Former Scotland captain addresses findings ahead of New Zealand T20i
Sam Dalling27-Jul-2022Former Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer hopes the “shocking” findings of the Changing the Boundaries report published on Monday can be the catalyst for change in Scottish cricket.Carried out by consultancy firm Plan4Sport, the report cited 448 examples of institutional racism, with Cricket Scotland failing all but two of the 31 tests used to measure the scale of the issues.Last Sunday, ahead of the report’s publication, Cricket Scotland’s entire board resigned, in doing so offering an apology to those affected by institutional racism.Most notably that included the former Scotland internationals whose allegations had set the review in motion, Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh.Both were present at The Grange for the first match of Scotland’s series with New Zealand. Coetzer, who recently retired from T20I cricket but will continue to represent his country in one-day internationals, was speaking as part of the ICC’s live-stream coverage.”The report obviously showed some shocking findings,” he said. “Everyone processes things in their own way and everyone will have their own emotions around this. Everyone’s probably trying to take a chance to reflect and understand everything and learn as best we can.”But nobody should face racism and discrimination in the sport or any sport for that matter. And I know, being part of the playing group, we wholeheartedly hope that everyone can get through this, and I hope that things can move forward in a positive way.”More than 100 participants from across Scottish cricket were spoken to as part of Plan4Sport’s investigations. The report outlined 68 individual concerns that have been referred for further investigation. This includes 31 allegations of racism against 15 different people, two clubs and one regional association.It was also recommended that Cricket Scotland be placed under special measures by SportScotland until at least October 2023. An urgent review into Cricket Scotland’s governance was also proposed, while it was suggested that a minimum of 25% of new board members should be Black, South-East Asian, or other mixed or multiple ethnic groups.Coetzer, though, believes that the report should just be the starting point: “There’s a number of findings in there that need to be addressed and looked at so that’d be a good starting point,” he said.”But it’s also about trying to learn and trying to understand about this whole process and speak to each other to try and find out what would be best moving forward. It’s important that we can all work together and move in a more positive way and find positive changes in our sport. Hopefully, we can be a leading light for that in Scotland.”
England were frustrated as South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp and Tumi Sekhukhune maintained their resistance in the small windows of play the rain allowed on the final day of their Test in Taunton, but the weather had the final say as the match ended in a draw.Having taken two wickets in the morning session, England were left to rue a couple of missed opportunities, not to mention the rain which returned shortly before a scheduled late tea and set in long enough for captains Heather Knight and Sune Luus to shake hands with no prospect of a result.Credit must go to Kapp, following up her first-innings 150 to end 43 not out, and to a greater extent Sekhukhune, who had come in as nightwatcher with her side 45 for 3 on the penultimate evening and proved to be a veritable wall as England’s bowlers tried in vain to prise her out.Playing her first Test after 48 white-ball appearances for South Africa, Sekhukhune faced 134 balls for her unbeaten 33 with her side 181 for 5 in their second innings, a lead of 48 when play ended.The hosts had declared on the third morning 133 runs in front after Nat Sciver’s brilliant 169 not out and a century on Test debut for Alice Davidson-Richards.Sciver and Kate Cross combined to remove South Africa opener Andrie Steyn cheaply, then Issy Wong, the 20-year-old quick playing her first match for England, came steaming in under lights to remove Lara Goodall and Laura Wolvaardt, the latter for the second time in the match.England made an encouraging start to the last day as South Africa resumed still 78 runs in arrears, with Cross and Sophie Ecclestone removing the dangerous Luus and Lizelle Lee. But Sekhukhune was resolute and the indomitable Kapp took South Africa into the lead with a booming cover drive for four off Ecclestone.Cross came on for the seventh over of the day and struck with her seventh ball, trapping Luus lbw with a length ball that came back in as the South Africa captain stepped across her stumps and tried to work it square.England thought Ecclestone had Lee lbw when she was struck on the pad by one that spun back past the bat and the hosts reviewed, but Sue Redfern’s not-out decision was upheld on umpire’s call on impact.But they should have had Lee out in the next over when Wong was brought back into the attack. Lee slashed at a length ball just outside off and edged behind but the ball popped out of wicketkeeper Amy Jones’ glove as she leapt to her right to take a regulation chance.Rain interrupted play on the final day•Getty Images
Sekhukhune turned the next ball, off Ecclestone, firmly towards Tammy Beaumont at short leg, but she had very little time to react with the ball striking her on the shoulder. Then Lee chipped Ecclestone narrowly over Lauren Bell who was back pedalling from mid-on.Lee brought up South Africa’s 100 with consecutive fours off Wong, clearing cover and pulling through deep fine leg. But she gifted her wicket to Ecclestone who drew her in with a ball floated up well outside off stump and Lee’s eyes lit up as she lofted it towards wide mid-off where Cross had what seemed like an eternity to run back before holding a tumbling catch.An extended rain delay kept the players off the field for two hours and 45 minutes, including the lunch break. When play resumed, they managed 10.4 overs during which time Sekhukhune edged Wong to second slip where Ecclestone shelled a regulation chance.The rain returned heavier than it had been all match and the players ran from the field yet again, this time for good.
Levi Colwill lavished praise on the Chelsea support at Stamford Bridge for "giving the Tottenham fans extra stick" as the Blues edged out Spurs.
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Chelsea beat Tottenham 1-0
Colwill impressed with home support
Believes the fans "got us through" in the derby
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea tightened their grip on a top-four Premier League finish with a crucial 1-0 win over bitter London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, thanks to a goal from Enzo Fernandez in the second half. The result maintained Chelsea’s long-standing dominance over Spurs at home, with the North London club managing just a single win at the Bridge since 1990.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Following the final whistle, Chelsea defender Colwill didn’t hide his appreciation for the home crowd. In a post-match interview, the young centre-back singled out the Stamford Bridge support as a major factor behind their performance.
WHAT COLWILL SAID
In a chat with Colwill said: "It was a tough one out there, but it meant everything to me, the boys, and the fans, especially. The fans were amazing out there. They got us through that, I can tell you that. It was giving the Tottenham fans stick, and that was what we needed. That gave us the extra 10 minutes, the runs at the end, and the boys were buzzing from it. That was amazing."
Colwill also explained that the squad had done their homework on Ange Postecoglou’s tactics and executed their strategy with precision.
"We felt comfortable. We knew how they play and we knew how to hurt them. Today we played really well and we could've scored way more chances," he said.
"We're fighting for the Champions League and we need to win games. To win games, we have to change style sometimes. We knew they had a high line and we have Nicolas Jackson. He's a huge threat, into feet and in behind and we know if we play to his advantage we'll score goals. Today we did score goals through that."
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While Chelsea celebrated, the defeat only added to Tottenham’s growing woes. With just 34 points from 30 matches, the club now finds itself languishing in 14th place, a far cry from their usual European aspirations.
Manchester United have been really disappointing so far this season, and lost once again on Sunday afternoon, their final game before Christmas.
It was a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, the second time they have lost to the Cherries at home in two successive years.
Frustratingly for the Red Devils, not many of their big-name stars have performed to their best levels this term. The standout contributors have been Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes. The young Ivorian has five goals and eight assists while the United skipper has six goals and ten assists across competitions.
Alejandro Garnacho also had a fast start to the season, which has got the attention of some of United’s Premier League rivals.
The latest news on Alejandro Garnacho's future
It was a lightning-quick start to the 2024/25 campaign for United’s number 17. The Argentine winger had already scored and assisted ten goals by the end of October, making a flying start under former boss Erik ten Hag.
One of his best performances of the season came against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round. The 20-year-old scored two and assisted two in a 7-0 thrashing of the League One side, helping his side safely through to the next round.
However, he has slowed down recently and is now sitting on just eight goals and four assists for the season.
Life under Ruben Amorim has not been as smooth as the winger might have expected, with one goal in eight games so far. He was even dropped from the squad for the Manchester Derby.
It might be with that in mind that Garnacho has emerged as a transfer target for some of the world’s biggest clubs. According to CaughtOffside, one club in Europe is aiming to bring him in on loan with a £60m buy clause in the deal.
The interested parties include United’s Premier League rivals and Manchester City and Chelsea, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich also interested.
What Garnacho leaving would mean for Man United
It might well be a mistake for United to sell one of their premium talents and it could be their own version of when City sold Cole Palmer last summer, particularly if he moved to Stamford Bridge.
England international Palmer has been simply sensational at Chelsea this season. In Jamie Carragher’s opinion, he is “the best player in the Premier League”, especially if he continues this impressive form.
The 22-year-old star has scored 36 goals and registered 21 assists in 64 games across all competitions for the Blues. That includes 33 goals and assists in as many Premier League appearances in his first season at the club.
However, it was not always so simple for the Wythenshawe-born star, who was once not even a regular in the City team. Despite making his debut in the 2019/20 campaign, Palmer played just 41 games for the Citizens managing six goals and two assists in that time.
Whilst Pep Guardiola didn’t perhaps see the potential in Palmer, or at least did not have the chance to give him an opportunity, the West Londoners did. They paid £42.5m for the attacker, and the rest is history.
City made a huge faux pas in selling Palmer, who, as Carragher said, is now one of the best in the league. Indeed, this is not a mistake that United want to make, and they could well end up doing so if they sell Garnacho.
His record at United is even better than Palmer’s was at City. He has played 112 games for the Red Devils so far, an extraordinary feat for someone just 20 years of age. In that time, Garnacho has 36 goals and assists.
Games
112
41
Minutes
6298
1483
Goals
23
6
Assists
13
2
G/A per game
0.32
0.19
Selling one of their most exciting academy products to Chelsea or City could be a big error for United. Although it has been a slow start to life under Amorim, he is obviously very talented, as his goals record from this term shows.
It would be a big risk selling the winger to a Premier League rival. United could regret it, just as their biggest rivals from East Manchester did.
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The winger recently admitted that he’s ready for a new challenge.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are under new management. Just days after Gary O’Neil was given his marching orders after a poor start to the season, his replacement was confirmed.
Vitor Pereira is the man tasked with dragging the Old Gold away from the relegation zone, and he faces a tricky first match away to Leicester City, who are also fighting to avoid the drop.
Spells with Porto, Fenerbahçe, Olympiacos, and Flamengo ensure the manager won’t be daunted at taking on the Premier League, although he will have to get things right straight from the off if he wishes to keep his new club in the top flight.
Wolves team news vs Leicester City
Pereira will take on the Foxes with a nearly full-strength squad available to him. Indeed, only Pablo Sarabia will be missing due to injury, with the new boss confirming this in his pre-match press conference, saying: “it’s not possible with his calf”
Considering the Spaniard has played just seven times during 2024/25, scoring once, he will hardly be missed from the starting XI.
Rayan Ait-Nouri will be, however. The defender is suspended for the clash against Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s men after being sent off during the dying embers of the defeat to Ipswich Town last week.
This will be a major blow for Pereira as the left-back is capable of producing moments of magic that can turn games in Wolves’ favour, no doubt about that.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s statistics for Wolves this season
Ait-Nouri has been ever present for Wolves in the Premier League this season, starting every single one of the club’s 16 games thus far.
Across these matches, the defender has even managed to score three goals while registering three assists, showcasing his talents going forward into the final third.
The Algerian has also created two big chances, averages 0.9 key passes per game, and succeeds with 1.8 dribbles per game in the top flight, yet more evidence of his attacking talents.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s stats in the PL for Wolves
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
2
3
Assists
1
3
Big chances created
3
2
Key passes per game
0.8
0.9
Successful dribbles per game
1.9
1.8
Via Sofascore
While his main talents come in the opposition half of the field, his defensive abilities have also been on show. Indeed, Ait-Nouri has won 5.4 ground duels per game – a 57% success rate – along with making 2.5 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, and 2.1 clearances per game in the Premier League this term.
All of these statistics suggest that Pereira has a player who can change games in a heartbeat, and he will be missed this afternoon.
Remaining in the top flight will be crucial if the club wish to keep Ait-Nouri in the Midlands, especially with there being some interest shown in the defender.
Manchester City have shown plenty of admiration in the player in recent months, indicating that they could be ready to strike should Wolves’ poor form continue under their new coach.
While he will miss this weekend’s clash, Ait-Nouri will be back for the following week. The question is, who will Pereira call upon to take over on the left flank against the Foxes?
Ait-Nouri
Summer signing Rodrigo Gomes has the perfect profile, which could see him slot into the starting XI with ease. Will he win just his fourth Premier League start of the season this weekend?
How much Wolves signed Rodrigo Gomes for
In the summer transfer window, Gary O’Neil wasted no time in making sure his squad was strengthened ahead of the new season, bringing Gomes to the Midlands.
He cost around £12.7m from Braga, but given that the winger had played nearly 40 times for the club last term, scoring nine goals and grabbing eight assists in the process, that did not seem to be a significant fee.
“The type of player Rodrigo is, he had a fantastic season last season, playing in many different positions and he’s only 20 years old. For where we are as a club, he’s the perfect type of signing for us. He’s young and has potential.” Said O’Neil upon signing Gomes.
While he hasn’t quite had much action on the pitch, he impressed the manager in pre-season, who said: “He’s a real threat because he works tirelessly and always arrives in the goal.”
These words came after the winger scored against West Ham United and RB Leipzig ahead of the new season. Is now his chance to shine under the new manager and showcase his abilities?
Rodrigo Gomes’ stats for Wolves this season
Despite his impressive stats for Braga last season, Gomes has failed to score or grab an assist in ten games for the Old Gold this term.
He has averaged just 31 minutes per game in the top flight for Wolves. During that time, Gomes has created zero big chances, averaged 0.3 key passes per game, and succeeded with 40% of his attempted dribbles each match.
While not the most jaw-dropping statistics, there is plenty to work with as Gomes adjusts to life in the English top tier as it is certainly more difficult than the Portuguese league.
Although operating on the right wing for his club last term, Gomes has played wide on the left in his few opportunities at Wolves, which suggests he could be the perfect player to take over the reins from Ait-Nouri against the Foxes.
Having the likes of Matheus Cunha in front of him will only be a good thing, as the Brazilian will be able to link up well with Gomes in the final third, potentially forming a dynamic partnership in the process.
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If Pereira can lead the Old Gold to just their third league victory of the campaign this weekend, it could prove to be the catalyst required for them to start making their way up the table towards safety.
The Portuguese manager might not have been everyone’s preferred choice, but that won’t matter if he is able to turn things around at Molineux over the next few months. That’s for certain.
Pereira's own Neto: Wolves can land PL ace who's "a handful for defenders"
Wolves are looking for a boost to help them survive relegation
Newcastle United are now closely monitoring a player who has been tipped to be a future world-class star as they look to add to their ranks in the coming transfer windows, according to a fresh report.
Newcastle transfer news
Though they are currently flying in the Premier League, Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his Newcastle side in the upcoming transfer windows, having already admitted that he felt his squad was getting “stale” after a lack of action in the most recent summer transfer window.
“I think freshness is important in a squad – I won’t sit here and deny that,” he said in December. “There needs to be a certain element of trading in and out to keep the group dynamic new.
“A new dynamic and a new team always has to form every season. Sometimes, the same squad can produce a staleness and a negative product. So I think we’re aware of that. But it’s about what we’re able to do rather than ‘I want’. ‘I want’ is clear. We haven’t had a huge turnover of players and that’s a slight concern.”
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As it stands though, no business has been done on Tyneside this winter, with outgoings seemingly closer than any incomings. Miguel Almiron is in talks to depart, while Martin Dubravka was thought to be on the verge of moving to Saudi Arabia only for the move to have stalled.
His future may well be linked to a potential future arrival at the club, with Newcastle unwilling to lose their second choice goalkeeper without signing a replacement first, and not keen to commit a large chunk of their budget to signing one in January amid strong interest in James Trafford. Now though, a fresh report suggests that they may have had their gaze drawn to another shot-stopper this season.
Newcastle scouting goalkeeper who is ‘one of world’s greatest talents’
That is according to a report from TBR football, who claim that Newcastle are now “closely monitoring” goalkeeper Zion Suzuki’s performances at Parma as they look to plan for a future after Nick Pope.
The Japanese goalkeeper, who is still just 22-years-old, rejected the chance to move to Manchester United in 2023 and instead opted to head to Parma last summer, where he has made himself the undisputed first choice.
Zion Suzuki at Parma 24/25
Appearances
19
Goals conceded
30
Clean Sheets
3
Save %
68.9%
Expected goals prevented
+2.5
He particularly caught the eye during one performance against Torino, in which he made four saves worth 1.68 expected goals as he helped his side claim a point with a precious clean sheet, leading to him being dubbed “insane” by Rising Ballers on X.
Reportedly valued at £40m by Parma, he was hailed as “one of the greatest talents in the world at his position” by his head coach at former club Sint-Truiden, and TBR claim that Newcastle are the latest side to show an interest in his services.
It is reported that the Magpies have been “closely monitoring Suzuki over recent months” as they weigh up a potential future move, with scouts having been sent from Tyneside for a closer look at Japan’s no.1.
With money tight on Tyneside and Trafford reportedly available for half of the fee required to sign Suzuki, it may just be a watching brief for the Magpies.
“Because it’s a long season, I haven’t thought much about the WBBL – we’ll see”
S Sudarshanan06-Jul-20221:24
Shafali Verma: I have been working on my bowling for a long time
Shafali Verma is working consciously on improving strike rotation and not being over-reliant on hitting fours and sixes.”I think in ODIs, we need to concentrate more on taking singles and I am working on that,” Shafali said on Wednesday ahead of the final ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. “I watched some of my matches and found that I lack in [taking] singles. I felt that I should work more on rotating the strike and have done that. I did that in T20Is [against Sri Lanka] – taking singles of good balls. I was looking to play longer innings.”Related
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Shafali faced 71 balls in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, of which 37 yielded singles – a little over 50% of the balls faced. This year, in the 51 against New Zealand and 53 versus South Africa, the percentages of singles was 29.8 and 15.21 respectively.Shafali credited the change to her maiden WBBL stint last year, where she batted in the middle order for Sydney Sixers after a poor start to the competition as an opener, playing alongside the likes of Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner and Nicole Bolton. “I learnt a lot from batting in the middle order in WBBL,” she said. “I learnt that you can take singles, and single-doubles can then lead to a lot of boundaries.”She scored an unbeaten 71 – her best in ODIs – and was involved in an unbroken 174-run stand with Smriti Mandhana, in the second ODI in Sri Lanka, helping India achieve a record chase.Shafali and Mandhana have opened 14 times together in the format, stitching five fifty-run stands before the huge one the other day.”She always supports me on and off the field,” Shafali said of her opening partner. “She tells me my mistakes and where we can improve as a pair. We enjoy talking to each other on the field and there’s good bonding and are looking to have more partnerships.”Shafali’s role is not just restricted with the bat. Having bowled regularly in the domestic Senior Women’s T20 Trophy earlier in the year, she was handed the ball in the first T20I against Sri Lanka where she dismissed Ama Kanchana.”I have been bowling in the nets for a long time,” she said. “In this domestic season, I got a chance to bowl and got a lot of confidence. During our match simulation [with the national side] I bowled well and Harry [Harmanpreet Kaur] supported me and told me to work more on my bowling. So I have been practising single-wicket bowling in the nets.”Although Shafali has not ruled out participating in the upcoming WBBL, where Harmanpreet will be seen playing for Melbourne Renegades again, she said that she would think over it given the long season ahead for India. After their assignment in Sri Lanka, India travel for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games followed by a bilateral series against England. Then there is the Women’s T20 World Cup in February 2023 in South Africa.”Because it’s a long season – there are Commonwealth Games and [T20] World Cup – I haven’t thought much about the WBBL. We’ll see,” she said.
Manchester City are in advanced talks to sign a £50 million international forward who is open to joining the Blues in January.
Man City transfer news
Given how the 2024/25 season has gone for City so far, this month has the makings to be a busy period for Pep Guardiola’s side, as they look to try and get back to the top of the Premier League and make the knockout stages of the Champions League.
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It appears there are a few areas of the pitch that Guardiola would like to strengthen this month, with a new defender and midfielder high on the list of targets. Earlier this week it was reported that City are ready to make a move and sign Juventus defender Nicolo Savona. The full-back has impressed City, and they are ready to bring him to the Etihad as they are also ready to move Kyle Walker on at some point this year.
As well as defence, signing a new midfielder will be seen as important by Guardiola, as City have struggled since Rodri was sidelined with a season-ending injury. It’s been reported that City are ready to go all out and sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after holding internal talks over the player. Meanwhile, it was reported on Wednesday that the Blues are also ready to make a move for Lazio midfielder Nicolo Rovella. The 23-year-old is at Lazio on loan from Juventus, and City are ready to pay £33 million to bring him to the Etihad this month.
Man City in advanced talks with £50m ace
A new defender and midfielder are not the only positions the Premier League champions are looking at, as according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Man City are now in advanced talks to sign Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, and the player is open to a move this month.
It was reported earlier this week that City had held talks with Marmoush over a possible move to the Etihad after the 25-year-old continues to impress in the Bundesliga this season. The forward joined Frankfurt on a free transfer in July 2023, and since then, he has gone on to become one of the best attacking players in Germany, with only Harry Kane scoring more than him so far in the Bundesliga this season.
13 goals in 15 league games have alerted the attention of City, who, according to Plettenberg, are now in advanced talks to sign the forward. He states that concrete negotiations are taking place between the Premier League side and the management of Marmoush, and these talks are advanced, but a full agreement has yet to be reached.
Apps
65
Goals
35
Assists
18
He goes on to add that Marmoush “loves” Frankfurt, but he is open to a move this month as it represents a good opportunity for him. The Blues are offering the Egypt striker a contract until 2030, but as of now there are still negotiations between the two clubs, with Frankfurt wanting between 50 and 60 million euros, which is roughly £41-50 million.
Sheffield United are believed to have an “excellent” Championship player on their list of potential signings in the January transfer window, according to a new update.
Latest Sheffield United news
It has been a positive first half of the season for the Blades, who continue to look one of the front-runners to secure automatic promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in 2024/25. Chris Wilder’s side currently sit second in the league table behind leaders Leeds United, one point ahead of Burnley in third place, although back to back disappointing results was an unfortunate way to end the year.
Next up for United is a huge game away to fourth-place Sunderland on New Year’s Day, which will be a massive test of their promotion credentials. The Black Cats have impressed under Regis Le Bris this season, with young players such as Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham catching the eye.
Victory for the Blades would feel like one of their most significant results of the campaign so far, suggesting that they will have enough to return to the top flight. The January window will offer the chance for new faces to arrive at Bramall Lane, and they are being linked with a move for an impressive Championship player.
Sheffield United eyeing "excellent" player in January
According to a new report from The Sheffield Star, Sheffield United have Preston North End striker Emil Riis Jakobsen on their transfer list ahead of January.
The 26-year-old scored twice against the Blades’ rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship on Sunday, which were his sixth and seventh goals in the competition this season. He is out of contract at Deepdale at the end of the current season.
Jakobsen could be a really shrewd addition for United midway through the season and Preston could be tempted to sell him, in order to receive a fee for his signature, rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.
The Dane has impressed for some time now, with Ryan Lowe lauding him back in 2020, saying: “There’s not many (like him about). These number nines now, you look at Riis and he’s on the shoulder.
“He knows where it’s going, it’s the spin on the ball and the defender has turned the other way and it’s a great finish. But fair play to the boy, he was rejected at Derby County and didn’t do it there, but he’s scored his first league goal in the Championship and it was an excellent performance from him.”
For all the Blades’ excellence this season, no player has scored more than six goals in the Championship – Tyrese Campbell tops the pile – highlighting the need to bring in additional firepower.
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Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.
ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025
In Jakobsen, United would be snapping up a player who is hugely experienced at this level, giving them an extra boost in their promotion push between now and the end of the season.