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Richard Thompson insists 100-ball format will not change before end of current rights cycle

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Sep-2025The tight turnaround between England’s international and the Hundred is a “short-term issue” which ECB chairman Richard Thompson has pledged will be solved for the next TV rights cycle.England’s men played one day before the start and two days after the end of the Hundred this year, leaving all-format players short on relevant preparation for the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. The same scenario will play out in 2026, with the Hundred expected to start two days after an ODI series against India and three days before the first Test against Pakistan.New investors in the Hundred will expect their England players to be available throughout the tournament. Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton and Ollie Pope missed London Spirit’s first game of this season, the day after the fifth Test at The Oval, which their incoming co-owner Nikesh Arora described as “disappointing” while calling for “better planning” by the ECB.Thompson acknowledged that the schedule is too crammed, speaking in his capacity as an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society during England’s third ODI against South Africa on Sunday. “There are no easy answers, but the reality is we can’t have our cake and eat it,” Thompson told Sky Sports.”We want England players to play. This is our premium white-ball competition and we want England players to play in it. What we have to do is find a way of ensuring the schedule before and after the tournament [is better]. Take this year: the gap was a day or two days… That can’t be right.Related

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“If we’re going to get this level of investment, we’ve got to commit to ensuring our England players are available. We don’t want that to be at the expense of the success of England. We need to find a balance, and ultimately we can look at the schedule and we can try and free up time.”We’ve done this deal in the middle of a rights schedule. Come ’28, when we then cut the next deal for the next four years, we can cut this in a different way. We might have a short-term issue here, but we can overcome that.”Ultimately, if a player feels they’re injured, they’re going to rest themselves. They won’t want to play on an injury. England is still everything here. But we are not prepared to accept that you can’t find a halfway house and work with the owners to ensure that the owner will get what they need, and England will get what it needs.”Thompson also said that the tournament’s format will not change from 100-balls-a-side to T20 during the current broadcast cycle, which runs to the end of the 2028 summer, and denied that the sale of stakes in the eight Hundred franchises equates to selling the month of August to private investors.”I can categorically tell you it’s 100 balls next year,” he said. “I don’t think anything will change in this rights cycle. Sky [the Hundred’s main broadcaster] have bought 100 [balls a side]. Sky are not going to want to change that. It’s up to the owners and the ECB to decide what that might be in the future.”This is not English cricket selling off the family silver. This is English cricket bringing in investors to enable us to have a tournament that could challenge the IPL.”

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has adamantly denied that his team have "fallen apart" despite a recent string of disappointing results, culminating in a 2-2 draw against Elche. While admitting that they "can't be happy" with their latest setback, Alonso insisted that the connection between his coaching staff and the players is "improving" and that the team spirit remains good.

Real Madrid held to dramatic draw by Elche

Madrid endured another frustrating evening as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Elche on Sunday. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Los Blancos found themselves trailing twice in the match. Aleix Febas opened the scoring for Elche in the 53rd minute, only for Dean Huijsen to equalise for Real Madrid in the 78th minute.

However, Elche regained the lead through Alvaro Rodriguez just six minutes later, threatening to inflict a shock defeat on the Spanish league leaders. It took an 87th-minute equaliser from Jude Bellingham to rescue a point for Real Madrid, ensuring they avoided a second league defeat of the season. The result leaves Real Madrid still at the top of the La Liga table with 32 points from 13 matches, but their lead over rivals Barcelona has been cut to just one point.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlonso insists team spirit is good despite recent setbacks

Following the match, Alonso addressed the media and faced questions about his team's recent form, which has seen them draw their last two league games. When asked if the team had crashed, Alonso was defiant in his response.

"We haven't fallen apart," Alonso insisted. "We're still competing; the context of each match is different. The result is what matters, and we're aware of that and self-critical. The spirit is good; we have to respond to adversity. This is Real Madrid. We live with criticism; we want to improve."

Despite his positive outlook on the team's spirit, Alonso acknowledged the disappointment of the result. "After a good run, we've had several results we didn't want. We know what we want; we have to keep pushing forward. We're not happy; we always want to win. We can't be. There are many games left, so we need to focus on the next one by analyzing what we did today."

Player-coach connection is 'improving'

Another key topic addressed by Alonso was the relationship between his coaching staff and the players. Amidst the recent dip in form, there have been questions about the connection within the squad. However, Alonso maintained that the relationship is strengthening over time.

"The connection is improving; we have more time and interact more, we know each other better," Alonso stated. "We're all in the same boat, we celebrate victories. We suffer if we don't win. The connection is good. We need to turn this situation around, starting with Athens."

The Madrid manager also clarified the situation regarding Vinicius Jr, who has seen reduced playing time recently and started on the bench against Elche. Alonso assured that he has open communication with the Brazilian winger and that Vinicius understands his current role.

"No, we had discussed it. We talk about it often," Alonso explained. "He understands; he knew the role he could play. We've done it before, like in Getafe. Today we're not happy, but everyone is eager to get back on track."

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AFPWhat next for Real Madrid?

Madrid will need to quickly put this disappointing result behind them as they turn their attention back to the Champions League. They face Olympiacos in Athens on Wednesday, where they will be looking to secure a victory to boost their morale and solidify their position in the group stage. Following their European commitment, they will return to La Liga action next Monday with a home fixture against Girona, who are 18th in the table. Alonso and his players will be aiming for a return to winning ways in both competitions to silence the critics and get their season back on track.

Aston Villa are in a position where they may need to sell players to meet the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules and there is plenty of contention surrounding their situation from fans, pundits and journalists alike.

Aston Villa's PSR situation and who may leave the club this summer

In short, Aston Villa are one of the Premier League’s most at-risk clubs with PSR heading towards the deadline on June 30th. Per The Athletic’s projection, they can only lose £15 million in 2024/25 to remain within regulatory boundaries.

Unai Emery’s men have recorded a pre-tax loss of £206.2 million in the last two years, which is the highest deficit across the top-flight in that time and leaves the Birmingham-based outfit in danger of punishment.

Big money sales such as Jhon Duran leaving for Al Nassr and Leon Bailey’s anticipated move to Saudi Arabian outfit Neom SC have left hope that the Villans can evade any form of penalty.

However, they are teetering on the brink and their failure to qualify for Champions League football ended up being a massive setback, especially when Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio’s expensive loan deals formed part of their bid to secure a place despite already treading water in their efforts to balance the books.

There have been suggestions that Aston Villa could sell stakes in their women’s team to make ends meet, an option that remains active following a failed bill to cancel that practice after Chelsea flipped £90 million in losses to a £128 million profit in 2024.

Aston Villa now seriously interested in signing "aggressive" 13-goal rival

He could be on the move.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 5, 2025

Losing a maximum of £105 million over three rolling years is the limit for Premier League clubs in order to comply. Still, not everyone is happy at the rules that their clubs have to abide by to evade sanctions.

Journalist fumes at Aston Villa PSR latest

Taking to social media platform X, iNews correspondent Mark Douglas vented his frustration at Aston Villa’s need to sell and made the point that Newcastle United have suffered a similar fate in their efforts to progress as a club.

Admittedly, PSR has become a controversial topic among football fans for a number of reasons, with some feeling that the traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs are protected more than others due to the ease in making ‘pure profit’ sales or by filing via subsidiaries of their PLC’s entity.

Regulation is critical to promote fairness, though there are clear elements in the current system that leave a lot to be desired. Aston Villa find themselves in a frustrating situation and will need to meticulously ensure they don’t fall foul of the authorities.

Others will argue their wage to revenue ratio is a problem, brought on by decisions such as paying £227,500 of Marcus Rashford’s salary weekly during his stay. Either way, the rise of PSR over the last few years has become a contentious issue and continues to limit the progression of those attempting to challenge the traditional order.

While buying the right players remains a key point of concern at Manchester United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, it could be argued that there has been just as much difficulty with regard to selling players in recent times.

Indeed, the £10m profit made on Daniel James in 2021 showcases a rare example of the Red Devils actually making an astute move in the market, with the club having far too often let talents go on the cheap – the £500k sale of £40m man Donny van de Beek a notable example.

There is a sense, however, that things are perhaps beginning to change, with the last few years seeing the Old Trafford hierarchy allow numerous academy graduates to be sold, namely Anthony Elanga (£15m), James Garner (£15m), Dean Henderson (£20m) and, of course, Scott McTominay.

Having so often been poor sellers, can fans and pundits alike really be too critical of the club trying to strike while the iron is hot with regard to cashing in?

The problem is, however, that the woes of a side who could still finish 17th in the Premier League table have been heightened by the success of those who have moved on, with McTominay playing a vital role in steering Napoli to the Serie A title.

The MVP in that stunning Scudetto charge, the 28-year-old is the man of the moment. Why did the Red Devils ever let him go?

Why Man Utd sold Scott McTominay

McTominay’s heroics in Naples are a sight to warm the heart, with the 6 foot 4 sensation scoring 12 goals en route to league glory, including a remarkable bicycle kick on Friday night to help clinch the title.

Sold for a reported fee of £25m, the Scotland star is seemingly a player that Erik ten Hag “didn’t want” to sell by his own account, although he was almost “forced” into doing so amid the club’s financial woes. Those funds were subsequently used to help seal a move for fellow midfielder, Manuel Ugarte.

Therein lies the problem, with that latter deal now looking like something of a mistake, with Ugarte on course to soon emulate Van de Beek, not least after sitting out Wednesday’s Europa League final.

With McTominay netting ten times in all competitions last season, his impact would likely have been far greater than the Uruguayan, a player who has scored just twice this term under Ruben Amorim.

Yes, McTominay himself at times looked “not good enough” alongside Fred, as per club legend Roy Keane, although he was a valued squad member who stepped up when needed. Who can forget his remarkable long-range strike in the Manchester Derby in March 2020?

While not always a guaranteed starter – having started just 27 times in 2023/24 across all fronts – here was a player who had “Manchester United in his veins”, according to Ten Hag. A player looking set to be a future “captain” of the club, in the words of Ralf Rangnick.

As it is, a love story is now brewing between the people of Naples and their new shining star. Back at Old Trafford, it could be time for Amorim and INEOS to acquire a suitable replacement.

Man Utd could land their next Scott McTominay

Amorim is set to stay put despite United’s midweek woes, although change is afoot elsewhere, not least with Alejandro Garnacho having reportedly been told he can leave the club this summer.

The Argentine winger – who was dropped to the bench for the showpiece in Bilbao – may not be the only high-profile exit from the Theatre of Dreams, with speculation still rife regarding the future of talismanic skipper, Bruno Fernandes.

That uncertainty has come amid concrete interest in the 30-year-old from Saudi Arabian side, Al Hilal, with Fernandes having admitted following the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that he would accept it if United did decide to cash in.

While that still remains an unlikely prospect, if the playmaker does indeed move on this summer, the Red Devils have already drawn up plans for a replacement, a player perhaps in the mould of the aforementioned McTominay.

Indeed, it was reported earlier this month that the Premier League outfit are lining up Athletic Club star, Oihan Sancet, should Fernandes depart, with the 25-year-old having a £67m release clause in his current contract with the Basque side.

The Spain international was absent from the Europa League semi-final meeting with Amorim’s side due to injury, although it has been an otherwise standout campaign, amid his return of 17 goals in all competitions.

That includes 15 goals in LaLiga from only 19 starts, with the attack-minded star boasting that “box-crashing” impact that McTominay has shown for both Napoli and United, as noted by analyst Ben Mattinson.

A player capable of operating as a number ten or as a second striker, much like the Lancaster-born giant, Sancet also mirrors McTominay in being something of an unsung hero, having been described by Mattinson as “one of the most underrated players in Europe” right now.

That is a suitable statement considering that the Athletic star ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals this season, as per FBref. For context, McTominay ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in that same metric.

Non-penalty goals

0.37

0.68

Shots

2.33

2.66

Assists

0.12

0.06

Shot-creating actions

2.11

2.83

Pass completion

84.1%

81%

Progressive passes

3.43

5.09

Progressive carries

1.72

2.94

Touches in opposition box

3.25

3.85

Aerial duels won

2.02

0.68

A slightly more advanced, attack-minded option than the ex-United man, an added bonus is also Sancet’s superior quality on the ball, as evidenced with regard to his progressive carries and progressive passes record.

To be able to combine a McTominay-esque instinct in front of goal with a composed presence in possession could be an ideal mix as far as Amorim is concerned, with Sancet looking a perfect fit for one of the Portuguese’s two number ten berths.

A man who has risen up through the youth ranks to sparkle for the Basque outfit, much like McTominay in Manchester, the £67m man would be a worthy addition for the new INEOS regime this summer.

Yes, there may be more glamorous, highly touted names out there, but as the Red Devils found with the case of McTominay, never overlook such an invaluable, ‘underrated’ goal threat.

Man Utd's "outrageously good" flop has been better than McTominay in 24/25

INEOS must terribly regret letting this player leave Old Trafford.

ByAngus Sinclair May 25, 2025

Potentially in a position to spend again at long last this summer, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a £51m striker who’s already received high praise from Alan Shearer.

Newcastle preparing for crucial Arsenal clash

There were stages in the first half of the season in which it seemed like Newcastle could miss out on Champions League football, as though their transfer failure was going to catch up to them. Now, however, with the Carabao Cup under their belt, the Magpies could finish as high as second in the Premier League. In fact, if they beat Arsenal this weekend, then Eddie Howe’s side will go above the Gunners and into the top two.

Newcastle battle Arsenal to sign star for less than £50m after scouts sent

What a signing he could be for the Magpies.

ByHenry Jackson May 17, 2025

Howe is well aware of the importance of his side’s trip to The Emirates this Sunday, too, as they look to take a major step towards Champions League qualification. He told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “It’s not done yet. The picture can change game to game and I think we’ve got to be really focused on our next game and trying to win it.

“We have been, our preparation has been good and the focus is there from the players. Nothing is achieved until it’s achieved. We have to be single minded in that and not get distracted.”

Liverpool (C)

83

36

Arsenal

68

36

Newcastle United

66

36

Chelsea

66

37

Aston Villa

66

37

Manchester City

65

36

Nottingham Forest

62

36

Those at St James’ Park need no reminder about the impact that Champions League football could have on their summer transfer window, either. A place among Europe’s elite could help convince Alexander Isak to stay put amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, whilst also helping to attract key upgrades for Howe in the coming months.

Newcastle join race to sign "superb" Pedro

The Magpies could even attract a Premier League rival with Champions League football to offer. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Joao Pedro, who Brighton & Hove Albion have valued at a hefty €60m (£51m) amid interest from Tyneside as well as Liverpool, Aston Villa and others.

Whilst a deal to sign the forward won’t come cheap, Pedro would provide Newcastle with an instant fail-safe in the event that Isak departs. The Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals and set up another six this season, has the potential and quality to replace the Swede in the long-term. What’s more, he’s also already got a fan in the form of Newcastle legend Shearer.

The iconic goalscorer sung Pedro’s praises on Match of the Day after he scored in Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in November, saying: “He was superb today and they just edged it in those forward positions. They are really strong with him, Rutter, Mitoma and Welbeck. Their understanding and they linked really well today in Rutter and Joao Pedro.”

The approval of Shearer certainly goes a long way in Newcastle, but whether it’s enough for PIF to make their move for Pedro remains to be seen this summer.

Arsenal are progressing in talks to sign a “deadly” Premier League star, who is now “likely” to leave his current club this summer, according to a report.

Gunners keen on new forwards after injury-ridden 2024/25 campaign

Injuries undoubtedly played a part in the Gunners’ inability to finally win the Premier League title this season, with a number of their key attacking players spending differing amounts of time on the sidelines due to setbacks.

Player

PL matches missed

Gabriel Martinelli

3

Bukayo Saka

13

Kai Havertz

14

Gabriel Jesus

19

As such, it is little wonder that Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his attacking options this summer, and a new striker is believed to be of particular interest, with talks over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres now advancing.

Botafogo’s Igor Jesus and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have recently been named as potential alternative targets to Gyokeres, while it could also make sense to bring in a versatile forward, capable of filling in if the Gunners suffer similar injury problems next season.

According to a report from TNATS (via The Boot Room), Arsenal are now pursuing a forward who could fit the bill in that regard, with talks over a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo now advancing, although there is widespread interest in his signature.

Approach made: Arsenal in contact over "incredible" £84m Brazilian striker

The Gunners have made a move to sign a striker, who they are now seriously considering as a summer signing.

ByDominic Lund May 18, 2025

The Brentford star has been a long-term target for the Gunners, but a deal may not be cheap, with reports from elsewhere revealing the Bees could look to hold out for a fee of £65m.

One thing that is clear, however, is that the 25-year-old could be heading for the exit door this summer, with Christian Norgaard revealing his teammate is now “likely” to leave.

"Deadly" Mbeumo could be fantastic signing for Arsenal

As mentioned, the France-born forward’s versatility could be a real bonus for Arteta next season, given that he is capable of playing at both striker and out wide, flourishing at right-wing this season, in what has been an impressive campaign for the Bees.

The Cameroon international has 28 goal contributions to his name in all competitions, scoring 19 goals in 37 Premier League games, while catching the eye due to his work-rate.

Having also been lauded as “deadly” by Statman Dave, Mbeumo has earned a move to a top club this summer, and he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur are succession planning ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with manager Ange Postecoglou expected to potentially leave regardless of the result of their Europa League campaign.

Ange Postecoglou guides Spurs to Europa League final

Following their comfortable 5-1 win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on aggregate in the semi-finals, Postecoglou has a golden opportunity to clinch Spurs’ first piece of major silverware in over 17 years.

Paratici tells Spurs to hire £105k-per-week manager with Ange "set to leave"

The incoming ex-managing director has preference.

ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

The Lilywhites face Premier League rivals Man United in the Bilbao final on May 21, knowing that a win has the potential to rescue their otherwise dismal campaign.

Domestically, Spurs have equalled their largest number of Premier League defeats in a single campaign (19), and with three games still to play, Postecoglou could yet break the unwanted record for his CV.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 11th

Aston Villa (away)

May 16th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Their place in the Europa League final represents an unmissable chance to make history amid their tepid 24/25, with a place in next season’s Champions League draw also on the line in a potentially very lucrative 90 minutes for Spurs.

That being said, even victory in the final won’t guarantee a long-term future for Postecoglou in the dugout.

It is believed that Postecoglou could leave Tottenham regardless of their success in the Europa League later this month (The Telegraph), with chairman Daniel Levy and the hierarchy reportedly drawing up a list of candidates to succeed the 59-year-old.

Ex-managing director Fabio Paratici is also heavily linked with a return to Spurs right now, given his worldwide ban from football is due to end on June 30th.

Reports are even claiming that Paratici is giving his managerial recommendations to Tottenham, in the event they part company with Postecoglou, with the Italian thought to be a big admirer of ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Marco Silva top of Tottenham's managerial list to replace Ange Postecoglou

However, according to Sky Sports transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, writing on his website, £4m-per-year Fulham boss Marco Silva is now thought to be the leading contender.

Silva has done an excellent job at Craven Cottage, and they’re on course to break their Premier League points record for a single season. Fulham are on 51 points right now, just two away from their previous best haul of 53, and they briefly contended for Champions League qualification this campaign against all odds.

Following these exploits, Di Marzio states that Silva is the “first name” on Tottenham’s list to replace Postecoglou, with the Portuguese ultimately entering pole position for the job.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was rumoured to be the top managerial candidate for Spurs and Levy at one point, but the 42-year-old has now been seemingly overtaken by Silva.

As well as overachieving at Fulham, the tactician has been called a “master” by previous players under his leadership.

“He is a master,” said former Hull City striker Evandro to Premier League Brasil.

“I like to put Marco Silva on the same level as [Jorge] Sampaoli, because he has a management model that I also look up to. Marco Silva has an excellent way of managing the group, and his greatest characteristic is being rational and not emotional.”

The celebrations stretched deep into the night. Liverpool won the Premier League last weekend, in case a reminder is due, after Arne Slot’s side gave Tottenham Hotspur a hiding to clinch the club’s 20th top-flight trophy.

It was a poetic way to seal the title, the 5-1 victory a consummate showing of Liverpool’s attacking flair, their togetherness, their hunger.

Even Slot, who has been so businesslike and cool throughout his debut campaign in the dugout, allowed himself to get lost in the occasion, bellowing his predecessor’s name in the wake of his big win. A fitting tribute. Further evidence, if any more is needed, that he is the man to lead this bunch.

One season is all it takes for this brilliant coach, but he and his players will be desperate to consolidate this new chapter with more silverware in the coming years. That means signings are needed.

Federico Chiesa, whose impact has been minimal, remains the only first-team addition since August 2023, and while this is a balanced squad of ample depth, Andy Robertson, 31, looks a mite blunter than before, with the growing interest in Milos Kerkez evidence that left-back is a priority position for FSG.

Liverpool's pursuit of Milos Kerkez

Let’s remember from the off: Richard Hughes was the man who engineered Bournemouth’s signing of Kerkez two years ago, bringing the prospect, 19 at the time, in from AZ Alkmaar for a reported £15m fee.

The Cherries have most certainly got bang for their buck, but could strike richer still by selling him this summer. Kerkez feels destined for a transfer away to a team competing in the Champions League.

However, Liverpool are no bullies and won’t push for a deal until Andoni Iraola’s quest for a Europe-qualifying finish is wrapped up, one way or another.

The Times reported in March that Liverpool were actively pursuing the 21-year-old, who is valued at £45m. This is steep. Moreover, Sky Sports News have revealed that Manchester City and Real Madrid have now registered interest of their own.

Each party will be confident in the chips in front of them, but honestly, it’s too early to determine the likelihood of Kerkez’s direction until one or all show their hand.

However, though Liverpool admire the Premier League “revelation,” they know how it goes in the market and appear to have centred on an alternative, just in case.

Interestingly, though, this fallback may prove to be an even better signing than the Vitality Stadium man.

Liverpool eyeing Kerkez alternative

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Liverpool are interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Molineux are growing resigned to the fact that Ait-Nouri has earned the right to search for the next step in his career, should a suitable bid be received, having been one of their standout performers over the past several years.

The 23-year-old wouldn’t come cheap; in fact, with a supposed value of £51m, he’d cost FSG more than if they were to move for Kerkez. However, Ait-Nouri has the tactical grasp to slot right into Liverpool’s high-flying system.

Why Ait-Nouri would be perfect for Slot

Ait-Nouri might have made 131 appearances in the Premier League but he’s still so young, still has so much potential to tap into.

The Algeria international, born in France, was described as an “incredible talent” by ex-Old Gold boss Gary O’Neil, with his performances this season leading to four goals and seven assists across 33 Premier League outings. He also bagged against Bristol City in the FA Cup.

His eye for goal, both directly and through a playmaking lens, is something to behold, but it’s only one part of a completeness that few full-backs can harness.

Underscoring that point, he ranks among the top 6% of Premier League full-backs this season for goal involvements and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising that robust athleticism and attacking quality.

It’s worth noting Robertson has yet to score or assist in the Premier League this term, having typically been an unceasing source of output under Jurgen Klopp.

He’s still an experienced and valued part of the team, not least because of his deep-rooted connection with Virgil van Dijk, but Kostas Tsimikas has never managed to make the berth his own and will likely be sold to make way for one of Ait-Nouri or Kerkez this summer.

Looking more closely at the transfer targets in question, the case could be made that, yes, Ait-Nouri is the player to go for.

Matches (starts)

33 (33)

34 (34)

Goals

4

2

Assists

7

5

Touches*

61.8

59.1

Pass completion

86%

80%

Big chances created

8

7

Key passes*

1.1

1.0

Dribbles*

1.6

0.6

Ball recoveries*

4.0

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

3.2

2.6

Clearances*

1.8

2.8

Duels (won)*

5.8 (54%)

4.1 (53%)

There’s a lot to unpack in that table, but you can clearly see Ait-Nouri is more energetic and active than his Bournemouth counterpart, edging him in creative metrics too.

If the Anfield test serves as an audition for potential targets, Ait-Nouri passed with flying colours back in February, subduing Mohamed Salah as Liverpool scraped their way to a nail-biting victory.

The Algerian won five duels, made two dribbles and made two further key passes, also making three clearances as he contributed toward a second half in which the Reds failed to attempt a single shot.

Kerkez has been one of the emerging success stories in the English top division this year, but Ait-Nouri has the sweeping skills to make a real difference in Slot’s team, combative and determined in defence with an offensive dimension that is singular in its residence on the left flank of the field.

He was even hailed as “one of the Premier League’s best players in 2024” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley. And you could change the four to five in that quote; Ait-Nouri has only gone from strength to strength under Vitor Pereira’s wing, instrumental in Wolves’ ongoing six-game winning run, striking a goal-and-assist performance against Spurs and assisting again during the recent 3-0 win over doomed Leicester City.

Transfer Focus

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Either left-back would be a welcome and worthy addition to Slot’s project. But if we’re being pedantic – and you best believe Liverpool’s data-driven analysts are among the most scrupulous in the business – Ait-Nouri is the one to go for.

The new Gravenberch: Liverpool ready bid for "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool are set to make a bid for a talent who could be Arne Slot’s next Ryan Gravenberch.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

With no defeats from their last five Championship games, Leeds United are definitely in pole position when it comes to being crowned champions of the notoriously punishing division.

At one stage, it looked as if Daniel Farke’s Whites had fluffed their lines once more in the promotion race with defeats and draws aplenty seeping into their game, but two victories on the trot has now seen them thankfully push away from third-placed Sheffield United to the summit of the league.

Still, not every win that is being collected is the most easy-on-the-eye spectacle to watch, leading to rumours beginning to emerge that the table-toppers are looking at bringing in some new strikers.

Leeds in contact over deal for "phenomenal" star

As per a fresh report by TEAMtalk, the Whites are prioritising a number of signings ahead of potentially voyaging up to the Premier League, with the striker department one area that will likely be boosted by fresh personnel.

The report states that Leeds are especially taken aback by current West Ham United loanee Evan Ferguson, even with the Irishman’s notable struggles under Graham Potter to date.

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After all, the 20-year-old attacker has shone in the past with parent employers Brighton and Hove Albion, meaning there is a potential there for him to light up Elland Road.

Moreover, the report further elaborates that Leeds are monitoring the 6 foot forward’s situation ahead of his return to the Seagulls, with contact already being made over a deal happening in the near future.

Winning the services of a readymade Premier League striker could signal the end for Joel Piroe as Farke’s main marksman, with the Dutchman putting in one too many ineffective performances for the promotion-chasers as of late.

Why Ferguson would be a Piroe upgrade

The former Swansea City man is yet to taste any action in the top-flight across his career, but if his continued wastefulness in front of goal in the second tier is anything to go by, he would struggle to adjust to the sharp step-up in quality.

Whilst he does boast a healthy 15-goal return in the Championship this season, Piroe has also been guilty of squandering 12 big chances across his 42 league outings and counting, with three of those coming about when Leeds just narrowly beat Preston North End 2-1 last time out.

Whereas, Ferguson – at the peak of his powers for Brighton – has proven himself to be a cool and deadly finisher under pressure by notching up an impressive 17 strikes from 80 Seagulls appearances, which included a devastating hat-trick coming his way against Newcastle United way back in 2023.

The worry would be that the 20-year-old has significantly gone off the boil on loan at the Hammers – with a worrying zero strikes hitting the back of the net from six West Ham contests – but Farke will view the previously potent attacker as an upgrade on Piroe regardless, based on what has come before.

Games played

19

27

Games started

10

15

Goals scored

6

6

Assists

2

0

Big chances missed

5

4

From just 25 combined starts across the campaigns above, Ferguson would fire home a lethal 12 goals, with just nine big chances given up across those two seasons also.

Around this time, the much-talked-about Irishman was even being heralded as a potential £100m sensation, with BBC pundit Danny Murphy also weighing in on the conversation surrounding Ferguson by labelling him a “superstar” in the recent past.

Of course, it would now be ludicrous to suggest the Brighton number 28 is worth anywhere near that crazy sum.

But, with Piroe only managing to find the back of the net once from his last ten encounters for Farke’s men, Ferguson would be seen as a big upgrade, particularly if Premier League football is clinched.

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ByDan Emery Apr 16, 2025

Manchester City are now targeting an “unbelievable” attacking midfielder as a potential replacement for Kevin de Bruyne this summer, according to a report.

Man City searching for De Bruyne replacement

De Bruyne’s 10-year stay at the Etihad Stadium is set to come to an end at the end of the season, with Inter Miami among the potential suitors for the Belgian, which means Pep Guardiola will be tasked with bringing in a replacement in the summer window.

A number of targets have already been identified, and one midfielder Guardiola is particularly fond of is FC Barcelona’s Dani Olmo, with City now willing to launch a £50m move for the Spaniard.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz are also among the targets, although a move for the latter player could be very expensive, with the German side set to hold out for over £100m.

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According to a report from Football Transfers, the Sky Blues remain comfortable financially, but a deal for Wirtz may prove to be out of their budget, given PSR concerns, which means they could make a move for a cheaper alternative.

Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is the player in question, with the 21-year-old set to be available for a fee of just €30m €40m (£26m – £34m), given that his contract is due to expire in 2026, and City are targeting a move.

Lyon need to raise funds, which means Cherki could be sold this summer, and there is a feeling that City could swoop, with Wirtz set to cost as much as €150m (£129m), should the German be available at all, given that he is in advanced contract talks with Leverkusen.

Guardiola could bring in up to five players this summer, with the manager looking to rebuild his squad, and the Lyon star’s availability for a low fee makes him an intriguing option.

"Unbelievable" Cherki likened to Lionel Messi

Lyon are making a late push for the Champions League places, and the attacking midfielder has been key to their success, chalking up a remarkable nine goals and 18 assists in 36 matches in all competitions.

Transfer expert Dean Jones has lauded the young Frenchman as “unbelievable”, while former Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas described him as “comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technical quality.”

Not only that, but the starlet ranks extremely highly across some key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.66 (99th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

7.01 (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

9.45 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.93 (93rd percentile)

Cherki could be available for a fee as low as £26m this summer, and based on his recent performances, a deal in that price range could be an absolute steal.