He was shot outside his home and a police investigation is underway
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jul-2024Former Sri Lanka Under-19 captain Dhammika Niroshana has died at the age of 41 after he was shot by an unidentified individual outside his home in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. According to Sri Lankan Police, investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the shooter.Niroshana, who is survived by his wife and two children, had a promising cricketing career before his early retirement from all forms of the game in 2004. A fast-bowler who on occasion could hold his own with the bat, Niroshana was a part of Sri Lanka’s age-group sides making his Under-19 debut in 2000, before captaining them briefly in 2002.While he never played for the senior team, he did play alongside several future Sri Lanka stars, such as Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga and Farveez Maharoof, at the Under-19 level and in the first-class circuit, where he played for first Chilaw Marians CC and then Galle CC.
Tom Bailey, Will Williams take two wickets apiece with Kent still well adrift in second innings
ECB Reporters Network25-Jun-2024Lancashire were closing in on a huge victory in their Vitality County Championship with Kent at Canterbury, having reduced the hosts to 143 for 6 at stumps on day three. Kent still trail by 162 with just four second innings wickets remaining, Charlie Stobo and Beyers Swanepoel the not out batters on 25 and 18 respectively.Lancashire declared on 549 for 9, a lead of 305, with Josh Bohannon making 205 and Matty Hurst 50, while George Garrett took 3 for 89.Will Williams and Tom Bailey then both took two wickets apiece to leave Kent six down at stumps. Ben Compton was their highest scorer with just 37 and the chances of them escaping with anything other than a heavy defeat to their relegation rivals are bleak.The only question at the start of day three was how long Lancashire were going to bat for, with a lead of 158 already in the bank, although for a side who’d been pummelled for four straight sessions Kent at least managed to stop Lancashire from scoring too freely.Bohannon reached his double-hundred with a pushed single off Matt Parkinson, before his former team-mate finally got him out lbw with a ball that might have been going down the leg side.Hurst eased to fifty with a single off Joey Evison but he was then stumped by Harry Finch when he tried to charge at Parkinson. It was 499 for 6 at lunch, during which a band called the “Useless Pluckers” performed, prompting one Lancastrian observer to remark: “They’re not Goons’N’Roses.”Garrett took all three of his wickets after the interval, which at least prevented an onslaught. Jack Blatherwick tried to hit him out of the ground and went for 18, caught by sub fielder Jaydn Denly. Garrett then had George Balderson caught behind for 42 and when Bailey skied him to Parkinson, Lancashire declared.They didn’t have to wait long for a wicket: Williams had Marcus O’Riordan caught at first slip by George Bell for 4 in the fourth over.Nathan Lyon came on after 12 overs but it was George Balderson who struck next, pinning Daniel Bell-Drummond lbw for 9 to leave Kent on 59 for 2 at tea.Compton always looked like being the key wicket but he inexplicably tried to slog Bailey and the ball flew in the air off his bottom edge. He spread his arms wide in despair well before Bell took the catch when the ball finally fell to earth.Williams sent Evison’s off stump flying for 10, Bailey had Tawanda Muyeye caught behind for a six-ball duck and Finch lasted for 56 balls for 23 until Lyon had him caught by Bohannon at mid-on.Swanepoel, who’d been unable to bowl, came out with O’Riordan as a runner and caused confusion by running anyway, but he and Stobo at least managed to drop anchor for the final 11.4 overs to take the game to a final day.
West Bromwich Albion are now making moves to sign a new target, having registered their interest in a forward who Ryan Mason knows very well, according to a report.
Mason era underway at the Hawthorns
West Brom have arguably taken a risk by appointing Mason, given that his only experience as a senior manager has been as interim boss of Tottenham Hotspur, but the 33-year-old believes he is now ready for his first permanent role in the dugout.
While the young manager is yet to prove himself in the hot seat, he has certainly had the opportunity to learn from some top managers during his time at Tottenham, working under the likes of José Mourinho, Antonio Conte and most recently Ange Postecoglou.
That experience should stand the London-born coach in good stead to be a success at the Hawthorns, and the manager is now looking to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited by bringing in a player he worked with during his time at Spurs.
That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states West Brom are now making moves to sign Tottenham forward Mikey Moore, having registered their interest in the 17-year-old, alongside Championship rivals Birmingham City.
The Baggies are keeping close tabs on the teenager, and want to take him on loan next season, as there is a belief the youngster would be capable of being a stand-out player in the second tier, despite his age.
"Fearless" Moore has already built up first-team experience
With Tottenham suffering an injury crisis in the 2024-25 campaign, Moore was perhaps called upon more times than he would’ve expected, making 15 appearances in all competitions, during which time the starlet picked up one goal and two assists.
Much like Mason, a move to the Championship could be ideal for the left-winger, as it would provide him with the opportunity to get more first-team experience, and there are signs the starlet could be capable of making a real impact at the Hawthorns.
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James Maddison was left impressed by what he saw from his teammate last season, with the England international saying: “[He has] that young, fearless mentality and you never want to take that away from him. He’s a young kid, a brilliant lad, a lovely boy. He takes in information, and he’s got bags of ability.”
Moore clearly has a lot of potential, and West Brom will be hoping that the opportunity to work under Mason will help them win the race for the forward’s signature, despite the interest from Championship rivals Birmingham.
The first of two transfer windows this summer is now open, with Chelsea set to be very active before the initial 10th June deadline.
According to a report by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liam Delap is on the cusp of joining Chelsea, noting that personal terms have been agreed and that a medical will take place on Monday, with the Blues having agreed to pay his £30m release clause.
The 22-year-old will therefore be eligible to make his debut in just a couple of weeks time, given that Chelsea commence their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta on 16 June.
However, could the Blues also be showcasing another new striker by the time that clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium rolls around?
Chelsea's search for another striker
According to widespread reports, including by the Daily Post in Nigeria, Victor Osimhen’s entourage are ‘working’ on a deal to get the striker to Chelsea this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
They relay quotes from Peter Okoye, one of Osimhen’s close associates, who said that last summer, both he and former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel “made every effort to secure the signing of Victor Osimhen for Chelsea”.
Well, a year on, it’s revealed that they “remain steadfast” in their pursuit and “will continue efforts this summer.”
Now that the season is over, the 26-year-old is once again a Napoli player, having scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for I Partenopei, the Capocannoniere (top-scorer) in Serie A in the 2022/23 season, firing the club to their first Scudetto for 33 years.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhenreacts
Last summer, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis placed a €130m (around £110m) price tag on Osimhen, hoping to create some sort of bidding war, but after no concrete offers were made by the time the vast majority of European windows had shut, the Nigerian striker spent last season on loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray.
Now, reports believe he would be ‘available for £60m’, so could he soon be swapping the Bosphorus for the King’s Road?
How Victor Osimhen would improve Chelsea
It is pretty difficult to dispute the fact that Osimhen is one of the best centre-forwards on the planet.
During his one season with Galatasaray, he scored 37 goals in just 41 appearances, thereby averaging a goal every 87 minutes.
26 of these came in the Süper Lig which, according to Global Football Rankings, is the 18th strongest league in the world, firing the İstanbul giants to a record-extending 25th title, while he also netted six times in seven Europa League appearances, including bagging a brace during a victory over Tottenham in November.
Youssef Maaoui of Talent Football Scout praises Osimhen’s athleticism, describing him as a ‘fast and imposing striker’ who possesses ‘elite goal-scoring instincts’, making him ‘one of the most exciting and unique talents’ in world football.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
Meantime, Jack Chippendale of Total Football Analysis outlines how the Nigerian was the ‘focal point’ of Galatasaray’s attack, allowing him to take a high volume of shots, while journalist Paolo Esposito simply labelled him “superhuman”.
So, how does Osimhen compare to potential future teammate Delap?
Appearances
41
40
Minutes
3,236
2,670
Goals
37
12
Assists
8
2
Shots per 90
5.62
2.28
Shots on target %
42.7%
43.3%
Big chances missed
43
10
Big chances created
12
3
Shot-creating actions
25
62
% of aerials duels won
63.6%
42.6%
Touches per 90
29
28
% of touches in opposition box
37%
13%
Average Sofascore rating
7.72
6.85
First things first when comparing these two players, it has to be noted that Osimhen was playing for the dominant team at a lower level this season, while Delap was playing for a relegated Premier League outfit, skewing the data of both somewhat.
Nevertheless, even with that caveat, we can still learn plenty from the data.
What the numbers underline is that neither get overly involved in build-up play, while Osimhen’s statistic of 5.62 shots per 90 is astronomically high, taking an average of 7.32 shots per 90 in this season’s Europa League, almost three more than anybody else.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
Also, the fact that the Nigerian records over a third of his touches in the opposition penalty area is further evidence that he is a proper penalty box poacher, even if his tally of 43 big chances missed proves there is room for improvement.
Nevertheless, as outlined by Liam Twomey of the Athletic, a world-class number nine is what Chelsea need to reach the next level, and Osimhen, more than the soon-to-arrive Delap, has all the attributes to be just that. He’s a true elite striker.
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After overseeing a third-consecutive promotion to make unforgettable history, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have now reportedly put Wrexham in pole position to sign a clinical MLS talent.
Reynolds & McElhenney full of praise for Parkinson
Whilst it’s Reynolds and McElhenney who steal the headlines, Phil Parkinson is one of the main reasons why Wrexham find themselves in the Championship from National League frustration. The experienced manager will forever be a legend at the Welsh club and is now set to take charge of a side in England’s second tier for the first time since Bolton Wanderers in the 2018/2019 campaign.
Reynolds and McElhenney are well aware of their manager’s impact too. The former told reporters after promotion was sealed: “You can look at so many beating hearts at the club but it all goes back to Phil, I mean the leadership in that locker room and we thankfully don’t make football decisions but the faith that the club has in Phil and the community has in him speaks volumes.”
Wreham manager Phil Parkinson during the match
McElhenney then added onto that by saying: “In Phil we trust and Ryan and I always find it silly that at the end of the games it’s us standing here with microphones because we’re not the ones out here on the pitch doing the work.”
Alas, the Hollywood stars are far from finished even after securing a place in the Championship. They, alongside Parkinson, will have their sights set on causing their biggest upset yet in the Championship, and the summer transfer window is likely to play a large part in that.
Wrexham lead Sunusi Ibrahim race
According to GiveMeSport, Reynolds and McElhenney are now leading the race to sign Sunusi Ibrahim for Wrexham this summer. The Montreal talent is reportedly valued between $300,000 and $500,000 (£222,000-£370,000) this summer and could be on his way to English football after struggling for starts in the MLS.
Although there may be some concerns that Ibrahim, 22, has yet to earn his place in Montreal’s starting side, it must be said that it’s not for the want of trying. The Nigerian has scored seven goals in around 1,000 minutes this season – the same as just over 11 games – but has still been forced to settle for a bench role.
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Whether that starting place would come his way at Wrexham is the big question. Those in Wales can’t risk getting things wrong on the transfer front ahead of their return to England’s second tier and whether they take a risk on an MLS talent remains to be seen.
As ever, of course, Wrexham will be ones to watch when the transfer window swings open amid links to Ibrahim and Cardiff City’s Isaak Davies in recent weeks.
Liverpool’s second-half collapse may have put a dampener on Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, although the Premier League champions had started the day in rampant mood, after racing into a two-goal lead at Anfield.
Two goals in the space of a minute from Cody Gakpo and Luiz Diaz came amid that first-half onslaught for the hosts, with the pair having now scored 18 and 17 goals, respectively, this season in all competitions.
With Mohamed Salah – who boasts 33 across all fronts – rounding off that frontline, the trio have been the standout figures in Arne Slot’s attacking unit in 2024/25, with no other player having reached double figures for goals thus far.
While there had been doubts over Diaz’s future at the club, more recent reports suggested that a new deal could be on the cards for the former Porto man. Salah, of course, has already put pen to paper on his long-awaited contract extension.
Games (starts)
35 (17)
33 (21)
Goals
8
10
Scoring frequency
206min
179min
Big chances missed
6
6
Big chances created
5
8
Assists
5
3
Key passes*
0.7
1.0
Pass accuracy*
79%
84%
Successful dribbles*
0.9
0.9
With Gakpo, meanwhile, tied down until 2028, the flanks look to be in a good place for the Merseysiders moving forward. That said, a new wideman could be on the cards this summer…
Liverpool's search for a forward
It is no secret that Liverpool’s priority ahead of next term is likely to be the addition of a new centre-forward, with Darwin Nunez looking set to depart after netting just seven times in total this season.
Liverpool Nunez
The primary target would appear to be Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, albeit with the £100m-rated Swede seemingly out of reach, the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are also reportedly under consideration.
Away from the pursuit of a number nine, however, journalist Graeme Bailey has also reported that the Reds could be in the mix for Athletic Club sensation, Nico Williams, with the Spaniard seemingly ‘willing’ to move to England this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Bailey, it is Arsenal and Chelsea who are leading the race at present, although Manchester City, Newcastle and Liverpool have all made contact with the player’s representatives.
As reported elsewhere, the Euro 2024 winner would be able to depart if any suitor triggers his €58m (£49m) release clause, albeit with one potential sticking point likely to prove his wage demands. The Daily Mail – via GOAL – reported he would be looking to earn more than £400k-per-week, a figure close to what Virgil van Dijk will seemingly be taking home following the signing of his own extension.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamsin action with Rangers' Ridvan Yilmaz
Such a salary could prove a real stumbling block for Slot and co, although should a compromise be met, the 22-year-old would be a more than worthy addition to the Anfield ranks.
Why Liverpool could be targeting the next Gakpo
As noted above, Sunday’s stalemate with the Gunners saw Gakpo get on the scoresheet once again, with the 26-year-old nodding home from Andy Robertson’s whipped cross to notch his tenth Premier League goal of the campaign.
That marked the first time that the former PSV Eindhoven man has reached double figures for league goals for the club, after netting 15 times in the 18 months prior to that, following his £35m arrival in January 2023.
Prior to moving to Merseyside, the then-Manchester United target had been a real revelation in his homeland for PSV, having registered 55 goals and 49 assists in 149 games for the Eredivisie giants, offering a relentless threat down the left flank or in a central role.
Cody Gakpo in action for Liverpool
Such quality had also been on show on the international scene, with Gakpo scoring in every group stage game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, just a matter of months before moving to England.
In many ways, there would be a sense of Deja Vu if young Williams is to follow suit this summer, with the Bilbao wizard having also dazzled in his homeland, with 61 goals and assists in 166 senior games.
That includes a return of 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, amid the Basque side’s surge to the Europa League semi-final, with it no surprise that he has been dubbed “one of the best wingers on the market” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Like Gakpo too, it is for his national team where Williams has perhaps made the bigger splash, having started in six of Spain’s seven games en route to glory last summer, while memorably netting in the showpiece success over England.
A natural right-footer who typically operates off the left flank, much like Gakpo, Williams also emulates his Liverpool counterpart due to his versatility, having also been just as comfortable operating on the opposite side in his career to date,
That flexibility should ensure that the in-demand speedster provides welcome competition and cover for the likes of Diaz, Gakpo and Salah on either flank, with the chance there for Williams to enjoy gradual progression in a Liverpool shirt – much like Gakpo has been afforded the time to do.
As this campaign has already showcased, Slot’s starting lineup looks strong and healthy – now it’s the time to really enhance the squad as a whole with exciting, high potential moves.
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Manchester United’s Premier League campaign in 2024/25 has been one to forget, with the side set to finish in their lowest-ever position, along with the lowest points tally.
Ruben Amorim’s men currently sit in 15th place with just three games remaining, seeing all focus switch onto their prospect of claiming a Europa League triumph come the end of the season.
The Red Devils have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per 90 to date, undoubtedly playing a key role in their inability to rise up the table after the manager’s appointment back in November.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
However, they still have the opportunity to end the season on a high, currently in a European semi-final and holding a 3-0 advantage over Athletic Club following the away leg.
Should they go all the way and win the competition, they will secure Champions League qualification, with added squad depth needed to compete at the top level of European football next campaign.
An update on United’s hunt for new additions
Given the summer transfer window is now just around the corner, numerous links have emerged, including that of Liam Delap, who has been touted as the club’s top target for the attacking department.
The Ipswich Town talisman has netted 12 goals in his 34 appearances in 2024/25, but looks set to leave Kieran McKenna’s side after their relegation back to the Championship, which has seen the forward’s £30m release clause become active.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match
However, despite the improvements in forward areas, the backline is also in need of investment, potentially coming in the form of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to reports in Spain.
It states that the Red Devils are currently preparing a £68m bid for the Uruguayan international, who has made 22 appearances across all competitions for the LaLiga giants.
The report also claims that he’s hugely admired by staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford, potentially being a key piece in their rebuild, which desperately needs to happen this summer if they are to move in the right direction.
Why United’s £68m target could revive Andre Onana
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was seen as the man to take United to the next level after arriving back in the summer of 2023, replacing fan-favourite David de Gea in the process.
Manchester United'sAndreOnana
His ball-playing attributes were seen as a key attribute to help the side progress, but the move up until now has been a disaster, often producing a clanger which has resulted in their lowly league standing.
The Senegalese has made five errors leading to goals across all competitions, with his mistakes against Lyon nearly putting the side out of the tournament and ending any hopes of a trophy.
Questions have been asked about his long-term future at Old Trafford as a result, with it unclear whether Amorim will stick or twist with the former Inter Milan shot-stopper in 2025/26.
However, he could be revived at the club, especially if the side are to bolster their backline with a move for Araujo, with the 26-year-old having the defensive qualities to improve the situation.
Barcelona defenderRonald Araujo.
The Uruguayan, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the world” by Carles Puyol, has starred this season despite his lack of action, registering two combined goals and assists.
He’s also starred at the back, completing 91% of passes, handing United a composed presence at the back and undoubtedly taking the pressure off Onana at the back.
Games played
10
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
91%
Progressive passes per 90
4
Tackles won
1.9
Blocks made
1.5
Clearances made
4
Aerials won
3.8
Araujo has also impressed out of possession, winning 1.9 tackles per 90 and making 1.5 blocks per 90 – preventing the ball from getting through and facing Onana between the sticks.
Defensive solidity is desperately needed at Old Trafford, enabling Amorim to take the side to the next level and hopefully make him a success during his tenure at the club.
The deals they make over the next couple of months will be crucial, needing to sign the right players to take them back towards glory, with Araujo the man who could massively bolster the defensive department.
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This summer is another opportunity for Chelsea to flex their muscles in the transfer market, with the hierarchy able to back Enzo Maresca in his quest at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian took over the role last summer, joining from Leicester City, still having the opportunity to end the season with a Europa Conference League triumph and a place in the Premier League’s top five.
Should they achieve the latter, they will secure a place in the Champions League once again, finally mixing with Europe’s elite after missing out in each of the last two campaigns.
However, if they are to be competitive in such a competition, the hierarchy will need to hand Maresca the funds to invest and land key squad depth in multiple key areas of the pitch.
One area in particular has been subject to huge interest over the last few weeks, with the board looking to back the manager upon the opening of the summer window.
The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker this summer
Despite Nicolas Jackson’s double against Djurgarden on Thursday night, Chelsea have been in the market for a new talisman over the last couple of years.
Liam Delap has been the main striker that’s been on their shortlist in recent months, with his £30m relegation release clause potentially allowing the Blues to get themselves a bargain.
However, another name has recently entered the mix in West London, in the form of Ollie Watkins, who looks set to depart Aston Villa in the coming months, according to FootballTransfers.
The report claims that the Blues have already made an approach for the 29-year-old striker, with the hierarchy willing to pay his £60m asking price set by Unai Emery’s side.
It also reports that Maresca is keen on a move to land the England international, needing to act quickly to avoid missing out, with Arsenal once again in the hunt for his signature.
Why Chelsea’s £60m target could be their own Isak
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been one of the Premier League’s leading talismen in 2024/25, scoring a staggering 22 times in his 31 outings.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
The Swede has played a huge role in the Magpies’ ambitions of also finishing within the top five, coming up against the Blues in just over seven days time.
The 25-year-old has been the subject of huge interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid over the last few months – with Chelsea even getting themselves positioned in the race.
However, it’s highly unlikely that any side will be able to afford the striker this summer, with Eddie Howe’s side placing a whopping £150m price tag on his shoulders for the upcoming window.
Such a figure could lead to a move for Watkins, with the Englishman being the Blues’ own version of Isak – with FBref labelling him as a similar player to the Swede.
Ollie Watkins celebrates with Morgan Rogers for Aston Villa.
When delving into their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the 29-year-old has managed to outperform the Magpies star in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be.
Watkins, who’s been labelled “tremendous” by former boss Dean Smith, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical ability in the final third.
Games played
35
31
Goals & assists
22
28
Shot-on-target accuracy
43%
42%
Pass accuracy
75%
74%
Aerials won
1.8
0.9
Aerial success rate
43%
34%
Fouls won
1.2
0.4
He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst achieving a higher aerial success rate, offering Maresca an all-round option in forward areas.
The Englishman has showcased over the last few years that he’s more than capable of leading the line for a side who are pushing to land a place within the Champions League places.
£60m may seem a hefty fee for a 29-year-old, but such a fee would be worth every penny if he can fire the Blues to immediate success at the Bridge – allowing the likes of Jackson to work off him in the process.
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Chelsea now have one foot in the Europa Conference League final after a 4-1 win over Djurgården last night.
Everton have scouted a 6 foot 5 defender during this season, and they are now potentially interested in a deal that would cost them a relatively small fee, according to a recent report.
Moyes looking to strengthen Everton’s defence this summer
It is potentially a very exciting summer for the Toffees this year, as they end their long stay at Goodison Park and move into their new ground, where they hope it is the start of a new era for the football club.
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David Moyes’ arrival has really turned things around for Everton, and he will now be hoping he can be backed in the transfer window, bringing in players he thinks are perfect for what he wants to achieve next season and beyond.
One area of the team that Moyes appears keen to address is at the heart of his defence, as the Merseyside club continue to be linked with several centre-backs. Indeed, the Toffees have been linked with a shock move for Jarell Quansah from arch-rivals Liverpool. Quansah looks set to leave Liverpool, and Everton are the latest team to join the race to win his signature.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
It then emerged on Wednesday that Everton are also looking at signing David Hancko from Feyenoord but face serious competition from teams such as Juventus, who have agreed personal terms with the defender, as well as Bayer Leverkusen and Atlético Madrid. Hancko would be a costly purchase for the Premier League side, as Feyenoord are looking to get £34 million for their player.
Everton now scouting Ghana international Jerome Opoku
Given the hefty price on Hancko, the Toffees are keeping their options open, and they may have a cheap alternative in mind. According to TEAMtalk, Everton have been scouting defender Jerome Opoku this season, and he could be available on the cheap.
The report states that Opoku has been watched while playing for Turkish outfit Basaksehir in this campaign. It is reported that the centre-back, who can also play as a left-back, is keen on a move back to the Premier League after coming through the academy at Fulham.
Opoku could be a player available for a low transfer fee with his contract ending in Turkey in the summer of 2027, and that may have a part to play. The 26-year-old stands at 6 feet 5 inches, meaning he would fit into what Moyes likes as a, tall, aggressive player who is commanding in both boxes.
Apps
27
Starts
24
Goals
2
Clean sheets
7
Interceptions per game
0.9
Tackles per game
1.0
Clearances per game
3.1
Balls recovered per game
2.7
Michael Keane looks set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, and talk of Jarrad Branthwaite leaving is still not going away, so Moyes will want to make sure he has options. Should Opoku, who was born in England but represents Ghana at the international level, move to the Premier League, he will have played in England, Denmark, Portugal, and Turkey during his short career so far, experience which would hopefully help him adjust quickly in new surroundings.
Manchester City are now keen on signing a former Manchester United player this summer, with Pep Guardiola looking to strengthen his defence, according to a report.
Man City targeting new left-back
Man City’s rebuild commenced in the January transfer window, with the likes of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez being brought in, and more reinforcements will be needed this summer, with Kevin De Bruyne set to leave.
Guardiola is also keen to bolster his options at left-back, given that Josko Gvardiol is one of the manager’s only options, and City are said to be in constant contact with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, who may now be available for just £30m this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie is also of interest to the Sky Blues, with new sporting director Hugo Viana pushing to sign the Italian, who he has been tracking since 2021, although it is unclear whether Spurs would be willing to strengthen a direct rival.
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1 ByDominic Lund Apr 15, 2025
According to a report from Spain, Man City have identified six targets at left-back, including Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras, who has enjoyed an outstanding season in the Liga Portugal.
Given his impressive form, Carreras is now among the City coaching staff’s favourite targets at left-back, indicating that Guardiola is a big fan, but a significant bid may be needed to prise him away from Benfica, given the 22-year-old’s importance to the Portuguese side.
Amid links to Liverpool earlier this season, it was revealed the left-back has a £42m release clause included in his Benfica contract, but it is unclear whether the Sky Blues would need to fork out the full amount to get a deal done.
Carreras impressing in the Champions League
There are clear signs the full-back could be able to make the step-up to a club of City’s stature, having put in some top performances in the Champions League this season, with reporter Alvaro de Grado describing him as one of the competition’s “revelations”.
The Spaniard made ten appearances in Europe’s elite competition, providing two assists prior to his side’s exit at the hands of Barcelona, while he has also impressed defensively over the past year, ranking highly across some key metrics.
Statistic
Average per 90
Assists
0.20 (86th percentile)
Interceptions
2.0 (99th percentile)
Blocks
1.50 (84th percentile)
Not only that, but the former Manchester United man has been indispensable for Benfica in the Liga Portugal, scoring an impressive goal in his side’s 4-1 triumph against FC Porto earlier this season.
It is clear that Guardiola will need to bring in a new left-back this summer, with the manager lacking options in that area of the pitch, and Carreras could be a fantastic long-term addition to the squad.