Zimbabwe veteran Sean Williams will make his return to the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, as the team prepare for a two-match series starting April 20.Williams had missed Zimbabwe’s previous Test, against Ireland, due to a back injury. Both he as well as the captain Craig Ervine, who pulled out of the Ireland game due to the birth of his child, have been included in the 15-man squad for the Bangladesh series. Wessly Madhevere, who had been a last-minute call-up to replace Ervine in the Ireland series, keeps his place for the Bangladesh Tests.Overall, Zimbabwe have made three changes from the squad that took on Ireland in February. Wicketkeeper-batter Joylord Gumbie makes way for Tafadzwa Tsiga, who returns to the national fold two years after making his Test debut against West Indies.Also returning is left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza, whose most recent Test appearance came during that same series against West Indies in 2023. He replaces young pace bowler Newman Nyamhuri.Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who made history in February by becoming the first Zimbabwe pacer to claim seven wickets in a Test innings, will spearhead the bowling attack alongside Richard Ngarava.The only uncapped player in the squad is legspinner Vincent Masekesa.”We are very excited to be heading into a period where Test cricket will be our sole focus,” Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons said.”I am certain this group of players will continue to grow as individuals and as a team as they face new challenges in different conditions.”Zimbabwe will take on Bangladesh in the first Test in Sylhet from April 20, before moving to Chattogram for the second Test on April 28.This is Zimbabwe’s first Test in Bangladesh since February 2020, when the hosts secured victory in a one-off match in Dhaka by an innings and 106 runs.Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
After weeks of hunting for a new attacking midfielder, Thomas Frank looks finally about to land a new talent to his Tottenham Hotspur first-team squad.
Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White were two players constantly on their radar, but ultimately, the Lilywhites missed out on the aforementioned duo for various reasons.
However, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise, after the hierarchy agreed a deal to land RB Leipzig talent Xavi Simons, despite the Dutchman previously agreeing terms with Chelsea.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
It’s been reported that a €60m (£52m) deal has been agreed for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the youngster even completing his medical after travelling to North London yesterday.
Despite the agreement for Simons, it appears as though Frank and Co. aren’t done in this summer window, subsequently targeting other players before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Spurs’ hunt for new additions after Simons
Over the last couple of weeks, West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs – but no deal has yet been agreed for the Brazilian.
Talks have been held between the two clubs to try and reach an agreement, leading to the Hammers placing a £60m price tag on the 27-year-old’s head.
However, he’s not the only player who’s been on their radar during the summer window, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss still in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.
They claim that Frank’s men could still make a move for the Moroccan, reporting that a late deal could be landed for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder on deadline day.
It also states that the manager and the staff behind the scenes are constantly monitoring his situation, with the youngster seen as a player who can add further quality to the current side – potentially being available for just £22m.
Why Spurs’ £22m transfer target is just like Paqueta
A deal for a star from West Ham may appear controversial, given the rivalry, but it wouldn’t be the first time this summer, after previously completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghanaian has already made an immediate impact in North London, registering two assists in his first two Premier League outings under new boss Frank.
Should they agree a deal for Paqueta, he would be the latest star from Graham Potter’s side to make the move, but it would be a huge investment given his £60m asking price.
The pending deal for Simons could potentially put such a move on the back burner, which could make El Khannouss a more cost-effective squad option for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.
Whilst many supporters will raise their eyebrows at such a move, given the Foxes’ relegation last campaign, the Moroccan still managed to be labelled as a similar player to Paqueta by FBref.
When comparing his stats to those of the Brazilian from 2024/25, El Khannouss managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially being a superb addition to the side this summer.
The Leicester star, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered more combined goals and assists, whilst also achieving a better shot on target rate in front of goal – a record that would hand the Lilywhites an added threat in the final third.
How El Khannouss & Paqueta compared in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
El Khannouss
Paqueta
Games played
33
33
Goals & assists
6
4
Shot on target accuracy
23%
7%
Progressive passes
5.9
5.8
Key passes made
1.7
1.3
Shot-creating actions
3.2
3.1
Take-on success
57%
44%
Progressive carries
2.9
0.9
Carries into the final third
1.9
1.2
Stats via FBref
However, an attacking midfielder is mainly responsible for chance creation – something which the Moroccan demonstrated in abundance throughout 2024/25.
He bettered Paqueta for both key passes made per 90, whilst creating more shooting opportunities for his teammates, having all the tools to thrive behind the striker in North London.
El Khannouss’ talents with the ball at his feet are further reflected in his higher take-on success rate, subsequently taking the ball into the final third on more occasions in the Premier League last campaign.
There’s no denying that all the Spurs faithful are hugely focused on a deal to land Simons – and rightfully so given his mammoth transfer fee, which has seen him edge closer to completing his move.
However, El Khannouss would be an excellent backup to the Dutchman, with his potential late arrival handing Frank the added squad depth he’s been craving since taking the reins.
The new Eriksen: Spurs closing in on agreement to sign "world-class" star
Tottenham Hotspur could finally be about to land a new number ten for Thomas Frank this summer.
Birmingham City’s opening Championship match of the season at home to Ipswich Town is growing ever closer.
It would be quite the statement to make on the end of the Blues if they were to get the better of the recently relegated Tractor Boys on the first, action-packed night of the division, with a win being the best possible way to storm out of the traps and to ease any potential nerves.
The aim for the reigning League One champions will be to achieve the unbelievable feat of back-to-back promotions up to the Premier League, with the first month of the season, and beyond, making it clear to everyone if Davies’ men are made of stern enough stuff to secure this wild goal.
If they were to triumphantly leap into the Premier League, this would be the first time the West Midlands side had played in the top division since the 2010/11 season, with forgotten heroes from Birmingham’s past, such as Nicola Zigic, leading the line all that time ago.
Zigic's heroics at Birmingham
Birmingham supporters have likely put Zigic’s exploits to the back of their mind for some time now, with the likes of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May being cheered on instead.
However, looking back on the 6-foot-8 Serbian’s career at St. Andrew’s will be tinged with lots of pleasant nostalgia, with his most memorable contribution in Birmingham blue coming when he headed home the opener against Arsenal in 2011 at Wembley, as Alex McLeish’s men surprisingly lifted the League Cup.
Across a varied career that saw him play in Spain for Valencia, alongside lining up for several different sides in his native Serbia, Zigic is likely most fondly remembered by Birmingham fans, with the towering giant ending his 158-game association with the club by netting 36 goals and picking up 18 assists.
Seven of those efforts would be picked up during his final full season in England as Birmingham bravely staved off relegation in the Championship, as his ability to be in the right place, at the right time to score a vital goal for the Blues won him cult hero status.
One brand new striker target on Birmingham’s rumoured shopping list will hope he’s remembered in a similarly glowing way down the line, as the experienced goal machine in question looks to secure a deal to join Davies’ ranks before the early September deadline.
The "extraordinary" star who could be Zigic 2.0
Adding in another striker to Davies’ camp might well feel like a wasted move, considering the Blues boss already has Kyogo Furuhashi and the aforementioned Stansfield ready for selection.
Yet, if Birmingham were to win the services of Werder Bremen star Marvin Ducksch – who the Championship side are ‘quietly confident’ about winning as per recent reports by GIVEMESPORT – the 31-year-old should be able to offer the second-tier newcomers something unique in attack, much like Zigic gifted the Blues all those years ago.
Marvin Duckschin action for Werder Bremen.
For starters, Ducksch would be entering into his new surroundings at St. Andrew’s as a seasoned attacking option that won’t be fearful of the testing Championship, with Zigic also possessing that same level of calmness when walking through the door in 2010 as a 29-year-old menace from Valencia.
Moreover, the 31-year-old would also be moving to England with lots of pedigree attached to his name. Zigic was very much in the same boat when he made the daring move from Spain to St. Andrew’s, having bagged 59 goals in total for Valencia, Racing Santander, and Red Star Belgrade.
Ducksch’s career numbers in Germany by division
Division played in
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
Bundesliga
130
34
28
2. Bundesliga
138
71
34
3. Liga
54
19
14
Sourced by Transfermarkt
His goal-heavy 6-foot-2 counterpart has even more strikes to shout about when plying his trade all across his native Germany, with a stunning combined haul of 124 strikes tallied up by Ducksch as he made his way up the German pyramid, all the way to the top in the Bundesliga.
This sublime goalscoring form for Bremen and many other sides has resulted in the robust attacker even being labelled as “extraordinary” by teammate Mitchell Weiser for what he can offer up top.
Zigic was often referred to in a similarly positive tone at St. Andrew’s – with one of his ex-Blues bosses Lee Clark dubbing him “extremely talented” – as Davies and Co. in the here and now hope their ongoing pursuit of Ducksch results in them winning an up-to-date iteration of the much-loved colossus.
Double deal: Birmingham and Brady want £43k-p/w duo; advanced talks for one
Marnus Labuschagne’s long-time batting mentor has cautioned him against over-training ahead of the second Test in Adelaide and be less rigid in his gameplan as he attempts to emerge from what is the most serious batting slump since he became an international cricketer.While collectively Australia’s top order is underperforming, Labuschagne is the one squarely in the spotlight after two ugly innings at Optus Stadium. On the first day he laboured to 2 off 52 balls before missing a straight delivery from Mohammed Siraj and on the third evening left a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah that would have smashed the stumps.Related
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The twin failures left Labuschagne with 123 runs from his last 10 innings of which 90 came in one knock against New Zealand in March. Overall this year he is averaging 24.50 in Tests to follow a 2023 where that figure was 34.91 having been above 60 in three of the previous four years.Labuschagne was already back in the nets while the opening Test drew a conclusion in Perth on Monday and was expected to train individually before the squad links back up a day earlier than planned in Adelaide.”I’d probably just half what he usually does. Just try and clear it up a bit,” Neil D’Costa told ESPNcricinfo. “Keep working on reacting more, not having such rigid plans. Every batter goes through this. Almost everyone around 30 years old – I don’t know why it’s that number – seems to have this glitch. He’s a guy we all know, he loves playing cricket. He never leaves a stone unturned. He’s super fit. Does he overthink things? I don’t know, possibly everyone does.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
“When someone gets to the stage where they are the No. 1 player in the world, they are going to become a target. He couldn’t keep going. He’d be averaging 80. At some stage, I don’t want to say it had to happen…it happens to a lot of players. They try a bit too hard and like [Virat] Kohli you have to keep trusting yourself, trusting your processes, trust what you do. Go back and find a way the next day.”Labuschagne’s lack of positivity at the crease came under significant focus after his first innings. “The manner that he’s been playing, for me it’s such a negative mindset, and he has been for a little while,” Aaron Finch said on . “What that does, when you’re coming up against great attacks – Jasprit Bumrah is as good as we’ve ever seen, Siraj a very good fast bowler – it just allows them to settle in, you’re not putting much pressure on them, so their margin for error becomes huge.”D’Costa, who has already spoken with Labuschagne since the Test, believed he was within his rights to think he could leave the delivery from Bumrah. “That ball was 8.3 metres [from the stumps], that’s going over the stumps all day, every day,” he said. “It just hit the top of the stumps. With a millisecond to make a decision, he saw the length and let it go and it skidded. Are we going to lose sleep over that? I’m not. Would you like him to score runs, absolutely.”Marnus Labuschagne left a lot of balls in the first innings…and fell leaving one in the second•Associated Press
Labuschagne’s two lbw dismissals in Perth come amid a period where a tendency to be caught playing away from his body had crept into his game which D’Costa partly attributes to him working on his white-ball batting.”If you look at how he plays, he lets a lot of balls go. He always has,” he said. “Think maybe he was working really hard at being a one-day player so for a little while he lost that. And he started nicking. Let me tell you, they [India] bowled so well. They knew exactly he wanted that ball on leg stump. They did not bowl there. If anything, they bowled wide. This team is really well prepared. They executed very well.”After the defeat, captain Pat Cummins acknowledged Labuschagne’s difficulties would be a focal point in the days ahead.”Marn, along with quite a few guys in the team, didn’t have the week we would have wanted,” he said. “It’s no secret how hard the batters, particularly Marn, works in the nets. He’s always trying to find those small marginal gains. This week will be a lot of conversation with the coaches around his approach and what he could be doing differently.”
Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making key moves in the transfer market ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Thomas Frank tasked with changing the club’s fortunes.
Whilst the Lilywhites won the Europa League, their showings in the Premier League were nothing short of embarrassing, resulting in a measly 17th-placed finish.
Ange Postecoglou was subsequently handed his marching orders, resulting in Frank’s appointment, which has also led to an increase in activity within the window.
£55m has already been spent on the signature of Mohammed Kudus, leading to rumours of added investment being injected into the club, helping the side in their quest for success.
Despite the first major addition of the summer, numerous other players remain key targets for the hierarchy, with efforts underway to secure players who will enhance the squad.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Over recent weeks, Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has been the biggest name mentioned over a move to Spurs, unsurprisingly given that the club triggered his £60m release clause.
Whilst he was once set for a medical, a deal may now take some time to complete, after the Reds blocked the move and threatened illegal action over an alleged illegal approach for his signature.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts
However, he’s not the only midfielder currently on their radar, with Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha emerging as a key target, according to TBR Football.
Their report claims that talks have been held with the 30-year-old in the last week, with the Portuguese international keen on a return to England after leaving Fulham for £47m last summer.
It also states that he could be seen as a replacement for Yves Bissouma, as Frank could cash in on the Malian international, given he only has one year left on his deal in North London.
Why Spurs’ £47m target would be perfect for Gibbs-White
Landing the signature of Gibbs-White this summer would be quite a coup for Spurs, especially considering he was strongly linked with a move to join Manchester City earlier this window.
The 25-year-old is seen as a consistent England international, unsurprisingly so given his form at the City Ground in recent times, which saw him end the 2024/25 campaign with 15 goal contributions.
He’s previously showcased his talents against the Lilywhites, registering the assist for Anthony Elanga’s goal in the clash back in December, securing the win for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
However, given the addition of Kudus, along with current attacking midfielders James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski currently on the books, a move for another number ten may need to wait.
As a result, attention could be turned to Palhinha, with any addition of the deep-lying Portuguese international allowing the side to have the anchor they’ve been craving, allowing him to regain possession before transferring the ball into forward areas.
Bayern Munich's JoaoPalhinhalooks dejected as he walks off after receiving a red card
His stats from the recent campaign highlight why he’d be an excellent ball-winning option within the heart of the side, potentially having the tools to link up with Gibbs-White ahead of 2025/26 if both deals are completed.
The Portuguese international, who’s been labelled “world-class” by compatriot Ivan Cavaleiro, won 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga – a tally which put him in the top 2% of all players in the division, highlighting his ability to regain the ball for his side.
João Palhinha’s stats for Bayern in the Bundesliga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
17
Minutes played
667
Pass accuracy
92%
Progressive passes
4.3
Passes into final third
6.3
Tackles won
1.9
% of tackles won
69%
Aerials won
2.7
Aerial success rate
65%
Stats via FBref
He also won 65% of the aerials that he entered, having the all-round dominance without the ball, whether that be aerially or on the ground, something which Spurs have greatly lacked in recent times.
However, in possession, Palhinha has been just as impressive, registering 6.3 passes into the final third per 90, a figure that could hand Gibbs-White the chance to carry over his tremendous form from Nottingham to North London.
It’s currently unclear whether any deal for his signature would be a permanent or temporary one, but it’s evident from his stats last season that he would be a superb addition to Frank’s side.
There’s no debate that Gibbs-White would add further depth in attacking areas, with the prospect of the Englishman linking up with Palhinha certainly being an exciting one, subsequently helping the side mount a charge up the table in 2025/26.
Their own Gyokeres: "Sensational" £50m striker now wants to sign for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur could be edging closer to another big-money signing this summer.
Liverpool have reportedly had a “phone call” with the representatives of a big-money attacking player, as they look to sign a replacement for Darwin Nunez.
Slot's beautiful Jota tribute before Preston
The Reds started their pre-season with a 3-1 win away to Preston North End on Sunday afternoon, on what was an emotional occasion after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota earlier this month.
Prior to the game, Arne Slot provided some beautiful words on the Portuguese, showing exactly why he was such a perfect successor to Jurgen Klopp.
“Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened. But we are a football club and we need to train and we need to play again, if we want it or not. What I’ve said to the players, I can say it here as well. It’s very difficult to find the right words because we constantly debate what is appropriate. What is appropriate in our actions? What is appropriate [for] what we have to say? Can we train again? Can we laugh again? Can we be angry if there’s a wrong decision?
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota
“And I’ve said to them, maybe the best thing for us to do is handle this situation like Jota was. And what I meant with that is that Jota was always himself, it didn’t matter if he was talking to me, to his teammates, to the staff, he was always himself. So let us try to be ourselves as well. So, if we want to laugh we laugh; if we want to cry we’re going to cry. If they want to train they can train, if they don’t want to train they can not train. But be yourself, don’t think you have to be different than your emotions tell you.”
Now, it is a case of Slot and his Liverpool players trying to achieve lots of success with Jota in their thoughts, and further signings may help in that respect. A new update has now emerged regarding a potential addition in the final third.
Liverpool have "phone call" with £78m Nunez replacement
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal on X, Liverpool have been in contact with a “phone call” to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko’s agents about a £78m move to Anfield, coming in to replace the likely-to-leave Nunez, who scored against Preston.
Sesko feels like an ideal option to come in and lead the line for the Reds, considering it looks increasingly unlikely that they will be able to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old is already such a prolific and dominant striker, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, as well as 16 in 41 caps for Slovenia.
Slot's next Wirtz: Liverpool in contact to sign "the new Haaland" for £78m
Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker in the summer transfer market.
By
Angus Sinclair
Jul 14, 2025
If Liverpool could sign Sesko on top of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez this summer, it would be outstanding business, with a new backup centre-back potentially the next priority after Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen.
India A suffered a morning collapse but fought back as offspinner Minnu Mani continued to shine
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Aug-2024
Kate Peterson claimed a five-wicket to earn Australia A a lead (file photo)•Getty Images
The ball dominated on the second day between Australia A and India on the Gold Coast as Minnu Mani took her match haul to ten wickets, after Kate Peterson had taken five for the hosts to earn a narrow first-innings lead, but Maddy Darke ensured what could be a tricky chase.Having taken a 28-run advantage, Australia A lost two wickets before scoring a run in their second innings with Mani striking in consecutive overs to remove Georgia Voll and Charli Knott – caught at slip and deep midwicket respectively – on her way to claiming the first four batters to fall.Related
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Nicole Faltum edged behind and Tess Flintoff was bowled by a big-spinning offbreak that ripped between bat and pad.However, Darke put together an unbeaten half-century to stretch the lead towards 200, adding 54 for the sixth wicket with Maitlan Brown before she became Mani’s tenth wicket, smartly caught off the face of the bat at short leg.Emma de Broughe also made a half-century in challenging conditions against India’s spinners before being given caught behind off legspinner Priya Mishra although she did not seem convinced by the decision.Earlier, India A had resumed on 100 for 2 but were soon in trouble as Peterson ran through the middle order. Her first wicket of the day came with a delivery that moved late to take Tejal Hasabnis’ off stump and then it was further away swing that did for opener Shweta Sehrawat who was caught behind.Peterson found herself on a hat-trick when Sajana Sajeevan got a leading edge to a full toss that looped up into the off side. Uma Chetry survived the next delivery but soon fell to Peterson as she edged to slip via a glance off the keeper.India A’s collapse became 5 for 27 when Raghvi Bist was run out but some handy lower-order contributions ensured they closed in on Australia A’s total.
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.
Crystal Palace now line up £27m swoop for "terrific" defender and "monster"
The Eagles are looking at making a double signing, having scouted two players at the U21 European Championships.
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.
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…
Manchester United are thought to be eyeing a move for a “brilliant” player at the end of the season, according to a fresh transfer update regarding their upcoming business.
Man Utd preparing for vital summer under INEOS
The Red Devils may still have a good chance of winning the Europa League next month, but there is no question that this has been a season to forget. Huge changes are needed in Ruben Amorim’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and top-quality signings continue to be linked with moves.
Villarreal winger Alex Baena has been mentioned as a potential signing for United in the summer window, with talks even thought to be underway over a move to Old Trafford. The Spaniard has 13 goal contributions (six goals and seven assists) in La Liga this season, showing that he could be a strong source of end product.
Atalanta forward Mateo Retegui is another possible attacking option for Amorim in the coming months, with the Italy international considered an alternative to Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is loan at Galatasaray currently.
Frenkie de Jong has been linked with United numerous times in the past, and he has again been mentioned as a summer target for them, following an up and down season for Barcelona. A new central midfielder is a must, and the Dutchman could bring quality and control in the middle of the park.
Man Utd close in on signing of goalkeeper Freddie Woodman
According to a new report from Football Insider, Manchester United are closing in on signing Preston North End goalkeeper Freddie Woodman this summer. The 28-year-old will be available on a free transfer when this season reaches its conclusion, with the Red Devils “ready” to offer him a deal to boost their homegrown quota. He would come in as third-choice ‘keeper, following the expected exit of Tom Heaton, and INEOS are already “working on a deal”.
Freddie Woodman for Preston North End.
Woodman’s arrival would be a surprise in some ways, as the report states, given the fact that he is a Championship player whose arrival wouldn’t exactly set the world alight at Old Trafford. That said, there is plenty of sense in bringing him in to aid the homegrown element of the squad, and he is now a very experienced ‘keeper who has 215 appearances to his name in the Championship.
Woodman also won 56 caps for England across six different youth teams during his younger years, while Ryan Lowe heaped praise on him during their time together at Preston: “Freddie made some fantastic saves and that’s 16 clean sheets for him now, which is brilliant. He’s got a gashed eye and had three or four stitches at half-time, but there was no way we were going to get him off the pitch.”
England Under-21s
6
England Under-20s
10
England Under-19s
16
England Under-18s
6
England Under-17s
16
England Under-16s
2
In truth, Woodman would know that he would be joining United as little more than a squad player who features sporadically, but he could still jump at the chance of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.