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Gareth Southgate suggested that he could walk away from coaching after Euro 2024 while emphatically shutting down Manchester United talk.

Southgate focused on Euro 2024Suggests he could retire if England win trophyRubbished rumours linking him to Man UtdWHAT HAPPENED?

The England manager made it clear that his sole focus is on leading the Three Lions to continental glory at the 2024 European Championship, scheduled to take place in Germany next month. Since taking the helm, Southgate has steered England to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a quarter-final in 2022, and the final of the Euros at Wembley in 2021, where the team narrowly lost on penalties. And this time, the manager is more determined than ever to bring home the silverware – which would be the first major honour for the Three Lions since 1966.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SOUTHGATE SAID

During an interview at England's St George's Park headquarters, Southgate was asked whether it would be his decision or the Football Association's to determine his future contract. He responded: "I imagine both. That's always as we've worked."

However, emphasising the job at hand, he added: "But, the reality of that is we focus totally on this tournament. I've worked in this building for over 10 years and, yeah, the ambition has been to win a tournament. So, there's nothing for us to consider until we've done that. And if we can do that, maybe I'll retire and do nothing anyway."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite recent rumours linking him with the managerial position at Manchester United, Southgate categorically denied any discussions with the club and went on to stress the importance of maintaining his commitment to the national team.

"I've never spoken with a club in all my time in the job – I think that would be disrespectful to the position I hold," he asserted.

"When you've worked so long and so hard for the opportunity to take your country and lead them with a chance to win something, then your focus has got to be 100% on that. And that's where mine is."

Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?

England's journey to Euro 2024 begins with their opening match against Serbia on June 16. As the Three Lions prepare for the challenges ahead, Southgate's leadership and strategic vision will be crucial in guiding the team through the rigours of the competition. The exclusion of seasoned players like Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson indicates a bold approach, prioritising current form and the integration of new talent to bolster the squad's overall capabilities. The provisional 33-man squad will be trimmed to a maximum of 26 players by June 7.

Dickwella’s century the only bright spot for visitors in three-day loss

ESPNcricinfo staff27-May-2019

Priyank Panchal led India A from the front•KCA

India A completed a three-day rout of Sri Lanka A in their first four-day match in Belgavi, courtesy compelling batting performances from captain Priyank Panchal, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Anmolpreet Singh, and Rahul Chahar’s wizardry with the ball.Panchal and Abhimanyu set the tone with a 352-run opening stand on the first day that paved the way for India A’s declaration after scoring a mammoth 622 for 5. Panchal, who made 160 of those runs, carried on his good form from the series against England Lions in February, where he registered scores of 206 and 50 in the two four-day games.Abhimanyu, meanwhile, recorded a career-best 321-ball 233 – his second double-century – to leave his mark and give the selectors another option for the top of the batting order in Test cricket, outside of the current top three – KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw.Anmolpreet registered a fourth first-class century in just his 15th game. His unbeaten 116 took his career average to an impressive 54.95. It’s these batting performances that gave India A the cushion of enforcing the follow-on, which was made possible courtesy legspinner Chahar’s four-wicket haul in the first innings.Despite boasting of a number of international cricketers in their ranks, all Sri Lanka A managed was 232 in 62.4 overs, with Niroshan Dickwella, the Test wicketkeeper, top-scoring with a typically aggressive 113-ball 103. The next best was the 49 made by Ashan Priyanjan, the captain. Chahar’s efforts were backed up by Sandeep Warrier and allrounder Shivam Dube, who picked up two wickets apiece.In the second innings, Sri Lanka A fared worse. Facing a 390-run deficit, they slumped to 4 for 3 courtesy Ankit Rajpoot and Warrier. Priyanjan and Sadeera Samarawickrama led a brief revival, before they fell to Chahar again. The 20-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout IPL season with Mumbai Indians, picked up four more wickets to take his match tally to an impressive 8 for 123. Rajpoot, Warrier and offspinner Jayant Yadav got two wickets each too.The second four-dayer will be played in Hubli from May 31.

Colin Ingram was the only player to offer Peshawar Zalmi any resistance, scoring a classy half-century, but it wasn’t enough

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando11-Mar-2019

Kamran Akmal celebrates his fifty•Pakistan Super League

How the game played out
There was never likely to be much on the line in this game. A victory for Karachi Kings might have put them level with Peshawar Zalmi on 12 points, but so poor had Kings’ net run-rate been, and so healthy was Zalmi’s, that Kings would have had to chase down Zalmi’s target in 9.1 overs to finish in the top two.Very quickly, it became apparent that Zalmi were not going to roll over easily. Usman Shinwari had been Kings’ hero as he bowled an outstanding final over on Sunday night, but on Monday, it was in his first over that the opposition’s charge began. Kamran Akmal struck three fours off that first over – the most attractive of his shots an on-the-up drive to pierce the covers. He and Imam-ul-Haq, who hit three fours himself in the fourth over of the innings, were outstanding in the Powerplay. Together they put on 61 by the end of six overs – Akmal hitting two sixes against spin to make 37 of those runs.Where Imam slowed down a touch when the field restrictions ended, Akmal’s assault maintained its intensity. He was sweeping Umer Khan for six, pummeling Imad Wasim down the ground, and blasting the quicks around the ground as well, though not with quite the same frequency. In the 12th over, bowled by Umer, he hit a four, a six and a four in succession. With Imam (who had earlier been dropped on 32 off Shinwari in the ninth over) also having struck a six before turning the strike over to Akmal, Zalmi plundered 23 off that over. Umer’s economy rate lay in tatters – 45 runs given away in three overs.The partnership – worth 137 in 13.2 overs – was easily Zalmi’s best ever opening stand. Akmal was first to go, in what was perhaps the most eventful over of the innings, bowled by Colin Munro. After he had had Akmal caught at extra cover for 86 off 48 balls, including ten fours and five sixes, Munro was monstered for two sixes down the ground by Kieron Pollard. Then, in fifth ball of the over, Pollard tried to hit his third consecutive six and holed out at long-off, leaving Munro to perform celebrations that might have been interpreted as a send-off in international cricket, though the PSL match officials might be a little more lenient. In any case, the over had two sixes and two wickets in the space of four balls.Having been 150 for 2 after 14 overs, perhaps Zalmi would have wanted a score in the range of 220, rather than the 203 for 7 that they ended up with, but it did not matter that they ran out of steam towards the end of their innings – Mohammad Amir coming back to bowl some excellent overs at the death.Hasan Ali celebrates a wicket in trademark fashion•PSL

With ball in hand, Zalmi were almost as irresistible as they had been in the batting innings. Hasan Ali and Sameen Gul struck early to leave Kings two down after two overs – Gul removing the dangerous Babar Azam. By the end of the eighth over, Wahab Riaz had struck as well, and the required rate was well over 11.Colin Ingram produced a sustained assault, hitting 71 off 37 balls in an innings that featured seven fours and four sixes, but he was caught at mid-off off the bowling of Tymal Mills, and Kings’ innings unraveled spectacularly from there. Having been 125 for 5 in the middle of the 14th over, they ended being all out in the 17th, with 142 runs on the board. Hasan Ali buttressed his reputation as the league’s best bowler with 3 for 15, and now sits two wickets clear of Islamabad United’s Faheem Ashraf on the wicket-takers’ list, with 21 dismissals to his name.Turning pointThis was basically all one-way traffic, wasn’t it? Zalmi made only one run in the first over – bowled by Amir – but reaped 14 in the second to take Kings by the collar, and did not relinquish their grip from there onwards. Zalmi did lose five wickets for 53 runs in the last six overs of their innings, but they had made so much ground earlier on, that theirs was always a commanding match position. When Kings lost their top three inside the first four overs, it was beyond even the considerable powers of Ingram to get them back in the game.Star of the dayThe easy choice would be Kamran Akmal, for his 86 at a strike rate of 179. But almost as impressive was Amir, who even despite Hasan Ali’s superior figures, was the best bowler of the evening. Where Hasan Ali had the benefit of scoreboard pressure, Amir was the talisman in Kings’ misfiring attack, taking 3 for 24 from his four overs. It was his last two overs that helped restrict Zalmi, and prevented the opposition from turning their outstanding total into a truly gargantuan one.The big missPerhaps it would not have made a huge difference to the outcome, but had a diving Liam Livingstone held on to a tough catch off Imam in the ninth over, they would have dented that wonderful opening stand. Imam went on to add 27 more runs, finishing on 59 off 40 balls.Where the teams standZalmi have cemented their place in Wednesday’s qualifier against Quetta Gladiators. In fact, so comprehensive was this win, that Zalmi actually finished the league stage top of the table with 14 points, which is the same as Gladiators, only Zalmi have a superior net run-rate.Kings, who had confirmed their presence in the play-offs with that sensational win over Gladiators on Sunday night, will play the first eliminator, against Islamabad United on Thursday. The winner of the eliminator, and the loser of the Gladiators v Zalmi qualifier, will then play what is effectively a semi-final on Friday. The winner of the Gladiators v Zalmi game goes straight through to the final.

Juventus have been advised to pay Weston McKennie “his money”, with a “different type of EPL” transfer question being posed by Alexi Lalas.

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• American midfielder starring again
• Only has a contract until 2025
• No extension agreed in Turin as yet

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As things stand, USMNT star McKennie is tied to a contract in Turin through to the summer of 2025. Discussions have taken place regarding an extension, but the terms on offer are said to have been knocked back by the 25-year-old midfielder and his representatives.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That is leaving the door open for a move to be made in 2024, with McKennie’s stock on the rise once more following a productive campaign that has seen him make the most of an unexpected second chance at Juve. There has been talk of interest from England and Germany – where he has previously spent time with Leeds and Schalke – and the Bianconeri are being urged to end the speculation as quickly as possible.

• WHAT LALAS SAID

  Former United States international Lalas has told his podcast of the McKennie contract saga and what his immediate future could now hold – with countryman Christian Pulisic also facing transfer questions at AC Milan: “Pay the man his money! This is arguably the best player on the team, a player that can play multiple positions. Like Pulisic, arguably his best season as a professional. If they don’t pay him, there will be others. It will be interesting to see with Pulisic and Weston McKennie how much they have enjoyed Serie A.

  "We have talked about how well they have played, but have they enjoyed it enough that if another Serie A team came about, would they want to do that or are they pining for – in Weston’s case and in Christian’s case – a different type of EPL move, a move back to Germany where both of them have played? I don’t know how they feel, but I would love to see them continue on – if they can’t do it where they are right now – in Italy. I think its a good place for them. By all accounts they have had a good time certainly on the field, but hopefully off the field.”

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MCKENNIE?

  McKennie has become a key figure for club and country and is reluctant to sign a new deal at Juve that is said to include the same salary that he is already on. The Italian giants may be playing a risky game, with interest in a proven performer set to build if an exit door is left ajar.

The Australia fast bowler, who was omitted from the ODI squad to face India, said his back soreness should not have been enough to leave him out

Andrew McGlashan06-Jan-2019Fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile has criticised poor communication from the Australia selectors over his omission from the one-day squad to face India, saying the back soreness that was given as the official reason should not have been enough to exclude him.When Australia’s squad was named, Trevor Hohns, the national selector, said Coulter-Nile, who has a history of back problems, could not be risked in the 50-over format. The following day, after the ODI group had been named, a scan cleared him of any problems and he claimed 3 for 25 for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.”I didn’t take [the news] the best, to be honest,” Coulter-Nile told ABC Radio. “I think it was communicated to me really poorly.”I won’t go into it, but I don’t think soreness is really any excuse for not playing cricket. In fairness, I hadn’t had a scan yet. I had had back soreness and back history, but I hadn’t had a scan to see what was wrong. I had one when I got home and it was all clear.””They picked the team before I had a scan to know what was wrong with my back, that’s just when the team was picked to come out.”Coulter-Nile played just one of the three ODIs against South Africa last year, sending down a wayward opening over when given the new ball in Perth, and will now have to hope he can earn a recall for the series in India next month in order to push his World-Cup claims.ALSO READ: Chaotic selections put Australia’s World Cup at riskHe understands that there will always be a cautious approach taken to fast bowlers with a history of suffering back problems but said he wanted to be aware of the full picture. It is understood that the selectors maintain their view that it would have been too great a risk for Coulter-Nile to play 50-over matches.”I was getting some mixed messages about what was happening – that’s just the way it is,” he said. “I have no issue with being dropped, I just like to get a clear message about why – I was told it was because I had a sore back.”JL [coach Justin Langer] asked me when they were selecting the team, I said I have a sore back but I haven’t had a scan yet. With my history, it was just better off to check it. I think communication used to be a little bit better – from everyone.”The subject of communication between selectors and players was also highlighted by ACA president Greg Dyer amid the ongoing debate about potential being given more sway than performance.”I think from time to time we hear of disquiet around the logic behind particular selections,” Dyer told SEN Radio. “You hear a lot of disquiet around ‘I just don’t understand what it is that I did or what I didn’t do or what is the basis for what’s happening’.”In a more positive view of how the selectors and players work together Peter Handscomb, who has been in and out of the Test side during this series and has been asked to make technical changes, said he always knew where he stood in discussions.”They’ve all been open and honest conversations, which has actually been really good. I’ve been able to push my case with them with some really, really good conversations and they tell me where I stand whether what I need to improve or how they see me in the Test side.”

Also: what is the record for most runs in a three-Test series without a hundred?

Steven Lynch16-May-2017Who are the youngest and oldest bowlers to take a five-for in Tests and ODIs? asked Kartik Aggarwal from India
The youngest bowler to take five wickets in an innings in a Test remains Nasim-ul-Ghani, who was only 16 when his left-arm spin brought him 5 for 116 for Pakistan against West Indies in Georgetown in 1957-58. A fortnight later he added 6 for 67 in Port-of-Spain. Oddly, Nasim never managed another five-for, although his Test career lasted another 15 years. Second on the list is a rather quicker Pakistan left-armer, Mohammad Amir, who was only 17 when he took 5 for 79 against Australia in Melbourne in 2009-10. The oldest to take a Test five-for is another left-arm spinner, Bert “Dainty” Ironmonger, who was about two months shy of his 50th birthday when he claimed 5 for 6 and 6 for 18 for Australia against South Africa on a helpful pitch in Melbourne in 1931-32.The record for the youngest to take a five-for in one-day internationals changed hands a few weeks ago, in March 2017, when the precocious Afghanistan legspinner Rashid Khan grabbed 6 for 43 against Ireland in Greater Noida, aged 18 years and six months. Rashid pinched the record previously held by Wasim Akram, who was about three months older when he took 5 for 21 in Melbourne in 1984-85 – the first five in the order, reducing the Aussies to 42 for 5. The oldest to do it in ODIs is Canada’s Sunil Dhaniram, yet another slow left-armer, who was around four months short of his 40th birthday when he took 5 for 32 against Bermuda in King City in June 2008; the oldest from a Test-playing nation is Viv Richards, who was 37 when he claimed 6 for 41 against India in Delhi in 1989-90.Misbah-ul-Haq scored 271 runs in the recent series in the West Indies. Was this a record for a three-Test series without a century? asked Andrew Gardam from England
Misbah-ul-Haq’s haul in the West Indies was helped by his two innings of 99, a unique feat in the same series. But he still comes in surprisingly low on this particular list, which is headed by the great Garry Sobers. He collected 342 runs in West Indies’ three-Test rubber in India in 1966-67, scoring 50 and 53 not out in Bombay, 70 in Calcutta, and 95 and 74 not out in Madras. David Steele scored 365 runs in three Tests for England against Australia in 1975, with a highest score of 92 at Headingley, but that was a four-match series (he was not called up until the second one). In all there have been 43 higher aggregates in three Tests of a series without a century.IPL colossus: Suresh Raina has 161 games in the tournament so far•BCCIHas anyone ever been out for 99 in their first Test match? asked Richard Billington from England
Three men have suffered the disappointment of making 99 on their Test debut. The first was the Australian Arthur Chipperfield, at Trent Bridge in 1934: he went to lunch on the second day with 99 not out but was dismissed by the third ball afterwards. “I think that everyone was genuinely sorry,” wrote the watching Jack Hobbs. Next to do it was the Guyanese batsman Robert Christiani, for West Indies against England in Bridgetown in 1947-48, and then Asim Kamal, for Pakistan v South Africa in Lahore in 2003-04. Chipperfield and Christiani did later reach three figures in Tests, but poor Asim never did, although he reached 50 seven times in 11 more appearances.Has anyone ever taken five wickets for no runs in a Test? asked Kevin Edmondson from England
No one has finished with figures of 5 for 0 in a Test innings, if that’s what you mean – the best in that regard is 5 for 2, by Australia’s Ernie Toshack against India in Brisbane in 1947-48. But according to the indefatigable Melbourne statistician Charles Davis, seven bowlers are known to have produced spells in which they took five wickets for no runs. The first was the South African offspinner Hugh Tayfield (who finished with 6 for 13) against New Zealand in Johannesburg in 1953-54, and the most recent was England’s Stuart Broad, in 16 balls during his 6 for 46 against India at Trent Bridge in 2011, a spell that also included a hat-trick. There might be some earlier instances, for which we don’t have the ball-by-ball data.Virat Kohli has now played 149 matches in the IPL. Has anyone reached 150? asked Amit Mukhtar from India
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s failure to progress from the group stages of IPL 10 has left Virat Kohli stranded on 149 matches so far. Four players have reached 150 already: before this year’s knockout phase, Dinesh Karthik had played 152 IPL games, Rohit Sharma 156 and MS Dhoni 157, while Suresh Raina led the way with 161. Yusuf Pathan (148), Robin Uthappa (147) and Gautam Gambhir (146) were also close to the 150 mark. The leading overseas player is AB de Villiers, with 129 appearances. For the full list, click hereLeave your questions in the comments below

Crystal Palace suffered their first loss since before Christmas at the weekend, losing 2-1 to Brentford at Selhurst Park. On the bright side, Romain Esse made his debut, marking it with a goal from the bench with his first touch as he gave the Palace fans their first glimpse of the young star.

The Eagles are currently sitting 13th in the Premier League after 23 games played, now 11 points off the relegation zone and only six points off of a top-half spot.

Oliver Glasner will be hoping for some last-minute acquisitions in this January window to give his side a little push heading into the second half of the campaign, looking to continue their strong vein of form from their last six games before Brentford.

Crystal Palace shopping for new left back

According to reports from Football Insider, Crystal Palace are plotting a move to sign Chelsea left-back, Ben Chillwell on loan.

With Trevoh Chalobah being recalled earlier this month by the Blues, Palace now have the opportunity to fill that loan spot with another player.

Transfer Focus

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

Back in November, reports had stated Palace were searching for a new left-back option to compete with Tyrick Mitchell, compiling a list of possible January targets ahead of the window.

Previously lauded as “exceptional” by Brendan Rodgers, Chilwell’s stock has fallen of late, only making one appearance this season for Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca favouring inverted full-backs in his side, therefore not finding a place for Chilwell in the side.

How Chilwell would benefit Eze at Crystal Palace

In Glasner’s 3-4-3 system, Chilwell would suit perfectly, being the left-wing back, providing width on the outside of Eberechi Eze who is in the left half-space playing as a number ten/inside forward.

Eze has made 24 appearances so far this season, scoring six goals, providing six assists and totalling 1,938 minutes played.

Whilst Mitchell can provide that overlapping run, his qualities are more in the defensive sector, meaning Eze can find himself isolated on the left side of attack, allowing defenders to double-team him much easier, which is something Chilwell could perhaps help to prevent.

Goals + Assists

0.08

0.11

xG

0.14

0.02

xAG

0.26

0.16

Progressive Carries

2.62

1.98

Progressive Passes

2.98

2.12

Shots Total

1.15

0.31

Key Passes

1.67

1.17

Shot-Creating Actions

2.62

2.21

Tackles + Interceptions

2.38

3.18

When comparing the Chelsea defender to Mitchell last term, you can see how the England international provides a great deal more attacking threat, taking more shots per 90, playing more key passes, averaging more shot-creating actions and overall helping in progression more for his side.

Mauricio Pochettino praised Chilwell as “one of the best left-backs in the world” when he is fit and on-form, which was shown in his Champions League winning campaign at Chelsea in the 2020/21 season, making 42 appearances that season, scoring four goals, providing seven assists and totalling 3,358 minutes played.

The addition of Chilwell would allow Eze more support in the attacking third and could even facilitate a move to left centre-back for Mitchell, allowing the manager to play both of them, still getting the defensive qualities of the latter into the team, whilst also adding extra attacking threat out wide with the Chelsea wing-back.

Crystal Palace have struck gold on Eagles star who's worth more than Esse

Crystal Palace have a player who could help Romain Esse.

ByConnor Holden Jan 23, 2025

Sheffield United are in “advanced” talks with a club about signing one of their players in the January transfer window, according to a new update from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Latest Sheffield United news

The Blades suffered arguably their most disappointing defeat of the season on Friday night, losing 3-0 at home to Hull City in the Championship. It was a result that very few saw coming and it could look a damaging lost come the end of the campaign, depending on whether they seal automatic promotion or not.

United cannot afford to allow one bad result to rock their confidence, however, and Chris Wilder will be hoping to strike some late business in the current window, in order to give his squad an extra sprinkling of quality.

Queens Park Rangers ace Jimmy Dunne has been linked with a move to Bramall Lane this month, with the versatile defender starting all 29 of his side’s Championship matches so far this season, winning a whopping 4.7 aerial duels per match.

Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle has also been mentioned as a potential option for Wilder, having only been limited to three starts in the Premier League in 2024/25 to date, and Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury has also been backed to join the Blades, with a verbal agreement over a loan move done according to Fabrizio Romano.

Sheffield United in "advanced" talks over signing

Writing on X on Sunday, Plettenberg claimed that Sheffield United are in “advanced” talks with Hertha Berlin over the signing of right-back Jonjoe Kenny:

This could be a solid piece of business by United this month, with Kenny now an experienced player who has performed at a good level for some time and has already agreed personal terms with the Blades.

The 27-year-old made 50 appearances in the Premier League during his Everton days, with 60 Bundesliga outings also now secured, and Aaron Lennon once lauded him during their time together at Goodison Park:

“Jonjoe has been unbelievable. From the moment I came here, I’ve always liked Jonjoe. I’ve always thought he’s a great professional and a great player. Since he stepped in, he’s been unbelievable.”

Hertha Berlin

84

5

14

Everton

69

0

5

Schalke

34

2

3

Oxford United

20

0

1

Celtic

16

0

4

Wigan

7

0

0

The fact that Kenny would be coming in on a permanent basis is even better, rather than simply being a short-term fix, and he could provide the extra experience and quality required to take United back into the Premier League.

Wilder's next O'Connell: Sheffield United could now sign £8.5k p/w EFL star

Chris Wilder could sign a new version of Jack O’Connell with this next Sheffield United signing.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 26, 2025

At 27, he is a great age to come in and hit the ground running, and remain at a high level for four or five years, so it is hard to find many negatives to the move.

Manchester City have been in contact with a £50m Premier League star, however, he wants to join rivals Liverpool instead.

Man City chasing numerous January signings

The Citizens have had a tough 2024/25 Premier League campaign by their high standards under Pep Guardiola, with the midweek draw at Brentford the latest setback after holding a two-goal advantage in the second half.

It looks as if those behind the scenes at the Etihad are unusually willing to splash the cash in January as a result. Talking at the start of the month, Guardiola admitted City have to be “wise” in the winter window when it comes to new signings.

“I don’t know right now, it’s not easy. It will not be easy. Maybe we sign, maybe we don’t sign anyone. The club has to be wise. Don’t do it just to do it.

“We want to add players for the situation that we have because the players have consistent injuries many times. Club has to do it but I’m not sure if it will be possible.”

Man City could sign "world-class" Rodri replacement by raiding Real Madrid

Ever since Rodri ruptured his ACL in September, Manchester City have required midfield reinforcements, to could they make a “world class” signing?

ByBen Gray Jan 16, 2025

It looks as if three main targets have been identified in Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush and Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis.

Deals have reportedly been agreed to sign Khusanov and Reis, whereas Txiki Begiristain leading the pursuit is leading the City pursuit to sign Marmoush. Should City sign all three targets, their spending at the beginning of 2025 will quickly go above £100m, however, they don’t seem to be stopping there.

Man City are also thought to be in pole position to sign Real Valladolid defender Juma Bah, and another target at the back is Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

However, City, despite holding talks to sign the Premier League star, may find it tough to secure a deal going off a recent update.

Man City in contact with £50m Kerkez

According to The i, Man City have been in contact with the representatives of Kerkez to hold talks over a potential move to the Etihad.

The Cherries value the Hungary international at £50m, however, Kerkez wants a move to Liverpool over either Man City or Man Utd at this stage.

Average SofaScore rating

7.10/10

Key passes per game

1.1

Interceptions per game

1.1

Tackles per game

1.4

Pass accuracy

82%

Liverpool director of football Richard Hughes was the man who brought Kerkez to England during his time at the Vitality Stadium, something which is playing a part in his current preference over a move to Anfield.

The 21-year-old has been in fine form for Bournemouth this season and is being dubbed as the next Andy Robertson by The i, however, if City have their way, they will manage to persuade him to move to Manchester over Merseyside, something that doesn’t look likely at this stage.

The fast bowler left the IPL early but has since returned to bowling ahead of the WTC final and Ashes

Andrew McGlashan22-May-2023Josh Hazlewood, who has missed substantial Test cricket over the last couple of years through injury, flew home early from the IPL after reporting side soreness although scans in Australia did not show any damage. He has since returned to bowling ahead of the squad’s departure to the UK at the end of the week for the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the Ashes.Hazlewood played the last of his three games for Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 9 and bowled a total of nine overs in IPL 2023.”Josh Hazlewood returned home from the IPL last weekend after experiencing minor side soreness after the completion of his most recent IPL match,” a CA spokesperson said.Related

• Neser looms as World Test Championship reinforcement amid Hazlewood's tight turnaround

• Hazlewood on injury layoff: 'It just happens to be at the wrong time of the year'

• Michael Neser's four-wicket haul keeps Ashes selectors interested

• Why Australia could have the advantage in the World Test Championship final

• Renshaw's moment of clarity on way to Ashes tour selection

“After a brief and precautionary rest period, Hazlewood returned to high intensity bowling last week and will continue to increase his bowling workloads in preparation for the WTC and Ashes series. Hazlewood is considered fit and available for the WTC and Ashes Series.”Following a delayed arrival, Hazlewood’s IPL stint had been his return to action after his tour of India ended early due to an Achilles injury he sustained against South Africa at the SCG in January. That, itself, had been a comeback game after he suffered a side strain against West Indies in Perth, having also gone down with one during the 2021-22 Ashes in which he missed four of the Tests.Since the start of that England series, Hazlewood has only been able to play four Tests, although in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, that was due to the balance of Australia’s side where they included the extra spinner.He was excellent on his return against South Africa earlier this year where he was potent with reverse swing and claimed five wickets in the match. When Hazlewood was selected at the SCG in place of Scott Boland as one of two quicks it showed that he remained in a first-choice attack. In England he has taken 36 wickets at 23.58 from eight Tests.Over that same period where his Tests have been limited, Hazlewood’s stature as a T20 bowler has risen enormously and he reached No. 1 in the rankings in June 2022 after helping Australia win the T20 World Cup for the first time.However, before the Sydney Test last summer he spoke about the challenges of preparing for Test cricket as a multi-format bowler”If you have to focus on either a strength period or bowl a few more balls at training when you are playing with the white ball, at the detriment of maybe not being 100 percent for those games, then it puts you in a better place for a Test series that follows,” he said. “Just little things like that we’re talking about with coaches or medical staff. That will be something I’ll look to do in the next little period.”While Australia are confident of having dodged a significant injury concern just days before leaving for the UK, they do have extra resources to call on if needed. Michael Neser and Sean Abbott, who have been playing for Glamorgan and Surrey respectively, will link up with the squad for their training camp ahead of the WTC final against India.Neser rounded off the most recent Championship match against Sussex with a century having previously taken a career-best 7 for 32, including a hat-trick, against Yorkshire.Australia initially named a 17-player squad for the tour but that needs to be trimmed to 15 names for the final by May 28.As has become the norm for them there is no tour match in the lead-up with the squad instead training at Beckenham, south of London, ahead of the final lead-in to facing India on June 7. All six Tests on the tour are played in less than two months.