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Sunderland have recruited well since entering the Premier League picture and could now be set to make an ambitious yet methodical play to land Monaco loanee Ansu Fati.

The Black Cats are enjoying a steady start to the campaign under Regis Le Bris, and they have been the most exciting of the newly promoted sides to enter the top flight, attracting praise for their entertaining style of football.

Nevertheless, the Sunderland boss is simply enjoying the ride, as he told BBC Sport before their 1-1 draw with Everton that the next challenge for his group is to remain consistent in what will be a testing run of upcoming fixtures.

Wilson Isidor has stepped up to fill the Sunderland striking role, and Chelsea star Marc Guiu could rejoin the club in January after a brief stint at the Stadium of Light.

Of course, stocking up on attacking reinforcements to improve squad depth will be critical to ensuring the Black Cats survive. Early-season form is a positive indication, but the management team will keep their feet on the ground while supporters dream.

It goes without saying, Sunderland are at their most exciting point for well over a decade at the least. They are back competing at the top table and look to be thriving under the pressure, increasing their appeal to potential signings.

With that in mind, they could now go all out for an exciting international winger with the flair to add another dimension in the final third.

Sunderland could build their team around Ansu Fati

According to reports in Spain, Sunderland are keen to bring Monaco loanee Ansu Fati to the North East and see him as a figure who ‘can lead a growing project within the Premier League’ if he were to complete a move.

Aston Villa are also keen on his services, though Barcelona and Monaco have an agreement in place whereby the latter can purchase him permanently for £9.6 million next summer.

Ansu Fati’s incredible early-season form

Appearances

10

Goals

6

Assists

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La Blaugrana can also buy him back after that for around £24.5 million. Should either agreement not come to fruition, then Sunderland would be free to pursue the Spain international.

Fotmob illustrate that he has created seven chances and has directed 6 of his 13 shots on target in Ligue 1 this term, playing into the theory that he has enjoyed a rebirth of form in the principality of Monaco.

Sunderland have a new star who's been their best signing under Le Bris – it's not Xhaka

Of course, their league finish and level of ambition moving forward may factor into matters, though it appears Sunderland could well be a match made in heaven for Fati.

A dramatic conclusion to the second day in Grenada put Australia under severe pressure as Jayden Seales removed both openers after West Indies had limited their deficit to 33. Australia’s bowlers shared the success but Brandon King’s maiden Test fifty and lower-order resistance lifted West Indies before Australia’s top-order was put under the pump again.West Indies had extended their first innings to the point that Australia had an awkward 35 minutes before the close. Sam Konstas couldn’t make it to the end of the first over. Looking to force through the off side from the back foot, playing away from his body, he dragged the ball into his stumps to leave much for him to ponder ahead of the final Test in Jamaica.Related

• Half-centuries from Smith and Green give Australia control

• King and Seales do their bit to make West Indies' grand plan work

• Webster and Carey rescue Australia after another top-order slump

• Hard work done but no pay day for Green as questions linger

It was tough against the new ball. The first ball Cameron Green faced, reared at him and hit the shoulder of the bat as he tried to avoid it, but it landed short of the slips. Then Usman Khawaja received one that scuttled from Shamar Joseph but wasn’t straight. However, in Seales’ next over, Khawaja was caught on the crease from around the wicket, a familiar line of attack that has troubled him, and was plumb lbw – he also burned a review in desperation.Green and nightwatcher Nathan Lyon, who took a blow on the arm in the dying moments of the day, were able to make it through to stumps but Australia were sitting far from comfortably.West Indies had been twice building a foothold in their innings at 111 for 3 and then 169 for 4 – the latter after a promising stand was formed between King and Shai Hope. Pat Cummins, who earlier in the day claimed a stunning caught-and-bowled to remove Keacy Carty, broke through at a key time and further swift wickets left the home side well behind.However, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph added 51, a stand littered with some powerful hitting, before the last-wicket pair of Seales and Anderson Phillip survived ten overs. Travis Head ended the innings with the day’s third return catch, a sharp, low effort. Unlike in Barbados, batting did appear more comfortable when the ball got softer, although there remained assistance for the quicks, and signs of unevenness. Lyon, who sent down a 17-over spell, also extracted some bounce.Brandon King hit two fours and a six off Nathan Lyon before falling to him•Associated Press

Bad light had denied Australia the chance of a quick burst at West Indies’ top order the previous night but they wasted little time in making inroads in the morning when Josh Hazlewood held a low return catch to dismiss Kraigg Brathwaite for a duck in his 100th Test. It meant three single-figure scores for Brathwaite in the series, and while the landmark Test is a fine achievement, there are significant questions around his output.For just the eighth time in Test history, the first two wickets of an innings fell to return catches – although that phrasing hardly does justice to Cummins’ outstanding effort. Carty got an inside edge into his pad, which looped towards the vacant short-leg area; Cummins changed direction in his follow through, made it to the other side of the pitch, dived and got his right hand under the ball – as confirmed by the TV umpire. It was a breathtaking piece of athleticism from Australia’s captain.John Campbell had taken an aggressive route, riding some luck and profiting from the positive mindset, which included a pulled six off Hazlewood. But his dismissal was a soft one, walking down the pitch at Beau Webster and looking to clear the on side but only finding mid-on.King, who showed his strength through the off side, and captain Roston Chase took West Indies through to lunch without further loss, with King taking on Lyon with two boundaries in the last over of the session. But in the first over after the break, Hazlewood earned an lbw against Chase when Australia correctly opted to use a review.Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph frustrated Australia with a 51-run stand•Associated Press

West Indies initially took the honours in the afternoon session during a proactive stand of 58 between King and Hope. King took on a short delivery from Hazlewood and pulled him over midwicket for six on the way to a 77-ball half-century, brought up with a slash against Mitchell Starc. His absorbing contest with Lyon continued, too, when he danced down the pitch and deposited him straight for two sixes.It was a threatening stand for Australia but as so often, Cummins struck when needed. It was a wonderful set-up against Hope: the ball before he had made one straighten to beat the outside edge, then nipped one back between bat and pad with Hope’s feet stuck in the crease.Next over, King’s impressive innings ended when gloved a delivery with extra bounce from Lyon down the leg side. Initially given not out on the field, Green at midwicket was convinced it had been touched and Steven Smith, at the time in charge with Cummins off the field, called for the DRS.When Justin Greaves got an inside edge into his pad that popped up to Alex Carey, Australia appeared set for a significant lead, but the stand between the Josephs cut into that. They thought the innings was over on 247 when Phillip was given lbw sweeping at Lyon but it had turned too much and was missing leg.

تقام اليوم الإثنين 3-11-2025، مراسم قرعة دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا للموسم الحالي 2025-2026 وذلك في العاصمة الجنوب إفريقية جوهانسبرج، حيث سيتم تحديد المجموعات الـ4 التي تضم 16 ناديًا تأهلوا من الأدوار التمهيدية.

(محدث) نتائج قرعة دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2025-2026

ويتواجد في بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا فريقان من مصر هما الأهلي وبيراميدز، حيث تأهل المارد الأحمر إلى دور المجموعات بعد فوزه على إيجل نوار البوروندي بنتيجة (2-0) في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، فقد صعد بيراميدز حامل اللقب، إلى نفس الدور عقب تخطيه فريق التأمين الإثيوبي بنتيجة (3-1) في مجموع المباراتين.

ويأتي النادي الأهلي في تصنيف المستوى الأول بفضل نتائجه القارية المميزة، فيما يتواجد بيراميدز في تصنيف المستوى الثاني، ما يفتح احتمال وقوع الفريقين في مجموعة واحدة.

طالع أيضًا | محمد بركات: الأهلي يدفع ضريبة رحيل لاعب الفريق.. وتوروب قدم أفضل مبارياته أمام المصري موعد قرعة دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2025-2026

وتنطلق مراسم القرعة اليوم في تمام الساعة 2:00 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر، 3:00 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، ومن المقرر أن تبدأ فعاليات اليوم بإجراء قرعة بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية أولًا، قبل أن تُسحب قرعة دوري الأبطال مباشرة.

Santiago Gimenez’s goal drought in Serie A has forced AC Milan to consider reinforcements ahead of the January window. The Mexico international hasn't been able to find the net in any of the opening nine games of the tournament, prompting CEO Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare to start scouting alternatives. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee has re-emerged as a prime target, while Roma’s Artem Dovbyk remains a fallback option if talks stall.

Milan grow impatient among Gimenez drought

A striker’s worth is ultimately measured in goals, and Gimenez’s current numbers make grim reading. In nine Serie A appearances this season, the Argentine forward hasn’t scored once. This is despite the forward accumulating many chances in the final third of the pitch. His only two goals of the season came in the Coppa Italia win over Lecce, offering little comfort in Milan’s domestic campaign.

Gimenez joined Milan in January 2025 for €28.5 million after an excellent run at Feyenoord, where he scored 65 goals in 105 games. But Serie A’s tactical rigidity and physical duels have exposed weaknesses in his positioning and link-up play. Against Atalanta, he didn’t register a single shot or key pass while against Pisa, he lost majority of his duels and completed just 18 successful passes in 75 minutes.

Despite coach Massimiliano Allegri’s backing and defending Gimenez claiming he has "a big hand defensively", Milan’s patience is wearing thin. The club looks good on paper but hasn't been to convert their chances on pitch highlighting the lack of cutting edge that Gimenez was supposed to fix.

The Serie A giants are reportedly considering a move for United forward Zirkzee in the January window and also have a contingency plan to sign Dovbyk if things take an unexpected turn, according to

AdvertisementAFPZirkzee re-emerges as Milan target

The search for strikers has brought Milan back to a familiar name, Zirkzee. The Dutch forward is struggling for rhythm under Ruben Amorim, yet remains admired at San Siro for his technical blend of size, link-up play, and creativity. The 24-year-old has only played five games this season for Amorim, all of which were substitution appearances. Milan were also interested in bringing him back to the Italian league in the summer window but an agreement couldn't be reached with his camp.

Zirkzee joined United for €42.5m after a breakout 2023-24 season with Bologna, where he scored 11 goals and 4 assists in 34 Serie A matches helping Bologna finish fifth and return to Europe. At Old Trafford, however, he’s been marginalised only scoring three goals and registering two assists in the Premier League across his 32 appearances. The main reason behind his decline at United has been Amorim’s tactics which are pace-oriented attack and doesn’t suit Zirkzee's rhythm-based, hold-up style.

For Milan, that mismatch could be opportunity. A six-month loan with an option to buy is being discussed internally, as the club believes Zirkzee’s Serie A experience and aerial strength make him an ideal mid-season fix. He’s seen as someone who can both create space for Rafael Leao and convert half-chances, exactly what Gimenez currently lacks.

Swap-talks with Roma and backup plans

While Zirkzee tops the shortlist, Milan have not abandoned parallel discussions with Roma over Dovbyk. Talks between the clubs collapsed last summer over loan terms, but they could resume if United refuse a loan for Zirkzee. Dovbyk, who has two goals in eight Serie A matches this season, still offers the physical profile Allegri prefers.

The board is keeping options flexible. Milan’s team shot-conversion rate underline how wasteful finishing has cost them at least six points. A striker who can raise that efficiency even slightly could shift their season trajectory. That’s why sporting director Tare continues to monitor situations in France and Germany. 

Dovbyk fell out of the starting place at Roma mainly due to underwhelming performances and tactical misfit under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Initially given opportunities in the Europa League and some Serie A games, Dovbyk struggled to make a significant impact, and further failing to score or assist consistently. His low goal involvement, combined with limited creativity and inability to fit Roma’s attacking style, led the coach to prefer other forwards like Paulo Dybala.

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Getty Images SportCan Gimenez win back his place in the Milan XI?

Despite external noise, Allegri still believes Gimenez can turn it around. He remains Milan’s most-used forward, logging 627 league minutes. His defensive contribution further makes him the coach's go-to-player and solidifies his starting position, but goals decide futures.

The next eight fixtures, including a derby against Inter on November 23 and a clash against second-place Roma, will define his fate. If the drought stretches further, Milan’s January priorities are clear: bring back Zirkzee’s or strike a deal with Roma for Dovbyk.

Karachi Kings knocked out of PSL 2025 after posting a below-par 190

Madushka Balasuriya22-May-2025

Fakhar Zaman set it up and Abdullah Shafique knocked it down, as Lahore Qalandars overcame a sloppy outing in the field to overhaul a competitive but eventually below-par target of 191 to knock out Karachi Kings. Qalandars will play Islamabad United in the second Qualifier on Friday.David Warner’s 75 had earlier kept Kings in the game, but on a good batting surface supporting contributions were few and far between. Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Qalandars with figures of 3 for 35, but it was the pressure exerted by the spinners through the middle that derailed Kings’ innings.Related

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In fact most of Qalandars’ battle wounds were self inflicted, with them dropping Warner twice – the nadir of an abysmal fielding performance – but once the chase began, all that was swiftly forgotten.Fakhar set the tone, before Shafique expertly broke the chase with a pair of game-breaking partnerships. He was visibly upset at not being able to see the game through, but by the time he was dismissed the contest was as good as done.Fakhar sets it up for ShafiqueFakhar continued his rich vein of form at the top of the order, this time rollicking 47 off 28 to give Qalandars the ideal start to their chase. Thirty-eight of those runs came in boundaries, and propelled him to a healthy strike rate of 167.85But while Fakhar was in full flight, his team-mates trundled along closer to the ground. For a while it seemed Qalandars might fail to capitalise on Fakhar’s platform – despite his innings, they were scoring at less than the required 10 an overEnter Shafique, who alongside Kusal Perera, set about putting together an 83-run stand, which essentially turned the game in Qalandars’ favour. Perera, usually a dominant figure in the middle, identified early the mood Shafique was in and simply focused on turning over the strike. Shafique fulfilled his role, finding boundaries when required to keep Qalandars within touching distance of the required scoring rate, before settling in and upping the ante. It took an outstanding grab from a backpedaling James Vince to dismiss him, but by then the requirement had been brought down to 33 off 28.David Warner top-scored for Karachi Kings with 75•PCB

Qalandars blow hot and coldDuring the pitch report, 200 was deemed a par score, so having restricted Kings to 190, one would assume Qalandars would have been relatively happy with their first innings having been asked to chase. Well, yes and no.On a fairly belting track, Qalandars would have been forgiven for thinking they’d given Kings an unnecessary lifeline in an innings that the Kings were in danger of letting flounder. On most days the two drops off Warner – on 47 and 61 – would be bad enough, but those were just the most egregious of the four dropped catches in the innings. Add to this four no-balls and the resulting free hits, 12 wides and countless examples of sloppy fielding, and there is an argument that Qalandars might have been able to cut Kings’ score by at least 20%.But despite one of the worst fielding efforts of this PSL, Qalandars’ bowlers stuck to their tasks diligently. Rauf was the pick of the bunch with his three wickets, while Mohammed Naeem’s three overs went for just 15 – both bowlers though were guilty of dropping a chance each, and having a chance spilled off their bowling.Middle overs make the differenceAfter weathering a Warner-led rapid start, in which Kings were ticking along at quicker than 10 an over inside the powerplay, Qalandars dragged things back through the middle overs courtesy some tight overs of spin from Naeem and Shakib Al Hasan – a period that might have been even better, had Qalandars simply held on to their chances.But even with those dropped catches, Kings lost four wickets through overs 7-16, while scoring just 74 runs. They managed to raise their scoring at the death to put forward a fighting total, but it always seemed a little short.But where Kings struggled, Qalandars found a spark. Led by Shafique, they struck 104 runs through the same middle over period and lost two fewer wickets. It meant the Sri Lankan pair of Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa were given the fairly straightforward task of knocking over the remaining runs at a touch over run-a-ball, which they did with minimal fuss.

Everton have made some smart signings this summer and could be set to ruffle the feathers of a couple of Premier League rivals in their latest pursuit, per reports.

Everton probe for late signings under David Moyes

The summer window always promised to be a transformational one at the Hill Dickinson Stadium due to Everton’s newfound financial clout under the Friedkin Group, and the likes of Jack Grealish, Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall arriving have illustrated their ambition.

Still, David Moyes recently delivered an honest response when asked about the Toffees’ remaining activity before Monday’s deadline, claiming his side won’t be able to accomplish everything they’d have hoped in terms of recruiting new personnel.

He said: “We’re trying to up the quality as we go along. But I’m sort of saying it now because we’re just about at the end of the window, we just can’t do everything and we generally don’t have the finances to do everything in this window.”

Still, Everton aren’t letting up in their pursuit of new additions and have Tomas Soucek on their radar, who Moyes is a huge admirer of due to their time spent together at West Ham United.

Nevertheless, the Hammers are standing firm on their £19 million valuation of the midfielder, leading the Toffees to keep an eye on Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis.

Morale is high at the club and supporters are buying into the project put forward under Moyes. Regardless, there is an appetite for further business to see their side break through a glass ceiling that has been tough to crack in recent years.

If recent developments are anything to go by, the Toffees could now be about to upset the apple cart by attempting to usurp two of their Premier League rivals in pursuit of an in-demand playmaker.

Everton vying to sign West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta

According to Globo, Everton have held talks behind the scenes over West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is also wanted by Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the transfer deadline.

Despite a deal taking him away from the London Stadium being deemed unlikely, negotiations between the parties mentioned haven’t yet ceased, though the Hammers are demanding a fee of £50 million before sanctioning the Brazil international’s exit.

The new Barry: Everton chasing late move for another "special" English star

Everton are interested in signing an England U21 star.

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Will Miller

Aug 29, 2025

Labelled a “maverick” by Moyes, Paqueta has scored twice in three matches across all competitions this campaign, which is made all the more impressive by the fact the Irons haven’t managed to win a single fixture under Graham Potter.

Capable of featuring in attacking midfield or as a centre-forward, his arrival would add another exciting element to the Toffees’ attack, albeit it remains to be seen how realistic forcing a deal over the line will prove in light of their financial reality.

PSR regulations need to be adhered to and the Friedkin Group will only spend if necessary, leaving supporters on the edge of their seats for further developments.

Bowling coach and mentor Jhulan Goswami says “the ultimate motto of WPL” is to “go to different venues and expand women’s cricket” in India

Vishal Dikshit05-Feb-2025

The first ever WPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) aim to adopt an “aggressive approach” in all three departments. They want their players to be “fearless” in their quest to lift a second title in three seasons in front of their home crowd, according to head coach Charlotte Edwards.For the upcoming third edition of the WPL, MI have bought wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini, and allrounders Nadine de Klerk, Akshita Maheshwari, and Sanskriti Gupta, whom captain Harmanpreet Kaur called “exciting talent”. De Klerk is the only international name among those, and the only one above 25 years of age.MI have also started preparing for the new season with almost a week’s training done in Navi Mumbai, mainly with the Indian players.Related

From home-schooling, to attacking mindsets: how the WPL is changing life for young Indian women

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Gujarat Giants vs RCB to kick off WPL 2025 on February 14

“Every player that comes into MI hopefully knows what’s expected of them. But equally [important is] that aggressive approach which is what we want to have throughout when we bat, bowl or field – and that’s something we tried to put across most of the players,” Edwards said at a press conference in Mumbai. “But equally, have that clarity about what our strengths are.”Every player, we just want them to be fearless, and obviously, most of all, have lots of fun. That’s what makes me and obviously Jhulan [Goswami, bowling coach and mentor] very happy is when they’ve got smiles on their faces and they can impact games like the way they have done.”I thought we played some fantastic cricket last year, and that’s all we can ask [for]. Things that we really set here is that we want people turning on the TV and watching the Mumbai Indians playing, and we certainly did that last time – we had some entertaining games of cricket.”One of those entertaining games in WPL 2024 was when MI had chased down 191 against Gujarat Giants, led by Harmanpreet’s stunning 95 off 48 balls, an innings which was studded with ten fours and five sixes. But when it came to the Eliminator, MI fell just five runs short in their pursuit of 136 against eventual champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), as their middle order failed to score 16 runs off the remaining 12 deliveries after their captain’s dismissal.Last year, MI fell just five runs short in the Eliminator against RCB•BCCI

“We missed out by the narrowest of margins last year, which was disappointing. But we played the way we wanted to play, and this year, it’s just pure excitement for it,” Edwards said. “That we can keep building this team, to keep improving and hopefully get back to the winning ways, and get back to CCI (the Brabourne) and be in another final this year.”This time, MI have as many as nine players under the age of 25, including the 16-year-old Kamalini, who scored 143 runs for winners India during the recently-concluded Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. Edwards said the key was to teach those youngsters that being aggressive was not only about hitting sixes.”The wonderful thing about youth is they’ll come in, and they will be aggressive,” she said. “So now it’s for us to just teach somehow to play T20 cricket, and it’s not all about hitting sixes. And that’s our job now to instil that within the players, but never take away this aggressive approach that we want to just build on their wonderful talent.”And that’s what’s impressed me so much about the talent coming through. They’re just so forward-thinking and open-minded, and it’s so wonderful to coach, and they do it all with a smile on their face, which makes me very happy.”Goswami: WPL’s motto is to expand women’s cricketWhile the maiden WPL was held in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the second season expanded to Bengaluru and Delhi. The third edition that starts from February 14 will be played across four cities: Vadodara, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Goswami, who played international cricket for over 20 years, said expanding the women’s game in the country was the “motto” of the WPL, while she also hoped to lift the trophy at the Brabourne Stadium again, which will host the final two league games and the knockouts.”One of the best things about WPL is it’s now going in different places in our country, and it will impact local young girls, [and] budding cricketers – to motivate them, encourage them,” she said. “And that is the ultimate motto of WPL – to go to different venues and expand women’s cricket, particularly in our country.”Baroda (now Vadodara) will be a new venue for all of us. Recently, the Indian team played a series against West Indies [there], and the wicket was good; it’s a new stadium. Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium is a fantastic stadium. Coming back to Mumbai, [we’re] looking forward to coming back in our home and playing in front of our MI fans. It’s a big thing, and we have fond memories of our first year, and [are] really looking forward to this season and playing in front of our MI fans.”MI’s first game in WPL 2025 will be on February 15, against Delhi Capitals in Vadodara.

Even though pole position was up for grabs in the fight to make the Sheffield Shield final, both Western Australia and New South Wales decided to play it relatively safe in an anti-climax of a finish that resulted in a draw at the WACA.It was a gamble with just one round left in the season. Both teams now have to rely on other results to qualify for the final against South Australia in Adelaide. Queensland have leapfrogged into second place on 36.8 points ahead of NSW (35.39) and WA (34.43), with Victoria still a mathematical possibility at 32.49.Related

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There were eyebrows raised when WA, known to be somewhat conservative in these situations, batted cautiously for much of the first session on the final day as they went about sedately setting a target. Hilton Cartwright, who finished with a first-class career best of 171 not out, and Sam Fanning finally put the foot down either side of lunch before WA declared and set NSW 281 runs from 57 overs.NSW then decided that the chase was too difficult on a tricky surface that had proven tough for batters against the new ball.”We wanted anywhere between 250 and 300,” Cartwright said. “We knew when the ball got soft it was easier to bat. We didn’t want to give them too many overs with not enough runs. If we gave them 70 overs to chase 250, that probably would have been quite easy for them.”We wanted to try and work out the balance… trying to give ourselves enough time to bowl them out, but also entice them to try and chase the score. We did think that they might have had more of a crack at the total because [a win] would go a long way towards being in the final.”After NSW lost opener Nic Maddison in the first over, Sam Konstas and Kurtis Patterson shut up shop with a 50-run partnership in 23 overs. There were some tense moments briefly but NSW were never in serious danger and finished on 130 for 4 after watchful half-centuries from Konstas and Matthew Gilkes.”Maybe [expecting a declaration] a bit earlier,” NSW captain Jack Edwards said. “They batted us out of the game and earned the right to drive the game. Losing [Maddinson], we decided to pack it up. [Konstas] played well. He showed how much of a good natural player he is when is applying himself.”The fates of both teams are out of their hands, but they will need to stay focused in what are now must-win games. NSW will next travel to Bellerive Oval and will be favoured against Tasmania who have little to play for with their season over.NSW might regain the services of seam bowling allrounder Sean Abbott and legspinner Tanveer Sangha, who have returned from the Champions Trophy.Cooper Connolly should be available for Western Australia•Getty Images

“I’m hoping so, having guys like that come back goes a long way for us to win that game,” Edwards said. “We’re looking to win the next match and just put our best foot forward and see what happens.”WA next play Victoria at the WACA with their dreams of keeping alive a historic four-peat on the line. They are set to be without the services of quick Lance Morris, who completed rare back-to-back Shield matches.Coming off a stress fracture last winter as well as a quad strain late in the pre-season, Morris has a restriction of around 30 overs a game. He claimed a first-class career best of 5 for 26 from 20.3 overs in NSW’s first innings and there was intrigue over how many overs he would bowl on the final day.Morris ended up bowling 12 overs, including a couple at the end where he unleashed several searing yorkers in a last gasp attempt at a miracle. But Morris was unable to rediscover his control and accuracy from earlier in the match to finish with 0 for 41.Quick Brody Couch is a like-for-like replacement and has had a strong Shield season since crossing over from Victoria with 21 wickets at 22.85. Allrounder Cooper Connolly will be available having returned from the Champions Trophy, but Josh Inglis and Aaron Hardie will likely miss as they prepare for the IPL.”[Connolly] came in during the game and said g’day, it’s always good having him around. He’ll bolster the batting,” Cartwright said. “We’ve got to entirely focus on what happens in our camp. If things fall our way, obviously that will be nice if that happens. But we’ve got to tick our own boxes before we look at [the other] games over east.”

Christian Eriksen has headed to the Bundesliga, signing with Wolfsburg on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United at the end of his contract.

Free agent joins WolfsburgLeverkusen links ended by swift Wolfsburg moveEx-United star joins Kane in GermanyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Danish international, a free agent since leaving United in June, has followed his former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane to the Bundesliga. The 33-year-old, who previously starred for Spurs and Inter, had been heavily linked with Bayer Leverkusen, especially following the arrival of Kasper Hjulmand, his former Denmark coach.

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For Eriksen, this move represents a fresh chapter, from his near-fatal cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 to his inspirational return at Brentford and United, the playmaker has consistently defied the odds. Joining Wolfsburg marks his first-ever spell in German football, a league renowned for its tactical intensity and physical demands.

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Reports in Germany suggested that Leverkusen were frontrunners for Eriksen, with Hjulmand keen to reunite with his trusted playmaker. English media outlets even hinted that a Leverkusen deal was close. However, Wolfsburg acted quickly, arranging travel from Odense to Braunschweig for Eriksen to secure the midfielder. Eriksen has been maintaining fitness with Malmo in Sweden following his United exit. His form at Old Trafford last season showed flashes of quality, as he netted five goals and made six assists in 35 appearances.

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WHAT NEXT FOR WOLFSBURG & ERIKSEN?

For Wolfsburg, Eriksen's arrival not only boosts their midfield options but also raises their profile in the Bundesliga. It remains to be seen if he is thrown into the mix when the German side host Koln on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest are working hard to secure new arrivals and could be given a helping hand by claiming a sizeable windfall from one of their first-team assets, according to reports.

Nottingham Forest remain in deadlock over Morgan Gibbs-White

Truthfully, nothing of note has changed in Morgan Gibbs-White’s precarious situation at Nottingham Forest after they threatened to take legal action against Tottenham Hotspur following the latter triggering the England international’s release clause.

While it remains to be seen whether the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man stays in the Midlands, the Tricky Trees have reportedly identified Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey as a replacement.

Everton and West Ham United are also interested in the midfielder, though Ben Jacobs has also confirmed that Bilal El Khannouss is another Nottingham Forest option.

Addressing their interest in the Leicester City playmaker, he stated: “It’s buying Forest time and in the time taken, Forest are looking at Morgan Gibbs-White replacements, which tells you they still think there’s a chance he could go to Spurs.

“Bilal El Khannouss, at Leicester, is one name to watch. He has a 26m euro relegation release clause, and Forest are one of at least three Premier League clubs that have expressed an interest in the Moroccan international.”

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By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 15, 2025

Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus have arrived at the City Ground from Botafogo, albeit Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled to follow up on bringing in the duo as the marketspace becomes increasingly competitive.

Nevertheless, there is plenty of time left to secure new arrivals, offering optimism that he will eventually put together the components needed for Nottingham Forest to have a successful window, though he will also need to sell players to balance the books.

Botafogo agree deal to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo

According to Globo Esporte, Botafogo have agreed to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo and only the final details of a deal remain to be ironed out before his transfer back to Brazil is sealed.

An agreement is in place between all parties, and it is said that the value of his move equates to around £19 million. The former Palmeiras man will sign a four-year contract after negotiations accelerated due to Gregore’s departure to Al-Rayyan.

Labelled “wonderful” by Nuno after unfortunately breaking his ankle, the Salvador-born man has struggled to get back to his best form since and now appears set to reignite his career back in familiar surroundings.

It should be noted that he was initially hesistant to commit to Botafogo amid his association with their rivals, Palmeiras, but he is now ready to take the plunge under Davide Ancelotti’s stewarship.

Nottingham Forest may be losing a talented squad player, though his exit may offer up further funds to pursue reinforcements in the engine room once all documentation is signed and sealed.