Kieron Pollard produced a sensational display of hitting to inspire Southern Brave to a thrilling two-wicket win over Trent Rockets at Utilita Bowl and move his side level on points with Oval Invincibles at the top of the table.Pollard had struggled his way to 6 from 14 balls in a contest which appeared to be slipping away from the hosts before he dispatched Rashid Khan for five consecutive sixes in one set.The former Windies captain was run out after making 45 from 23 balls but Chris Jordan held his nerve, hitting the penultimate delivery of the match for four to see Brave home.Brave had been cruising at 43 for 0 in pursuit of 127 but the innings stalled after Alex Davies nicked behind off Sam Cook for a sprightly 28 and Andre Fletcher was cleaned up by a Rashid googly.John Turner, who had to be removed from the attack in his previous match after bowling successive beamers, produced a brilliant spell of fast bowling, taking 3 for 24 including the prize scalp of James Vince for 28, before Pollard turned the match on its head.Earlier, Tom Banton was fast out of the traps for the Rockets, dispatching Akeal Hosein for three fours and a six in the first 10 deliveries. Adam Lyth hit a brace of boundaries in Tymal Mills’ opening over but Banton (30 from 17) holed out to Pollard at long-on in Danny Briggs’ opening set and the Rockets stuttered.Lyth (16) was caught in the deep off Hosein, Briggs had Alex Hales (15) stumped and Jofra Archer dismissed Joe Root (16) with a leg-cutter which took a thick outside edge and flew to Davies, who snaffled a screamer.Mills’ third set proved expensive, leaking three boundaries as Rovman Powell (16) and Lewis Gregory (19) threatened to tee-off, but Jordan dismissed the Windies T20 skipper before Archer, who finished with 2-18, accounted for Gregory with a well-executed slower ball.The Rockets could only manage 10 runs from the final 10 deliveries to finish on 126 for 8, Jordan dismissing Rashid and Luke Wood to finish with 3 for 22 and cap a superb bowling performance from the hosts.Pollard, the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “I had to make a play at some point. I was really slow to start but I didn’t think it was a pitch where you could just come in and hit the ball, so I had to really try and calculate and pick my bowler.”I’ve played against Rash a lot and he’s got me out a lot of times so I had to see what was happening but I knew the sort of line and length he was going to bowl. If he bowled full I was going to back my strength which is hitting straight and he bowled three fuller balls and it was right in my arc. I couldn’t stop at that point in time, I had to get maximum. Rash is a world-class bowler but this was just one of the days where I took victory.”

Glasgow Rangers officially confirmed the first signing of the Russell Martin era last week when they unveiled Max Aarons as their latest arrival.

The right-back has joined on a season-long loan from Bournemouth to bolster the manager’s options at right-back, becoming the second signing of the summer after Lyall Cameron, who agreed to join in January.

Although Martin has never managed him before, the former England U21 international is a player the manager knows well from their time together as players at Norwich City in England.

The boss told the Rangers website: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player. He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side.”

The English full-back is now looking to kick on and get back to his best on the pitch after a difficult couple of years since moving on from Norwich in 2023.

Why Max Aarons is a risky signing for Rangers

On the one hand, this is a relatively low-risk signing for the Light Blues in the sense that he is only on loan for the season and they do not have an obligation to make it permanent next summer.

This means that the Gers will not have wasted millions of pounds on a long-term deal if Aarons ends up struggling and failing to make the grade in Glasgow.

On the other hand, it is a risky signing for Martin through the lens of next season, because the way the last two years have gone for the defender suggests that there are no guarantees that he will be a success.

Aarons has missed 17 matches through injury and only played 31 times in all competitions since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, including nine appearances this term.

This shows that Rangers have brought in a full-back who has not played much football in the last two years, whilst suffering through injuries, and his last two successful seasons, with Norwich, came in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.

As you can see in the table above, Aarons showed his quality in and out of possession at right-back for the Canaries in those two title-winning seasons in the Championship, but it has been years since that success.

This is why the 25-year-old gem is a risky signing with next season in mind, despite having the potential to be a key player, given how long it has been since his last successful campaign.

Rangers in talks to sign English defender

Rangers, however, are also eyeing up another defender from England who would arrive with less risk attached and be a better signing for Martin.

Transfer Focus

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

According to the Daily Record, talks are still ongoing between the Scottish Premiership giants and Championship side Leicester City over a deal for Conor Coady.

The report claims that Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have invested £20m to bolster the club’s budget for the summer transfer window, yet it remains to be seen how much of that budget will be eaten up by a move for the former England international.

Coady’s current contract at the King Power is due to expire in the summer of 2026, and the ongoing talks suggest that the Foxes will not allow him to leave on a free transfer earlier than expected, which means that the Gers will have to pay a fee for his services.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Ibrox side will be able to reach an agreement with Leicester to bring the centre-back to Glasgow this summer.

Why Conor Coady would be a better signing than Max Aarons

If Rangers can get a deal over the line for Coady in the coming days or weeks then they will land an even better signing than Aarons for the defence.

As aforementioned, it has been several years since the former Norwich starlet enjoyed a successful season on the pitch, as he has been a bit-part player for Bournemouth, and on loan at Valencia, in the last two years.

Coady, however, played 22 times in the Premier League for Leicester last season and helped the Foxes to secure the Championship title in the previous term.

In the 2023/24 campaign, the veteran central defender showcased his impressive quality in possession in a ball-dominant Enzo Maresca side in the second tier in England, which speaks to his suitability for a possession-oriented Martin style of play.

As you can see in the table above, the 32-year-old titan was one of the best centre-backs in the league, if not the best, at progressing the ball through the thirds to build up attacks for his team.

These statistics suggest that Coady, who was lauded as an “immaculate professional” by ex-manager Sean Dyche, would be the perfect fit for Martin’s style of play, as he can ensure that dominating possession does not involve constant sideways and backwards passing, with his progressive play at the back.

These performances were also in the 2023/24 campaign, which means that he has demonstrable success on the pitch in a recent season, unlike Aarons, whilst the centre-back also completed 91% of his passes in the Premier League for the Foxes last season, which suggests that he would not be as risky of a signing.

At the age of 32, Coady would arrive as an experienced and proven performer who could hit the ground running on and off the pitch as a leader for the Light Blues, which is another reason why he could be an even better signing than Aarons.

A Bassey repeat at Ibrox: Rangers agree deal to sign a new "sensation"

Rangers have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a star who could be a repeat of Calvin Bassey.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 30, 2025

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain has quality on and off the ball, fits the style of play, has recent success on the pitch, and brings leadership qualities, and all these attributes come together to explain why this could be a good move for the club.

It would be fair to say that Manchester United’s lacklustre summer took a turn for the worse on Tuesday afternoon.

While the Old Trafford faithful have been crying out for the club to go out and sign some players, fierce rivals Liverpool have been doing precisely that, and now it looks like they are on the hunt for Alexander Isak.

In fact, according to some reporters, they are now preparing a £130m offer for the Newcastle United star, despite already spending around £116m on Florian Wirtz earlier in the window.

However, there might still be some good news for United fans, as reports suggest they are looking to bring in someone who could be their answer to the Swede before next week.

Manchester United's underwhelming summer

While it certainly doesn’t feel like it at the moment, the summer transfer window actually started in a rather positive fashion for United.

Transfer Focus

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

After recovering from their Europa League final defeat, the club went out and activated Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause.

With the Brazilian being Premier League-proven and amassing an impressive haul of 23 goal involvements in 36 games last season, it is undoubtedly a great signing; however, the problem is that the club haven’t made another since.

Fortunately, that might be about to change. At least that is according to a recent report from the Manchester Evening News, which has revealed that United are closing in on Bryan Mbeumo.

In fact, in some much-needed good news, the report claims that the Red Devils are working hard to bring the Brentford man in before they begin their pre-season next week.

The club have already seen two offers rejected, with the latest being around £60m, but according to stories from earlier this week, they’ll need to pay £65m to get this deal over the line.

It’s certainly a lot of money to spend on one player, but given Mbeumo’s ability, it would be worth it, and it could be United’s own Isak-type addition.

Why Mbeumo could be United's Isak

Now, the first thing we’ll say is that, no, we don’t think Mbeumo is as good a player as Isak, but that doesn’t take away from the fact he’s still brilliant, and that isn’t really what we’re trying to say either.

Instead, we’re arguing that the Cameroonian international could have the same sort of impact on United in an attacking sense that the Newcastle ace could have for Liverpool.

That might sound absurd to some, but it’s really not, especially considering the difference a seriously dangerous Premier League goalscorer could have on this Red Devils side is far greater due to their current position, and the Brentford man is most certainly a dangerous goalscorer.

For example, in 38 league appearances last season, totalling 3417 minutes, the Bees’ “mini-Salah,” as dubbed by pundit Jason Cundy, scored 20 goals and provided eight assists.

That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.35 games, or one every 122.03 minutes.

That would have made him comfortably the top scorer and most productive player in Ruben Amorim’s squad last season, ahead of Bruno Fernandes with eight goals and 11 assists in 36 games.

More impressively, however, it wasn’t too far off Isak’s tally.

Appearances

38

34

Minutes

3417′

2774′

Goals

20

23

Assists

8

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.73

0.85

Minutes per Goal Involvement

122.03′

95.65′

In a far better team, the Swedish striker scored 23 goals and provided six assists in 34 league appearances, totalling 2774 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.17 games, or every 95.65 minutes.

Finally, with the “phenomenal” Bees gem, as dubbed by one analyst, being able to play off the right or up top, he’d have even more opportunities to influence proceedings at the Theatre of Dreams next season.

Ultimately, Mbeumo is not as good a player as Isak, and nobody would suggest otherwise, but he is still an incredible attacker, and there is every chance that he could be as game-changing for United as the Swede might be for Liverpool.

Amorim's own Pogba: Man Utd leading race to sign "sensational" £42m star

Manchester United could be about to make a move to land a key target in their plans for the 2025/26 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 16, 2025

Manchester United’s attempts to strengthen their frontline this summer have already been successful, already making two huge additions to their first-team squad.

Bryan Mbeumo was the latest addition made by boss Ruben Amorim, finally completing his £71m transfer to Old Trafford after weeks of speculation over his potential switch.

He joins Matheus Cunha in making the move to the North West, after the Brazilian joined in a £62.5m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers at the very start of the window.

However, despite the big money already being spent this summer, the club are still planning a move for a new talisman to help the side in their quest for success in the Premier League next season.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that other attackers are still also being pursued, potentially adding further depth after the arrival of the aforementioned duo.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

Over recent days, United have made a move for Bologna star Riccardo Orsolini, even making a direct phone call to his representatives over a potential move this summer.

Their interest in the 28-year-old is hardly a surprise given his record of 15 goals in just 30 Serie A appearances last campaign, averaging a goal every other game.

However, he’s not the only player currently plying their trade in Italy on their shortlist, with teammate Dan Ndoye also a player in their sights, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.

He claims that internal meetings have been held over a deal to land the 28-year-old star, who registered 15 combined goals and assists throughout 2024/25.

His post also confirms that he’s already spoken to Joshua Zirkzee over a potential move to Old Trafford this window, leading to a £43.5m price tag being mooted.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect alongside Watkins

Despite the interest in Ndoye, United are currently making efforts to land other talents in the final third, with Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins also on their radar.

It’s been reported over recent days that the Red Devils have entered fresh talks with Unai Emery’s side over a deal to land the 29-year-old striker, who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season.

However, any deal could cost them a fee in the region of £60m, which would take the club’s summer spending to just shy of £200m – a simply staggering amount given the recent cost-cutting operation.

Whilst it may appear like a hefty transfer fee. It’s one that would provide the side with the experienced Premier League talisman they will need if they’re to be successful.

Being able to score alone is one thing, but he will also be dependent upon players around him to provide the chances he craves to find the back of the net at Old Trafford.

Ndoye could prove to be the perfect player to aid Watkins in his potential quest, with his underlying stats highlighting the creative talent he currently possesses.

The Bologna star, who’s been labelled “dangerous” by one analyst, registered 5.5 progressive carries per 90, 2.1 of which were into the opposition’s 18-yard box – showcasing how much talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

30

Goals & assists

12

Progressive carries

5.5

Carries into opposition box

2.1

Successful take-ons

1.6

Fouls drawn

4.2

Key passes made

1.2

Passes into opposition box

1.1

He also notched 1.6 successful take-ons per 90, drawing 4.2 fouls per 90, having an impressive skillset that makes him a constant threat to the opposition’s backline.

Ndoye’s talents are further reflected in his tally of 1.2 key passes per 90, 1.1 of which were also into the opposition’s box, subsequently having the tools to hand Watkins the chances he craves in attacking areas.

Whilst £43.5m on another wide player may be a hefty investment, Ndoye has showcased he holds bags of talent and that he’ll only improve further in the years ahead.

If he can join the side alongside Watkins and provide him with key chances, it would be another superb signing for Amorim, massively helping him in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

He finishes like RVP: Man Utd make "phenomenal" £67m CF their main target

Manchester United have set their sights on a new talisman for Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 24, 2025

The loan player. Glasgow Rangers have had plenty over the years. From the good to the bad to the downright ugly, Ibrox has seen them all.

With the status of Scottish football shifting throughout the 21st century, no longer can Rangers or Celtic attract the best of the best. This means bringing higher-quality players on a loan deal, where they can showcase their talents before returning to their parent club.

Some have produced moments of magic that will be forever remembered among the fans. Who can forget Gregory Vignal’s stunning effort against Celtic in 2005? Or Vladimir Weiss’ quick-thinking assist against Celtic in the 2011 League Cup final?

More recently, the likes of Malick Tillman, Abdallah Sima, and Vaclav Cerny have all embraced life in Glasgow, going on to shine for the Ibrox side during their temporary spells at the club.

One name stands above the rest, however, especially in terms of the impact he had on the club and what happened next.

Ryan Kent didn’t take long to become a cult hero at Ibrox during the 2018/19 season, and Steven Gerrard saw his potential, signing him permanently in the summer of 2019.

Just how good was he during his maiden season at the club?

Remembering Ryan Kent's wonderful loan spell at Rangers

When Gerrard arrived in May 2018 to take over the reins at the Gers, it became clear that he would use his influence to bring a host of players to Ibrox from across Europe.

His Liverpool connections would also come in handy. Jon Flanagan moved to Glasgow, as did Ovie Ejaria on a loan deal.

Kent was certainly the most interesting talent out of all the loan signings that summer, and he went on to sparkle for the Gers.

Throughout the whole campaign, he scored six goals and grabbed nine assists for Rangers, despite missing several matches due to a hamstring injury.

The winger assisted Ryan Jack’s winner against Celtic in December 2018, the first time Rangers had defeated their Old Firm rivals in a league match for eight years.

A few months later, he scored a sublime solo goal against the same opposition while also punching Celtic captain Scott Brown.

Both of these feats further endeared him to the Ibrox faithful, and when the campaign was over, it became a case of when, rather than if, Kent would sign permanently.

Gerrard kept the fans on their toes, with the announcement coming on deadline day, but the club finally had their man. A transfer fee of £7m was spent in the process, the highest fee the club had spent in years.

By the time he left in 2023, Kent had made over 200 competitive appearances for the Light Blues, scoring 33 goals and registering 56 assists.

It was his initial loan spell that paved the way for Kent to enjoy plenty of success at Rangers when he joined permanently.

Could Russell Martin perhaps replicate this feat by signing a player on loan from the Premier League ahead of next season?

Rangers eye loan move for Premier League player

While Martin won’t be keen on overly relying on loan players next term, bringing a few top-class stars in will only benefit the squad.

Indeed, Nasser Djiga has moved from Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of the season. As has Max Aarons. Both of these signings have featured in the Premier League before and should prove to be excellent additions to Martin’s squad.

He isn’t stopping there. According to recent reports, the manager is keen on signing Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth on a temporary deal in the coming weeks.

Rushworth played under Martin at Swansea City; therefore, he knows his expectations and style of play, which could prove crucial.

The south coast side have reportedly knocked back a loan offer from one club in the Championship, and Martin will have to act swiftly in order to wrap up a deal.

It could be an interesting signing for sure, but would Rushworth be guaranteed first-team football at Ibrox next season?

Why Rangers must sign Carl Rushworth

Martin has a specific style of play which focuses on building the attack from the defence.

Transfer Focus

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

Having a goalkeeper who is excellent at distribution would aid in this philosophy, and Rushworth could be an ideal signing in this regard.

Scout Kai Watson even stated that “distribution seems to be his biggest strength which is key for Russell Martin’s system” when profiling the player amid his links to Rangers.

The data that this was based on came from the 2023/24 season, where he shone for Swansea City.

Indeed, during that campaign, he played all 46 Championship matches for the Welsh side, conceding 1.4 goals per game and saving 69% of the shots he faced.

Passing-wise, Rushworth succeeded with 89% of passes inside his own half, while he also recovered 9.5 balls per match, suggesting he acted swiftly to gather loose balls before making accurate passes to start an attack.

Rushworth also succeeded with 100% of his dribbles and won 85% of his total duels contested for the Swans that season.

He was also dubbed “incredible” by his former manager at Swansea, Luke Williams, and there is no doubt that Rushworth would make for an exciting signing heading into the Champions League qualifiers in a couple of weeks.

Much will depend on whether he is guaranteed regular gametime at Rangers throughout 2025/26. Considering Jack Butland and Liam Kelly both failed to really impress last term, bringing in a new ‘keeper certainly isn’t a bad idea by Martin.

A loan deal – as it did in the case of Kent – would work out well for all parties involved, and hopefully, Martin will insert an option to buy clause in any proposed deal.

The 39-year-old is working tirelessly to add much-needed quality to the squad. Rushworth would definitely be one of the final pieces of the jigsaw, that’s for sure.

Best winger since Kent: Rangers plotting Ibrox move for "rapid' £2m star

As Russell Martin targets a new wide-attacker, could Rangers sign an absolutely “rapid’ youngster worth £2m to be their best winger since Ryan Kent?

By
Ben Gray

Jul 10, 2025

Chelsea certainly appear to be a team who are aiming for a big season in 2025/26.

Enzo Maresca not only led the Blues to a wonderful triumph at the Club World Cup, but he simultaneously managed to bolster his squad in the process.

In came João Pedro and Liam Delap. Elsewhere, Jamie Gittens was signed to bolster Maresca’s wide options, while Brazilian sensation Estevao will link up with the club ahead of the new season.

It is a summer of change at Stamford Bridge, and the victory stateside will only heighten expectations once the Premier League season gets underway in a few weeks.

The $125m that the club won at the tournament this summer will help fund a few of the summer signings, but Maresca will be looking to sell a raft of players to fund more incomings.

João Felix and Christopher Nkunku could be set to leave the club this summer. As to Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga and Raheem Sterling in the coming weeks.

These players could fetch decent fees, which, in turn, will allow the club to further bolster key positions.

Noni Madueke has also been sold to Arsenal, while Nicolas Jackson is being heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. These two might be the biggest losses.

Chelsea looking to sell more players

Given the imminent arrival of Estevao at Stamford Bridge, plus the presence of Pedro Neto, it was evident that Madueke’s chances of regular game time on the right flank would be limited next term.

When Arsenal began to show serious interest, it was only a matter of when and not if the Gunners would seal the deal.

His sale could earn Chelsea around £50m, which is a remarkable sum for a player who scored seven Premier League goals for the Blues last term.

Jackson has been subject to interest from a host of clubs since the summer transfer window opened a few weeks ago.

Recently, however, it is Manchester United who are keen on securing a move for the Senegal international.

According to reports, United have already held talks with Jackson’s representatives regarding a potential move to Old Trafford.

With Pedro and Delap looking like they will share the centre-forward workload this season, is there any room for Jackson?

Last term, he made just 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring only 13 goals in the process for the club.

His form tailed off towards the end of the season after a decent start, going on to find the back of the net on four occasions after Christmas.

Given his competition for a place in the starting XI combined with his poor form throughout 2025, Jackson could seek a fresh start by moving away from London.

He could easily command a fee of over £50m in the current market, and he wouldn’t exactly be a massive loss to Maresca.

The Blues might have to brace themselves for a potential offer for one of their star players, however, and he would be a far bigger loss than Madueke and Jackson combined…

Chelsea could receive an offer for Cole Palmer

While Maresca is keen on selling several of his first-team players this summer to raise funds, certain players won’t be for sale.

Cole Palmer is one such name. The Englishman is at the forefront of the club’s recent success, and he will have another big part to play next season.

An extraordinary recent report from Spain has claimed that Manchester City are looking to bring him back to the Etihad, just two years after selling him.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola is willing to offer Chelsea £147m to seal a swoop for the former City academy graduate, and he could be the final part of the jigsaw for the Spaniard.

It is highly unlikely that Maresca will even consider such an offer, despite it meaning the club could rake in £100m profit on the midfielder. He is far more important than that ahead of the new season.

What Chelsea would lose if Palmer leaves

For a fee of just £40m, Palmer has arguably been one of the finest signings in the club’s recent history.

Hailed as having a “special quality” in front of goal by Guardiola a few years ago, Palmer soon emerged as one of the finest talents in the Premier League during his maiden season at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer scored 27 goals and grabbed 15 assists for the Blues as they sealed a return to European football under Mauricio Pochettino.

Last season, the former City starlet registered 32 goal contributions across all competitions, particularly shining at the recent Club World Cup.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder was in sublime form stateside. Aside from his five-goal involvements, Palmer averaged 3.5 shots per game, created four big chances while also averaging two key passes each game.

He powered the club to the title, and it sets him up for another wonderful campaign at Stamford Bridge.

This will be the first time the Blues will play in the Champions League since 2022/23, highlighting how important it is for them to keep Palmer.

Metric

2023/24

2024/5

Goals

22

15

Assists

11

8

Big chances created

17

24

Key passes per game

2.1

2.5

Shots per game

3.2

3.4

While everyone has their price, Maresca will surely be ready to turn down any official bid should it arrive in the coming days; that’s for sure.

Jackson and Madueke are certainly dispensable, with the Blues already having players better than them in the current squad.

As for Palmer, there might not be a better attacking midfielder in the whole of England who has offered as much as the Englishman since he moved to London.

There are plenty of weeks left in the transfer window, but every single Chelsea fan will be hoping that their talisman remains at the club. Not just for next season, but for the foreseeable future too.

Chelsea in talks with agents of "amazing" £40m star, he's open on the move

The Blues have made an approach for a Premier League player, who could now be tempted by a move to Stamford Bridge.

ByDominic Lund Jul 21, 2025

A fighting unbeaten half-century from Tasmania captain Jordan Silk has kept the visitors in the contest after Victoria threatened to take a massive first-innings lead on the back of a strong all-round day from Mitchell Perry at the Junction Oval.Silk and Beau Webster guided their side to stumps at 201 for 4 after Perry’s unbeaten 58 and two wickets had earlier put Victoria well on top. Following the opening-day centuries from Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb, Perry added a combined 116 with Fergus O’Neill and Todd Murphy for the eighth and ninth wickets, respectively, on the second morning, before Victoria declared at 428 for 9.Perry struck seven fours and a six in his knocj of 58* to register his third Sheffield Shield half-century, while O’Neill made 36 and Murphy 20 as Tasmania’s bowlers toiled on a Junction surface that flattened out significantly.Both sides have identified that the new ball is the key period, and Tasmania began cautiously in response to try and avoid the same fate that Victoria suffered against the new ball on day one. Opening batters Caleb Jewell and Jake Weatherald added 41 in 19 overs, before Perry broke through with an excellent delivery that just did enough off the seam to catch Jewell’s outside edge for 32.Charlie Wakim also got started, moving to 18, before trying to force Sam Elliott off the back foot. Some extra bounce caught the edge and Sam Harper took a classy diving catch.But catch of the day belonged to Ash Chandrasinghe at short leg. Todd Murphy’s offspin proved very difficult to get away despite very little grip in the surface. Weatherald’s painstaking and uncharacteristic 28 off 101 balls came to an end when Chandrasinghe plucked a stunning reflex catch close in.It left Tasmania 80 for 3 and vulnerable to conceding a big lead. Silk and Jake Doran steadied them with a 63-run stand. But like those before him, Doran failed to kick on, chopping Perry on to his stumps for 33. Silk dug in alongside Webster, as Victoria’s bowlers tried everything possible to create a chance. O’Neill bowled a spell late in the day with three catching midwickets and just two men on the off side at cover and mid-off to try and force a mistake.But Tasmania’s best two players did not take any risks, and guided the visitors past 200 on stumps without any further loss.

Derby County have now submitted a £1 million bid to sign a “versatile” ace, and they have already received a reply, according to Sky Sports.

Derby close in on more defenders after Beck signing

The Rams have been very productive in the transfer market so far, adding former players who John Eustace has worked with to the squad. But with the Championship season a couple of weeks away from kicking off, Derby are looking to add a few more bodies before then.

Related Derby County agree £3m deal to sign "real leader" who Eustace knows well

Derby County have moved a step closer to reuniting John Eustace with a player he has worked with before.

Posts ByBrett Worthington Jul 23, 2025

Derby have now confirmed the signing of Owen Beck on loan from Premier League champions Liverpool. The left-back joins on a season-long deal and will link up with Eustace once again, as he worked with the manager at Ewood Park. Beck is the third player to join the club who has worked with Eustace before, after the arrivals of Andreas Weimann and centre-back Danny Batth.

But it might not be stopping at three, as Derby have also agreed a fee with Blackburn Rovers to sign defender Callum Brittain. However, Middlesbrough, who have already seen a bid turned down, are expected to match Derby’s £3m offer, meaning it will be down to the player to decide his next move.

Derby submit a £1m bid to sign "versatile" ace; they've had a reply

After the arrivals of Beck and possibly Brittain, the Rams are also keen on strengthening their centre-back options. According to Sky Sports, Derby have placed a £1 million bid to sign Zak Vyner, but it has been rejected by Bristol City.

Vyner has entered the final year of his contract at Ashton Gate, but despite his contract situation, Derby’s bid falls below Bristol City’s valuation for the centre-back, who is a product of the club’s academy. It is unclear how much the Robins are looking to get for Vyner, but his expiring contract means they can’t ask for a huge sum.

After loan spells away from Ashton Gate at clubs such as Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United and Aberdeen, Vyner established himself in the Bristol City first team in the 2020/21 season. Since then, the defender, who was labelled “versatile” by former Robins manager Nigel Pearson, has been a regular starter and contributor in the last four Championship seasons.

Zak Vyner’s 24/25 Championship stats

Apps

46

Minutes played

4140

Goals

1

Clean sheets

10

Interceptions per game

1.0

Tackles per game

1.5

Balls recovered per game

3.9

Clearances per game

4.1

Last season, Vyner played every single minute of Bristol City’s Championship campaign, as the Robins reached the play-offs for the first time since 2008. Indeed, his durability and versatility would make him an impressive addition for Eustace’s side.

The Rams do have some experienced heads in central defence already with the likes of Batth, Matt Clarke, and Curtis Nelson, but Vyner’s ability to play at full-back gives the manager plenty of options.

يواصل النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، تألقه، وافتتح التسجيل لفريقه مانشستر سيتي في مباراة اليوم أمام آرسنال ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على آرسنال بملعب “الإمارات” في الجولة الخامسة لبطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.

وبعد مرور 10 دقائق من أحداث المباراة، تقدم إيرلينج هالاند بهدف أول لصالح فريقه مانشستر سيتي في شباك آرسنال.

ورفع هالاند رصيده في صدارة ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لموسم 2025-2026 إلى 6 أهداف. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي

1. إيرلينج هالاند، مانشستر سيتي، 6 أهداف.

2. أنطوان سيمينو، بورنموث، 3 أهداف.

3. أنتوني، بيرنلي، 3 أهداف.

4. هوجو إيكتيكي، ليفربول، 3 أهداف.

5. ريتشارليسون، توتنهام، 3 أهداف.

6. فيكتور جيوكيريس، آرسنال، 3 أهداف.

7. ويلسون إيزيدور، سندرلاند، 3 أهداف.

8. محمد صلاح، هدفان.

9. جواو بيدرو، تشيلسي، هدفان.

10. إنزو فرنانديز، تشيلسي، هدفان.

ويمكن متابعة ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.

With rain forecast for Sunday, both captains forfeited the middle two innings to make a game of it in Cardiff

ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2024To their credit, opposing skippers Sam Northeast and Graeme van Buuren tried to breathe some life into a game that had lost its first day through rain and came to a gentlemen’s agreement to make it a one innings match – which Glamorgan eventually won by 192 runs.Glamorgan decided to declare at 381 for 4 after seeing Northeast reach a thousand runs for the season and then Chris Cooke reach his unbeaten century with two huge sixes off Oliver Price to set their visitors a target of 382 to win off a likely 82 overs given the forecast for Sunday.With little at stake for two teams in the lower echelons of the Division 2 table, there was only pride at stake as Gloucestershire accepted the gauntlet thrown down to them.Joe Phillips was given a lifeline in the second over when Northeast failed to take a head-high catch at second slip off Ned Leonard. It was to prove a costly miss as Phillips became the mainstay of the run chase, batting for two hours and 43 minutes for 64 before he was the fourth man out.His opening partner Chris Dent had been the first to go when he was caught in the slips by Colin Ingram off Leonard, completing his season long loan from Somerset, for a duck. Oliver Price was then bowled by Andy Gorvin for 13 to make it 46 for 2 in the 23rd over and when Miles Hammond departed after putting on 46 with Phillips, Gloucestershire were 92 for 3.The hundred came up courtesy of a boundary from Phillips off James Harris in the 38th over and Gloucestershire looked well set. But then the wickets began to tumble, and Andy Gorvin with 3 for 22 and Ben Kellaway, 3 for 24, eventually removed the visitors for 189 by 5.32pm.After Phillips departed the only real resistance came from wicketkeeper James Bracey, who was eventually the last man out on 49 when he was bowled by Kellaway.For the first time in the opening three days the game started on time and Glamorgan set about the task of adding runs to their overnight total of 283 for 4. Having agreed to set a target of around 370, the Welsh county saw Cooke reach his half-century in the second over of the morning.The new ball arrived at 11.23am, and in the next over Northeast reached his fifty. By the time he reached 63 in the 84th over, he had reached the magical 1,000 run mark for the season.From then on, it was just a case of when Glamorgan would reach the agreed figure, although it had to be expanded slightly with Cooke so close to his century. Using two spinners, Gloucestershire gave him every chance to get there quickly and two mighty blows over the mid off and mid on boundaries in successive balls got him to three figures.He reached his century off 121 balls and hit 10 fours and three sixes. His unbeaten fifth wicket partnership with Northeast was worth 171 before the declaration came and lunch was taken.