Setting their sights on stars of the future, Aston Villa are now reportedly expected to submit what would be their third bid to sign a rising star amid news that his valuation has dropped.

Aston Villa hoping third time's the charm

Aston Villa proved in the January transfer window that they’re more than capable of luring some of Europe’s biggest names to the Midlands – welcoming both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain respectively. And that pull power should come as little surprise these days. After all, we are now talking about Champions League quarter-finalists.

After sweeping past Club Brugge in clinical fashion, the Villans are now set to face their toughest challenge yet in the form of PSG. Meanwhile, as Unai Emery’s side continue to make progress off the pitch, those away from the action are beginning to steal headlines of their own.

According to Sabah, as relayed by Sports Witness, Aston Villa are now expected to submit a third bid to sign Semih Kilicsoy from Besiktas this summer.

Aston Villa have possible £42m replacement if they can't sign Asensio

He’s just 19 years old…

1 ByTom Cunningham Mar 15, 2025

The Villans were reportedly unsuccessful with two offers last summer, including one worth €18m (£15m) with add-ons included. Now, one year on, patience could prove to be a virtue amid reports suggesting that the teenager’s price has dropped to just €15m (£12m) ahead of the forthcoming transfer window.

Up against Newcastle United in the race for his signature, Aston Villa will be desperate to see their third bid end in success and welcome Kilicsoy once and for all this summer.

"Monster" Kilicsoy is one to watch

In his debut season for Besiktas’ senior side, Kilicsoy was involved in as many as 15 goals in all competitions with 12 goals and three assists to his name. Now, one season on, the 19-year-old winger has simply picked up where he left off – scoring six goals and creating a further four – to attract the attention of Aston Villa once again.

Dubbed a “physical monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Kilicosy is simply not a player that Aston Villa want to miss out on. After chasing his signature since last summer, they seemingly have the chance to land a bargain deal just one year on.

Meanwhile, as the transfer rumours continue, there’s no doubt that the Besiktas star will continue to steal the headlines.

Liverpool midfielder found himself on the periphery under Arne Slot in the 2024-25 season, finally speaking up on his lack of playing time.

Article continues below

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• Morton not favoured by Slot in 2024-25 season
• Midfielder made just five appearances in all competitions
• Youngster described the experience as 'tough'

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Out-of-favour Liverpool defensive midfielder Morton has shared his feelings on the 2024-25 season, which he spent at Anfield after consecutive loan spells at Championship sides Blackburn Rovers and Hull City. Morton said it was the "toughest season mentally" for him under head coach Slot, although the youngster also admitted it "could have worked out a lot worse than it did" if he had been sent out on loan to develop further.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Morton made just five appearances in all competitions, none of which came in Liverpool's triumphant Premier League campaign. He underwent shoulder surgery back in February, which saw him miss the rest of the season. However, he made one Champions League appearance, one FA Cup start, and three League Cup appearances, of which he started twice, aggregating a total of just 261 minutes.

• WHAT TYLER MORTON SAID

  Speaking in an interview with the , Morton said: "I think it's been the toughest season mentally for me. Obviously, I've coped with it very well because I've got good people around me, but it's been very tough. I think I've coped with it as well as I possibly could. I think when you're not playing as a footballer who's as hungry as I am, it does hurt.

  "It's tough, especially when, in my opinion, I wanted to go out and I wanted to play and I wanted to go on loan and get my game time. But having chatted with the manager, having to stay, it could have worked out a lot worse than it did. It probably could have worked out a lot better than it did.

  "It's still been a good season. I've still developed and, as you said, I still feel really sharp and really ready to go."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TYLER MORTON?

  The young midfielder has been named in England's squad for the U21 European Championship, which begins on Wednesday, June 11. He will be expected to be a regular fixture under Lee Carsley, and could be seen in action against the Czech Republic U21 in their first group stage game on Thursday, June 12.

In the view of club legend Gary Neville, “being Manchester United goalkeeper is the hardest position in English football”.

For every Peter Schmeichel there is a Massimo Taibi. For every Edwin van de Sar, a Roy Carroll. Managing to find a quality, long-term solution in the goalkeeping ranks has not always been plain sailing – just ask Andre Onana.

The scrutiny that surrounded his predecessor, David De Gea, has been replicated with the former Inter star, with questions already being asked over Onana’s suitability to life at Old Trafford.

Signed by his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag on a £47.2m deal in the summer of 2023 – a year on from having been available on a free – the Cameroonian ‘keeper has endured a real mixed stint in Manchester, putting together a highlight reel full of comical gaffes.

Despite starting the new season on strong footing, amid notable double saves against the likes of Crystal Palace and Fenerbahce, the 28-year-old has regressed again in recent months, having now made three errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this term.

Those woes – which include his mistake for Brighton and Hove Albion’s third goal last month – have sparked reports that an early exit could be on the cards for the experienced stopper, with new boss Ruben Amorim seemingly intent on shaking up his goalkeeping department.

The latest on Andre Onana's future at Man Utd

There could well be a summer of upheaval ahead, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst reporting that the number of departures could reach double figures for the Red Devils.

Among those looking set for an exit is veteran goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, amid the impending expiry of his contract, with the academy graduate having played just three first-team games following his return back in 2021.

That likely departure has come following further claims by Luckhurst that Amorim is keen on signing a new goalkeeper ahead of next season, thus throwing into doubt the futures of both Altay Bayindir and Onana.

In the case of the latter man, recent reports have indicated that the one-time Ajax hero could be open to sealing a move away from the Theatre of Dreams, with clubs in Saudi Arabia seemingly showing an interest.

Potential succession plans appear to have already been drawn up, with the latest speculation indicating that United have lodged an enquiry over Burnley sensation, James Trafford, with the 22-year-old having previously been on the books at rivals Manchester City.

The likelihood is that the Englishman would command a fee in the region of £30m, however, with United perhaps left to regret losing a dream alternative on a free. And no, it’s not De Gea…

Man Utd have already offloaded an Onana upgrade

The goalkeeping positions could well be in for major change at both Manchester clubs, with uncertainty surrounding Ederson at the Etihad, with the Brazilian having just a year left on his current deal.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

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Amid City’s need for a replacement, recent reports have indicated that Pep Guardiola and co are keeping an eye on Torino number one, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, with the Serbian stopper having caught the eye in Serie A in recent times.

Interestingly, the 28-year-old – who his manager Paolo Vanoli described as “underrated” – was actually previously on the books at United, having been signed as a teenager back in the summer of 2014.

Following that move, the then-youngster subsequently returned to former club, Vojvodina, on loan for the 2014/15 campaign, before signing for Lechia Gdansk on a permanent basis in November 2015.

The rising star had failed to gain a work permit in England, hence the brief nature of his association with the club, with United forced into releasing the 6 foot 8 giant for nothing.

Fast forward almost a decade, and the 28-year-old is now shining in Italy’s top flight, having made 149 appearances for his current side since arriving in Turin in 2017, racking up 51 clean sheets in that time.

This season, in particular, Milinkovic-Savic has been at the peak of his powers after conceding just 31 goals in 28 league games, while Onana, by contrast, has shipped 40 goals in 29 league outings back in Manchester.

Milinkovic-Savic vs Onana vs De Gea – last 365 days

Stat (per 90)

Milinkovic

Onana

De Gea

Goals against

1.06

1.47

1.04

Save percentage

77.8%

71.6%

75.2%

Save % (penalties)

57.1%

10%

66.7%

Clean sheet %

36.1%

21.3%

34.6%

Touches

47.86

41.60

34.35

Avg. length of goal kicks

56.8

46.6

45.0

Crosses stopped

6.7%

6.6%

2.7%

Defensive actions outside area

1.28

0.81

0.65

Stats via FBref

As indicated in the table above, the Serbian has outperformed his United counterpart across a string of metrics across the last 365 days, with it no surprise that those at the Etihad have begun to register an interest.

Not only is the 19-cap international seemingly a big upgrade on Onana, but he is also deemed to be a similar player to De Gea among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Like Milinkovic-Savic, the Spaniard – who also departed on a free transfer in 2023 after 12 years at United – has been in fine form of late for Fiorentina, as indicated by his record with regard to save percentage and his goals against record.

The debate over whether Ten Hag was right to trade De Gea for Onana will rage on. As for the Torino star, he is simply among a growing list of ex-United ‘keepers – including Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone – who have gone on to shine elsewhere.

Perhaps, if City’s interest does become more concrete, he will finally end up in Manchester after all…

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MatériaMais Notícias

Chegou ao fim o período invicto do Grêmio no Campeonato Brasileiro da Série B. Após 17 partidas, o Imortal caiu diante do CRB, que não quis saber do bom momento do rival e venceu por 2 a 0 na noite deste sábado, no estádio Rei Pelé, em Maceió. Ainda na etapa inicial, em duas penalidades marcadas pelo árbitro, Diogo Silva mostrou que não é bom somente defendendo, mas também marcando gols. Os donos da casa também conseguiram segurar a pressão mesmo com uma menos.

Com o resultado, a equipe alagoana chegou aos 32 pontos, pulando para a 9ª colocação. Já o time gaúcho, por conta do revés sofrido, acabou ficando na 3ª posição com seus 43 pontos, desperdiçando a chance de voltar à vice-liderança.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

CRB ABRE A CONTAGEM, MAS FICA EM DESVANGEM NUMÉRICA

Fazendo valer o mando de campo, a equipe do CRB tratou de surpreender o Grêmio logo nos primeiros movimentos. Aos 5 minutos, Romão foi derrubado na área por Gabriel Teixeira, fazendo com que a arbitragem marcasse a penalidade no lance. Na cobrança, o goleiro Diogo Silva bateu com categoria, deslocando Brenno fazendo 1 a 0 no Rei Pelé.

Na sequência, o Galo tentou aproveitar o bom momento no jogo para seguir oferecendo perigo, como na chegada de Fabinho, mas o jogador não conseguiu concluir a jogada. Entretanto, viu as coisas dificultarem um pouco quando Guilherme Romão fez falta dura sobre Rodrigo, recebendo o amarelo inicialmente. Mas após rever a jogada no VAR,Vinicius Gonçalves Dias de Araújo voltou atrás e expulsou o lateral, para frustração da torcida local.

DIOGO SILVA VOLTA A MARCAR

Com um a menos, o técnico Daniel Paulista então optou por reforçar seu sistema defensivo, tirando Fabinho para colocar em seu lugar Guilherme Lopes. Por outro lado, apesar de uma certa insistência, o Tricolor não conseguia aproveitar a fragilidade rival, se complicando ainda mais no jogo após uma nova penalidade marcada depois que o chute de Paulinho Mocellin bateu no braço de Geromel. Na cobrança, outra vez ele, o goleiro artilheiro Diogo Silva, que já havia convertido anteriormente, viu Brenno chegar na bola, mas não o suficiente para balançar a rede.

Com 2 a 0 no marcador, Roger então promoveu sua primeira troca, aumentando seu poder ofensivo ao colocar Elkeson no lugar de Lucas Leiva. Apesar de algumas boas chances criadas, nenhuma foi suficiente para o Tricolor descontar no marcador, mantendo o resultado parcial a favor do Alvirrubro.

GRÊMIO ADOTA POSTURA OFENSIVA

Sabendo que o tempo seria mais um obstáculo na etapa complementar, o Grêmio tratou de ir para cima do adversário logo de cara. Com isso, até meados dos 15 minutos, apesar de chegar com certa facilidade ao seu campo de ataque, esbarrava no ferrolho montado pelo Galo, que se mostrava disposto a não facilitar as coisas para os gaúchos.

Preocupado, Roger então voltou a promover trocas em sua equipe, colocando Gabriel Silva e Janderson em campo. Mesmo com as mudanças, seguia sem criatividade para avançar, e até mesmo falhando na pontaria ao finalizar de longe, como no caso de Gabriel Teixeira que, aos 24, mandou a bola longe do gol.

IMORTAL APOSTA ÚLTIMAS FICHAS

Indo para o famoso tudo ou nada, os visitantes seguiam na insistência de, ao menos, arrancar um empate. Percebendo a ofensividade por parte dos gremistas em campo, Daniel Paulista então resolveu alterar seu esquema tático, deixando apenas Richard isolado na frente.

Vendo o relógio correr, já na reta final, a situação do Tricolor foi ficando cada vez mais difícil. Desperdiçando oportunidades como as de Elkeson e Thaciano, viu o Galo se mostrar sólido na defesa, garantindo a vitória para frustração de Roger e companhia, caindo a invencibilidade de 17 jogos da equipe na competição.

FICHA TÉCNICA
CRB 2×0 Grêmio

Data e horário: 13/08/2022 – 20h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Rei Pelé, em Maceió (AL)
Árbitro:Vinicius Gonçalves Dias de Araújo (SP)
Assistentes:Luiz Alberto Andrini Nogueira (SP) eLeandro Matos Feitosa (SP)
VAR:Adriano de Assis Miranda (SP)

Cartões amarelos: Pedro Geromel, 35’/1ºT

Cartões vermelhos: Guilherme Romão, 24’/1ºT

Gols: Diogo Silva, 7’/1ºT (1-0);Diogo Silva, 36’/1ºT (2-0)

CRB:Diogo Silva; Raul Prata, Gum, Diego Ivo e Guilherme Romão; Jalysson, Claudinei e Rafael Longuine (Bruninho, aos 33’/2ºT); Paulinho Moccelin (Richard, aos 22’/2ºT), Gabriel Conceição (Reginaldo, aos 25’/2ºT) e Fabinho (Guilherme Lopes, aos 26’/2ºT). (Técnico: Daniel Paulista)

GRÊMIO: Brenno; Rodrigo, Geromel (Bitello, no intervalo), Bruno Alves e Diogo Barbosa; Lucas Leiva (Elkeson, aos 38’/2ºT), Villasanti e Campaz (Gabriel Silva, 17’/2ºT; Biel (Thaciano, aos 25’/2ºT), Guilherme (Janderson, aos 17’/2ºT)e Diego Souza. (Técnico: Roger Machado)

Nottinghamshire claim much-needed win at home of table-topping Bears

ECB Reporters Network03-Jun-2023

Joe Clarke made an unbeaten 89 from 53 balls•PA Images via Getty Images

Notts Outlaws heaved their staccato Vitality Blast campaign back into forward motion with a spectacular 11-run win over Birmingham Bears at run-soaked Edgbaston.Notts were put in by the top-of-the-table Bears but piled up an imposing 214 for 3. When two batters in the same innings reach half-centuries with their fifth six, things have not gone well for the opposition – so it was with Joe Clarke, 89 not out off 53 balls, and Colin Munro (87 off 43) as they pummelled the bowlers in a partnership of 122 from 68 balls.The remarkable Sam Hain then took his Blast run-tally this season to 303 with a superb unbeaten 97 off 52, but the Bears fell just short on 203 for 9.Notts will hope their third win in six games will be the start of a consistent run towards the quarter-finals. The Bears meanwhile, have faltered after a flying start. It has not been the homecoming Birmingham had in mind for Moeen Ali. They won four out of four before his return, since when they have lost two out of two – evidence, perhaps, for the case of ‘never change a winning team’.After choosing to bowl, the Bears soon removed Alex Hales, bowled by Henry Brookes with the ninth ball, but the brisk breakthrough simply opened the door to the onslaught. After a watchful start (Dan Mousley’s first two overs cost just five runs), Munro launched an offensive which silenced the big home crowd.He bashed Glenn Maxwell straight out of the attack with two sixes and two more sailed into the stands from what proved to be Danny Briggs’ only over. Maxwell, Briggs and Ed Barnard together bowled three overs for 49.It was thrilling hitting from Munro who was within sight of his sixth T20 century when he lifted Moeen to long-off in pursuit of his tenth six. That was the signal for Clarke, hitherto content to be the quiet partner, to attack. The former Rapids batter smote a Brookes full toss into the crowd to raise the Outlaws’ 200 and the innings closed on 214 with 13 fours and 16 sixes.Under intense scoreboard pressure, the Bears had to go hard from the off and they lost captain and vice-captain in the fourth over. Moeen and Alex Davies flailed off-side catches off Shaheen Afridi and then Maxwell skied a top-edged slog at Jake Ball.From a parlous 40 for 3, Hain and Mousley added 52 in six overs before the latter fell to a brilliant catch by Matt Montgomery, racing in and diving forward from deep point. That was from Calvin Harrison’s third ball. When the spinner’s 12th delivery bowled Chris Benjamin, the Bears’ hopes lay squarely with Hain. He batted magnificently but that scoreboard pressure – 59 needed from the last four overs – was too great.

Celtic are on the hunt for another domestic treble, but have been forced to turn to an unlikely starter against Heart of Midlothian on Saturday afternoon due to recent developments.

Celtic march on in pursuit of a domestic clean sweep

Despite their imperious Scottish Premiership position, Celtic wilted against Rangers before the international break and now have a point to prove after their rivals cut the gap at the summit with seven league matches left to play.

Admittedly, the Bhoys were missing captain Callum McGregor due to a calf injury. Still, his absence did underline that there is work for Brendan Rodgers to do in the market to ensure he has adequate cover across all fronts.

Making inroads to address the engine room, Kosovo international Elvis Rexhbecaj is reportedly a Celtic target that could be allowed to move on from Augsburg for a sum of £3 million, albeit Parma and Besiktas are also courting his services.

Either way, the immediate task for the reigning champions comes at home to Heart of Midlothian this afternoon. The Hoops stand on the brink of their 13th Scottish Premiership title in 14 years, and claiming three points against Neil Critchley’s side would put the champagne on ice ahead of clashes with St Johnstone and Kilmarnock.

Celtic’s next fixtures across all competitions

Heart of Midlothian (H)

Scottish Premiership

St Johnstone (A)

Scottish Premiership

Kilmarnock (H)

Scottish Premiership

St Johnstone

Scottish Cup semi-final

*SPFL fixture split follows after Celtic vs Kilmarnock

The small matter of a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden versus St Johnstone is also on the horizon, meaning there is plenty for Rodgers’ group to ponder now that the international break has come and gone.

Having said that, the Irishman is now set to field a rarely seen talent in light of injury frustrations involving one of his key performers over the last week.

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo in line for Scottish Premiership debut

Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s action, Rodgers confirmed that Viljami Sinisalo will make his Scottish Premiership debut against Hearts in place of Kasper Schmeichel after the latter sustained an injury on international duty with Denmark that is set to keep him out for an indefinite time period.

He stated: “Vil will come in and play, he’s a very talented young goalkeeper, that’s why we brought him here. He was very good in pre-season, been outstanding in training, and what we’ve seen, I’ve seen him grow and develop.

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“Of course, with every player, it’s when you’re out in the arena of Celtic and beyond that, that’s when you’re measured and when you’re judged, but I’ve got no qualms with putting him in.”

Intriguingly, Sinisalo has made just one appearance for Celtic this season since completing a £1 million move from Aston Villa in the summer, which came in a 5-0 victory over Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup.

However, with Schmeichel set for a scan to determine the extent of his injury, a rare opportunity has opened up for the Finland international to stake a claim for the gloves ahead of Scott Bain.

Hearts are set to be a stern test due to their aspirations of claiming a top-six finish, so it will be interesting to see whether Sinisalo stands up to the challenge following Rodgers’ billing of his abilities.

A manager who plays a 3-4-2-1 system is keen on becoming the permanent Rangers boss when the job is up for grabs this summer, according to his brother.

Rangers manager rumours heat up as Ferguson beats Mourinho

The Gers put their domestic troubles aside on Thursday evening to qualify for the Europa League quarter-finals, with interim boss Barry Ferguson getting the better of Jose Mourinho and his Fenerbahce side.

Despite a 2-0 defeat in the second leg at Ibrox, Rangers prevailed on penalties with Jack Butland saving two spot-kicks and will now face La Liga side Athletic Club in the last eight.

Talking after the game Ferguson said: “To play for the club and then captain it was obviously a dream but to stand on the sidelines and lead the team I grew up supporting was an amazing feeling.

“When I was appointed I know people said I wasn’t qualified or I wasn’t the right guy for the job, that just makes me even more determined. I’m going to give it everything for the next few months. the player are digging deep for me and that’s all I asked.”

Ferguson has been linked with the Rangers job on a full-time basis under prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises, as has Rafael Benitez, who is thought to be keen on returning to the dugout with a move to Glasgow. However, Ferguson also wants to make the job his.

Ferguson “wants” permanent Rangers job as brother calls it a “no-brainer”

Talking to Ibrox News, pundit Derek Ferguson, older brother to Barry, said that the 3-4-2-1-style boss would like to stay in charge of Rangers and said it would be a “no-brainer for him”.

“He was already there in an ambassador role so he knows the ins and outs at the club. It was a case of him getting the right people beside him.

“Neil McCann and Billy Dodds are good appointments as well. He looks comfortable in the job, especially when dealing with the press. He looks the part and I think it’s a no-brainer for him to take it. The way that will happen is by getting results. The result against Fenerbahce was marvellous, brilliant. But you’ve got to remember that has been the case for Rangers this season – they’ve been excellent in Europe.

“What Barry’s got to do from now until the summer is win every game. If he does that he’ll get the job. That means beating Celtic at Celtic Park, which is a big ask. But on the basis of the Fenerbahce performance, the players are capable of that. I’m not surprised he wants the job full-time.

“I said to him, and this is going back a bit, I couldn’t fathom why he worked with part-time clubs in Scotland. The Clyde one was fair enough, getting your foot through the door, but some of the full-time teams in Scotland were willing to take Barry on but for whatever reason he didn’t want to go down that route.

“This is a different kettle of fish now. I took him to Rangers as a boy. The club is ingrained in him. There’s only one conclusion: He wants the job but will need to win games.”

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Ferguson, after European success over Mourinho, can strengthen his claim for the role with a positive result against rivals Celtic and Brendan Rodgers this weekend.

Sussex gave spectators free admission to the opening day of their LV= County Championship match against Worcestershire – and what a day they had. They saw Sussex recover from 142 for 6 to reach 338 for 9 thanks to some late-order hitting from first Nathan McAndrew and then Jack Carson and Henry Shipley, the last two putting on 85 for the ninth wicket, the biggest stand of the innings.At tea, when Sussex were 205 for 7, honours looked appropriately even at the 1st Central County Ground for the second and third placed counties in division two. And it was fitting that Sussex (second) were on top of Worcestershire when bad light drove the players from the field with eight overs remaining.The first, intense session brought some old-fashioned county cricket, with Sussex reaching lunch on 81 for 3 from 30 overs, at a run-rate of 2.70.Worcestershire had chosen to bowl on a humid, sticky morning and the green tinge to the pitch might also have influenced their choice; whether they would have made the same decision had Cheteshwar Pujara and Steve Smith been batting for Sussex, as they were at Worcester last month, is another matter.It was a very testing two hours and the Worcestershire fast bowlers made the batters play at almost every delivery. The best of them, not for the first time, was the bald and bustling figure of Joe Leach, who bowled with thoughtful aggression, round the wicket and over, wide on the crease and close to the stumps.He broke through with the last ball of the opening over, which Tom Clark edged to Jake Libby at fourth slip. His fellow opener, Tom Haines, battled for just under an hour for his nine runs before he edged Leach to wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick and Sussex were 28 for 2 in the 14th over.Tom Alsop (left-handed Toms make up the first three in the Sussex line-up) battled as obdurately as Haines. But his innings of 71 minutes and 56 deliveries ended on 19, when he got one from Leach which straightened off the pitch for Jack Haynes to take the edge at second slip.The Sussex batters looked a little more confident in the last few overs before the interval, after Leach had left the attack, and they carried that impetus into the afternoon session. James Coles and Oli Carter struck a flurry of boundaries but then the impressive and fluent Coles fell to a soft dismissal, with an uppercut off Adam Finch to Leach at third man. Finch had just been warned for running on the pitch. Then, one run later, Danial Ibrahim, edged to second slip for a seven-ball duck and Sussex were 120 for 5.That became 142 for six when Fynn Hudson-Prentice edged to Roderick who dropped the catch but then caught it at the second attempt just before it hit the ground. There was a hesitation and a meeting of umpires before the batter departed and Leach had his 17th five-wicket haul.Carter and McAndrew decided to counter-attack their way out of trouble and this approach brought 59 runs in 14 overs before Carter slapped a short one from Matthew Waite to backward-point. But he had hit 11 fours in his 132-ball 76.McAndrew went on to hit 65 from 68 balls, with a dozen fours. But it was the partnership that followed that won the day for Sussex, forcing Worcestershire to take the new ball without Adam Finch, who was taken out of the attack after running on the pitch.Carson made an unbeaten 60 but the real bonus for Sussex was the effort from New Zealander Henry Shipley, making his first-class debut for the county. Shipley was brought in to bolster the county’s fast bowling options but struck a fluent 41, with six fours and a six. He finally gave the heroic Leach his sixth wicket, making him the highest wicket-taker in the division.

يواصل أحد أساطير ليفربول في القرن الحديث، ستيفن جيرارد، التعبير عن إعجابه بالنجم المصري محمد صلاح وما قدمه للنادي، خلال السنوات الماضية، كلما سنحت له الفرصة للقيام بذلك.

ويحتل نجما ليفربول مكاناً بين أفضل ستة هدافين في تاريخ النادي، حيث أحرز جيرارد 186 هدفاً، فيما سجل محمد صلاح 245 هدفًا، وهذا العدد قابل للزيادة.

اقرأ أيضاً .. “عبقري وسعيد بامتلاكه”.. كيركيز يتغزل في محمد صلاح بعد انتقاله إلى ليفربول

ولم يتصادف للثنائي محمد صلاح وستيفن جيرارد أن لعبا سويًا حيث انضم النجم المصري في عام 2017 بينما رحل النجم الإنجليزي السابق عن آنفيلد في 2015 واختتم مسيرته مع لوس أنجلوس جالاكسي في 2016.

وأكد ستيفن جيرارد في لقائه مع “TNT SPORTS” أن محمد صلاح هو اللاعب الذي كان يتمنى اللعب إلى جواره قبل اعتزاله كرة القدم.

وسئل جيرارد عن هدفه المفضل في مسيرته وأجاب: “هدفي ضد وست هام في نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي 2006”.

وعن أفضل ذكرى يحتفظ بها خلال مسيرته الكروية رد النجم الإنجليزي : “لقب دوري أبطال أوروبا في 2005 كان أكثر البطولات التي تعني لي الكثير” .

وعن أفضل لاعب كان يتمنى اللعب إلى جواره، قال نجم منتخب إنجلترا السابق: “مو صلاح”.

وعن أكثر ذكرى تؤلمه مع ليفربول قال: “تشيلسي 2014″، بينما اختار دومينينك سوبوسلاي كأكثر لاعب يرى نفسه فيه خلال الفترة الحالية.

جدير بالذكر أن ستيفن جيرارد حقق 9 بطولات مع ليفربول أبرزها لقب دوري أبطال أوروبا 2004-2005 وجاء وصيفًا مع الريدز في 2006-2007.

Liam Delap has taken the No.9 jersey at Chelsea, with that shirt supposedly cursed by the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Fernando Torres.

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Frontman joined Blues from IpswichWants to win silverware in west LondonPredecessors struggled in No.9 shirtFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

England U21 international Delap has completed a £30 million ($41m) transfer to Stamford Bridge after the release clause in his contract at Ipswich was triggered. He has been offered an immediate return to the Premier League on the back of suffering relegation in 2024-25.

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Delap spent just one season at Portman Road, but hit 12 top-flight goals for a team that failed to avoid tumbling back into the Championship. At 22 years of age, he is considered to still have plenty of potential in his game that is waiting to be unlocked.

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Chelsea are hoping to be the ones to benefit from that, as they look to find a regular goalscorer to lead their line, but have handed a squad number to Delap that boasts a rather chequered past.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the last man to don No.9 for Chelsea – with the ex-Arsenal star registering just one Premier League goal – while the likes of Lukaku, Morata, Torres, Gonzalo Higuain, Radamel Falcao and Mateja Kezman have all struggled to deliver in the same shirt. It has also, somewhat surprisingly, been filled by Steve Sidwell and Khalid Boulahrouz in west London.