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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni is going to go back home to Ranchi, “enjoy a few bike rides”, and decide a few months down the line whether he is going to return for IPL 2026.”It depends. Again, I would say the same thing: I have four-five months to decide, there’s no hurry to decide what needs to be done,” Dhoni said when asked whether he would play next season after their final league game of IPL 2025, an 83-run victory against Gujarat Titans . CSK finished bottom of the league for the first time in 16 seasons, winning only four of their 14 games, and were the first team to be knocked out of contention of the playoffs.Dhoni turns 44 in July and will be closer to 45 when IPL 2026 comes around. “Every year, it’s 15% more effort to keep the body fit – not to forget this is top-level cricket. It’s professional cricket – you have to be at your best – and it’s not always performance that you can count, because if cricketers start retiring because of performance then a few of them will retire when they’re 22.”What is important to see is how much hunger you have, what kind of fitness you have, and how much you can contribute to the team, and whether the team needs you or not. So I have enough time. I will go back to Ranchi – haven’t been home for a long time – enjoy a few bike rides, [take a] couple of months and then decide.Related

• Mhatre and Urvil show up CSK's old-school auction

• Brevis, Mhatre, Urvil help CSK sign off gloomy season on bright note

• What can CSK do to rise from rock bottom next season?

• CSK and the Dhoni retirement question: how late is too late?

“I’m not saying I’m done, I’m not saying I’m coming back. As I said, I have the luxury of time. When you have the luxury then why not think about it and then decide.”CSK ended their season by making their best score of IPL 2025 – 238 – and then dismissed GT for 147. Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad took three wickets apiece, with Noor finishing with 24 wickets in the season.”We didn’t have a very good season, but good to finish on a good note,” Dhoni said. “I think this was one of the perfect performances – from the bowling department, batting department, not to forget the fielding and catching. Throughout the season, I don’t think we have caught very well, so this was one game where the catching was also good.”Majority of the crowd in Ahmedabad stayed back for the presentation and started chanting “Dhoni, Dhoni” once he started to speak, wondering if they would see him play again. He took over the captaincy in the middle of the season after CSK’s regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad picked up an elbow injury and was ruled out. While CSK could not turn their fortunes around, they started looking at younger batters such as Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shaik Rasheed and Urvil Patel, apart from Kamboj in the bowling attack.MS Dhoni on CSK’s season: “I was more worried about the batting department; at the end of the day, you have to score runs”•BCCI

“When we started the season, we played the first four games at home out of six,” Dhoni said. “We won tosses, [and] we decided to bat second because there was a fair amount of dew, but I felt the wicket was better to bat first somehow. In the second innings when we batted, we were under a bit of pressure, and that confidence got sucked away from the batters and that became slightly difficult for us to come back.”I was more worried about the batting department; at the end of the day, you have to score runs. But now, looking at how everybody is contributing, we look like a side who can put runs on the board, and the maneuvering with the bowlers becomes slightly easy. Yes, there are still a few holes that we would like to fill. But one of the most important things was when Rutu (Gaikwad) comes back next season, at least we are able to give him a team where he just needs to fit in maybe one in the playing XI and he doesn’t have to worry about too many things.”

Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, who recently won the 2025 US Open, has suggested that an England star may be “the best player in the world”.

Alcaraz wins US Open for the second time

Alcaraz won the sixth major crown of his career in New York City on Sunday, defeating Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to secure victory in the US Open for the second time.

The Spaniard managed to get revenge on Sinner after the Italian emerged victorious at Wimbledon earlier this year, subsequently moving back up to no.1 in the world as a result.

As such, there can be no doubting that the 22-year-old is one of the best tennis players in the world, having now won the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon on two occasions, but it is not quite as clear-cut who the greatest footballer on the planet is.

Alcaraz has previously suggested that he prefers Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi, but the US Open winner has also suggested that a Real Madrid star is currently the best player in the world.

Rory McIlroy named England legend as his greatest ever footballer – not Messi or Ronaldo

The Northern Irishman has named his favourite ever player.

ByDominic Lund Sep 3, 2025

Indeed, speaking previously, Alcaraz said on Jude Bellingham: “Well… for me it is difficult to believe he is 20 (years-old). Right now, I think, if he is not the best player in the world, (he is) one of the best ones.

“I think everything he transmits to everyone on-and-off the field is amazing. I have a lot of respect for him. It is great to have him in Real Madrid.”

Bellingham set to play starring role for England at World Cup

It would take a major slip-up for England not to make it to the 2026 World Cup, given that their qualifying group looks relatively straightforward on paper, and Bellingham is set to play a starring role for Thomas Tuchel’s side next summer.

In the past, there has been some, perhaps warranted, criticism that England players don’t often test themselves abroad, but that has now started to change, with captain Harry Kane now at Bayern Munich, while Bellingham has flourished at Madrid ever since his arrival.

Season

La Liga appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

28

25

2024-25

31

18

Not only that, but the central midfielder is also well-established at international level, having already amassed 44 caps for England at the age of just 22, although he has been unavailable for selection for Tuchel against Andorra and Serbia.

The Madrid star is still recovering from a shoulder injury, which has also ruled him out of his side’s opening three La Liga matches, but it has now been revealed he is expected to return in late September.

England can make do without Bellingham at the moment, but he has a huge role to play at the World Cup next summer, having played a pivotal role in the Three Lions reaching the 2024 Euros final, most memorably scoring a dramatic late bicycle kick against Slovakia.

Barcelona suffered their first league defeat of the season in a thumping 4-1 loss to Sevilla, as Robert Lewandowski’s missed penalty denied them a lifeline in the second half. Reflecting on the setback, defender Pau Cubarsi admitted that the team’s wastefulness in front of goal proved costly and urged his teammates to “push for more” to prevent such lapses in future games.

• Sevilla move to sixth spot in La Liga after Barca win

  Sevilla shocked Barcelona with a commanding 4-1 victory, opening the scoring through Alexis Sanchez’s penalty and doubling their lead via Isaac Romero before Marcus Rashford briefly revived Barca with a first half stoppage-time volley; after Lewandowski’s missed penalty, late goals by Jose Angel Carmona and Akor Adams capped off a superb Sevilla performance and highlighted Blaugrana’s poor display at both ends of the pitch. This is Barca's second defeat in a week.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pau Cubarsi wants Barcelona to step up and raise their game

  The Spanish defender showed promise despite Barca's heavy defeat, maintaining composure and making important defensive clearances. He was one of the few players to stand out, even assisting Rashford's chance with a through ball. However, he also criticised the team’s overall lack of intensity after the game.

  "In the second half we had very good chances, but football is like that. We can’t let ourselves go as we did in the final plays. Looking ahead, we must focus on these mistakes and push for more," Cubarsi said in a post-match interview.

  He added: "The opponent's chances actually start from the front line. I think we need to press like we did last season. I believe in this case we've become complacent, and that cannot continue. It's true that it's just one match, and we shouldn't overreact, but it's also a turning point."

  Barcelona now sit second in the table below rivals Real Madrid with 19 points.

• Lamine Yamal’s injury concerns and Barca’s fitness warnings

  Lamine Yamal’s recurring pubic injury remains a major concern for Barcelona, with Flick expressing doubts about his readiness for the upcoming El Clasico due to the complexity of the injury and the uncertain recovery timeline with the club confirming he will remain out for 2-3 weeks. Yamal, earlier appeared against Real Sociedad before facing an injury relapse after playing 90-minutes against Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, Blaugrana faces fitness challenges with Fermin Lopez, Gavi and Joan Garcia also sidelined with injuries, adding to the club’s injury crisis.

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• AFP
  

  Coach Flick needs to reassess his tactics

  Flick's team has been exhausted with the congested schedule and the absence of many star players during this hectic run has been a constant issue. However, with the international break starting this week, the coach will have a lot of time to reassess his tactics before their fixture against Girona on October 18.

Just when Russell Martin thought things could not get any worse for him as Rangers manager, well….

On Wednesday night, the Gers were demolished 6-0 by Club Brugge at Jan Breydelstadion, all the goals coming in the first 50 minutes, before the Belgian side showed mercy.

Having also been humbled 3-1 at home, this 9-1 annihilation is the first time the Gers have conceded nine or more in a two-legged European tie since a 12-4 aggregate defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt all the way back in May 1960.

So, the Light Blues will now take their place in the Europa League, but will Martin still be in charge by the time they play their matchday one fixture in late-September?

Wednesday was only his tenth match in charge, but he’s yet to collect three points in the Premiership, drawing all three league games 1-1 to date, ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby against Celtic at Ibrox.

Thus, Martin will be desperate to improve his squad ahead of Monday’s deadline, so could Rangers be about to bolster their midfield options?

Rangers' midfield conundrum

Ahead of the mid-week battering in Brugge, Martin’s midfield selection was the headline team news.

He elected to start three new signings, namely Joe Rothwell, Thelo Aasgaard and Lyall Cameron, thereby leaving last season’s player of the year Nicolas Raskin and his usual partner Mohamed Diomandé on the bench.

Both were introduced at half time, suggesting Martin recognised the error of his ways, but it would’ve been unthinkable last season that neither would be starting a do-or-die European tie, so is finding a third member of a midfield trio, one that gets the best out of them, a key item on their transfer window agenda?

Well, according to a report by Markaj News, Rangers are “monitoring” Real Valladolid midfielder Selim Amallah.

They add that the Moroccan international will almost certainly be on the move before the transfer window closes, following Blanquivioletas’ relegation from La Liga last season, with Ligue 1 outfit Angers also “very interested”.

Transfer Focus

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

Football Transfers estimate that the 28-year-old is worth €1.2m (around £1m), so could he soon swap Estadio José Zorrilla for Ibrox?

What Selim Amallah would bring to Rangers

Amallah began his career in Belgium, the country of his birth, bouncing around a few smaller clubs before being picked up by Standard Liège in 2019, making 97 appearances for les Rouches, one of which came against Rangers in the Europa League in 2020, a game made famous by Kemar Roofe’s astonishing goal from inside his own half.

Since 2023, Amallah has called Spain home, joining Valladolid, spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Valencia after Blanquivioletas were relegated to the Segunda División, before returning to Valladolid again last season, although they were relegated once again.

Despite the fact his team won only four games all season, the Moroccan international largely impressed, with writer Kai Watson labelling him “versatile”, adding that he has been primarily “used in a deeper role” since moving to Spain, but possesses “flair and arrogance”, while also being technically strong and a “good ball carrier”.

So, let’s assess his statistics in La Liga last season.

Minutes

1,376

14th

Goals

3

3rd

Shots

21

5th

Key passes

13

6th

Progressive passes

57

6th

Shot-creating actions

32

6th

Tackles

30

8th

Blocks

24

6th

Interceptions

14

9th

Ball recoveries

73

6th

Average SofaScore rating

6.77

5th

As the table outlines, despite limited minutes due to injury, Amallah ranked generally pretty high for a wide variety of metrics at Valladolid last season.

He was a creative force, ranked in the top six for assists, key passes and progressive passes, while also doing the same when it came to out of possession defensive metrics too, namely blocks and ball recoveries.

All of this underlines why Amallah would surely complement Raskin well.

The Belgian is often asked to do everything in Rangers’ feeble midfield, required to both win the ball back and then create a moment of magic at the other end of the park.

So, having someone else who can do both would alleviate much of the responsibility that has been foisted upon Raskin’s shoulders, thereby helping to get the best out of Rangers’ best midfielder.

Thus, seemingly available at the cut-price, this is a deal the Light Blues should endeavour to get done because, well, he can’t be any worse than Rothwell can he?

Fernandez upgrade: Rangers preparing offer to sign "outstanding" £12m star

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly preparing to make an offer to sign an upgrade on Emmanuel Fernandez.

ByDan Emery Aug 27, 2025

While it might be something of a cliché, this season does feel like it’s going to be Nottingham Forest’s most important in a very long time.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will need to prove that their form in the Premier League last year was no fluke, and on top of that, they’ll want to go as far as they possibly can in the Europa League.

Fortunately, there’s no reason to suspect that the Tricky Trees won’t be as good as they were last season, especially since the talismanic Morgan Gibbs-White is set to remain at the City Ground for the foreseeable future.

Moreover, while losing Anthony Elanga isn’t ideal, the club now look set to land someone who could be the perfect replacement.

Forest target perfect Elanga replacement

While the Gibbs-White saga has understandably dominated the headlines when it comes to Forest this summer, the club have made several smart additions to Nuno’s team so far.

Transfer Focus

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Jair Cunha, for example, looks like he could develop into a useful defender for the side, while Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus produced a combined tally of 25 goal involvements last season, which could make all the difference this year.

However, there are still just over two weeks until the window slams shut, and the Tricky Trees seem intent on making the most of that time, reportedly set to welcome Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson to the club, alongside Arnaud Kalimuendo.

Yet, according to a recent report from mainland Europe, Forest are also closing in on signing Dilane Bakwa.

The Belgian journalist has revealed that, while the club have seen their €26m + €5m (£22m + £4m) rejected by Strasbourg, the two clubs are now much “closer to an agreement” than before, and the transfer is now “almost there.”

While Tavolieri does not mention what the final fee for the French winger is likely to be, a story from L’Équipe from earlier this month claimed that the French side value him at up to €35m, which is about £35m, and while that is a lot of money, Bakwa would be worth it.

Why Bakwa would be a perfect Elanga replacement

So, while there is no debating that Elanga was brilliant for Forest last season and one of their most important attackers, it certainly appears that not only would Bakwa be a great replacement, but potentially even an upgrade.

For example, when it comes to their pure output last season, which is fundamentally what matters most for any attacker, it’s the Frenchman who comes out on top.

In his 31 appearances for Strasbourg, the dangerous “diamond,” as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, scored six goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.06 games.

In contrast, the Swedish international scored six goals and provided 12 assists, but did so in 43 appearances, which comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.38 games.

However, it’s not just their output that paints the 22-year-old in a better light, as he comes out comfortably on top when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Bakwa vs Elanga

Statistics per 90

Bakwa

Elanga

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.41

0.36

Progressive Passes

4.66

2.27

Progressive Passes Received

8.99

8.24

Progressive Carries

3.86

3.67

Shots

1.87

1.58

Shots on Target

0.79

0.86

Passing Accuracy

72.9%

65.3%

Key Passes

1.70

1.80

Passes into the Final Third

2.42

1.15

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.44

0.94

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.36

0.29

Live Passes

34.7

25.1

Shot-Creating Actions

3.97

3.67

Goal-Creating Actions

0.58

0.65

Tackles

0.94

0.68

Blocks

0.76

0.40

Interceptions

0.54

0.22

Clearances

0.97

0.90

Successful Take-Ons

1.81

0.90

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

In fact, it’s not even close, as the Créteil-born gem comes out ahead in almost every single relevant metric, including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shot-creating actions, tackles, interceptions and more, all per 90.

In other words, the Ligue 1 ace looks to already be a relatively complete winger, who is as capable of creating chances as he is scoring them, and has no problem tracking back to do his defensive work either.

Ultimately, while he might cost them a little more than they were planning, Forest should be doing all they can to sign Bakwa as soon as possible, as not only does he look like the perfect replacement for Elanga, but he is also a potential upgrade.

Related Their new Gibbs-White: Nottingham Forest in race to land £30m star on loan

The hugely exciting gem could be a game-changer for Forest this season.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 14, 2025

Jayden Goodwin and Hilton Cartwright will look to extend their strong partnership for WA, who moved to within 87 of Tasmania’s first-innings total in Hobart

AAP02-Nov-2024

Hilton Cartwright cuts through point•Getty Images

Hilton Cartwright was fortunate to survive a seemingly regulation caught-behind decision late on day two as Western Australia seized control of their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.After Sam Fanning (68) laid a stoic early platform, Jayden Goodwin (73 not out) and Cartwright (48n not out) helped lift WA to 220 for 2 at stumps on Saturday, 87 runs short of Tasmania’s 317.WA will look to erase the deficit early on Sunday before aiming to construct a match-winning lead.Inside the last half-hour of play on Saturday, after a tough day of toil for the home side’s bowlers, Mitchell Owen drew a thick edge from Cartwright, who was on 38, which was pouched low but cleanly by wicketkeeper Jake Doran.The umpires got together before confirming, to Tasmania’s shock, that the original not-out decision would stand.Goodwin and Cartwright have combined for an unbeaten 91-run third-wicket stand, accelerating late after two sessions of attritional grind.”We’ve got two guys who are set at the crease, so I think we’re in a strong position,” Fanning said. “If we want to move the game forward, I think it’s in our hands. We’re set nicely.” Tasmania’s lower order spent 17.3 overs poking around for 15 runs, after resuming on 302 for 7, before WA crawled to 23 without loss at lunch in reply. The opening session reaping just 38 runs from 28.3 painstaking overs.Lawrence Neil-Smith made six of 77 balls, while Kieran Elliott’s 77-ball stay ended on 21 thanks to a marvellous one-handed slips catch from Cameron Gannon.Teague Wyllie (22) was the only WA batter to fall before tea, trapped plumb lbw by left-arm orthodox spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.Fanning dominated the 70-run first-wicket union with Wyllie and moved to his highest first-class score before chasing a wide half-volley from Bradley Hope, which he feathered to Doran.”I see a pathway for us to victory – four overs to go before the new ball,” Kuhnemann said. If we can take some wickets early tomorrow and put some pressure on, day three is moving day. I think the bowlers did a decent job, but tomorrow’s a massive day for us.”

Leeds United supporters were hit with a devastating blow on Monday evening when Fabrizio Romano gave Marseille the ‘here we go’ treatment for Igor Paixao.

It had been reported earlier in the day that the Whites were expected to agree a deal in the region of £28m to sign the Brazilian forward from Feyenoord ahead of the French side.

However, as you can see in the post above, Marseille now have a deal ‘in place’ to sign the 25-year-old star, who they have reached an agreement with over a five-year contract.

Romano claims that Paixao ‘wanted’ to sign for the French side despite Leeds United’s attempts to swoop in and convince him to make the move to England.

Given that Lukas Nmecha as a free transfer is the only attacking signing the Whites have made so far this summer, missing out on the winger has come as a big blow for the club.

However, it will be interesting to see how the Feyenoord star handles a move to a top five league in Europe, as Leeds have been burned by Eredivisie stars in the past.

Why Leeds may have dodged a bullet with Igor Paixao

It is, firstly, worth saying that Paixao would have been a very exciting signing for the club, because he enjoyed a phenomenal 2024/25 campaign in the Netherlands.

The 25-year-old star delivered 18 goals and 14 assists in all competitions from the left wing position, which shows that he has the potential to provide a huge threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

However, Leeds once splashed out a fee of £21m to sign left winger Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord in an eerily similar move in 2022, after his impressive year in the Eredivisie.

Eredivisie

Sinisterra (21/22)

Paixao (24/25)

Appearances

30

34

Goals

12

16

Big chances missed

8

11

Big chances created

9

12

Assists

7

10

Dribbles completed per game

3.6

1.7

Duels won per game

8.1

5.2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Sinisterra and Paixao both delivered plenty of goals and assists in their respective seasons in the Dutch top-flight for Feyenoord.

The former Leeds man, though, has only managed eight goals and three assists in 51 Premier League appearances in his career to date, which shows how hard it can be to translate that form from the Netherlands over to England.

With this in mind, the club’s latest reported target to bolster their attack may be just as exciting as the fallen through deal for Paixao would have been.

Leeds in the race to sign English star

According to Calcio Mercato, Leeds United are one of a number of teams lining up a potential swoop to sign Jonathan Rowe from Marseille this summer.

The report claims that the Whites, Bournemouth, and Roma are all interested in signing the England U21 international, whilst Atalanta may also join the race if they miss out on Ademola Lookman.

Transfer Focus

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

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In a funny turn of events, Calcio Mercato explains that the former Norwich City attacker may be available for clubs to snap up this summer because of the pending arrival of Paixao, who would take his place in the squad on the left flank.

The report adds that Leeds are not the only team turning to Rowe as an alternative to the Feyenoord star, as Roma are also looking at him after also missing out on Paixao.

It also reveals that it will take a fee in the region of £17m in order to secure a deal for the English winger, which means that he would be significantly cheaper than the Eredivisie sensation, but he could be just as exciting.

Why Leeds should sign Jonathan Rowe

The Whites should push to win the race to sign Rowe before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September because he could be just as exciting as Paixao.

First and foremost, the former Canaries star is three years younger than Paixao and still has plenty of time left before he enters the prime years of his career, which the Brazilian winger is already in.

When the Feyenoord ace was 22, he managed four goals and four assists in 18 games in the Brazilian top-flight and had not played a minute of football in Europe. Rowe, meanwhile, has played 13 Premier League matches and 28 in Ligue 1 in his career already.

The Englishman scored three goals, created eight ‘big chances’, and assisted three goals in 28 games in Ligue 1, but the young forward only started six of those appearances under Roberto De Zerbi.

24/25 Ligue 1

Jonathan Rowe per 90

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

0.40

Top 14%

xG on target

0.48

Top 13%

Goals

0.34

Top 25%

xA

0.25

Top 16%

Assists

0.34

Top 14%

Chances created

2.04

Top 22%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the £17m-rated star’s underlying statistics, per 90, was very impressive in comparison to his positional peers in the division, which suggests that he could have delivered far more goals and assists if he had been given more game time.

This is why the forward, who scored 13 goals for Norwich in the 2023/24 campaign, could be a very exciting signing for Leeds because he appears to have the potential to explode at the top end of the pitch if given regular starts, which Daniel Farke could offer him at Elland Road.

Whilst he may not have had a season as prolific as the one that Paixao just had, the England U21 international could be a signing that is just as exciting for the Whites because he has shown a lot of promise in a major league and has experience in England, and in the Premier League.

As well as potentially providing quality in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals, the 22-year-old is also a versatile forward who can play on either flank or through the middle, scoring the winner as a centre-forward for England at the U21 Euros this summer.

Rowe was once compared to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele as talent scout Jacek Kulig called him a “young Dembele” because the winger was “one of the most perfectly two-footed players” he had seen, which is why he is so adept at playing on either flank.

It is now down to Leeds to ensure that they do not lose another race for an exciting left wing target, because the Marseille whiz appears to have all the tools to be a fantastic signing for Farke.

Related Better signing than Paixao: Leeds in hunt to sign "exceptional" £30m star

Leeds United are reportedly in the hunt to sign an attacking midfielder who would be a better signing than Igor Paixao.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025

A Brydon Carse century on his return after suspension was not enough to prevent Durham slipping towards likely defeat on the third day of the Vitality County Championship Division One match with Somerset at Taunton.The visitors began by adding 64 runs to their overnight first innings score of 272 for six before being bowled out for 336, Carse contributing a valiant 104 and Ben Raine making 62. Jack Leach finished with five for 124 off 41.1 overs.That gave Somerset a first-innings lead of 156. They declined to enforce the follow-on and posted 263 for five in their second innings, Tom Abell leading the way with top score of 56.After an hour’s delay for bad light, the home side declared, setting their opponents an unlikely victory target of 420 on pitch offering increasing assistance for the spinners. By stumps, they had stumbled to 15 for three and face a backs-to-the-wall final day.Durham began the morning session needing 71 runs to avoid the prospect of following on, with Carse, in his first game back after serving a three-month ban for historic breaches of betting rules, unbeaten on 59 and Raine 51 not out.The pair added 15, extending their seventh-wicket stand to 117, before Raine edged Leach into the bucket hands of Craig Overton, who claimed his fourth catch of the innings at slip.Seamer Kasey Aldridge then took a hand, sending back George Drissell, who fended a steeply rising ball to short leg, and Daniel Hogg, caught by diving wicketkeeper James Rew, to leave Durham 305 for nine.Carse had already cleared the ropes off Leach and went to his hundred with two more sixes off successive deliveries from Aldridge, having faced 161 balls and hit 11 fours and four maximums. It was a faultless knock by the England white ball international, but before he could face again, last man Callum Parkinson was caught at silly point off Leach to end the innings.Somerset’s second innings plan appeared to be to bat aggressively while Lewis Goldsworthy played an anchor role. Fellow opener Andy Umeed made a rapid 28 off 31 balls before lofting a catch to long-off in the penultimate over before lunch, Drissell taking the chance off Parkinson. At the interval, Somerset were 41 for one, with a lead of 197, and poised for an afternoon assault.Tom Lammonby launched it with 36 off 34 balls, looking in excellent touch until beaten by a perfectly pitched off-break from Drissell, which turned and clipped the left-hander’s off stump. Abell then added 36 with the patient Goldsworthy, whose 99-ball innings ended when he was caught behind, driving at Parkinson, having matched his first innings score of 38.Tom Banton provided just the acceleration his team needed, smashing two sixes in a Drissell over and also clearing the ropes twice off Parkinson as he raced to 46 off 28 balls before miscuing a catch to mid-off to give Carse a wicket. By then Somerset were 353 ahead at 197 for four.Abell was unbeaten on 45 at tea, which was taken at 209 for four. He reached a confident 69-ball half-century with an exquisite extra cover drive for four off Bas de Leede, but fell soon afterwards edging the same bowler through to wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson to make it 228 for five.Rew and Archie Vaughan had added a further 35 to take the lead past 400 when, with the floodlights blazing brightly, the umpires decided the light was too poor to continue. An hour later play resumed at 6.05pm with the declaration made and Durham facing a maximum of 13 overs before the close.They made a disastrous start against spin from both ends, Alex Lees calling for a quick single to cover off the first ball of the second over, bowled by Vaughan, and Ben McKinney unable to beat Abell’s throw to wicketkeeper Rew.Overton’s close catching prowess was evident again when Lees edged Leach to leg slip and departed for six. Then Vaughan bowled Scott Borthwick, turning the ball past his outside edge, to leave Durham with two nightwatchmen at the wicket and facing a massive uphill battle.

Liverpool have adopted the mantra that the best form of defence is attack. Certainly, this is true of their summer transfer window so far, having made sweeping changes after winning the Premier League.

Some expected Arne Slot to be relieved of his duties as helmsman before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, let alone win the title with such dispatch.

Always ahead of the rabble, the Reds will now look to defend their title and challenge for more silverware across tournament fronts, well-equipped to do so after signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Though Liverpool are definitely interested in bringing in a centre-back – having attempted to sign Dean Huijsen before he joined Real Madrid and now setting their sights on Marc Guehi – many fans would agree that a centre-forward is more desperately needed.

Wirtz’s world-class playmaking would raise the level of any striker, but it won’t be enough to salvage Darwin Nunez’s Anfield career.

Why Liverpool are selling Darwin Nunez

When Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica three years ago, they thought they had secured a superstar in the making. Jurgen Klopp led the bid.

However, the Uruguay international, 25, has only scored 25 goals across his three terms in the Premier League, routinely criticised for his wayward finishing.

The pace and pressure that English football applies has foiled many a talented up-and-comer, and though Nunez has had his moments – that winner at the City Ground, that match-winning brace against Brentford – personal triumphs have been few and far between.

Under Slot’s guidance, he has scored seven times in 47 matches. Presenting that data differently, Nunez failed to score across 42 fixtures in 2024/25.

The marriage is over, but it’s an amiable divorce. Serie A champions Napoli are currently pushing to sign the striker, and it’s a move that will benefit all parties involved.

Nunez will enjoy the slower pace of the Italian division. Napoli, then, have the chance to rekindle this maverick, turn him into a chaotic weapon.

And Liverpool? Well, Liverpool will sign someone better.

Liverpool set sights on Nunez upgrade

According to German reporter Christian Falk, Liverpool are still interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The sought-after star has been expected to leave Germany this summer, but his club are playing hardball.

Indeed, Liverpool have been joined by Chelsea and Manchester United in considering a deal, but Frankfurt seem set on sticking to their €100m (£85m) valuation, a figure no one will pay.

Falk believes Liverpool will not open contacts with Frankfurt until Nunez’s future has been sorted, and a resolution on that front appears to be imminent.

Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike

Time was when the ballpark of £85m would get you record-breaking players, those of the top brass. Now, such figures make for just another day for clubs looking to stay competitive at the highest level.

That’s not to discredit Ekitike’s skill set; the Frenchman has been called “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, after all.

And he could reach some staggering standard, of course. Ekitike is tall and powerful and dynamic, endowed with pace and awareness to combine with a hunger to rattle shots off at goal.

You can only imagine the levels he could reach at Liverpool, combining with someone like Wirtz, whom Xabi Alonso had no qualms about labelling a “genius” of a playmaker for his vision and creative passing.

Florian Wirtz – Past Five Bundesliga Seasons

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

31 (25)

10

13

23/24

32 (26)

11

12

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

6

Data via Transfermarkt

Wirtz’s ability to score and to assist with regularity would suit a modern-tailored striker like Ekitike to a tee, for he scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions in 2024/25, going from strength to strength after arriving in Germany as a loanee in January 2024, scoring four times across the latter half of that Bundesliga season before wrapping the deal up by the end for €35m (£30m).

A lofty figure for a relatively unproven prospect at the time, but who can argue that Frankfurt haven’t got bang for their buck now? Ekitike will be sold for a mammoth figure, even if it doesn’t quite reach the ballpark that Die Adler are hoping for.

While some might have reservations over Ekitike’s age, and indeed his rawness, you can only imagine the heights he could reach in front of Liverpool’s new record signing, and that’s without even considering the magic of Mohamed Salah being sprinkled in from the right too.

Of course, Wirtz will certainly be helped by Ekitike’s instinctiveness, the forward’s sharp movements and clever flicks apt to cause mayhem for opposing defences when collecting one of Wirtz’s surgical passes, his angled crosses, his deft layoffs.

And, furthermore, the rangy talent boasts an underlying skill set to behold, bearing all the dynamism and roundedness that Liverpool typically like from their frontmen.

As per FBref, he finished the Bundesliga campaign ranked among the top 8% of strikers for pass completion, the top 16% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

No doubt, he’d be a dream for Liverpool’s new German superstar, actually praised for his “incredible” style of play by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.

Of course, Liverpool would get a more refined and established nine in Alexander Isak, who has demonstrable experience in the Premier League and Champions League, also scoring as Newcastle United beat Slot to the Carabao Cup in March.

However, Ekitike is more affordable and has the potential to grow into a bona fide sensation. Partnered with Wirtz over the coming years, whose elegant and intelligent performances would serve chances to the France talent on gleaming platters, Slot might just hit the jackpot.

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Preparing for life in the Championship, Wrexham are now reportedly pushing to seal a bargain deal to sign a Premier League veteran who’s scored over 70 goals in England’s top flight.

Reynolds: Wrexham ready to be "aggressive"

After a third-straight promotion created history, anything is possible for Wrexham. The Hollywood show has become better by the season, but now the Welsh club are in need of their best characters yet as they aim to cause further shocks in the Championship.

Up into England’s second tier and just one step away from the Premier League, whilst owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be in dreamland, they won’t want to stop here.

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The Welsh club are preparing for life in the Championship.

ByTom Cunningham May 28, 2025

Speaking on the RobRyanRed fan podcast recently, Reynolds claimed that Wrexham are ready to be “aggressive” in the market this summer, saying: “We’re coming to win. I can’t give you a dollar figure, but I can tell you that we are going to be as aggressive as we can possibly be while being mindful of sustainability. We have a stadium to revamp, but will still maintain its character and culture.”

On that front, there have already been several rumours as to who could arrive at Wrexham this summer with Tom Cairney among those rumours. The experienced Fulham midfielder has been offered a new contract at Craven Cottage, but it remains to be seen whether he decides to put pen to paper or join up with Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham side this summer.

The Premier League midfielder isn’t the only name on The Red Dragons’ radar though. Rangers’ Tom Lawrence has also been the subject of reported interest in recent months, whilst another top-flight veteran could also arrive.

Escaping the Championship will be Wrexham’s toughest challenge yet but if the reports are anything to go by, Reynolds and McElhenney are once again ready to back the Welsh side.

Wrexham pushing to sign Danny Ings

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Wrexham are now pushing to sign Danny Ings, who is set to become a free agent at the end of his West Ham United contract this month.

It’s reported that talks have already been held with the player’s representatives ahead of a summer switch.

The veteran striker has played for the likes of Liverpool, Southampton and Aston Villa, but could now be on his way to Wrexham at 32 years old.

Appearances

240

Goals

72

Assists

24

Whilst many will be quick to point out his injury record, there’s no denying that Ings knows exactly how to find the back of the net at the top level. If Wrexham not only secure his signature but also keep him fit, then the former Liverpool man could spearhead their biggest shock yet.

Ings has earned plenty of praise during his time in the Premier League, including from former Aston Villa boss and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard who described the striker as “selfless” during his time at Villa Park.

In what could be one of his last moves in English football, Wrexham should roll out the red carpet for Ings this summer and welcome an experienced, talented goalscorer.