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Visitors pile up 318 for 8 in shortened innings and then demolish Stars with the ball

ECB Reporters Network30-Jun-2024

The Blaze have beaten the South East Stars by 133 runs (DLS method) in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Beckenham.The visitors scored a mammoth 318 for 8, their highest List A score, even though the innings was reduced to 44 overs due to rain. Sarah Bryce top-scored with 81, Ella Claridge made a career-best 71 from 45 balls and Marie Kelly weighed in with 52.Heather Graham then claimed 6 for 39 as the Stars were bowled out for 185, despite a defiant 44 from Alice Davidson-Richards.Just eight days after Blaze eased to victory over Stars in the Charlotte Edwards Cup final they repeated the trick with an equally comfortable win at the New County Ground.Leaden skies may have persuaded Stars to bowl first, but after the early removal of Teresa Graves, who was run out by Phoebe Franklin for 9, the Bryce sisters put on a 94-run stand that was only curtailed when Tilly Corteen-Coleman bowled Kathryn for 30.A hefty rain delay saw the game reduced to 44 overs per side and Sarah Bryce fell soon after the resumption, pulling a short ball from Alexa Stonehouse to Franklin at mid-on.Graham made 28 before she was bowled by Kalea Moore and Kelly was the victim of a brilliant bit of fielding by Franklin, who in one motion, dived, scooped her up on the boundary and threw the ball in to allow Chloe Hill to complete the run out.Michaela Kirk played a supporting role to Claridge but hit out in the penultimate over and was caught off Franklin by Tash Farrant on the cow corner boundary for 18.Farrant took two wickets in the final over: Claridge was caught by Emma Jones in the deep and Josie Groves bottom-edged her to Cranstone, but the momentum was maintained by a two-ball cameo from Cassidy McCarthy, who finished on 8 not out.The target of 319 wasn’t adjusted despite the loss of six overs, but Stars made a rocky start, losing skipper Bryony Smith for 11, caught by Kirstie Gordon off Kathryn Bryce after a run of dot balls.Moore also went for 11, skying Graham almost vertically into Sarah Bryce’s gloves. Graham then had Farrant caught behind for 35 and Jones stumped for a second ball duck.Aylish Cranstone and Franklin put on 39 for the next wicket until the latter sliced Groves to McCarthy for 13. Groves then had Cranstone lbw for 33, attempting to sweep, Gordon had Hill stumped for 17 and Alexa Stonehouse was bowled by Graham for a third-ball duck.Davidson-Richards went down swinging, trying to hit Graham out of the ground but slicing her to Kathryn Bryce at backward point and the result was sealed when Graham had caught Danni Gregory by McCarthy at midwicket for 1.

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.

Crystal Palace are now closing in on their second signing of the summer transfer window, with the “deal on the verge of being sealed” and personal terms agreed.

Crystal Palace chasing Diomande and Ndoye deals

The South Londoners have so far had a rather quiet transfer window, as they have brought in just one new addition, and that is goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free transfer. Given the fact Palace are hopefully going to be playing in the Europa League this season, Oliver Glasner will be hoping for plenty more signings once they are given clarity over their continental status.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 2, 2025

Captain Marc Guehi looks all but set for a move to Liverpool this summer, and Ousmane Diomande has been identified as a major target for the Eagles. It has even been reported they are now close to agreeing a deal in the region of £47 million.

But that is not the only major transfer Palace are looking to secure in this transfer window. According to a report from Italy, Palace have submitted a bid to sign winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna. It isn’t clear how much the Eagles have put on the table, but they do face competition for his signature, as Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on striking a deal.

Medical booked: Crystal Palace agree Sosa deal

Before the South Londoners get Diomande or Ndoye through the door at Selhurst Park, there is going to be a new arrival. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Ajax defender Borna Sosa has been given permission to undergo a medical with Crystal Palace, which is now the only step left for the transfer.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has added the club and player are “in agreement on personal terms” with the “deal on the verge of being sealed”.

The 27-year-old has been at Ajax since 2023, when he joined the club from VfB Stuttgart. Sosa, who has earned 26 caps for his national team Croatia, played 16 times for Ajax in the Eredivisie during the 2023/24 season, but wasn’t in the club’s plans last term and was sent out on loan to Serie A side Torino, where he played 19 games in the league.

Borna Sosa’s 24/25 Serie A stats

Apps

19

Starts

14

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.7

Tackles per game

1.4

Balls recovered per game

2.8

Clearances per game

1.5

Duels won per game

2.7 (56%)

Sosa is a versatile defender, as he can operate at centre-back and left-back and can either play more advanced on the left-hand side if needed. His expected arrival at Selhurst Park is important, as Glasner’s options on the left-hand side of his defence were rather slim.

Tyrick Mitchell is the club’s only recognised senior left-back, and Sosa’s arrival provides competition and cover for the Englishman as well as the opportunity to cover other positions.

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.

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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.

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.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

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

ECB Reporters Network09-Jun-2024

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 15, 2025

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.

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Posts 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Posts 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.

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.

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