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Birmingham City’s big spending habits have been well documented now, with the Blues acquiring a whopping 17 new faces this summer.

Jay Stansfield rejoining the Blues permanently after a bright loan spell in the Championship was the purchase that stole the headlines, and for good reason, with the ex-Fulham striker leaving behind Craven Cottage for good for an eye-watering £20m fee.

He has already proven himself to be a deadly striker at League One level, with Wrexham and Rotherham United already feeling the 21-year-old’s goalscoring wrath in league action.

Stansfield's form this season

Stansfield already has three strikes next to his name playing in the third tier, with a double coming his way on his League One debut back with the Blues against Phil Parkinson’s Red Dragons.

The much-talked-about youngster then backed up that excellent showing at St. Andrew’s with another standout display away at the Millers, as the electric Blues number 28 looped an effort over the Rotherham goalkeeper’s head in the first half to set his team on their way to a confident 2-0 win.

The expensive summer buy will aim to keep up this top form across the season to come, as Birmingham also strive to make their stay in League One as short as possible, by instantly winning promotion back up to the Championship.

Whilst the ambitious Blues look to have got the purchase of Stansfield spot on, they haven’t always reaped the rewards of every deal that has got off the ground, with this striker joining with a big reputation in 2021 who unfortunately underwhelmed.

Scott Hogan's transfer to Birmingham

Scott Hogan once cost Birmingham’s arch rivals Aston Villa a hefty £12m to get into the building in 2017, after he had garnered a reputation for being an ice-cold goal machine in the EFL at Brentford.

Firing home 21 goals from 36 games for the Bees before this switch to Villa Park, Hogan would then struggle in his new pressurised surroundings, with a lacklustre goal return of ten strikes from 61 games, before making the controversial move across enemy lines to St. Andrew’s official.

23/24

28

1

2

22/23

40

10

2

21/22

37

10

1

20/21

34

7

0

19/20

18

7

1

Hogan was never quite able to recapture his Brentford best at Birmingham, with another move not exactly going to plan for the now 32-year-old striker, who very much struggled last campaign as the Blues fell down to League One.

He only managed three goal contributions the entire second tier season, as Stansfield upstaged the ageing attacker with 12 league strikes from 43 clashes.

In the end, Hogan would only manage to register a disappointing 36 strikes from 158 games in total, with the former Bees man never quite living up his billing as a statement signing in the form of Stansfield.

With Birmingham going in a different direction this summer with lavish buy after lavish buy, Hogan would end up seeing his contract be ripped up in the West Midlands, as the veteran EFL presence now finds himself unemployed and on the search for a new club to call home.

He did also have many moments of magic donning a Birmingham strip, but there was no place for sentimentality on the end of Davies’ men this summer, as the Blues aim to make promotion back up to the second tier look like a breeze with Stansfield now up top.

9/10 Birmingham star is quickly becoming as undroppable as Stansfield

This Birmingham City star shone last time out against Rotherham United.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 23, 2024

Chelsea put in a commanding performance against West Ham United to secure a 3-0 win and their third of the Premier League season.

The Blues put their London rivals to the sword, dominating in transition to dispatch the Hammers. It was their second away win in the top flight this term, after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-2 at Molineux.

Nicolas Jackson scored two goals in the opening 18 minutes to put his side in a very comfortable position before even a quarter of the game had gone by. His first came from a pass by Jadon Sancho, which the Senegalese striker met with great intent, driving into the Hammers box and slotting through Alphonse Areola’s legs.

His second was set up by a carving pass by Moises Caicedo, who also put in a superb showing. It split the Hammers’ defence open, and Jackson simply ran onto it and slotted home with the outside of his foot.

The 22-year-old set up the Blues’ third. It was scored by Cole Palmer to give his side an almost unassailable lead.

There were some superb performances from Chelsea, not least from Jackson and Caicedo. Palmer was as superb as ever and continued his sparkling form in a Chelsea shirt.

Palmer’s stats vs. West Ham

It has been a simply astounding start to life at Chelsea for England international Palmer. As per StatMuse on X, the 22-year-old has 39 combined goals and assists in 38 Premier League games for the West London outfit. With 16 goals and 11 assists, he is the only player in the English top flight with ten or more goals and ten or more assists in 2024, according to StatMuse.

On Saturday, he was no different, getting on the end of Jackson’s pass, driving into the Hammers’ penalty box and firing past French goalkeeper Areola, into the top corner, before dropping his iconic ‘Cold Palmer’ celebration. It was a superb finish from the Manchester City academy graduate.

The attacker’s stats, via Sofascore, were also impressive. Palmer had 30 touches of the ball at the London Stadium, with a 78% pass accuracy, He created one big chance, won five fouls and an impressive six out of eight ground duels.

Tom Olver of The Metro also thought the 22-year-old was impressive in East London. He gave Chelsea’s number 20 an 8/10 for his efforts, praising him for the way he ‘combined brilliantly’ with Jackson for the third goal.

It was not just Palmer who impressed at the London Stadium, with another of his teammates also putting in an impressive performance.

Tosin Adarabioyo’s stats vs. West Ham

The player in question here is defender Tosin Adarabioyo. After joining on a free transfer in the summer, the 26-year-old, who is also formerly of the Man City academy, made his first Premier League start for the Blues.

It is perhaps no coincidence that Enzo Maresca’s side kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season with Adarabioyo in the side. Although he only played 28 minutes in the previous game against Bournemouth, he helped the Blues keep a 1-0 lead intact and was crucial against the Hammers, too.

The former Fulham defender had 61 touches at the London Stadium, more than Palmer, and had an 88% pass accuracy to go with that. He also made an impressive five clearances, showing just how important his defensive contributions were. Adarabioyo also completed one dribble, at a success rate of 100%.

Stat

Number

Touches

61

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes completed

45/51

Clearances

5

Dribble success rate

100%

Ground duels won

2/3

His performance was also rated highly by Olver, who gave him an 8/10 rating just like Palmer received. The Metro journalist credited the defender for being ‘an assured presence at the back’ against Julen Lopetegui’s side.

He has certainly shown he has the quality to start at centre-back for Chelsea. Given he now has helped keep two clean sheets in a row in the Premier League, Maresca must surely continue to back Adarabioyo and give him another start next up against Brighton.

On the evidence of yesterday’s showing, the summer signing has certainly warranted an extended run in the side.

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ByCharlie Smith Sep 23, 2025

INEOS are reportedly holding internal talks over Manchester United completing the signing of an "extraordinary" free agent – one who is more valuable than anyone else on the market currently.

Man Utd struggling despite new signings

It has been a testing start to the season at Old Trafford, with two defeats already coming their way in their opening three Premier League matches, including last weekend's humbling 3-0 loss at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool. Casemiro's performance was so poor that he was substituted at half-time – he essentially cost his side two goals – but Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Brazilian is still likely to stay put this month.

It was a good summer transfer window for United, despite their current struggles, with Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt strengthening the defence, Manuel Ugarte acting as an upgrade on Casemiro and Joshua Zirkzee joining from Bologna to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund. However, Ugarte is not expected to be fully fit for many weeks or even months, according to Erik ten Hag.

In terms of other additions, free agent Yusuf Yazici has reportedly been offered to the Red Devils, with the 27-year-old leaving Lillie earlier in the year, being seen as a possible upgrade on the ageing Christian Eriksen. It remains to be seen if United will take up the offer, but a host of clubs are believed to be in the mix. There is still a chance for Ten Hag to bring in further players to bolster his squad – and his chances of staying in the job – but only free agents are available.

INEOS hold talks over signing "extraordinary" ace

According to a fresh claim from TEAMtalk, Manchester United owners INEOS are holding internal talks over the signing of Adrien Rabiot, who left Juventus at the end of last season, given the dire straits they find their midfield in after Casemiro's nightmare start and Ugarte's struggle to get fit.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford plenty of times in recent months, being seen as an ideal figure to come in and add class to the midfield, and he is currently the most expensive free agent listed on Transfermarkt, being valued at £29.5m. He would however go against INEOS' strategy of targeting younger players on lower wages, perhaps what is currently keeping the internal discussions from progressing to a formal offer.

Rabiot could be a real signing of intent on top of Ugarte, easing the workload of the waning Casemiro and the need to play him, with so much quality in his armoury, both on and off the ball. Last season, he scored five goals and registered three assists in Serie A, as well as averaging 1.9 tackles per game. The 29-year-old has also been lauded by former France and Juve striker David Trezeguet, who waxed lyrical over him back in 2022.

"We are talking about a problem for Juventus because in Italy he may have been targeted for criticism, but in France it’s completely different. He is world class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was."

Adrien Rabiot's career club stats

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Paris Saint-Germain

227

24

14

Juventus

212

22

15

Toulouse

13

1

3

Whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe manages to entice Rabiot to United remains to be seen, but if he can strike a deal for him, it could be an inspired piece of business. The fact that he would come in on a free transfer also takes out plenty of risk, should he struggle to set the world alight at Old Trafford.

Zimbabwe fell 12 runs short of beating Pakistan in a T20I for the first time after being well-set in chase of 150

Firdose Moonda21-Apr-2021Zimbabwe fell 12 runs short of beating Pakistan in a T20I for the first time after being well-set in chase of 150. A 56-run third wicket stand between Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Craig Ervine put Zimbabwe on 77 for 2 in the 11th over but Babar Azam’s masterstroke to use Mohammad Hafeez’s offspin, after he has only bowled one over in 14 T20Is since November 2018, sparked a collapse that saw Zimbabwe lose 4 for 18 in 18 balls and left too much for the lower-order to do. Luke Jongwe’s 30 off 23 balls almost pulled off a coup but Haris Rauf defended 20 off the last over to ensure Pakistan took the series lead.Pakistan’s total was almost single-handedly built by Mohammad Rizwan, who racked up his fifth score of 50 runs or more in his last eight T20I innings, and made 82 of their 149. No-one else contributed more than 15 runs. Pakistan particularly struggled against Zimbabwe’s spinners – Wellington Masakadza and Wesley Madhevere, who conceded 32 runs in five overs between them – and will continue to look for solutions to make their middle-order tick.Zimbabwe’s misses and one hot take
High catches evaded Zimbabwe who put down two chances inside the powerplay that could have changed the complexion of the Pakistan innings. After dismissing Azam early, Zimbabwe had the chance to get rid of Rizwan on 13 when he top-edged a pull off Richard Ngarava in the fifth over. Kamunhukamwe had to dive forward to take the chance but only almost fell on his face for his efforts. In the next over, Fakhar Zaman drove aerially to mid-on where Sean Williams was stationed. He had to backpedal to get to the ball and did but it burst through his hands. Zaman’s drop only cost seven runs but Rizwan went on to an undefeated 82.More opportunities came. But they still went down. An over after that, Hafeez offered Masakadza a return catch but the left-arm spinner struggled to pick the ball up at head height. At the start of the 13th over, Richmond Mutumbami put down a regulation catch off Danish Aziz’s edge.In all of that, Zimbabwe managed to pull off a blinder. Ngarava timed his leap at short third man perfectly when Hafeez tried to hit a short and wide ball over the in-field and didn’t get enough on it. Ngarava took the catch to his right and held on even as his elbows hit the ground when he landed.Rizwan’s last over burst
After restricting Pakistan to 96 for 4 in 15 overs, Zimbabwe would have been eyeing keeping them to around 130 and very nearly got there. They did not concede any boundaries in overs 16, 17, 18 or 19 but Rizwan put that right with a final over burst. He waited for an Ngarava slower ball and bisected the gap between mid-off and cover-point, then went aerial over cover before Ryan Burl cut it off to ensure there was only two runs, but then cleared cow corner despite a good effort to take the catch and found fours through the covers and fine leg to take 20 off the final over.The hat-trick that could have been
Mohammad Hasnain made his return to the attack after missing out on most of the T20I series in South Africa and could have done it with a hat-trick, but for a drop. Wesley Madhevere, opening in place of Brendan Taylor, flicked the fourth ball of Hasnain’s second over to Zaman at midwicket. Zaman reacted slowly and the ball was dying on him and he couldn’t get to it despite diving forward. Madhevere was out off the next ball when he top-edged a short ball to Azam at mid-off. The ball after that debutant Tadiwanashe Marumani went in exactly the same fashion, top-edging a pull to Azam, at mid-on and was dismissed for a first-ball duck. Despite creating three chances in three balls, Hasnain had to wait until the 17th over for his hat-trick ball and it almost got him there. He bowled hard length on off stump and Jongwe cleared the front leg and swung with all his might, but missed.Legspin conundrums
Rashid Khan was the difference between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan a couple of months ago so it was hardly surprising when Pakistan immediately installed Usman Qadir in their XI for this match and at first it seemed Zimbabwe had learnt from their mistakes. Craig Ervine slogged the first ball Qadir bowled, a googly for six and took 11 runs off his first over, but got ahead of himself. When Ervine tried to reverse sweep Qadir in his next over he top-edged and was caught to depart two balls after Kamunhukamwe and spark a mini collapse. Qadir did even more damage in his third over and had Sean Williams caught on the sweep and Regis Chakbva rapped on the pads by a googly. Zimbabwe tumbled from 77 for 2 to 95 for 6, a position from which victory became difficult.

Celtic have been handed a boost as one of their transfer targets is keen on a move to Glasgow this summer, it has been reported.

Business slow for Celtic

It has not been quite the summer many Celtic fans hoped for following their Scottish Premiership and Cup double last season, with Brendan Rodgers' side looking largely the same as it did at the end of last season.

They have confirmed the arrival Kasper Schmeichel on a one-year-deal to replace the retired Joe Hart, while Finnish shot-stopper Viljami Sinisalo has also arrived from Aston Villa.

Celtic now open to offers for trio who take home a combined £30,000-a-week

The three players are deemed surplus to requirements at Celtic Park.

2

By
Ben Browning

Jul 29, 2024

But despite very little action in the window so far, Rodgers was staunch in his belief that the club will kick into gear between now and the end of the transfer window when quizzed on the slow-going summer.

"We know the targets we want to bring in. There's still a long way to go in the window. We know what we want to do and the priority positions we want to improve.

"Whilst the club are getting on with that myself and the coaches are focused on the improvement of the team physically, tactically and technically. By the end of August I would expect us to have the players that we want in.

“I’ll make it clear to the Celtic supporters we want to improve, get better. We don’t want to stand still this season, we know we want to improve the squad and by the end of the window shutting I’d expect us to be that."

Now, they have been handed a boost in pursuit of one of their defensive targets, though a deal may still take some time.

Good news for Celtic in Bueno chase

That comes over Wolves defender Hugo Bueno, who is now "eager" to move to Parkhead on loan. According to Give Me Sport, the defender has "serious doubts" over game time at Molineux, having made just seven Premier League starts across the 2023-24 campaign.

Hugo Bueno's Wolves career to date (Premier League)
Appearances	42
Starts	23
Goals/Assists	1
Yellow Cards	2
Total minutes	2041

As a result, a loan move is "appealing" for the 21-year-old fullback. In even more positive news, Wolves are "becoming more open-minded" to letting him leave for the upcoming campaign, despite having already rejected an offer for Norwich for his services this summer.

A temporary exit would be unlikely to cause too many issues, with Bueno still having four years left to run on his £10,000-a-week deal at Molineux, meaning that Wolves will remain in a strong position over his future even 12 months on.

The defender was hailed as a hard worker by Wolves U23 boss James Collins, something that Celtic fans are sure to appreciate should he move north of the border.

“You talk about hard work, and that boy works harder than anyone I know. After we finish training he grabs a bag of balls and he’s doing little stepovers and jinks.

“Some people think that’s luck or talent, but that’s not talent. That’s him working extremely hard at his craft to become more threatening in the attacking third", Collins explained.

Bueno's arrival could see Celtic look to emulate the success story of Paulo Bernardo. Like Bueno, he was a 21-year-old starved of first team football (he played just 750 minutes of Portuguese top flight football in 2022-23) with others ahead of him in the pecking order.

12 months on, he is set to rejoin Celtic on a permanent deal after a successful loan, something that the Bhoys will almost certainly be keen to emulate with Bueno should he succeed at Parkhead.

Southampton have reportedly already made contact with their next target after Ben Brereton Diaz in the shape of an "amazing" 25-year-old winger.

Southampton closing in on Brereton Diaz signing

Saints have already completed some significant transfer business in recent weeks, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes both arriving on permanent deals. The pair shone on loan last season, playing a key role in Russell Martin's side returning to the Premier League, so nailing them down feels like a huge positive.

Now, it also looks as though Brereton Diaz is close to becoming Southampton's next signing, with the Chile international set to undergo a medical imminently and seal a loan move from La Liga side Villarreal.

The South coast club have reportedly been in pole position to sign the 25-year-old in recent days, with his current club seemingly willing to sanction a temporary exit in the current transfer window.

Should Southampton sign Brereton Diaz, he could be an excellent addition, having scored six goals in 14 Premier League appearances on loan at Sheffield United last season, doing his best to keep them from heading back to the Championship, which ended up being unsuccessful.

Southampton make contact with "amazing" player

According to a new report from Football Insider, Southampton have made contact with Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente over a move to St Mary's this summer.

Saints have "registered their interest" in the winger, who is "available" after his side suffered the disappointment of being relegated from Serie A last season. Martin is believed to be "searching for more wide attackers before the transfer window shuts", although the report adds that "Lazio and top clubs in the Turkish Super Lig are also keen" on snapping up the Frenchman.

Lauriente could be such an eye-catching signing for Southampton, proving to be the type of player who can get supporters off their seats with his attacking brilliance.

He has been hailed as "amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who was wowed by a "Juninho-esque" free-kick, in reference to the former Lyon and Brazil star who is arguably regarded as one of the greatest set-piece takers in football history.

Lauriente has a tally of 24 goal contributions (12 goals and assists apiece) in 68 appearances for Sassuolo, which is a good return for a player who has often been performing for a struggling team, and he also has two caps to his name for France's Under-21s, which suggests he has always been a talent for a number of years.

The Sassuolo star's ability to thrive in a central attacking midfield role and also out wide would also give Martin extra attacking depth, which can only be a good thing back in the Premier League, so it is hard to see there being many negatives to signing him.

Southampton leading race for "wonderful" gem who is better than Doak

Southampton could be better off attempting to strike a deal for this tricky gem over pursuing Ben Doak’s signature.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 29, 2024

If Southampton manage to get both Lauriente and Breteton Diaz this summer, it would further suggest that this is one of the most productive windows at St Mary's in some time.

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has said he is looking for vast improvements in the ODI side, particularly in the way they play spin. He shared these views after West Indies went down by 120 runs in the third and final ODI against Bangladesh, suffering a 0-3 series loss that laid the visitors’ inexperience bare.Of the 30 wickets they lost during the series, 13 were to spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan, who averaged a mere 10.07 and conceded just 2.72 per over through the series.Related

• 'Mental work' and Kohli's advice – what helped Jermaine Blackwood on his comeback trail

• Kemar Roach draws up plans for West Indies' pacers ahead of Bangladesh Tests

• Report: Saifuddin, batsmen help Bangladesh sweep series

• Shakib's groin injury a potential worry ahead of Tests

Even though the Shere Bangla National Stadium’s pitch was said to be “difficult”, it played its best in the first innings, and West Indies batted first in the first two games. In the third ODI in Chattogram, where they encountered a seemingly flat pitch, West Indies never looked like threatening Bangladesh’s total of 297 for 6.”[I learned] that we need to play spin better,” Simmons said. “We need to be able to rotate strike and score boundaries in Bangladesh a lot better. There’s work to be done. Every time you have low scores, there is not enough character, heart, determination shown. It is all about putting everything out there and making sure things happen the way you want them to happen, and that’s not been done.”We need to improve on everything, in every area, after losing three games. Especially the runs that we put on the board. That’s something we have to work on from now, till our next series which is in March (against Sri Lanka).”Simmons however remained hopeful that West Indies could recover in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He also marked out Akeal Hosein, the Trinidadian left-arm spinner who took a three-wicket haul on his ODI debut, as one for the future.”He is definitely a man of the future,” Simmons said. “To make your debut and to get three-for on your debut and then to have the kind of respect that you have gained in the last two games, it means that you are improving and doing something right.”We lost the first series but there’s a lot of series to play. We just need to make sure that we get [World Cup Super League] points from every series. From here now, the only way we can go is up.”

Trent Boult took three wickets after New Zealand made West Indies follow-on

Karthik Krishnaswamy13-Dec-2020Bad light and an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 74 between Jason Holder and Joshua da Silva have moved the Wellington Test into the fourth day, with West Indies following-on and still trailing by 85 runs. New Zealand seemed on course to finish the match well before stumps, but Holder and the debutant da Silva looked in little trouble on a pitch that had eased out considerably, and against an attack that seemed to have tired a little from bowling in back-to-back innings in back-to-back Test matches.The telltale sign of this possible tiredness was the lack of venom when the fast bowlers bowled short to Holder, which they did frequently with plenty of protection on the leg side. Holder was seldom troubled by this mode of attack, with the ball usually either bouncing too high to trouble him or not bouncing high enough. He hit eight fours and two sixes in scoring an unbeaten 60 off 89 balls, and eight of those ten boundaries came via the pull or the hook.Da Silva joined Holder at 170 for 6 – New Zealand’s lead at that point was 159 – in the third over after tea, after Jermaine Blackwood had been bowled slogging at a full inswinger from Trent Boult. The end seemed near, but da Silva – who often opens for Trinidad & Tobago in domestic cricket – showed impressive technique and composure, seeming to have plenty of time to play both attacking and defensive shots, moving confidently forward or back and getting into compact positions. He ended the day batting on 25, his only moment of discomfort coming while on 11, when he swiveled too early into a pull against Tim Southee to get smacked on the helmet.Trent Boult is elated after dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite•Getty ImagesWhen play resumes half an hour early on Monday, New Zealand will remain favourites to knock off the four remaining wickets and take a full 120 points from this series to enrich their chances of making the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. But West Indies will begin the day knowing that the Basin Reserve has seen plenty of epic third-innings rearguards in the last six years: Brendon McCullum and BJ Watling against India in 2014, Kane Williamson and Watling against Sri Lanka in 2015 and Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews against New Zealand in 2018.Getting anywhere near the magnitude of those partnerships, however, will require something of a miracle from Holder and da Silva, because the New Zealand attack – conditions notwithstanding – has been outstanding all series, and were outstanding for most part on Sunday too.Southee took the last two first-innings wickets within the first five overs of the day to complete his five-wicket haul and wrap up a 329-run lead. There wasn’t a whole lot of seam movement to work with when West Indies followed-on for the second successive Test, but New Zealand’s fast bowlers are used to home pitches that get better to bat on in the second half of Test matches.Their pace quartet continued to swing the ball even when it had lost most of its shine, varied their lengths and angles cleverly to ensure the batsmen didn’t get into a rhythm, and used the short ball with purpose. Boult got New Zealand two early breakthroughs, and after John Campbell and Shamarh Brooks had resisted a searching pace examination and put on 89 in 23.1 overs, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson burst through the middle order before Holder, along with Blackwood and then da Silva, repelled their seemingly irresistible momentum.Southee and Boult caused Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite moments of discomfort with their control and new-ball swing, but the openers got past that and seemed in better rhythm than in the first innings while putting on 37 in 11 overs. Then Boult found success by working away at a plan, targeting Brathwaite’s tendency to flick in the air without getting his weight onto the front foot. A full ball at the stumps flew to the left of Will Young, stationed at leg gully for just that sort of shot, and he completed a stunning low catch with a full-length dive.Three balls later, Boult struck again, with a spiteful short ball that reared towards Darren Bravo’s face. He threw his hands up reflexively to protect himself, only to glove the ball to gully.Campbell and Brooks survived until lunch, and then on to the drinks break midway through the second session never entirely comfortable, but finding a way to stay in. Campbell batted out of his crease to counter the late swing and grew more confident with his footwork as his innings progressed. He got his weight forward when the ball was pitched up, bending his front knee fully as he drove Jamieson through the covers shortly before lunch, and later, when Wagner looked to test him with the short ball, he pulled him for successive fours to bring up his fifty.John Campbell swivels to pull•Getty ImagesThe pulled fours came midway through an absorbing 12-over spell from Wagner, who, rather than use the short ball as his stock weapon as he typically does, mixed them up with swing and fuller lengths. Brooks also went after him – but with mixed results – square-driving him for three fours in the space of two overs, while also getting beaten multiple times on the outside edge while playing for non-existent swing. On one of these occasions, the left-armer’s angle took it past Brooks’ closed bat face and hit back pad, provoking a massive lbw appeal. It wasn’t given, with umpire Chris Gaffaney probably reckoning the ball might have pitched outside leg stump or that it might have carried on past or over off stump.New Zealand didn’t review – they had just used one up for a caught-behind appeal when Southee had grazed Brooks’ thigh pad with an outswinger – and ball-tracking suggested the ball pitched in line and would have hit the top of off stump.But the fired-up Wagner didn’t take long to get back at Brooks. Having just been driven to the cover point boundary, Wagner produced a ball that kicked up off a length and went with the angle across the right-hander. Brooks played forward in defence, looking for swing, and edged behind off the shoulder of his bat.Having created this opening, New Zealand burst through it, as Jamieson picked up two in the space of two overs. First he got one to straighten and bounce in the corridor to get Roston Chase nicking to second slip to complete a pair, before Campbell played on while cramped for room and jabbing with an angled bat.Blackwood and Holder then added a brisk 36 either side of tea, before a rush of blood from Blackwood gave Boult his third wicket as da Silva joined his captain at the crease to take the fight into another day.

Whilst rumours have persisted over a potential deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts to watch a potential alternative this summer.

Man Utd transfer news

It's no surprise that those at Old Trafford are looking at that defensive midfield role following Casemiro's disastrous campaign last time out. The Brazilian enjoyed an excellent debut season before showing signs that he's past his best at 32 years old last year. Now linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, United would be wise to find a replacement for the former Real Madrid star.

Man Utd hold formal talks for "amazing" 24-year-old available for just £34m

He would be the best signing they have made in years.

ByBen Browning Jul 3, 2024

Ugarte has been the main name on that front too, with the Red Devils reportedly in talks to sign the PSG midfielder this week. Ugarte's exit would bring an end to just one season at the Ligue 1 giants in a mixed season following such an impressive spell at Sporting CP. Still just 23 years old, there's no doubt that the Uruguay international is more than capable of replacing Casemiro in Erik ten Hag's side this summer.

The summer transfer window is an unpredictable place, however, and United are seemingly well aware of that after sending scouts to watch an Ugarte alternative in the event that their deal for the South American falls through.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Joao Gomes ahead of a potential move worth a reported £40m this summer. The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder has reportedly attracted plenty of interest after an impressive debut season in the Premier League under Gary O'Neil.

Romano told GiveMeSport: "He’s one of many players being scouted, but not just by Manchester United. Many clubs have been scouting and following him, so let’s see who is going to really present a proposal or try to open negotiations with Wolves. At the moment, there is still nothing imminent."

"Fantastic" Gomes can replace Casemiro

Whilst a £40m price tag isn't exactly cheap, Gomes would instantly solve Manchester United's Casemiro problem and can guarantee his ability to slot straight into Premier League action over the likes of Ugarte. Like the PSG ace, Gomes is still just 23 years old and has plenty more to offer in the coming years, making United's potential investment a wise one.

Progressive Carries

28

12

Progressive Passes

101

112

Tackles Won

74

56

Ball Recoveries

183

133

A player who offers far more energy off the ball when compared to Casemiro, it's time for the latter to step aside for a fellow Brazilian if Manchester United decide to make their move in the coming months.

One man who won't want to see the move take place is O'Neil, who was full of praise for Gomes last season. The Wolves boss said via the Express and Star: “I’m delighted with the improvements he’s made this year and what he is as a kid, we love him here. He’s fantastic. He’s great to have around the place.

“He’s desperate to be successful but you never get the feeling it’s for himself, you get the feeling it’s for the group and for the club who he feels put a lot of faith in him by bringing him over to English football.”

England star Chloe Kelly could leave Manchester City at the end of the season after seeing her relationship with manager Gareth Taylor deteriorate.

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Kelly could leave Man CityRelationship with manager Taylor has broken downWas an unused substitute against Barca and LiverpoolFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kelly has started in only two games out of City's seven outings in the ongoing season across all competitions and remained an unused substitute in the club's last two matches against Liverpool and Barcelona. Per the Daily Mail, the striker's relationship with manager Taylor has worsened over time and this could lead to her exit from the club next summer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Lionesses forward's current contract with the Cityzens expires at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. While the player, who shares a close bond with the club, would love to stay beyond her current deal, the two parties are yet to progress on their talks over an extension.

DID YOU KNOW?

The relationship between the player and the coach started to worsen last season after the star forward was left on the bench during the Manchester derby in March 2024. She had to sit out for four straight matches which indicated some trouble in the City camp.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

Taylor's side, who are currently at the top of the table, will be next seen in action on Wednesday as they take on St. Polten in a Women's Champions League clash away from home.