With Ruben Amorim set to keep hold of his job at Old Trafford, Manchester United are reportedly preparing a January offer to sign a midfield star who he loves.
Ratcliffe defends making Man Utd staff cuts
After revealing that he’s willing to give Amorim as long as three years to make his mark at Man United, INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has defended his decision to make a number of staff cuts earlier this year. The British billionaire insisted that profitability is key to any success and used United’s recent record revenue as an example.
Alas, even as results begin to improve off the pitch, they’ve remained woeful on the pitch. Amorim’s side have won just twice in seven Premier League games and are yet to even win back-to-back league games under the former Sporting Club manager.
Alarm bells have been ringing all season, but Amorim maintains the faith of INEOS. In fact, instead of sacking the manager, the minority owners are reportedly prepared to back him in the transfer market once again and could even welcome a midfielder that he loves in 2026.
Man Utd preparing Hjulmand offer
According to reports in Spain, Man United are now preparing a €60m (£52m) offer to sign Morten Hjulmand from Sporting Club. The Denmark midfielder thrived under Amorim at Sporting and could now become the first player from his former side to complete a move to Old Trafford in 2026.
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He’s enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign.
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Amorim has never shied away from praising the 26-year-old, either. The Man United boss told reporters after his final game in charge of Sporting, in which Hjulmand scored in a 4-2 victory: “It was a great goal by a fantastic player and captain who arrived at Sporting a year ago.”
The leader that the Red Devils are arguably lacking, Hjulmand would slot straight into Amorim’s midfield next to Manuel Ugarte – allowing Bruno Fernandes to move back to an advanced role in the process.
Minutes
720
626
Progressive Passes
50
61
Tackles Won
13
7
Ball Recoveries
50
43
When compared, it’s the Dane’s defensive traits that stand out and those traits would allow one of the best midfielders in the world to play in his best role under Amorim. If United can secure his signature for just £52m, then Hjulmand would simply be a no-brainer.
أعلنت اللجنة المنظمة لـ كأس الأمم الإفريقية 2025 بالمغرب، عن انطلاق عملية بيع تذاكر مباريات البطولة، بداية من اليوم الإثنين الموافق 28 أكتوبر 2025.
وأوضحت اللجنة في بيان رسمي، منح تأشيرة المغرب للجماهير المصرية مجانا، إذ يمكن لجماهير دول مصر وتونس وجنوب إفريقيا وزامبيا، استعمال تطبيق “يال”، للحصول على بطاقة المشجع (Fan ID) وكذلك الحصول على التأشيرة الإلكترونية للسفر للمغرب (eVisa / AEVM)، وهي خطوة أساسية قبل الحصول على تذاكر المباريات عبر التطبيق الرسمي لبيع التذاكر التابع للاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم.
طالع| محددًا الخصم.. حسام حسن يرغب في ودية نارية قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا
وأكدت اللجنة المنظمة أن كل من يملك بطاقة FAN ID يحق له الحصول على تذكرة واحدة من كل مباراة، مشددة على أنه يجب الحصول على بطاقة المشجع عبر تطبيق “يال” للحصول على تذكرة مباراة.
وأشارت اللجنة إلى أن الموقع الرسمي الوحيد المخصص لبيع التذاكر هو موقع الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم (كاف).
وحددت اللجنة رقما لمساعدة الجماهير في حال رغبتهم في الاستفسار عن أي سؤال وهو 212 5 30 30 20 30+، موضحة أن الرقم متاح بثلاث لغات (العربية، اإلنجليزية والفرنسية).
ومن المنتظر أن تنطلق بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025 بمشاركة 24 منتخبًا خلال الفترة من 21 ديسمبر 2025 حتى 18 يناير 2026، حيث يسعى منتخب مصر إلى تحقيق اللقب الثامن في تاريخه وتعزيز رقمه القياسي كأكثر المنتخبات تتويجًا بالبطولة. ويشارك منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية إلى جانب جنوب إفريقيا وأنجولا وزيمبابوي، في مجموعة تبدو متوازنة لكنها تحتاج إلى استعداد قوي قبل ضربة البداية.
While the results and honours haven’t always followed, West Ham United have always been a team that can boast a genuine superstar or two in their side.
A few years ago, it was Declan Rice who was grabbing the headlines for the Hammers and representing them in a Euros final for England.
Nowadays, it’s Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta who are the standouts in the team, with the latter making it very clear he wants to remain in East London with his celebration against Nottingham Forest.
However, before either he or Rice had made their names in Claret and Blue, there was an exciting prospect who looked like an even bigger talent than both.
Rice & Paqueta's West Ham careers
Now, there may still be some ill feelings about where Rice moved on to a couple of years ago, but it would be impossible to deny that he gave an awful lot to West Ham over his time with the club.
Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen for West Ham
He made his senior debut for the club against Burnley in 2017 and went on to make 245 appearances for the club, totalling an astonishing 20,580 minutes.
Despite playing in defensive midfield and even at the back at times, the Englishman managed to score 15 goals and provide 13 assists for the Hammers during his time in East London.
Moreover, he captained the club to Conference League glory in his final game – an achievement that has enshrined him in the club’s history books forever.
Paqueta, on the other hand, only joined the Irons from Lyon in the summer of 2022, but has still played a massive role at the club.
He was also part of the team that secured the Hammers’ European glory, and has amassed an impressive tally of 21 goals and 14 assists in 124 games.
However, for as brilliant as Rice and Paqueta are, there was an academy gem who, a decade ago, was being looked at as an even bigger talent, but is not without a club.
The West Ham gem without a club
Cast your minds back to the distant year of 2015 and West Ham’s Premier League opener away to Arsenal.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
It was a game to forget for the hosts, but a memorable win for the travelling Irons, and one youngster in particular: Reece Oxford.
It was the then 16-year-old’s competitive debut, and instead of making a fool of himself against a pretty stacked Gunners side, he looked incredible and practically pocketed a prime Mesut Özil.
Reece-Oxford-and-Slaven-Bilic
It was a performance that more than turned heads, with then-manager Slaven Bilic proclaiming afterward that the youngster “has everything.”
Later on, the Croatian would tell the press that, at the time, “I couldn’t move around the place without hearing that Reece Oxford was going to be the next big thing.”
Moreover, in an interview with The Athletic, former West Ham trainee Lewis Page revealed that during his early days, Rice was unsure if he’d get a scholarship as Oxford “was the main talent at centre-back, and I’m not sure if the club thought Dec was good enough to play in midfield.”
Unfortunately, the former Hammers gem didn’t go on to become a world-beater, and after several loans, he left the club with just 17 appearances to his name to join Augsburg in the summer of 2019.
Augsburg
80
3
2
West Ham
17
0
0
Mönchengladbach
8
0
0
Reading
5
0
0
Things went reasonably well for the youngster out in Germany for a while, but persistent injuries followed with a severe case of long COVID that prevented him from really kicking on.
In all, the 26-year-old made 80 appearances for the club, but his last senior professional game was all the way back in November 2022, and he’s been without a club since July 1st of this year.
Ultimately, while Oxford was never able to live up to the hype, he did carve out a decent career for himself in the Bundesliga, and we can only hope he finds himself a new team soon.
West Ham now join the race to sign £60m star who was a major Spurs target
The Hammers are keen to bring in a “sensational” player, who was a key summer target for Tottenham Hotspur.
The tournament will be held in July this year and Hurricanes hope to send a strong squad that could include Tim David
Alex Malcolm10-Apr-2025Reigning BBL champions Hobart Hurricanes look set to send a team to the Global Super League in Guyana with the tournament being moved to July this year.Hurricanes, who are run by Cricket Tasmania, have been invited to play in the GSL after winning the BBL for the first time this January. They would be the second team from Australia to compete in the tournament after Cricket Victoria sent a team – that played in state colours – to last year’s tournament, which was played in December.Victoria finished second with a team that was captained by former New Zealand allrounder Corey Anderson and featured current Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, as well as a handful of development players as the tournament fell during Australia’s domestic season.ESPNcricinfo understands that Cricket Tasmania will send a team to play under the Hurricanes name and will field as strong a squad as they can put out. The tournament is set to be played during Australia’s Test tour of the Caribbean in July and just prior to Australia’s five-match T20I series against West Indies that immediately follows.Related
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Hurricanes have signed Australia Test allrounder Beau Webster, but he might be ruled him out if he tours the Caribbean. Australia T20I regulars Nathan Ellis and Tim David are likely to be part of the West Indies T20I tour. Riley Meredith is another who might be considered for that series.David is yet to re-sign with Hurricanes in the BBL but is expected to. It is understood Cricket Tasmania has asked Cricket Australia about the availability of both Ellis and David for the GSL but Ellis, who unlike David is CA contracted, could be held out to remain fresh for the T20I series with Australia’s three-format quicks likely to be rested after the World Test Championship final and three Tests in the Caribbean.It is understood that David could also qualify to play for last year’s GSL champions Rangpur Riders after playing one game for them in this year’s Bangladesh Premier League.The dates of the GSL tournament may move again in future years with suggestions it could be played in February. Such a move would make it very difficult for Australian teams to compete. Western Australia/Perth Scorchers had been invited to play last year but declined due to the December timing.Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins said his team had a great experience and hoped the tournament would evolve further.”It was amazing,” Cummins told ESPNcricinfo. “We were really impressed with how they ran the tournament, the quality of the cricket and the quality of the wickets. I’ve long been an advocate for bringing back the Champions League, and I’d really love to see that take place and, at the moment, the GSL is the closest thing that cricket’s got to that.”I think they prefer that we’re playing in Big Bash colours rather than state colours and hopefully that’s something that evolves too.”
Having prioritised Test cricket last year, the batter hopes to get better and more consistent in T20 as Sunrisers eye another SA20 title
Firdose Moonda05-Feb-20252:34
Bedingham: ‘I don’t think I’ve found the sweet spot yet’
David Bedingham, intentionally or not, became the traditionalists’ hero last summer when he revealed he decided not to put his name in the SA20 draft so he could play Test cricket, specifically on South Africa’s tour to New Zealand. The SA20 was finishing as those Tests were starting and all South Africa’s first-choice players were contractually bound to stay behind for a T20 tournament still finding its feet. As expected, an under-strength Test side lost but Bedingham, with a defiant second innings century in the second Test, confirmed his reputation as a red-ball specialist.Fast-forward a few months, with schedule clashes out of the way and his spot in the Test side fairly secure, and Bedingham did enter the draft. He was picked up by defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, for what has been one of the biggest tests of his career. “I’m still trying to learn my trade in T20. I don’t think I’ve found the sweet spot yet,” he told ESPNcricinfo from Johannesburg, where Sunrisers will play the Eliminator against Joburg Super Kings on Wednesday. “Hopefully, the more I play, the better I’ll get and the more consistent I’ll get.”Perhaps, his role will become more defined. Bedingham started the campaign batting at No. 7 for Sunrisers and was promoted to opening in their third game, It took another match before he started to show glimpses of what he is capable of with a 20-ball 39 against Durban’s Super Giants. He has since also recorded two scores in the 40s which suggests he is most comfortable at the top. Indeed, of the 80 T20s Bedingham has played, he has batted in the top three in 53 of them.Related
Batters find life tougher in the SA20, but is it all the pitches?
Almost half of his matches (38) have been for Durham, where he averages 21.47 and has a strike rate of 141.19. Those numbers probably best explain the struggles he has had between trying to make an impact and searching for consistency in the shortest format. “For me, it’s just trying to find the balance of attack and defence,” he said. “In this tournament, I’ve probably found it harder to attack, so that’s why I’ve probably leaned more to [have] a defensive mindset and then in previous tournaments, let’s say in the Blast or the CSA T20, I’ve probably attacked too much.”And that approach has earned him 200 runs from ten league games which put him second on Sunrisers’ run-getter’s list, behind Aiden Markram. That tells as much of a story about how much they have struggled as it does about who they have relied on in a campaign that started with three defeats and has since been revived despite the challenges.Playing for Sunrisers has been one of the biggest tests of David Bedingham’s career•SA20
“I’ve found it quite tough. But I also feel that the bowlers that we played against have been quite good as well, so it’s probably a combination of both,” he said. “But speaking to the guys that played the first two seasons, they’ve definitely said that the wickets have played a bit tougher. I’ve spoken to Russ(ell Domingo, Sunrisers’ batting coach) and he said that in India, and England, those types of countries are probably a lot easier to bat in the first six overs, whereas in South Africa, you probably have to be a bit more circumspect. So especially in this tournament where the wickets have played quite tough, I think those first six overs have been crucial. And I think a lot of the teams, including us, have probably struggled in those first six overs.”All told, this edition of the SA20 has seen the lowest run-rate of the league phase with an average powerplay score of 45.6. Sunrisers have averaged 38.1 in their powerplay. Their opening pair has the lowest average of 15.60, and the second least number of runs, but they’re still working on their batting blueprint, particularly Bedingham.”I’ve basically tried to just play one-day cricket in those first three or four overs,” Bedingham said. “Obviously, if we have wickets in hand, then you can maybe push the tempo a bit but I’ve either been out in the first couple overs or we’ve three or four wickets in the first three overs, so it’s been quite tough to kick on and try and hit quick runs. But in saying that we’re in the Eliminator, so hopefully we can start off well and win that game.”Sunrisers are the only team to have won the SA20, and they’ve done it twice under the same coach Adi Birrell and captain Markram and seemed to have mastered the recipe for success. Now, it’s just about whether all the ingredients can come together to do it again.
It’s very rare in the modern professional game that footballers can spend a decade at the same club, but Heung-min Son managed just that for Tottenham Hotspur.
The South Korean joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen back in the summer of 2015 as an unknown quantity to many supporters, but it’s safe to say he’s made a name for himself in the present day.
The winger racked up over 450 appearances between 2015 and 2025, scoring 173 times, which ranks him fourth in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts.
Heung-min Son – timeless record
He even led the side to Europa League glory last campaign, captaining Ange Postecoglou’s men as they ended their 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 win over Manchester United – a game which was his final competitive outing for the Lilywhites.
Son would leave the side this summer in a £20m deal, subsequently joining MLS outfit LAFC, leaving new boss Thomas Frank with the mammoth task of replacing the fan-favourite.
Spurs’ hunt to replace Heung-min Son this summer
A new left-winger has been a priority for Spurs and Frank this summer, which saw them target a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo earlier this summer.
The Lilywhites were reportedly in talks with the LaLiga giants over a potential move for the Brazilian international, but their £86m asking price appears to currently be out of their range.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo looks on
However, another name has emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons the club’s latest target, according to German outlet BILD.
They claim that Frank’s men have made enquiry over the last few days, looking to gain more information about a potential move for the 22-year-old, who scored 11 times last season.
It’s also been reported that Chelsea remain in advanced talks with the Dutch international over a move to Stamford Bridge, but the Lilywhites could strike late and look to hijack the £60m deal.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s own Son
As previously mentioned, Son was a real fan-favourite during his decade-long spell at Spurs – catching the eye, whether that be in a number ten or wide left role.
He was often capable of producing a moment of magic that gave the supporters the opportunity to get off their seats – a quality every fan wants in forwards who are employed by their club.
Arguably, his best goal came against Burnley back in December 2019, picking the ball up near his own 18-yard box before driving past countless opponents and eventually slotting home into the bottom corner.
Frank has the near-impossible task of replacing the South Korean in the final days of the window, needing to land a player who can develop into a similar talent in the years ahead.
Such a hunt may have led them to Simons, with the Dutchman possessing a lot of similarities to Son, before his own move to North London way back in 2015.
The Leipzig star is a year younger than the former Leverkusen talent when he joined the Lilywhites, whilst also being able to operate centrally or out wide, despite his tender age.
Frank’s men would also be landing a talent from the Bundesliga, just like they did with Son, with Simons managing to outperform the winger in key areas last season.
The Dutch star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by Luka Modrić, registered more progressive passes per 90, with more of his attempts going into the final third – showcasing the creative nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.
However, he’s also managed to find the back of the net alone, posting a higher goal per shot on target rate, with such a tally making him a clinical option and aiding Frank’s hunt for new attackers.
Games played
25
30
Goals & assists
16
16
Shot on target accuracy
46%
43%
Progressive passes
5.9
4.7
Pass accuracy
79%
78%
Passes into final third
3.3
1.7
Through balls completed
1
0.1
Take-ons completed
1.4
1.2
Carries into final third
3.1
2.1
Crosses completed
3.4
3.3
Simons’ creativity is further highlighted by his ability to get into dangerous areas when in possession, completing more take-ons per 90, alongside more carries into the final third.
Such numbers allow him to breeze past the opposition before either going alone or having the tools to provide players around him the chance to improve their own tallies.
£60m would be a hefty figure, but they would be getting themselves a player who can emulate the success endured by Son – potentially being a bargain if he can reach the South Korean’s levels.
Chelsea’s interest in the Dutchman means they will have to work quickly to avoid missing out on his signature, potentially completing a hijack of their own in the closing stages of the window.
Their own Rice: Spurs begin talks to force through "world-class" signing
Tottenham Hotspur have made their move to land a top-level European talent in recent days.
كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تفاصيل مثيرة تخص بعثة النادي الإسماعيلي قبل مباراته اليوم أمام إنبي في الدوري المصري الممتاز، مشيراً إلى أن الفريق لم يسافر إلى القاهرة للمبيت ليلة المباراة كما هو معتاد.
ومن المقرر أن يستضيف إنبي نظيره الإسماعيلي، في الخامسة مساء اليوم، على ملعب “بترو سبورت”، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري.
وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “وصلتني رسالة غريبة جداً من الإسماعيلية، لا تتفاجأوا، من داخل النادي الإسماعيلي، الفريق خاض تدريبه أمس على ملعبه، ثم لديه مباراة اليوم أمام إنبي، من الطبيعي بعد المران أن يستقل اللاعبون الأتوبيس ويتوجهوا إلى القاهرة للمبيت هناك استعدادًا للقاء”.
وتابع: “لكن ما حدث مختلف، فاللاعبون انتظروا تحرك الأتوبيس، ولم يجدوا أي ترتيبات للسفر، قالوا لهم: ستبيتون هنا، وتغادرون صباح يوم المباراة مباشرة إلى ملعب إنبي في القاهرة”.
طالع أيضًا | عضو مجلس الإسماعيلي بعد استقالته: النادي يذهب إلى الأسوأ.. وعقود لاعبيه الأقل في الدوري
وأوضح: “السبب – بحسب ما قيل لي – أنه لا توجد أموال كافية لحجز فندق إقامة، نعم!، لا توجد سيولة لحجز الفندق، وبالتالي سيتحرك الإسماعيلي صباح اليوم لخوض المباراة أمام إنبي”.
وأضاف: “لو صحت هذه الرواية، فالأمر مؤسف للغاية، أنا لا أريد أن أهاجم أحداً، لأن الإخوة في الإسماعيلية، أعضاء مجلس الإدارة ورئيس النادي، يغضبون مني كثيراً عندما أتحدث في هذه الأمور، ويقولون: يجب أن تقف بجانبنا، والله أنا أكثر من يقف بجانبكم، لكن ما يحدث لا يليق بنادٍ كبير مثل الإسماعيلي”.
وواصل: “حين تكون عضواً في مجلس إدارة، يجب أن تعرف مسبقاً ما لك وما عليك، وأن تضع الحلول لمثل هذه الأزمات، يبدو أنهم لم يدركوا حجم المشاكل التي تواجه النادي”.
واختتم: “أتمنى ألا تكون هذه الرواية صحيحة، حتى أخرج غداً وأعتذر، أتمنى فعلاً أن يكون ما وصلني غير صحيح”.
Arsenal are primed to go again next season, sights set on the biggest prizes. Mikel Arteta’s transfer efforts this summer certainly speak of ambition.
And there’s more still to come, even after deals for free-scoring striker Viktor Gyokeres and up-and-coming defender Cristian Mosquera are wrapped up, as is expected.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal
There’s space for a few more forwards, and the depth of such plans will become clearer upon the resolutions to the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both wide forwards rumoured to be expendable.
A playmaker would also go down well in north London. Arsenal had registered their interest in RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, but the Dutchman has instead been at the centre of Chelsea’s advancements, with that one now in the pipeline.
However, with Martin Odegaard settled in his senior role, Arteta will want to consider the ramifications a big-money signing might have on some of the exciting up-and-coming prospects.
Arsenal's teenage talents
Arsenal commenced their pre-season tour in Asia with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. A familiar scoreline, but also new parts which demonstrate Arteta’s vision advancing to the next stage.
Bukayo Saka being the goalscorer is nothing new, but the likes of Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri’s starring roles highlight the next batch of elite Hale End prospects arriving at Arteta’s door.
We, of course, know all about Nwaneri, he who emerged onto the scene as a youngster and settled into a role of seniority last year, scoring nine goals and supplying two assists across 37 matches in all competitions.
Against Milan this week, the 18-year-old operated from a central playmaking berth, and it made an interesting comment on his positional value away from the right wing.
However, Dowman made his senior debut against the Italians, emerging from the bench and replacing Saka beyond the hour mark. A symbolic switch if ever there was one.
Where Dowman, 15, is best suited positionally remains to be seen, but after Arteta hailed the attacking midfielder’s “incredible” first taste of action, the outfit will want to be wary of hampering his development.
Arsenal lining up another attacking midfielder
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal chiefs are locked in talks with the entourage of Eberechi Eze, who has immortalised himself at Crystal Palace after scoring the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final.
The 27-year-old has a £60m release clause in his contract and the Gunners are the firm favourites to complete a deal, should he be on the move this summer.
Eze, an England international of growing importance, could find himself at the centre of a concrete bid from Arsenal in short time, now that a move for Gyokeres has been wrapped up.
Why Arsenal want Eberechi Eze
In 2020, Eze joined Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for a £20m fee. He has since become “one of the best players in the Premier League”, in the words of teammate Tyrick Mitchell, posting 40 goals and 28 assists across 148 matches for the Eagles.
Eberechi Eze’s Crystal Palace by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
43 (40)
14
11
23/24
31 (26)
11
6
22/23
40 (30)
10
4
21/22
19 (7)
1
1
20/21
36 (31)
3
6
Data via Transfermarkt
The Three Lions star is something special, all right, with his strong athletic build and winged feet making him a dangerous opponent for even the sternest defenders.
As per FBref, Eze ranked among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.
His average of 1.7 key passes, two dribbles and 4.8 successful duels per Premier League game last season, as per Sofascore, furthers the argument that he’s exactly what Arteta needs to add a dimension and ensure that the biggest prizes across multiple fronts can be chased next term.
The problem is that Eze’s arrival would spark congestion in the creative midfield position for Arsenal, and this could lead to the stunting of Dowman’s growth. Nwaneri’s midfield role against Milan suggests his future lies in the middle, while the acquisition of Noni Madueke will surely see him play on the right, Dowman’s other preferred role.
And given the prodigious potential that Arteta has in the teenage superstar, is this really the course of action that the club wants to head down?
Of course, some would argue that Dowman must be eased onto the major stage over the next few years, allowed to grow into his skin without the weight of responsibility that could foil so many youngsters.
But Odegaard is set to continue as the Emirates creator-in-chief over the coming years, and Nwaneri could be his deputy for an age.
Given that Dowman is so ilky and fleet-footed on the ball, bearing an age-belying confidence, you could make the comparison between him and Eze, so there is the fact that he would emerge onto the scene and be impeded by a more accomplished and complete positional rival who has a similar style of play.
And if Arsenal do push ahead with the signing of an out-and-out winger, which is a separate focus to that of Eze, then it would make sense for the Palace man to operate chiefly within a central berth. Thus, Dowman would indeed find himself further down the pecking order than he might hope for.
There’s no question that Eze is a “superstar”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, but is his signature really needed? It might feel like this is so, but Dowman is one of the most talented teenagers in world football, and he could break through to the Arsenal first team sooner rather than later.
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India vs Pakistan Dambulla, July 19, 7.00pm local time
India and Pakistan – recent form
Let’s look at the last year for this one.India first, purely alphabetically. They have played 17 T20Is in this period and have a 10-5 win-loss record (with two games ending in no-results). Right at the top, they won the Asian Games gold in Hangzhou by beating Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the final. They then lost back-to-back series at home against England and Australia, swept Bangladesh 5-0 in Sylhet and, most recently, their three-match series in Chennai against South Africa ended 1-1 with the second game washed out after one innings.Related
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Pakistan have actually played more T20I cricket in the same timeframe – 19 completed games. But they have won only seven of them while losing 12. Prior to the Asian Games, they hosted South Africa at home and had a fantastic result, winning 3-0. The Asian Games wasn’t special. They got to the semi-finals as expected, but lost to Sri Lanka there, and then to Bangladesh in the bronze-medal playoff. They have since lost a T20I series in Bangladesh, at home against West Indies, and were swept 3-0 most recently in England. The only series win came in New Zealand late last year when they won 2-1.
India vs Pakistan – head-to-head
There have been 14 fixtures between the two sides over the years but, for reasons known, no bilateral series. The only time a match was held in one of the two countries, in Delhi during the T20 World Cup 2016, Pakistan beat India by two runs in a rain-shortened game. That, though, is one of only three matches Pakistan have won against India in T20Is. India have won 11.And at the Asia Cup, too, India have a big edge. They have won five out of the six games they have played against Pakistan. The one Pakistan won, however, was at the last Asia Cup, in Sylhet, in 2022.
Players to watch
For India, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma form a destructive opening pair. Mandhana, usually the one who bats longer of the two, has 3320 T20I runs at an average of 28.13 and a strike rate of 121.83. The corresponding numbers for Shafali are 1748, 24.27 and 129.48. Getting rid of one of them quickly is often not enough for oppositions; both of them have to be removed, and fast.For Pakistan, the star is captain Nida Dar, the bowling allrounder who picks up wickets pretty much each time she bowls and can be trusted to score useful runs. And Sidra Amin has been in the middle of a purple patch with the bat – she has 205 runs from eight innings this year.
Where to watch
In India and Sri Lanka, the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 will be telecast on the Star Sports Network. The live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website in India. []
Newcastle United are now racing their Premier League rivals for the signature of a “powerful” striker who’s been likened to Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, according to a report.
Newcastle eyeing striker amid Isak uncertainty
Newcastle should be in a strong position to retain the services of Alexander Isak beyond the end of the season, with the striker contracted until the summer of 2028, but a number of top clubs have now expressed an interest in the Sweden international.
Premier League champions Liverpool are keen on the 25-year-old, alongside Arsenal, with one report even suggesting the forward has expressed a desire to move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window.
As such, it could make sense for the Magpies to bring in a new striker capable of replacing Isak on a long-term basis, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo recently emerging as an ideal target, while they are also interested in signing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.
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Having proven themselves in the Premier League, Mbeumo and Delap could be exciting options for Eddie Howe’s side, but there has also been a suggestion they could be willing to take a risk on a lesser-known forward.
According to a report from Fotomac (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are now in a race to sign Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy, alongside Aston Villa, who submitted a €15m (£13m) offer last summer, and soon-to-be Premier League rivals Leeds United.
Semih Kilicsoy for Besiktas.
Besiktas may have turned down Villa’s approach last year, but the Turkish club could now be willing to sanction a departure this summer, although they would be looking to receive a percentage of a future sale.
It is unclear what sort of fee Besiktas would be looking to receive for Kilicsoy, but £13m was deemed too low last summer, so it may take a bigger offer to tempt them into a sale.
"Powerful" Kilicsoy likened to Aguero
Football scout Ben Mattinson is a big fan of the 19-year-old, having lauded him as a “very powerful” striker in the past, while also lauding him for his shooting ability.
The teenager has also been tipped for future success by Brad Friedel, who said: “I don’t want to put pressure on him [but] he has a structure like Sergio Aguero. I think he will be very good in the future.”
Kilicsoy’s return of three goals and four assists in the Turkish Super Lig this season isn’t exactly eye-catching, with the starlet often being limited to appearances as a substitute, but he clearly has the potential to develop into a top striker.