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South Group leaders cruise to seventh win out of eight with room to spare in Cardiff

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Jun-2025Somerset continued their remarkable form in the Vitality Blast, cruising to a six-wicket win against Glamorgan.After restricting Glamorgan to 130 for 9 courtesy of 4 for 21 from Australian overseas Riley Meredith, Somerset knocked off a sub-par total to remain top of the South Group and head into the mid-competition break with seven wins from eight while Glamorgan’s symmetrical win-loss record makes them likely to drop outside the all-important top four.Top-order contributions throughout the Somerset innings set up the run chase for the middle-order to wrap up risk-free. Dan Douthwaite caused trouble in taking 3 for 32 but it only gave the hosts a glimmer of hope.Somerset won the toss and opted to bowl after scoring in excess of 200 three times in their last four games. Kiran Carlson and Will Smale got off to an explosive start, bringing memories of their record-breaking win over Somerset in Cardiff last year, the captain scoring 135 on that occasion while Smale had a half-century of his own.On this occasion the flair was short-lived. Smale took Josh Davey’s first three balls for boundaries, which included a typical Smale ramp. However, 30 for no loss from 2.1 overs became 42 for 4 from seven with both openers outclassed by Matt Henry.Ben Kellaway fell for a duck after a T20 best last time out, slapping to Will Smeed at point, the extra pace of Meredith proving too much. Veterans Colin Ingram and Chris Cooke continued to struggle, undone by the ever-consistent Lewis Gregory, both falling attempting to glide to deep third; Ingram chopping on, Cooke only finding the wicketkeeper.In a familiar story, it fell to Asa Tribe and Douthwaite to drag Glamorgan back into a battle from 49 for 5. Tribe found a way to combine upping the rate with added stability, contributing 38 in a 49-run partnership before being bowled while attempting a ramp.Douthwaite then picked out the deep-midwicket fielder on the first ball of Merideth’s return.A couple of late boundaries from Imad Wasim and a top-edged six from Timm van der Gugten managed to avert total embarrassment for the hosts but at 130, they were still very much under-par.Somerset’s pursuit began briskly. Tom Banton and Will Smeed were watchful in the opening two overs before being proactive and typically brutal taking 41 from the next three. Smeed, the Blast’s second-highest run-scorer, hit a pick-up six over the leg side that was particularly eye-catching.While the chase wasn’t faultless, the visitors found their way with comfort – even though the entire top order made starts without kicking on. Smeed fel in the powerplay, Banton just after the restrictions were relaxed. Tom Abell was bogged down temporarily, scoring at just a-run-a-ball for his 10 before Douthwaite dismissed him in an impressive over conceding just one run.Somerset looked to get the job done quickly, Tom Kohler-Cadmore hitting five boundaries in 38 from 29 before being caught on the cover boundary, a third wicket for Douthwaite.Despite trickier spells from Douthwaite and former Somerset seamer Ned Leonard, who returned economical figures, the visitors knocked off victory in 16.4 overs.

Frank Lampard is set to swap Halloween for Hollywood this year. The Coventry City boss, known for his spooky season enthusiasm, will miss out on trick-or-treating with his kids after dressing as the Grim Reaper last year. Instead, he’ll be leading his high-flying Sky Blues into a Friday night clash with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s Wrexham under the lights.

Lampard looking forward to Coventry's Wrexham duel

Lampard’s Coventry City are set for a blockbuster Championship clash against Hollywood-owned Wrexham under the lights at the Racecourse Ground on Halloween night. The Sky Blues head into the fixture chasing a seventh consecutive league victory to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. A win would see Lampard’s side strengthen their grip on top spot in the table, continuing their early-season momentum.

However, the fixture means Lampard will have to skip his annual Halloween tradition — dressing up and trick-or-treating with his children around his London neighbourhood. The former Chelsea and England star is known to embrace the spooky season, having gone “full Grim Reaper” last year. But as he put it himself, work commitments come first this time around.

Despite missing out on family fun, Lampard made it clear he has no complaints about spending Halloween night in Wales. The ex-midfielder admitted he’ll miss the laughs at home, but with Coventry’s stunning form, the “sweet treat” of three points at Wrexham would be the perfect consolation.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLampard opens up on love for Halloween

“I normally dress up with my children and trick or treat locally, so they’re a bit disappointed that I’m not there. I’m missing out but they’ll be looked after and they’ll still do it with the rest of the family. It’s a shame to miss it but work is work,” Lampard said, smiling as he recalled his Halloween antics.

“As for what I usually dress up as, I was the Grim Reaper last year. I’m not sure what I was the year before, I was fully covered again and I think I was like a swamp monster or something, like a green thing. Yeah, the kids get scared, that’s the point, isn’t it,” he joked.

Lampard also reflected on how much he enjoys the anonymity Halloween offers: “I was completely Grim Reapered up, all masked up. I enjoy the anonymity of the evening. It’s something I do every year just around my local streets where it’s very popular. I loved Halloween as a kid — probably because I love sweets. I know the headline will be like, ‘I can’t believe I’m not the Grim Reaper this year,’ or something but I’m very happy to be going with Coventry to Wrexham. I’ll miss it for one year and I’ll possibly be back for it next year.”

Getty Images SportLampard talks about facing off against Parkinson's Wrexham

While Halloween may be off the cards, Lampard’s enthusiasm for Friday’s match is unmistakable. Coventry’s trip to Wrexham pits the Championship’s early pace-setters against one of the most high-profile clubs in world football, backed by Hollywood actors Reynolds and Mac. For Lampard, though, the focus is purely on maintaining momentum and keeping his players grounded after a superb run of form.

The 46-year-old praised his players’ work ethic and adaptability, pointing out that Wrexham’s direct, physical style, led by Welsh striker Kieffer Moore, will demand another disciplined defensive display. “It’s a great part of the job,” he explained in his pre-match press conference. “When you decide to be a coach, if you want to be a proper coach on the pitch in terms of analysis and how you set your team up, that’s the challenge you have to buy into.”

Lampard added that he relishes tactical battles like the one ahead. “You learn a lot in this job, much more than as a player, and I like to prepare the players as best I can for whatever challenge we’re getting. That’s me doing my job properly and also giving the opposition problems if we can. So it’s something I really enjoy.”

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Coventry travel to Wrexham on Halloween

Coventry now travel to North Wales to face off against Wrexham on Friday, aiming to extend their unbeaten league start and claim a seventh straight victory. A win would not only solidify their status as promotion contenders but also highlight Lampard’s growing influence at the club. 

For Wrexham, meanwhile, the fixture marks another test of their credentials as they look to prove they can compete with established second-tier sides. The Red Dragons will be eager to dent Coventry’s unbeaten run and remind everyone they’re not just a celebrity project.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has announced the sacking of former Barcelona legend Patrick Kluivert from his role as head coach. The decision follows Indonesia’s 1-0 loss to Iraq, which saw them finish bottom of their World Cup qualifying group and eliminated from contention for next year's competition. Kluivert stepped into the role in January, but has been sacked alongside the rest of his coaching staff.

Indonesia confirm Kluivert sacking

In an official statement, the PSSI announced the sacking of their entire coaching staff. This includes senior team coach Kluivert, along with his assistants Alex Pastoor and Danny Landzaat. The statement also confirmed the dismissal of Dutch nationals Gerald Vanenburg, coach of the Indonesia U-23 squad, and Frank van Kempen, coach of the Indonesia U-20 team. The coaching staff had signed two-year contracts in January, but Indonesia’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup led to their premature dismissal in a strategic decision. 

AdvertisementAFPEx-striker fails to qualify for World Cup

Indonesia were placed in a group in the Asian World Cup qualifiers alongside Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with each team playing the others once. They lost 3-2 to Saudi Arabia, while Iraq beat them 1-0. As a result, Indonesia finished bottom of the group, with Saudi Arabia qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup and Iraq advancing to the play-offs. Under Kluivert, Indonesia played eight games, recording three wins, one draw and four losses.

Ex-striker's playing days and coaching career

A member of Ajax’s golden generation in the 1990s, Kluivert won the Eredivisie and Champions League in the 1994-95 season under manager Louis van Gaal. He later joined Barcelona, forming a lethal partnership with Rivaldo and helping the club retain the 1998-99 La Liga title. After spells with Newcastle United and PSV, he retired at Lille. Kluivert also served as assistant coach at Australian side Brisbane Roar under Ange Postecoglou and later with the Netherlands national team under Van Gaal in 2014. In 2025, he replaced South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong as head coach of the Indonesian national team.

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Kluivert will look to put the setback of his Indonesian sacking behind him and aims to return to the dugout as soon as possible.

Jaiswal should have tried to bat on, says Mark Boucher, because he got out at “the tipping edge of a significant knock”

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Apr-20251:06

What should we make of Jaiswal’s 40-ball fifty?

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 67 runs. Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Punjab Kings (PBKS). If you hadn’t watched the IPL 2025 game on Saturday night, you would think Sanju Samson was a soothsayer for saying “when he [Jaiswal] performs, he will be winning the games”. Except that it was the slowest half-century of Jaiswal’s IPL career, off 40 balls, and “it didn’t look like he was finding his form”, as Wasim Jaffer put it.”He was still looking to hit the ball really hard. He hit five sixes and three fours, so that’s a high boundary rate, but still played a lot of dot balls,” Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. There were 12 dot balls in Jaiswal’s 45-ball 67. Perhaps not a massive number for someone still looking to settle into IPL 2025.Mark Boucher was in agreement with Jaffer.Related

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“Getting to fifty, I think he faced close to 40 balls. Then the next five balls after that, he was at an incredible strike rate,” Boucher said, referring to the 17 he scored in the five balls he lasted after getting to the landmark – he hit a six the ball after he got to fifty, and went 1, 6, 4 off the next three before getting out.”It’s almost like he just needed to be there for another two or three overs in order for him to have that match-winning innings that we all know he is very capable of, and he has done in the past. He’ll be quite disappointed to get out when he did actually get out. It was at that point where it was the tipping edge for him [to play] a very significant knock.”Jaiswal had been a point of discussion over the past few days for two reasons. First, his poor returns with the bat – 1, 29 and 4 before this game. And second, the move from Mumbai to Goa in the Indian domestic circuit. Goa won the Ranji Trophy plate title last season and will play in the elite group in 2025-26.

“He shouldn’t be looking to play Ranji Trophy. For somebody like him, he should be playing for India in all three formats. That should be his focus”Wasim Jaffer on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s move to Goa

Jaffer, a giant of Mumbai and Indian domestic cricket, said he was “surprised and shocked” with the decision.”No matter what Goa was offering him. You don’t leave Mumbai, especially at this age [Jaiswal is 23],” Jaffer said. “It’s okay if somebody is 34-35 then you want to go out.”There have been unconfirmed murmurs about differences with the Mumbai team management, and Jaffer acknowledged that.1:55

Jaffer: Jaiswal’s move from Mumbai to Goa ‘shocking’

“That must have prompted him to take this decision, but I think leaving Mumbai is a shocking decision,” Jaffer said. “He’s a powerhouse. Somebody who has played from Under-14s to now, for Mumbai, and Goa being a plate-group team that has just come into the elite group – for him to go and play there, whatever time he will spend on first-class cricket, I am surprised he’s taken that decision so soon.”As such, India’s international cricketers rarely have – or make – time for domestic cricket. There was a directive from the BCCI recently asking India players who were not gainfully occupied elsewhere or battling fitness issues to return to domestic cricket. This was following India’s Test series loss in Australia. Some of the biggest names in the game did pay heed. Jaiswal was among them, and he played Mumbai’s Ranji game against Jammu & Kashmir in late January, scoring 4 and 26 in a defeat.”But he shouldn’t be looking to play Ranji Trophy,” Jaffer said. “For somebody like him, he should be playing for India in all three formats. That should be his focus.”I’m sure it [the move] is playing on his mind. Because that has been happening in this week or two. But yes, runs from him is very, very vital for Rajasthan Royals. He’s looking a little bit off-colour; trying too hard, trying too hard, too early.”

Glasgow Rangers supporters were hit with a surprise on Saturday when it was revealed that the club had pulled out of a deal to sign versatile defender Nobel Mendy.

RangersReview reported that the Light Blues have pulled out of a £2m deal to sign the Real Betis centre-back, who can also play at left-back, after discussions collapsed in recent days.

The 20-year-old titan had looked set for a move to Ibrox to bolster Russell Martin’s options at the back, but is now set to remain at Real Betis, or move elsewhere before the end of the summer transfer window.

Why Rangers may have dodged a blunder with Nobel Mendy

Pulling out of a move for the Senegalese defender may turn out to be a blunder dodged by the Gers, as there is little evidence to suggest that he would have been a significant signing for the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Whilst Mendy, who is only 20, may turn out to be a fantastic player in the future, and could have turned out to be a quality addition for Rangers, there is little in the here and now to suggest that he would have hit the ground running.

The versatile defender has only played six senior games for Real Betis. He also struggled for the B team in the 2024/25 campaign, losing 59% of his duels across 13 league games for the reserve side, per Sofascore.

Rangers could forget about Mendy by swooping for a player who is more likely to make an immediate impact at Ibrox this season – Kassoum Ouattara.

Why Rangers should sign Kassoum Ouattara

The Light Blues have been linked with loan interest in the Monaco left-back, who is valued at £13m by his club, and they should be pushing to get a deal done for the 20-year-old star.

Despite being the same age as Mendy, Ouattara has played 55 times at senior level, including 33 times for Monaco, per Transfermarkt, and is more established in first-team football.

The French whiz may not seem like an obvious alternative, given that he plays at left-back mainly instead of centre-back, but the Gers could allow Emmanuel Fernandez and John Souttar to battle it out for a place next to Nasser Djiga, and bring Ouattara in to cover the left-back role that Mendy would have offered cover in.

As you can see in the table above, the Monaco talent’s output in Ligue 1 last season even suggests that he could be an upgrade on the departing Jefte, who is set to sign for Palmeiras, from an offensive perspective.

Ouattara, who writer Kai Watson described as a “very offensive” full-back, could excite supporters with his front-footed performances at left-back, as he is clearly a defender who likes to get forward to put crosses and passes into the final third to create chances for his teammates.

The £13m-rated talent may make more sense for what Rangers need in their backline, with Ridvan Yilmaz out of the picture and Jefte set to depart, than Mendy would, which is why it could make more sense to pursue the Monaco starlet.

So instead of signing a centre-back who could play left-back, in Mendy, the Gers could sign a talented left-back, who may have the potential to cover at left centre-back should Martin decide he would suit that role.

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This is why Rangers could forget all about this collapsed deal for Mendy because the signing of Ouattara could make more sense for the team, and make a greater impact on the pitch.

Journalist Mike McGrath reports Birmingham City have submitted a bid for a “very interesting” attacking player, with a rival Championship club also in the mix to sign him.

Davies delighted ahead of Birmingham's next test

The Blues have made a positive start to the season, drawing 1-1 at home to Ipswich Town in their league opener last week, largely outplaying last year’s Premier League side. Birmingham then knocked Sheffield United out of the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening, winning 2-1, and manager Chris Davies was delighted with what he saw from his players.

“There was some excellent football, really fluid, we moved the ball well and gave them a problem either through our possession play or through our pressing – and we should have been out of sight.

“You saw that last season, when it’s 1-0 there’s always a chance, but they didn’t create chances, they didn’t have those moments, but what they did have was a goal that shouldn’t have been a goal. But I thought the reaction was fantastic.

“What you can do is control what you can do, which is your performance, and we reacted really well and got the goal. We know what it’s like, it’s going to be really hard this season. Sheffield United were in the play-off final last year, we are talking about a team that was twenty minutes away from the Premier League. To beat a team like that is a big, big test. A big challenge, and we did it tonight.”

Next up for Birmingham is a trip to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, with potential new signings being looked at away from on-pitch matters.

Birmingham make offer for international attacker

According to McGrath on X, Birmingham have submitted an offer for £5m-rated Queens Park Rangers attacker Koki Saito, with Derby County also interested in signing him.

Saito could be exactly what Birmingham are after this summer, with the three-cap Japan international adding extra depth and quality in the final, having proven himself in the Championship.

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The 24-year-old is a versatile player, invariably taking up a left-sided role but also being able to shine as a centre forward, and scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “very interesting” player in the past.

The lure of Birmingham is hopefully greater than the other clubs linked with signing Saito, with the club in an exciting period in their history, and the QPR man can help take them in the right direction.

Shamar Joseph is unfit and Alzarri Joseph has chosen the ILT20 over the Test series in Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2024Trinidad & Tobago batter Amir Jangoo has earned a maiden call-up to the West Indies Test squad for the two-match series against Pakistan, which begins on January 16 in Karachi. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the side, having missed the two Tests against Bangladesh at home last month as he was playing at the inaugural Global Super League in Providence.Motie will be leading West Indies’ spin-bowling contingent, which also has Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican.Jangoo and Motie replace the fast-bowling duo of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. While Shamar is suffering from shin splints which forced him to miss the ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this month, Alzarri is unavailable because of a clash with the ILT20 in the UAE, where he will be turning out for MI Emirates, which CWI termed as “other engagements” in their release.Jangoo was rewarded for his consistent performances in the domestic four-day competition in 2023-24, when he scored 500 runs in five matches at an average of 63.50, with two centuries and a fifty, to be Trinidad & Tobago’s highest run-getter. Jangoo also recently smashed a century on ODI debut against Bangladesh to help West Indies ace their third-highest chase in the format.”Motie rejoins the squad to bolster the spin attack, while Jangoo’s selection comes on the back of his consistency across formats in regional cricket, as well as his demonstrated high level of competency against spin bowling,” West Indies head coach Andre Coley said. “For the Test series against Pakistan in January 2025, the focus is on building on what we have done well, and transforming the learnings from 2024 into tangible results.”The rest of the squad remains on expected lines. Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the side, with wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva as his deputy. Mikyle Louis, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty and Justin Greaves will form the crux of the batting unit.On the fast-bowling front, Kemar Roach will lead the attack, and will have Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip for company.Next year’s tour of Pakistan will be West Indies’ first Test series there in more than 18 years. They had last played Tests in Pakistan in November 2006, although they did play Pakistan in a Test series in the UAE in October 2016.The 15-member West Indies squad will depart on January 2, and arrive in Islamabad on January 6. The first Test will run from January 16-20 in Karachi, before the teams depart for Multan, where the second Test will be played from January 24-28.West Indies squad for Pakistan TestsKraigg Brathwaite (capt), Joshua Da Silva (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican

أثنى تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني لنادي ريال مدريد، على لاعبي فريقه، وذلك عقب الانتصار على ليفانتي يوم أمس الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

ريال مدريد استمر في صدارته لبطولة الدوري الإسباني، وذلك عقب انتصاره العريض على ليفانتي بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف واحد، ضمن الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ووجه ألونسو في مؤتمره الصحفي عقب نهاية المباراة والذي نقلته صحيفة الموندو ديبورتيفو، التحية بشكل خاص إلى فينيسيوس جونيور، موضحًا أن الأخير كان حاسمًا ضد ليفانتي.

فينيسيوس سجل هدفًا ولعب مباراة رائعة ضد ليفانتي، حيث حصل ابن ال24 عامًا على جائزة رجل المباراة.

وقال ألونسو: ”انتهينا للتو من المباراة وكنت أفكر فقط في مباراة اليوم، ابتداءً من الغد سنركز على الديربي (ضد أتلتيكو مدريد يوم السبت المقبل)، أعتقد أنها كانت مباراة متكاملة وأعتقد أن فينيسيوس قدم أداءًا حاسمًا”.

أقرأ أيضًا .. فينيسيوس: اعتدت التسجيل أمام ليفانتي.. ومودريتش له الفضل في هدفي اليوم

وأضاف ألونسو في حديثه: “نعمل منذ 51 يومًا فقط ونحن في مرحلة البناء، نبني أساسًا متينًا ويشعر العديد من لاعبي الفريق بالترابط وهذا مهم ليس فقط للنتائج بل لأسلوب عملنا”.

وأوضح المدرب الإسباني: “وجود لاعبين متميزين يسهل الأمر كثيرًا علينا في تغيير خطة اللعب، نريد لاعبين مرنين لا لاعبين ثابتين على أسلوب معين، واليوم كنا نعتقد أن هذا هو الخيار الصحيح بالدفع بتلك التشكيلة، مع ذلك لا ينبغي أن نتهاون كثيرًا ونحن على الطريق الصحيح وعلينا المواصلة”.

وعن مشاركة إدواردو كامافينجا اليوم، واصل ألونسو: “أنا سعيد جدًا لأنني لم أتمكن من العمل معه منذ انضمامي إلى النادي وسنرى إن كان سيلعب معي كلاعب رقم 8 أو كلاعب وسط مدافع، لكن الحقيقة هي أنه لاعب متعدد المهارات”.

واختتم: “كان بإمكاننا اليوم تسجيل الهدفين الثالث والرابع قبل نهاية الشوط الأول، لكننا لم ننجح في ذلك، لا أعرف كم انتظرنا لنجعل النتيجة 3-1 لكن ليفانتي لم يظهر أي رد فعل يذكر”.

Despite already reinforcing their midfield with arrivals such as Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, reports are now claiming that Leeds United have submitted an opening offer to sign an ex-Barcelona star.

Farke "happy" to welcome Perri at Leeds

Several problem areas have already been addressed at Elland Road this summer as Leeds prepare for their Premier League return. But welcoming a new goalkeeper remained on the list until the 49ers completed yet another impressive move to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon. And Daniel Farke has instantly welcomed the shot-stopper’s arrival.

The Brazilian represents a replacement for Ilan Meslier, who was relieved of his duties at the end of last season following one mistake too many. Just where his future lies is now the big question, with Leeds seemingly moving on to bigger and better things.

When compared, it’s Perri who instantly stands out. The 27-year-old has Europa League experience to his name and already squared off against rivals Manchester United last season. Having lost out against the Red Devils last season, though, he will have his sights set on getting one over on those at Old Trafford.

With their goalkeeper problem now solved, however, the 49ers have now reportedly made their first move to sign yet another impressive midfield reinforcement.

Leeds submit opening offer to sign Kessie

According to Saudi Arabian newspaper Al Riyadhiah, relayed by there are claims the 49ers and Leeds have submitted an opening offer to sign Franck Kessie from Al-Ahli this summer. The 28-year-old midfielder captains the Saudi Pro League club and is entering his third season at the heart of their midfield, but could now be on his way out.

Having starred for both Barcelona and particularly AC Milan, Kessie’s arrival would be an incredibly impressive coup by all involved at Elland Road. But it’s unlikely to come without plenty of negotiating on the salary side of things.

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As things stand, Kessie earns a staggering £12m-a-year in Saudi Arabia and unless he takes a significant pay-cut, he will be out of Leeds’ price range given that their current highest-earner is Patrick Bamford at around £4m-a-year.

That said, if the midfielder is willing to lower his salary then Leeds should go all out to secure his signature this summer. His experience would prove to be invaluable and at 28, he is more than capable of returning to the top level with a flourish.

A player who was previously dubbed a “complete player” by former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, Kessie could now be one to watch.

It’s fair to say Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United to date has been a bumpy ride full of many ups and downs.

Amorim has collected 17 victories from the Old Trafford hot-seat, but that has been followed up by a worrying 17 losses being tallied up, which included a soul-crushing Europa League final defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.

Even with the pain of this loss out in Bilbao still hurting – with no European football on the menu this coming season – the Red Devils have been able to flex their muscles in the transfer market, as seen in the notable £62.5m capture of Matheus Cunha.

But, what’s around the corner for the Red Devils?

Man Utd in surprise talks to sign £70m star

Well, Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly also edging closer to a switch to the red half of Manchester despite their aforementioned problems, with a hat-trick of standout purchases from within the Premier League perhaps on the cards if another deal is also secured.

As per a report by Football Insider, United have been in surprise talks recently over snapping up Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.

It’s stated that a move was being explored after United had held talks with the 6 foot 5 man mountain’s agent, but it is looking more likely that Branthwaite will pen a contract extension at the Toffees, over moving to nearby Manchester.

Yet, as has been seen in the manic transfer window so far, many twists and turns can occur, with United known to be keen admirers of the £70m-rated centre-back for some time now, having been linked with the one-time England international last summer.

A move might well finally happen for Branthwaite and the Red Devils, with Amorim’s strugglers hopeful that the strong Everton number 32 can go on to be their modern-day iteration of Rio Ferdinand if a deal is finalised.

How Branthwaite can be Man Urd's next Ferdinand

It’s been nearly 23 years now since Ferdinand crossed enemy lines to leave Leeds United behind for the Theatre of Dreams for £30m.

But, even nearly two decades on, Ferdinand is still seen as the cream of the defensive crop from United’s recent and more success-laden years, with a mammoth 189 clean sheets coming his way from a stacked 504 Premier League outings, away from his ridiculous trophy collection boasting six top-flight title successes.

As it did at Elland Road over 20 years ago, Branthwaite’s exit would certainly upset the Everton masses if he were to shortly walk away from Merseyside, having showcased himself, just like Ferdinand, to be one of England’s finest young centre-halves.

Ferdinand did already have 54 Premier League clashes under his belt in West Yorkshire before sealing a major switch to link up with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and now Branthwaite will surely fancy a similar big move to elevate his game to the next level.

Games played

75

Goals scored

4

Assists

1

Goals conceded

92

Clean sheets

21

After all, the now-retired United number 5 was only a year older than Branthwaite is now when he first made the leap to Old Trafford, with the 22-year-old also definitely capable of adjusting to the pressures of the Theatre of Dreams when glancing at his standout numbers from the table above.

Branthwaite would be able to chip in with goals and assists aplenty too, just like Ferdinand in his pomp, with his output during his breakout 2023/24 season seeing him fire home three strikes, away from further proving his imposing nature in the air by winning 3.9 duels per game throughout 2024/25.

Once lauded as a “colossal” presence by Statman Dave, on top of also being labelled as a “beast” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, this could be yet another signing that helps United push out of their current mire.

A positive new horizon could soon come Amorim and Co’s way as Branthwaite potentially goes down as a modern icon at the back, whilst Cunha and Mbeumo also aim to be heroes in their own right.

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