All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United head scout Christopher Vivell is now pushing for Ruben Amorim to sign a “phenomenal” Viktor Gyokeres alternative, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Man Utd set to miss out on Gyokeres

Man United had been given renewed hope of potentially winning the race for Gyokeres, with it being revealed they were closing in on an agreement over a transfer fee last week, but they are now set to miss out on the striker.

In fact, journalist Duncan Castles has played down reports that United even made a move for the Sweden international in the first place, stating: “I’m told by sources at Manchester United that that’s not true, and also by people close to Gyokeres that it’s absolutely not true, and even if it were true, Gyokeres would not go to Manchester United.

“He has chosen to go to Arsenal, and he will continue to force that move.”

With the Sweden international set to move to the Emirates Stadium, Amorim will now have to move on to alternative targets, and Vivell has now given his backing to a striker he knows well.

That is according to Bailey, in an interview with The Boot Room, who states Man Utd’s head scout is now pushing for Amorim to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. It is claimed that Amorim was previously sceptical about Sesko, however, Vivell has now eased those concerns.

Bailey said: “Despite Amorim’s uncertainty due to his age, Christopher Vivell – who knows Sesko from his Red Bull days – has given his backing internally. I am told that he firmly believes that he is actually very mature – not dissimilar in his mentality to Erling Haaland and this has really eased some concerns United might have had.

Royal Antwerp braced and expecting Man Utd bid to arrive for their star player

United made contact over the weekend…

ByBrett Worthington Jul 22, 2025

The transfer expert also reveals that talks have been held with Sesko’s entourage, saying: “His people, along with intermediaries, have been gauging the interest and talking to clubs to assess their situation, and clubs in England have been spoken to, including Manchester United.”

"Phenomenal" Sesko could be ideal Gyokeres alternative

Arsenal deliberated over whether to sign Sesko or Gyokeres for quite some time, indicating that little separates the two centre-forwards, and the Slovenian has proven he could be the ideal alternative option.

The Leipzig star has maintained a solid goal record across the past three seasons, impressing for RB Salzburg in the 2022-23 campaign before going on to establish himself at Bundesliga level.

Season

Sesko’s league appearances

Goals

Assists

2022-23

30

16

4

2023-24

31

14

2

2024-25

33

13

5

Not only that, but scout Antonio Mango clearly holds the 22-year-old in very high regard, having lauded him as “phenomenal” in the past, while Fabrizio Romano praised his ability to carry on delivering despite Leipzig enduring a tough 2024-25 season.

A deal for Sesko will not be cheap, with it being claimed a deal could amount to €80m (£69m), but there are clear signs he could go on to be a top striker.

New Zealand were spun out and made to follow on, on a day hit by rain and bad light

Himanshu Agrawal28-Sep-2024Stumps It was a tale of two bowlers, and thankfully for New Zealand, at least two partnerships on a day dominated by the home spinners in Galle. Prabath Jayasuriya bagged 6 for 42, and debutant offspinner Nishan Peiris took 3 for 33, as Sri Lanka spun New Zealand out for 88, their lowest all-out total against Sri Lanka, in the first innings.After securing a mammoth 514-run lead, Dhananjaya de Silva made New Zealand follow on.They lost a wicket in the first over in their second innings, but Devon Conway came out all guns blazing after lunch, and along with an enterprising Kane Williamson, added an entertaining 97 off 108 balls.Related

New Zealand caught short as Sri Lanka take fielding to a new dimension

'I didn't feel he was on debut' – Jayasuriya lauds Peiris for 'showing Test potential'

Kamindu adds another banger to his growing list of hits

Jayasuriya, Peiris and Dhananjaya then fashioned a collapse – New Zealand’s second on the day – in a period where Sri Lanka bagged 4 for 24. But, on the other side of that slide, Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips chose to counterattack before bad light and rain combined to bring an early end to the third day’s play.Blundell (47*) and Phillips (32*) added an undefeated 78 off just 84 balls for the sixth wicket, pumping two sixes each on the way. They had joined hands just before tea – Peiris had cleaned Rachin Ravindra up with a beautiful delivery turning away – and took the attacking route three overs into the final session.Blundell launched Peiris for two big sixes in the 33rd over, both times by stepping out and going down the ground.Phillips, meanwhile, ticked along at the other end with regular singles and twos, looking assured at the crease against both left-arm spin and offspin. He belted Peiris for a six over long-on in the 37th over and Blundell decided to keep counterpunching with successive fours over Jayasuriya’s head in the 38th. That brought up the fifty stand in 62 balls.Williamson and Conway offered some resistance on another difficult day for New Zealand•AFP/Getty ImagesBlundell reverse swept Peiris for four, and Phillips launched another six down the ground in what turned out to be the final over of the day. Eventually, though, New Zealand were still 315 runs behind Sri Lanka.Conway had hit back at Sri Lanka with plenty of attacking shots in the afternoon session. He smashed 61 at just short of a run a ball, in what his first Test half-century in 11 innings since March 2023. He hit ten boundaries and a six during his knock, and employed both sweeps – the conventional and the reverse – against the spinners, and earned the rewards too. Of those 19 shots, he got 33 runs, including six boundaries.But Conway’s innings ended when he looked to loft Dhananjaya over extra cover, as Dinesh Chandimal, who was stationed there, turned around, ran, and grabbed the ball as it dropped over his shoulders. By then, Williamson had chugged along steadily, keeping himself busy running between the wickets, and by hitting the occasional boundary.Peiris removed Williamson on 46 in the 23rd over, courtesy another well-judged catch. Ramesh Mendis, the substitute fielder, whom Peiris replaced in this Test, was placed at long-on, and had to keep his eyes on the ball for a long time but moved calmly to his right to take it with a reverse cup.Prabath Jayasuriya took 6 for 42 in New Zealand’s first innings•AFP/Getty ImagesSoon after, New Zealand also lost Daryl Mitchell, who chipped one off Jayasuriya to an alert Pathum Nissanka at short leg, and Ravindra. But Blundell and Phillips’s partnership, along with the weather, took the game into the fourth day, a prospect that seemed unlikely when Jayasuriya and Peiris ran through New Zealand’s line-up in the morning.The two spinners combined to rattle New Zealand, who had started the day at 22 for 2 in their first innings. Dhananjaya finished with five catches – all of them off the spinners – as the hosts had a bash on a bright, sunny morning. A bit of rough was visible outside the batters’ stumps even on the second evening, with the ball turning and assisting the spinners already; and whatever New Zealand’s batters did on the third morning didn’t work.Williamson and Ajaz Patel were out defending, Ravindra was bowled trying to play the lap sweep. Blundell punched hard off the back foot but Dhananjaya took a sharp catch at slip. Phillips flayed, Mitchell slogged, and Tim Southee pushed at the ball; but no matter what they did, all of them lost their wickets. New Zealand lost 7 for 47 after being 41 for 3 at one stage, and got near three figures because of the resistance provided by Mitchell Santner, who scored 29. In the end, Williamson even ended up batting across two innings within the morning session.But it was Williamson and Conway in the afternoon, and then Blundell and Phillips in the evening, who ensured Sri Lanka didn’t have it as easy in the second outing.

Leeds United will return to Premier League action for the first time in over two years when they welcome Everton to Elland Road later this month.

The Whites won the Championship title with a staggering haul of 100 points in the 2024/25 campaign, as Daniel Farke won the division for the third time in four attempts.

Their promotion to the Premier League, though, means that some of the regular starters from the second tier season will not have what it takes to make the step up.

Brenden Aaronson started 43 of the club’s 46 Championship matches, scoring nine goals and providing two assists, for the German head coach last term.

The USA international only managed one goal in 36 appearances in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season for Leeds, though, which does not suggest that he is likely to make a significant impact this time around.

Farke needs to find the club’s next version of Georginio Rutter, who produced terrific quality in the Champ and has now stepped up to the top-flight with Brighton.

Why Leeds need the next Georginio Rutter

As aforementioned, Aaronson has not done enough at the top end of the pitch to suggest that he is going to win many points for Leeds with his play in the Premier League.

Rutter, on the other hand, scored five goals and provided three assists in 28 matches in the division for Brighton last season, to go along with three goals and one assist in four outings in the FA Cup.

The left-footed star joined the Seagulls for a club-record £40m fee last summer after he caught the eye with his performances for Leeds in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

Expected Assisted Goals

0.29

Top 2%

Assists

0.39

Top 2%

Shot-creating actions

4.41

Top 2%

Progressive passes

4.46

Top 3%

Successful take-ons

3.06

Top 1%

Progressive carries

2.89

Top 5%

As you can see in the table above, Rutter was one of the most creative players in the second tier that season, as he consistently progressed play with passes and carries, and created plenty of high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

The French magician ended the campaign with a return of eight goals and 16 assists in all competitions for the West Yorkshire outfit, which shows that he was an incredibly creative force in the number ten role for Leeds.

Rutter was then able to make the step up to the Premier League with Brighton, scoring five times as many goals last term as Aaronson managed in his only season at that level.

This is why Farke needs to find his new version of the French number ten in the coming weeks, and a fresh report suggests that the club are looking to sign a player of that ilk.

Leeds submit bid to sign Championship star

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Leeds United have submitted a bid for Leicester City’s attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, as they look to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The reporter claims that a ‘serious’ offer has been made by the Whites, who have made their first move in an attempt to bring the Morocco international to Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

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

Vidal adds that the Championship champions are also ‘pushing’ to sign Lecce centre-forward Nikola Krstovic, but there is no mention of a bid for the Montenegro international.

El Khannouss reportedly has a £22.5m release clause in his contract with Leicester, which was activated when they were relegated, but it remains to be seen whether or not this latest bid from Leeds matches that fee.

Instead of matching the release clause, the Whites may feel that they can negotiate a more favourable package, whether that is a lower overall fee or the £22.5m in more favourable terms.

Why El Khannouss could be the new Rutter for Leeds

Leeds could find their new Rutter in El Khannouss if they are able to convince the Foxes to part ways with the 21-year-old talent with this offer for his services.

The Moroccan played in a dismal Leicester team that got relegated from the Premier League last season, yet still managed to catch the eye with some impressive performances.

El Khannouss scored two goals and created eight ‘big chances’ in 27 starts in the top-flight, which shows that he can provide a Rutter-esque creative spark in the number ten position.

The Foxes youngster is also an incredibly progressive passer in midfield, much like the former Leeds man. He ranked within the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for progressive passes per 90 (5.28) and the top 10% for passes into the final third per 90 (3.67).

This shows that the Morocco international is a forward-thinking player who is constantly looking to create dangerous attacks for his side by playing passes through the lines to put his teammates into good positions.

Appearances

28

32

xG

4.64

1.31

Goals

5

2

Big chances created

6

8

Assists

3

3

Progressive passes per 90

3.64

5.28

Passes into the final third per 90

1.63

3.67

As you can see in the table above, El Khannouss and Rutter performed at a similar level against their respective xG tally and both created a similar amount for their teams.

The Moroccan youngster, though, was far more progressive in his actions as a passer, with around two more progressive passes and passes into the final third per 90 on average, which suggests that he could move attacks on at a greater speed.

These statistics suggest that the Leicester star, who was described as a “fascinating” talent by journalist Graeme Bailey, could arrive at Elland Road as Farke’s new Rutter for the upcoming Premier League season.

Both players are creative number tens who have shown that they have what it takes to be effective players in the top-flight, which is why the Whites should be pushing to get a deal over the line for the Foxes ace in the coming days.

The former USMNT star raised concerns about Mauricio Pochettino's squad's readiness for the World Cup

Howard casts doubt on any USMNT optimistismSays team struggles against top-25 opponentsSquad lacks necessary nastiness as a unitWHAT HAPPENED

Assessing the USMNT's 2-0 loss to South Korea and the state of the squad, former national team star Tim Howard discounted any sense of optimism around the program ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“There's an optimism around this team because there's a World Cup and it's coming to our country," Howard said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast. "And we just simply as soccer fans, get excited. But when you begin the dissect some of these numbers and stats, there's not a ton to get excited about… but there's there's something with this team that they don't have. I don't know, the moxie, they don't have something to win the big games.

"That like that's not an opinion, that's what they're showing us. And, and so much of this exercise is the build up to the World Cup. Sometimes we picked the bones of it too much, or sometimes it's fluff. But ultimately the World Cup is about winning big games.”

He specifically highlighted the USMNT's struggles against higher-ranked opponents, noting their inability to compete with teams ranked in the world's top 25. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the team has lost to the likes of Mexico, Turkey, Switzerland and South Korea.

“I mean, if you look back on all your World Cups and all my World Cups, I would say, the one takeaway was, how do we get through difficult moments? One how do we persevere in difficult moments? And if you can't persevere, or how the hell do you hang on for dear life, right?" he said. "That's essentially What we do. And this team just hasn't really quite shown the ability to do that in the bigger games. I'll blanket that by just saying top 25 teams in the world, right? The teams that are that are really going to matter, and they haven't shown that ability.”

AdvertisementWHAT LANDON DONOVA SAID

Former national team star Landon Donovan said the current generation of USMNT players lacks the guidance to get them where they need to be.

“After the 2018 failure to qualify for the World Cup, you said U.S, soccer made a decision that basically all of you guys were old, couldn't cut it anymore,” Donovan said. “And we're just gonna bring in all young players and let them grow and develop. On the surface interior, like, ‘OK, I can see that like we need to reboot.' But what happened was massive void in leadership.

"And when I was coaching for a while you realize quickly that when a team has avoid in leadership chaos, or anybody thinks about countries around the world when there's a void in leadership, chaos ensues. And there was a void in leadership. Now, I'm not talking about the coach, [Gregg] Berhalter, necessarily. I'm talking about the players… Of course, they had no guidance. And it's not their fault because they didn't know.”

Donovan said that he hopes US Soccer has learned from those decisions.

“I really do hope that we don't have another reckoning like this in '26," he said. "But I think it could happen, right? It's definitely a possibility. And I just hope you learn from that and don't throw everything out the window."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

With World Cup success ultimately determined by performance in high-pressure situations against quality opponents, the USMNT’s current pattern of results against nations ranked inside FIFA's top 30 rankings represents a concern.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

The USMNT and Pochettino will face Japan Tuesday night.

England find reverse-swing to make key inroads after Leach’s early breakthroughs

Andrew Miller15-Oct-2024There has been precious little for Pakistan cricket to cheer in recent months, but on the opening day of the second Test in Multan, Kamran Ghulam provided a moment of unbridled joy as he brought up a gutsy century in his maiden Test innings, to carry the fight for his embattled team.Though he fell late in the day for 118, bowled by Shoaib Bashir as he looked to stay proactive with the close of play looming, Ghulam’s debut efforts helped to lift Pakistan to 259 for 5 – scarcely riches by the standards that England were dishing up on this very same surface last week, but the beginnings of a score nonetheless.Despite Pakistan’s experience in the first Test, when their first-innings 556 ended up on the wrong side of an innings defeat, Ghulam’s resolute efforts – allied to a career-best 77 from Saim Ayub and an atypically entrenched 37 not out from Mohammad Rizwan – kept Pakistan on course for the sort of 300-plus score that could yet be competitive if their spin-heavy attack can take advantage of a pitch that had been heavily watered and dried with industrial fans in the four-day turnaround between Tests.The danger for Pakistan, however, may yet come from the weapons that they won’t be able to deploy. Despite two early wickets for Jack Leach, who has now claimed nine in three innings on this surface to reassert his status as England’s senior spinner, their most pronounced threat came through a mid-afternoon spell of reverse-swing, excellently harnessed by a three-pronged seam attack. Uniquely, all three hail from Durham, among them Ben Stokes, who was back to lead the team for the first time since his hamstring tear in August. In opting to ditch both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for this contest, much will be resting on their lone quick, Aamer Jamal, if Pakistan hope to utilise similar skills.All such considerations can wait for now, thanks to the efforts of Ghulam, who – at the age of 29 – was the second oldest Pakistani to record a debut century. He achieved the feat with a gleeful swing through the leg-side off Joe Root, after an anxious wait in the 90s that had encompassed the evening drinks break. A few more moments of delay could not perturb him, however, after more than a decade of service in Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, in which time he might have assumed that his haul of more than 4500 runs at 49 would forever be overlooked.His innings had begun at 19 for 2 in the tenth over, after Leach – thrown the ball early after Stokes’ quick assessment of the surface – had become the first England spinner to strike twice so early in a Test match since Johnny Briggs in 1889. His impact threatened another meltdown to match Pakistan’s fourth-evening collapse in the first Test, but Ghulam proved his mettle from the outset, showcasing his familiarity with the arid conditions and his faith in the methods that had finally got him noticed.His first boundary was a composed launch for six back over Leach’s head, and in easing through to his first half-century from 104 balls, he recorded a milestone that had eluded his more illustrious compatriot, Babar Azam, in the 18 out-of-form innings that had resulted in his omission.Brydon Carse produced a key breakthrough with the old ball•Getty ImagesGhulam had faced just two deliveries of fast bowling in his first 120, however, when Stokes brought himself into the attack midway through the afternoon, and the challenge instantly went up a notch. In his first over, Stokes found a fat edge that flew at a catchable height through the vacant slip cordon, and when a second edge fell short soon afterwards, Root found himself donning a helmet four yards from the bat in a bid to make any further chance count.The breakthrough, however, arrived at the other end. Ayub’s reputation had suffered in this series, largely as a consequence of his hopelessly misfiring opening partnership with Abdullah Shafique, which at least reached double-figures for the first time in nine innings. It didn’t get much further, however, as Leach bowled Shafique for 7 to reduce Pakistan to 15 for 1, before Shan Masood clipped on the up to Zak Crawley at midwicket for 3.In isolation, however, Ayub has been a qualified success at the top of Pakistan’s order, and this was his third half-century in four first innings, following his twin fifties against Bangladesh last month. But, with tea approaching, and England beginning to make the ball talk, Matthew Potts threatened his outside edge with a diet of hooping outswingers from over the wicket, before Stokes pouched a firm push through the line at a very straight silly mid-off (168 for 3).After tea, Brydon Carse, energetic as ever, roughed up Saud Shakeel with an excellent short ball, then found his edge for 4 with an even better 140kph/87mph delivery that fizzed through to Jamie Smith behind the stumps. And England’s position could have been stronger still had Ben Duckett clung on to a loose slap from Ghulam, on 79, as he chose to take the attack to the returning Leach and almost paid the price at mid-on.The value of Stokes’ economy with his seamers throughout a morning session was brought to bear in the evening, with Carse helping to keep Rizwan under the cosh for 19 deliveries without scoring before Potts took over and so nearly landed an innings-altering blow. His first delivery to Rizwan, on 6 at the time, zipped past the outside edge and into Smith’s gloves, but England declined to use a review – even though replays showed that the ball had grazed the splice of his bat.England’s endeavours were worthy of another breakthrough before the close, and though he had once again been the weaker link in the attack, Bashir obliged with a critical strike late in the day. Armed with the second new ball, he skidded a good-length delivery past Ghulam’s tired charge, and clipped the top of leg to prise a critical opening that could yet make the difference in Pakistan’s quest for a serviceable first innings.

Tottenham Hotspur have now been in contact over a deal to sign a “special” England international alongside Eberechi Eze, according to a report.

Spurs keen on signing two England internationals

Tottenham are now well-placed to win the race for Eberechi Eze, despite well-documented interest from north London rivals Arsenal, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Crystal Palace attacking midfielder is keen on sealing a move very soon.

Former Spurs man Teddy Sheringham believes the Palace star could make a real impact in north London, saying: “I think Eze is definitely one of those who would walk into Tottenham Hotspur and think ‘this is a proper place, I’m going to enjoy playing my football here’. I think he can shine the way Eric Cantona did when he went to Man United all those years ago.”

After missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, it would be fantastic if the Lilywhites were able to get a deal for Eze over the line, but the 27-year-old is not the only England international of interest to the north Londoners…

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, Tottenham have now been contacted by intermediaries over a deal for Manchester City’s Rico Lewis, and they have expressed interest in signing the right-back.

However, there may be a great deal of competition for Lewis’ signature, with a number of other Premier League clubs named as potential suitors, such as Aston Villa, Brighton, Everton and Nottingham Forest, and the latter club have reportedly made a bid in excess of £25m.

Tottenham now ready to launch game-changing move for Eze's England rival

He could arrive instead of Eze…

1 ByTom Cunningham Aug 16, 2025

There is also a chance the full-back will remain at the Etihad Stadium, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey adding: “Rico Lewis is very happy at Manchester City and is getting minutes, but his camp and intermediaries have made him aware of other options.

“Talks in the next week or so will decide whether he is going to stay at City or not.”

"Special" Lewis has huge future ahead

The Bury-born defender has established himself as a first-team regular at Man City, and he got off to a flying start to the season on Saturday, picking up an assist in his side’s 4-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Statman Dave has also singled out the 20-year-old in the past, lauding him for a fantastic performance against Spurs in the 2022-23 campaign.

Signing a new right-back shouldn’t be a priority for Thomas Frank, given that the manager already has Porro at his disposal, but Lewis is also capable of playing on the opposite side, and would provide fantastic depth at full-back.

Xabi Alonso called Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal’s battle for Real Madrid’s right-back spot “healthy competition”.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Madrid boss Alonso addressed the competition between Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold ahead of Los Blancos’s return to La Liga action against Real Sociedad. The head coach described their battle for the right-back spot as a case of “healthy competition” and confirmed that team selection will depend on merit. The remarks came in his pre-match press conference as he prepared for an emotional first return to San Sebastian since leaving Real Sociedad B for Bayer Leverkusen in 2022.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT ALONSO SAID

During his recent pre-game press conference Alonso addressed the situation in defence: “Fortunately, we have healthy competition within the team, and they're challenged internally because there are teammates who are ready… It also happens in other positions, like centre-back or winger. Whoever deserves it will play; it's going to be very repetitive all year.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Carvajal, the captain and long-standing figure at the club, has been Alonso’s preferred starter in the opening games. But Alexander-Arnold, signed from Liverpool this summer, offers attacking flair and has already shown flashes of his quality in comeback wins. Alonso’s public insistence on meritocracy reflects his approach to building a competitive squad where no position is guaranteed. The balancing act will define Madrid’s right flank across domestic and European campaigns.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

Madrid head into a crunch September run with seven games before the international break, including the Champions League opener and the Madrid derby. Alonso will be forced to rotate, meaning both Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold are set to share opportunities. How he manages that competition could shape not only Madrid’s defensive solidity but also their attacking balance on the right. For Alonso, Saturday also carries a personal weight as his return to San Sebastian since his coaching days at La Real, a reminder of where his managerial journey began.

Up to 5mm of rain is also forecast on Thursday – match eve – although clear conditions are expected through the Test match

Tristan Lavalette20-Nov-20244:38

Australia SWOT analysis: Formidable attack, but top-order questions

By the time Josh Hazlewood fronted the cameras for his press engagement, the sun finally emerged over Optus Stadium in a welcome sight for the ground staff after unseasonal damp weather hit Perth just days before the first Border-Gavaskar Test.WA Cricket head curator Isaac McDonald has been striving to produce a fast and bouncy wicket that emulates last summer’s Australia-Pakistan Test, where the pitch deteriorated as the match wore on with rearing deliveries contrasted by balls that crept low on big cracks.But McDonald’s plans have taken a turn due to intermittent rain in recent days. Up to 5mm of rain is also forecast on Thursday – match eve – although clear conditions are expected through the Test match.”Yesterday, we pretty much lost the whole day of prep with it [pitch] being under cover,” McDonald told reporters on an overcast Wednesday morning. “We saw the forecast early on, and we started prep a little bit earlier than we normally would.”Related

Settled Australia vs new-look India as fabled rivalry resumes

Fast and furious: A spicy pitch awaits India in Perth

Labuschagne wants to do to India what Pujara did to Australia

'Welcome to Test cricket' – McSweeney prepares for baptism of fire

Wet weather in Perth this deep into spring is unusual, with the famously warm Western Australia capital usually almost totally dry from November through to April. But the unexpected rain has forced McDonald to adapt.”It’s been quite conditions-based,” he said. “At the moment, we’re leaning towards rolling it a bit more on top to get that firmness, and that happy medium between bat and ball. [It] would be nice if the sun pops out, but we’re really comfortable as a curating team.”McDonald said 8-10mm of grass would be left on a pitch that he didn’t believe would deteriorate like last year’s surface.The Optus Stadium pitch has been under cover because of unseasonal rain in the lead-up to the India Test•Getty Images”I don’t think this weather is going to make this pitch fall apart,” he said. “There’ll be some deterioration. Grass will stand up during the game and offer that variable bounce. But in terms of big-snake WACA cracks, unfortunately, I don’t think the weather’s going to get us there.”Hazlewood had been almost unplayable against Pakistan last year, as he relentlessly targeted the cracks late on day four to finish with 3 for 13 from 7.2 overs in the second innings. Pakistan were routed for 89, and that capped off Australia’s fourth win in as many Tests at the 60,000-seater ground.”I love playing in Perth. The wicket is always a nice one to bowl pace… [it’s] bouncy and a few cracks potentially,” Hazlewood told reporters amid the sunshine on Wednesday afternoon. “I think the conditions suit us. We’re probably more used to it with that bounce and pace.””I love playing in Perth. The wicket is always a nice one to bowl pace… [it’s] bouncy and a few cracks potentially” – Josh Hazlewood•Getty ImagesWith Australia’s XI settled after the selection of new opener Nathan McSweeney, the focus in this prolonged series build-up has shone on India, whose line-up is largely unknown despite them having started their preparations in Perth over a week ago.”There are no real secrets behind those closed doors. We have seen a lot of them, we play with them all the time, [and] we play against them,” Hazlewood said. “It’s going to come down to bowling in that area, and batting with patience and trying to outlast them.”While the make-up of India’s batting order remains to be seen, Hazlewood and his fellow bowlers won’t have to come up against the formidable presence of Cheteshwar Pujara, who ground down Australia’s attack in India’s famous series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21.”I’m pretty happy that Puj isn’t here. He’s obviously one that bats time, [and] makes you really earn his wicket every time,” Hazlewood said.”[But] there’s always young, fresh guys coming into the Indian team that they’re under so much pressure to perform with so many guys nipping at their heels all the time. Whoever they pick in that XI, they’re unbelievable players. It doesn’t really matter who they pick; they’re all great players.”Australia had last won a Test series against India in 2014-15, when Hazlewood had made his debut in the second Test in Brisbane. He underlined the length of Australia’s barren run against India in the format, and said his side were looking forward to end that.”There’s only a couple of us from that series when we won 2-0…. everyone’s really determined [to win this time],” he said. “It’s one that we need to tick off as a group. I think the added fact that it’s a five-Test series, it’s going to be a bit more gruelling. If you win a series against India, in any part of the world, you know you’ve earned it.”

Elland Road will have to be a fortress in the Premier League this season for Leeds United to survive at the first time of asking.

The last eight opening fixtures in the top-flight that had fallen at the hallowed turf, building up to Monday night’s clash with Everton, had seen the Whites pick up five wins and collect zero defeats. Thankfully, that impressive trend continued against David Moyes’ Toffees, as a slender 1-0 win was secured.

It could have been more emphatic on another night, as Leeds boasted 2.13 xG come the full-time whistle, having registered 21 efforts in total at Jordan Pickford’s busy net.

But, it would end up just being a slim victory for Daniel Farke’s side – not that anyone packed into Elland Road cared – courtesy of Lukas Nmecha stroking home a penalty with some confidence, considering it was his debut in West Yorkshire.

Nmecha's standout debut performance

Nmecha will be remembered for some time now as the figure who officially got Leeds’ 2025/26 season up and running as he placed a spot-kick with ease past Pickford.

The former Wolfsburg attacker would only go on to amass ten touches of the ball from his inspired 13-minute cameo, with the German’s fifth touch of the ball being the decisive moment that broke the deadlock.

Amazingly, during his entire debut season in Germany for his past employers, he wouldn’t break his duck.

In his fresh English surroundings, however, he has that monkey off his back, as Nmecha now hopes he can be an effective utility option all campaign long, with the 26-year-old capable of slotting into Farke’s XI up top – like he managed against the Toffees – as well as down either flank.

A dream opening day in the difficult division won’t stop Leeds dead in their tracks when it comes to sealing more late deals before September’s deadline, however, with a Nmecha repeat potentially on the cards if Farke and Co. can strike up a £22m move in time.

Leeds frontrunners to sign £22m star

Nmecha managed to bask in the limelight of being Leeds’ goalscorer on the night, with other brand new recruit Dominic Calvert-Lewin absent from the side altogether.

The former Everton attacker will no doubt get his own opportunities to impress down the line, but Leeds don’t look to be done and dusted just yet when it comes to trying to add more exciting attackers to their ever-growing squad.

Leeds vs Everton ratings supplied by Sofascore

Indeed, Leeds are very close to welcoming in another standout summer addition in the form of Noah Okafor, with a deal now in place for the AC Milan attacker to move to English shores for a fee around the £18m mark, as per Fabrizio Romano on X.

On top of that, another update states that Leeds is well-positioned to land another exciting attacking option, this time from La Liga.

Spanish outlet Carrusel Deportivo has revealed that Leeds could soon welcome Getafe ace Christantus Uche to Elland Road, having been noted as being in a favourable spot to do so, with Brentford also interested in the £22m forward’s services.

Further reports also suggest that even more of Leeds’ Premier League foes in Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland are keen, with the Whites fearful that Regis Le Bris’ men could pip them to yet another coveted signature this summer.

Fresh off scoring on the opening day in La Liga himself, Leeds will pray they can get a deal over the line for Uche – amid all this competition for his services – as they attempt to win another version of Nmecha.

Why Uche can be a Nmecha repeat

It is, of course, too early in his Leeds career to suggest he will be a rip-roaring success, but Nmecha couldn’t have made a better first impression if he tried.

Uche also raced out of the blocks with blistering speed for Getafe last time out, with a goal and an assist coming his way versus Celta Vigo, continuing his stunning ascent with his Spanish employers.

Before linking up with José Bordalás’ side, the Nigerian attacker was plying his trade in the lower depths of Spanish football with third-tier outfit AD Ceuta FC.

Now, he looks to be on the brink of a move to the Premier League, having turned into a “spectacular” asset in La Liga, as he was dubbed by Bordalás himself.

CF

19

4 + 4

AM

13

0 + 3

SS

3

0

LW

1

0 + 1

LM

1

1 + 0

From just 39 appearances and counting for Getafe, the adaptable Nigerian has chipped in with a bumper five goals and eight assists, with Uche also lining up in five different positions for his side when needed.

Nmecha also offered this same level of flexibility for Wolfsburg, having been noted previously for his ability to play in “so many different positions” by former boss Nico Kovac.

Much like Uche, the ex-Wolfsburg number ten had a knack for launching himself into any forthcoming XI in a whole host of different roles, with three career goals even coming his way down the right flank for the Bundesliga giants, despite being predominantly known for his strengths as a centre-forward, where 14 strikes were registered.

Both players could be worthwhile bodies to have around the building, therefore, with Nmecha already proving his worth as an impact substitute when sending Elland Road into raptures versus Moyes’ men.

Farke will hope he will be able to wax lyrical about Uche in a similar manner very soon, with the 22-year-old not perturbed by the bright lights of La Liga whatsoever during his Getafe stay.

The Premier League shouldn’t unnerve him either, hopefully, as the German just goes about tweaking here and there to try and give his underdogs the best fighting chance at instant survival.

Raphinha 2.0: Leeds man who outshone Nmecha was the best player on the park

Leeds sealed all three points on their return to Premier League action with Lukas Nmecha the hero.

ByDan Emery Aug 19, 2025

But Hurricanes are yet to re-sign Tim David; Melbourne Stars, meanwhile, bag Liam Hatcher

Alex Malcolm31-Jan-2025Australia Test allrounder Beau Webster has returned to BBL champions Hobart Hurricanes on a three-year deal, having not played for his home state’s team since 2017.Webster, 31, played five matches for Hurricanes in 2016-17, but has spent the past eight seasons in Melbourne: he was there for four seasons with Renegades, before another four with Stars.But having played his entire domestic career for his home state Tasmania, Webster will return to play for Hurricanes in the BBL over the next three seasons.Related

Marsh and David set to re-sign as BBL, WBBL contracting embargo ends

Swepson moves to Melbourne Stars on deadline day

Melbourne Renegades sign Doggett, Jewell set to follow

Owen earns SA20 deal on the back of BBL heroics

Renegades sign Jason Behrendorff in first BBL free agency move

“I am pumped to return to Hobart next summer for the BBL, and get the opportunity to play on a packed Ninja Stadium in front of our fans, my friends and family,” Webster said.”Vaughany [Jeff Vaughan] and Nelly [Nathan Ellis] have got the group playing a really good brand of cricket, and to see them win a championship makes me hungry to bring another one to ‘Canes fans next season.”Webster signing is an interesting move by Hurricanes given they already have seam-bowling allrounders in Mitchell Owen and Chris Jordan in the top seven of their title-winning team. Despite Webster’s outstanding first-class record, he hasn’t been as dominant in T20 cricket.He has failed to strike at more than 132 in any of his last seven BBL seasons, and it will be interesting to see how he slips into Hurricanes’ high-tempo batting unit. But Hurricanes general manager Salliann Beams was pleased to bring Webster back to Hobart.”We have seen over the past 18 months just how special of a player Beau is, and to have him re-join the Hurricanes is something that will make all Tasmanians proud to hear,” Beams said. “Beau’s skill set in the short form of the game is up there with some of the best in the country, and he can take the game away from the opposition with the bat while also providing another wicket-taking option with the ball.”His leadership will also be a vital aspect of his role at the Hurricanes, and he is great mates with the players we already have on our list, which means he will fit into what we are trying to build seamlessly.”Stars hopeful about David, and sign HatcherHurricanes are still yet to re-sign title-winning power hitter Tim David, but they are hopeful of keeping him after a successful season. But Stars are still hoping of landing him as a free agent.Meanwhile, Stars have signed New South Wales fast bowler Liam Hatcher on a two-year deal after he spent the past two seasons with Sydney Thunder. Hatcher began his BBL at Stars in 2020, playing 17 matches over two seasons before moving to Thunder in 2023. But he played just four games in his first season in 2023-24, and did not feature at all in Thunder’s run to the final in 2024-25.