Dhoni, Noor and Jadeja snap CSK's losing streak

Dhoni and Dube came together during a tricky situation to put up a match-winning 57-run stand

Sreshth Shah14-Apr-20253:43

Bishop: LSG quicks lacked execution in the end

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were staring at the prospect of a sixth loss in a row when MS Dhoni joined Shivam Dube with five overs left in the chase and 56 to get. But Dhoni won the battle against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) seamers with an unbeaten 11-ball 26 while Dube made 43 not out in 27 to give CSK their second win in seven outings at IPL 2025.LSG captain Rishabh Pant said right after the game that LSG were “10-15 runs short” after being asked to bat. Despite Pant’s own 49-ball 63, his first half-century in LSG colours, they scored only 166 for 7 in 20 overs, their lowest total of the season. They were pegged back by Ravindra Jadeja’s two wickets and kept in check by Noor Ahmad’s miserly four overs that went for only 13 runs.Related

Dhoni effect on show as CSK find a way

The Bishnoi over that Pant left out 'a major point' in LSG's loss to CSK

Dhoni: Tweaked attack gives 'more manoeuvrability for the captain'

After CSK’s opening partnership put them on course, LSG dragged the game back with their spinners. Digvesh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi, and part-time offspinner Aiden Markram produced combined figures of 11-0-66-4, but a 19-run over from Shardul Thakur in the 19th ended LSG’s hopes.Dhoni, Dube take down pacersWhen Dhoni walked out after 15 overs, Dube had made only 17 in his first 20 balls. Dube had failed to boss the spinners like he usually does and the dismissals of Vijay Shankar and Jadeja had only added to the pressure.But Dhoni enjoys pace – he came into the game with a strike rate of 222 against quicks since IPL 2024, and LSG supplied him with just that. Despite one over of Bishnoi left, LSG went for Avesh Khan and Thakur, and their wide-yorker plan ended up being too predictable.Dhoni edged a couple of fours down to deep third but showed his power by punching a boundary through the covers, flicking a full toss over midwicket, and dragging a one-handed six over deep square-leg.4:32

Why did Pant not give Bishnoi another over?

He also ran his ones and twos, sometimes gingerly, with Dube and took the pressure off his partner. When Thakur bowled two full tosses at the start of the 19th over, Dube smacked him for four and six, the second of a no-ball.Dhoni picked up his first IPL Player-of-the-Match award since 2019 and Dube, soon after hitting the winning runs, said he was pleased about taking the game deep. Their partnership of 57 came in only 28 balls. Rasheed steps up on IPL debutShaik Rasheed’s ability was never in doubt. He is a former Under-19 World Cup-winning vice-captain, has a Syed Mushtaq Ali century, and a double-century in first-class cricket. It’s for those reasons CSK have kept a close eye on him since IPL 2023.With Devon Conway not among the runs, CSK gave Rasheed an IPL debut and he took strike to start the chase. By the second over, he had pumped three fours off Akash Deep, with one flick over midwicket described on the broadcast as “Virat Kohli like”.His 19-ball 27 with six fours helped CSK reach fifty in only 4.2 overs, and alongside Rachin Ravindra’s 22-ball 37, gave them a rare successful opening stand. Those runs proved crucial as a collapse against spin followed.2:04

‘What Dhoni is doing is extraordinary’

Pant fights his way to 63With a strike rate of 80 and a high score of 21 this season, Pant needed to do something big. He walked out in the fourth over with Markram and Nicholas Pooran out to Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj respectively for low scores.He started on a positive note, improvising a reverse lap over short third early for six along with a handful of pulls and cuts. But his strike rate of 165 plummeted to 103 when CSK’s spinners applied the squeeze. Pant saw wickets at from the other end, and ended up playing ten dots in 15 balls against Noor, scoring only six runs. His strike rate of 40 against the Purple Cap holder ended up being the second worst for any batter against a bowler in IPL (minimum 15 balls).However, after 40 in 39 balls, Pant found his touch against the pace of Matheesha Pathirana and Khaleel to turn his innings around. He couldn’t stay till the end, though, and the CSK spinners’ effort ensured LSG could make only 166 on a day where their second-highest individual score was Mitchell Marsh’s 30.

His value has risen by 3900%: Everton must rue selling a homegrown Grealish

Are Everton… fun now?

Last time out, the Toffees beat Wolves 3-2 at Molineux, thanks to goals from Beto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and then Iliman Ndiaye, albeit Jack Grealish was the star of the show, registering two assists.

That’s now three successive victories in league and cup for David Moyes’ men, who will be looking to make that four in a row, achieving this for the first time since December 2023, when Aston Villa visit Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday; the Villans haven’t even scored a goal yet this season.

With Grealish the poster boy, the Blues are playing a brand of free-flowing, attacking football not often associated with Moyes, but just imagine how good this team would be had they not sold an academy prospect for £400k.

Jack Grealish's Everton renaissance

During his final two seasons at Manchester City, Grealish saw just 1,716 minutes of action in the Premier League, during which time he accumulated a miserly four goals and two assists.

Thus, it was hard to forecast if the England international would be able to rediscover his mojo upon moving to Merseyside, but the early evidence suggests he certainly has.

Having registered two assists against both Brighton and Wolves, Grealish leads the way in the Premier League with four assists; no one else has more than two.

This is, as already mentioned, twice as many assists as he mustered across two league seasons with Man City, so, should he continue this form, he’ll surely force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for games against Wales and Latvia in October.

Grealish is of course only on loan at the Toffees, but they do have a £50m option to buy, which would smash the club’s transfer record which currently stands at £45m.

So, could Everton have saved themselves a potentially enormous outlay by holding onto an academy graduate, rather than selling him for just £400k?

Everton's homegrown talent starring on the international stage

Unless they keep a keen eye on the youth teams, it is possible that Evertonians have never even heard the name Isaac Price before.

He joined the club’s academy at the age of seven, making 64 appearances for the U21s, but featuring just three times for the first team, totalling 45 minutes, debuting against Boreham Wood in the FA Cup, before late substitute cameos against Arsenal and Brighton in the Premier League.

Everton midfielder Isaac Price.

Thus, no one particularly noticed or cared when, still a teenager at the time, he was sold to Standard Liège, the Blues receiving around £400,000 in compensation.

During 18 months in Belgium, Price established himself as a first-team regular, making 64 appearances for les Rouches, his solitary goal for the club coming during a 2-1 victory over Club Brugge at Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

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.

These performances must’ve caught the eye back home because, back in January, West Bromwich Albion paid £2.5m to bring him to The Hawthorns.

Having been in and out of the side last season, Price began this campaign on fire, bagging the only goal against Blackburn Rovers on the opening weekend, before scoring a brace during a 3-2 victory over Wrexham at the Racecourse the following weekend.

However, it is his displays for Northern Ireland that have propelled the 21-year-old into the limelight.

He opened his international account against Slovenia in Ljubljana soon after leaving Everton before, back in October 2024, netting a hat-trick during a 5-0 Nations League demolition of Bulgaria at Windsor Park.

This makes him only the sixth man to score a treble for the Green and White Army, after Billy McAdams (1960), Johnny Crossan (1965), George Best (1971), Colin Clarke (1991) and David Healy (2006 & 2007).

His international scoring spree has hit new heights this calendar year, on target during friendlies against Switzerland, Sweden and Iceland, before bagging his tenth for his country with a sweetly struck volley during a World Cup qualifier against Germany at RheinEnergieStadion on Sunday night, making it 1-1.

This goal in Köln makes Price the youngest player to reach ten goals for Northern Ireland, joining illustrious company at that milestone. Like Grealish as a youngster, he’s burst onto the scene in quite some style.

Players to score 10+ goals for Northern Ireland

Players

Caps

Goals

David Healy

95

36

Kyle Lafferty

89

20

Billy Gillespie

25

13

Colin Clarke

38

13

Steven Davis

140

13

Joe Bambrick

11

12

Jimmy Quinn

46

12

Iain Dowie

59

12

Gerry Armstrong

63

12

Josh Magennis

82

12

Jimmy McIlroy

55

10

Isaac Price

24

10

Johnny Crossan

24

10

All information courtesy of 11v11.com

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout is certainly a fan, labelling Price a “magnificent…box-to-box midfielder”, while his international manager Michael O’Neill, described him as a “brilliant young player”, highlighting his work-rate and pressing. Positionally, he may well be different to Grealish but the same raw, exciting talent is certainly there.

As a result, according to the CIES Football Observatory, he is now West Brom’s most valuable player, with an estimated transfer value of around £16m.

Thus, even with Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye and the recently signed Tyler Dibling fighting for starting positions in Moyes’ team, Price would surely have improved this Everton squad, had they been able to keep hold of him two years ago.

Imagine him & Grealish: Everton may have Baines 2.0 in 19-year-old starlet

Everton’s next Leighton Baines could be a perfect partner to Jack Grealish down the left flank

ByWill Miller Sep 6, 2025

وسط برود ديشامب.. منتخب فرنسا يفجر غضب باريس سان جيرمان بسبب ديمبلي

تسبب منتخب فرنسا في إثارة حالة من الغضب الشديد لدى باريس سان جيرمان، بسبب النجم عثمان ديمبلي، بعد مباراة الأمس ضد منتخب أوكرانيا، في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم.

وخاض منتخب فرنسا مباراته الأولى في تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026، حيث حقق فوزًا على أوكرانيا بهدفين دون رد (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وشارك عثمان ديمبلي في تلك المباراة كبديل، حيث دخل مع بداية الشوط الثاني، ولكن تم استبداله في الدقيقة 81 بداعِ الإصابة.

وجاءت إصابة ديمبلي بمثابة ضربة لـ باريس سان جيرمان، خاصة أن زميله في الفريق ومواطنه ديزيري دوي تعرض لإصابة على مستوى ربلة الساق في المباراة نفسها واضطر إلى الخروج بين الشوطين.

وذكرت شبكة “rmcsport” الفرنسية أن منتخب فرنسا أثار غضب باريس سان جيرمان بقوة، خاصة أن ديمبلي لم يكن مؤهلًا للمشاركة في مباراة الأمس بعدما تعرض لإصابة في أوتار الركبة، في ساقه اليسرى، خلال لقاء تولوز يوم السبت الماضي.

ولكن هذه المرة عانى ديمبلي من إصابة في الفخذ الأيمن، ولم يرغب باريس سان جيرمان من الأساس في إشراكه في مباراة الأمس بين فرنسا وأوكرانيا.

وأوضحت أنه حسب مصادر مطلعة، فإن باريس سان جيرمان يشعر بالغضب الشديد لأنه حذر الجهاز الطبي لمنتخب فرنسا من عدم مشاركة ديمبلي، حتى قبل بدء المعسكر التدريبي، نظرًا لإرهاق اللاعب.

ورأى باريس سان جيرمان أن هناك خطرًا كبيرًا قد يواجه ديمبلي حال مشاركته، ولكن مسؤولي منتخب فرنسا تجاهلوا الأمر تمامًا.

وأفادت إنه حتى بعد المباراة ومع تصاعد غضب باريس سان جيرمان، ساد شعور بالتجاهل من جانب الاتحاد الفرنسي، مع التزام الأخير بقاعدة أن اللاعب ملزم بالتوجه إلى المنتخب الوطني حال استدعائه، وينطبق ذلك على ديمبلي رغم إصابته أمام تولوز، طالما لم يتم استبعاده بقرار رسمي.

من جانبه، برر المدرب ديدييه ديشامب قراره بمشاركة ديمبلي، مؤكدًا أن اللاعب كان لائقًا، حيث قال: “لولا ذلك لما أشركته، كما أن تلك إصابة في الفخذ الآخر، كما أنه لم يشعر بأي ألم قوي لأنه كان في حالة جيدة، لسوء حظه حدث ذلك، لولا كونه لائقًا لكنت أشركت لاعبًا آخر”.

وشدد: “ولكن بالنظر إلى الحالة البدنية والذهنية لـ ديمبلي، وكذلك رأيه، لم يكن هناك أدنى قلق”، ورغم ذلك ألمح إلى إمكانية استبعاد الفرنسي من المباراة المقبل ضد أيسلندا، حيث هناك توقعات بإمكانية مغادرته المعسكر في الساعات المقبلة.

A dream for Eze: Arsenal in talks to sign free-scoring £60m "monster"

Arsenal seem to have finally woken up this summer.

The club may not have officially announced any new signings yet, but over the last few days, the North Londoners have made rapid progress on several targets.

Brentford’s Christian Norgaard seems to be as good as in following the news that Thomas Partey is probably leaving, and talks to sign Christian Mosquera appear to be progressing very well indeed.

There has even been plenty of talk around Eberechi Eze moving to the Emirates, and in more good news, the club are also linked with a goalscoring phenomenon who’d be a dream teammate for the Englishman.

Arsenal target attacking reinforcements

While there were some murmurings of Arsenal being somewhat interested in Eze last summer, they never felt like anything more than loose rumours.

Transfer Focus

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

However, in the last couple of days, what felt like nothing more than paper talk appears to have developed into something more, with stories claiming that talks have already been held and that the North Londoners are ready to do battle with Tottenham Hotspur for his services.

There is no doubt that the Premier League-proven international, who can play in multiple positions, would be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad, but in even better news, reports are now heavily linking the club with someone who could get even more out of him at the Emirates.

At least that’s according to a recent report from journalist Buchi Laba via Caught Offside, who has reaffirmed Arsenal’s intense interest in Viktor Gyokeres.

He has revealed that due to the “crazy money” RB Leipzig are demanding for Benjamin Sesko, the Gunners have now reignited their interest in the Sporting CP star, and even though an offer has now been made, the club have restarted talks with the player and his camp.

In terms of the money needed to get the deal done, the report has revealed that the Portuguese outfit are asking for a fee in excess of £60m, although it is not entirely clear what the exact amount they want.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but given Gyokeres’ incredible ability, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be a perfect teammate for Eze.

Why Gyokeres would be an incredible teammate for Eze

While there are undoubtedly numerous reasons why Gyokeres would be an excellent teammate for Eze at Arsenal, from his experience of playing abroad to his rise from the Championship to the Champions League, one stands out above all others: his output.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal

In fact, this reason goes both ways, as the Sporting star will want to join a club that has a creative and prolific number ten in the heart of the midfield, which is exactly what the Englishman could be.

For example, in 34 Premier League games this season, the former QPR gem scored eight goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games.

In contrast, Martin Odegaard produced 11 goal involvements in 30 games, at an average of one every 2.72 games.

With that said, what is it about the Swedish international’s output that would make him such an incredible teammate to pair up with the Crystal Palace star this summer?

Well, simply put, instead of being impressive, or brilliant even, the former Coventry City star’s record in front of goal over the last two years has been nothing short of otherworldly.

For example, since moving to the Lisbon outfit in the summer of 2023, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, has made 102 appearances, totalling 8417 minutes, in which he has found the back of the net on 97 occasions, and provided 28 assists for good measure.

Gyokeres’ recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87

63.40′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, the 27-year-old goalscoring “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has maintained an average of 1.22 goal involvements every game, or even more impressively, every 67.33 minutes.

Even if he was only able to produce a third of those numbers in England, he would still be one of the most dangerous forwards in the country and, in turn, help send Eze’s goal and assist numbers to the moon.

Ultimately, while it might cost a pretty penny, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Gyokeres this summer, as he could be the difference between another second-place finish and glory.

He'd be better than Norgaard: Arsenal hold talks to sign £20m midfielder

The exciting midfielder could be a future star for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

Smale, Ecclestone trump Sunrisers to keep Thunder's hopes alive

Sophie Ecclestone took 3 for 18 before a vital stand with Seren Smale to chase 152

ECB Reporters Network09-Jun-2024

Sophie Ecclestone was among the wickets for Thunder•Getty Images

Kate Cross hit a six and a four in the final over to deliver a thrilling last over five-wicket victory for the Thunder against Sunrisers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Blackpool.The result leaves the Thunder in fifth place, four points behind Central Sparks who occupy the fourth qualifying spot but Sunrisers, who remain on 8 points, now face an uphill task to qualify for the playoffs.It was an exciting finale after Sunrisers had posted 151 for 9 after winning the toss, one run shy of their best total in this season’s competition, led by Lissy Macleod’s 60, while Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the Thunder bowlers with 3 for 18.Seren Smale was the batting hero for Thunder holding the middle of the innings together with an unbeaten 39, her best score in this competition, and late runs from Ecclestone and Cross were vital in clinching the win for the hosts who finished on 155 for 5.The Thunder started their run chase brightly, Fi Morris driving Nicola Hancock for six and striking three fours before she was run out for 25 off 11 balls. That was the first of two wickets falling for four runs after sub fielder Kate Coppack took a good diving catch off Sophie Munro to send back Emma Lamb for 14 with Thunder 43 for 2 in the seventh over.Katie Mack and Smale steered Thunder to 69 at halfway and Aussie overseas player Mack had just upped the tempo with three fours when she was run out for 28 by a superb direct hit from long-on by Jo Gardner, with Thunder 93 for 3 in the 13th over needing 59 off 46 balls.That looked to be a crucial blow, especially when Eva Gray bowled Ellie Threlkeld for two but Ecclestone and Smale kept Thunder in the hunt before play was halted by rain with the hosts on 123 for 4 needing 29 off 18 balls.After a 25-minute delay, Ecclestone departed for 23 but Smale and Cross reduced the target to nine off the last over from Grace Scrivens.Cross then delivered to clinch victory with three balls to spare.Earlier, Mady Villiers hit the first ball she faced for six over midwicket off Tara Norris but perished for 11 in the second over when repeating the shot off Cross but instead finding Dani Collins on the deep midwicket fence.Gardner and Macleod rebuilt swiftly with a 33-run partnership off 23 balls before the former was bowled for 14 after attempting an ambitious leg side scoop from Ecclestone’s third delivery.It was the introduction of spin slowed the Sunrisers progress, Morris (2 for 24) trapping both Scrivens (11) and Flo Miller (1) lbw in the same over to leave the visitors 72 for 4 at the halfway stage of the innings.When Ecclestone struck again in the following over after Jodi Grewcock pulled her first ball into the hands of Emma Lamb at midwicket, Sunrisers had lost three wickets for three runs in nine balls.It was Macleod who held the innings together hitting seven fours in reaching her fifty from just 33 balls. And she received great support from Amu Surenkumar who made a sprightly 31 off 23 balls as the pair hit out effectively to add 60 in exactly seven overs.Thunder hit back by taking three wickets in three chaotic balls in the 18th over with MacLeod and Surenkumar both run out and Gray lbw first ball to Ecclestone. The visitors scrambled to get themselves past the 150-mark but it proved to be in vein.

He'd be a dream for Isak: Newcastle likely to see bid accepted for £50m ace

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak enjoyed a wonderful season for the club last year.

The Swede not only scored 27 goals across 42 appearances in all competitions, but he also helped the Magpies end their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy in the process.

Isak opened the scoring in the League Cup final against Liverpool, immortalising himself among the Toon support.

Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal

If Eddie Howe wishes to keep his star man in this sort of form, bringing in a quality winger or two this summer will help massively.

Just who have the Magpies got on their wishlist?

Newcastle could see bid for Premier League starlet accepted

Newcastle have been linked with Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and even Rodrygo from Real Madrid during the first couple of weeks in June.

All three would be statement signings by Howe, no doubt about that, but is there a more attractive option out there?

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, according to Football Insider, the Magpies now know exactly how much it is going to cost to sign Nottingham Forest wideman Anthony Elanga.

The report states that the club had an offer of £35m rejected last summer, but if Howe comes back in with a £15m increase, this £50m bid would likely be accepted by Forest.

Why Anthony Elanga could make Isak even better

Elanga has shone for the club since making the move from Manchester United two years ago and this form has caught the attention of Howe.

If he does make the move north, Isak will be licking his lips.

Last season, wingers Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes registered seven, five and 14 assists respectively across all competitions.

Elanga recorded 12 assists in all competitions last term, with 11 coming in the Premier League alone, more than Gordon and Barnes.

Comparing Elanga with Newcastle wingers (PL stats only)

Metric

Elanga

Gordon

Barnes

Murphy

Goals

6

6

9

8

Assists

11

5

4

12

Big chances created

9

6

8

12

Key passes per game

1.3

1.5

0.8

1.2

Successful dribbles per game

0.7

1.1

0.7

1

The Swedish starlet also created nine big chances in the top flight while also making 1.3 key passes and succeeding with 0.7 dribbles per game. These numbers indicate that he could be the dream winger for Isak, providing him with plenty of chances next term.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League, Elanga ranks in the top 6% for assists (0.4) per 90.

The winger even ranks in the top 2% for shots on target (54.5%) per 90 and in the top 3% for crosses (6.66) per 90, which places him among the best in the division for these metrics. How exactly does he do that?

Well, it certainly helps that he was one of the fastest players in the entire division throughout 2024/25.

The fastest & slowest players in the Premier League (2024/25)

On that evidence, it is no wonder that Statman Dave hailed him as “dangerous” during his first few months as a Forest player, and he has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Linking up with his compatriot at Newcastle ahead of next season could see Howe field a front three of Elanga, Isak and Gordon.

This should be enough to strike fear into most sides in the top flight and, indeed, in the Champions League.

Will the manager shell out £50m for the 23-year-old this summer? Only time will tell.

Dream Mbeumo alternative: Newcastle keen to sign "unplayable" £55m winger

With Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on his way to Manchester United, have Newcastle identified a dream alternative described as “amazing”, worth £55m?

ByBen Gray Jun 15, 2025

He'd be better than Tanganga: Sunderland interested in signing £8m defender

Sunderland’s summer transfer window has been choppy so far, with both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson deserting the Black Cats after the ecstasy of promotion.

It hasn’t been all doom and gloom for Regis Le Bris and Co, however, as Enzo Le Fee has at least put pen to paper on a permanent Wearside stay to bolster the midfield areas.

Still, the Frenchman will want more and more new signings to enter the Stadium of Light in their unlikely bid to survive in the Premier League.

The former Lorient boss will surely be prioritising some defensive additions to help his team navigate the frightening step-up in quality, with a new, imposing target now reportedly on their agenda.

Sunderland interested in former Leeds colossus

As per a report from French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Sunderland are interested in landing former Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell this summer, off the back of his impressive stint out in Ligue 1 with Toulouse.

It’s stated that Le Bris wants young, solid players who are already seasoned at the highest level, with Cresswell ticking those boxes for sure, considering he was also in and around the senior picture at Elland Road during the Whites’ brief stays in the Premier League.

Charlie Cresswell for Leeds United

Japhet Tanganga s also very much on the Black Cats’ radar as they look to add in some new defensive bodies here and there, with the Millwall brute perhaps gaining somewhat of an advantage when you glance at his modest £1.2m valuation.

But, if Sunderland are willing to pay a few million on top of Tanganga’s price-tag, they could win themselves an upgrade on the ex-Tottenham Hotspur youth product in Cresswell, with the 22-year-old no doubt champing at the bit to return to England to prove himself further.

Why Cresswell would be an upgrade on Tanganga

Cresswell has settled into life in the top division in France swimmingly, meaning he could be ready to take the plunge back into the English game with the newly promoted Black Cats.

This season for Toulouse, Cresswell would chip in with four strikes when putting his lofty 6-foot-3 frame to effective use, alongside also coming away from his 31 appearances in Ligue 1 with a respectable tally of nine clean sheets.

Charlie Cresswell in action for England Under-21's.

Tanganga did end up with 14 clean sheets of his own in the Championship, but he was present for nine more games at the heart of defence for the Lions than Cresswell was for Carles Martínez Novell’s men, away from falling short of the 22-year-old’s goal total by one.

Regardless, Cresswell has actually shown off his strengths as a no-nonsense centre-back option at the Den himself away from Tanganga’s standout campaign, with the table below further backing up why he might be worth the extra cash at around the £8m ballpark, as per Transfermarkt.

Cresswell for Millwall (22/23) vs Toulouse (24/25)

Stat (* = per game)

Cresswell (22/23)

Cresswell (24/25)

Games played

28

31

Goals scored

4

3

Assists

2

1

Touches*

53.5

63.3

Accurate passes*

28.1 (71%)

41.2 (83%)

Total duels won*

7.6

4.9

Clean sheets

5

9

Stats by Sofascore

Indeed, the table proves that Cresswell can battle it out in England, away from just his spells in the Leeds senior mix, with a ridiculous 7.6 duels won on average during his breakout 22/23 campaign in South East London. To add context, Tanganga only won 5.8 last season, on the contrary.

Moreover, with a full Ligue 1 season now under his belt which saw him collect nine clean sheets – which is two more than his former Spurs counterpart ever managed in North London in the elite division – Sunderland could now direct all their focus on attempting to land the Preston-born youngster, over winning a cut-price deal for Tanganga.

Currently out with England at the U21s Euros, where he’s rubbing shoulders with the likes of Premier League regulars Harvey Elliott and Elliot Anderson, the “outstanding” star – as he’s been glowing labelled in the past by Leeds content creator Joe Wainman – will believe the time is right for him to make this next move.

Sunderland will be hopeful he can be one key part of the puzzle that secures survival.

Sunderland plot move for "amazing" £15m+ star who scored 19 goals in 24/25

The Black Cats are eyeing reinforcements through the middle…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 15, 2025

Man Utd submit bid for once-£57m ex-Man City ace who’s desperate for move

Already closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have now reportedly submitted an opening offer to the representatives of an ex-Manchester City defender who is desperate for a move this summer.

Man Utd closing in on Mbeumo as INEOS ramp up summer plans

Despite finishing closer to the relegation zone than any European place and compiling their misery by suffering defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United remain an attractive club. Already, their name has carried enough weight to lure Matheus Cunha to the club and it looks as though Mbeumo is set to follow suit.

Recent reports even suggested that those at Old Trafford are ready to offer the Brentford star a stunning contract worth as much as £13m-a-year to complete a move to Manchester United this summer. If there was a collective belief that the Red Devils were entering this summer with financial limits, then that has already been put to bed somewhat.

INEOS may not be done there, either. They will be well aware that two arrivals won’t do the trick for Ruben Amorim’s side. The former Sporting Club boss needs an overhaul, not just Cunha and Mbeumo. The attacking duo represent the perfect start, however.

INEOS readying strategic £25m bid to sign "unique" Ligue 1 ace for Man Utd

He could join Cunha at Old Trafford.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2025

With that said, Sir Jim Ratcliffe could yet set his sights on defensive additions now that United’s attack is about to be handed the injection of talent that it so desperately needed. And if that does prove to be the case, then Manchester United may even reportedly seal a deal to sign a former Manchester City star.

Man Utd open talks to sign Laporte

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have now opened talks to sign Aymeric Laporte, making a bid to the defender’s representatives. The centre-back is reportedly desperate to leave Saudi Arabia for European football once again and has been public with his complaints about life at Al-Nassr in the past – sparking exit rumours.

As ever, though, the deal won’t come cheap. Al-Nassr are reportedly keen to recoup the €27m (£23m) that they initially paid out to secure Laporte’s signature in 2023, whilst the defender himself reportedly earns as much as €15m-a-year (£13m-a-year) at the Saudi club.

aymeric-laporte-transfer-gossip-manchester-city-arsenal-edu-arteta-josko-gvardiol-guardiola

Whether Manchester United deem that price affordable remains to be seen. However, in terms of quality and experience, Laporte would certainly offer Amorim a much-needed upgrade within his backline. The Spaniard played a huge role in Manchester City’s historic treble in the 2022/23 campaign and could now come back to haunt the Citizens, years after signing for what was then their club record of £57m.

Described as “incredible” by Pep Guardiola in 2022, Laporte could yet return to the Premier League and earn similar praise at the home of his former club’s biggest rivals. The move would be full of controversy, there’s no doubt about that. But it would also hand Manchester United an instant upgrade.

Man Utd ready move for one of the most sought after young talents in Italy

Fresh from Europa League final heartbreak, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to make their move for one of the most wanted young talents that Serie A has to offer.

Rubem Amorim reacts to Europa League final defeat

In a game that could have saved their season, Manchester United simply had it summed up in a painful defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils had their attacking weakness on full show as they handed Spurs their first clean sheet against Premier League opposition since February, which also came against Ruben Amorim’s side, and showed their defensive frailties when Brennan Johnson scrapped home the opening and only goal of the night.

Ruben Amorim

Amorim’s first six months in charge will no longer centre around victory when it mattered most to somehow find a way into the Champions League. Instead, it will centre around ultimate failure. The failure to make his mark on a Manchester United side that have fallen lower than ever in the Premier League.

The former Sporting Club boss still believes that he is the right man for the job, however, having told reporters in his post-match press conference: “I will not quit. I am confident in my job and I will not change anything. If the board or fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation… but I will not quit.”

Ruben Amorim at Man Utd

Record (via Transfermarkt)

Games

41

Wins

16

Draws

8

Defeats

17

Whilst Amorim’s record speaks for just how poorly his reign has been, he desperately needs the chance to build Manchester United in his own vision this summer.

The big question on that front, of course, will be whether INEOS are in a position to spend enough to do just that following Europa League defeat. But if they are, then United are seemingly set to make their move for a Serie A talent.

Man Utd ready to make Ndoye move

According to Tuttosport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United are now ready to make their move for Dan Ndoye, who is one of the most sought after young talents in Italy amid further interest from both Juventus and champions-elect Napoli.

Man Utd working to sign Fenerbahce defender who Mourinho likened to Varane

United are now ready to intensify their move after scouts watched him throughout the season.

ByBrett Worthington May 21, 2025

Reportedly available for around €40m (£34m), Ndoye could become an ideal replacement for Alejandro Garnacho, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford more than once in the last year. At 24 years old, the Bologna star is just about to enter the peak of his powers and may soon be asked to make the impact that former teammate Joshua Zirkzee has otherwise failed to make at Manchester United.

It should come as no shock that reports are suggesting that Manchester United have been tracking Ndoye since Euro 2024 last summer, when he enjoyed what football talent scout Jacek Kulug dubbed an “excellent tournament” for Switzerland.

As Manchester United battle against Napoli and Juventus for his signature, Ndoye’s potential decision will give those at Old Trafford the first glimpse at their ability to sign such players without Champions League football this summer.

Forget Beto: Everton starlet showed why he could be a future £100m star

Everton picked up their ninth Premier League victory of the season on the road at Fulham as David Moyes’ men fought back to clinch a 3-1 victory.

After Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for Fulham in the first half, it looked as if another grim defeat was going to be put by Everton’s name. However, a fight-back kick-started by Ukrainian full-back Vitaly Mykolenko would get the ball rolling, leading to the Toffees running out as 3-1 winners.

Away from the defender equalising, however, there were a number of star performers from Everton’s perspective in attack which included Beto putting in another lively display up top.

Beto's performance in numbers

Of course, there has been a lot of chatter suggesting that Beto could be on the radar of newly promoted Leeds United this summer.

But, off the back of another impressive showing at Craven Cottage, he could be Everton’s new main focal point in the striker position, away from any move being signed off on for him to exit Merseyside.

Beto would make sure of all three points when racing forward late on, leading to the ex-Udinese attacker curling an effort past Bernd Leno on the 73rd minute mark.

Away from this moment of magic beating the German, Beto would end the game with a mammoth 11 duels won in total, alongside the lively 6 foot 4 striker also tallying up a further two efforts on goal to try and make his team’s win more comprehensive in West London.

But, whilst the Portuguese forward would ensure Everton collected all three points, there was another teammate in the attacking areas who stole the show and proved why he could go on to be a £100m talent like Manchester City-linked Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Everton ace who's a future £100m star

It was a very positive showing from Everton all over the pitch, with Jordan Pickford having to stay alert in between the sticks by making five saves, away from the likes of Beto remaining clinical in front of goal.

Yet, although he wouldn’t get on the scoresheet himself during the 3-1 win, Carlos Alcaraz would stand out throughout as a dangerous forward presence, with the Argentine winger showing why he’s deemed to be statistically similar to Nottingham Forest star-man Gibbs-White, among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, according to FBref.

Alcaraz’s performance in numbers

Stat

Alcaraz

Minutes played

84

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Accurate passes

16/18 (89%)

Key passes

2

Accurate long balls

4/4

Shots

2

Total duels won

3/7

Stats by Sofascore

Much like Gibbs-White, who boasts nine assists next to his name this season, the South American would tee up Beto for the game-clinching moment at Craven Cottage, alongside also showing off his prowess in front of goal when firing two efforts at Leno’s net that just went astray.

Winning three duels too, Alcaraz proved throughout that he could go on to be as lively and as creative as his English counterpart if snapped up permanently by Moyes and Co, having largely impressed in Everton blue since his January loan switch from Flamengo.

Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley would hand out a high 7/10 rating to Alcaraz post-match, subsequently stating that the ex-Southampton man ‘spectacularly’ grew into the contest, leading to a much-deserved win occurring on Everton’s travels.

With one goal and three assists next to his name this season in the Premier League, it will be intriguing to see if the Toffees do land Alcaraz’s signature on a permanent soon, with the same adoration handed out to Gibbs-White at the City Ground now happening with the 22-year-old at his new location, culminating in his name being heartily chanted at the full-time whistle at Craven Cottage.

Whatever does happen in the summer with Alcaraz, Moyes will just hope between now and then that the wins keep being notched up in league action, with a promising new horizon already coming into view at Bramley Moore.

Big Calvert-Lewin upgrade: Everton readying bid for "exquisite" CF

David Moyes wants to add a new striker to his Everton ranks this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 6, 2025

Game
Register
Service
Bonus