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Durham lost their last five wickets for 21 runs, leaving Nottinghamshire needing 89 to win from 40 overs

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay07-Apr-2025

Josh Tongue took five wickets to set up Nottinghamshire’s victory•Getty Images

Nottinghamshire 579 (James 125, Slater 92, McCann 79, Montgomery 75, Tongue 55) and 89 for 2 (Hameed 39*, Clarke 35*) beat Durham 378 (Ackermann 116, O’Neill 5-81) and 289 (Ackermann 124, Clark 62, Tongue 5-66) by eight wicketsColin Ackermann’s second century of the match was not enough to stave off defeat for Durham, who succumbed to Nottinghamshire by eight wickets after a match-turning spell by England fast bowler Josh Tongue.South African-born Netherlands international Ackermann made 124 to go with his first-innings 116 as Durham, who had trailed by 201 on first innings, looked to emerge with a draw from the opening round of the Rothesay County Championship.But Tongue, on a Nottinghamshire debut delayed by a full season because of injuries following his 2023 move from Worcestershire, shattered that ambition by taking 5 for 66, somehow conjuring four wickets in 12 deliveries from a ball right at the end of its 80-over match lifespan.Durham lost their last five wickets for 21 runs, leaving Nottinghamshire needing 89 to win from 40 overs remaining in the match, a task they completed for the loss of two wickets, skipper Haseeb Hameed making 39 and Joe Clarke 35.Tongue’s achievement came after Nottinghamshire’s other debut-making fast bowler, Australian international Fergus O’Neill, had taken 5 for 81 in the first innings. Tongue also made a career-best 55 with the bat in Nottinghamshire’s first innings.It was a painful defeat for Durham, who posted 378 in their first innings and had the home side 319 for 6 in reply only for Lyndon James (125), Matt Montgomery (75) and Tongue to bat the home side into a position of strength.If Durham’s approach to the final day was always likely to be cautious, it was confirmed after Dillon Pennington opened with a sharp seven-over spell that brought him two wickets for 10 runs.At 87 behind overnight, even with seven wickets in hand on a pitch that had yielded runs at around 3.75 per over, the visitors had at least needed a productively trouble-free morning to consider revising that perspective.Yet after the pacy Pennington had removed Ollie Robinson via an edge to first slip and Will Rhodes leg before, angling one in from a wide delivery point, Durham found themselves five down and still 78 behind.From then on, Ackermann and Clark dug in for a long fight and any hope that Pennington’s burst might trigger a rapid Durham collapse soon subsided.The sixth-wicket pair reached lunch still together, before clearing the arrears seven overs into the afternoon session with the innings 68 overs old.Durham’s first-innings centurion completed his second hundred of the match five overs later, a career-first for the 34-year-old and a 28th in all in first-class cricket. Conditions have largely favoured the bat in this match, but Ackermann did a superb job for his side in both innings.By now, Nottinghamshire’s best chance of making a breakthrough seemed to be with the second new ball, which was seven overs from being available as the Durham dressing room celebrated Ackermann’s feat.Yet Tongue dramatically changed the picture in what would have been the last over – the 80th – with the old ball, taking wickets with the first and last deliveries of it as Clark was bowled off an inside edge, ending a partnership with Ackermann worth 145, and new batter George Drissell was leg before, beaten for pace.Not surprisingly, Hameed invited Tongue to carry on with the same ball. A wise move it was, the England player repeating the trick in his next over, ripping out Ben Raine’s middle stump with the first delivery, beating Ackermann’s flick across the line with the sixth.O’Neill promptly finished things off with the new ball by inducing an easy return catch with a slower ball to Matty Potts, meaning Durham had collapsed from 268 for 5 to 289 all out in the space of six and a half overs.After tea was taken between innings, the home side had 40 overs available to score 89. They lost their own first-innings centurion, Ben Slater, leg before to Potts for a duck, and Freddie McCann to a slip catch off a reverse sweep, but wrapped up victory at 4.55pm with 22.5 overs to spare.

Birmingham City spent their brief time in League One building a Championship-quality squad, but now that they have secured promotion, they are investing further to ensure they can look upwards rather than over their shoulder.

The club have spent big on Japan centre forward Kyōgo Furuhashi, who has arrived from Stade Rennais in a deal that could reach £10.3 million. This has made the former Celtic star the third most expensive player to ever join the club.

Due to these new signings, the Blues have had to shift a number of players, including Romelle Donovan, Ayumu Yokoyama and Alfie May, and they aren’t finished just yet.

Birmingham City make 50% profit as Bielik moves on

Football League World have reported that Birmingham City centre-back Krystian Bielik will complete a transfer to West Bromwich Albion “in the next 24 hours”. Bielik had served as club captain from last season, and manager Chris Davis had previously described him as “a really important player, a good captain and a good leader”.

Birmingham will make 50% profit on the transfer as they will receive upwards of £1 million for Bielik after only paying Derby County £500,000 in 2023. A number of clubs were reportedly interested in signing Bielik, including south-coast Championship side Portsmouth, but he is reportedly settled in the Midlands, and the less-than-7-mile swap from St Andrews to the Hawthorns was the easiest option.

Ryan Mason was eager to sign Bielik, given West Brom’s centre-back situation. Torbjørn Heggem is on the brink of completing a £10 million switch to Serie A side Bologna, and Kyle Bartley has called time on his career following 232 appearances for the Baggies.

The emotional challenges that come with Birmingham's ambition

Bielik was a favourite among fans and was praised for his loyalty in not only staying with the club following relegation to League One on the final day of the 2023/24 season but also taking over as captain and ensuring that they secured promotion back to the Championship.

The player was clearly settled at Birmingham as his new club seems to have been decided primarily over West Brom’s short distance to his current home. Fans have taken to social media to express their sadness at Bielik’s departure.

While it seems all parties are saddened by Bielik’s departure, it is a clear example of the cost of the club’s ambition. After a rocky first season under new ownership, Birmingham City now seem to be on an upward trajectory. They were promoted to the Championship after heavy investment, so much so that their gross transfer spend was higher than all of the other clubs in League One combined.

With figures like serial winner Tom Brady at the forefront of the new Birmingham leadership, the club clearly has Premier League ambitions, and the cost of that will be players like Bielik, who are well regarded among the fans and happy at the club, having to move on as the team outgrows them.

Manchester United have conducted some excellent business in the transfer market this summer – addressing the problems that have plagued the side in recent times.

Ruben Amorim has had his first off-season to get his feet under the table, allowing him to make the changes he’s desired since taking the reins in November last year.

He’s made a beeline to the attacking department this window, a decision which is understandable given the measly tally of 44 Premier League goals in their 38 outings throughout 2024/25.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all been added to the Red Devils ranks, with the trio having the opportunity to nail down their starting roles in the side for years to come.

However, one area of the pitch is in desperate need of added investment before the window closes, with numerous players already in their hierarchy’s sights.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer

Over the last couple of days, Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has emerged on United’s shortlist, potentially taking the next step in his career after making 32 appearances in the Bundesliga last season.

Despite the interest in the German’s signature, reports of a move to Old Trafford for the 24-year-old appear to be wide of the mark – with other alternatives subsequently being drawn up.

One player the Red Devils have made a move for before the transfer deadline is Chelsea star Andrey Santos, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that Amorim’s side have requested information over a deal for the Brazilian, potentially handing him added game time for his development in the Premier League.

The report also states that talks have been ongoing due to the potential departure of Alejandro Garnacho, which could hand the Red Devils a boost in their pursuit of the midfielder.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno

Given the additions of Cunha and Mbeumo to the number ten role, captain Bruno Fernandes will likely have to operate in a deeper role throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The 30-year-old featured in such a role in the opening day defeat to Arsenal, but still managed to produce numerous impressive figures within attacking areas.

He registered five chances created at Old Trafford – the most of any player on the pitch – showcasing the talent he possesses when driving through the lines in Amorim’s side.

Bruno’s tally of 37 combined goals and assists last campaign proves he’ll be crucial in any success in the coming season – needing a free role to replicate such numbers this time around.

However, 30-year-old, who’s the club’s captain, may struggle to replicate such numbers in his new role, ultimately having to sacrifice his own numbers to allow the team to progress.

However, if he is to do such a thing, he will need a deep-lying option alongside at the heart of the side – something which Santos could offer should he join the side this summer.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at French side Strasbourg, a stint that gave him needed game time to continue his progression in Europe’s top five leagues.

His underlying stats showcase the ball-winning talents he possesses, able to partner Bruno in the middle of the park, which could allow the duo to star alongside one another.

Santos, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in the 94th percentile for tackles made (3.4), achieving a success rate of 59% – able to sit in a deeper role and regain possession for the Red Devils.

However, upon winning the ball, it’s crucial that any new addition is also able to thrive in possession to help the side impress in transition – something which the Chelsea talent demonstrated in 2024/25.

Andrey Santos’ stats at Strasbourg throughout 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

4.7

Passes into final third

1.3

Tackles made

3.5

Interceptions made

1.1

Blocks made

1.5

Aerials won

1.2

% of tackles won

59%

Stats via FBref

He completed 88% of the passes he attempted, with 4.4 of which being into the final third – with such numbers able to provide Bruno with the chances to build on his impressive goal contribution tallies from last season.

Despite being a more defensive-minded midfielder, Santos still managed to post 13 combined goals and assists of his own – which could add a new dimension to Amorim’s side in his quest for success.

It’s unclear if the Blues would be willing to let the youngster leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but there’s no denying that he would be a superb addition for the Red Devils.

If he does move to the Theatre of Dreams, it could allow Bruno to continue his impressive career in Manchester – with the pair able to play a huge part in any success endured in 2025/26.

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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…

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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.

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

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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.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta still has his eyes on an array of exciting attacking talents, amid the club’s widely reported pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and after their £50 million deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

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Mikel Arteta’s side have made a serious statement of intent with their deals so far, having also signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with Arsenal appearing determined to bridge the gap between themselves and Premier League champions Liverpool.

Madueke passed his Arsenal medical on Monday morning, and the England international will soon be joined by Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera. The Spaniard has flown to England today as he begins his own medical with Arsenal, according to Sky Sports, after the Gunners reached an agreement to sign him for around £17 million, including add-ons (Fabrizio Romano).

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also finalising a potential £64 million deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with Arteta on the verge of finally seeing a prolific number nine join his side after what seems like years of waiting (The Athletic). The north Londoners are apparently hopeful they can fully close this deal in time for their pre-season tour of Asia, with Arsenal flying out to Singapore on Saturday.

After Gyokeres and Mosquera, there are many reports that Arsenal remain in ongoing talks with Eze.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

Arsenal held positive discussions with the England international’s representatives recently (ESPN), and according to trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, they’re still in contact as they maintain their pursuit of his signature.

Now, as per another reliable reporter, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Arsenal are set to approach Palace over a deal for Eze, with club-to-club talks set to get underway after two-week-long negotiations on the player’s side.

Arsenal hold "genuine" Rafael Leao interest with Eberechi Eze

Arsenal apparently plan to speak with Palace as early as this week, and he’s viewed by Arteta’s side as a possible central attacking signing.

Their deal for Madueke will not impact their move for the 27-year-old, who scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions last season. They think of Madueke as a separate signing capable of playing both on the left and competing with Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, with Jacobs even suggesting that they’re still keen on more left-wing options.

Writing for talkSPORT, Jacobs reports that Arsenal hold a “genuine” interest in AC Milan star Rafael Leao as one target on a star-studded three-man shortlist.

Leao has a £152 million release clause written into his contract, which is active from July 5 to July 15 of every year before his deal runs out in 2028, but Arsenal are very unlikely to trigger that considering both the expense and how it expires today.

The Portugal international is one of Milan’s star players, scoring 12 goals and racking up a further 13 assists over his latest season at the San Siro. However, a potential move for Leao hinges on either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli leaving the Emirates, which is no surprise considering they’ve just signed Madueke.

Bringing in another big-name left-winger would be yet another showcase of real ambition from Berta, but questions will surely be asked about how it could disrupt the dressing room – as Arteta may struggle to hand out adequate game time.

Yorkshire 348 for 3 (Bean 164, Lyth 129) vs Gloucestershire Adam Lyth continued his Scarborough love affair with a fourth Vitality County Championship hundred on his home ground as he and opening partner Fin Bean shared 307 to ensure Yorkshire dominated day one against Gloucestershire.Lyth, 36, is seemingly getting better with age, the former England opener also scoring his fourth hundred of the ongoing campaign. He was helped along by fellow centurion Bean as Yorkshire closed on 348 for 3 from 96 overs.Lyth, from the nearby Whitby, learnt his cricket on this ground and walked off with 129 from 243 balls to his name. Bean bettered him with 164 off 250 with six leg-side sixes included.Lyth’s quartet of Championship centuries here – where he has also scored two in List A cricket – now includes one in each of the last three seasons.Gloucestershire’s decision to bowl first upon winning the toss will surely be questioned. Their captain, Graeme van Buuren, struck late in the day alongside seamers Ajeet Singh Dale and Beau Webster. However, in fairness, when the toss was made there was a decent amount of cloud cover which quickly burnt off.There wasn’t as much pace in this North Marine Road pitch as there usually is, and Lyth and fellow left-hander Bean advanced serenely against a visiting attack who failed to build any pressure.New ball seamer Dom Goodman was the pick of their bowlers with nought for 29 from 17 overs.Gloucestershire created very few chances during a morning session which concluded with Yorkshire at 106 without loss. Lyth was on 64, while he and Bean had swept sixes off Ed Middleton’s leg-spin.Lyth had to fend one short ball from Singh Dale away from the end of his nose, but the extra bounce on offer was from a spongy surface rather than one that was hard and fast.Lyth and Bean weren’t really threatened through the afternoon and into the evening – the two openers bettering the 180 they shared in the second innings of the second round draw at Bristol in mid-April.Lyth led the way in the morning, but Bean was the dominant player in the afternoon and evening.Bean swept his second and third sixes off Middleton and off-spinner Ollie Price after reaching his fifty in the early stages of the afternoon and both men had eyes on centuries.Lyth was first to that milestone, off 179 balls, when he drove Middleton for four to take the score to 206 without loss in the 59th over.It has been well-documented that Yorkshire Cricket has gone through the mill over the last few years, with not a great deal to sing from the rooftops about.However, one major positive has been the opening partnership forged between these two players against the red ball.They shared four century partnerships in last year’s Championship and have now added two more this year – both against Gloucestershire. It has certainly been the Master and the Apprentice, with fellow left-hander Bean – 22-years-old – only in his second full season of first-team cricket.When Bean reached his century, off 184 balls, in the closing stages of the afternoon, Yorkshire had 216 on the board.After tea, they bettered the 246 shared between Messrs Hobbs and Sutcliffe for the HDG Leveson-Gower’s XI against the touring New Zealanders in September 1931 – the previous highest opening partnership on this ground in first-class cricket.All of Bean’s half a dozen sixes came over midwicket or long-on against spin.Lyth offered a tough low catch to a diving Cameron Bancroft in the gully off fellow Australian Webster, though neither opener were able to see the day out, Bean caught at point off van Buuren’s left-arm spin at 307 for 1 in the 81st over. It was Yorkshire’s first triple century opening partnership for 10 years.Lyth was then bowled by Singh Dale with a further 15 added to the total before Webster had James Wharton caught behind.

Having already signed Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, Leeds United have now reportedly reached an “agreement” to sign their second player of the summer in a deal worth £19m.

Leeds sign Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg

Getting their summer transfer window underway in bargain fashion, Leeds announced the arrival of Nmecha on Sunday. The versatile forward will join up with those in Yorkshire at the beginning of July, when he will hope to make an instant impact. It’s in the Premier League, of course, that the former Wolfsburg man will become the latest of a growing list of Manchester City graduates scattered around the country.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, Nmecha told Leeds’ official media channels: “I’ve got some people that have been here, like Joss (Joshua Guilavogui), who I’ve played with and he told me about the atmosphere and the fans.

“I trust Joss. He’s one of the nicest guys in football. He said it’s a massive club and if I get the opportunity, I should definitely do it. He said the fans are crazy and the boys are great as well. So yeah, he gave a really good first impression.”

After struggling to find his form in a season controlled by injuries at Wolfsburg last time out, Nmecha will be hoping that a fresh start hands him a fresh opportunity to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.

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Now 26 years old, the German could be at the peak of his powers at exactly the right time for Daniel Farke’s side. Nmecha looks likely to be just the start of the Whites’ summer business too, amid links with the likes of Facundo Buonanotte and reports now suggesting that they’ve reached an “agreement” to welcome a second transfer target.

Leeds reach "agreement" to sign Jaka Bijol

According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have now reached an “agreement” to sign Jaka Bijol from Udinese with “personal terms” also agreed and the “deal done” for the defender to join those at Elland Road.

A deal worth €22m (£18.75m), the 49ers have proved that they’re not afraid to spend this summer and back Farke in the Premier League. The addition of Bijol could go a long way towards survival at the first time of asking too.

Like Nmecha, the defender is now 26 years old and should be at the peak of his powers. Just last season, he played a vital part for Udinese in Serie A – starting 34 games – as they secured a solid mid-table place.

Leeds certainly wouldn’t argue if Bijol helped them to a similar finish next season, which would instantly turn his transfer fee into an undeniable bargain.

Southampton have now held talks with a 35-year-old coach as a possible alternative to the heavily linked Will Still, as their search for a new manager continues.

Latest on Southampton’s manager search

Saints are once again looking for a new manager after Ivan Juric left the club even before the Premier League season came to an end. It is a rather difficult job for any interested manager, as Southampton are heading back to the Championship after a disastrous campaign and will no doubt have some of their best players poached by Premier League clubs.

Approach made: Southampton now in advanced talks to hire new 4-3-3 manager

He’s just left his previous role…

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The league comes to an end next week, and the club will hope they can have a new man in place as soon as possible to give them the best chance of aligning with their new boss in the transfer market.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is one manager under consideration, and according to David Ornstein, Rohl is considering his options, but Southampton may not be a priority given he has interest from the Premier League and the Bundesliga. Steven Gerrard has also been linked with a move to St Mary’s, but those links have gone rather quiet in recent weeks.

Along with Rohl, Will Still is heavily linked with a move to Southampton, and it’s been reported that Still is in advanced talks over a move to St Mary’s after leaving RC Lens.

Still told reporters that his decision to leave Lens was so he could be closer to his family: “I will not be the coach of Lens next season. Today was my last match of the season at Bollaert. For multiple reasons, the main reason behind my decision is that I need to go back home. It is a logical choice for me to be closer to my wife for her well-being.”

It’s claimed that Southampton are confident of agreeing a deal with Still for him to become their new manager, but he is not the only person they have recently spoken to.

Southampton now hold talks with 35 y/o who's just been sacked

As well as holding talks with Still, according to The Guardian, Southampton have also held talks with recently sacked Tom Cleverley.

The Guardian reports that the Saints are looking to rebuild after their relegation and have identified a handful of young, up and coming managers who could be in charge next season, with Cleverley one of those.

The 35-year-old is currently out of work following his sacking from Watford after the Hornets fell short of the Championship play-offs, making him their 12th such casualty in the space of just six years.

This update goes on to state that Cleverley, who likes to operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation, has made a good impression on Southampton during those discussions, and he now has a strong chance of becoming the club’s new manager – Cleverley is seen as one of the most promising young English coaches in the game.

Games

61

Won

20

Drawn

14

Lost

27

Points

74

Points per game

1.21

Cleverley’s time at Vicarage Road was his first time as a senior manager, as the former Manchester United midfielder had been working in Watford’s academy before he was given the caretaker role at the end of last season. Cleverley is still very early into his coaching career, but the same could be said for Rohl, who has only managed Sheffield Wednesday, and while Still has managed a couple of sides in France, it is very clear the club are planning for a new dawn with a long-term vision.

Stepping up their summer plans, Manchester United are now reportedly expected to submit an opening offer to sign a Serie A midfielder who dominated former Old Trafford star Scott McTominay this season.

INEOS preparing for big summer

Ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge, in which he will be forced to operate underneath an even greater spotlight, it’s fair to say that INEOS must get things right on the transfer front.

The Red Devils desperately need to show the door to several stars and are even more desperate for fresh faces to arrive and make their mark at Old Trafford.

Amorim is keen to ensure that his side waste no time before finally turning things around at the club, despite questions around a long-term task.

The former Sporting CP boss told reporters earlier this month: “I understand, but I’m not naïve. I don’t want to think we need a lot of years to be competitive. I can’t think like that, I cannot manage that, it’s not in me. That’s why I’m putting pressure on myself.

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“I know we won’t be the biggest challengers in the next year or two years. We are changing a lot of things inside the club and we know it will take a lot of time, but I will not say I need a lot of years. Next year is our goal. I’m not saying we’re going to win the title in the next year, I’m not crazy.”

What would certainly help accelerate Manchester United’s turnaround is an impressive transfer window – something that INEOS are seemingly planning for.

Already, names such as Liam Delap and James Trafford have been mentioned among those who could yet be on their way to Amorim’s side, but it’s a Serie A midfielder who may well be most likely.

Man Utd expected to submit offer for Ederson

According to TuttomercatoWeb, Manchester United are now expected to submit an official offer to sign Ederson from Atalanta in the coming weeks. The Serie A side reportedly value their midfielder at around €60m (£52m), but it remains to be seen whether United’s pending offer will reach that mark and satisfy the Italians’ requirements.

It should come as no surprise that Atalanta are demanding such a high price, however. If Manchester United kept an eye on academy graduate, turned Napoli star, Scott McTominay, they would have seen Ederson’s quality for themselves earlier this season. The Brazilian dominated the Napoli midfielder in a resounding 3-0 victory.

By the end of the 3-0 thrashing, the Atalanta star had made eight passes into the final third, won 100% of his tackles and completed as many as 10 recoveries. McTominay, meanwhile, was limited to the least amount of touches of any outfield player on the day and won just 50% of his tackles, according to FotMob.

Described as “strong” by South American football expert Tim Vickery, Ederson is exactly the type of combative midfielder that Amorim needs alongside Manuel Ugarte if he is to turn Manchester United around once and for all.

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