Tottenham now "ready" to meet club's demands for "outrageous" £40m attacker

Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to meet a rival Premier League club’s demands and sign an “outrageous” attacker, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.

Tottenham ramping up attacking midfielder pursuit after Maddison blow

With the new Premier League season set to get underway this weekend, Tottenham fans are justified in feeling a little disappointed by their activity in the transfer window, having made very few major additions to the squad this summer.

Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have completed permanent moves to north London after initial loan spells, but otherwise Spurs have been quiet, with Mohammed Kudus the only other high-profile addition.

Having secured Champions League qualification, it is frustrating that Daniel Levy & co haven’t been able to strike while the iron is hot and bring in some top players, missing out on Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month.

Tottenham now discuss signing "genius" £25m attacker who's keen on PL move

Spurs have now held talks over the signing of an attacking midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 11, 2025

Not only that, but the Lilywhites have now lost Son Heung-min and James Maddison, with the former joining LAFC and the latter set for a significant spell on the treatment table after suffering an ACL injury.

Consequently, there is an even more pressing need to bring in a new attacking midfielder, and Tottenham are now ramping up their interest in multiple players, with Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze named as potential options.

Manchester City’s James McAtee and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott are also of interest, and Spurs are now “ready” to meet the Reds’ demands for the young Englishman, according to an update from Vidal on X.

England's James McAtee applauds fans after the match asHarveyElliottlooks on

The journalist states that Thomas Frank’s side are looking to “boost their attacking creativity”, and a move for Elliott could be on the cards, with the 22-year-old in line to receive regular game time if he moves to north London.

There is a feeling that Liverpool will sanction the England U21 international’s departure this summer, and a £40m fee has been touted.

"Outrageous" Elliott could be ideal Eze alternative

There is certainly no shortage of exciting options on Tottenham’s shortlist, with Eze perhaps chief amongst them, having outperformed the other targets in terms of attacking contributions in the Premier League last season.

Target

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

Eberechi Eze

34

8

8

Harvey Elliott

18

1

2

Bilal El Khannouss

32

2

3

James McAtee

15

3

0

However, the Crystal Palace star is also the most senior player at 27-years-old, meaning he received more game time, and it could be difficult for Spurs to win the race, given that Arsenal are thought to be closing in on a deal, having agreed a £55m fee.

Elliott could be the best option out of the remaining targets, given that he has been lauded as “outrageous” by scout Jacek Kulig in the past, while the Liverpool ace also has experience in the Champions League.

As such, it is exciting news that Tottenham are ready to meet Liverpool’s demands, and a fee of around £40m seems reasonable.

He's a bigger talent than Mbeumo: Man Utd make contact to sign £55m star

Manchester United’s business during the ongoing summer transfer window could prove to be crucial in Ruben Amorim’s stint as manager at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have demonstrated with their Premier League finish in 2024/25 that they’re miles behind where they should be, especially given the money spent in recent seasons.

Former boss Erik ten Hag spent in the region of £600m on players in his three summers in the role, with many of his additions failing to impress in England’s top-flight.

Erik ten Hag

The likes of Anthony, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund all arrived during the Dutchman’s tenure at the club, but all look set to depart this summer after falling down Amorim’s pecking order.

Any funds from such departures will likely be reinvested by the hierarchy to help the current boss in his quest for success, with numerous names already on their list this summer.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Bryan Mbeumo looked almost certain to be a United player next season, after he agreed personal terms with the Red Devils over a move to Old Trafford this window.

However, despite placing two separate bids for the 25-year-old this summer, no agreement has yet been reached with Brentford, with staff behind the scenes in Manchester said to be growing frustrated.

As a result, attention has been turned to other potential attacking reinforcements, with Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling a key target, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 19-year-old’s signature this summer, but could face tough competition from fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.

Plettenberg’s update also claims that the forward could be available for a fee in the region of £55m this summer, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship at the end of last season.

Why United’s £55m target is a bigger talent than Mbeumo

There’s no denying that Mbeumo has been one of the Premier League’s most deadly talents in recent seasons, as seen with his tally of 20 goals during the 2024/25 campaign.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

The Cameroonian is more than deserving of a big-money move this window, with United the side pushing the most for his signature despite their recent unsuccessful offers.

The player himself has stated his desire to join Amorim’s side during the off-season, but ultimately, no deal can be completed until a fee has been agreed between the two clubs.

Many supporters will still see Mbeumo as the number one option in attacking areas, but they could land themselves a bigger talent in the form of Dibling, should they choose to pursue a move for the teenager’s signature.

Last campaign was his first at senior level, but he wasted no time in impressing, leading to one Liverpool analyst comparing the forward to Gareth Bale after his display at Anfield.

Such a comparison is no mean feat, given the Welshman was arguably one of the division’s best players a handful of years ago, managing to score 71 goals for Tottenham Hotspur across two separate spells.

Despite also being six years younger than Mbeumo, he’s also managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further highlighting why he’d be a more exciting talent.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher tally of progressive passes per 90, along with a higher pass completion rate – having the ability to aid others within the final third.

He also managed to complete more take-ons per 90, along with an increased tally of carries into the final third, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

33

38

Goals & assists

2

27

Progressive passes

3.8

3.4

Pass accuracy

81%

66%

Take-ons completed

2.2

1.3

Carries into final third

2.4

1.8

Key passes made

1.9

1.8

Fouls won

2.4

1.1

The youngster was a constant nuisance to various backlines last season, including the Red Devils’ winning a penalty against them at St Mary’s, contributing to his tally of 2.4 fouls won per 90.

£55m may be seen as a huge investment for such an inexperienced talent, but it’s a risk worth taking given the levels he’s produced at a below-average Premier League outfit.

He’s already proven that he can outperform Mbeumo in numerous key areas, undoubtedly only going to get better too, playing alongside top-level talents for many years to come should he move to Old Trafford this window.

Perfect for Bruno & Mbeumo: Man Utd to make bid for £20m star this week

Manchester United’s summer spending spree shows no signs of slowing down ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 9, 2025

The next Rice: Arsenal open talks to sign "generational" £85m sensation

Rival supporters will mock the continued lack of silverware at Arsenal, but it is hard to ignore the progress that is being made under Mikel Arteta’s watch, having notably enjoyed a thrilling Champions League run last time out.

Yes, it may have all ended in heartbreak, but football is a game of moments, and few have been better in the Emirates era than that night against Real Madrid, with Declan Rice coming up clutch for the Gunners.

Up against the holders and 15-time winners of the competition, Arteta’s men showed no signs of inferiority, with a collectively stunning performance epitomised by those two magic set-pieces from the club’s record signing. Who knew that the Englishman had that in his locker?

The recipient of the Gunners’ Player of the Year award – as voted for by fans – Rice is slowly but surely taking on talismanic status in north London, representing the leader without the armband in Arteta’s ranks.

While £105m looked like a sizeable investment two years ago, the 26-year-old has since backed up claims from former West Ham United boss David Moyes that he actually could have fetched more than £150m, such has been his “level of performance”.

Arsenal's Declan Rice celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates

If recent reports are to be believed, Arteta and co could be in the mix to make another similarly statement signing this time around.

Arsenal open talks for forward signing

The transfer circus is certainly in full swing, with things having reached the stage where the social media activity of a transfer target is even being scrutinised, as journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that a certain Benjamin Sesko has begun following the club on Instagram.

Read into that what you will, although it is no real secret that the Gunners are working on a deal for the Slovenian striker, albeit with an issue over the 22-year-old’s price tag still to be resolved with RB Leipzig.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has shed light on another potential attacking reinforcement that could be on his way to north London, with the respected insider revealing on the Latte Firm YouTube Channel that work has begun on a move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.

Transfer Focus

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

As Mokbel hinted, talks have seemingly begun with the Hammers amid the claim that Arsenal are among one of the Premier League’s top six who have made an “enquiry” regarding the Ghanaian forward:

“My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.

“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six; Arsenal are one of them. That could be one to watch in the absence of getting Rodrygo or Gordon which would be difficult deals to get over the line.”

West Ham United's MohammedKudusin action with Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Leandro Trossard

As Mokbel noted, the former Ajax man – who joined the Irons on a £38m deal in 2023 – could be available for less than his £85m release clause, with the race now on for his coveted signature.

Why Kudus would be a good signing for Arsenal

As already noted, it’s fair to say that Arsenal have got their money’s worth after their previous dealing with West Ham, with that man Rice providing 36 goals and assists from just 103 games in all competitions in his new surroundings.

The man who led his former employers to Conference League glory in 2023, prior to his high-profile exit, the Three Lions mainstay has certainly kicked on from his time in east London, where he provided just 28 goal involvements in 245 games across all fronts.

At one stage a defensive-minded midfielder, or even a centre-back, at West Ham, Rice has since been unleashed under Arteta’s tutelage, with the Spaniard having found the perfect role for his statement signing in an advanced number eight berth.

Centre-forward

51

16

3

Right winger

50

21

10

Attacking midfield

49

11

6

Central midfield

46

11

3

Left winger

19

6

3

Right midfield

3

0

2

Left midfield

2

0

0

Second striker

1

0

1

Hopefully, the former Manchester City assistant can replicate that feat with regard to Kudus, with the fleet-footed sensation in need of a settled role, after lining up on either flank, as a number ten, and even as a centre-forward during his time at the London Stadium to date.

Like Rice too, there is certainly room for growth, with the 24-year-old coming off the back of a disappointing campaign in which he provided just five goals and four assists in all competitions, as West Ham toiled under Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.

Such woes should not overshadow Kudus’ undoubted talent, however, as he had previously registered 23 goals and assists in 2023/24 during Moyes’ final season in charge, having also been dubbed a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith.

With 39 goals and assists also under his belt in just 87 games in Amsterdam, the dynamic left-footer is a figure who can wreak havoc in the final third when at his best, as shown by the fact that he ranked in the top 3% of his Premier League peers for successful take-ons per 90 last season, as per FBref.

That dribbling prowess also mirrors his ability as a ball carrier, something he shares with Rice. Indeed, the pair averaged 3.41 and 2.66 carries per 90, respectively, in the top-flight in 2024/25.

Such quality, if harnessed in the right way, could well be a real asset to Arteta’s forward line, with now the time for the Accra-born speedster to finally find a consistent, settled role for himself.

Lauded by Potter for his “really good” performance against the Gunners, during West Ham’s shock 1-0 win at the Emirates earlier this year, Kudus has also been described as something of an “example” at the club by the Englishman.

It could then be the case that after poaching Rice two years ago, Arteta could return with a fresh raid for another of the Hammers’ main men this summer.

Mikel Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign £94m forward this summer

They know the costs of what would be a marquee deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

More important than Gudmundsson: Leeds open talks to sign £19m star

Leeds United may be closing in on their fourth signing of the summer transfer window, as they have reportedly agreed a fee to sign Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The Whites are said to have agreed a deal worth around £10m to bring the Sweden international to Elland Road, which comes after journalist Graham Smyth claimed that they were close to a deal on Saturday.

Daniel Farke could, therefore, be set to have his new first-choice left-back in the building in the coming days, after Junior Firpo left the club at the end of last month when his contract expired.

LOSC Lille's Gabriel Gudmundsson against Atletico Madrid.

Whilst Gudmundsson, who started 20 Ligue 1 games last season, could be a key addition to start at left-back, the Whites are reportedly eyeing a deal for a star who would be even more important to the team.

Leeds make contact to sign Serie A star

A solid left-back is an important cog in the XI, but Leeds need a new first-choice goalkeeper to be their last line of defence in the Premier League next season.

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 Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Leeds United have made contact with Torino to enquire about a potential deal for goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

The reporter claims that Serie A champions Napoli are also interested in signing the Serbia international this summer, but they have yet to make contact with their Italian rivals.

Torino'sVanjaMilinkovic-Savicduring the warm up

Di Marzio adds that the 28-year-old titan has a release clause in his contract with Torino that allows teams from abroad to snap him up for a fee of £19m.

Why Leeds should sign Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

The Whites should press ahead with a £19m deal for the 6 foot 8 titan because he would be an incredibly important signing for Farke as an upgrade on Illan Meslier.

Milinkovic-Savic, who was hailed as “underrated” by manager Paolo Vanoli, has proven himself to be a top performer in the Serie A in the last two seasons, conceding 14.2 fewer goals than expected based on the post-shot xG of the efforts against him.

Meslier conceded 2.73 more goals than expected and was dropped for Karl Darlow at the end of last season in the Championship, which does not suggest that he will be the reliable goalkeeper that Farke needs in the Premier League.

Leeds will need a strong shot-stopper to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding an instant relegation to the second tier, which is why Milinkovic-Savic could be a particularly important signing.

Appearances

39

37

Save percentage

71%

76%

Penalties committed

1/4

4/7

Goals prevented

-2.73

+10.56

Pass accuracy in own half

93%

93%

Error led to goal

3

1

As you can see in the table above, the Serbian colossus would be a significant upgrade on what Farke currently has at his disposal between the sticks as he prevented between 13 and 14 more goals for his team than Meslier, whilst playing at a higher level.

These statistics suggest that Milinkovic-Savic could consistently bail out his defenders with huge saves, whilst the French goalkeeper could consistently let his team down by conceding more than expected.

As aforementioned, the goalkeeper position is even more crucial than the left-back role for Leeds because of the relegation battle that they are likely to be in, which is why signing a top-quality stopper like the Torino gem is even more important than bringing Gudmundsson in.

Whilst the Lille left-back may be an experienced and solid option, Milinkovic-Savic appears to be a gigantic upgrade for the starting XI, and a star who could win vital points for the team with his saves.

Better signing than Bornauw: Leeds close in on signing £6m "risk-taker"

Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be an even better signing than Sebastiaan Bornauw.

2 ByDan Emery Jul 6, 2025

Arsenal enter race to sign £25m Sesko alternative who's "like Haaland"

It might seem overly simple, but if there is one thing Arsenal need to add to the squad this summer, it’s goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side are well known for being one of the hardest teams to break down in world football – and the data shows it – but time and time again this season, the North Londoners found it hard to put the ball in the back of the net when it really mattered.

So, while the addition of Martin Zubimendi will be a great one – when it eventually happens – the club need to do a lot more and strengthen the frontline.

Arsenal manager MikelArtetain the stands before the match

Fortunately, reports have now linked the Gunners with another option to lead the line next season, someone who could be a great alternative to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal’s hunt for a new number nine has been ongoing for over a year now, and over the last few weeks, Sesko and Gyokeres have been constantly linked.

The former was a target last summer, again in the winter, and now, for the third window on the bounce, he has been dominating the talk around the club, with reports suggesting he could cost at least £67m.

The situation is even more unclear regarding the Swedish international, as while he supposedly rejected Manchester United in favour of the Gunners, reports from late last week claimed that Sporting CP’s demands had seen the North Londoners ‘freeze’ their interest in the 27-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

So, it looks like the Gunners might need to seek out an alternative, which could help explain the links to Dušan Vlahović.

Yes, according to a recent report from TuttoJuve, Arsenal are now in the picture for the Juventus marksman.

The report has revealed that in light of Sporting wanting at least €80m – £68m – for Gyokeres, Arteta and Co are now ‘evaluating valid alternatives,’ one of which is the Serbian international.

No price is mentioned in the report, but stories from last month claimed that the 25-year-old goalscorer could be available for just £25m, which could make him an ideal alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres.

Why Vlahović could be a great alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres

Okay, so the first thing to say is that one of the advantages to signing Vlahović over Gyokeres and Sesko is that he’d cost substantially less and, therefore, free up more money to spend elsewhere.

Juventus' DusanVlahovicin action with Empoli's Saba Goglichidze

However, while you would expect someone who could cost less than half as much as the Leipzig star, for example, would be significantly less effective, that is not the case.

When it comes to raw output, he’s only marginally worse than the Slovenian star, who is playing in a top-five league and, therefore, at a similar level.

Appearances

41

45

52

Minutes

2569′

3258′

4248′

Goals

15

21

54

Assists

5

6

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.48

0.60

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.45′

120.66′

63.40′

Moreover, while he is miles off the Sporting star, it’s important to note that research from Opta Analyst found that 11 of 18 teams in the Portuguese top-flight are League One standard.

That brings us to one of the significant benefits of signing the Serb, who former Juventus striker Darko Kovacevic once said is “just like Haaland”, over the other two: his vast experience at the highest level.

For example, across his career to date, the Belgrade-born monster has made 202 appearances in Serie A.

In comparison, the former RB Salzburg gem has made just 64 appearances in the Bundesliga, while the Stockholm-born poacher has never played a minute of football in a top-five league.

Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up

Ultimately, Vlahović probably wouldn’t be the most exciting addition Arsenal could make to the frontline this season, but he has a proven track record in a tough league, is almost as effective as Sesko and would cost a fraction as much.

Therefore, if the Gunners cannot get their hands on either the Leipzig star or Gyokeres this summer, then the Juventus ace would be a great alternative.

Arsenal set to bid for £40m star who has heart set on move to Emirates

The Gunners could land a long-term target…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 16, 2025

It's time to change your opinion about Riyan Parag, even if he won't

All the runs in domestic cricket, “that constant support from myself to myself”, and a maturity that’s taken time coming have lifted Parag to the next level

Shashank Kishore29-Mar-20244:17

Moody: Parag showed us what he’s capable of doing

Riyan Parag had nailed it. Standing deep inside the crease, he picked the length early and walloped the pull front of square. Parag’s eyes were on the ball, in total self-admiration of the connection he had made. Anrich Nortje looked away without looking up.Parag had already hit Nortje for a sequence of 4, 4, 6 and 4 earlier in that over, the final one of the innings. This six, however, took the cake for savagery, swagger and aesthetics all rolled into one. It was as if he knew what was coming. He was ready when the ball – a bouncer at 144kph – was halfway to him, some 0.3 seconds earlier.The over cost 25 and Parag finished unbeaten on 84 off 45 balls as Rajasthan Royals made 185. Astonishing as it may sound, Parag is one of only two batters with over 1000 T20 runs at No. 4 with a strike rate of over 150 and an average over 40. Only once prior to this knock had he batted at this position in the IPL.Related

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Parag comes of age to keep Capitals, and away teams, winless

The only other man to have such numbers was watching from afar, awed by what he had just seen. Four years ago, Suryakumar Yadav had been in Parag’s shoes, doing unreal things that earned him the admiration of his seniors. Then India head coach Ravi Shastri was among those wowed by the pyrotechnics.”Surya Namaskar. Stay strong and patient,” Shastri had tweeted, perhaps in an effort to console the man who had missed out on national selection despite having had the kind of IPL he had that year: averaging 40.22 and striking at 155.36 as a finisher; 235 of his 480 runs came in death overs alone, faster than Hardik Pandya and just a shade slower than at Kieron Pollard’s strike rate of 210.25.The same Suryakumar was now watching on TV, gushing about what he’d just seen. “Met a guy at NCA few weeks ago,” his post on X read. “He came with a slight niggle. Completely focused on his recovery and with great discipline working on his skills. And I was not wrong to tell that to one of the coaches there ‘He is a changed guy’. Riyan Parag 2.0. Watch out.”

Watch out, indeed.Because Parag did what he did on Thursday against Delhi Capitals while on a high dose of antibiotics. Severe dehydration and fever had nearly ruled him out of the fixture. He could hardly connect with the ball at training on match eve. He was cramping, and the weakness had gotten to him.”I’ve had to work very hard,” Parag said at the post-match presentation. “For the last three days, I was in bed, sick. I just got up with painkillers and could manage today. I’m happy for myself.”In an age of diplomacy, that Parag chose to give himself credit was quite revealing. It gave you a peek into the mind of the 22-year-old, who has elicited contrasting opinions over the years, uncharitable for the most part: about his game, his celebration, his raised collar, the confidence that many believed bordered on the cocky, or the arrogant. That Parag didn’t conform didn’t seem to sit well with many.This seemed to bother him earlier. Not anymore.”I’ve said multiple times, I know what my opinion is about myself,” he said. “No matter what anyone says, I don’t let that change. That has never changed regardless of whether I’m performing or not performing. Even if I got a zero today, that opinion was never going to change. That constant support from myself to myself always helps.”

“We had a chat right here last night that someone from the top four has to bat the 20 overs. On a wicket like that, for someone coming in new, it is very challenging. In the first match Sanju [Samson] did it, today I did it. It’s always fun when everything works out”Riyan Parag

On match eve, Kumar Sangakkara spoke in detail about what Royals had seen in this 2024 version of Parag. And it gave them the belief that he deserved the No. 4 spot, that he was too good a player to simply be used as a finisher. This season so far, in two innings, he has scored a lot more (127) than his entire IPL 2023 tally (78 in seven innings).It wouldn’t have surprised people following Indian domestic cricket. Parag was the highest run-getter and the highest six-hitter at the 50-over Deodhar Trophy, where he made two hundreds and a near-century in five innings. At the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20s, he made 510 runs at a strike rate of 182.79, including a run of seven straight fifty-plus scores. On Thursday, there was a maturity to his innings that stems from an understanding of his own game.”You get a lot of confidence from getting runs in the domestic circuit,” he said. “We had a chat right here last night that someone from the top four has to bat the 20 overs. On a wicket like that, for someone coming in new, it is very challenging. In the first match Sanju [Samson] did it, today I did it. It’s always fun when everything works out.”Against Capitals, Parag had to steady a wobbly innings. Having walked in at 30 for 2 in the sixth over, he was on 0 off 4. It could have prompted his earlier version to have a swipe at the fifth. But he tapped a single to long-off. It also helped that R Ashwin, promoted to No. 5 as a spin-disruptor, helped nudge the scoring rate higher during their partnership.At one point, Parag was on a run-a-ball 26. But something about Ashwin’s two sixes in an over off Nortje seemed to flick Parag’s switch on too, as if that was a sign that he could finally take off. And when he did, Parag was quite a sight to behold.Riyan Parag brought up his half-century off 34 balls but finished on 84* off 45•BCCIHe tore into Khaleel Ahmed, whipping a hip-high short ball over backward square-leg for six with some nonchalance. In the same over, Khaleel went full with deep cover and wide long-off, only to see Parag open the bat face late to slice him behind point for four. Then, when he went around the wicket, trying to bowl full and into the body, Parag moved leg side of the ball to loft him over extra cover for six. The full range was beginning to make an appearance.By now, Parag wasn’t just picking his spots, he was also playing the field and running on instinct.Like in the 16th over, when he outclassed Mukesh Kumar. Having just been pulled in front of square by Dhruv Jurel, Mukesh had demanded protection at deep midwicket. That confidence allowed him to bowl full on middle and leg. Except, Mukesh hadn’t accounted for Parag’s wristwork in picking the low full toss over square leg. He’d picked his spot to perfection.The shot he got to his half-century with was equally astonishing – backing away to a slot ball and lofting it over long-off with an element of bottom hand. From being in first gear for large parts, Parag was on overdrive, having gotten to fifty off just 34 balls.The full-blown carnage, though, hadn’t yet arrived. And when it did in the final over, Nortje, Capitals and everyone else, watched with their jaws touching the floor. It was destructive batting like rarely seen, full of method and oodles of confidence.It was summed up later with a one-liner, said in earnest. “This is just the beginning, a small start.”

Smooth BPL 2022 despite Covid cloud will mean big gains for Bangladesh cricket

Everything is in place for the BPL’s big return, but onus is on the stakeholders to make sure restrictions are not breached in any way

Mohammad Isam21-Jan-2022This, the eighth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), will be the first to be staged since the pandemic began, and it has already been impacted. The BCB has admitted to there being “a few positive cases” already from the first round of tests before teams entered their hotels, and given that testing will continue until the start of the tournament, today, more bad news cannot be ruled out.This season of the BPL is of great significance for Bangladesh, particularly in light of their poor performance in last year’s T20 World Cup. With another on the horizon in Australia, a high-profile domestic tournament becomes a prime testing ground.Related

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It is also extremely important for the BCB to successfully stage its first BPL in two years, given it has brought in profits of approximately US$ 23 million since 2012, and is easily their most lucrative product. That has never stopped the BCB from experimenting with the tournament’s model or format and that has at times hit the league’s reputation adversely. All of which means that – with the added hazards of a pandemic – there is very little room for error.Foremost among the challenges is the pandemic itself. Bangladesh is currently experiencing an Omicron surge, with the daily case count rising 25-fold between January 1 and January 19. The positivity rate stands at 25%.The BCB has so far struck confident notes on the matter. Instead of biobubbles, it will use a managed event environment system, allowing everyone part of the BPL to move around without restriction in tournament hotels and training facilities at the three stadiums.”We are trying to apply guidelines from the Tokyo Olympics,” Dr Debashis Chowdhury, the BCB’s chief physician, said. “We have managed health protocols quite well during previous international series. It went by mostly without problems.”But here a lot of it depends on the stakeholders, like franchise officials and players. If we are aware of what’s going on around us, we can complete the BPL successfully.”

“With the travel restrictions, the technicians were also unable to fly [into Bangladesh]. The technicians are now working in two different countries and they won’t be able to come to Bangladesh in this situation”BPL secretary Ismail Haider Mallick explains why there won’t be any DRS

But therein lies a potential problem. Several teams have held unofficial practice sessions, together, at the academy ground adjacent to the Shere Bangla National Stadium. The jersey-launch programmes held in private hotels over the last week have also seen players and staff come in close contact with people who are not part of the BPL.”We must be careful when we are in a crowd if we want to end the tournament successfully,” Chowdhury stressed.Ultimately, how franchises manage their own spaces is going to matter the most. The BCB has put in place a Covid-19 compliance officer in all the hotels to ensure proper measures are followed. And there is also now a template that the BPL can draw from: Australia’s Big Bash League has kept going despite around 40 positive cases during the ongoing season, with continuous tweaks to the schedule and venues.One of the smaller side-effects of the pandemic is that there will be no DRS for the tournament.”We cannot keep DRS in the Covid situation, and with the travel restrictions, the technicians were also unable to fly [into Bangladesh],” BPL secretary Ismail Haider Mallick explained. “The technicians, divided into two teams, are now working in two different countries and they won’t be able to come to Bangladesh in this situation.”No one wants to come because of Omicron. We will host Afghanistan after BPL. We have to talk about whether we can include DRS in the series or not.”Despite the many disruptions over the years, the BPL continues to attract big stars from around the world•BCBIf there is any disruption, it won’t be new for the BPL. It has dealt with its fair share of problems since its inception, from corruption to player-payment issues, to sudden rule changes to unruly behaviour from team owners.In the last edition in 2019-20, for example, Krishmar Santokie bowled a no-ball so massive in the first game it attracted the attention of the BCB’s anti-corruption unit (he was cleared). The BCB-run teams were found to be disregarding selection rules put in place by the board itself. There was also talk of sponsors meddling in selection matters.This season hasn’t been problem-free either, and we haven’t even started.The BCB had to remove the Dhaka owners after they failed to pay the required bank guarantee within the stipulated time. The BCB took over the franchise, picked a team, and then another company came forward to sponsor the team.The league still manages to attract its share of big stars, though. Though figures have not been made public, according to many, the league is one of the highest-paying ones. Andre Russell, a BPL regular who is reportedly getting US$ 250,000 to play this time, skipped the BBL last season to play in the Bangladesh league. He has also gone on record saying the BPL is “more fun”.It might not be as much fun this season, within managed environments and, crucially, empty stadiums. The BCB is following government orders in not allowing crowds at games. But that’s not to say the BPL will not, once again, be the centre of attention in Bangladesh cricket.

Cazares marca no fim, e Santos vence Inter de Limeira de virada pelo Paulistão

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos venceu de virada a Inter de Limeira por 3 a 2 neste sábado (9), na Vila Belmiro, pela última rodada da fase de grupos do Campeonato Paulista. Os gols do Peixe foram marcados por Julio Furch (2x) e Cazares. Quirino (2x) anotou para os visitantes.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Santos

Com o resultado, o Peixe assegurou a segunda melhor campanha na fase regular do torneio estadual e encara a Portuguesa nas quartas de final da competição. A equipe do interior, por sua vez, enfrenta o Bragantino, em Bragança Paulista.

⚽COMO FOI A PARTIDA?

O Santos encontrou dificuldades para criar oportunidades na primeira etapa e viu Quirino, atacante rival, abrir o placar. No lance seguinte, Furch marcou de cabeça e igualou o marcador. Bem na partida, a equipe visitante viu Quirino vencer o duelo contra a zaga do Peixe e marcar seu segundo gol no duelo.

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A segunda etapa foi de domínio total do time de Fábio Carille. Furch. De pênalti, Furch igualou o marcador, e Cazares, nos minutos finais, virou a partida.

✅O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

Nas quartas de final do Paulistão, o Santos encara a Portuguesa, no domingo (17), na Vila Belmiro.

✅ SANTOS 3 X 2 INTER DE LIMEIRA
Campeonato Paulista – Primeira fase – Décima Segunda Rodada

Data e horário: Sábado, 9 de Março de 2024, às 18h00 (de Brasília)
Local: Vila Belmiro, Santos (SP)
Árbitro: Matheus Delgado Candançan
Assistentes: Luiz Alberto Andrini Nogueira e Mauro Freitas

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⚽ ESCALAÇÕES

SANTOS
João Paulo; Hayner, Joaquim, Gil e Felipe Jonatan; Nonato, Rincón e Cazares; Otero, Pedrinho e Furch. Técnico: Fábio Carille

INTER DE LIMEIRA
Max; JP Galvão, Jussani, Mancini e César; Émerson, Lima e Bochecha; João Felipe, Albano e Quirino. Técnico: Júnior Rocha

Tudo sobre

Campeonato PaulistaFutebol Nacional

Hardik back in India's T20I squad for South Africa, Gill to play subject to fitness

Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy were dropped from the T20I side

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-20252:14

Hardik back in T20I squad; Washington preferred over Rinku

Hardik Pandya has been named in India’s 15-member squad for the T20Is against South Africa after an injury layoff kept him out of action for over two months.India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill, who has been recovering from a neck injury he sustained in the first Test in Kolkata, was also named in the squad, but his participation will depend on his fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE). Suryakumar Yadav will lead the squad for the five-match series starting on December 9.There was no place in the side for Rinku Singh and allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy who had toured Australia recently for the T20I series. Those were the only two omissions from India’s last T20I assignment.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Hardik returned to action on Tuesday in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), India’s domestic T20s, for Baroda. He opened the bowling for figures of 1 for 52 and then batted at No. 4 to smash an unbeaten 77 off 42 balls with four sixes and seven fours for a seven-wicket win over Punjab. That was his first match since the Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka on September 26.Rinku didn’t bat at all on the Australia tour and was picked in the XI only for the last T20I of the series, in Brisbane, which was washed out after 4.5 overs. That was his only international outing since hitting the winning runs in the Asia Cup final and he is currently playing in the SMAT for Uttar Pradesh.Reddy also didn’t get any chances in the T20Is in Australia but his exclusion was expected once Hardik was fit again.If Gill doesn’t regain his fitness in time, Sanju Samson could open along with Abhishek Sharma, which he has been doing while leading Kerala in the ongoing domestic T20s. In Australia, Samson batted at No. 3 in the only chance he got, in the second T20I in Melbourne. He was also in the XI for the opening game but Suryakumar batted at No. 3 and the match was washed out after 9.4 overs.Jitesh Sharma is the second wicketkeeper in the side. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the fast-bowling attack along with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Hardik, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are the allrounders while Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are the frontline spinners.The five matches will be played on December 9, 11, 14, 17 and 19 in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad respectively. South Africa won the two-Test series 2-0 and India led the ODI series 1-0 when the T20I squad was announced during the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday.India’s T20I squad for South Africa seriesSuryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill (vice-capt)*, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar
*Subject to fitness clearance from BCCI CoE.

'I need to be very smart' – bitten and shy Kishan shows off his new gears

“Whenever I go in with a target, I just do very badly. So let’s not keep any target this season,” Ishan Kishan says after rescuing Jharkhand against Tamil Nadu with an uncharacteristic century

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Oct-2025Ishan Kishan is focused on the present, and wants to enjoy every opportunity he gets, irrespective of the level he is playing in.He’s currently captaining Jharkhand in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, and began with a back-to-the-wall century, his ninth in first-class cricket, to rescue his side after the top order wobbled against Tamil Nadu on a greenish surface in Coimbatore.Kishan ended the opening day unbeaten on 125, having faced 183 deliveries. This helped Jharkhand end strongly on 307 for 6, with the pair of Kishan and Sahil Raj having added an unbroken 150-run stand for the seventh wicket.Related

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“At this stage, I need to be very smart,” he said after the day’s play to . “You need to understand the importance of the Ranji Trophy. You need to understand the importance of these matches when you play against big teams.”Kishan walked out to bat at No. 5, with Jharkhand in trouble at 79 for 3 just after lunch. He buckled down for a better part of the next two sessions, shelving the big hits for a large part. That he hit only two sixes in his innings is some indication of the restraint he showed.”You make so many mistakes initially in your career and then later you realise the real meaning of experience,” he said. “You have to be in the middle and only then you can change the game.”I was checking the wind when the left-arm spinner was bowling. I really wanted to go hard against him. But looking at the scoreboard, six wickets down did not feel right for me. I did it [bat with caution] once in the Irani Cup and here in the Ranji Trophy, where I’m the experienced and the only India player in the team, my job was to ensure we were batting at stumps.

“Whenever I go in with a target, I just do very badly. I just do something which is not important. So let’s not keep any target this season. Just keep on batting”Ishan Kishan

“I was actually wanting to go for sixes. But the situation demanded otherwise. This comes with experience. When you play enough matches, you understand sometimes that singles are more important than sixes and over a period of time, your mindset changes. A partnership was important to make their bowlers tired.”Kishan has had a decent build-up to the season. After a short county stint with Nottinghamshire, where he hit 77 and 87 in two innings, he was in line to be recalled to the India squad for the fifth Test against England at The Oval as a cover after Rishabh Pant’s injury.However, Kishan suffered bruises from an e-bike accident in the UK around the same time. Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan was eventually picked as cover, with Dhruv Jurel as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in Pant’s absence. Upon his full recovery, Kishan featured for Rest of India in the Irani Cup earlier this month, prior to the start of the Ranji season.”Whenever I go in with a target, I just do very badly,” Kishan said. “I just do something which is not important. So let’s not keep any target this season. Just keep on batting. If you are in the middle, you will get as many runs as you want. That’s the only goal for me.”

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