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Lancashire Lightning continued their strong start to the Vitality Blast with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Worcestershire Rapids at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Rapids, having chosen to bat, were bowled out for 143 in 19.1 overs. Only Gareth Roderick (35 from 28 balls) resisted for long as the innings failed to recover from early damage inflicted by James Anderson and Luke Wood.Lightning reeled in the target with 15 balls to spare, reaching 146 for 3 thanks to a solid top-order effort headed by Keaton Jennings (42 off 37) and Liam Livingstone (41 not out off 22).Rapids won the toss but lost both openers in the first seven balls. Brett D’Oliveira edged his first ball, from Anderson, to slip and Wood struck with his first ball when he trapped Ed Pollock lbw.Jake Libby pulled Anderson for six and almost did the same to Wood only to be denied by a stunning one-handed catch by Jack Blatherwick just inside the long leg rope. Wood’s third wicket followed when Ethan Brookes pulled to midwicket and when, next ball, Adam Hose edged Tom Aspinwall to wicketkeeper Matty Hurst, the Rapids were 46 for 5, one ball out of the powerplay.Roderick and Ben Dwarhuis arrested the slide with a stand of 46 in 29 balls before the latter pulled Aspinwall to deep midwicket. Lancashire’s catching was top-drawer and when Matthew Waite sought six over fine leg off Blatherwick, Michael Jones judged the catch perfectly despite the pressure of knowing one backward step would take him over the rope.Roderick’s defiance ended when he sliced Anderson to third. That left Rapids’ last two wickets with 27 balls at their disposal. Jacob Duffy heaved Wood to the foot of the chestnut tree in a violent unbeaten 24 off 12 to at least give him something to bowl at but Rapids were well short.The home side desperately needed early wickets but took only one in the powerplay, Luke Wells, who edged Tom Taylor to wicketkeeper Roderick. Jennings and Matty Hurst added 63 in 46 balls and when Hurst was well-caught at long leg by Duffy, his belligerent cameo had, with Jennings, left Lancashire well in charge of the chase.Jennings bottom-edged a pull at Waite to the keeper but Livingstone smote D’Oliveira’s first two balls into the D’Oliveira Stand to reassert Lightning’s momentum. Despite fast-fading light, vastly experienced pair Livingstone and Ashton Turner saw their side comfortably home. They added an unbroken stand of 62 in 33 balls, Livingstone sealing the win with a pull into the aforementioned chestnut tree.

Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are ‘big holes to fill’, says chairman of selectors

Vishal Dikshit24-May-20252:18

Rohit, Kohli retirements ‘chance for others to step up’

A combined 190 matches together, over 13,500 runs, 42 hundreds in the format, and a collective captaincy experience of 92 Tests. The recent Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are “big holes to fill” but when players make decisions to leave the game, even if before a high-profile five-Test tour of England, you have to “respect” them and move on, according to chair of India men’s selection panel, Ajit Agarkar.While announcing India’s 18-member squad that will be led by new captain Shubman Gill, Agarkar revealed that it was Kohli who had reached out to the selectors in the early stages of IPL 2025 to inform them about leaving Test cricket.Related

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“Virat reached out early April and said he wants to finish,” Agarkar said. “We’ve seen him give 200% to every ball that he plays, even when he is not batting or he’s in the field. He probably felt that he had given everything that he had and if he can’t keep up to the standards that he set for himself over the years, and how good he has been, and maybe it was time for him. It has come from him. You’ve got to respect that. They have earned that respect, both of them. As all great players are, the one thing there is, they are true to themselves, and he was in that conversation. So you’ve got to respect that. We’ll obviously miss [Kohli], when you’ve got a guy who’s played 123 Test matches, 30 Test hundreds, it’s going to be tough to fill.”The England tour will be India’s first after the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli•Associated Press

Agarkar did not explain how the conversation around Rohit’s retirement, which was announced five days before Kohli’s, had panned out but said that the Test side would undergo a “big transition” as they were also without R Ashwin, who had retired in the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in December. The five Tests starting June 20 in England will see India field a fairly inexperienced batting line-up, as Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are the only batters in the squad who have played Tests in England before. Agarkar, however, stressed that since the retirement decisions had been taken, it was important to look ahead, groom younger players and build a side for the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as it will be “someone else’s chance now.””When guys like that retire it’s always going to be big holes to fill,” Agarkar said. “Ashwin retired a few months back as well, so those three guys are stalwarts of our cricket. It’s always difficult. One way of looking at it is an opportunity for someone else. They’ve left a legacy behind.”Needless to say, Rohit has been a leader over the last couple of years since he started leading in the Test matches. It is a new cycle, so it is an opportunity to build something for us as well. That’s why I think we’ve got to show them the respect that they want instead of speculating too many things. It is sometimes a personal call with players and you’ve got to respect that and their performances over the years have shown in the amount of games that they’ve won for India. It is someone else’s chance now but there’s no doubt we’ll miss them. I mean all three of them and [Mohammed] Shami. In Test cricket he’s been incredible. So four guys like that not being part of the squad is going to make it a little bit tougher but it’s an opportunity for other guys.”The 2025 WTC final starting June 11 at Lord’s between Australia and South Africa will be the first such final without India after they were blanked 3-0 at home by New Zealand and then lost 3-1 to Australia at the turn of the year. The tour of England will be India’s first series in the new WTC cycle (2025-27) in which India will host West Indies for two Tests (October) and South Africa for another two (November) this year. With the inclusion of 23-year-old uncapped batter B Sai Sudharsan and the recall of Karun Nair – both on the back of strong domestic performances – for England, India now have the chance to build for the future, although Agarkar said deciding the new No. 4 would be left to the head coach and the captain.”It’s a new WTC cycle so you are looking at all sorts of scenarios for the next two years – what is going to help build a team, leading up to that WTC final,” Agarkar said. “It’s an opportunity for somebody else and that’s our job eventually to pick someone else when someone finishes. These two guys were big players for us in Test cricket and those are going to be big holes to fill.”

RB Leipzig boss Ole Werner has given an insight into his working relationship with Jurgen Klopp after the former coach played a key role in his appointment. Werner says that Klopp acts as an advisor, with the Leipzig coach consulting Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer several times a week to receive guidance on navigating challenging situations.

• Leipzig's good showing this season

  Werner was appointed as RB Leipzig’s coach in the summer with Klopp reportedly pushing for him to get the job. He has guided the team to third place in the Bundesliga and just five points behind leaders Bayern Munich despite starting the season with a 6-0 defeat at the hands of the reigning champions. In the five matches since that loss, Leipzig have scored eight goals and conceded only two, including a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund. Werner credited much of this early-season success to the guidance of former Liverpool coach Klopp.

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  Werner's praise for Klopp

  In an interview with , Werner revealed how Klopp advises him in difficult situations, saying: “We usually talk on the phone or text via WhatsApp. It's good to be able to talk to someone who knows the job but is a bit further away than, for example, my assistant coaches. I usually mirror situations to him, tell him what I'm planning, and he tells me his opinion or how he handled similar situations.”

• Schafer's praises Werner's brand of football

  Werner’s work has drawn praise from sporting director Marcel Schafer, who complimented him on his brand of pressing football, which is associated with Leipzig’s style of play. The 41-year-old also praised Werner for his management, noting how he has brought a sense of togetherness to the dressing room:
  “Ole and his coaching team have done a really great job. It's nice to watch a game and recognise patterns – both in defence and attack. That's absolutely his achievement. We're happy he's here.”

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  Werner's challenge with Leipzig

  Werner will hope that, with Klopp’s guidance, he can keep Leipzig in the top four and secure Champions League qualification for next season.

Liverpool are looking to complete the signing of an “incredible” player next year, potentially beating rivals Manchester United to his signature, among others.

Isak in Liverpool training ahead of debut

The Reds are back in Premier League action on Sunday action on Sunday afternoon, making the trip to Burnley in a game that many will expect to see the visitors win comfortably.

For Alexander Isak, it has the potential to be a special day, with the Swede in line to make his debut at some point, even if it is from the substitutes’ bench.

The 25-year-old took part in his first training session for Liverpool on Wednesday, with footage showing the elite finishing ability that he has in his locker, and why the Premier League champions were willing to pay Newcastle United a record-breaking £125m for his services.

Granted, Isak needs time to build up his match fitness, so as mentioned, Hugo Ekitike is likely to be preferred at Burnley this weekend, but a second-half cameo feels on the cards, in what is hopefully the first of many appearances in a Liverpool shirt.

Liverpool enter race to sign "incredible" ace

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are now battling to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in 2026, whether that be in January or next summer.

Man Utd “face a fierce battle” with their biggest rivals, with FSG now entering the race, whereas Newcastle United and Chelsea are also mentioned as options for the £60m-rated England international.

Wharton is one of the most exciting young English players around currently, already becoming such an accomplished footballer at the age of just 21.

The Palace star is an elegant player with a lovely left foot, and he possesses the ability to both dictate play from a deep midfield role, but also shine out of possession, displaying good positional sense and a strong work ethic.

Wharton, who has won two of his three games against the Reds (66%), could be a brilliant squad addition for Liverpool, coming in as a replacement for Wataru Endo, before maturing into a key starter, having been lauded by former Palace teammate Eberechi Eze.

“Playing with him at Palace, I’ve got used to seeing the way he plays and understanding him. He’s very calm, composed, and a joy to play with. For someone so young, he’s very mature and very wise. When you speak to him, it feels like you’re speaking to someone older than you, that’s the type of person he is. He’s an incredible player.”

"Huge money" – Liverpool eye 2026 move for "magician" after Isak and Wirtz

What a signing this could be.

ByHenry Jackson Sep 9, 2025

There was a time when United were clearly the more exciting proposition than Liverpool, but that has changed significantly in the modern game, and the hope is that Wharton sees the champions as his best future option, picking them over the Red Devils and other suitors.

The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2024-25 campaign, the winner of the 2025 Women's Golden Ball has been announced: Aitana Bonmati. The Barcelona star was exceptional for her club this past year, her world-class consistency standing out as the Catalans won a domestic treble, while her performances for Spain were enough to make her the Euro 2025 Player of the Tournament.

It's incredible to think that Bonmati's participation in that event was actually in doubt, after she was struck down by viral meningitis just as Spain were set to fly to Switzerland. That she was able to recover and not only play, but play to such an amazing level, is astounding. Her 2024-25 campaign wouldn't end perfectly, with defeats in the Champions League final to Arsenal and the Euro 2025 final to England depriving her of two of the titles she'd have loved to have got her hands on. Her consolation, though, is a third successive Ballon d'Or. She joins Lionel Messi and Michel Platini as the only players ever to win the Golden Ball three years in a row.

Two members of the Arsenal team that defeated Barcelona in that Champions League final joined Bonmati on the podium. In second was Mariona Caldentey, the long-time Barca icon who made the switch to north London last year and helped lead the Gunners to an unprecedented European triumph in her first season. Alessia Russo completed the top three, after not only becoming a champion of Europe with her club this year but also her country, with her goal for England in the Euro 2025 helping to get the Lionesses back into the game against Spain before they eventually broke the hearts of Bonmati and Caldentey on penalties.

That trio were up at the very top of the rankings for 2025, but how did the rest of the 30-player shortlist shake out when all the votes were counted? Check out the official rankings below:

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  30. Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)

  After missing almost all of the 2023-24 season due to an ACL injury, Weir came back with a bang this past year, returning to form similar to that which took Spain by storm in her first campaign at Real Madrid. The Scotland international totted up 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions for Las Blancas, with her brace in the team's first-ever win over Barcelona standing out.

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  29. Steph Catley (Arsenal)

  After being moved into a centre-back role by Renee Slegers, who took over at Arsenal back in October, Catley shone for the Gunners in a fantastic season. Usually a left-back, she brought more solidity to a defence that would end up shutting out Barcelona in the Champions League final for Arsenal's first European triumph since 2007.

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  =27. Clara Mateo (Paris FC)

  Crowned the Premiere Ligue's Player of the Year at both of France's end of season award ceremonies, Mateo was outstanding for underdogs Paris FC as they shocked Paris Saint-Germain to win the Coupe de France, before also securing a Champions League place. The 27-year-old scored a league-leading 18 goals and also ranked second for assists, with seven.

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  =27. Frida Maanum (Arsenal)

  Another important member of Arsenal's Champions League-winning side, Maanum ended the club season with 10 goals and four assists, though those stats don't scratch the surface when it comes to the midfielder's value in the Gunners' XI. She was then a key player for a Norway side that finally reached the knockout stages of the Euros again, scoring twice in the win over Iceland.

Celtic are in Champions League action this evening as they prepare to welcome Kairat Almaty to Parkhead for the first leg of their play-off clash.

The Hoops have already won their first three competitive matches of the campaign, beating Aberdeen and St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership and Falkirk in the League Cup.

Irrespective of those results and whatever happens in the match this evening, Brendan Rodgers will want more recruits in the building to bolster the squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

It is fairly obvious that the Scottish giants are short in the wide areas. They have lost Jota to a long-term ACL injury and sold Nicolas Kuhn to Como, yet they have yet to bring in a winger.

At this moment in time, Daizen Maeda is the only natural left winger in the squad, and James Forrest and Hyun-jun Yang are the only right wingers in the group. This highlights the need for reinforcements in those positions.

There should also be a concern over the quality of the options in the wide areas as it stands, as neither of Celtic’s right wingers have shown that they can deliver consistently.

Why Celtic need a new right winger

In the 2024/25 campaign, Kuhn racked up an eye-catching haul of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops on the right flank, per Transfermarkt.

The German forward provided a consistent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals, cutting in from the right to cause havoc on his favoured left foot week-in-week-out.

Unfortunately, Forrest and Yang do not look very likely to replicate that level of output at the top end of the pitch for the Premiership champions, when you consider their performances last season and in the first few games of the current campaign.

Neither player has registered a goal or an assist in the opening three games of this season in all competitions, and they will be hoping to change that in this evening’s Champions League match.

They also both struggled to deliver consistent performances in the final third in the 2024/25 Premiership campaign, as it took Forrest until the final moments of the last league game of the season against St Mirren to grab his only goal.

Apearances

23

23

Goals

5

1

Minutes per goal

196

911

Big chances missed

5

4

Big chances created

3

5

Key passes per game

0.8

1.1

Assists

2

5

As you can see in the table above, Yang and Forrest combined for six goals and seven assists in 46 appearances between them in the top-flight, which is far from an impressive return in comparison to what Kuhn produced.

This is why Celtic need to bring in a player who can offer more quality in that position this season, and they are reportedly keen on a star who would fit the bill.

Celtic have interest in Eredivisie forward

According to Voetbal Zone, Celtic have a ‘serious’ interest in Feyenoord’s right-sided attacker Calvin Stengs, as they look to bolster their options out wide.

The report claims, though, that they have yet to make an approach to the Eredivisie side to discuss a potential transfer fee for the Netherlands international.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that there are doubts over his injury history, after he missed 35 games through injury last season, per Transfermarkt, and that it remains to be seen how much money it will take to convince Feyenoord to cash in on him.

MLS side Charlotte FC, home to former Hoops star Liel Abada, were reportedly set to sign Stengs for a fee of £6.4m last summer before the player turned them down, which offers an insight into the kind of fee it could take.

It was recently reported that Celtic have made contact with the Feyenoord star’s representatives to speak about a possible move, and this latest report from the Netherlands shows that they are serious about bringing the player to Glasgow before the end of the window.

Why Celtic should sign Calvin Stengs

The Hoops should now be pushing to reach an agreement with Feyenoord to land the left-footed star because he could arrive as the big upgrade on Yang that Rodgers needs for the 2025/26 campaign.

As aforementioned, the South Korea international has yet to prove that he can deliver consistent quality in the final third, which is why he may not be suited to starting week-in-week-out for the Hoops. Forrest, meanwhile, should be expected to be a back-up option at the age of 34, as he is now in the latter stages of his career.

Stengs, meanwhile, has previously shown that he has what it takes to be a big threat at the top end of the pitch from a right wing position, although he missed most of last season through injury.

In the 2023/24 campaign, the Dutch magician showed what he is about with a return of eight goals and 17 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

Appearances

29

xG

5.22

Goals

6

Big chances created

13

xA

8.59

Key passes per game

2.5

Assists

12

As you can see in the table above, Stengs was an incredibly creative star for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie that term, whilst also finishing the chances that came his way efficiently.

Meanwhile, Yang has only created nine ‘big chances’ and assisted six goals in 58 appearances in the Premiership and the Champions League combined in the last two seasons, per Sofascore, which suggests that Celtic would significantly improve the creativity in their side with this potential transfer.

Stengs, who was described as a “flamboyant” winger by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has shown that he can provide consistent quality in front of goal when fit, which is why he could be an excellent addition to the team.

Of course, his aforementioned injury issues are a concern. However, if Celtic believe that he has overcome those problems and will be available most weeks, the 26-year-old star would arrive as a big upgrade on Yang from a quality perspective.

Celtic could avenge Kvistgaarden miss with swoop for "flamboyant" £7m star

Celtic could avenge their Mathias Kvistgaarden blunder with a swoop to sign this star.

ByDan Emery Aug 16, 2025

This is why the Premiership giants should be pushing to get a deal done for Stengs, who scored against Celtic in 2023, because he has the potential to solve their problem on the right flank.

New Zealand facing record fourth-innings chase as tourists pile on the pain

Alan Gardner06-Dec-2024England have not won a Test series in New Zealand since 2007-08 but they are surely within sight of breaking that drought after a day of utter dominance at Basin Reserve. It was littered with landmarks and milestones: Gus Atkinson’s hat-trick, Jacob Bethell’s highest first-class score, Joe Root reaching 50 in a Test innings for the 100th time. With three days left in the game, New Zealand already face being set a record fourth-innings chase.Having wrestled their way into the ascendency on a topsy-turvy opening day, they pinned New Zealand to the canvas from the outset. Atkinson and Brydon Carse utilised what juice remained in the pitch to blow through the last five New Zealand wickets, securing a 155-run lead on first innings. Bethell and Ben Duckett then thrashed 187 runs in partnership to put England in a seemingly impregnable position just five sessions into the Test.Bethell’s contribution was bittersweet, as he fell four runs short of a first hundred in any format. He nevertheless confirmed the range of his talent, in his second Test and batting at No. 3 for only the fourth time. He drove the scoreboard on after Zak Crawley had fallen in the second over – dismissed by Matt Henry for the fourth innings in succession – and outscored his partner during a free-flowing stand that went at more than 5 an over.Nathan Smith bore the brunt of their initial onslaught, Bethell twice hooking him into the crowd and also proving strong on the drive. He survived when slashing Smith between keeper and slip, with Daryl Mitchell stood wide, on the way to a 52-ball half-century, and was not afraid to chance his arm as the second-wicket pair cemented England’s position.Only on entering the 90s for the second time in his first-class career, and having copped a blow from a Will O’Rourke short ball the over before, did Bethell betray signs of nerves. A skied pull off Tim Southee landed in no-man’s land, then he nearly chopped on next ball. Four dabbed through third took him within range of a memorable Test century only to be caught behind aiming an expansive drive.England’s lead was already past 350 and although Duckett, who was dropped by Tom Blundell down the leg side on 22, also failed to convert after a busy innings ended with a deflection on to his stumps off Southee, there was no let up for the home side after tea as Root and Harry Brook added 95 in untroubled fashion. Brook brought up his sixth 50-plus score in seven Test innings against New Zealand, before holing out off the bowling of Glenn Phillips, while Root also bobbed along to another half-century and into rarified company.Gus Atkinson spreads his arms after pinning Tim Southee for his hat-trick•Getty ImagesAfter Ollie Pope fell cheaply, Ben Stokes strode out and threw the bat for another fifty partnership from just 39 balls, suggesting that a declaration may not be far away. While New Zealand have achieved some great escapes in recent memory, not least when the man who now coaches England, Brendon McCullum, helped them to amass 680 for 8 against India at this ground a decade ago, and their pitches have a habit of flattening out, there’s no doubt they were deep in the hole.One measure of how the day had gone for New Zealand was that their five-man attack managed to bowl zero maidens. Another was that none of their remaining batters faced more than Phillips’ 16 balls as they were steamrollered during the morning session.Atkinson took the plaudits, adding a chapter to the storied history of Wellington cricket by becoming the first man to take a Test hat-trick at Basin Reserve. It was the latest accolade in a stunning start to the 26-year-old’s Test career, less than six months on from claiming a 12-wicket haul on debut. It made him the seventh player to record a ten-for, a hundred (achieved against Sri Lanka, in his fifth appearance) and a hat-trick, and in only his 10th Test – well ahead of the next-quickest, Johnny Briggs (18 matches).Both Atkinson and Carse claimed four-fors as New Zealand collapsed inside 45 minutes of the morning session. After Kane Williamson’s 37 on day one, no other New Zealand batter made it to 20.They had resumed their innings with Blundell batting alongside nightwatcher O’Rourke. Blundell shaped up nicely, only to be summarily dispatched in Carse’s second over as the bowler produced a beauty to hit the top of off. It was practically identical to the “no-ball of the century” that almost did for Williamson on the previous evening, only this time without any concerns around his front foot.Two balls later, O’Rourke propped forward hopefully and was trapped plumb in front of middle. Smith and Phillips briefly suggested a counterattack might materialise with a stand of 29 at more than a run a ball. But Atkinson found extra bounce on a tight line to defeat Smith, who underedged on to his stumps attempting to leave.Then came the , as Atkinson had Henry fending a chest-high bumper to gully and then bluffed Southee by pushing the field back then going full and straight at the stumps. Southee reviewed with a forlorn glance, ball-tracking confirming it would have hit middle and leg – and Atkinson walked off as the first Englishman to take a Test hat-trick since Moeen Ali at The Oval in 2017.

Aston Villa are now racing to sign an “aggressive” midfielder, who is open to a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Villa looking to bolster midfield options

Villa brought Marco Asensio in on loan during the January transfer window, and the Spaniard went on to have an impressive second half of the season, picking up eight goals and one assist in 21 outings across all competitions.

With the summer transfer window now entering its final month, however, Unai Emery is yet to bring in a replacement for Asensio, having made very few additions to his squad, and there have been suggestions that the former loanee could be brought back.

Fenerbahce have also been named as potential suitors for the Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder, but the Turkish club are yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park.

However, the 29-year-old is not the only option on the shortlist, with a report from A Bola (via Sport Witness) revealing Aston Villa are now interested in signing Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes, but there could be stiff competition for his signature.

Leeds United and Atletico Madrid are also in the race for Fernandes, who is open to making a return to the Premier League this summer, having suffered relegation from the top flight with the Saints last season.

The Villans may have to shell out a relatively large amount to get a deal over the line, with Southampton setting an asking price of more than €35m (£30m) two months ago, although it is unclear whether a transfer fee in that region is realistic.

Fernandes deserves another chance in Premier League

The Saints endured one of the worst campaigns in Premier League history last season, collecting just 12 points, but their young midfielder still managed to impress at times, collecting two goals and four assists in 36 outings.

Former manager Vasco Seabra has also lauded the 20-year-old for his physical attributes in the past, describing him as a “very strong and aggressive player with a great ability to cover a lot of ground”.

Aston Villa in pole position to sign £35m Brazilian ahead of Man City and Leeds

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1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 2, 2025

Fernandes was a shining light in a poor Southampton side last season, and the starlet is also impressive defensively, placing in the top 2% for tackles per 90 over the past year, and in the top 4% for interceptions, when compared to other attacking midfielders.

However, with a Europa League campaign on the horizon, it may be a savvy move for Villa to bring in an attacking midfielder with more top-level experience, meaning Asensio could be a better addition to the squad, having played for some of Europe’s top clubs.

Chelsea have now joined the race to sign a “sensational” £34m major Ballon d’Or contender, but there could be fierce competition from rival Premier League clubs, according to a report.

Chelsea set to continue summer spending spree after Club World Cup win

The Blues certainly haven’t been afraid of splashing the cash under the helm of Todd Boehly, having made significant losses over the past four seasons in terms of net spend.

Season

Net spend

2022-23

£-486m

2023-24

£-157m

2024-25

£-37m

2025-26

£-191m

However, despite spending big up to this point, with the likes of Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens sealing moves to Stamford Bridge, there is still one problem position, which Enzo Maresca is yet to strengthen.

Journalist says "elite" player wants to join Chelsea amid Maresca demand

The Italian has asked Chelsea to make another addition.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 13, 2025

Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, Maresca had issues with his goalkeepers, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen each being given runs in the side, indicating the manager has major doubts about both players.

As such, the west Londoners may have to bring in a top-level goalkeeper this summer, should they have a real ambition of competing for the Premier League title next season, and they have now identified a new target.

That is according to a report from France, which states Chelsea have joined the race for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is set to make a decision on his future now the Club World Cup has reached its conclusion, with the Blues securing a 3-0 victory over the French giants on Sunday night.

However, there could be fierce competition for Donnarumma, with the shot-stopper also attracting the attention of Manchester City and Manchester United, which could pose a problem.

The 26-year-old’s contract is set to expire next summer, which has alerted a number of clubs to his potential availability, however, despite a reported asking price of £34m, his main priority is to extend his stay at the Parc des Princes.

"Sensational" Donnarumma vying to win the Ballon d'Or

PSG have enjoyed unparalleled success under the helm of Luis Enrique, most notably winning the 2025 Champions League after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final, meaning Ousmane Dembele and Donnarumma are among the main contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

While the Italian managed to shut-out Inter in the final, he was particularly impressive in the semi-final against Arsenal, with NBC Sports’ Joe Prince-Wright suggesting he was a real difference-maker over the course of the two legs.

The PSG star made two huge saves to keep the Gunners at bay, and his experience at the top level would make the Italy international an ideal signing.

That said, while Chelsea were recently crowned Club World Cup champions, it could be difficult to lure Donnarumma away from PSG, given his willingness to sign a new deal.

After winning the Premier League title in the 2024/25 campaign, Liverpool have demonstrated no signs of slowing down their ambitions of being a powerhouse once again next season.

The Reds claimed the title by 10 points, losing just four games out of their 38, with two of which coming after they had already secured top spot in Arne Slot’s first season.

It was a year to remember for the club, reaching the next level under the Dutchman, subsequently doing so with only one senior addition during last summer’s window.

However, this time around, it appears the board have massively backed the manager with funds in his quest to retain the title during the 2025/26 campaign.

Jeremie Frimpong has already been announced as a Reds player, with Milos Kerkez appearing next on their list, but their business doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

The latest on Liverpool’s for new additions this summer

Over recent weeks, a striker has emerged as a key target for Slot, as he looks to land a new talisman to hand him that added clinical edge within the front three at Anfield.

The likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké and Viktor Gyokeres have all been mentioned as potential targets, but up until now, none of which appear to be edging closer to a move to Merseyside.

However, other areas of the pitch are in need of investment, with midfielder Adam Wharton emerging on their radar in recent days, according to journalist Francois Plateau.

He claims that the Reds have made contact with the representatives of the Crystal Palace star, and are set to explore a deal for the 21-year-old.

Plateau also confirmed that Slot’s men aren’t prepared to meet the current £60m price tag on his shoulders, which could lead to negotiations over a move for the England international.

Why Wharton would be a better signing than Wirtz for Liverpool

Liverpool fans have been handed another reason to be excited in recent days, after the club agreed a staggering £116.5m deal with Bayer Leverkusen for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.

The 22-year-old registered 22 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with Slot’s side appearing to win the race for his signature after rejecting Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Whilst such a deal looks set to cost the board a pretty penny, it’s one that would add a different dimension to the squad and has the potential to set them up for success in the immediate and long-term.

His record throughout 2024/25 would hand other attackers to bolster their own tallies, making the Reds an even bigger force to be reckoned with during Slot’s second campaign at the helm.

However, Wharton could prove to be a better signing than the German. While Wirtz will have to rival Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai for a place in the side, the Reds have long missed a holding midfield player, notably trying to sign the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia since Fabinho’s departure.

At long, long last, Wharton could be the man to transform the Liverpool XI even more than Wirtz could. Indeed, when comparing his stats to those of current midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, he’s managed to outperform them in key areas, further showcasing why he’d be a massive addition for the club.

The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Luke Weaser-Seychell, has managed to complete more progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes – having the ability in possession to aid the attackers ahead of him.

Games played

20

37

35

Goals & assists

2

4

10

Progressive passes

7.3

5.1

6.1

Key passes

1.8

0.7

1.5

Passes into final third

5.3

4.3

4.2

Interceptions made

1.7

1.4

0.7

Clearances made

1.9

1.6

1

Recoveries made

7

5.5

5.1

Wharton has also managed to thrive defensively, making more interceptions than the aforementioned duo, whilst making more recoveries – subsequently offering Slot an added presence at both ends of the pitch.

At just 21, to be outperforming the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch is no mean feat, highlighting how impressive he’s been in England’s top flight and having the time to improve further given his tender age.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, he has the potential to be one of the best deep-lying options in world football, with his rumoured price tag at present still an excellent price.

No doubt all the focus and hype is on Wirtz given his English record transfer, but Slot could trump such a move by plotting a move for Wharton – allowing the pair to lead the club to many titles in the years ahead.

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2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025