All posts by h79snht.top

Bancroft's case for Test recall could prove hard to ignore

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

The opener’s prolific season has put him firmly in the race for a place in the Ashes squad

Tristan Lavalette27-Mar-2023

Cameron Bancroft capped off a superb season•Getty Images

Prolific opener Cameron Bancroft, quite fittingly, hit the winning runs to secure Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield title to cap a dominant season which has him poised for selection in Australia’s upcoming Ashes tour.Bancroft made a typically composed 39 not out and combined with teenager Teague Wyllie to ensure WA had no wobbles passing the lowly 91-run target in a nine-wicket victory over Victoria at the WACA.”A little bit nerve-racking, was more than happy for Teague to have a dip [at the winning runs],”grinned Bancroft after the final. “Pretty special moment, something I will remember forever.”Related

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The 30-year-old Bancroft finished as the Shield’s leading scorer with 945 runs at an average of 59 with four centuries. He scored 289 more runs than second-placed South Australia batter Daniel Drew and faced 664 balls more than him.Those feats were even more meritorious considering the plethora of bowler-friendly wickets during this Shield season, particularly at the WACA.”Cameron’s been building to a season like this for a little while now,” WA coach Adam Voges said. “Technically, I think he’s in a much better space than he has been previously.”Bancroft played 10 Tests sandwiched between a lengthy ban for his part in the infamous ball-tampering scandal, with the last being during the 2019 Ashes in the UK. The saga seemed to take its toll with Bancroft’s career in limbo having been dropped from Western Australia’s Shield team a couple of years ago.But he’s slowly resurrected his career with a more formidable Bancroft now at the crease. He still has the innate ability to grind down bowlers but notably added attacking flair and bats at a better tempo, as Bancroft showcased during Perth Scorchers’ BBL title run having started the season on the outer.”He’s always had those really remarkable powers of concentration and ability to bat for long periods of time and now that he’s technically in a better place, I think that just allows him to be able to draw on that strength,” Voges said.Some of Bancroft’s improvement can be credited to private coaching from Justin Langer, his childhood hero and former coach. “Justin was absolutely brilliant…just talking about my mindset,” said Bancroft, who played in all three titles this season.”There was a couple of cues that worked for him as a player…that I can relate to. His guidance and his experience and his knowledge that he has shared with me this season has been really invaluable.”There won’t be much time to bask in WA’s latest triumph with Bancroft heading to the UK on a short county stint which was confirmed with Somerset on Monday where he will play four matches. It looms as another step towards selection in Australia’s Ashes squad magnified by uncertainty over veteran David Warner’s future.”The focus shifts pretty quick from this onto that [county cricket],” Bancroft said. “The dreams and aspirations of playing higher are always there, and I’m sure they are for all cricketers but I just tried to finish this season off really well and then move on to the next lot of cricket I’m playing.”With Bancroft having resuscitated his game, those who have watched him deflate bowlers all season believe he’s primed to relaunch his Test career.”I think he deserves a spot on the plane to go to England in the winter,” Voges said. “I think you’re always more ready the second time around. He’ll learn from the experiences and he’ll certainly be much better for it.”

Glenn Phillips and Abdul Samad pull off stunning heist for Sunrisers Hyderabad

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Abdul Samad put a last-ball free hit in the stands to seal the deal, reducing a fantastic Buttler-Samson stand to a footnote

Vishal Dikshit07-May-20232:22

Moody: Phillips an instinctive player, needs little time to make impact

Just when Rajasthan Royals thought they had collected two points by defending 214 and had started to celebrate, their last-ball wicket transformed into a no-ball from Sandeep Sharma (called belatedly by the third umpire), and Abdul Samad smoked a straight six off the free hit to get Sunrisers Hyderabad the four more runs they needed, sparking wild celebrations in the orange camp while the players and home fans in pink were left stunned.Royals were well ahead of Sunrisers almost throughout the chase, with the asking rate rising and wickets falling regularly towards the end. Sunrisers, however, kept fighting back with big hits. The biggest turnaround came when they needed 41 from 12 and Glenn Phillips, in for Harry Brook, blasted three sixes and a four to reduce it to 19 off eight. The chase turned again when he fell on the next ball, and they needed 17 to win from the last over with Samad on strike.Samad was nearly caught twice in two balls, first dropped by Obed McCoy at short third resulting in two runs and then hitting a six just over Joe Root’s fingertips at long-on. Sandeep’s near-yorkers conceded just four off the next three and with five to win off the last ball, Samad found long-on while attempting another straight six, and Sandeep lifted his finger in celebration. But those smiles soon disappeared because Sandeep had overstepped and when he re-bowled the last ball – another attempted yorker, the length off by a few inches – Samad completed Sunrisers’ heist with a successful straight six right over the bowler’s head.Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler put on a rollicking 138-run stand•BCCI

Royals will rue the two dropped catches and a run-out chance in between which meant Jos Buttler’s scintillating return to form with a 95 off 59 and Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 66 off 38 went in vain. Despite their third loss in a row and fifth loss in six games, Royals are still in fourth position on the table, but RCB, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings are level with them on 10 points and all have a game in hand. Sunrisers lifted themselves off the bottom and pushed Delhi Capitals back to the last spot.Brisk but not the quickest start for SRHAfter dropping Mayank Agarwal and Brook, Sunrisers were off to a brisk start with quick knocks from their top three. Anmolpreet Singh opened with the in-form Abhishek Sharma and started finding the boundaries, especially against the experienced Sandeep and R Ashwin. Abhishek joined in as well and with three fours off Sandeep in the fifth over, Sunrisers looked set for a strong powerplay finish except that Yuzvendra Chahal had Anmolpreet caught off a sweep for 33 and the visitors were a middling 52 for 1 after the powerplay.SRH (seemingly) leave too much too lateSoon after the powerplay ended, the asking rate shot up over 12 but Rahul Tripathi and Abhishek started with the big hits only when they needed 142 from 11 overs. Tripathi started with a six off M Ashwin and Abhishek collected sixes off both Ashwins before edging to short third for 55 when attempting another big shot.With Heinrich Klaasen promoted to No. 4 and the equation at 98 off 42, Samson gave M Ashwin a third over despite his first two going for 23 and despite having other bowling options around, and he leaked another 19 which kept Sunrisers in the game.Yuzvendra Chahal strikes before Glenn Phillips takes charge Samson turned to Yuzvendra Chahal, who was taken for a six and a four in the first four balls of his spell before fighting back with wicket of Klaasen for 26 off 12. With 57 to get from 24, Tripathi got a life when Samson dropped him down the leg side off McCoy and he cashed in with a six off the next ball. In his last over, when SRH needed 44 off 18, Chahal landed the big blows when Tripathi found deep midwicket right on the boundary and Markram missed a reverse sweep to be given lbw. Finishing with 4 for 29 after a three-run 18th over, Chahal also went level with Dwayne Bravo for the most IPL wickets and had almost done the job for Royals.The steep equation of 41 from 12 – and having not batted in a match situation for more than a month – didn’t make any difference to Phillips. He belted out three sixes at the start of the 19th when Kuldip Yadav missed his yorkers, and edged one for four before another twist came in the form of Phillips’ wicket when Shimron Hetmyer completed an excellent catch running towards the boundary on the leg side.With Sunrisers needing 17 from the last over, Samad kept going after the straight boundaries and eventually left Royals bewildered.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Another quick start from Yashasvi JaiswalHaving opted to bat, Royals saw Yashasvi Jaiswal continue his imperious form with a combination of intent and luck. He struck the first ball just over mid-on for four and on the fourth ball he could have been caught at fine leg, but debutant Vivrant Sharma misjudged the catch to concede another four. While Buttler was still searching for rhythm, Jaiswal hit Marco Jansen and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for sixes before collecting back-to-back fours off Jansen in the fifth over.Jaiswal fell for 35 off 18 when his attempt to clear short third off Jansen’s short ball resulted in an easy catch because of the extra bounce.Jos Buttler flicks the switch onButtler was on 20 off 20 at the end of the eighth, but Samson came in and started finding boundaries straightaway. The ninth over, by Mayank Markande, lifted Royals’ scoring rate further and that’s when Buttler got going too. After seeing Samson strike back-to-back sixes, Buttler ended the over with a pulled six to take the over for 21 overall.He brought out straight pulls and flourishing drives off the spinners to bring up a 32-ball fifty and keep the run rate comfortably over 10. Markande came back only to be hit for three more sixes, and Buttler jumped from 78 to 91 with three fours in the cover region, off Bhuvneshwar, in the 17th over.T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar rein in Royals at the endDespite the barrage of boundaries, T Natarajan and Bhuvneshwar bowled the 18th and 19th overs – peppered with yorkers – for just 12 runs, even as Samson reached his fifty off 33 balls. Their accuracy also accounted for Buttler when he walked across and Bhuvneshwar’s searing yorker trapped him lbw in front.Expecting more yorkers in the last over, Samson ramped and steered two fours, with a straight six in between, in a 17-run over to finish. It would not be enough for Royals in the end.

Tom Haine 91, Tom Alsop 67* as Sussex battle back into ascendency

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Home side recover from afternoon to collapse to lead by 197 with four wickets standing

ECB Reporters Network13-Jun-2023

Tom Haines drives on his way to 91•Getty Images

Tom Haines made 91 and there were half-centuries for skipper Tom Alsop, Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Jack Carson as Sussex recovered from a mini-collapse to head into the final day against Worcestershire at Hove with a lead of 297 and four second-innings wickets in hand.Haines and Tom Clark knocked off their first-innings deficit of 62 in a confident opening stand of 143 that appeared to be putting their side in a strong position. But 45 minutes after lunch suddenly there was some assistance in the 1st Central County Ground pitch for Worcestershire’s seamers.Haines and Clark departed to successive balls and both James Coles and Ollie Carter fell cheaply as four wickets went down in 27 deliveries for just four runs. When Dan Ibrahim was fifth out for a skittish but in the circumstances vital run-a-ball 28, Sussex were only in front by 116.But the obdurate Alsop and Hudson-Prentice tilted the balance back in their favour during a stand of 82 in 23 overs either side of tea. Hudson-Prentice fell to Pakistan legspinner Usama Mir for 54 but Alsop was joined by Carson in another productive alliance so far worth 99 with Sussex closing on 359 for 6.At the start of the day Worcestershire opener Jake Libby had been dismissed off the fourth ball without adding to his overnight 198. Libby turned down a single to protect last man Ben Gibbon only to edge the next delivery low to Clark at second slip and give Ari Karvelas, who finished with 4 for 54, his fourth wicket with the second new ball. Worcestershire had lost their last seven for 44 in 12.2 overs.The momentum seemed to be back with Sussex, especially when Clark and Haines rattled along at more than five an over before lunch. Haines needed just 48 balls to complete his fifty, swatting away anything loose in his strong scoring areas on the leg side for the majority of his ten fours. Clark was more circumspect and nearly ran out his partner when going through for the single to get to his half-century.Sussex were making serene progress but after lunch Worcestershire’s seamers tightened their lines and the tide briefly turned. Haines will be disappointed with his dismissal to an indeterminate poke outside off stump to a channel ball which he guided to second slip, having hit 18 boundaries.Matthew Waite picked up Clark with the next delivery off a very faint edge to wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick before Adam Finch dropped short and Brett D’Oliveira made good ground from mid-on to take a fine catch off Coles’ top-edged pull.In his next over Finch pinned Carter with late inswing and although Ibrahim was dropped at slip by Adam Hose on 19 it didn’t prove expensive. Waite had him leg before a few balls later and Worcestershire were on top.But that was to be their last success for a while as Alsop and Hudson-Prentice rebuilt. Alsop was happy to drop anchor while Hudson-Prentice attacked at the other end. He hit nine fours in his half-century and it was a surprise when he tried to cut a ball from Mir he could have left alone and underedged to the keeper.Worcestershire took the second new ball when it became available but by then Carson had joined his captain in another crucial partnership. It had swelled further by stumps with Carson reaching his fifty with a six off Mir and Alsop, who has batted four hours for his 67, playing an important role to set up what could be an enthralling final day when all results are possible.

IPL and Hawk-Eye join hands to end debate over above-waist no-balls

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Hawk-Eye has in its database the toe-to-waist measurement of all IPL batters, and the height of the ball is matched to that for each review

Nagraj Gollapudi27-Mar-2024

The third umpire has no role during the review, with measurements worked out by an automated system•BCCI

To remove the subjective element involved in adjudicating above-waist no-balls, the IPL, in coordination with Hawk-Eye, has introduced technology to measure the height of the ball as it passes the batter at the popping crease. That is then matched against the toe-to-waist height of the batter when in an upright position – recorded in advance. If the height of the ball is higher than where the batter’s waist is recorded to be, then it is declared a no-ball. Otherwise it’s a fair delivery.On Wednesday, Mumbai Indians fast bowler Gerald Coetzee became the first to fall foul of this new system when his first delivery of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad – the sixth of the innings – to Abhishek Sharma was deemed a no-ball.While the on-field umpire immediately signalled it, the Mumbai Indians players, including captain Hardik Pandya and his predecessor Rohit Sharma, asked why it was not called a wide when the ball was nearly outside the mark.Related

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Coetzee had delivered a high full-toss that was also way outside off stump. It was measured at 1.44 metres, 0.42 centimetres above Abhishek’s waist height of 1.02 metres. Both readings were showed on the left panel of the TV screen after Hardik reviewed the no-ball call. The no-ball call was upheld.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Hawk-Eye has measured the waist height for every player this IPL, a piece of information that is available in their database. The third umpire has no role to play during the review, with measurements being worked out by an automated system installed by Hawk-Eye. It has also been learned that Hawk-Eye had been conducting trials for the past two years, and gave a presentation to the IPL with their improved graphics after the 2023 season.The new system is expected to put an end to controversial decisions involved in adjudicating waist-high no-balls, like in previous IPL editions.One such decision was taken by the third umpire in the 2023 IPL, which took place in Hyderabad, incidentally, in SRH’s match against Lucknow Super Giants.In the penultimate over of the SRH innings, Avesh Khan, who was then with LSG, delivered what looked to the naked eye like an above-waist full toss to Abdul Samad.The on-field decision was a no-ball. However, the third umpire deliberated for long as he studied the ball-tracking technology, and overturned the on-field call. The third umpire took into consideration the fact that Samad was crouching a bit when the ball passed him at the popping crease, and that at full height, the ball would have been below his waist.

Sussex thwarted by bad light as Northants cling on for draw

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Ollie Robinson takes 400th first-class wicket with reverse-swinging yorker but can’t force win

ECB Reporters Network08-Apr-2024

Sussex couldn’t force a victory on the final day•Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Bad light and determined resistance by Lewis McManus frustrated Sussex’s bid to pull off an unlikely victory over Northamptonshire on a gripping final day at Hove.McManus batted for an hour as four partners came and went and Northants lurched to 170 for 9 before umpires Paul Baldwin and Surendiran Shanmugam decided it was too gloomy even for spin with Northants ahead by 63.The loss of more than 100 overs eventually proved decisive but Sussex will have drawn a lot of encouragement after making most of the running, especially on the last two days. They took 15 points and Northants 13.Having established a first-innings lead of 107, they reduced Northants to 57 for 4. Skipper Luke Procter (41) settled the nerves before left-arm spinner James Coles revived Sussex hopes with three of the four wickets that fell in 7.1 overs after tea that left them 152 for 8.McManus and Ben Sanderson resisted for eight overs until the light improved sufficiently to enable Sussex skipper John Simpson to bring back his quicks Jayden Seales and Ollie Robinson for two overs each.Robinson responded with an unplayable yorker to uproot Sanderson’s middle stump, a fitting way to celebrate his 400th first-class wicket. Spinners Coles and Jack Carson returned but the light didn’t improve and the players shook hands shortly after 6pm.

Sussex had declared their first innings on 478 for 9 after adding 127 in 20 overs to collect maximum batting points. Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Danny Lamb extended their seventh wicket stand to 99 from just 14.1 overs with Lamb contributing 41 before Chris Tremain held an excellent low catch at midwicket off Sanderson.Hudson-Prentice, who made nine Championship fifties last season, demonstrated his effectiveness again with 73 from 60 balls and it took a clever piece of bowling by Tremain to remove him when he held one back and Hudson-Prentice drove to long-on.Even the normally frugal Sanderson suffered when Carson hit him for three sixes in a lively 61 from 53 balls. Aiming to clear midwicket again he was bowled to give left-arm spinner Zaib his fourth wicket.Related

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Robinson and Seales plundered 30 runs from ten balls before the declaration left Northants with four overs before lunch which they couldn’t negotiate unscathed as Seales produced a lovely away-swinger which Justin Broad edged to third slip.Sussex gained further encouragement with three wickets in ten overs after lunch. Emilio Gay (20) lost his off stump to give Seales his sixth wicket of the match and Karun Nair edged Robinson to third slip with Coles taking a superb catch low to his left.George Bartlett drove offspinner Carson onto the roof of the South Stand only to perish two balls later before a stand of 73 between Procter and Rob Keogh steered Northants into calmer waters, for a while at least.Coles added to his three first-innings wickets with three more after tea. Zaib was well caught at slip trying to guide the ball to third man; Keogh was lbw to a quicker ball for a well-made 55; and Michael Finan taken at second slip on the drive. Carson sparked the collapse when he went round the wicket to have Procter leg before as he aimed through midwicket.Robinson finished with 2 for 19 from ten overs in three spells and bowled at a good pace throughout. He will have been pleased to get through 32 overs in what was only his second first-class match since July 2023.

Spurs wasted £62m on Poch flop who earned more than Spence & Van de Ven

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

It would probably be fair to say that the last period of sustained positivity at Tottenham Hotspur came under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine spent just over five years in the Lilywhites’ dugout, during which he turned them into one of the best teams in the country and led them to their first Champions League final.

However, while the former boss got plenty right during his time at the club, he also made his fair share of mistakes, especially in the transfer market.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.

He may have been responsible for some brilliant signings like Son Heung-min, Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli, but he was also responsible for some howlers, including one flop who cost the club a fortune and earned more than Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence.

Pochettino's worst signings

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of Pochettino’s other dismal signings from his time in the Spurs hot seat, starting with what has to be considered his worst: Tanguy Ndombele.

Tanguy Ndombele for Tottenham

The North Londoners opted to spend a then-club-record £63m on the Lyon midfielder in the summer of 2019, and while it is easy to lambast the deal now, there was a lot of excitement at the time, with the Guardian’s David Hytner even comparing the Frenchman to Mousa Dembélé.

Unfortunately, that comparison never came close to being justified.

Ndombele’s Spurs career

Appearances

91

Goals

10

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.20

Loan Moves

3

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Over the next five years, the former Lyon ace would make just 91 first-team appearances, in which he scored ten goals and provided nine assists, before eventually seeing his contract terminated last summer, after costing the North Londoners around £104m in wages and fees.

A far cheaper, but still disappointing, signing was that of Vincent Janssen, who joined the club in the summer of 2016 for around £19m from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Tottenham flop Vincent Janssen.

Now, while the Dutchman still cost the club a significant amount of money, he falls into the category of ‘most disappointing’ signings under Pochettino because of the expectations of what he’d do and the reality of what he managed.

For example, in the season before his move, the Heesch-born marksman won the Eredivisie Golden Boot and amassed a sensational haul of 31 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

However, in his one and only full season in North London, he could only muster up a tally of six goals and four assists in 38 games, and after a loan to Fenerbahçe for the 17/18 season, he was sold to Mexican outfit Monterrey a year after that for just £6.3m.

In all, Janssen was a flop for Spurs and Poch, but he did not cost the club as much money as another signing from the Netherlands did.

The Poch flop who cost Spurs millions

In the summer of 2017, Tottenham set the record for the most expensive defender in football history when they agreed to the £50m sale of Kyle Walker to Manchester City.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast’s Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

This meant they were now light at the back and had a hefty wad of cash burning a hole in their pocket.

So, Pochettino and Daniel Levy looked to the continent and decided to sign the up-and-coming Davinson Sanchez from Ajax for a massive £42m.

In addition to breaking their transfer record to sign the then-21-year-old, the club also decided to hand him a rather lucrative £65k-per-week contract, which, if he were still earning today, would see him make more than Van de Ven and Spence, who both make £50k-per-week despite being far better players.

With that said, the Colombian international’s first season in North London wasn’t a total bust, and he ended up making 41 appearances across all competitions for the club, but as things started to go wrong for the team in the following years, he began to pick up plenty of stick.

clement-lenglet-davinson-sanchez-tottenham-opinion

For example, in his final season in North London, the team conceded a whopping 63 goals in the Premier League alone, and he was labelled “deadwood” and “one of the worst players I’ve ever seen” by pundit and former professional Jamie O’Hara.

In all, the Caloto-born defender made 207 appearances for the club, in which he scored five goals and provided one assist before being sold to Galatasaray in Septbember 2023.

The finances of Davinson Sánchez’s Tottenham Deal

Transfer Fee

£42m

Wages (Total)

£65k (£20.4m)

Appearances

207

Cost per Appearance

£301k

Goals

5

Cost per Goal

£12.4m

Assists

1

Cost per Assist

£62.4m

Goal Involvements

6

Cost per Goal Involvement

£10.4m

All Stats via Transfermarkt & All Wages via Capology

So, when you add his transfer fee to his overall salary at Spurs, which would have been about £20.4m, the former Ajax star cost the Lilywhites about £62.4m, which breaks down to £301k-per-appaearance, £12.4m-per-goal, £62.4m-per-assist or £10.4m-per-goal-involvement.

Ultimately, while Sanchez wasn’t Pochettino’s worst signing at Spurs, he wasn’t far off, and the fact Van de Ven and Spence currently earn less than he did is an indication that the club have learned from their mistakes.

Spurs' award-winning CF was ahead of Kane, then Poch sold him for £208k

The promising forward wasn’t able to reach his potential at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 28, 2025

Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd prepare bid for "frightening" £60m star

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Manchester United will, unsurprisingly, be focused on potential incomings this summer, albeit with manager Ruben Amorim having already confirmed that the club will need to sell to buy, amid their concerning financial situation.

Talk has already been rife in recent months regarding the futures of both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – following January interest from rivals Chelsea – while there have also been suggestions that LaLiga giants, Real Madrid, are plotting a £90m offer for Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese playmaker – who revealed he turned down an “offer” to leave last summer – has warranted those admiring glances following what’s been another fine campaign on an individual basis, with the United skipper leading the way at Old Trafford for both goals and assists in 2024/25 to date.

Bruno Fernandes

Those rumours have, however, subsequently been put to bed by Amorim, with the 40-year-old outling that his compatriot is “not going anywhere”, particularly with his current deal not set to expire until 2027, plus the option of a further 12 months.

In truth, the Red Devils simply can’t afford to be without their captain and their talisman, with the former Sporting CP hero representing a real outlier with regard to the club’s recruitment over the last decade.

While there have been promising signs from recent arrivals such as Noussair Mazraoui, not since Fernandes has a marquee signing truly hit the ground running in a United shirt – perhaps that could be set to change…

Latest on Man Utd's transfer interest

The arrival of Amorim and the change to a 3-4-3 has ensured that specialised targets will need to be considered this summer, albeit with CEO Omar Berrada having only recently outlined that the club will look to acquire versatile players who can play in “multiple positions”, amid the potential of a possible change in the dugout later down the line.

Erik ten Hag

While that approach may be sensible considering the Red Devils have too often been led by the manager on the transfer front – as indicated by Erik ten Hag’s raft of Eredivisie or Dutch signings above – the Old Trafford hierarchy do still need to ensure that Amorim is handed the appropriate tools to fit his preferred system.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have suggested that United are among the clubs who are interested in prizing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with the England international currently operating in Oliver Glasner’s own 3-4-3 set-up.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that INEOS are preparing to make an offer to land the 26-year-old ahead of next season, with the Eagles set to accept nothing less than his reported £60m release clause.

The former Queens Park Rangers starlet – who moved to Selhurst Park on a £20m deal in the summer of 2020 – is also reportedly the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, with United thus facing a real fight if they are to land his signature.

Ebere Eze against Manchester United

Should Berrada and co move to the front of the queue, however, landing this ready-made, proven Premier League sensation could represent the club’s best move since acquiring Fernandes back in January 2020.

Man Utd could be eyeing their best signing since Fernandes

Having been linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2019, Fernandes eventually made his way to England less than six months later, with the Red Devils forking out an initial fee of around £46m.

From a Man of the Match performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers on debut, the Portugal star simply hasn’t looked back, registering 95 goals and 82 assists in 278 games in all competitions.

What has been a particular feature of the £300k-per-week star’s game, excluding his creativity and availability, is also his willingness to slot into a variety of roles, having lined up as a deep-lying midfielder, a number ten or even on the flanks in recent years.

Those traits are no doubt shared by Eze, with the one-time Wycombe Wanderers loanee comfortable in either of the two number ten berths in Glasner’s system, as well as part of the midfield two. Equally, on international duty, the in-demand playmaker scored for the Three Lions against Latvia, having been introduced off the left flank.

Described as a “frightening” talent by teammate Joel Ward, at 26 – just a year older than Fernandes was when he moved to Old Trafford – Eze could well be entering his prime years, having stayed put in south London despite persistent speculation regarding an exit in recent times.

Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace

As previously stated, his proven quality in the Premier League should ensure he is able to slot straight into Amorim’s ranks and make an immediate impact, in a similar mould to Fernandes, having registered 58 goals and assists in 156 games for Palace to date.

In 2024/25, meanwhile, Eze boasts six goals and nine assists in all competitions, with that tally including a return of two goals and six assists in the top flight to date for Glasner’s in-form outfit.

Eze PL season in numbers

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games

25

Goals

2

Assists

6

Big chances created

9

Big chances missed

7

Key passes*

2.0

Touches*

52.4

Pass accuracy*

82%

Successful dribbles*

2.1

Possession lost*

14.5

Stats via Sofascore

Those numbers may not be too eye-catching, yet dig a little deeper, and it is easy to see the Englishman’s quality, as outlined by the fact that he ranks in the top 14% among his Premier League peers for successful take-ons, as well as in the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.

That dribbling prowess was on show in last week’s FA Cup win over Fulham as Eze weaved his way past a sea of defenders before curling home a stunning effort into the far corner, having also teed up teammate Ismaila Sarr following a delightful jinking run down the left wing.

Previously described as a “Champions League player” by BBC pundit Danny Murphy, the £100k-per-week genius is – as Fernandes was five years ago – ready to make that next step. United should welcome him in with open arms…

Lukaku 2.0: Man Utd holding talks over signing £40m "wrecking ball"

Man Utd are on the hunt for a new striker this summer…

ByRobbie Walls Apr 2, 2025

Not just Meslier: Leeds must axe "reliable" star who won't cut it in the PL

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Leeds United have the opportunity to improve the first-team squad this summer, regardless of the division they find themselves in between now and the end of the season.

The Whites remain in a solid position to claim promotion from the Championship, currently occupying second place under Daniel Farke – with the German having the chance to win his third second-tier title.

However, the last few weeks have seen the side stutter towards the finish line, winning just one of the last five matches, surrendering their lead at the top of the table.

The last clash in the league saw Farke’s men draw 2-2 with Swansea City after a 97th-minute equaliser from Zan Vipotnik secured an unlikely point for the visitors.

One player in particular failed to deliver during the clash with the Welsh outfit, leading to questions over his long-term future at Elland Road, with many unhappy with his recent showings.

Illan Meslier’s future at Leeds United

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been Farke’s number-one option between the sticks this season but has often produced a moment of madness, costing the side all three points.

He made two separate errors against the Swans at the weekend, with his penalty save forgotten after his mistakes which handed the visitors a point in Yorkshire.

The Frenchman hasn’t been a stranger to a mistake this campaign, currently having a goals prevented xG of -2.7 – massively impacting the club’s chances of getting promoted.

Regardless of what division the club find themselves in next season, Farke must part ways with the 25-year-old if the side are to reach the next level – with his mistakes ultimately too costly.

However, the goalkeeper shouldn’t be the only player to depart the club this summer, with the manager brutally needing to part ways with one player who’s not at the level required for the top flight.

The Leeds star who wouldn’t cut it in the PL

Ahead of the summer, numerous players’ contracts are set to expire, with time running out for the hierarchy to secure an extension on players whose deals are coming to an end.

Junior Firpo is just one first-team member who could depart Elland Road this summer, with the Spaniard no closer to agreeing a new contract – with teams in Spain already registering interest in his services.

Sam Bryam is another player who could leave this window, with the club needing to avoid offering him a new deal – especially if they are to achieve promotion by the end of the year.

The 31-year-old, who’s been labelled “reliable” by one analyst, is currently in his second spell with the Whites, after rejoining on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

The right-back has been a valuable squad member this campaign, making 30 appearances – but only 15 have come from a starting role, with the likes of Firpo and Jayden Bogle ahead of him.

However, the stats he’s produced are unfortunately not up to the level of a Premier League standard, with the 49ers needing higher quality players if they are to maintain their top-flight status if they secure promotion.

Sam Byram’s stats for Leeds United in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Games started

15

Pass accuracy

83%

Touches per 90

75

Tackles won

1.2

Duels won

5.3

Aerials won

2.2

Stats via FotMob

There’s no denying he’s been a tremendous servant for the club over the years, but ultimately he’s coming to the back end of his career with Farke needing to offload him and invest in new blood.

It will be a harsh decision to part ways with him given his extended time with the Whites, but unfortunately, the club need to do what is right if they are to be more competitive in the years ahead, whether that’s in the Championship or the Premier League.

Leeds sold Meslier upgrade for just £1.4m, now he's a "superstar"

Leeds United will now rue getting rid of this Illan Meslier alternative.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 31, 2025

£20m+ Rangers star wants "big club" with Bundesliga side ready to sign him

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

A Bundesliga side are “ready” to sign a Rangers star valued at more than £20m this summer, according to a new update.

Rangers exit Europa League as worrying 49ers takeover update shared

The Gers’ hopes of winning the Europa League came to an end on Thursday evening after a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Club. Rangers were hoping that they’d be returning to Bilbao at the end of May for the final, however, goals in either half from Oihan Sanchet and Nico Williams ensured it would be Athletic Club taking on Man Utd in the semi finals.

For those at Ibrox, attention will soon turn to the 2025/26 season, especially as they currently trail Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership by 15 points.

Rangers: Attacking 4-3-3 manager wanted at Ibrox is now "ready" for return

He’s been linked with a move to Glasgow.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 17, 2025

The 49ers Enterprises are currently in the process of completing an Ibrox takeover, however, ex-Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness has heard that the American investors aren’t aware of how passionate Rangers fans are and are viewing the deal as a “business transaction”.

“I’m hearing some very interesting things from my sources at Rangers this week. They’re saying that the 49ers are looking at this like a business transaction, they don’t really get what they’re going into – in terms of the fans, the sectarian situation and the religious connotations.

“The Rangers fanbase have a massive passion. It’s alright to see it occasionally, but you’ve really got to live in it and get to know it if you’re going to invest like this. It’s an unusual beast and it’s very powerful. What I’m hearing is that the 49ers don’t quite understand that side of it.”

One of the first tasks for the 49ers will be to appoint a new permanent manager, however, they could also lose a number of players.

Recently, Hamza Igamane has been linked with a move away from Glasgow, with Marseille making a serious move. Meanwhile, Leon Balogun is unlikely to be offered a new Rangers contract and looks set to leave for free.

Borussia Monchengladbach “ready” to sign Rangers star Raskin

Now, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, relayed by Sport Witness, Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach are “ready” to sign Rangers star Nicolas Raskin this summer.

Nicolas Raskin

Those in Glasgow have recently valued Raskin at more than £20m, and according to Tavolieri, Monchengladbach are prepared to swoop.

He doesn’t state if Rangers are willing to do business, however, Raskin himself recently admitted his desire to “compete at a big club” ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Nicolas Raskin’s Rangers stats

Games

90

Goals

3

Assists

10

Yellow cards

15

“I’ve been here for two and a half years. It’s gone very well for me, especially this season. You have to see what the club wants, what comes on the table, and try to do the best for everyone. As a footballer, you always want to look ahead and see what you can do better.

“If you want to give yourself the best chance of playing in an international competition, you have to be able to compete at a big club. But the goal isn’t to go to a club where you’ll play less and lose that advantage of playing every week. It’s a balancing act that needs to be found.”

A move away from Ibrox could therefore be one to keep an eye on for the Belgium international.

Romano: Chelsea keen on signing £70m "beast"; could join on free transfer

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Chelsea are “keen on signing” a defender, and there is now a possibility he will join on a free transfer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Blues looking to upgrade in defence this summer

As we approach the summer transfer window, it is clear the Blues are looking to bring in a new defender, and they have identified a number of targets from within the Premier League, including AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.

It has been a real breakout season for Huijsen, with the Spaniard now attracting attention from a number of top clubs, and Enzo Maresca’s side are now believed to be the favourites for his signature, having submitted a seven-year contract offer.

Despite having both Reece James and Malo Gusto on the books, there have also been suggestions that Maresca could look to bring in a new right-back this summer, with Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina recently being named as a potential target.

Sky Sports: Chelsea in talks to sign £50m+ forward with "electric pace"

The Blues are now showing “concrete” interest in signing a forward, and they are prepared to double his salary.

ByDominic Lund Apr 27, 2025

Chelsea have clearly been impressed by a number of Premier League defenders this season, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal they are “keen on signing” Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has been on their shortlist “for months”.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also in the race for Guehi, so there could be fierce competition for his signature this summer, with Spurs well-known to have had a £70m bid knocked back previously.

Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts

Should none of the interested parties be able to tempt Palace into a sale this summer, there is a possibility the defender remains at Selhurst Park until 2026, at which point he will be able to leave the Eagles on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract.

"Beast" Guehi could be top signing for Blues

Lauded as a “beast” by journalist Saddick Adams, the 24-year-old has once again been a key component of the Palace side this season, making 41 appearances in all competitions, while displaying his leadership abilities by taking on the role of captain.

The England international has three goals and two assists to his name in the Premier League, underlining his attacking threat, but most importantly, he has continued to impress from a defensive point of view, receiving very high praise from Jamie Redknapp.

Most recently, the Palace captain put in a solid performance to help his side to a 3-0 victory against Aston Villa, with the Eagles booking their place in the FA Cup final against Manchester City next month.

Captaining his side to an FA Cup triumph would be a fitting end to Guehi’s time at Palace, but given that he clearly has the talent to play for a top club, it would be wise to move on this summer.

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