Everton are believed to be in talks over the signing of a “fantastic” Premier League hero this summer, with the player in question even called better than Harry Kane in the past.

Moyes wants "five or six" new signings at Everton

The Blues have had a productive summer in the transfer market to date, not least acquiring the signature of big-money attacking signing Thierno Barry from Villarreal.

David Moyes will want to build on an excellent start to life back at Everton, however, with the Scot admitting that he still wants plenty of new faces through the door before the window slams shut on September 1st.

“Well, we’ve signed three, so if you take that off, we’re still in the need of maybe five or six players. That’s what we have to try and do. I’ve never had one of these times. In the past I have had to sign a lot of players, but I’ve never had to do so many in one window.”

While Barry has come in as an exciting new striker for Everton, they may well feel the need to add further depth there, especially following the exit of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the potential departure of Beto. Now, an intriguing name has been thrown into the mix to add more firepower to Moyes’ squad.

Everton in talks with Premier League legend Vardy

According to a report from Spain, Everton are in talks with Jamie Vardy over a move to the club this summer, in what would arguably be a shock piece of business. The Blues are the club who have “taken the initiative most seriously”, while the conversations are said to be “on the march” with the striker’s representatives.

The 38-year-old is a free agent after leaving Leicester City at the end of last season, following a legendary stint there that included winning the Premier League title back in 2015/16.

Vardy may not be the force he once was, given his age, but it is easy to see him being a good squad player at Everton for a year or two.

The Englishman still possesses plenty of pace and an eye for goal, and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca even once claimed he is better than Kane and Wayne Rooney among the leading strikers of their generation, having worked with him at Leicester.

“Vardy is fantastic and people don’t realise how good he is. I know that England has been quite lucky with strikers, like Kane, Rooney and many others, but if you ask me he has been the best one. He can do many things, like run in behind and finish, but the best thing for me is his open mind.”

The fact that Vardy would be available on a free transfer almost makes him a gamble worth taking, and if he joins Everton and simply doesn’t have the impact of the past, it would be no disaster.

Moyes' new Declan Rice: £42m star is pushing to sign for Everton

Everton are closing in on signing a new midfielder

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 29, 2025

On the flip side, though, he could be a great option off the substitutes’ bench, popping up with goals in key moments and becoming a crowd favourite with his infectious personality, having scored seven times in 16 appearances against the Blues.

Manchester United’s season begins this weekend, with Ruben Amorim’s side welcoming Arsenal to Old Trafford for a fiery curtain-raising clash in the Premier League.

So much hinges on this campaign for United, who have emerged from a disastrous year of struggle: slumping, losing Erik ten Hag, appointing Amorim, plummeting further, finishing 15th, losing the Europa League final.

But INEOS and Jason Wilcox have refashioned the frontline and remain intent on bolstering further. Gianluigi Donnarumma has been targeted, though is also in Manchester City’s sights, but it’s an all-action midfield player who Amorim feels would have the most significant impact on his side.

Man United's chase for new midfielder

Man United’s interest in Carlos Baleba has been well-documented across the past few weeks, with the Brighton & Hove Albion star viewed as the perfect long-term option to complete Amorim’s midfield.

However, Baleba remains in first-team training with the Seagulls, who are going to resist with full force the Man United advances.

With much uncertainty around the 21-year-old’s signature, a different Premier League star has been earmarked too.

Indeed, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Amorim is a big admirer of Southampton talent Mateus Fernandes, who was one of the relegated side’s standout players last season.

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West Ham United are felt to have the lead in the battle, having opened talks with the south coast club, but United could surely sway the odds in their favour, should they raise their interest.

Southampton will demand in excess of £30m.

What Mateus Fernandes would bring to Man United

The 21-year-old Fernandes shone despite Saints’ woes last year, and he’s been described as having the tools to become the “ultimate Premier League midfielder” by former pro Jo Tessem.

Having joined Southampton from Sporting Lisbon for a smart £15m fee last summer, he has featured 44 times in total, starring across his outfit’s opening two matches of the current campaign, this time in England’s second tier.

Given that he is available for a portion of the price required for Baleba’s signature, Fernandes might be the perfect fallback, perhaps even a more prudent and economical signing – one which might still bloom ripe results for Amorim’s resurgence-seeking side.

Goals

0.06

0.10

Assists

0.12

0.03

Touches

54.45

57.40

Pass completion

79.9%

87.4%

Progressive passes

4.49

3.99

Shot-creating actions

2.41

2.23

Progressive carries

2.35

1.45

Successful take-ons

1.52

1.12

Ball recoveries

5.54

6.66

Tackles + interceptions

3.62

4.23

Blocks

1.33

1.59

Duels won

5.8

5.9

We are not, of course, advocating Fernandes as being a midfielder of superiority; Baleba has been valued in excess of £100m after all. However, there’s an exciting player in this Portuguese prospect, one who shares some of the Cameroonian’s tactical strengths and has plenty of room for development.

There’s a case to be made that Fernandes has a bit more completeness about his game. Given the trammels that were imposed on his skill set by a lifeless Southampton side, constantly weighted down by their opponents, he did a rather good job, protecting his backline as best he could while pushing play forward too.

With impressive strength and precision in front of goal, the rising talent truly might have the skill set to become the “perfect midfielder”, as has been noted by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Though Baleba is the talk of the town and is perhaps further down the line in his development than Fernandes, the latter man weathered a harsh storm at St. Mary’s Stadium last year and still managed to make a good impression.

His steely presence and underrated technical game suggest he could prove a shrewd signing indeed.

A dream for Cunha & Mbeumo: INEOS submit bid to sign £69m star for Man Utd

Manchester United have once again splashed the cash during the current summer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 14, 2025

The chances of a hybrid model were reduced on Thursday after a PCB official told ESPNcricinfo they had informed the ICC once again that it was off the table

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Nov-2024The ICC board will congregate on Friday in the hopes of ending the saga of where and how the 2025 Champions Trophy will be played, with less than three months to the scheduled start of the event. They will consider three options: A hybrid option, where the majority of matches are played in Pakistan but those involving India are played outside Pakistan. The tournament is played entirely outside of Pakistan, with the option of the PCB retaining hosting rights. The entire event is played in Pakistan but without India.The last of those options is almost a non-starter, given the negative financial and commercial impact it will have on the tournament. The chances of the first – a hybrid model – were reduced on Thursday after a PCB official told ESPNcricinfo they had informed the ICC once again that it was off the table. “The PCB has asked the ICC to give a reasonable or acceptable proposal to Pakistan before the ICC Board meeting tomorrow,” the official said.Twelve hours earlier, in the early hours of Thursday morning in Pakistan, the chances of a hybrid model seemed to have increased slightly, at least going by the words of Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman. Asked specifically about it multiple times, Naqvi said only that he would take whatever decision the ICC board makes to the Pakistan government.Related

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PCB 'not prepared to accept' hybrid model for Champions Trophy

That was slightly different to the previous public and emphatic rejections of a hybrid model being considered. Nevertheless, Naqvi doubled down on the prospect of Pakistan no longer being willing or able to play in India which, given India is hosting a Women’s World Cup next year, an Asia Cup in 2025, a Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and a Champions Trophy in 2029, is going to be a recurring problem.That, in fact, might be one of the conditions under which the PCB accepts any hybrid model for now: that the ICC then considers the same option for tournaments in India where Pakistan is – as of now – unlikely to be given permission to travel by its government.Naqvi did not say whether Pakistan will play India in this tournament, as they are drawn to by dint of being in the same group. A hybrid model, or an entire relocation, means they will be scheduled to play at a neutral venue; the game not taking place would also mean a significant commercial hit to the tournament.”Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi said multiple times. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”Mohsin Naqvi: ‘We’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money […] But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan’•AFP/Getty ImagesNaqvi said the PCB would not be motivated by the pursuit of any financial settlement, quashing informal chatter that the PCB might try and negotiate a heftier hosting fee in return for a hybrid model, promising “that we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan.” In any event, two countries for venues would require a revised tournament budget.The meeting will be a virtual one and will likely come down to a vote only if a consensus isn’t reached within the board. But the pressure will be on to reach a resolution swiftly, as time runs out before the tournament and preparations for it begin. An alternate or additional venue will have to be chosen depending on what option the board chooses, and a schedule for the event has to be finalised and released.Additionally, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium in Karachi – two of the Pakistan venues – are undergoing significant renovation and upgradation work, in a race against time to be ready for the tournament. The PCB has assured the ICC board that the venues will be ready for the tournament by the end of this year.Pakistan won hosting rights to the Champions Trophy in November 2021 and, if it goes to plan, it will be the first ICC event they have hosted since the 1996 World Cup. But its status was thrown into disarray when the BCCI informed the ICC earlier this month that its team had not been given permission by the Indian government to travel to Pakistan.That was hardly a surprise, given no India team has toured Pakistan since 2008, with the Mumbai attacks later that year throwing relations between the two countries into a downward spiral. Pakistan have visited India three times since then, for a bilateral series in 2012-13, the 2016 T20 World Cup and, most recently, the 2023 ODI World Cup. That trip only happened after a government committee cleared it, despite considerable opposition within certain members.The PCB had to adopt a hybrid model for the Asia Cup just before the World Cup but had hoped that going to India would result in a reciprocal gesture for the Champions Trophy.

Jose Mourinho has been backed for a stunning return in east London as West Ham consider Graham Potter's future. The Portuguese coach, who has made no secret of his desire to live and work in London again, has emerged as a serious candidate for the London Stadium dugout as pressure mounts on Potter.

• Mourinho tipped for West Ham comeback
• Potter’s future hangs by a thread
• Lampard also linked with Hammers' role

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Hammers scout Mick Brown insists Mourinho still “loves” life in the capital and already owns a house there. For West Ham’s restless hierarchy, that detail only makes him more attractive.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Potter was brought in with the hope of steadying the ship and building a new identity, but seven months in, his reign is teetering. Large swathes of the Hammers’ fanbase have turned against him, doubting his ability to deliver results or inspire a squad that has already suffered humiliating defeats. A dreadful start to the season has made matters worse: a 3-0 capitulation to Sunderland followed by a crushing 5-1 hammering at home to Chelsea. Though a commanding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest briefly bought him breathing space, insiders still believe Potter could be next in line for the sack if results falter again.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT BROWN SAID

  According to the self-styled “Special One” has been carefully positioning himself for a return to England for quite some time. He has been tentatively linked with Newcastle, Rangers, and Leeds, while also being tipped as a candidate at Nottingham Forest before Ange Postecoglou swooped in.

  “Jose Mourinho will want the West Ham job,” Brown said.

  “He wants to return to London, I know he’s still got a house there and he loves living in the city, so if a job comes up that will allow him to move back, of course he’ll be interested. Looking at the London clubs, he doesn’t exactly have a million options. Chelsea, no, Tottenham, no, Arsenal, no. West Ham, yeah, possibly. Fulham and Palace maybe. I think West Ham are the standout club on that list and it’s something that might come up.

  “I don’t believe Potter will be sacked right now, but they’ve got to be prepared and have possible candidates lined up to replace him if they do make that decision. I have to say, that 3-0 win against Forest was something I didn’t see coming, so that will have bought him a bit more time. But like I say, West Ham will be aware that at some stage, they might have to look for a new manager if things go back to the way they started the season. There will be a few candidates for that job, I’m sure, and Mourinho will want to be among them.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Behind the scenes, West Ham chiefs have already started discreetly sounding out alternatives to Potter. Mourinho’s trophy-laden CV, including Premier League glory with Chelsea and European success at Manchester United, makes him an obvious candidate. However, the Hammers are not short of options. Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has also been mentioned as a potential successor. The former Chelsea and England midfielder remains a respected figure in West Ham circles thanks to his family ties to the club. 

After months of speculation, Jack Grealish has found himself a new club with Everton. He’ll be staying in the Premier League as he joins David Moyes’ side, who hope to build upon their strong finish to the 2024/25 campaign.

The England winger has completed a season-long loan move to the Toffees, who will have the option to make the move permanent for £50 million upon the season’s conclusion. This will be half the price that Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Grealish in 2021.

Grealish has had a mixed time in Manchester, where his team’s impressive trophy haul hasn’t been reflected in the 29-year-old’s personal goal contributions.

Grealish was one of several forward players that Everton had explored. Earlier in the window, they were heavily linked to Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling, but the two clubs’ evaluations of the player were too far apart.

Moyes isn’t currently content with his summer arrivals and is now looking to bring in yet another winger to finalise his attack.

Moyes and Everton keen on Hutchinson after Grealish

Reports from TEAMtalk have indicated that Omari Hutchinson is Moyes’ ideal new right-winger. The England U21 star could leave Ipswich Town only a year on from his permanent arrival and being hailed as a “fantastic player” by boss Kieran McKenna​​​​​​.

Ipswich are asking for £40 million, which would make Hutchinson the second most expensive player to sign for Everton ever, although he may only hold this position for 12 months if they decide to activate their option to buy Jack Grealish.

Hutchinson shares a lot of characteristics with current Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye and has been compared to the Toffees star by FBref. Both players share similar stats in terms of progressive ball carries and passes, and shots per game.

Ndiaye features in the list of the top ten most used players by Moyes since his return to Everton, so it is not surprising that he is looking to bring in another similar-profile attacker.

So far this season, Ipswich have not included Hutchinson in their match-day squads, and he was also notably absent throughout pre-season. Sometimes, when a player is on the cusp of leaving their club, they’re excluded from the squad so that the team can begin to adjust to life without them, meaning Hutchinson’s absence from Ipswich’s opening fixtures may be a sign of his impending departure.

Bigger English talent than Grealish: Everton chase £15m Dibling alternative

With Jack Grealish joining Everton from Manchester City, on loan with a £50m option to buy, are the Toffees also targeting a £15m-rated “monster”?

ByBen Gray Aug 13, 2025

TEAMtalk also revealed that if Everton can’t sign Hutchinson, they have two alternative players they would consider instead. The first is Tyrique George, who Chelsea are considering loaning out for the season so that he can get first-team minutes. The second player is Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu; at this stage, it is unclear whether a move for him would be a loan or permanent transfer.

Moyes' new attack quells pre-season woes

Hutchinson might end up being the final piece in Moyes’ newly forged Everton attack. An attacking trio of Hutchinson off the right and Grealish off the left will be capped off by new striker Thierno Barry, who has joined from Villarreal for £27 million.

This new attack will rectify some of the issues that Moyes’ side faced across pre-season. Everton managed four goals, two draws and zero wins in a pre-season schedule that saw them face sides such as Blackburn Rovers and Accrington Stanley.

A large contributor to these results was an unsettled forward line that often saw players having to be shoehorned into positions they were not comfortable with, like Harrison Armstrong and James Garner being played as wingers rather than midfielders. This new attack will have the new signings to play in their preferred roles and will allow some of the current squad to play where they are most comfortable, hopefully elevating their performances.

NSW veteran Kurtis Patterson has scored an unbeaten 167 to lift his side to 463 for 9, leading by 252 against WA

AAP08-Dec-2024

Sam Konstas has missed out on another century but teammate Kurtis Patterson managed to break a long drought to give New South Wales a chance of pulling off victory in their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the SCG.The Blues went to stumps on day three at 463 for 9 in their first innings, with a lead of 252 after WA were rolled for 211. Heavy rain washed out most of day two, but NSW made up for that lost time by piling on the runs on Sunday.Konstas (88) resumed on his overnight score of 80, but his hopes of scoring his fourth century of the summer were dashed when he edged Lance Morris to second slip.Patterson picked up where Konstas left off, scoring an unbeaten 167 off 255 balls to lift the home side to a big first-innings lead. It marked a big turnaround for Patterson, who was dropped last season amidst a form slump.He now has 527 runs this season at an astounding average of 105.40, thrusting his name back into the national selection puzzle to add to his two Tests.Patterson yelled out in joy upon reaching his century – his first ton in 769 days. The previous highest first-class total by Patterson was 157 on debut as an 18-year-old, but he surged past that late on day three.The 31-year-old struck 15 fours and three sixes during his glittering knock, while Chris Green (35) and Jack Edwards (30) added some handy runs lower down the order.WA paceman Brody Couch finished with 3 for 66, while Morris (2 for 69) and Cameron Gannon (2 for 99) also chipped in.Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who is trying to earn a spot on Australia’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, returned figures of 1 for 87 off 27 overs.For WA, the final day will be all about survival given there’s no hope the defending champions can win the match. NSW sit second last on the table, and desperately need to win in order to revive their finals hopes.WA, winners of the past three titles, entered the match second on the ladder.

Everton’s resurgence under David Moyes last season brought much-needed optimism back to Goodison Park.

A 13th-place finish may not look glamorous on paper, but the club’s climb away from the relegation battle during the second half of the campaign provided a foundation to build on.

This summer has therefore been about capitalising on that momentum, ensuring Moyes has the tools to push his side into the top half of the table. Some progress has already been made.

Carlos Alcaraz, who impressed on loan last term, has joined permanently from Flamengo, while Thierno Barry has been signed from Villarreal.

The blockbuster coup came in the form of Jack Grealish, brought in on loan from Manchester City after being told by Thomas Tuchel that regular football would be vital if he is to stake his claim for a World Cup place.

But while Grealish’s arrival has stolen the headlines, Everton still have one glaring vacancy: the right wing.

The Toffees’ search for an answer has been dominated by their pursuit of Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling, but their multiple bids have all been rejected.

That has led them towards a player closer to home – one who could provide the pace, power, and creativity Moyes craves on the right-hand side of his attack.

Everton step up interest in Championship star

According to EFL Analysis, Everton are lining up a move for Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu, who has an estimated price tag of around £10 million.

The Ghanaian international has long been admired for his dynamism in the final third, and with Leicester struggling financially after a turbulent few years, his name is firmly on Moyes’ shortlist.

Leicester’s transfer business has been telling.

The Foxes missed out on Richard Kone, who opted for QPR, and there are fears that further sales may be required with Valencia circling around Harry Winks and Patson Daka.

Against this backdrop, Everton see Fatawu as a realistic target. The 21-year-old joined Leicester permanently from Sporting Lisbon in 2024 after an impressive loan spell in the Championship.

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His raw pace and ability to stretch defences made him one of the most exciting young wingers in the league. Talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to call him “unplayable.”

Everton are not alone in monitoring the situation, though. Aston Villa could enter the race should Leon Bailey depart for AS Roma, though for now it is Everton who have shown the most concrete interest.

Why Fatawu would be a big upgrade on Harrison

The potential signing of Fatawu would inevitably draw comparisons with Jack Harrison, who occupied Everton’s right flank for much of last season while on loan from Leeds United.

Harrison has since returned to Elland Road, leaving Moyes short of options in that role.

Statistically, the contrast between the two players is stark. Harrison, now 28, managed just one goal and one assist across 34 Premier League appearances last season, per Sofascore.

While his work ethic has never been in question, his lack of end product often left Everton blunt in attack.

Fatawu, by contrast, offers significantly higher upside.

At 21, his dribbling and progressive carrying ability are among the best in Europe, while his tackling and defensive numbers suggest he could thrive in Moyes’ high-intensity structure.

He is also far more direct, always looking to beat his man and create overloads in the final third.

On the international stage, Fatawu already has 19 caps for Ghana, scoring twice, and is seen as a rising star in African football. His progress, however, was disrupted by a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for 29 matches last season.

What makes him particularly attractive to Everton is his statistical profile.

Few young wingers in Europe rank as highly across so many metrics.

Abdul Fatawu – Stats 2024/25

Progressive carries per 90

6.53

Successful take-ons per 90

4.51

Tackles per 90

3.26

Clearances per 90

1.87

Aerial duels won per 90

2.18

Source: FBref

Such numbers point to a winger who is not only explosive going forward but also relentless in his defensive contribution.

For Moyes, whose system demands a high work rate from his wide players, that blend is invaluable.

Moreover, his profile mirrors that of players such as Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest) and Brentford-bound Dango Ouattara – both highly sought-after wide players whose blend of speed and physicality has become increasingly valuable in the Premier League.

For a relatively modest £10 million outlay, Everton would be securing a player whose trajectory points sharply upwards.

The risk, of course, lies in his injury record.

But his recovery has shown encouraging signs, and at his age, there is reason to believe he can overcome those setbacks.

Landing Fatawu would also send a message.

Everton have already made a statement by bringing in Grealish, but supplementing that with a hungry, high-ceiling talent on the opposite wing would transform the look of their attack.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing as a free agent and Abdoulaye Doucouré also moving on, Moyes is in the process of reshaping his squad.

Fatawu fits the mould of what Everton need: energy, unpredictability and a dash of star potential.

Their opening fixture at Elland Road against Leeds will be an early test, but the season is long, and depth across the wide positions will be crucial.

Related He's another Grealish: Everton in the race to sign "world-class" £25m star

Everton are eyeing a Jack Grealish repeat in a swoop to sign this star.

Posts ByWill Miller Aug 16, 2025

Fatawu may not be the finished product, but as an upgrade on Harrison and a player with genuine resale value, he could be one of the smartest additions of Everton’s summer.

The Red Devils need to win at home next week if they are to make it through to the UWCL proper for the first time in their history.

Manchester United have it all to do next week if they are to progress to the Women's Champions League proper for the first time after a shock 1-0 defeat to Brann on Thursday night. The Red Devils were the better side in Bergen and created plenty of chances in the first leg of this third round qualifier, but were left to rue their lack of clinical touch when Ingrid Stenevik headed home late on to give the Norwegian side a slender, though potentially vital, advantage.

Given it emerged that many of the players' footwear went missing on the flight over, there is perhaps a joke to be made about United missing their shooting boots for this crucial fixture. But, in truth, it was often good goalkeeping from Selma Panengstuen, rather than poor finishing, which kept them at bay. Ella Toone was denied brilliantly on three separate occasions and even when the shot-stopper did slip up, spilling a relatively routine effort from Dominique Janssen just before the hour, her quick reactions allowed her to make amends, as she did by thwarting Jess Park on that occasion.

There were, however, chances that did go begging, be it Elisabeth Terland's early header wide or an effort Melvine Malard directed into the grateful arms of Panengstuen shortly before Stenevik's decisive intervention 13 minutes from time. That goal ensured a happy ending for the home fans on a night which saw a new attendance record set for a women's football match in Norway, meaning United need to win at home next week in order to avoid suffering what would be a seriously disappointing Champions League exit.

GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Brann Stadion…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Phallon Tullis Joyce (6/10):

Had very little to do apart from pick the ball out of her own net.

Jayde Riviere (4/10):

Lacked a decent final product when she got forward.

Maya Le Tissier (6/10):

Was on hand to make a couple of timely interventions at the back and moved the ball well.

Dominique Janssen (5/10):

Showed good impetus at times in possession, albeit could've done so more often.

Anna Sandberg (6/10):

Supported the attack well and played some nice passes at times to contribute to build-up.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Hinata Miyazawa (5/10):

Couldn't have a massive influence on the game in this more reserved role.

Lisa Naalsund (4/10):

Gave away the free-kick which led to the goal and was at fault for losing Stenevik, too. Had a decent game really, but it was ultimately marred by those two moments.

Ella Toone (7/10):

Could've had a hat-trick were it not for fantastic goalkeeping. Wasn't a case of poor finishing, either.

Getty ImagesAttack

Jess Park (6/10):

A lively full debut in which she showed a lot of quality and almost had a goal thanks to good instincts in the box.

Elisabeth Terland (4/10):

Struggled for service, putting her best chance wide in the opening two minutes. 

Melvine Malard (6/10):

Linked up nicely to play a central role in most of United's best moves. Should've done better with a header just past the hour.

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Celin Bizet (N/A):

Couldn't really get into the game with the little time she had.

Millie Turner (N/A):

Continued her return from injury when she came on for the final stages.

Julia Zigiotti Olme (N/A):

On for the final 10 minutes or so as United chased an equaliser.

Marc Skinner (5/10):

Little he could do with his XI, given the injuries and subsequent lack of options, but could've acted earlier with his subs in order to allow Bizet in particular to have more time to make an impact.

India took a massive step towards leaving Brisbane with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy still level, as their last-wicket pair put on a rousing, unbroken 39 to steer their team past the follow-on mark. With only one day’s play remaining, Australia’s chances of winning this third Test have taken a big hit, particularly as they contend with the absence of Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of this Test match and possibly the rest of the series with a calf strain.In Hazlewood’s absence, his two great fast-bowling buddies took on a massive workload, sending down 60% of the 74.5 overs of India’s innings, with Pat Cummins picking up four wickets and Mitchell Starc three.Related

• Australia ahead in the Test, but India win the contest within the contest

• Hazlewood likely to miss rest of India series with calf strain

Their efforts, however, couldn’t stop India from getting past the magic figure of 246. KL Rahul survived a dropped chance off the first ball of the day – a portent of Australia’s fortunes – and went on to score 84, and Ravindra Jadeja contributed 77 brilliantly controlled runs, taking full toll of facing a depleted attack using an old ball on a predominantly new-ball pitch. When Cummins dismissed Jadeja with a well-directed short ball, however, India were still 33 short of making Australia bat again.It was then that Akash Deep joined Jasprit Bumrah, in a partnership of extraordinary assurance – Bumrah ended the day with a control percentage of 86 and Akash 90 – that reflected Australia’s straitened circumstances. It also reflected the duo’s skill and resilience with the bat. Bumrah hooked Cummins for six on his way to 10 off 27 balls, while Akash hit two fours and a six to finish on 27 off 31.It was Akash who moved India past the follow-on mark, slashing Cummins over a leaping gully fielder. Two balls later, he cleared his front leg and launched him for a massive six over wide long-on. That was the last scoring shot of the day with the umpires calling the players off the field for bad light after one more ball.It was another stop-start day at the Gabba, though not to the extent that it was on day three, and if it helped Australia’s depleted attack stave off exhaustion, it also ate away more time from the match. Only 57.5 overs were possible through the day.Pat Cummins ended the day with four wickets to his name•AFP/Getty Images

By the end of it, Australia were left ruing events at its very beginning. Cummins got the first ball of the day to rear at Rahul in the corridor, and he fended it straight to Steven Smith at second slip. Smith is one of the world’s great slip fielders – he went on to demonstrate this later in the day – but this time the ball simply bounced off the heels of his hands.Cummins struck soon after, removing Rohit Sharma with a terrific one-two. First, he zipped a short ball past his ribcage, not allowing him to connect with a pull. Then he shifted the ball full and outside off stump. Rohit didn’t get far enough forward to play this ball safely – and with his front shoulder too open – and ended up edging his attempted drive to the keeper.India were 74 for 4 at this stage, and had only faced 23.3 overs. Jadeja’s entry, however, calmed them down, and he settled into an innings where his control percentage hovered in the mid-90s throughout. It helped that Hazlewood went off the field soon after Jadeja walked in, after bowling just one over, and it helped that the ball stopped seaming and bouncing quite as awkwardly as it had done when it was new, but Jadeja batted with an organised gameplan that ensured he made the best of his circumstances.His wagon wheel against the fast bowlers gave a clear idea of it: plenty of checked drives down the ground with a vertical bat and a full face, plenty of flicks off his legs, but hardly anything through the covers with an angled bat. He also faced a lot of bowling from Lyon, so often his nemesis back home, but where Jadeja’s method of defending with bat and pad close together makes him an lbw candidate on Indian pitches, it was far less of an issue on this bouncy Gabba surface. He also brought out the sweep, a shot he isn’t known for, and picked up two fours and three singles with it.Steven Smith’s catch to send KL Rahul back was arguably the moment of the day•AFP/Getty Images

With Rahul looking increasingly solid at the other end and putting away a number of sweet off-side drives, India began to carve chunks out of their deficit. Then Smith made up spectacularly for his earlier error, stepping to his right in anticipation as Rahul shaped for the back-cut off Lyon, and dived to his right to grab the thick edge one-handed. Jadeja and Rahul had put on 67.It brought together India’s allrounders with 105 still needed to avoid the follow-on. The selection of both Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy may have left India’s bowling lacking depth, and may have contributed to their concession of 445. Now, though, it gave them the batting to try and save this Test match. Reddy continued his impressive showing in this series, this time when he was asked not to counterattack but bat normally and show the defensive side of his game. The seventh-wicket pair put on 53, before Cummins struck with a nearly 60-over-old ball, getting his Sunrisers Hyderabad team-mate Reddy to inside-edge onto his stumps.India now needed 55 with three wickets remaining, and it soon became 33 with one wicket remaining as Starc and Cummins, running on fumes, took out Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja, the latter bounced out cleverly while trying to farm the strike. Australia were nearly there, but, as Bumrah and Akash Deep proved, not quite.

Without a doubt, Liverpool have enjoyed an incredible summer transfer window, with FSG spending like never before to establish Arne Slot’s dynasty.

The Dutch coach replaced Jurgen Klopp and won the Premier League last season, and he did so having welcomed only Federico Chiesa to Anfield for a £12.5m fee. Well, Chiesa only started one league game all season and is expected to depart in the coming weeks.

However, the Italian’s not the only one facing the exit doors this summer.

Liverpool's transfer plans

As Liverpool kicked off their pre-season tour with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, they could not call upon Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez, with the respective forwards set to be sold.

While Liverpool have already spent £79m on forward Hugo Ekitike this summer (breaking the British transfer record to reel Florian Wirtz over too), there’s more to come.

We all know that Alexander Isak is on Liverpool’s radar, having informed Newcastle United of his desire to explore a transfer to Anfield. He did not travel with the Toon for their pre-season tour.

However, talkSPORT have now revealed that Liverpool have ‘signalled their willingness’ to pay for the Sweden international, who has rejected the Magpies’ proposals of a new contract. That comes amid rival interest from Al Hilal, albeit with Saudi Arabian officials believing that he ‘wants to join Liverpool’.

If Liverpool want Isak, they will likely have to break the British record once again, forking out some £130m.

Why Liverpool still want Alexander Isak

This would be a truly remarkable transfer. And it’s beginning to look more and more probable.

Isak, 25, joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022, and he’s now renowned as one of the deadliest goalscorers in the world, hailed by Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson for being “the most complete striker” in the Premier League.

While Liverpool’s acquisition of Ekitike might make it feel like this signing would be redundant, this isn’t the case. The respective forwards are both technically sound, but bring different things to the table and could actually become an unstoppable partnership.

Ekitike, 23, is principally a central striker but is known for his pace and power, capable across a range of positional roles. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Utilising these attributes, Ekitike could bring out the best in Isak, allowing him to focus more on his incredible goalscoring. There’s no question that the United man surpasses his prospective teammate in ball-striking.

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The £120k-per-week Sweden native, moreover, has the wealth of Premier League experience, which could prove vital for Ekitike’s development.

With both players in Slot’s system, the coach can manage workloads and utilise the respective strengths of both to the greater effect of his ambitious Liverpool team. The sum is greater than the individual parts, after all.

Given that both strikers are so dynamic, there’s no reason why they couldn’t cohabit at the front of the ship for Liverpool, especially if Nunez is sold in the coming weeks.

Bigger loss than Diaz or Nunez: Barcelona charge into race for £70k-p/w Liverpool star

The Reds could lose a key man.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025