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England’s World Cup-winning U-19 players went on to have very different lives. Some of glory and Tests, others of loneliness and broken dreams

Tanya Aldred28-Aug-2010In 1998, 15 young men, slightly wet around the ears, slightly cocky, lifted the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. No one had anticipated that they would be English, and it emerges no one quite knew what to do with them.Eleven years later David Tossell decided to track them down, from the fields of Northampton’s County Ground, to the offices of Gray-Nicolls, to the London sanctuary of a property investor. Each one spoke openly and what emerges is an ode to the joy, cruelty and terrible loneliness that can come with being a professional cricketer.Only seven of the 15 still play first-class cricket: Stephen Peters, Paul Franks, Chris Schofield, Owais Shah, Robert Key, Graham Napier and Graeme Swann – the undoubted star of the book. Swann’s vivid memories from the World Cup, his astute reflections on his team-mates, his self-awareness and his own bizarre career path make him a wonderfully quotable subject.There are thoughtful reflections from passing coaches and selectors. The cosseted lives of today’s players are discussed by David Capel, the Northants coach, who tells Tossell that, “…[my generation] were like old men compared to today’s players. We all looked 40. We were a more life-hardened set of people. Many had been labourers since 16 years of age.”But the soul of the book comes from the broken dreams of those less fortunate. As Angus Fraser said to Owais Shah, the U-19 captain and outstanding batsman of his generation, who has only played four Tests, there are more bad days than good. Chris Schofield, who at one point was reduced to ferrying my next-door neighbour and his friends from Littleborough to Manchester United games, tells of how he turned up for his Test debut to find no one had seen him bowl; Stephen Peters, once tipped for England, talks of seeing grown men crying in the dressing room; and Jamie Grove, whose career finally floundered on one over that went for 20 runs on Twenty20 finals day in 2003, tells a horrendous story of mistreatment by club and supporters.”After that game I had death threats. I had people saying they were going to rape my wife. I went to the club’s office and said I want to call the police… but they refused to let me. In the end they said they would put a line on the website saying, ‘We fully back Jamie Grove in everything he has done and he is a professional person.’ It was not really the support I was looking for.” is painstakingly researched and is perhaps slightly lumbering in format simply because Tossell has so much to fit in. But the incidental gems – that during an England’s Under-19 World Cup game, “Lady in Red” came on in place of Australia’s national anthem – outweigh the slightly preachy moments when Tossell gets bogged down by his own opinions. Perhaps any 18-year-old dreaming of the smooth and sunny path ahead should read this before contemplating the dotted line.Following On: A year with English cricket’s golden boys
by David Tossell
Know the Score
240pp, £14.99

Sourav Ganguly’s appointment as captain for only one series is an uneasy arrangement for everyone concerned

Commentary by Rahul Bhattacharya12-Aug-2005

Sourav Ganguly gets just one series to prove his form as captain and batsman © Getty Images
Calcutta’s assured its readers this morning that it would take the “mother of all coups” overnight to prevent Sourav Ganguly’s reinstatement as national captain and, much to the benefit of peace in the city, that has not happened despite a selection meeting which lasted roughly four times longer than had been anticipated. The man is back in the seat but confirmed only for a single tour, and it is quite remarkable that the selectors had not the nous to sense the unease of this arrangement. Ganguly himself is understood to have favoured a longer term, say till the year end, no matter who got the job. Perfectly reasonable that is too.It is regular practice, of course, for Indian captains to be appointed on a series basis, but extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures. We’ve often seen a pair of batsmen at the crease together knowing full well that they’re competing against each other as much as with each other. But a captaincy shootout is a bit unique.The selectors are not allowed to tell us, on the record anyway, whether they picked Ganguly because, well, they had never decided to replace him in the first place, or whether the India they saw under Rahul Dravid was not sufficiently promising. One would have to deduce it was the latter case, else why was Dravid appointed unconditionally and for the entire length of that tournament? In the event, what we had in Sri Lanka was something of a sudden-death scenario, one which doused the side in uncertainty if not worse. Now we will have another sudden-death, for Ganguly is on a one-month trial. And, guess what, should nothing conclusive emerge from Zimbabwe, as it very well could from the one-dayers anyway, then, why, we will go at it one more time …Beneath this temporary resolution lie questions which nobody really knows the answers to. If Ganguly aroused enough faith to lead India to the West Indian World Cup then why was he not allowed to lead the side when he returned to it? If Dravid was really being considered as a long-term candidate then how on earth can he have been judged on one tournament, the first of a new season and the first under a new coach?It must be appreciated that we have here two very different men with very distinct styles of leading. Indeed, one of the few fascinations in Indian cricket recently has been to compare the leadership of Ganguly and Dravid. A confident Ganguly awakens something of the animal in his men; even so Dravid is the more tactically aggressive, with a suggestion of brilliance even, were he to spend time on the job. Ganguly is famously a `backer’, firm in the belief that sooner or later his faith in his boys and his formulas will pay off. Dravid, from what he has shown, prefers freestyle, with a thought for the occasion. Go do your thing, I’m behind you and I’ll give you what you want, Ganguly seems to tell his men. Dravid lays out the challenge – look now, bowlers, this is your field, it is set for good bowling and you had better raise your game and make it count. If we are to accept Tiger Pataudi’s broad compartmentalisation of captains as those who push from the back and those who pull from the front, then Ganguly clearly is of the first type and Dravid most likely the second.Having to constantly yo-yo between two different styles would leave any side in a twist. Not that the team has been doing much to help their captains. It’s now become fairly obvious to most followers that they had rather underestimated just how deep the problems are, particularly in limited-overs cricket. This is now a bonafide weak one-day side, batting, bowling, fielding and fitness all somewhere between middling and lousy.For the creativity he has shown (though sometimes uncomfortably eccentric), for his streak of ruthlessness, for his marvellous ability to lead by example, and for claiming an unquestionable place in both XIs, this correspondent would have preferred that Dravid be given the task of dragging the team out of the pit. Yet, who is to know for sure? Ganguly has his many strengths and anyhow journalists get it wrong all the time. The decision has been made and it must be hoped that Ganguly is able to rediscover (and sustain) his best self and help lift the cloud that hangs over Indian cricket.Perhaps, though, we’ve all been obsessing far too much with the captain and the coach. When the individual team members are not playing well enough or, in several cases, simply aren’t good enough, there is little any leader can do. It is hard to escape the feeling that a long and possibly melancholy season lays ahead for India.Let us know what you think

Matt Henry will be back for the second Test against England, as hosts seek to level the series after defeat in Mount Maunganui

Deivarayan Muthu21-Feb-2023New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell rues the “small moments” that slipped away from their grasp in the first Test in Mount Maunganui, but insists that there isn’t a gulf between his team and England.”If you looked into that third innings, I think we had them six down for 230-240 – I’m not sure of the exact numbers – but if we had taken a couple of quick wickets, the game could have been a lot different,” Mitchell said after arriving in Wellington for the second Test.”So, for us, it’s actually not too far away. It’s sticking true to who we are as Kiwis and Blackcaps, and what’s worked for us for a number of years now. Yeah, we are missing a couple of small moments now, which is disappointing, but we also know that’s the nature of Test cricket, and it’s not always going to go your way, and it can be a bloody hard game at times. But we also know we are not too far away.”Related

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One of those small moments was New Zealand allowing England get away to 374 in their second innings after they were 237 for 6. England’s innings had threatened to spiral out of control when Joe Root fell to the reverse sweep for the second time in the Test at the stroke of tea on day three. But a composed half-century from Ben Foakes, and swift cameos from captain Ben Stokes and No. 9 Ollie Robinson powered England that far.Stuart Broad then tore through New Zealand’s top order under the Mount Maunganui floodlights to put the fourth-innings chase of 394 well beyond the hosts’ reach.New Zealand coach Gary Stead lamented New Zealand’s inability to throw the sucker-punch during that passage of play, which changed the mood and tempo of the game.”I thought there were times through this Test we did that really, really well,” Stead said. “I think in that second innings when they were 230 [237] for 6, if we could’ve bowled them out in the next hour, then we bat [for] a good period of time in the daylight as well with the softer ball. They are the little variables that affected us in this Test match, but looking forward to the challenge that’s ahead because we know that’s a big challenge.”Matt Henry is in, and Jacob Duffy is out for the second Test at the Basin Reserve•Getty ImagesNew Zealand suffered a big blow ahead of the Wellington Test, with Kyle Jamieson ruled out for another three to four months with a suspected recurrence of a back injury. So far, they have also resisted the urge to recall Trent Boult, who has handed back his New Zealand central contract, with Stead backing the current group to bounce back against England.”They [England] are obviously playing very, very good cricket,” Stead said. “I think they’ve won 10-11 of their last 12 Tests, and they’re on a bit of a roll and playing with some real confidence. I don’t think it’s unfair to say we’re probably lacking a little bit of that confidence at the moment because you don’t get the results.”But I can assure you that the faith is still with the group of these guys. We believe that these are our best cricketers, and we’re going to put everything behind them to make sure we can go out there in Wellington and really some throw punches back at England as well.”

“The Basin always has a great crowd, and playing against England… the style of cricket they’ve been playing is an exciting one to watch”Matt Henry is looking forward to return to action

New Zealand, however, will be boosted by the return of Matt Henry, who has linked up with the squad after his partner Holly gave birth to their daughter last week. Henry is set to directly slot into the XI at the Basin Reserve in place of either Scott Kuggeleijn or Blair Tickner.”He’s obviously a seasoned bowler in international cricket now,” Mitchell said of Henry. “It’s awesome that he has just had the birth of his little girl, and I know he’ll be excited to come and join this group and hopefully take some wickets, which will be awesome. And yeah, I’m sure he’ll be pretty proud to do that with his little girl watching on TV.”Matty is my domestic team-mate at Canterbury as well, so it’s always nice having him in this group. He’s a fierce competitor, he will keep running in for you, he’ll do the job. Look forward to having him back. I think we will all do our job and see what happens.”Reserve seamer Jacob Duffy and legspinner Ish Sodhi have been released from the Test squad for the four-day Plunket Shield competition that will resume this week.Henry looking forward to ‘taking it’ to England in WellingtonHenry is the top wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield this season, with 23 strikes in three games at an average of 11.69. But injury sidelined him from the ODIs in Pakistan and India. Having been passed fit, Henry is now looking forward to returning to action in front of a sell-out crowd at the Basin Reserve.”Not ideal with the injury – torn knee and everything,” Henry said. “So, it has been a bit of a rehab for the last few weeks. But it has been good; kind of ones of those ones where you look forward to playing some cricket. No better place to do it than the Basin.”Always well-supported here in Wellington. The Basin always has a great crowd and to hear it sold out for the first three days is amazing, and playing against England… the style of cricket they’ve been playing is an exciting one to watch as well. It has been cool to watch them play in that first game, and I’m sure everyone has learnt a lot from that first game as well and look forward to taking it to them come Friday.”The weather could play spoilsport in Wellington, with showers and strong winds predicted on the first day.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann says he has his plans "well in mind" and is keeping his fingers crossed for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to return soon.

• Hoffenheim's Baumann to start next matches
• Nagelsmann hopeful of Ter Stegen's return soon
• Says he already has a plan

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  With Ter Stegen out injured and out of favour at Barcelona, there have been concerns about his role in the national team ahead of next year's World Cup. The uncertainty around the No. 1 spot sparked talk of Manuel Neuer coming out of international retirement, but Nagelsmann appears to have decided against going down that route, instead revealing that Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann will be trusted for the upcoming World Cup qualifying games until Ter Stegen is fit enough to return.

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  The Barcelona goalkeeper has faced a tough time since his back injury, undergoing successful surgery in July. He initially expected a three-month recovery but may be out for longer in the wake of a dispute with Barcelona that temporarily cost him the captaincy. The issue was resolved his month, but the 33-year-old is unlikely to see much playing time on his return with Hansi Flick and the Catalan club picking new signing Joan Garcia as the undisputed No. 1.

• WHAT NAGELSMANN SAID

  While Nagelsmann already has a backup plan in Baumann, he still has faith in Ter Stegen, suggesting he will be between the sticks at the World Cup. 

  Speaking to , he said of Baumann: "Because I think he played very well for us and has also been playing very consistently in the Bundesliga over the past few years. Baumann is a good footballer who helps us in the build-up play [and is] a reliable character who is good for us and deserves his chance."

  When asked about whether he'll be selecting Neuer or Ter Stegen, Nagelsmann said: "I have my plan in mind, and that is for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to play again when he's healthy. We're keeping our fingers crossed that his rehab goes well, and it currently looks like he'll be healthy again by winter, and then we'll see how things go for him.

  "Of course [Ter Stegen] has to play, he knows that, it's part of the job."

  Asked about Neuer's possible return, he added: "I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that Manu has a good season. The Club World Cup was very, very good, as was the start of the Bundesliga season. So I'm optimistic that he'll have a good season as well. But with us, I have my plans well in mind."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DFB?

  Germany will face Slovakia on September 4 and Northern Ireland on September 7 in World Cup qualification. Alexander Nubel of Stuttgart and Finn Dahmen of Augsburg have been added to the squad. 

Wrexham continue to dream of reaching the Premier League, but the Welsh outfit have been told "avoiding relegation would be a good season".

Three successive promotions for Red DragonsHollywood co-owners continue to spend bigChampionship is notoriously competitiveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons have refused to rein in collective ambition during a meteoric rise up the EFL ladder. A historic run of three successive promotions has lifted them out of the National League and into the Championship.

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They are now just one step from the top-flight, with Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney having never shied away from the fact that they want to rub shoulders with the elite.

DID YOU KNOW?

Big money has been invested along the way, with more transfer records being smashed in the latest window, with Wrexham intending to compete with Tom Brady’s Birmingham and several other former Premier League teams during the 2025-26 campaign.

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Getty/GOALWHAT DELAP SAID

They have, however, been advised to slow down and draw up longer terms plans. Ex-Football League star Rory Delap – father of Chelsea striker Liam – has said at the launch of : "There will be a lot of hype around Wrexham and Birmingham and it’ll be interesting to see how they handle what is a massive leap from League One to the Championship. Avoiding relegation would be a good season for Wrexham, but with Birmingham it’s a bit different because they’ve got players with Championship experience.

"So far, it seems like Birmingham have a bit more Championship pedigree than Wrexham. A lot of people are predicting automatic promotion for Birmingham, but it will still be a tough season for them – they’ll be in and around the play-offs though. Wrexham will be focusing first and foremost on staying in the Championship. Then they’ll be able to kick on in the next season or two."

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians não conseguiu terminar o Campeonato Brasileiro com vitória. O time foi superado, em casa, pelo Atlético-MG, por 1 a 0, mas terminou a competição em quarto lugar, com 65 pontos, e vaga direta para a Copa Libertadores do ano que vem. O meio-campista Renato Augusto avaliou a temporada corintiana como boa.

>ATUAÇÕES: Cássio evita resultado ainda pior em derrota do Corinthians em Itaquera

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCom Fausto Vera, Corinthians faz último treino da temporada e talvez da era Vítor PereiraCorinthians12/11/2022CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Cássio evita resultado ainda pior em derrota do Corinthians em ItaqueraCorinthians13/11/2022Futebol NacionalVargas marca, Atlético-MG vence o Corinthians e se classifica à LibertadoresFutebol Nacional13/11/2022

– Difícil quando muitos jogadores chegam durante a temporada, claro que alguns já tinha passado pelo clube, então tinham a ideia. Outros chegaram e conseguimos rapidamente abraçá-los. No final das contas foi um ano muito bom, claro que tivemos altos e baixos, momentos difíceis – avaliou Renato Augusto, após o jogo.

Um dos principais jogadores do time corintiano na temporada, o meia celebrou o fato de o Corinthians ter conseguiu se classificar para o torneio continental, o que era um dos objetivos.

– Quase conseguimos um título, mas de qualquer maneira classificamos na Libertadores, que era nosso objetivo no Brasileiro. Agora é chegar ano que vem mais forte, para aí sim conquistar um título – completou o meio-campista corintiano.

Matt Renshaw continued his good start to the summer with another half-century as Tasmania were left needing a big effort to avoid defeat in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland, after going to stumps on day three at 88 for 2 in pursuit of 432 for victory.After Queensland declared their second innings at 202 for 6 just after tea on Saturday, Tasmania lost both openers in the final session at Blundstone Arena. They faced a mammoth task on Sunday to either win the match or hold on for a final-day draw, after their batting crumbled in the first innings.On the back foot in the match since midway through Friday, Tasmania were bowled out for 150 early on day three when Beau Webster was caught at slip for 59.Queensland then opted against enforcing the follow-on, instead allowing Joe Burns to back up his first-innings century with 55 while Renshaw also struck 57. Ben McDermott (42 off 50) and Jimmy Peirson (28 from 25) both hit out before the former was taken superbly by Jordan Silk at cover from a full-blooded slog.Needing to bat through the best part of four sessions to save the match, Tasmania’s openers Caleb Jewell and Tim Ward offered some hope early.The pair got through 12 overs without loss before Jewell was superbly caught at slip by Burns on 22 when he edged a sharp ball from Jack Wildermuth. Ward was then beaten by a Mitchell Swepson ball that spun back at the left-hander out of the footmarks, edging it to wicketkeeper Peirson for 27.Silk and Charlie Wakim survived to the close, but Tasmania must survive three sessions or score another 344 runs to continue their unbeaten start to the season.Making matters more difficult for the Tigers is that Michael Neser has returned to Hobart for the rest of the match and can bowl for Queensland, after missing day two for personal reasons.Neser was expected to miss the remainder of the fixture when he flew home to Brisbane before day two of the match, after being not out on 51 at stumps on day one.”Things are more positive now and I can re-join the team for the remainder of the game,” Neser said in a statement on Saturday.”I am very grateful for the backing we have received and thank everyone for their support and understanding.”Neser has begun the Shield season with scores of 18, 140 and 90 before his 51 on Thursday, after also scoring two centuries in his previous two first-class innings for Glamorgan during the English summer.The Bulls have also been undefeated in their first two games, drawing with New South Wales and beating Victoria.

Off-spinner’s 5 for 7 and Sophie Ecclestone’s 4 for 11 snuff out Phoenix for 87 before hosts make hard work of chase

Vithushan Ehantharajah07-Aug-2023

Fi Morris picked up the best figures in the Hundred outright as Manchester Originals triumphed over Birmingham Phoenix at Emirates Old Trafford in their first outing of the season.A remarkable 5 for 7 from the off-spinner’s 16 balls, in tandem with Sophie Ecclestone’s 4 for 11, snuffed out the Phoenix for 87, which Originals eventually overcame with a ball to spare. In the process, Morris more than doubled her wicket tally in the competition, having previously taken four for Southern Brave. She did not bowl in either of her two matches for Welsh Fire last summer, but on Originals debut has now bagged the standout Hundred figures for a man or woman. This also tops her best return in Twenty20 cricket.”I knew I’d got the first women’s five-for, but I didn’t know it was the best in either competition,” Morris beamed when informed she had better Josh Little’s 5 for 13, also for Manchester Originals, in the men’s competition. “I’ll take that!””I think it’s probably my best-ever day in cricket, to be honest,” she added. “How the last couple of years have gone, not playing much in last year’s Hundred, to come in and do that first game I’m absolutely buzzing.”I got a bit of help from the pitch. Having Sophie (Ecclestone), Wello (Amanda-Jade Wellington) and Mahika (Gaur) bowl so well up front, I kind of had the easy job. All I needed to do was bowl straight, and I seemed to do it alright.”Victory capped off the individual performance, though it was harder than it should have been. Laura Wolvaardt and Ami Campbell did the brunt of the work with a stand of 69, but a cascade of dot balls and unnecessary dismissals saw the chase go deep into the final set, with the hosts eventually getting over the line by five wickets.After two abandonments, Originals won the toss and set about putting in a near-perfect performance in the field. Maybe there was a hint of pent-up frustration at being one of two teams, along with London Spirit, to have not taken the field this season. But at no point did they clutch or over-stretch. Indeed the key to restricting Phoenix to such a low total was drying things up initially.Gaur sent down all 20 of her deliveries inside the first 30, for just 18 runs. The hype around the tall left-hander is justified, and though she went wicketless, the control assumed, particularly against Sophie Devine, gave a few reasons why England capped her at “A” level this summer.In a patchy Phoenix line-up, Devine either had to do something spectacular, or bat through. But after Ecclestone picked up her first, spinning one between bat and pad and having her stumped by Ellie Threlkeld, the White Ferns legend’s attempt to slog-sweep the left-arm spinner over square leg resulted in a smart catch by Morris on that boundary. Two deliveries later, Erin Burns was caught behind to leave Phoenix 52 for 3 from 53.Morris came on for the next set, and early confirmation this would be her day came when Amy Jones’ was hit on the full in front of middle and leg attempting a reverse sweep. Phoenix unravelled, losing their last six for 30 runs in 40 deliveries, squeezed by Originals as much by Ecclestone’s captaincy as her frugality with the ball.Emily Arlott, trapped on the crease, was the skipper’s fourth wicket, and if anyone was going to get five this afternoon, it would surely be the world’s best white-ball bowler. But Morris had taken three in eight deliveries by the time Ecclestone returned for her final five. And when those passed without incident, Morris needed just one more to bank her five-wicket haul and put Phoenix out of their misery with four of their 100 balls to go.Sophie Ecclestone bagged four wickets•ECB via Getty Images

What jeopardy there was in the chase came first ball when Emma Lamb gloved down the leg side after Tess Flintoff found a bit of lift off the pitch. Jones’ immaculate take had the orange shirts up and about. Had the keeper-batter affected a stumping when Ami Campbell (on seven) advanced down the track and found nothing but air when 77 were needed, or had there been a direct hit at the non-striker’s end when Campbell (13) set off for an ill-judged single, things might have got a bit tastier.Originals, however, wilfully chose a spicy ending by complicating what should have been a bland procession to the finish line. Wolvaardt, responsible for some of the more mouth-watering moments, whether skipping and driving over the top, slapping through point, or working behind square on the leg side, could have seen things home. But in opting for a quick finish, the Proteas opener was trapped lbw by Hannah Baker when she tried to swipe the leg-spinner across the line.Campbell then also passed up that opportunity, skipping down and hitting Katie Levick to midwicket. As Morris arrived, you wondered if this would be her full day out. Alas, a two-ball duck later – to Levick – served as a reminder the game only loves you for so long.The equation of 13 needed from 23 when Ecclestone joined Deandra Dottin should have been a formality, and yet this match somehow ended in the final set of five with two to get. Dottin, by now, had been run out at the non-striker’s end to close out a dire six off 12.Ecclestone then drove down the ground to tie and, after playing out seven dots, Kathryn Bryce squeezed a drive through backward point for four to put everyone out of their respective miseries.

Rangers can sign a star player for just over £5m in the coming months, and prospective new owners the 49ers are aware of a deal.

49ers plans for Rangers after agreeing a deal in principle

It promises to be a busy few months both on and off the pitch at Ibrox, with interim manager Barry Ferguson looking to take Rangers to the Europa League final in Bilbao.

Ferguson, who has already got the better of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, will soon turn his attention to a quarter-final with Athletic Club.

The Scot appears to be impressing in caretaker charge and also guided Rangers to a 3-2 win at Celtic prior to the international break. Ferguson is keen on taking the Rangers job on a permanent basis, according to his older brother Derek, whereas Lee McCulloch has also backed the ex-midfielder to get the role on a permanent basis.

Meanwhile, the 49ers Enterprises have agreed a deal in principle to take over in Glasgow and are hopeful all the relative paperwork will be completed ahead of the 2025/26 season.

UCL club chasing "quick" Rangers star and he could now leave with Igamane

A concern for the Gers…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 25, 2025

Reports have suggested that the 49ers may back with a £20-25million budget this summer, once a takeover is completed.

One of their first player moves could be to make Vaclav Cerny’s loan into a permanent transfer. Recent reports claimed that a full-time deal could cost around £8m, however, a new update from reliable journalist Keith Jackson has stated it could be less than that.

Rangers can sign Cerny for half price £5.5m with deadline set

As per a story for The Daily Record, Jackson revealed that Rangers have the chance to sign Cerny for just £5.5m from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg. The option was included in the loan deal that brought Cerny to Ibrox, and Rangers have a deadline until before the end of May.

The 49ers are aware of the urgency around Cerny’s contractual situation, with the winger attracting interest around Europe as a result of his impressive performances in Scotland.

Should Rangers not sign the 27-year-old for £5.5m, it is expected that Cerny’s ‘price tag could more than double’ to £11m+. It looks as if a £5.5m deal is a no-brainer for everyone involved at Ibrox, and it appears as if Cerny himself is also keen on a transfer.

Asked if he wants to stay in Scotland with Rangers, Cerny said: “I definitely do. But there are so many aspects that I can’t control. All I can do is be the best I can and keep up my form and numbers.”

كشفت وسائل إعلامية إنجليزية أن نادي آرسنال يسعى إلى التعاقد مع أحد نجوم الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وذلك خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الحالية.

ويسعى مدرب آرسنال ميكيل أرتيتا، إلى إجراء تعزيزات في صفوف فريقه استعدادًا للموسم المقبل، من أجل المنافسة على لقبي دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

اقرأ ايضاً.. لاعب ليفربول السابق عن كوناتي: إذا لم يلتزم فليرحل.. إنه ليس محمد صلاح

وأشارت صحيفة ميرور الإنجليزية إلى أن نادي آرسنال قد أجرى محادثات بشأن التعاقد مع لاعب منتخب إنجلترا وكريستال بالاس، إيبيريشي إيزي، هذا الصيف.

وأضافت الصحيفة أن آرسنال سيواجه منافسة شرسة للتعاقد مع اللاعب الإنجليزي، وذلك في ظل اهتمام جاره اللندني توتنهام هوتسبير بالتعاقد معه.

ويمتلك إيزي شرطاً جزائياً في عقده مع كريستال بالاس بقيمة 68 مليون جنية إسترليني، حيث سينتهي عقده في صيف 2027.

وشارك إيزي في 43 مباراة بجميع المسابقات مع كريستال بالاس في الموسم الماضي، وأحرز 15 هدفاً وقام بصناعة 11 هدفاً.

وتمكن اللاعب أيضاً من قيادة فريقه للفوز بمنافسات كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي للمرة الأولى في تاريخ كريستال بالاس بـ العام الماضي على حساب مانشستر سيتي.