far more opportunities to showcase his ability at the top end of the pitch.

This is another reason why the 23-year-old star could be an even more exciting signing than Tierney for Celtic, because of the untapped potential that the Northern Irish boss could get out of the winger.

Dolan would arrive as a young talent with huge potential and an encouraging injury record, rather than an experienced head with a concerning availability record, and it is now down to the club to strike a deal for his services.

Worse than Scales: Rodgers must axe Celtic flop for the cup final

Rodgers must drop this Celtic flop who was even worse than Liam Scales.

ByDan Emery May 17, 2025

It’s hard to pinpoint just why this season has gone as horribly as it has for Tottenham Hotspur.

Injuries have undoubtedly played a large part, but even when the team has been close to full strength, they’ve found ways to drop points.

While it feels increasingly likely that Ange Postecoglou will be replaced in the summer, it feels just as crucial that Daniel Levy and Co bring in some genuinely talented players to help whoever the next manager is to take the team back up the Premier League table.

Fortunately, the last few weeks have seen the North Londoners linked with a whole host of extraordinary goalscorers from across Europe, including one who is just four goals behind Harry Kane and could, therefore, be a significant upgrade on Dominic Solanke.

Spurs' striker search

Before we get to the goalscorer in question, it’s worth reviewing a couple of the other strikers linked with Spurs in recent weeks, like Jonathan David and Liam Dealp.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been in incredible form this season, racking up a tally of 25 goals and 12 assists in 48 games, and will be available for free thanks to his contract expiring in June.

However, since being linked to the Lilywhites, it would appear that Serie A giants Napoli have stormed ahead in their pursuit of the Canadian and are now in talks with him.

Delap, on the other hand, appears not to be in talks with any other teams at the moment, meaning the North Londoners might still be able to get him for around £30m, which could be a steal considering he’s scored 12 goals and provided two assists in just 35 league games this year.

However, perhaps the most gettable, and arguably most interesting, forward Spurs have been linked to in recent weeks is Daizen Maeda.

Reports from earlier this month claimed that the Lilywhites are interested in the Celtic star, who could be available for just £25m.

Now, he might not be the biggest name around, but the Hoops’ Japanese superstar has been in sublime form this season and could very well be an upgrade on Solanke.

Why Maeda would be an excellent signing

So, the first thing to clear up is that while Maeda does tend to play out wide more often than not, he’s no stranger to playing straight down the middle, having done so on ten occasions this season alone.

Therefore, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Spurs opt to play him there, which would, thus, put him up against Solanke for game time, but who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes down to the most important metric of all for a centre-forward, raw output, it’s the Celtic star who comes out on top, and by quite a significant margin at that.

For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 3891 minutes, the Osaka-born “machine,” as dubbed by previous coaches, has scored 33 goals – just four off Kane’s tally – and provided 12 assists.

In other words, the free-scoring dynamo is averaging a goal involvement every 1.08 games or, even more impressively, every 86.46 minutes.

Appearances

49

42

Minutes

3891′

3221′

Goals

33

15

Assists

12

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.91

0.54

Minutes per Goal Involvement

86.46′

140.04′

In contrast, the North Londoners’ record signing has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3221 minutes.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.82 games, or every 140.04 minutes.

Now, it has to be said that the former Bournemouth star is playing in a far tougher league, but the difference is so stark that it at least suggests that the Japanese international is worth signing to see what he could do in a top-five league.

Ultimately, while Maeda isn’t the biggest name around, his output this season has been nothing short of spectacular, and for the price that was reported earlier this month, he’s certainly worth a gamble, as he could prove to be a massive upgrade on Solanke.

As well as Davies: 3/10 Spurs dud must be axed for the Europa League final

This Tottenham Hotspur player should be dropped for the Europa League final as well as Ben Davies.

ByDan Emery May 12, 2025

Middlesbrough missed out on a Championship playoff place this campaign, but could now raid rival top six chasers Blackburn Rovers for one of their star assets if reports are to be believed.

Championship playoff battle ends in despair for Boro and Blackburn

The race for a shot at Premier League promotion is now over in terms of the regular season, and supporters of concerned clubs will now look forward to a heated battle to claim a place in the top-flight. Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City and Bristol City secured a chance to reach the big time and the glamour that comes with it. However, for every success story, there are always hard-luck tales to offer some balance.

Michael Carrick will be feeling a sense of frustration after Middlesbrough missed out by a four-point margin following a run of one victory in their final six fixtures. Ultimately, the club’s decision to cash in on Emmanuel Latte Lath in January may have come back to bite officials at the Riverside Stadium.

The Ivorian striker scored 11 times before moving to Atlanta United, leaving a shortage of goals present in Carrick’s line-up barring Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway.

Middlesbrough’s unfateful run of results during Championship run-in

Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds United

Millwall 1-0 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 0-0 Norwich City

Coventry City 2-0 Middlesbrough

Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could be an early arrival at Middlesbrough on a free transfer to add an offensive threat from midfield, and the Wales international is likely to be one of a number of targets under Boro’s watch over the coming weeks.

In similar fashion, Carrick’s men are now said to have another bargain deal up their sleeve that may come at the expense of rivals Blackburn.

Middlesbrough in pole position to sign Tyrhys Dolan

According to EFL Analysis, Middlesbrough could sign Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer from Blackburn, and they are leading the race for his signature as his contract veers closer to expiring at Ewood Park.

Set to become available as a free agent, talks have taken place between his camp and Boro representatives. It has been made clear that he is primed to seek a new challenge away from the Lancashire outfit.

Carrick loves him: Middlesbrough keen to seal deal for "fantastic" PL ace

He’s been in solid form as of late.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 26, 2025

Labelled “outstanding” by John Eustace, Dolan has registered seven goals and six assists across 47 appearances in all competitions this season, playing a major role in Rovers’ own close shave with earning a playoff place. Despite competition from a number of sides, Boro are at the front of the queue and are taking a proactive approach to atone for missing out on a shot at promotion to the top-flight.

Completing an average of 1.3 dribbles per match on Championship duty, Dolan has emerged as a rising talent and reportedly fits the bill as Middlesbrough seek depth to put the building blocks in place for a better season next time out.

Crossing paths to join another club in the same league may sour relations with his current employers, but it would also be a mark of Carrick’s ambition heading into pre-season.

Manchester United have, to put it simply, not been good enough in the Premier League this season, under the management of Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils are currently 14th in the table and level on points with Wolverhampton Wanderers, who beat them 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, despite Vitor Pereira’s side having battled relegation for most of the campaign.

United are miles off the European places, 20 points behind Manchester City in fourth, and will not be competing in Europe unless they win the Europa League.

Amorim’s side saw off Lyon in extra-time in dramatic fashion to secure a place in the semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao, with plenty of work left to be done to salvage the club’s season.

Those behind the scenes will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window and how they can make moves to improve the squad going into next season.

One of the players who has already been linked with a move to Old Trafford played against the Reds on Sunday, as Matheus Cunha caught the eye for Wolves.

Why Manchester United want to sign Matheus Cunha

It was reported earlier this month that Manchester United are already in talks to sign the Brazil international to bolster their squad in the summer window.

Cunha started as one of the two attacking midfielders behind Jorgen Strand Larsen on Sunday, and ended the match with three of four dribbles completed, one chance created, and a 91% pass completion rate.

Being secure on the ball and completing a few dribbles is not why Manchester United may want to sign the attacker, however, as they are more likely to be interested in his ability to score and create goals.

The former Atletico Madrid forward has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 25 starts in the Premier League so far this term, which means that he could end the campaign with 20 or more goal contributions in the division.

xG

7.30

9.43 (Bruno Fernandes)

Goals

14

8 (Bruno Fernandes)

Big chances created

12

13 (Bruno Fernandes)

Assists

4

9 (Bruno Fernandes)

Key passes per game

1.7

2.4 (Bruno Fernandes)

Dribbles completed per game

2.0

1.6 (Amad Diallo)

As you can see in the table above, Cunha has outscored every player in the United squad by at least six goals and has been compared to Bruno Fernandes, in terms of ‘big chances’ created, as a creative force.

These statistics suggest that the Brazilian dynamo is a player who has the quality to be an excellent addition to the squad, which may be why the club are keen to sign him.

However, former United scout Mick Brown recently claimed that Arsenal, another team interested in Cunha, “will have questions about his attitude now” after he hit out at Wolves supporters on social media, along with his six matches missed through suspension.

Manchester United hopeful of deal for Premier League star

The Red Devils could avoid those concerns about the Wolves star by swooping for their own version of him this summer, which is what they could do with the latest reported target.

According to The Sun, Amorim wants to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace to bolster his attacking midfield options, and is hopeful of winning the race for his services.

The report claims that Manchester United have identified the England international as a key target for the summer transfer window, as they believe that he can bring the ‘class’ that they currently lack on the pitch.

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It adds, however, that they are not the only club interested in landing the former QPR star. Aston Villa would also be in the running to snap him up if they decide against signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal.

The Sun reveals that Palace are bracing themselves for offers of around £50m this summer, and United must stump up the cash to land the Eagles star to come in as their own version of Cunha.

Why Eze would be Man Utd's own Cunha

The 26-year-old maestro, who was dubbed “frightening” by Joel Ward, could be an excellent addition to the club’s midfield ranks without bringing any potential disciplinary problems along with him, as Eze has not been shown a single red card in 296 career club matches to date.

Purely from a footballing perspective, though, Cunha is one of the most similar players to Eze in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues, as per FBref, over the past 365 days of action.

As you can see in the chart above, both players rank very similarly in several statistics during that time, particularly when it comes to creating chances and progressing the ball into the penalty area via passes and carries.

This shows that they are both attacking midfielders who are constantly looking to probe and create for their respective teams, which could provide Amorim’s side with a boost at the top end of the pitch.

Eze has only scored three goals from 7.90 xG in the Premier League this season, but his form in the previous two campaigns – particularly 2023/24 – suggests that it should not be a huge concern for United.

Appearances

38

27

29

xG

7.32

9.12

7.90

Goals

10

11

3

Big chances created

6

7

9

Key passes per game

1.5

2.0

1.8

Assists

4

4

8

As you can see in the table above, the Palace star is a proven Premier League performer who has delivered quality in front of goal as a scorer in two of the last three seasons, whilst delivering consistent quality as a creative force in all three of those campaigns.

Eze, who was called a “wizard” by England teammate Declan Rice, has the potential to provide goals and assists as an attacking midfielder in the top-flight if he can get back to his best in front of goal.

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This is why the Red Devils should push to get a deal over the line for the Eagles superstar this summer, because he could be their own version of Cunha, without the disciplinary question marks.

Sheffield United are believed to be interested in signing a “very good” attacking player in the summer transfer window, along with Championship rivals Leeds United.

Sheffield United suffer 3 Championship defeats in a row

The Blades suffered yet another damaging result on Saturday lunchtime, losing 2-1 away to struggling Plymouth Argyle, despite taking the lead in the first half.

It means Chris Wilder’s United side have now lost their last three matches in the league, going from top of the table to third place, now trailing both Leeds and Burnley by five points after their respective victories on Saturday.

The Blades’ defeat led to angry scenes at the end, with Wilder involved in heated discussions with Plymouth players after the hosts’ players celebrated in front of the travelling supporters.

While the manager has played down the post-match drama, it was arguably a sign of the pressure getting to him and his players, and they now have a huge amount of work to do if they want to get into the Premier League without the stress of the playoffs.

Sheffield United battling Leeds for "very good" ace

According to journalist Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Sheffield United are eyeing a move for Go Ahead Eagles winger Oliver Antman ahead of the summer window.

Leeds are also in the mix to snap up the 23-year-old ahead of next season, with Leicester City, Southampton and Sheffield United all mentioned as suitors to acquire his signature, too.

Aside from the entertaining, superhero-like surname, Antman is an excellent young player who could thrive for the Blades, although much may depend on their potential promotion to the top flight.

The 20-cap and sevel-goal Finland international has bags of quality in wide attacking areas, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as “very good”:

This season, Antman has a highly impressive 14 assists in just 24 starts in the Eredivisie, outlining the creativity he possesses, and he has also scored six goals in the competition for good measure.

While at his most dangerous on the right flank, his versatility also allows him to do a strong job on the left wing, with such versatility likely to appeal to Wilder.

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As mentioned, though, if the Blades fail to reach the Premier League and Leeds, they could face an uphill battle to secure his services ahead of next season, making the next few weeks crucial.

Everton responded well at the weekend, clawing back to draw against Arsenal after losing the Merseyside derby at Anfield, a result which ended David Moyes’ nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Things have changed at Goodison Park, which is preparing for its emotional swansong not in the throes of a relegation battle but instead playing with a freedom that has come from Moyes’ return to the dugout and the consequent tactical and mental improvements.

However, Everton’s owners, The Friedkin Group, know that a range of signings are needed this summer, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and loanee Armando Broja both set to leave in a few months, bagging a striker has got to be the first port of call.

Everton join race for coveted striker

It’s an ambitious one, but TEAMtalk have revealed that Everton have joined the race for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with neighbours Liverpool also keen, along with many more top-flight sides.

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Indeed, both the Toffees – and Brighton and Hove Albion – are said to have gathered ‘updated information’ on the youngster in recent days, with the two clubs keeping ‘close tabs’ on his situation.

Delap has been one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season despite his team’s woes. That plays into the forward’s suitors’ favour, though, for his £40m release clause activates upon the Tractor Boys’ relegation.

And Ipswich will be relegated. Valiant fight, but the gulf in quality between England’s top two tiers continues to yawn wider, and now a team like Everton could strengthen further at their rival’s expense by stocking up with a young striker, 22, who’s demonstrated his high-ceilinged potential superbly this year.

Why Everton want Liam Delap

Tussling with such high-profile competition, you’d be forgiven for taking the news that Everton are interested in Delap with a pinch of salt.

Ipswich have played well in the Premier League this season, competitive after back-to-back promotions, but it has proved a step too far for Kieran McKenna’s men, whose defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday has stretched the gap from safety to 12 points.

Delap, of course, got his name on the scoresheet in that 2-1 loss, and it was a fine goal at that. The 6 foot 1 striker is powerful and athletic, ranking among the top 17% of positional peers across Europe over the past year for progressive carries and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Is it any surprise that the Manchester City youth product has been described as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones? These talents highlight exactly why the Toffees should make a concerted push for his signature, especially since FBref have suggested that Moise Kean is among his most tactically similar players.

Kean flopped hard during his stint on Merseyside but has built himself back up in Italy, thriving for Fiorentina. He’s scored 22 goals and provided five assists for La Viola this season, also hailed for his “remarkable” hold-up play by Serie A reporter Marco Messina.

Matches (starts)

28 (27)

30 (29)

Goals

17

12

Assists

3

2

Shots (on target)*

3.1 (1.4)

2.0 (1.0)

Big chances missed

14

10

Pass completion

72%

62%

Big chances created

4

3

Dribbles*

1.4

1.2

Duels won*

4.8

4.7

Above, you can see Kean and Delap’s statistics across respective league campaigns this year. Both rank similarly across clinical, ball-carrying and duelling metrics.

It’s also important to note that Delap is competing within the Premier League, an ostensibly tougher division, for imperilled Ipswich, whereas Kean’s Fiorentina are eighth, fighting for European qualification.

Delap boasts a profile that seems perfect for Moyes’ dynamic but gritty system, and if TFG manage to pull this off, it might just go down as one of the biggest coups in Everton’s modern history.

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