Unbeaten India, USA set to take over New York with an eye on Super Eight spot

Both teams have won two games each, and USA having every chance of making the last eight is every bit the stuff of dreams

Alagappan Muthu11-Jun-20246:13

Manjrekar: Should India look at replacing Shivam Dube?

Match detailsIndia vs USA
New York, 10.30am local, 8.00pm IST, 2.30pm GMTBig picture: Party in the USA is writing articles about it. Drake has been making money off it. Baseball fans have been triggered by it. Look out, America, our beautiful game is starting to take you over.India themselves are somewhere near the front of this charm offensive, eager to tap into a market that may add to their already considerable resources. Their IPL teams already have a stake in the cricket that goes on in the USA, considering they own three of the six franchises in the country’s premier T20 competition.The LA Olympics organising committee, when announcing that they would let cricket in for the 2028 Games, name-checked Virat Kohli and his social media following as part of the reason for their decision. And more recently, the BCCI secretary had a lovely stroll through the NFL offices.At this point, it feels like the locals getting bitten by the bug seems a bit of a bonus than a necessity. The USA is a fertile enough outpost thanks to its rich and varied diaspora, many of whom have been flocking to the pop-up stadium in Long Island, and creating the kind of atmosphere that could rival even the better established centres.Over in Dallas, the Nepal team even felt compelled to take a lap of honour around the ground having been overwhelmed with support. India-Pakistan was packed – in two places – with Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, hosting a watch party. On Monday morning, there were almost 23,000 on site to enjoy the Bangladesh-South Africa game.Tight finishes and rapturous upsets have left the public with a general feeling of wanting more, and the USA team themselves have played a part in that, kicking the tournament off in grand fashion when Aaron Jones epitomised two things that make anything worth watching – skill and flair – as he struck sixes at will and celebrated each of them. Then these upstarts went and took down Pakistan, and now here USA are, eyeing up India.It is unlikely that this game will have that kind of fairytale ending, but the simple fact that USA go into it undefeated – with two wins from two – and with every chance of progressing into the Super Eights is every bit the stuff of dreams. And as Saurabh Netravalkar’s Slack profile very clearly says, it isn’t ending any time soon.2:45

‘Rohit is from my school’ – USA team on their connections with India players

Form guideIndia: WWWWW
USA: WWLWWIn the spotlight: Shivam Dube and Corey AndersonIndia tend not to fuss with their plans unless they absolutely have to. So within that dressing room, there will be plenty of support on offer for Shivam Dube, even though he has made no more than 21 in his last seven dismissed innings, which includes four single-digit scores – including back-to-back ducks. New York is hardly the right place for his skills as a spin-hitter, if only for the fact that teams aren’t bowling a lot of spin there. But when India shift base to the West Indies, they’ll have a need for his services and they would like for him to be in good form, or at the very least, in a happy mindset.There was a time when it seemed like Corey Anderson was the next big thing in all of cricket. Even as parts of the world was ushering in the New Year in 2014, he was going to work for New Zealand and hitting a 36-ball century. Is he still that same destructive force? He wasn’t seen in the international arena for five years since November 2018, but was still courted by the franchises in the CPL, BBL, PSL and ILT20. That’s testament to the talent he possesses, and may yet unleash at this World Cup.Team news: Super Eights on the mindIndia are well placed to make the Super Eights. USA have some work to do, but they won’t mind that. Barring any injury concerns, both teams are likely to field unchanged XIs.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rishabh Pant (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Arshdeep SinghUSA (probable): 1 Steven Taylor, 2 Monank Patel (capt & wk), 3 Andries Gous, 4 Aaron Jones, 5 Nitish Kumar, 6 Corey Anderson, 7 Harmeet Singh, 8 Jasdeep Singh, 9 Nosthush Kenjige, 10 Saurabh Netravalkar, 11 Ali KhanThe scary up-and-down bounce on the New York pitch seems to be a thing of the past•ICC via Getty Images

Pitch and conditionsThe New York surface has settled enough that the scary up-and-down bounce that was seen earlier in the competition seems to be a thing of the past. The game is unlikely to be upset by the weather, but it may once again be low-scoring.Stats and trivia This will be the first cricket match between India and USA across any format. Aaron Jones is currently this T20 World Cup’s second-highest scorer, with 130 runs from two innings at a strike rate of nearly 197. Andries Gous is in fourth place, with 100 from two innings at a strike rate of almost 139. Jasprit Bumrah has an average of four and an economy rate of 2.85 after picking up five wickets for 20 runs in seven overs this tournament.

He'd be better than Norgaard: Arsenal hold talks to sign £20m midfielder

Slowly and then all at once might be one way to describe Arsenal’s transfer window so far.

For weeks and weeks, it felt like very little was happening at the Emirates, but now Martin Zubimendi’s transfer is reportedly wrapped up, as is Kepa Arrizabalaga’s, and there have been reports of progress being made towards both Rodrygo and Viktor Gyokeres.

It’s not just incomings either, as Fabrizio Romano broke the news yesterday afternoon that Thomas Partey is now “set to leave” this month.

As if that wasn’t enough, yesterday also saw news come out linking Arsenal to Christian Nørgaard as a potential replacement, but if other reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta could be looking to sign another midfielder who’d be even better than the Brentford star.

Arsenal target Nørgaard upgrade

While it’s been known for a few days now that the contract talks with Partey were not advancing and that there was, therefore, a real chance the Ghanaian could leave this summer, there were no murmurings that Nørgaard was being looked at as a potential signing.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, the report from Danish journalist Mads Glenn Wehlast on Wednesday morning was the first time most people had any idea the club were even supposedly interested in the 31-year-old.

The report claims that the Gunners have already submitted an offer worth around €11m in total, which is about £9m.

While that could end up being a good deal, there is still another midfielder the club are interested in, someone who’d be a better signing: Lucien Agoume.

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal are still very much interested in the Sevilla star, who has been the subject of talks.

A price for the young Frenchman is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claim that he could be available for just £20m, although he is also a target for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

It might not be a big-name signing, but based on the ability Agoume has already shown, and the potential so many believe him to possess, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he would be a better addition to the squad than Nørgaard.

How Agoume compares to Nørgaard

So, if it ends up being a choice between signing Agoume and Nørgaard in the coming weeks, why should Arsenal opt for the former?

Lucien Agoume in action against Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.

Well, the first argument, and its significant one, is the statistical one, as when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers, it becomes clear that the Sevilla star, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig described as “10 out of 10 talent,” is the more well-rounded midfielder.

The Dane might do marginally better in a few metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists and passing accuracy per 90, but he comes out a clear second-best in most other statistics that are relevant for a number six.

Agoumé vs Nørgaard

Statistics per 90

Agoumé

Nørgaard

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.14

0.18

Progressive Carries

1.23

0.45

Progressive Passes

5.74

4.92

Passing Accuracy

81.5%

81.6%

Key Passes

1.15

0.58

Passes into the Final Third

5.36

4.38

Shot-Creating Actions

2.55

1.85

Goal-Creating Actions

0.21

0.42

Tackles

2.98

2.52

Blocks

1.28

1.66

Interceptions

1.74

1.57

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.00

0.03

Successful take-ons

0.94

0.22

Aerial Duels Won

1.79

1.57

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

For example, the former Inter Milan gem comes out looking far better in things like progressive passes and carries, key passes, shot-creating actions and, most crucially, tackles, interceptions and aerial duels won per 90.

This suggests that not only does he have the Bees ace beat in plenty of attacking areas, but he’d also be able to better provide cover for the back four, and the fact he’s so good at winning balls in the air will be like music to Arteta’s ears.

Finally, there is another number that matters here: his age.

At 22 years old, the Yaoundé-born maestro has plenty of time to continue developing, and if he does do that, then the Gunners would have a serious midfielder on their hands down the line, whereas at 31, the Brentford star is only going to regress over time.

Moreover, if Zubimendi is going to be the starting six anyway, surely it makes sense to bring in a promising understudy to cover for him, someone who could seriously rival him for game time in a few years.

Ultimately, while Nørgaard wouldn’t be a bad signing by any means, Agoume just looks like the far better option, and therefore, Arsenal should be doing what they can to get him this summer.

Dream teammate for Rodrygo: Arsenal now in talks to sign £68m "magician"

The creative monster could help the Brazilian reach another level at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

Jack Taylor fifty secures comeback victory for Gloucestershire

Glamorgan looked set to win before three dropped catches in last three overs came back to haunt them

ECB Reporters Network20-Jun-2024

Jack Taylor saw Gloucestershire home•Getty Images

Gloucestershire 142 for 8 (J Taylor 70, van der Gugten 2-8) beat Glamorgan 140 for 6 (Northeast 46*, M Taylor 3-21) by two wicketsGloucestershire completed a superb win over Glamorgan with Jack Taylor’s 70 setting up a remarkable comeback from 45 for 5 to secure a two-wicket victory.Glamorgan looked certain to claim the win before three dropped catches in the last three overs came back to haunt them as Josh Shaw hit the last ball for six to take the visitors past their target.Runs for Sam Northeast and an excellent spell from Timm van der Gugten had put Glamorgan into a winning position before Taylor’s 70 from 48 balls set up the victory for Gloucestershire.Gloucestershire looked to be heading for a large defeat before Taylor’s innings allowed them snatch the win from the very last ball.The Glamorgan innings was characterised more by touch than by power with their top three looking to work the ball around in very bowling friendly conditions. Kiran Carlson tried some early innovation and was dismissed as a result. He attempted to scoop a ball from Shaw over the keeper and was caught at backward point by Matt Taylor.With the early wickets of Carlson and Labuschagne, Northeast was happy to soak up the pressure that the Gloucestershire seamers applied, and he was going at under a run a run a ball for much of his innings. Northeast finished on 46 not out from 42 balls, the lowest not out score by an opener in a full 20-over innings in the competition’s history. Colin Ingram looked to be more aggressive and fell when he attempted to on drive down the ground off the bowling of Matt Taylor for 25. When Chris Cooke fell to the next ball Glamorgan were 76 for 4. When Ben Kellaway was caught at deep square leg in the next over off Marchant De Lange that became 81 for 5.Dan Douthwaite and Northeast put on the biggest stand of the Glamorgan innings but that was broken after the pair had added 37. Northeast added 22 in the final overs with van der Gugten to get Glamorgan to 140 for 6 from their 20 overs.The Gloucestershire innings got off to a poor start with the new ball once again causing serious difficulties for the batting side. They were 29 for 3 at the end of the powerplay and really struggling to get going.Van der Gugten bowled four consecutive overs from the Cathedral Road end to finish with figures of 2 for 8 in a spell that included a maiden and just one boundary.The introduction of the very first over of spin in this match brought immediate rewards for Glamorgan when Marnus Labuschagne took a spectacular one-handed catch while diving full length off the bowling of Mason Crane to dismiss Ben Charlesworth as Gloucestershire stumbled to 53 for 5 after 10 overs.Jack Taylor batted brilliantly throughout but benefited from some sloppy fielding after he had passed fifty with both Carlson and McIlroy putting him down off the bowling of Crane.Taylor was run out in the last over to seemingly end Gloucestershire’s hopes but Northeast dropped Shaw off the penultimate ball to give him the chance to win the game with his six off the final delivery.

He'd be a bigger coup than Mbuemo: Man Utd open talks to sign Pogba 2.0

Bryan Mbeumo has been Manchester United’s number one target in the transfer window over the last couple of weeks, as Ruben Amorim wants to improve his frontline at Old Trafford.

Matheus Cunha has already completed a £62.5m move this window, but it’s evident that the hierarchy are willing to back the 40-year-old in his quest for success.

The Red Devils have so far had two offers rejected for the Brentford star, with their latest offer totalling £62.5m including add-ons – but it’s still not enough to secure his signature.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

Whilst he wants to move to the Theatre of Dreams during the off-season, his current employers have placed a £70m price tag on his shoulders, which could delay such a move.

Given his tally of 20 goals in the Premier League this season, it would be a superb addition, but that doesn’t mean other deals could be just as impressive this summer.

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

All areas of the pitch have been subject to investment in recent days, with the Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha a player who looks set to be approached this window.

Atalanta star Ederson is another player who’s firmly been on their radar over recent seasons, but a deal has seemed to become unlikely given the difference in valuations.

However, moves have also been made elsewhere, with PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery subject to an enquiry, according to TEAMtalk’s update from earlier this week.

The report claimed that United have made their interest clear in the 19-year-old star, who’s already racked up 125 career appearances despite his tender age.

It also stated that it’s unlikely the French side are set to budge on their current asking price of £85m, in a deal that would be one of the Red Devils’ most expensive in their history.

Why United’s £85m target would be their next Pogba

Paul Pogba still holds United’s club record for the highest fee paid for a player, costing £89m from Juventus back in the summer of 2016, in what was then also an English record.

The Frenchman made over 200 appearances during his second spell at Old Trafford, returning to the club after originally leaving to join the Old Lady on a free transfer.

The midfielder caught the eye in his box-to-box role for the Red Devils, often producing a moment of magic with the ball at his feet, helping the club win the Europa League back in 2016/17.

He would leave on a free transfer once again in the summer of 2022, rejoining Juve before being hit with a doping ban, which has seen him banned for the last 18 months of his career.

However, United could be about to land their next version of the Frenchman this summer, with a move for Zaire-Emery, matching his compatriot in potentially joining in a big-money deal.

He’s previously been compared to Pogba by former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger, with the supporters needing to get excited by his potential move to Old Trafford this summer.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign showcase the talent he possesses, having bags of time to emulate Pogba’s success given his tender age of just 19.

Zaire-Emery, who’s been labelled as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by agent Jorge Mendes, has completed 93% of the passes he’s attempted, registering 5.4 passes into the final third per 90 – having the tools to provide chances to those ahead of him.

Warren Zaire-Emery’s stats in Ligue 1 (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

29

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

93%

Passes into final third

5.4

% of tackles won

51%

Interceptions made

1.1

Take-ons completed

54%

Recoveries made

5.9

Stats via FBref

His talents on the ball are further reflected in his take-on success, completing 54% of his efforts, demonstrating skills way beyond his teenage years, something which is a rarity in the modern game.

He’s also been just as impressive without the ball, winning 51% of his tackles and making 1.1 interceptions per 90, handing Amorim the perfect box-to-box option, just as Pogba was a couple of years ago.

Whilst £85m may be a mammoth fee for such a young talent, he’s already showcased that he’s capable of performing at the highest level – but it’s a scary prospect that he’s going to only develop further.

If he can replicate the levels produced by his compatriot at the Theatre of Dreams, it would be a stellar signing and one that would prove to be a better signing than Mbeumo, given the levels he’s achieved and the heights he could reach in the years to come.

He'd be perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd prepare bid for "exceptional" £28m ace

Manchester United appear to be making serious moves in the transfer market.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 28, 2025

مواعيد مباريات اليوم السبت 6-9-2025 والقنوات الناقلة.. مصر ضد تونس والبرتغال أمام أرمينيا

يشهد اليوم السبت 6-9-2025 زخمًا كرويًا كبيرًا على مستوى المنتخبات، حيث تتواصل منافسات التصفيات الإفريقية والأوروبية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026، بجانب المواجهة الودية المرتقبة لمنتخب مصر الثاني أمام نظيره التونسي، في أول ظهور له قبل خوض بطولة كأس العرب المقبلة.

ويخوض منتخب مصر الثاني، تحت قيادة حلمي طولان، مواجهة ودية أمام منتخب تونس على ملعب هيئة قناة السويس في الإسماعيلية، ضمن برنامج التحضير لبطولة كأس العرب التي ستقام في قطر ديسمبر المقبل.

وفي القارة الأوروبية، يخوض المنتخب البرتغالي بقيادة نجمه كريستيانو رونالدو اختبارًا أمام أرمينيا في الجولة الأولى من التصفيات، فيما يلتقي منتخب إنجلترا مع أندورا، وتجمع قمة أخرى بين إيرلندا والمجر.

أما في القارة السمراء، فتتجه الأنظار إلى مواجهة نيجيريا مع رواندا، ضمن منافسات التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى المونديال.

طالع أيضًا | وسط برود ديشامب.. منتخب فرنسا يفجر غضب باريس سان جيرمان بسبب ديمبلي مواعيد مباريات اليوم السبت 6-9-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات تصفيات إفريقيا لكأس العالم اليوم

نيجيريا ضد رواندا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، ولم تُعلن أي قناة عربية عن نقل المباراة. مواعيد مباريات تصفيات أوروبا لكأس العالم اليوم

لاتفيا ضد صربيا، الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، ولم تُعلن أي قناة عربية عن نقل المباراة.

أرمينيا ضد البرتغال، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 2”.

إنجلترا ضد اندورا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 1”.

إيرلندا ضد المجر، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 2”.

سان مارينو ضد البوسنة والهرسك، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 3”.

النمسا ضد قبرص، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 4”. موعد مباراة مصر وتونس اليوم

منتخب مصر الثاني ضد تونس، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on time sports 1”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

Johnny Grave: West Indies' Covid tour showed Big Three need strong opponents

West Indies CEO believes time is nigh for touring teams to receive fees for fulfilling their overseas obligations

Andrew Miller07-Jul-2024

Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave wants a rethink about the division of Test cricket’s finances•Peter Della Penna

Johnny Grave, the chief executive of Cricket West Indies, hopes that memories of the team’s bio-secure tour of England in 2020 will help to advance the narrative about Test cricket’s revenue-share model, in the wake of his remarks earlier this year that the current system is “completely broken”.Speaking at Lord’s during MCC’s inaugural World Cricket Connects symposium – a gathering of many of the sport’s most influential players, administrators and media representatives – Grave expressed his hope that West Indies would once again prove a competitive force, just as they were in winning the first Test of the 2020 tour in Southampton, as well as each of their last two home series against England, in 2019 and 2022.But, he said, in the wake of CWI’s reported outlay of US$2 million to fulfil their tour of Australia in January and February, the onus was on cricket’s Big Three – India, England and Australia – to find a better means of propping up the economies of the sport’s less financially secure nations, rather than just sending their own teams on endless overseas tours, from which the host boards are able to replenish their coffers.”We don’t get any money at all from the Australian market, or from that tour, so it’s a double-whammy,” Grave said, in the wake of a Test tour on which West Indies again exceeded expectations with their thrilling series-levelling win at the Gabba in January.”There are a number of measures to ensure this competitive balance, and ensure that the three formats thrive. I think the easiest thing to do is say, well, this format doesn’t make money or isn’t sustainable in this market or that country, but if the game works together and has a collective mindset, there is plenty of money to go around to ensure the game can thrive.”Grave cited India’s ongoing T20I series in Zimbabwe, featuring a new-look team led by Shubman Gill, only days after their victory in the T20 World Cup in Barbados, as proof that the BCCI “cannot do more for the world game” in a pure playing capacity. Instead, he welcomed the suggestion voiced last year by Richard Gould, his counterpart at the ECB, that the time may be coming for touring teams to be paid a fee for fulfilling their overseas engagements.”Do we need to play more contextual, meaningful cricket? Absolutely,” Grave said. “But I think Richard’s point around being open to sharing revenue is a massive positive, because when we are talking about sharing revenue we are talking about three countries.Ben Stokes and Jason Holder hold microphones as they talk into a broadcast camera during the Covid series in 2020•Getty Images

“One country cannot play any more cricket, cannot do more for the world game than they are doing, and that’s the BCCI. England have been fantastic, they have toured us pretty much every year, bar a few, since 2017. Is there more they could do for us? Not really. So at that point you have to look at the model and the finances, and for leaders of the ECB, Australia and India to be even talking about it, I take it as a positive indication of a shift in mindset that needs to happen.”England’s vulnerability to the fragmenting international game was made abundantly clear in the Covid-blighted summer of 2020, when West Indies were instrumental in “keeping the lights on”, in the words of the then-ECB chief executive Tom Harrison.By agreeing to play their three scheduled Tests behind closed doors and in bio-secure environments at Old Trafford and Southampton, West Indies helped fulfil the ECB’s contractual obligation to Sky Sports, with each Test valued in the region of £20 million. This in turn helped mitigate the ECB’s losses that still ended up being in the region of £100 million.”I think what Covid proved was that you can’t play against yourselves, and that you need to have opposition,” Grave said. “The better that opposition is, and the more balanced the game is, the better the product is, because then there’s genuine jeopardy.”In Covid everyone had to come together. The fact that we were coming here and generating no revenue was irrelevant. We were trying to save the game, because none of us knew whether the game as we knew it would ever happen again.”West Indies’ Test tour comes just weeks after the completion of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. Despite the hosts falling short of the semi-finals after a tight loss to South Africa in St Lucia, the sense of togetherness and expectation was palpable from a set of big-name players whose greatest financial opportunities still come on the T20 franchise circuit, but whose restored faith in CWI has been a notable aspect of Grave’s era as chief executive.Related

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“We’ve had to find balance, which was initially struck by speaking to the players in a respectful way and creating two windows, in the IPL and the CPL,” Grave said. “We then tried to have balance and flexibility with our players in how we schedule bilateral cricket – we rarely play over that Christmas and New Year period because it’s important for our players to be at home with their families – while we’ve also tried to create windows for them to go to other leagues where the calendar has allowed it.”So it’s all about balance. And at the moment Darren Sammy and Rovman Powell, the leaders of our T20 team, have really got those players focused.”Now the attention turns to the Test series against England, starting with a first Test at Lord’s – a venue that West Indies haven’t frequented since 2017.”It’s probably the pinnacle Test series that we play, it’s the barometer of how the team are developing,” Grave said. “We’re coming off a high, obviously it’s a long gap since that amazing day at the Gabba, and for a number of the players this will be the first time they’ve ever played at Lord’s.”They’re playing for the Richards-Botham Trophy, the ultimate example of friendship and camaraderie between England and West Indies. So being here it’s always special, but I think for our players to hopefully announce themselves to the English audience with a Test series at Lord’s is fantastic.”

£12,000-a-week Celtic star desperate to exit Parkhead as agreement reached

A £12,000-a-week Celtic player is eager to seal a move away from Parkhead this summer and looks set to get his wish with a transfer agreement now reached.

Celtic’s 2025 summer signings so far

The Hoops have been busy during the summer transfer window as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to maintain their Scottish Premiership dominance during the 2025/26 season.

Four new signings have been made so far, including permanent deals for Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand from Nordsjaelland and Fulham respectively.

Meanwhile, there have also been returns to Celtic Park for left-back Kieran Tierney and goalkeeper Ross Doohan, with Rodgers hailing the Scottish duo recently upon his return to Lennoxtown.

“For Kieran, I’m absolutely delighted. We’re getting a top player back. Sometimes top players like that might come later on in their career, but we’re getting Kieran at 27 years of age. I was with him during the summer so I know first-hand how excited he is to be here.

“And it’s great for Ross to be back. He was here during my first spell and he left to go and gain experience. He’s an international goalkeeper now. He answered the call and got his cap, which is absolutely brilliant. I know where his heart is and I know that in bringing him back to here, he’ll make a real good contribution in that goalkeeper department for us.”

Celtic prepare bid for "quality" £15m star who Rodgers has liked for ages

The Bhoys could land a talented midfielder…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 3, 2025

However, with four players already through the door, there will also be some Lennoxtown departures. Greg Taylor and Scott Bain have both left after their contracts expired, joining PAOK and Falkirk, and by the looks of things, Celtic are about to cash in on 24/25 star Nicolas Kuhn.

Kuhn desperate to leave Celtic as £17m+ agreement reached

As per Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Kuhn is on course to leave Celtic for Serie A side Como, with a medical booked for next week.

An agreement worth €20m (£17.2m) was struck on Thursday, and Kuhn will sign a four-year deal with Cesc Fabregas’ side. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig were also keen on Kuhn, however, the £12,000-a-week Celtic star was ‘desperate’ to leave Scotland for Como.

Described as a pathetic fee by a Celtic media outlet, Kuhn was only signed by the Hoops for £3.5m back in 2024, so they are in line to make a significant profit.

In the German’s first full season at Celtic Park, Kuhn scored 21 goals and registered 15 assists, so it isn’t a shock that he would attract interest, and now we could see Nygren look to fill the void left by Kuhn.

Derbyshire end five-year wait for home County Championship win

Glamorgan offer minimal resistance as hosts end Derby drought with 10-wicket victory

ECB Reporters Network25-Aug-2024

Luis Reece took two wickets and then helped seal Derbyshire’s chase•Getty Images

Derbyshire finally celebrated a red-ball victory at their County Ground headquarters when they beat Glamorgan by 10 wickets in the Vitality County Championship Division Two match at Derby.They bowled the visitors out for 287 on the fourth morning, leaving them to score 27 for a first Championship win at Derby in five years.Luis Reece, who claimed the last two wickets, and Harry Came took less than seven overs to secure Derbyshire’s first Championship victory anywhere since they beat Worcestershire away in July 2022.Glamorgan made them wait with Mason Crane and Dan Douthwaite adding 47 from 136 balls for the eighth wicket before their former captain David Lloyd broke the stand.With rain in the forecast, Derbyshire went into the final day knowing they needed to take the last three Glamorgan wickets as quickly as possible. The visitors still trailed by 25 when play began under cloudy skies and Crane took a chunk out of that in the second over of the morning with two fours off Zak Chappell.Derbyshire took the new ball straight away with left-arm spinner Jack Morley operating in tandem with Chappell who should have had the wicket of Crane with Glamorgan still behind.Crane had scored 12 when he pulled a short ball to the deep midwicket region where Nick Potts dived and got both hands on the ball but could not hold on.Morley was getting the odd ball to turn sharply but the pair continued to frustrate Derbyshire and when Reece replaced Chappell, Crane drove him to the cover boundary to put the visitors into credit.Crane cut Morley for another four but the breakthrough finally came when former Lloyd took over with his offspin at the Racecourse End. His first ball kept very low and scuttled into the pads of Crane who was trapped on the crease after facing 66 balls for his 28.Douthwaite continued to bat defiantly but the hosts wrapped up the innings in the space of five balls. Reece had Fraser Sheat lbw before Douthwaite was bowled by another one that kept low to take Derbyshire to the brink of a long-awaited victory.It arrived when Reece swept Sam Northeast for two consecutive fours to seal a first Championship win at Derby since they beat Sussex in August 2019.

Better than Eze: Chelsea make £80m "machine" their new top target

It’s hard to imagine this summer getting any better for Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s men demolished the Champions League champions in the final of the Club World Cup last week and look like they’ll be a serious threat in the Premier League next season.

Off the pitch, the West Londoners have been just as effective, securing the likes of Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, while also making a massive profit on Noni Madueke.

Moreover, they aren’t done there, as the Blues have also been linked with the brilliant Eberechi Eze this week, although if reports are to be believed, they are also looking at another international who’s even better.

Chelsea target Eze upgrade

Earlier this week, mere days after becoming world champions, Chelsea were reported as being interested in Crystal Palace’s Eze.

Transfer Focus

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The stories claimed that alongside their London rivals Arsenal, the Blues have made the England international a key target for the rest of the summer, and that while no club-to-club contact has been made, they have spoken to his camp.

It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to get done due to the 27-year-old’s well-published £68m release clause, but it’s not hard to see why they might be keen to bring the Premier League-proven ace to Stamford Bridge.

With that said, it now appears that the West Londoners have identified another option, someone who has also proven themselves in the league and would be a better addition: Morgan Rogers.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, the Pensioners are very much interested in signing the Aston Villa star this summer.

Unfortunately, Jacobs reveals that the Claret and Blue consider their dynamic star to be “untouchable.”

However, everyone has their price, and according to The Sun, they value him at £80m, amid their claims on Thursday that he is now the Blues’ number one target for the remainder of the window.

England'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring their third goal with England's Morgan Rogers

It’d be an extremely costly and complicated transfer to complete, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it’d be one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Eze.

Why Rogers would be a better signing than Eze

While Chelsea will want Rogers for his overall play and impact on the team, they’d also want some serious output from him for his reported price tag, and that is the first advantage he has over Eze.

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers

In 37 league appearances last season, the Villa dynamo managed to score eight goals and provide 11 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.94 games.

In contrast, the former QPR gem scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 34 appearances, which comes out as a still good, but less impressive, average of 2.12 goal involvements per game.

Rogers vs Eze PL 24/25

Players

Rogers

Eze

Appearances

37

34

Goals

8

8

Assists

11

8

Goal Involvements per Game

0.51

0.47

Points per Game

1.70

1.50

All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of that, the Claret and Blue’s output “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, is more versatile than the former QPR gem.

For example, he has proven himself capable of delivering top performances in the ten, on both wings, and has even played up top on more than a few occasions, which would give Maresca numerous tactical options.

In contrast, the Eagles star is still versatile, but he’s only really comfortable in the ten or off the left, and even then, he spent almost all of last season in the former.

Finally, and this is an important one, the former Middlesbrough ace is five years younger.

This is important because it means he’ll align with the club’s ethos of buying younger talents, and he should develop and reach his peak alongside the likes of Cole Palmer, which, according to research carried out by The Athletic, typically occurs around 26 years old for attacking midfielders.

Ultimately, Eze is an excellent footballer who would certainly bring something to Chelsea this summer, but from their output in the league last season to their upside a few years down the line, Rogers would be the far better signing.

Bad news for Pedro & Delap: Chelsea in the race to sign "the next Mbappe"

The sensational attacker would make Chelsea far more dangerous next season.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 17, 2025

تشكيل بيراميدز أمام أوكلاند سيتي في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

أعلن الجهاز الفني لنادي بيراميدز، بقيادة الكرواتي كرونسلاف يورتشيتش، تشكيل الفريق الرسمي لمواجهة أوكلاند سيتي النيوزيلندي، في المباراة المقرر لها اليوم الأحد، في منافسات بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

ويلتقي بيراميدز مع أوكلاند سيتي، في التاسعة مساء اليوم الأحد، على استاد الدفاع الجوي، في الدور الأول من بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

ويشارك نادي بيراميدز، في بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال، للمرة الأولى في تاريخه، بعد تتويجه ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا في الموسم الماضي 2024-2025.

طالع | موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة بيراميدز وأوكلاند سيتي اليوم في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

يذكر أن الفريق المتأهل من مواجهة بيراميدز وأوكلاند سيتي سيواجه نظيره الأهلي السعودي بطل آسيا في مدينة جدة يوم 23 سبتمبر الجاري في المرحلة الثانية، على لقب كأس القارات الثلاث.

ويشهد تشكيل بيراميدز، تواجد ثلاثي هجومي، بقيادة الكونغولي فيستون ماييلي وأحمد عاطف قطة والبرازيلي إيفرتون دا سيلفا. تشكيل بيراميدز اليوم أمام أوكلاند سيتي في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

حراسة المرمي: أحمد الشناوي.

خط الدفاع: أحمد سامي، أسامة جلال، محمد الشيبي ومحمد حمدي.

خط الوسط: بلاتي توريه، مهند لاشين، وليد الكرتي.

خط الهجوم: أحمد عاطف قطة، إيفرتون دا سيلفا وفيستون ماييلي. بدلاء بيراميدز أمام أوكلاند سيتي في كأس إنتركونتيننتالمحمود جاد – علي جبر – كريم حافظ – أحمد توفيق – محمود دونجا – عبد الرحمن مجدي – مصطفى زيكو – محمد رضا بوبو – محمود زلاكة – رمضان صبحي – يوسف أوباما – مروان حمدي.

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