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Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Akeal Hosein have all opted out of West Indies’ T20I squad for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka for personal reasons. Opening batter Evin Lewis, who had last played a T20I during the World Cup in 2022, returned to the side for the three T20Is in Dambulla. Lewis was also picked for the ODI leg of the Sri Lanka tour.Brandon King also returned to the T20I side after having recovered from the side injury that had forced him to miss chunks of the T20 World Cup earlier this year and CPL 2024. In the absence of Russell, West Indies called up his Trinbago Knight Riders team-mate Terrance Hinds and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ Shamar Springer. This was the first international call-up for both allrounders who were impressive in CPL 2024.While Hinds often fronted up to bowl at the death for TKR, Springer emerged as Falcons’ leading wicket-taker in a spin-dominated CPL with 12 strikes in nine games at an economy rate of 9.39. Springer has quite a few slower variations in his repertoire, which could suit the potentially sluggish pitches in Sri Lanka.Related

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Rovman Powell will continue to lead the T20I side with Roston Chase, who earned a West Indies central contract earlier this week, retained as his deputy. Lewis’ return comes after the selection system was revamped with coach Daren Sammy now leading the panel.”The tour of Sri Lanka gives us a chance to test our depth and assess players in different situations, especially with several senior players missing out for various reasons, including a need for rest and rehabilitation from injury,” Sammy said in a CWI statement. “We are confident in the squad’s ability to compete strongly against Sri Lanka.”Johnson Charles, who had reinvented himself as a 360-degree batter in St Lucia Kings’ run to the CPL 2024 final, missed the cut, with Andre Fletcher being picked as the reserve opener behind Lewis and King. Alick Athanaze is also another top-order option for West Indies. Finisher Sherfane Rutherford, though, is set to return to action after having withdrawn from CPL 2024 for personal reasons.Left-arm fingerspinner Gudakesh Motie is the only frontline spin bowler in the T20I squad. He will be assisted by offspin-bowling allrounder Chase and left-arm spin-bowling allrounder who had won the LPL earlier this year with Jaffna Kings.Alzarri Joseph, who had been rested for West Indies’ most recent T20I series, against South Africa at home, returned to the side but there was no place for left-arm seamer Obed McCoy, who often operates at the death.

West Indies T20I squad

Rovman Powell (capt), Roston Chase (vice-capt), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar SpringerJewel Andrew could become the youngest West Indies player to make his debut in ODI cricket•CPL T20 via Getty Images

Jewel Andrew bolts into WI ODI squad

Seventeen-year-old Jewel Andrew has broken into West Indies’ ODI squad for the three-match series in Pallekele. He could become the youngest West Indian to make his debut in ODI cricket; only Derek Sealy and Garry Sobers have made their international debuts for West Indies at the age of 17.Andrew has played only three List A games and seven CPL matches so far, but has already done enough to attract the attention of some West Indies greats, including Viv Richards and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, his CPL coach at Falcons, and Ian Bishop.The youngest player to ever feature in the CPL, Andrew marked his debut with an unbeaten 50 against a St Kitts & Nevis Patriots attack that included internationals like Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi. Andrew had been earmarked to become a future West Indies star right from his age-group days.”As we continue to build our ODI team, this tour offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate strategies and give opportunities to emerging talent,” Sammy said. “We are excited to see young players like Jewel Andrew, who has earned his place as an exciting prospect for the future.”Shai Hope, who won a two-year contract with CWI, will continue to captain the ODI team with Alzarri Joseph his deputy. Matthew Forde, who didn’t find a place in the T20I side, made it to the ODI side. He has had some success with Dambulla Aura in the LPL.The ODI squad has two specialist spinners, with wristspinner Hayden Walsh Jr retaining his place to complement left-arm fingerspinner Motie. Batters Athanaze and Keacy Carty, who were also part of West Indies’ most recent ODI squad, for the Australia tour earlier this year, retained their spots.Carty was also in good form for TKR in the CPL, where he scored 246 runs in ten innings at an average of 30.75 and strike rate of 125.51.West Indies’ white-ball tour of Sri Lanka will begin on October 13 and will run until October 26.

West Indies ODI squad

Shai Hope (capt), Alzarri Joseph (vice-capt), Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr

South Africa capped off their Women’s T20 World Cup preparations with an eight-wicket win in the series decider against Pakistan, which was also their joint fifth-highest successful chase in T20Is.Chasing 154, Anneke Bosch retired four runs short of a fifth half-century in the format in extreme heat but had done enough to set up victory. Laura Wolvaardt’s 45 and Annerie Dercksen’s unbeaten 44 took South Africa to the target with nine balls to spare.In the first day game played in the series, Pakistan were on the field at the hottest time of the day and lacked intensity with ball in hand despite a good start. Muneeba Ali pulled off an excellent piece of wicket-keeping to stump Tazmin Brits with her foot just in the air, off Sadia Iqbal’s fourth delivery. The wicket was Sadia’s sixth, and made her the leading bowler in the series, but she lacked support.Diana Baig and Fatima Sana were ineffective on a slow surface, Nida Dar was expensive and though Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan were economical, South Africa could treat them with caution with runs coming off other bowlers.A highlight of South Africa’s chase was the batters’ use of their feet against spin, which has been a concern for them previously. Wolvaardt was characteristically strong down the ground while Bosch and Dercksen opened up scoring areas square of the wicket, leaving South Africa in a good place ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.Anneke Bosch set up South Africa’s chase with 46 before retiring hurt•PCB

Pakistan will feel in the opposite position after they squandered the opportunity to post a bigger total on the back of a strong start. Muneeba and Gull Feroza put on 49 in the powerplay, but they were separated in the next over. Gull chipped a return chance back to Sune Luus, who has been bowling offspin since the tour of India mid-year and took a sharp catch. Two overs later Muneeba was run out and Pakistan needed the middle-order to rebuild.Former captain Nida Dar became Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer in T20I cricket, and is now only behind Bismah Mahroof. She was given a lifeline when she was dropped on 10 by Nadine de Klerk at deep mid-wicket. But, Dar only added two runs to her score before making room to play for turn against Nonkululekho Mlaba and was bowled. Fatima Sana’s 17-ball 27 was the major contributor in a 46-run fourth-wicket stand with Sidra Amin and set Pakistan up for a strong finish but when she was dismissed, they struggled to add quick runs.Chloe Tryon’s left-arm spin proved particularly difficult to get away. She bowled the 16th and 19th over and gave away just 11 runs to finish with figures of 1 for 23 in four overs. Luus was South Africa’s most economical bowler and conceded just 18 runs in her four overs. Importantly for South Africa, their attack was able to keep Pakistan in check without Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, who were rested from the second and third matches of the series.Fielding remains a concern for both sides, but cost Pakistan more in the final match. They put down Dercksen on 7, which gave her the opportunity to finish the game. In total, according to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, nine catches were put down across the three matches and South Africa were guilty of six of those. Both teams will want to work on their judgement under the high ball ahead, especially with low lights, in Dubai.

Leeds United have made an enquiry to sign “one of the most versatile players in world football”, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds targeting physical players with Bijol and Bornauw

The Whites, Daniel Farke and the 49ers so far have a clear plan when it comes to the transfer window and bringing in new players. Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw are the three new additions ahead of the club’s Premier League return, and all three players are over 6 feet tall.

Leeds’ first five Premier League games

Date

Leeds vs Everton

August 18

Arsenal vs Leeds

August 23

Leeds vs Newcastle

August 30

Fulham vs Leeds

September 13

Wolves vs Leeds

September 20

Leeds are looking to make their side more physical to deal with defending and attacking set pieces in the top flight and are targeting midfielder Anton Stach from Hoffenheim.

The ball-winning central midfielder fits the profile of being 26 and over 6’0″ and could arrive to challenge the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka in midfield.

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It is shaping up to be a busy few months ahead of the opening game of the season against Everton at Elland Road, and a new name that has emerged as a potential target would offer plenty of versatility to Farke’s side.

Leeds make approach to sign £12m Weah

According to reports from Italy, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have made an enquiry to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus. Also wanted by Everton and Marseille, Weah is thought to be worth around £12m but actually holds a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of €17m.

Standing at 6ft, he may pass the test for Leeds, and he can play anywhere on the right-hand side, so may rival Jayden Bogle at right-back, a player he has been compared to by Football Transfers, or Dan James on the wing.

The USA international, known for ‘immense speed’, can also turn out as a centre-forward or as a left-winger and contributed to 11 goals for Juventus last season.

After coming through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain as a teenager, Weah had a loan spell in Scotland with Celtic before joining Lille on a permanent deal in 2019. Four years later he signed for Juventus, and he is under contract with the Italian giants until 2028.

Following recent links to Nottingham Forest earlier in the window, Sky Sports reporter Dougie Critchley called Weah “one of the most versatile players in world football”.

“Timothy Weah is one of the most versatile players in world football. Last season alone he played in all 3 positions on both flanks and was even used as a centre forward.”

It looks as if a move to Yorkshire could be one to keep an eye on, albeit Leeds have allegedly only made an approach for Weah’s services so far.

Nottingham Forest have a huge season in 2025/26 ahead of them. After being in contention for a Champions League spot for much of the campaign, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could only qualify for the UEFA Conference League, although that is still a fantastic achievement.

Their good performances have drawn interest in their players from other clubs in the Premier League. One of those sides is Newcastle United, who are targeting a move for Anthony Elanga.

The East Midlands outfit currently values the Sweden international at £50m, showing just how important he is to the club and their exciting project.

If Elanga does depart the City Ground this summer, they will need to sign a replacement. Reports suggest they may already have someone lined up.

Nottingham Forest's potential Elanga replacement

Sorting an Elanga replacement this summer is something Forest simply must get right. The Swedish forward is a versatile player, so if he does leave, Nuno must surely go and sign a player in a similar mould.

Well, perhaps the man who could replace Elanga is Juventus star Timothy Weah. According to a recent report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the City Ground side ‘are interested in’ signing Weah this summer. The report suggests that the ‘clubs have already started contact and the negotiations are in full swing’ to agree a deal.

At this stage, personal terms with the USA international do not seem to have been completed. However, a fee is becoming more clear, with the Italian giants seemingly wanting just £12m for Weah this summer, which seems like an excellent value for money deal.

Why Weah would be a good replacement for Elanga

It was a really impressive campaign on a personal level for Weah, in what proved to be a turbulent season at times for the Old Lady. He became an important player and helped Juve to qualify for the Champions League, finishing fourth.

Across all competitions in the 2024/25 season, Weah, who is the son of former Ballon d’Or winner George, played 43 games, including one in the ongoing Club World Cup. In that time, he scored six goals and assisted a further five, with eight of those goal involvements coming in Serie A.

One of the words that springs to mind when discussing Weah is versatility, with Dougie Critchley describing him as “one of the most versatile players in world football”. He is incredibly flexible, able to play as a winger on either side, a full-back on either side and as a centre-forward.

This offers his manager, who could well be Nuno next season, extreme tactical flexibility, both during a game, should he wish to make tweaks, or before a game. Having a player who can play in multiple positions is certainly useful for any manager.

Indeed, that can be said about Elanga, too. The 23-year-old can also play on either flank, operating on the right wing most often last season. Like Weah, he can feature as a centre-forward, too, doing so seven times in 2024/25.

Stepping up and replacing the Forest number 21 will not be easy for Weah, though. Last season in Garbaldi Red, Elanga scored six Premier League goals and assisted 11, playing all 38 games. That included a sensational strike against former side Manchester United.

The underlying numbers via FBref for both players stack up well against each other. For example, Weah averaged 3.08 progressive passes per 90 minutes for Juve, compared to Elanga’s 2.27 each game for Forest, rubberstamping their creative threat in the final third.

Stat (per 90)

Weah

Elanga

Goals per shot

0.24

0.14

Key passes

1.04

1.8

Progressive passes

3.08

2.27

Tackles and interceptions

2.75

0.9

Progressive carries

2.47

3.67

There is no doubt that losing Elanga would be a huge blow for Forest. However, signing Weah, an even more versatile attacker who still manages good output, would be a superb way to replace their talismanic attacker.

He would be cost-efficient and offer Nuno tactical flexibility and quality in the final third. This seems like an excellent move for Forest this summer.

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Still reeling from their failure to qualify for the Champions League, Aston Villa have instantly set their sights on summer upgrades which could reportedly include a defender who has won it all in English football.

Aston Villa may still face PSR consequences

It’s fair to say that Aston Villa went all in on Champions League qualification, knowing that failure would have its consequences – that failure simply couldn’t be an option. So, the reaction when Manchester United sealed a shock victory on the final day after Morgan Rogers’ goal had controversially been disallowed was always going to be strong.

Villa slammed the decision, which they feel cost them their Champions League place, citing that a more experienced referee should have been in charge of such an important game, rather than 35-year-old Thomas Bramall.

Whether the blame truly lies with Bramall or Villa, themselves, for missing out on a place in the top five is not the question those in the Midlands should be answering, however. Instead, they should turn their focus towards how they’re going to navigate their way past increasing profit and sustainability concerns.

Already, the likes of Emiliano Martinez have been linked with moves away from Villa Park in a shock exit which is becoming more and more of a possibility. The Argentine is undoubtedly one of Unai Emery’s key men, but could be shown the door as they look to balance their books this summer.

Perhaps in a defiant attempt to welcome upgrades even in the face of PSR concerns, Aston Villa could still welcome fresh faces in the coming months. The likes of Lucas Chevalier is one name on their reported shortlist to replace Martinez, whilst those in the Midlands have also seemingly set their sights on signing a Premier League champion at a bargain price this summer.

Aston Villa informed about Joe Gomez deal

According to Empire of The Kop, Aston Villa have now been informed about Joe Gomez’s situation at Liverpool and are one of eight Premier League clubs currently keeping an eye on the defender who will be allowed to leave Anfield this summer.

The veteran centre-back, who can also play as a left and right-back, will reportedly cost any potential suitor just €30m (£25m) in the coming months in what is a bargain deal for such an experienced player. After becoming a two-time Premier League winner in recent months too, Gomez himself is reportedly open to an Anfield exit in pursuit of a starting place elsewhere.

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Whilst the 28-year-old has endured his fair share of injury problems, there’s a reason why he’s Liverpool’s longest-serving first-team player and Arne Slot recognised his quality earlier in the season, telling reporters: “Joe is patient in a good way, he always makes sure he is ready whenever the club or his teammates need him, and that is special when it comes to his mentality because not many players can do this for so many years that he has done this.”

If Aston Villa want to get back into the Champions League next season, then to say they could do a lot worse than signing a defender who’s won the competition would be a major understatement.

It’s been an extremely long time coming, but after eight years outside of the Premier League promised land, Sunderland are finally back.

Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats would go on to stun Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley courtesy of a last-gasp effort from Tommy Watson, with the tense tie looking to be going in the favour of the Blades, before a remarkable Sunderland comeback was kick-started.

Now, an exciting summer awaits the newly promoted side as they attempt to land some statement deals ahead of the challenge of top-flight football.

One deal that will go through is Enzo Le Fee joining Le Bris’ camp permanently after his standout loan stint more than helped the Wearside outfit seal a dramatic path back up to the Premier League.

Le Fee's heroics at Sunderland

Whilst the skilful Frenchman didn’t pick up a goal or an assist at Wembley, he would still prove his worth during the two semi-final clashes versus Coventry when collecting two assists.

Therefore, nobody will be up in arms about the Black Cats having to fork out £20m to land Le Fee for good, with that fee coming in as a mandatory amount to fork out if the high-flyers were to win promotion.

There will also be an expectation in the air that Le Fee can deliver when making the gigantic leap-up, considering he does have plenty of top-flight experience in his native France up his sleeve with soon-to-be ex-side Lorient, when tallying seven goals and 14 assists from 132 Ligue 1 encounters.

Moreover, despite only being 25 years of age, the entertaining number 28 is arguably one of the more senior members of Le Bris’ promotion-winning side, meaning he shouldn’t hopefully fold when the Premier League spotlight is beamed onto him.

Sunderland lineup vs Sheffield United

Age

1. GK – Anthony Patterson

25

2. RB – Trai Hume

23

3. CB -Daniel Ballard

25

4. CB – Luke O’Nien

30

5. LM – Dennis Cirkin

23

6. RM – Chris Rigg

17

7. CM – Dan Neil

23

8. CM – Jobe Bellingham

19

9. LM – Romaine Mundle

22

10. ST – Enzo Le Fee

25

11. ST – Eliezer Mayenda

20

Sourced by Transfermarkt

To help calm down the inexperienced team’s nerves more, Sunderland could go all in to land this former star who knows the Premier League inside out.

The incredible signing Sunderland could make

The Black Cats will already be up against it reentering the top-flight, with the last six teams that went up all coming straight back down miserably.

Therefore, if Sunderland are able to win back the services of former homegrown ace Jordan Henderson – with Football Insider reporting a return could be on the cards – they should go full steam ahead to snap him up, with this signing potentially as exciting as Le Fee’s was when he surprisingly entered the building in the second tier.

Henderson, before his career fell somewhat to the wayside in Saudi and now at Ajax, was the heartbeat of many a successful Liverpool side in the daunting division, skippering the side to Premier League and Champions League glory.

Jurgen Klopp referred to the midfield veteran as “incredible” during their memorable days together at Anfield, with the 34-year-old’s numbers below speaking for themselves in terms of how he could offer plenty of know-how.

Henderson’s numbers at Liverpool

Stat

Henderson

Games played

492

Goals scored

33

Assists

58

Premier League titles

1x

Champions Leagues

1x

Footballer of the Year

1x

Sourced by Transfermarkt

So good has Henderson been at the top level that he amazingly picked up a Footballer of the Year accolade at the close of the 2019/20 season, with a hope now that the former Reds captain can roll back the years upon his potential return to the Stadium of Light.

Indeed, with Sunderland in need of a calming and steady presence to complement the more livewire figures of Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and the attack-focused Le Fee, the local lad would be the dream addition for Louis-Dreyfus and Co as they enter a new dawn.

Surely a return to your hometown club on the eve of their first Premier League season in eight years is motivation enough to get back to your dominating best, with this deal perhaps going down as another steal like Le Fee’s if all goes to plan, particularly if he can keep his boyhood side afloat.

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Everything now rests on Manchester United lifting the Europa League in Bilbao to salvage some pride.

The Red Devils’ abysmal domestic season in the Premier League – away from potential European success – continued last time out versus Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s Blues dishing out a dire 18th loss of the league campaign.

A major revamp is needed at Old Trafford this summer, therefore, with Ruben Amorim needing to get this summer’s vital transfer window spot on.

Man United's busy summer ahead

It won’t just be hectic with a whole load of incomings entering through the door, with reports suggesting that Rasmus Hojlund could be on his way out of the Theatre of Dreams alongside Marcus Rashford.

Transfer Focus

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

But, away from ongoing talk involving who will be leaving the red half of Manchester, and the excitement levels begin to be raised, with both Matheus Cunha and Viktor Gyokeres routinely linked to Amorim’s men to spice up the attacking personnel.

The flashy names being linked don’t stop there though, with a new report from journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that United hold ‘substantial interest’ in 17-year-old River Plate hotshot Franco Mastantuono and have held talks with the player’s representatives this week.

This could be a tricky deal to get done this summer, however, with United having to fork out a high £38m to activate the South American’s release clause, amidst additional interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and various other keen onlookers.

How Mastantuono could be Man United's own Lamine Yamal

If United were successful in their pursuit of the enthralling teenager, Amorim and Co could be about to land their very own version of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, with the Argentine winger also making insane waves in his native country.

Much like Yamal at the Camp Nou, Mastantuono has been heavily in the spotlight at River Plate from a very early age.

After all, the Buenos Aires-born attacker is immortalised forever now into the South American club’s rich history, with Mastantuono going down as the team’s youngest ever goalscorer when firing home a strike last year at just 16 years of age.

He hasn’t looked back since that landmark goal, with the left-footed ace now up to seven goals and nine assists in the senior team at River Plate, which included a sublime free-kick finding the back of the net against arch rivals Boca Juniors back in April.

Yamal – who operates down the same right-hand side as Mastantuono – is way out ahead with 24 goals and 34 assists next to his name in Hansi Flick’s starting XI in Spain, but it’s undeniable how similarly electric the two young attackers are, considering the amount of havoc they are both capable of with their dynamite left foot.

Player

Age at debut

Ayden Heaven

18

Chido Obi-Martin

17

Harry Amass

18

Tyler Fredricson

20

Heading to Old Trafford could also be a worthwhile environment for Mastantuono if he wants to advance his game, with a whole host of youngsters developed at the Red Devils for some time now handed their first senior opportunities this campaign under Amorim.

Moreover, the Portuguese boss has also taken a shine to Amad Diallo since arriving, meaning the “crazy” 5 foot 10 attacker – as he’s been labelled by Thierry Henry – could stand a chance at immediate first-team action with both the Ivorian and the South American blistering in style down the right flank.

Winning such a sought-after starlet could also boost United’s reputation after such a harrowing 2024/25 campaign, with Amorim’s approach of shifting on deadwood allowing the Red Devils to hopefully enter into a new era spearheaded by some immense future talents.

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Manchester City have really turned a corner in the Premier League with Pep Guardiola’s men entering back into their groove in the top-flight at just the right time.

The rejuvenated Citizens have won four of their last five games in the elite league to now only six points off Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal occupying second place.

A place amongst Europe’s elite is the obvious objective for Guardiola and Co come the end of the sobering campaign, with City then aiming to be a title challenger once more down the line by snapping up exciting targets.

Man City line up £102 move for "superstar in the making"

As per reports from Spain over the weekend, City are preparing to bid a club-record £102m for Paris St Germain ace Desire Doue this summer.

The report states that the 19-year-old attacker has caught the eye of Guardiola who is looking to add even more exceptional youth to his City ranks, having given the likes of 21-year-old sensation Savinho plenty of game-time this campaign.

Winning the signature of Doue – who has already been heralded as a “superstar in the making” by French journalist Julien Laurens – would be a massive statement buy, with that £102m price-tag showing off how much PSG currently value him.

The eight-time Premier League title winners could also gain their very own version of Bukayo Saka with the promising Frenchman, with both attackers in question patrolling the right wing with ease so far this campaign.

Why Doue could be Man City's very own Saka

Saka has been able to show off his class down the right channel for the Gunners over many seasons now, despite being naturally left-footed in approach.

This season alone, the academy product turned North London royalty has managed to tally up a sizeable 25 goal contributions across 31 clashes, including scoring away at Real Madrid to help his team reach the coveted Champions League semi-finals.

Doue has also been unfazed by the big occasion lining up for Luis Enrique’s outfit, with the one-time senior France international actually matching Saka for goals and assists at 25 himself, albeit from a heftier 47 games.

Six of those have actually come about in Europe’s elite competition too, as Doue aims to spoil Arsenal’s mood when the two teams clash this mid-week at the Emirates for a place in the illustrious final.

Doue’s FBref numbers over the last year vs Saka’s

Stat – per 90 mins

Doue

Saka

Total shots

2.94

3.14

Shot-creating actions

5.26

5.35

Progressive passes

6.55

3.54

Progressive carries

5.59

4.64

Successful take-ons

2.98

2.04

Touches in attacking penalty area

5.77

7.94

Progressive passes received

10.92

12.66

Stats by FBref

Equally adept at using his left-foot whether that be down the left or right wing or even through the middle as a number ten, Doue’s general numbers across the last year for PSG are also similar to Saka’s for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The £102m-rated attacker, whose fifth-most similar player in European football is Saka, via FBRef, even betters his English counterpart when it comes to progressive passes and carries.

Not far off the blistering number seven in other aspects of their games, City will be hopeful that they can win their very own version of Saka if a move was to get over the line, with Doue only likely to get better as he progresses much like the 23-year-old has managed for the Gunners.

Of course, there will be a worry that splashing the cash in such a lavish way could backfire on City, but having proven himself already with PSG on some of the biggest stages, this switch might be just what Guardiola’s men need to further rebuild their elite reputation and get back to being stylish title candidates.

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What can we serve you with a side of cricket today? Charming cheerleaders? Groundbreaking tech? Sexy Shastri?

Alan Gardner15-Apr-2024Hello, friend. You’re here for the ? Of course, of course. Come on in, let me lift that velvet rope. Don’t be shy. We have all the cricketainment pleasures here that you could possibly desire.What will be your poison? You look like the cultivated type, perhaps we can interest you in one of our newest concoctions, the Smart Replay System. Will the wonders of technology ever cease? No, no, it doesn’t mean we get through the games any quicker. But we do have a few more seconds in which to cram adverts in front of eyeballs – our commercial VP says we should call it “Genius Replay System”, haha.Maybe it’s the hard stuff you’re into. Some top-shelf number-crunching to keep you up all night? Certainly, certainly, we can get you a private booth. Our stats whizzes will divulge all the game’s secrets: Virat Kohli, good at batting; Jasprit Bumrah, difficult to get away; Hardik Pandya, not the most popular man in Mumbai. We’re hoping to be able to calculate exactly how much each of Mitchell Starc’s wickets has cost KKR, but currently the numbers are too high even for our supercomputers.Related

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• We need to talk about MS Dhoni's hair

• SLC says no loopholes used to keep Hasaranga T20 World Cup-ready

Whatever your tastes, we’ve got something to satisfy. Superstar batters, mystery spinners, interminable post-match presentations. Chummy commentators and charming cheerleaders ( ones, obviously). SRH panning it all over the shop on a flat one. LSG defending for their lives on a turner. Just lay back and let us pour it all over you.But wait, I see that glint in your eye. Seems that sir has something particular in mind. Don’t worry, we cater for those needs, too. What’ll it be today? The little-known left-arm spinner releasing a Punjabi banger? David Warner hamming it up Bollywood style while trying to flog a credit card app? Maybe you’re into Ravi Shastri thirst traps, or that enduring kink: MS Dhoni’s hair.It’s okay, feel free to indulge in all the stuff that they won’t let you do in whites. No one is checking on your line and length here. As it says on the sign above the door, “What do they know of the IPL who only cricket know?” Just one thing: whatever you do, don’t forget to take your strategic time-out.

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Talking of, ahem, bad habits… Ed Sheeran has interviewed Rohit Sharma. Or vice versa, the Light Roller isn’t quite sure. There was a chuckling man with a beard involved, too. It’s an obvious crossover, two global superstars, entertainment icons. One who likes cricket, one who has a daughter who forces him to listen to the other guy’s music. One of whom has a lot more time on his hands now that he doesn’t have to flip the coin for Mumbai Indians anymore. Sadly, Sheeran didn’t ask Rohit any questions about his hair, which looks like it arrived fully formed on his head straight from an ’80s pop video, but he did have some sage advice about success and failure. “You can’t win the World Cup every year,” he said. “But you have to know when to celebrate winning a World Cup and know when to rebuild after losing a World Cup.” To which we can only add:

Ed Sheeran singing a song for Rohit Sharma 's daughter Samiara. (BWC, Link in Description) pic.twitter.com/JWSSVTJDQi

— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) April 12, 2024