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Travis Head says Australia are ‘prepared for anything’ in Barbados in their first Test in seven years without either Smith or Labuschagne in the XI

Andrew McGlashan23-Jun-20251:10

Head not fazed by big-name absences

There are only four members of the Australia squad in the West Indies who were part of their previous Test series here in 2015, and one of those, Steven Smith, is currently recuperating from a finger injury in New York. So it’s perhaps not surprising that there is an element of uncertainty over what conditions they will be confronted with for the opening match in Barbados.Their first training session of the tour at Kensington Oval, an optional one where all the batters attended but all the bowlers sat out bar Matt Kuhnemann, was interrupted by showers on a blustery day with the Test pitch uncovered only briefly. The batters made use of what time was available on the adjacent surfaces but the players have kept an open mind, with the Dukes ball used in the Caribbean – a variant on the English version – adding another layer of intrigue.”I think we’re prepared for anything, really, and prepared for maybe both [seam and spin] in the same game,” Travis Head said. “We could be starting the game and then it could shift into different modes and plans of attack. So, as a batter, you’re just sort of planning for anything at the moment. And then once you get a look at the lay of the land, come up with a plan, and try to cover all bases.”Related

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Since the 2015-16 tour, Australia’s only visits to the West Indies have been for the Covid-time white-ball tour in 2021 – where Barbados staged the three ODIs – and then last year’s T20 World Cup of which Head was a part. “They [the pitches] spun a little bit here,” he recalled. “They were pretty slow, but I’ve heard different things, especially with the Dukes and what that brings.”Australia will have a deficit of 14,570 Test runs in their top order compared to the previous outing at Lord’s against South Africa owing to Smith’s injury and Marnus Labuschagne’s axing, with Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis replacing them. While Smith may return for the second Test in Grenada (and Labuschagne is only one injury away from getting back as the lone spare batter currently in the squad) it is certainly a chance to have an early look at the “reset” that Pat Cummins spoke about after the World Test Championship final.It will be the first time since 2018, when they played India at the MCG, that an Australia Test XI will not feature Smith and/or Labuschagne. The latter was recalled for the final match of that series and Smith returned from his ban for the start of the 2019 Ashes with the pair becoming fixtures together by the Old Trafford Test.”When we get into the game, it’ll be a little bit new look,” Head said. “But guys have already played, so [they have] experience already in a short amount of Test cricket. There’s some guys there that have been a part of the group for a long time now, so it shouldn’t feel too much different.”The batting order has yet to be confirmed, but while coach Andrew McDonald had previously left the door ajar for Head to open should conditions resemble those of the subcontinent, Head considered that an unlikely option with Konstas expected to get three games at the top to settle in alongside Usman Khawaja with an eye on some stability for the Ashes.Sam Konstas is set to open in Barbados•ICC via Getty ImagesThere is a school of thought that as a senior player, Head could move up to No. 4 in Smith’s absence, but it may be that Inglis, who scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka, gets that role in what could be a one-off outing if Smith recovers for the second Test. However, should Inglis take his opportunity as he did in Sri Lanka, then it would certainly put pressure on the selectors to find him a regular home in the batting order.”He can cover so many bases,” Head said of Inglis. “[He’s had] limited opportunity in a long time being in the squad. It feels like he’s played a lot more than he has for Australia. Once he gets his extended stay in the team, I think he’ll excel. He’s already showed great application in Sri Lanka. He’s [been] in some tough roles as well… I think he’s well-adapted and ready to go. He’s been waiting for a long time.”Whereas two years ago Australia went straight into an Ashes series on the back of beating India in the World Test Championship final, this time they have had to reflect on the loss to South Africa, which came after they had the game for the taking on the second day.”It’s unfortunate we put two years of hard work into one week and [it] didn’t quite go to plan,” Head said. “Fair play, the opposition played really, really well.”We’ve got two more years to build, and this is a first look at it. I think if you dwell on it for too long, or if you look back, you forget about what’s moving forward. Of course, we care and, of course, it’s not ideal. But at the end of the day you can’t change it. You have to move on. You have to get back on the horse.”

A “perfect choice” to be the next Rangers manager is now one of the contenders to take charge at Ibrox alongside the heavily linked Sean Dyche, Danny Rohl and Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard, Rohl and Dyche linked with Ibrox hotseat

Russell Martin was sacked by the Gers on Sunday evening, with the 1-1 draw away to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership proving to be one underwhelming result too many for the board, leaving them languishing in eighth place in the table.

It was a decision that has been coming for months, with Martin making a poor start to life at Ibrox and never recovering, and it’s now time for the 49ers to nail their successor to the Englishman, with several names already being mentioned.

Former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche is an early contender to come in at Ibrox, as he looks for a fresh challenge after departing the Blues last year, possessing a huge amount of experience.

Meanwhile, a Steven Gerrard reunion also feels possible, having guided them to league title glory in 2020/21, and young German Danny Rohl is appreciated within Ibrox, as he looks for a new club after Sheffield Wednesday.

Russell Martin at Rangers

Matches

17

Wins

5

Draws

6

Defeats

6

Goals scored

21

Goals conceded

24

Points per game

1.24

Rangers eyeing 52 y/o manager who's the "perfect choice"

According to a new claim from Give Me Sport, Kevin Muscat is very much on Rangers’ radar to be their next manager, being seen as a fourth option alongside Dyche, Gerrard and Rohl.

The 52-year-old is currently in charge of Shanghai Port FC, but the Gers may be hoping to lure him back to Ibrox, having played there during his playing career. The obstacle faced by the 49ers is Muscat’s contract in China is believed to be extremely lucrative and tax free, meaning he will have to be seriously tempted by the project on offer at Ibrox to make a move.

Muscat has constantly been named as a potential Rangers manager in recent years, so often being linked with the job when it has become available. In fact, The Rangers Journal believe he has always been the “perfect choice” for the Gers, with the club deciding to hire the likes of Philippe Clement and Martin instead.

Admittedly, Muscat has no European experience in management, which does work against him in terms of knowing the British game well, but if the fans see him as a popular choice, that goes a long way for starters.

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Rangers’ board have to be so careful in their decision-making, not wanting to make a third incorrect appointment in a row, but Muscat stands out as a front-runner, and the fact that he knows the club well from his playing days can only be a good thing.

Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian is being backed to emulate Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard by securing legend status at Stamford Bridge, with the Brazilian youngster considered to be “unbelievably good”. He has already been likened to iconic countryman Neymar, with big shoes to be filled there, while also earning the nickname ‘Messinho’ (Little Messi) in his homeland.

Meteoric rise: Estevao tipped to reach the top

That goes to show how far the teenager has come in a short space of time. He only made his professional debut at Palmeiras in December 2023 and, less than two years later, is now a senior Brazil international and a Premier League performer being tipped to reach the very top.

A transfer to English football was completed in the summer of 2025 after turning 18 and facing Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup. He admitted when arriving in west London that adjusting to life outside of his comfort zone would be difficult.

Estevao has, however, hit the ground running with Chelsea – opening his goal account in stunning style when netting a stoppage-time winner in a dramatic victory over defending champions Liverpool. He had already been catching the eye prior to that outing.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALNext Neymar: Estevao compared to fellow Brazilian

His quick feet and ability to drift beyond opponents have made him a fan favourite and earned the respect of those who are sat alongside him in the Chelsea dressing room. There is the promise of much more to come, with the hottest of prospects seemingly ready to become the next South American sensation.

Ex-Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has told : “Estevao has been exactly what I hoped for. I think he could be one of the best. It's a lot to ask of a kid who's 18, but he's got everything, everything you need. Next off the Brazilian production line like Neymar. It's a good solid start, but I'll tell you what underlines it. I was at the Chelsea v Liverpool game just the other week and the ball went out to him and the noise in the stadium is different from every single other player. That is wow, not many can do that. So nice solid start, but he's a kid that can go wherever he likes. He's unbelievably good.”

Chelsea greats: Estevao to follow in iconic footsteps

Nevin went on to say of Estevao following in some iconic footsteps: “Style-wise, Chelsea have got this long list from Gianfranco Zola, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata was much much loved down there. It goes all the way back to Charlie Cooke. Chelsea have got a whole list of these little creative players that they absolutely love.

“Estevao will be one of them. If Chelsea treat him right, if they stick by him, if he doesn't get injured, he will be in that pantheon. There's a couple of ifs in there, but definitely capable. Which one of them is he more like? He's probably closer to Neymar. He's not really like them. But creative, small, playing for Chelsea and could be world class very soon. He's up there and he should be one of them because he's good enough.”

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GettyNext for Estevao? Chelsea return to Premier League action

Another former Blues star, Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo, told GOAL recently when asked how god Estevao can become: “Let’s not overwhelm him with pressure, but he’s going to be a top player! You can see that he is so advanced in his football development.

“I saw him before the international break and he looks like a 15-year-old! You look at him and think ‘you are playing already?’ Amazing skills, technically, he’s fast, unpredictable, can go outside and inside. Very good attitude. He’s quite advanced for his age. Ancelotti loves him in the Brazil national team.

“He’s got a very good family around him as well, his parents have moved over with him. He’s got good management around him so I have no doubt that he’s going to grow and become a top player, a world top player.”

Chelsea have Estevao tied to a long term contract through to 2033, meaning that they stand to benefit from the unlocking of further potential. He was among the goals for Brazil during the international break, netting a brace against South Korea, and will be back in Premier League action on Saturday when the Blues take in a trip to Nottingham Forest.

Having already commenced talks to sign Tolu Arokodare, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly eyeing a late swoop to sign another impressive striker.

Latest on Wolves' Arokodare move

With Fabio Silva set to join Borussia Dortmund, Wolves have instantly shifted their focus towards Arokodare. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands club have commenced talks to sign the KRC Genk forward, who could hand Vitor Pereira’s frontline the added depth in quality that it’s been lacking since Matheus Cunha’s departure earlier this summer.

After scoring 23 goals in all competitions last season, the Nigerian forward could be the perfect partner to Jorgen Strand Larsen this season instead of becoming the Norwegian’s replacement.

Whilst Newcastle United have submitted two bids to sign the Wolves forward, both have been rejected and fresh reports have indicated that Strand Larsen will not be allowed to leave Molineux this summer.

The line from Wolves so far has been that Arokodare would simply be replacing Silva rather than anything else. Pereira also recently had his say on Strand Larsen’s future after he scored two goals in a dramatic Carabao Cup win against West Ham United.

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He told reporters: “If it’s my decision, of course [Strand-Larsen stays]. Of course. Because he’s a very important player. It’s not only about the technical and tactical, it’s about the character. He’s a player with character.”

However, the manager did also admit that every player has a price and recent rumours that Wolves have set their sights on a second striker alongside Arokodare would suggest that this saga is far from over.

Wolves now eyeing late Alberto swoop

According to Molineux News, Wolves are now eyeing a late swoop to sign Yuri Alberto, who Pereira is a huge admirer of. The pair worked together during Pereira’s time at Corinthians and could now reunite as those in the Midlands set their sights on a late move alongside Arokodare.

The talented striker struck 31 goals in all competitions for Corinthians last season and would be more than capable of firing Wolves to safety. But the rumours of his potential arrival should spark some concern about Strand Larsen’s future.

Whilst Arokodare is a target to replace Silva, a move for a second striker would indicate that Strand Larsen could be heading for the exit door with Alberto lined up as his immediate replacement. Of course, there’s still plenty of dominoes to fall for this to be the case, but Wolves will be bracing themselves for a frantic few days.

Dubbed “superb” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes last November, Alberto would at least be the calibre of forward good enough to replace a talent of Strand Larsen’s level.

Arsenal are a club that have been utterly transformed over the last five years or so.

Mikel Arteta has taken a side that were spiralling down into mid-table mediocrity and has helped craft one of the best teams in Europe, let alone the Premier League.

While his philosophy and tactics have played a significant role in the North Londoners’ rejuvenation, so have the signings they’ve made.

Under previous Sporting Director Edu Gaspar and Andrea Berta today, the Gunners have become far more effective at identifying and signing brilliant players in the transfer market.

However, Arsenal still have a problem selling stars, and have seen more than their fair share leave for nothing, including an international who could be described as being Arteta’s own Alexander Isak.

Arsenals players who left for nothing

There were signs of improvement with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale all leaving for decent money last summer, but in the previous four or five years, Arsenal have had too many players leave for nothing.

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For example, perhaps the most exciting signing the club have ever made, the player whose arrival promised the ushering in of a triumphant period for the club that never arrived, Mesut Özil, ended up leaving for nothing.

The German superstar famously agreed to a bumper £350k-per-week contract renewal in January 2018, and it was pretty much downhill from that moment until he left for Fenerbahçe three years later.

Another big-money signing who left for free was Nicolas Pepe.

The Ivorian was a better player for the Gunners than people gave him credit for, racking up 48 goal involvements in 112 games, but he could never live up to his £75m price tag and, after several middling loans, had his contract terminated by mutual consent.

Going further back, to Unai Emery’s time at the club, and Aaron Ramsey’s exit was another disaster from a financial perspective.

After 369 games for the club, in which he scored 64 goals, provided 60 assists and played a significant role in several FA Cup triumphs, the Welsh legend left the Gunners to join Italian giants Juventus.

With all that said, none of these stars could realistically be compared to Liverpool’s new superstar Isak, which isn’t the case for another ace who left for nothing under Arteta’s watch.

The Arsenal star who was Arteta's Isak

Since taking the job at Arsenal, Arteta has overseen the exits of some notable players, including the aforementioned Ozil, but perhaps the most controversial one was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabonese international was the club captain for part of the Spaniard’s tenure, but following a drop in form and his late arrival for a North London derby in March 2021, the writing was on the wall for his Gunners career.

The former Borussia Dortmund star was eventually let go for nothing in January 2022, and while he endured a lacklustre year and a half with Barcelona and Chelsea, he quickly found his form in the south of France.

In one season with Marseille, the Laval-born monster scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 51 appearances, which was enough to earn him a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.

The 36-year-old was able to amass an impressive tally of 24 goal involvements in 36 games for Al-Qadsiah last season, but has now returned to Marseille, where he is already outperforming Viktor Gyokeres, producing three goal involvements in three games.

Appearances

51

36

3

Minutes

4005′

3196′

186′

Goals

30

21

2

Assists

11

3

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.80

0.66

1.00

Minutes per Goal Involvement

97.68′

133.16”

62′

With all of that said, then, what was it about Auba that meant we could describe him as being like Arteta’s Isak in the past?

Well, the first reason is that, prior to going off the boil somewhat, the “world-class” striker, as dubbed by Behdad Eghbali, was a lean, mean goalscoring machine for the manager.

For example, in the 19/20 season, he racked up a sensational haul of 29 goals and three assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3725 minutes.

That comes out to an outrageous average of a goal involvement every 1.37 games, or every 116.40 minutes.

Moreover, like the former Newcastle United star, he’s a lanky striker but undeniably elegant centre-forward, who was capable of a plethora of finishes, but was particularly adept at coming in from out wide and slotting home.

In fact, like the Swede, he may be a striker first, but he has spent a considerable amount of time in his career playing out wide on the wings.

Finally, just as the Reds’ new star helped his former side with the League cup, the former Gunners star played a crucial role in Arteta lifting the FA Cup in his first season as manager.

Ultimately, while there were valid reasons for getting rid of Aubameyang, we can’t help but wonder how useful he’d be in this Arsenal squad, as he clearly still has an excellent ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

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Graham Potter already has his work cut out to get a disgruntled West Ham United fanbase back on his side.

Two games down in the brand new Premier League season, and the Hammers find themselves in a miserable rock bottom position, having just shipped five goals to Potter’s ex-employers Chelsea in a humiliating 5-1 home defeat.

With just five wins from 21 games in charge now, the worry will be that the 50-year-old boss is already under significant pressure to turn matters around, or face the earliest boot of the season.

He will surely hope that more transfers in through the door can give him the best possible chance at hanging onto his job post, as the premature relegation candidates continue to be linked with a whole host of exciting names.

West Ham lodge £17.5m bid for new midfielder

The dark clouds hanging over proceedings at the London Stadium could be lifted by a positive incoming or two.

The basement side isare tipped to be in the race to land Raheem Sterling as he navigates a Chelsea exit this summer, while they are also deep in the battle to snap up promising AS Monaco midfielder Soungoutou Magassa, having even submitted a bid for his services.

Another bid has also been lodged by the Hammers to snap up Torino’s midfield ace Ivan Ilic, with Hammers News revealing that the same £17.5m package that was put forward for Magassa – before Nottingham Forest raced ahead of Potter and Co. for the 21-year-old – has now been placed on the table for the Serbian.

The report does state there is no concrete update on whether Ilic would welcome a move to East London, but he is seen as an alternative to the in-demand Magassa.

The 24-year-old might actually be deemed as the better option to pursue, with Potter perhaps winning another Tomas Soucek-style figure by landing the impressive Serbia international.

How Ilic can become Potter's new Soucek

Soucek might well have been subject to interest from the likes of Everton and Leeds United earlier in the transfer window, but it looks as if the towering midfield presence will remain at West Ham, even as they likely prepare for a tough battle against the drop.

Coming in at 247 games now for the Hammers, it would have been a real shame if the long-standing servant decided he had enough this summer, with a stunning 41 goals and 13 assists also on his side, away from completing his usual forceful midfield duties.

Losing such a much-loved body would have been disastrous, therefore, but Potter will feel more at ease with his midfield options – away from relying on Soucek – if he can snap up Ilic just in time before September’s cut-off, with his well-rounded game drawing some similarities to the Czech icon.

Indeed, from 68 games for current employers Torino, Ilic has displayed a similar strength to Soucek in chipping with goals and assists, with seven strikes and six assists tallied up from those clashes.

Games played

136

196

Games started

106

181

Goals scored

9

36

Assists

10

9

His former Slavia Prague counterpart does have the boost of scoring 27 more career strikes for West Ham, compared to Ilic’s lesser nine goals in the Serie A, but the correlations between the two don’t end here.

When the 24-year-old was at the peak of his powers in the Italian top-flight, he would forcefully win duels for fun, as seen in his average of 4.6 won per Serie A clash during the 2021/22 campaign for Hellas Verona.

Soucek won five per game last season during 30 Premier League contests, with the duo together perhaps giving the Hammers some well-needed grit centrally to toughen up after a disastrous run of defeats, on top of also being able to offer the likes of Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen further up the pitch a helping hand.

After all, football analyst Ben Mattinson has previously heralded Ilic as a “complete” midfielder, while also further waxing lyrical about how “underrated” of a presence he is, strutting his stuff in Serie A.

Soucek has also been showered with the same level of praise, having been once lauded as having “absolutely everything” you need in a midfielder by ex-Irons player David Connolly back in 2021.

Potter will hope he has uncovered this next Soucek by Ilic entering through the door, with the Serbian also being another feel-good presence to steer the club away from relegation doom.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been on the hunt for a new attacking midfielder throughout the summer transfer window, but so far, their quest has been to no avail.

Morgan Gibbs-White appeared to be Thomas Frank’s main target earlier in the transfer window, even triggering the England international’s £60m release clause.

However, the Nottingham Forest star was also set for a medical before Evangelos Marinakis intervened and put the deal on hold, before the 25-year-old signed a new contract at the City Ground.

After missing out on his signature, the Lilywhites hierarchy have been hunting for added reinforcements to help bolster their Premier League ambitions in 2025/26.

Multiple players have since appeared on their radar, which could see numerous top-level talents make the switch to North London ahead of the new campaign.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After missing out on Gibbs-White, Spurs have targeted Liverpool star Harvey Elliott in recent weeks, with the Englishman available for a fee in the region of £40m this summer.

However, they could also be about to miss out on the 22-year-old, after Bundesliga side RB Leipzig entered the race to prise him away from Anfield in recent days.

He’s not the only attacking midfielder currently on their radar, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss a player the club are considering, according to Ben Jacobs.

He claims that the hierarchy are preparing an approach to land the Moroccan international, who made 32 appearances for the Foxes in the Premier League last season.

Jacobs also states that the 21-year-old has a £22m relegation release clause in his current contract, opening the door to a bargain deal for the Lilywhites this summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their next Maddison

James Maddison has been Spurs’ main option in the number ten position over recent seasons, after he made a £40m transfer from Leicester City back in the summer of 2023.

The 28-year-old has registered 16 goals and 19 assists in his 75 appearances for the Lilywhites, with last campaign being his best since moving to North London.

However, his impact in 2025/26 could prove to be limited, after he suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the recent pre-season clash against Newcastle United.

Boss Frank confirmed that the injury could be a serious one, suffering another issue with the knee that caused him bother towards the back end of the previous season.

Their previous hunt for another talent in such a role showcases their ambitions of strengthening their squad, potentially turning to El Khannouss as a result of Maddison’s setback.

Any move for the Moroccan star would see a repeat of a deal for the Englishman, joining the Lilywhites from Leicester, before making a key impact in the first team.

He even managed to outperform Maddison in numerous key areas last season, undoubtedly one of the shining lights within the Foxes’ squad despite their relegation back to the Championship.

El Khannouss, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, posted a higher tally of progressive carries per 90, whilst completing more carries into the final third – handing Frank’s side an added threat with the ball at his feet.

He also managed to complete more key passes per 90, along with a higher tally of through balls per 90, subsequently able to register an end product to his mazy runs in attacking areas.

How El Khannouss & Maddison compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

El Khannouss

Maddison

Games played

33

31

Goals & assists

6

16

Progressive carries

2.9

2.2

Key passes made

2.7

2.1

Take-on success

57%

42%

Carries into final third

2.1

1.9

Aerials won

47%

41%

Through balls completed

0.9

0.6

Stats via FBref

The 21-year-old further bettered Maddison in terms of aerials won, an asset that would make him a tremendous all-round option for the Lilywhites ahead of 2025/26.

If he can replicate such talents in North London, he would be another excellent addition to the squad, following in Maddison’s footsteps of being a fan favourite after moving from Leicester.

His £22m release clause would make him a bargain addition, such a move handing the Moroccan the platform to improve massively in the years ahead, given his tender age.

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كشفت تقارير صحفية سعودية، عن موافقة الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، على طلب النادي الأهلي السعودي قبل مواجهة بيراميدز، في كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

ويلتقي بيراميدز مع الأهلي السعودي، مساء الثلاثاء 23 سبتمبر في تمام التاسعة مساءً، على ملعب الإنماء (الجوهرة المشعة) بمدينة جدة،

ويلعب نادي بيراميدز ضد الأهلي السعودي، في إطار مواجهات دور ربع النهائي من بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال، والمنافسة على لقب كأس القارات الثلاثة.

وكان بيراميدز قد استطاع أن يحقق الفوز على أوكلاند سيتي النيوزيلندي بنتجة 3-0، في المباراة التي أقيمت بالقاهرة ضمن مواجهات الدور التمهيدي الأول للبطولة العالمية.

طالع | صور | بعثة بيراميدز تصل جدة استعدادًا لمواجهة الأهلي السعودي في كأس الإنتركونتيننتال

وقالت صحيفة الرياضية السعودية، إن الأهلي تلقى موافقة فيفا، على “التيفو” الذي طلب النادي السماح به قبل صافرة انطلاق المباراة، وعلى إثر ذلك ستبدأ رابطة مشجعيه في تجهيز “التيفو” وتركيبه على المدرجات المخصصة لهم.

وتابعت الصحيفة: “أعدت الرابطة أهزوجة جديدة بعنوان فخر الوطن، سيرددها أعضاؤها خلال المباراة، التي سيرفع الفائز فيها كأس آسيا وإفريقيا والمحيط الهادي”.

ووجهت رابطة مشجعي الأهلي الدعوة إلى جمهور الفريق للتجمع، الأحد والإثنين، عند مدخل اللاعبين إلى الحصص التدريبية في مقر النادي، من أجل تحفيزهم قبل مواجهة الثلاثاء.

Over recent weeks, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been the most likely star to make the move to join Manchester United and further aid Ruben Amorim’s attempts in the final third.

The Cameroonian has starred in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, scoring 20 times in his 38 appearances, undoubtedly being the shining light in the Bees’ side.

Such a record has led to the Red Devils’ keen interest, even making a £60m bid for the attacker, but it was rejected, with the two clubs yet to agree on a fee this window.

They have faced huge competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his signature this summer, but the Bees star has given the Red Devils his word and confirmed that he wants to join Amorim’s side.

However, it appears as though other options are being considered in the forward department, potentially forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian at Old Trafford.

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

Dušan Vlahović is a player who has emerged on their radar over the last couple of weeks, potentially striking an agreement with Juventus that would see Jadon Sancho move in the opposite direction.

Felix Nmecha is another player on their radar, potentially making a bid for his services in the coming weeks in an attempt to land his signature ahead of the 2025/26 season.

However, the hierarchy are also active elsewhere, subsequently preparing a move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, that’s according to the latest update from CaughtOffside.

The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing a £60m offer for the 26-year-old, who’s registered 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the offer is below the Italian side’s asking price for the Portuguese international, but they would be open to offloading him should they receive an acceptable bid during this window.

Why United’s £60m target could be Amorim’s own version of prime Rashford

Marcus Rashford is a player who has been a superb option for United over the years after making his debut way back in 2016 as a baby-faced teenager.

He’s racked up over 400 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 138 times for his boyhood club, with his best season coming in 2022/23 – notching 30 goals in his 56 outings.

However, he appears to be out of favour under current boss Amorim, subsequently being loaned out to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 season.

The 27-year-old looks almost certain to depart Old Trafford on a permanent basis this summer, potentially handing the manager the funds to make the changes he requires.

A move could allow Leao to take his place within the first-team setup, being the manager’s next version of the England international, outperforming him in numerous key areas this season compared to his prime a couple of years ago.

The Milan star has previously stated he’s modelled his game on Rashford’s, often liking to cut inside onto his stronger right foot off the left-hand side, developing into a bigger talent in the process.

Leao, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – demonstrating his clinical edge within the final third.

How Leao in 2024/25 compares to Rashford’s prime in 2022/23
Statistics (per 90)	Leao (24/25)	Rashford (22/23)
Games played	34	35
Goals & assists	16	22
Progressive carries	4.8	2.6
Progressive passes	3.6	2.7
Shot-on-target accuracy	46%	45%
Key passes made	2.3	0.9
Shot-creating actions	4.4	3
Take-on success	46%	39%
Carries into opposition box	2.6	1.7
Aerials won	57%	33%
Stats via FBref

He’s also produced countless chances, completing more progressive carries and passes per 90, subsequently able to provide the players around him with added opportunities.

The Portuguese star has further dominated, registering more take-ons and winning more aerial battles, handing Amorim an all-round threat within the final third.

£60m for a player of his quality would be a superb piece of business, giving the side the fear factor they’ve often lacked within the final third in recent seasons.

Should he match or better the levels produced by Rashford back in 2022/23, it would be a sensational signing and one that could transform the Amorim era for the better.

Bruno will make him world-class: Man Utd hold talks for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United appear to be making a move in a deal to sign a new talisman.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 28, 2025

The matches were arranged after Cricket Ireland withdrew from hosting the games because of financial issues

Melinda Farrell14-Jun-2024Scotland and Australia will play their first bilateral men’s T20I series this September in Edinburgh. It will be Australia’s first tour of Scotland in 11 years, and come before they play three T20Is and five ODIs against England. The games will be played at The Grange on September 4, 6 and 7, ahead of the first T20I against England at the Ageas Bowl on September 11.The announcement came as the two sides prepared to meet in a T20 World Cup Group B fixture in St Lucia, which will decide whether England or Scotland join Australia in the Super Eight stage. England and Scotland are on three and five points respectively, behind Australia, who lead the group with six points. If Scotland beat Australia, they will progress, but could still qualify if they are defeated but maintain a superior net run-rate over England.Australia were originally scheduled to play three ODIs and a T20I against Ireland in August and September, but Ireland withdrew from hosting the games because of financial issues. Cricket Australia subsequently approached Cricket Scotland earlier this year, seeking alternatives to the Ireland tour.”Cricket Australia came to us and said we would like to partner with you and we said we would absolutely like to partner with you,” Cricket Scotland CEO Trudy Lindblade told ESPNcricinfo. “We just needed to find a way to make it happen.”So, for us, it was a no-brainer to have Australia coming to Scotland before they play in England and it was just finding a way to make it happen. And thanks to the support of [CA chief executive] Nick Hockley and his team at Cricket Australia, we’ve been able to find a way.”

“We need to play high-quality cricket more often. The top Associate members will say the same as us and this will demonstrate, not just our on-the-field performance, but also the people in Scotland get to see the best possible cricket”Cricket Scotland CEO Trudy Lindblade

Scotland and Australia have played just five international matches – all ODIs – against each other over the years, and only twice outside of a World Cup, both at The Grange. Australia have been victorious on each occasion and the last time the two sides met in a bilateral fixture, in a one-off ODI in 2013, Australia recorded a thumping 200-run win. Richie Berrington, Scotland’s current captain, is the sole surviving player from the 2013 game on either side.But while Scotland hope to be less accommodating on the field during the upcoming series, Lindblade, originally from Australia, believes the tour will provide the perfect opportunity to showcase what Edinburgh has to offer as a cricket destination, as the board deals with the fallout of damaging reports finding Cricket Scotland guilty of institutional racism and sexism.”What a way to end the year to have Australia coming to Scotland, playing in three T20 internationals at the Grange, when we have been through such incredibly difficult times,” Lindblade said.”It will be a celebration of cricket in Scotland and we hope that everybody gets behind us and when tickets go on sale, that we have The Grange filled on three days and we can show everybody that cricket in Scotland is well and truly on its path forward and how much that it is a sport for everybody to enjoy.”Lindblade hoped the tour will lead to other tours by Full-Member countries: “We need to play high-quality cricket more often. The top Associate members will say the same as us and this will demonstrate, not just our on-the-field performance, but also the people in Scotland get to see the best possible cricket,” she said.”We want to get back into discussions with the board members about coming to Scotland. It’s not just a great place to play cricket, but it’s also a great place to visit. So whilst they’re here we can also make sure that they have an enjoyable time in between the matches. It’s a whole package when you come to Scotland.”Allrounder Michael Leask said the series would be “incredible” for Scotland. “[We] don’t get many opportunities to play teams like Australia, England, India, Pakistan – especially at home,” Leask said. “That is going to be a wonderful occasion for Scotland to host the World Test champions, the ODI champions, literally one of the best in the world at our home ground.”