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The last couple of weeks for Chelsea have been topsy-turvy to say the least, with the last couple of outings falling way below the standards of manager Enzo Maresca.

Expectations were heightened after the summer recruitment, which saw just shy of £300m of new talent making the move to Stamford Bridge during the off-season.

However, in the first six outings, the Blues have been victorious twice, with their last win coming way back at the end of August with a 2-0 win over London rivals Fulham.

The Italian will no doubt want to correct such a slump, which has seen his side lose both of their last two Premier League outings to both Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Such attempts haven’t been aided by the side’s disciplinary record in recent outings, with the side collecting two red cards in each of the last two matches in England’s top-flight.

Trevoh Chalobah's worrying start to 2025/26 for Chelsea

After Robert Sanchez’s dismissal against Manchester United last week, centre-back Trevoh Chalobah became the second Chelsea player in as many matches to be sent for an early bath.

The centre-back started his eighth consecutive game of the 2025/26 campaign, but once again failed to deliver – even before his straight red card against Fabian Hurzeler’s side.

The England international was adjudged to have slipped Diego Gomez whilst the attacker was through on goal, leading to a VAR intervention

and his subsequent dismissal.

However, up until he left the field after 53 minutes, he struggled to have the desired effect, failing to win any of the duels he entered whilst also failing to make a single tackle.

The 26-year-old certainly cost the side the three points in West London, with the Blues still struggling with finding their best partnership at the heart of the backline.

As a result, the club may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart – with the former first team member reaching the next level in his career after leaving the club.

The former Chelsea star who’s now better than Chalobah

Given the sheer volume of players turned over at Chelsea over the last couple of years, it’s no surprise that players who have been offloaded have managed to star elsewhere.

Since Todd Boehly arrived back in May 2022, the Blues have spent upwards of £1.4b on new additions to help them rise up the Premier League table in the near future.

However, in an attempt to strengthen, players have also had to make way to help balance the books and lessen the risk of being hit with any punishment for breaking PSR rules.

In the summer of 2024, numerous players were sacrificed by new boss Maresca, one of whom was centre-back Malang Sarr, who departed on a free transfer to join French side Lens.

He originally joined on a free transfer from Nice back in the summer of 2020, arriving with a lot of hype given his four-year stint in the first team in Ligue 1.

However, injuries and lack of faith from the manager saw him rapidly fall down the pecking order, subsequently making just 21 appearances for the Blues.

As a result, the 26-year-old would return to his homeland, with Sarr resurrecting his once promising career with Lens over the last couple of seasons.

He’s featured in every minute of the league campaign in 2025/26 to date, subsequently managing to outperform current first-team star Chalobah in the process.

Games played

5

Minutes played

450

Pass accuracy

88%

Tackles won

1.8

Duels won

68%

Aerials won

65%

Interceptions made

2.4

Recoveries made

4.4

Sarr, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has won more tackles per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels – offering a more dominant option to Maresca had he been kept on the books.

The Frenchman has also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, arguably offering a more rounded ball-playing option – something which is vital in the Italian’s current system.

To top off his dominance over the England international, he’s also made more clearances and interceptions per 90 – further showcasing his incredible talents out of possession.

Such numbers highlight the superb rise Sarr has endured over the last few years, with his move to Lens undoubtedly being a success after his failure at Stamford Bridge.

The decision to allow him to depart now appears to be a questionable one, with the Blues’ loss now the French side’s gain given his tremendous form over recent times.

As bad as Chalobah: 4/10 Chelsea gem showed he’s not ready for PL start yet

Chelsea suffered a 3-1 loss at home to Brighton and this player failed to step up.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Sep 27, 2025

Burnley have joined other English clubs in eyeing a move for a free agent who has scored at Turf Moor already.

Parker wants more flexibility from Burnley

The Clarets face a daunting task when they return from the international break this weekend, hosting Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

It promises to be a stern test for Burnley, and speaking ahead of the game, manager Scott Parker has discussed the need for his side to be more “flexible” in their approach.

“I think it’s just trying to be practical in certain moments, what the game demands of you, what you have in your squad, what that demands of you, really. So, of course, I’d love to…like we all would, you’d love to be sitting here playing a certain way of football and free-flowing, scoring loads of goals, defending and stuff like that. But at times, as a coach, you need to be flexible.

“You need to understand the dynamics of what you have and certainly the competition you’re going up against and how best to try and get results. And that’s fundamentally what I did last year, to be honest with you. Of course, it was a different competition and it was flipped in terms of we had extra bits of quality in certain moments.”

Now, Burnley have been linked with a move for a former Liverpool player as they look to provide the boss with more high level experience.

Burnley eyeing Premier League champion Oxlade-Chamberlain

According to a fresh claim from The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Burnley are “on alert” regarding a potential move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer. The 32-year-old is no longer a Besiktas player, having brought an end to his time in Turkey, and a return to England could now be on the cards soon. Everton, Leeds United, Brentford and Rangers are among the clubs credited with interest, too.

Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a shrewd addition for Burnley, bringing in a Champions League and Premier League winner who has proven himself at the highest level for much of his career, whether it be for Liverpool, Arsenal or England.

His versatility could be a real asset for Parker, with the Englishman able to shine in deeper or attacking midfield roles, as well as out wide, and if the move doesn’t work, the fact that it is a free transfer takes away the risk element.

At 32, Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t getting any younger, but he still has plenty to offer if he can stay fit under the right manager, with Jurgen Klopp describing him as “super” in the past.

He will surely be hungry to prove himself back in England, and should Burnley pip some bigger clubs to his signature, it could be a real coup for them.

What is the T10 Melbourne Invitational?

It is an 11-day T10 tournament that will be played at the Junction Oval in Melbourne between April 7 and April 17. Five teams will play 20 T10 matches with two matches held each day. The top three teams will play in the finals on April 17. The second and third ranked after the round robin will play first and the winner will advance to face the top ranked team in the final later on the same day.

Which teams are playing?

Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers have selected academy squads of 12-15 players to play a minimum of four games across the 11 days. Stars and Renegades are run by Cricket Victoria who are hosting the tournament. Cricket New South Wales runs both Sydney teams while Adelaide Strikers are run by the South Australian Cricket Association. The tournament has been approved by Cricket Australia.Australia Under-19 star Oliver Peake will play for Renegades in the T10 Invitational•ICC/Getty Images

What is the purpose of the tournament?

Cricket Victoria, led by their chief executive Nick Cummins, has been adventurous in stepping into the franchise sphere beyond functioning as an Australian state association. CV runs the high performance aspect of the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. Victoria also sent a team to the inaugural Global Super League in Guyana last year and made the final. Significantly, this T10 tournament has Indian backing and is broadcast into India.It is a forerunner to potentially hosting a T20 tournament that is akin to the T20 Max that is played in Queensland in August and September each year and has become a hub for fringe domestic players to get playing opportunities at the time of year. CV is also in the final phase of gaining approval to build light towers at the Junction Oval so that both international and domestic matches can be played there under lights. Such an addition would allow this tournament to be played at night, and in a better timezone for audiences in the subcontinent.

Are any big name player’s taking part?

There won’t be any big name Australian players representing their BBL clubs. Part of CV’s vision for the tournament is to provide extra playing opportunities for developing players beyond the Sheffield Shield, domestic 50-over cricket, the BBL and the Top End T20 series in the middle of the year.”This is a fantastic opportunity to continue providing important match experience to players right through to the end of the season,” Cummins said.One international name is Netherlands captain Scott Edwards who grew up in Melbourne and lives there part of the year. He has previously been a replacement player for Renegades in the BBL but has yet to play a BBL game for them.BBL regular Sam Harper will play for Melbourne Stars. Former Australian Under-19 players Harry Dixon and Oliver Peake will play for Renegades after making their BBL debuts last season. A number of Victoria players including Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, Sam Elliott and Xavier Crone are also set to feature while Sixers have selected Steve Waugh’s son Austin Waugh in their 12-man squad.

How can I watch?

The tournament can be watched in both Australia and India. It will be streamed in India via Fancode and can be viewed on Kayo in Australia, who stream all Australian domestic cricket and even some grade fixtures.

Squads

Adelaide Strikers Academy: Aidan Cahill, Hamish Case, Isaac Conway, Josh Kann, Ryan King, Harry Manenti, Deakin Murphy, Tim Oakley, Tom O’Connell, Hayden Schiller, Aubrey Stockdale, Jerrssis Wadia, Jake WinterMelbourne Renegades Academy: Harry Dixon, Dylan Brasher, Oliver Peake, Arjun Nair, Jai Lemire, Scott Edwards, Xavier Crone, Aryan Sharma, Jackson Smith, Michael Archer, Cam McClure, David Moody, Harkirat Bajwa, Mitch Jamieson, Aidam NadeemMelbourne Stars Academy: Austin Anlezark, Max Birthisel, Liam Blackford, Sam Elliott, Sam Harper, Harry Hoekstra, Christian Howe, Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, Reiley Mark, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Rogers, Douglas WarrenSydney Thunder Academy: Ryan Hicks, Toby Gray, Bailey Abela, Charlie Anderson, Yuvraj Sharma, Riley Kingsell, Peter Francis, Angus McTaggart, Blake Nikitaras, Riley Ayre, Connor O’Riordan, Liam DoddrellSydney Sixers Academy: Brock Fitton, Harjas Singh, Tristan Kennedy, Addison Sherriff, Austin Waugh, John James, Lachlan Shaw, Connor Cook, Jake Scott, Joel Davies, Ryan Gupta, Oliver Patterson

Real Madrid’s 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty has been overshadowed by Federico Valverde’s emotional statement addressing reports that he had refused to play. The Uruguayan vice-captain strongly denied suggestions of a rift with Xabi Alonso, insisting he has always given “everything and more” for the club, even while playing through injuries.

• The new Valverde case at Madrid

  The focus after Madrid's stellar show in Champions League, quickly shifted from the result to vice-captain Valverde. Spanish reports suggested the Uruguayan midfielder had refused to play in a defensive role, fuelling speculation of growing friction with new head coach Alonso. Valverde, who remained on the bench and cut a frustrated figure throughout, broke his silence hours later with an emotional statement on social media.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Valverde denies refusing to play

  Targeting directly to the rumours, Valverde insisted his reputation had been unfairly damaged. “I have read several articles damaging my reputation. I know I’ve had bad games, I’m aware of it. I’m not hiding, and I face the criticism head-on. I’m truly sad. People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play,” he wrote in a social media post. 

• Loyalty to Real Madrid

  Valverde underlined his unwavering commitment to the club, reminding fans of his sacrifices. "I have given everything and more for this club, I’ve played while fractured, injured, and I’ve never complained or asked for a break,” he said. 

  "I have a good relationship with the coach, which makes me feel confident enough to tell him which position I prefer on the pitch, but I always, always made it clear that I’m available to perform anywhere, on any trip, and in every game.

  "I’ve left my heart and soul in this club and I will continue to do so, even if sometimes it’s not enough or I’m not playing as I’d like. I swear on my pride that I will never give up and will fight until the end, playing wherever I’m needed."

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• AFP
  

  Behind the controversy

  The tension emerged after Alonso reportedly considered using Valverde at right-back due to injuries. Hours before the game, Valverde had told the press that while he preferred midfield, he was ready to play anywhere. His subsequent bench role, solitary warm-ups, and distant body language led to speculation of a silent protest. Video clips of him skipping pre-match routines quickly went viral, sparking debate in Spain about his standing under Alonso.

  Valverde’s statement may help cool the controversy, but questions remain about his role under Alonso and whether the episode hints at deeper issues within the squad. With two Champions League wins under their belt and returning to La Liga duty this weekend, Alonso must manage both results on the pitch and harmony off it, as this comes amid concerns regarding Vinicius Junior's place in the starting XI. For Valverde, the challenge will be to reaffirm his influence as Real Madrid’s vice-captain and one of their most dependable performers.

If you could encapsulate Tottenham Hotspur in one week it would be the period of days that have just played out. It’s classic Spurs, it really is.

On Wednesday, everything looked smooth sailing as far as a deal to sign Eberechi Eze was concerned. This was a spectcular signing, a Premier League proven talent capable of taking Thomas Frank’s side to the next level.

Alas, Arsenal swooped in and stole the boyhood Gooner away from their rivals. Eze is now a full-time Gunner, it’s time to forget about that saga.

And boy did Spurs forget about it on Saturday afternoon. The Etihad has been a happy hunting ground for the Lilywhites in recent years and they went to Manchester City this weekend and won again, swatting aside Pep Guardiola’s side 2-0.

It was a complete defensive performance and the inroads Frank has already made in making Spurs more secure at the back is mightily impressive. Yet, they still need new recruits in the market.

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Missing out on Eze is a colossal blow. With Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison out, the latter with an ACL injury, Spurs desperately need to find more creativity.

They have sourced that in the form of Mohammed Kudus who has enjoyed a spritely start to his time in white.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, more is required and it’s required quickly. The window is eight days away from closing and Daniel Levy needs to find that Eze alternative.

Well, a move for Manchester City star Savinho is still on the cards according to reports in Spain.

The Brazilian has been the subject of interest from the north Londoners for a few weeks now but it’s touch and go to know whether City will sanction a sale.

In a bid to do so, Spurs are now prepared to put a club-record £73m on the table to bring the Citizen to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Previously, they had only been willing to put a fraction below £50m forward, but amid the Eze blow, Levy and Co know they must act.

Savinho: Tottenham's answer to Lamine Yamal

Signing someone of Savinho’s quality in the remaining week of the window is a must for Spurs if they are to realise their lofty ambitions this term. They have started with consecutive wins and look good value, having not conceded yet.

Still, extra firepower is required and they’d surely find that in the form of the Man City star. While he’s not so prolific as far as goalscoring is concerned just yet, only bagging three times in 2024/25, he’s one of the best creators in English football, registering 13 assists in all competitions.

Amid those injuries to Kulusevski and Maddison, he could be just the creative hub that Frank is seeking.

Comparisons to Ballon d’Or contender, Lamine Yamal, will also raise excitement levels. Speaking after a dazzling display from the Brazilian last term, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said: “His decision making is unbelievable. He remins me a bit like Yamal. They can dribble, they dribble at the right time, they pass at the right time. He’s going to be a superstar.”

While taking anything Merson says must be done so with a pinch of salt, there is logic here. Indeed, according to data-led website, FBref, Yamal was the most similar winger in European football to Savinho last term, based on statistics.

Of course, Yamal is a generational talent, but it’s of great intrigue to see where they are most comparable.

Goals

0.05

0.28

Assists

0.41

0.41

Key passes

2.35

2.02

Progressive passes

3.42

5.05

Shot-creating actions

5.66

5.93

Progressive carries

6.99

5.71

Carries into final 3rd

2.30

3.03

From a goalscoring perspective, plenty of wingers in European football are streets ahead of Savinho but we can see here that he’s one of the most creative around.

Over the league season, he registered the same number of assists per 90 minutes as the great Yamal while he also made more key passes.

The Spanish wonderkid was far ahead for progressive passes but in other aspects, notably progressive carrying and shot-creating actions, there isn’t a great deal to seperate the duo.

Based on a number of things, the 21-year-old is still incredibly raw but as Merson said, he looks as though he’s on his way to becoming a superstar. He’s not going to reach Yamal’s overall quality but having someone with those traits in your squad will help a great deal.

Spurs do need more goals but creativity is also on their shopping list. They’d get that and then some if they signed City’s Brazilian star.

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Forget Eze: Spurs preparing move for "unstoppable" star who's like Rodrygo

Tottenham Hotspur have moved on to other targets after missing out on Eberechi Eze’s signature.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 23, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Após encerrar a maratona de jogos em abril com vitória no Dérbi, no último sábado, o Palmeiras se prepara para o início do mês de maio, e quer começar com o pé direito. O Verdão enfrenta o Barcelona-EQU, na próxima quarta-feira (3), em Guayaquil, às 21h30, pela fase de grupos da Libertadores.

> Palmeiras sobrevive à maratona de jogos em abril com saldo positivo; veja retrospecto do mês

A boa notícia é que jogadores como Rony e Veiga, que inclusive foram titulares diante do Corinthians, já estão 100% recuperados e à disposição de Abel Ferreira, sem nenhum tipo de restrição. Além deles, Mayke e Piquerez também retornaram recentemente e voltaram a ser opções importantes para o treinador português. Com a lesão de Marcos Rocha, Mayke deve assumir a titularidade da lateral-direita do Verdão. Bruno Tabata, em transição, e Atuesta, em recuperação após cirurgia no joelho, ainda são baixas.

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O Palmeiras vai a campo sete vezes em maio, disputando dois jogos a menos em relação a abril. Campeão estadual, classificado para as oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, conseguindo se recuperar após a estreia com derrota na Libertadores e invicto nas três primeiras rodadas do Brasileirão, o Alviverde perdeu apenas duas partidas no mês passado. Além disso, teve 100% de aproveitamento atuando em casa, com cinco vitórias em cinco jogos.

O duelo da próxima quarta, que abre o mês de maio para o Verdão, é muito importante para o futuro da equipe na Libertadores. O Palmeiras estreou com derrota para o Bolívar-BOL, em La Paz, e venceu o Cerro Porteño-PAR, em casa, mas continua em último no grupo C, já que é o único com saldo de gols negativo. Logo, conquistar três pontos contra o Barcelona-EQU pode ser fundamental para uma possível classificação futura às oitavas da competição.

> Abel Ferreira elogia jogadores do Palmeiras: ‘Enquanto eles mostrarem essa vontade, dificilmente deixarei o clube’

Após o compromisso na Libertadores, o Alviverde disputa quatro partidas seguidas pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Serão quatro jogos em 14 dias contra Goiás, Grêmio, Bragantino e Santos, respectivamente. Depois, o Verdão vai até o Paraguai enfrentar o Cerro Porteño e, para encerrar o mês de maio, visita o Atlético-MG, em Belo Horizonte, pela oitava rodada do Brasileirão.

Confira os jogos do Palmeiras no mês de maio:

03/05 – Barcelona-EQU x Palmeiras – Fase de grupos da Libertadores
07/05 – Goiás x Palmeiras – Quarta rodada do Brasileirão
10/05 – Palmeiras x Grêmio – Quinta rodada do Brasileirão
13/05 – Palmeiras x Bragantino – Sexta rodada do Brasileirão
20/05 – Santos x Palmeiras – Sétima rodada do Brasileirão
25/05 – Cerro Porteño-PAR x Palmeiras – Fase de grupos da Libertadores
28/05 – Atlético-MG x Palmeiras – Oitava rodada do Brasileirão

Take out Erling Haaland from the equation, and it’s likely most clubs in European football, Arsenal included, would choose to sign Alexander Isak this summer.

The Gunners have had a long-vested interest in the Swede, dating back to before he was even a Newcastle player.

Sadly, after a campaign in which the Toon’s star man bagged 27 goals in 42 games, he looks like he’s staying in the north east.

Asking prices from £150m to £200m have been touted, making this move nigh on impossible for anyone, let alone the Gunners.

Liverpool are reportedly at the table too and if Arne Slot’s men were to prise the forward away from Newcastle, it would be a colossal kick in the teeth for Arsenal.

Still, there are alternatives, and alternatives that share similar traits to the Swedish superstar.

The latest on Arsenal's hunt for new attackers

With moves for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi set for completion in the not-too-distant future, Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta are getting a move on with their summer business.

Still, a new forward continues to elude them amid ongoing talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal have also been looking at wingers, namely Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace’s playmaking sensation, Eberechi Eze.

Well, what if they could find a player with the ability to play on the flanks and through the middle? That fact is certainly true of Ademola Lookman.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Caught Offside, the Gunners are now in active negotiations to sign the Nigerian attacker from Italian outfit Atalanta.

After previous spells in England with Charlton, Everton, and Fulham, Lookman has more than proven himself in Italy and appears to be keen on coming back to the Premier League.

While Arsenal will face competition from Liverpool for his signature, the 27-year-old is said to be valued at around €45m to €50m (£38m – £43m) plus add-ons.

How Ademola Lookman could improve Arsenal

Let’s take you back to the year of 2020 for a moment. Football is being played behind closed doors due to the pandemic and Lookman has just missed one of the worst penalty attempts you will ever see.

A panenka looks great when it comes off, but in this instance, it disgraced and embarrassed a young Lookman.

Since then, the attacker has become “one of the best prospects in Europe”, in the words of former Man City defender-turned pundit Nedum Onuoha.

Why? Well, who could forget the Lookman final, a game where Atalanta won the Europa League in 2024 courtesy of the Nigeria international who scored a stunning hat-trick to seal a 3-0 win over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.

It was genuinely one of the best individual performances you will see on a big stage and he’s not slowed down since that moment.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Lookman scored 17 goals and supplied ten assists in all competitions. In 2024/25, he was even better in front of goal, netting 20 and registering seven assists.

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in Serie A, his rate of productivity in the final third is captivating, but the player’s versatility is also an enormous plus point. Capable of playing on the flanks, as a striker or behind the leading no.9, that versatile nature should be a big box tick for Arteta.

Such an ability to play in a plethora of positions has led data-led website FBRef to proclaim that Bukayo Saka is the third-most similar winger in Europe to Lookman, while Isak is the third-most similar striker. Not bad indeed. But, what makes them alike? We’ve crunched the numbers.

Goals

0.60

0.75

0.31

Assists

0.20

0.20

0.52

Shots

3.24

3.10

3.44

Key passes

2.44

1.34

3.02

Progressive passes

2.98

2.88

3.65

Shot-creating actions

5.41

3.01

6.09

Succesful take-ons

1.48

1.37

2.14

Progressive carries

5.68

2.71

5.00

Blessed with pace, fleet-footedness and low centre of gravity, Lookman possesses a very similar style on the flanks to Saka and his ability to dart in behind and run the channels can draw comparisons to Isak.

That’s certainly seen in the numbers, where the former Fulham man combines the best of both players here.

He’s more potent than Saka in front of goal per 90 minutes but he creates a similar number of key passes. He’s also very progressive with his actions, only slightly falling behind Arsenal’s number 7 for progressive passes but actually ranking higher for progressive carries.

Like Isak, he completes a similar number of take-ons and they’re almost equal for shots taken as well.

So, if Arsenal are not willing to break the bank to sign someone like Sesko or Gyokeres this summer, Lookman could be the next best thing.

It’s a rare opportunity to find someone who combines the best attributes of two of the best players in the Premier League.

£100m star & the "new Haaland" sign: Arsenal's dream summer

Andrea Berta is in for a big summer at Arsenal; here’s how it could play out.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

Durham 194 for 9 (Bedingham 63, Garton 3-41) beat Birmingham Bears 168 (Bethell 50, Davies 47, Raine 5-21) by 26 runsDurham completed a highly productive Vitality Blast raid on the Midlands with a 26-run victory over Birmingham Bears to follow their vanquishing of Leicestershire Foxes the previous evening.The visitors amassed an imposing 194 for nine at Edgbaston as David Bedingham continued his fine form with a scintillating 63 from 27 balls. Dan Mousley underlined his England white-ball credentials with a steel-nerved 4-0-23-2 while George Garton took three for 41.The Bears reply then fell short at 168 all out from 18.4 overs after Ben Raine (3.4-0-21-5) bowled beautifully to take important wickets at important times. Jake Bethell struck 50 (32), his maiden T20 half-century, but the chase petered out as wickets fell too regularly.The result keeps the North Division table very tight with both sides having won two and lost two. Momentum is very much with Durham after successive wins, however, while the Bears nurse back-to-back defeats.After choosing to bat, Durham lost a wicket second ball when Graham Clark chipped Garton to mid-wicket but the early strike worked against the Bears as it brought Bedingham to the crease. The South African smashed Garton for 18 in four balls and thundered to 50 in 21, reaching his half-century with six over mid-wicket in an Aamer Jamal over that went for 25.Alex Lees, the previous evening’s matchwinner at Leicester, contributed just eight to a stand of 60 before missing a slog-sweep at Mousley and falling lbw. Bedingham welcomed Jake Lintott into the attack with six into the pavilion but the wrist spinner’s revenge arrived three balls later when Rob Yates took a stinging catch at extra cover.Lintott also ended Ollie Robinson’s punchy cameo at 25, caught by Bethell at deep mid-wicket. Mousley cramped Raine’s desire to seek out the short leg-side boundary and bowled him. Ashton Turner improvised effectively for 33 (24) before top-edging a swipe at Garton and the Bears reined in the scoring during the closing overs. Just one four arrived in six overs before Matty Potts socked Garton for a six and a four in the last.Callum Parkinson trapped Yates lbw with the first legitimate ball of the Bears’ reply but Alex Davies (47,30) and Mousley (35, 20) gave their side a sound foundation with a stand of 80 in 46 balls. They fell in the space of three balls, however, when Raine won an lbw verdict to even up his personal duel with Mousley and Davies was emphatically stumped off Turner’s first ball.Sam Hain lifted Nathan Sowter to long off before Raine cranked up the pressure with a clever over which cost just five and then bowled Chris Benjamin and Jamal with the first two balls of his next.Bethell reached 50 in 31 balls but sliced to deep backward point off Potts and Hasan Ali hoisted the next to deep mid-wicket. Raine returned to bowl Lintott and then complete the win in glorious style by knocking out Garton’s middle stump.

Aston Villa’s first transfer window of the summer is now officially underway, with club president Monchi given a small chance to recruit new players from June 1 to June 10, with the window then reopening again on June 16 through to September 1.

Aston Villa transfer window challenges amid PSR concern

Villa eventually missed out on qualification for the Champions League during a tense final day battle, but Unai Emery does have Europa League football to look forward to, and there is every chance they can go on to win the competition.

Aston Villa submit bid to sign "unique" £21m defender and receive reply

The Villans have launched a move for a right-back…

ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

As we’ve seen from Tottenham’s recent triumph against Man United in Bilbao, it would hand Villa a unique route back into the Champions League for 2026/2027, so Emery will be taking their Europa League conquest very seriously.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is set to be a big summer for NSWE, as their failure to qualify for Europe’s most prestigious competition next season makes the next two transfer windows ever so slightly trickier – both financially and in terms of attracting the continent’s best players.

There is also the matter of PSR, with Villa announcing substantial losses of £85.4 million for the 2023/2024 season back in April. Reports even suggest that they may have to sell their women’s team to comply with PSR (The Times), but BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty says that any player sales conducted this summer will be carefully thought out.

“Aston Villa may have to do deals to fend off any lingering PSR concerns, but I think the club are in safe hands with the current ownership and those sales will be smart without weakening the squad,” said McNulty.

“We have even seen Morgan Rogers linked with Chelsea, but I do not see Villa entertaining that sort of deal as they want to push on from what Unai Emery has already achieved.”

Mainstay Villa keeper Emiliano Martínez is a key player who’s been repeatedly linked with the exit door recently, with Espanyol star Joan Garcia recently eyed up as a potential replacement for the Argentine.

Unai Emery rates Joan Garcia "highly" as Aston Villa face Barcelona threat

There are suggestions in Spain that Villa have already made an offer for Garcia, whose contract includes a £25 million release clause, but this is yet to gain traction among reliable media outlets closer to home.

To make matters more complicated, Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources also state that Barcelona are thought to be very advanced over a transfer for Garcia – so NSWE may now need to launch a hijack attempt.

Commenting on Villa’s links to the “exciting” 25-year-old, and Martinez’s potential exit, a former chief scout at Villa Park, Mick Brown, has shared what he’s heard on the matter.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown says that Emery rates Garcia “highly” as Aston Villa plot a move for him, with Martinez looking likely to leave the club.

“Emery and Monchi still have strong connections in Spain,” said Brown.

“They’ll be speaking to them about the possibility of the deal because they’ve identified this Joan Garcia as one of their options in goal. In normal circumstances, if you’ve got a goalkeeper like Emi Martinez, you’re going to want to keep him.

“But the financial situation they’re in after missing out on the Champions League, and a bit of interference from his agent, mean they might have to sell. There’s been a lot of talk about his future at the club.

“So with that, they’ve already started looking at players who could come in and replace him.

“I don’t know much about the Spanish goalkeeper, but he’s young and Emery rates him highly, so he could well be the one they go for.”

Everton are “keen” on completing the signing of a Premier League player who has been called “phenomenal” and already has a full trophy case, according to Sky Sports.

Everton eyeing shock deal for Liverpool winger

David Moyes knows the importance of the Blues nailing their summer transfer business, at a time when the club needs to kick on in their new stadium and look to become a top-half Premier League team again.

Top-quality new signings are needed, ahead of what supporters hope will be a relatively free-spending window, and Liverpool winger Ben Doak is reportedly the subject of interest from Everton. No senior player has made the move between the two rivals since back in 2002, when Abel Xavier moved from the Blues to the Reds.

Meanwhile, Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill has been linked with a move to Everton, with the 29-year-old enjoying a magnificent season for the Clarets, inspiring them to Championship promotion and registering 24 goal contributions (18 goals and six assists).

Midfield certainly looks like an area of the pitch that the Mersysiders are focusing on, with Rangers ace Mohamed Diomande also mentioned as an option for Moyes’ men. The 23-year-old could add energy and quality in the middle of the park, as well as being a long-term acquisition.

Everton want "phenomenal" Premier League maestro

According to Sky Sports on Monday, Everton are now also “keen” on signing Brighton attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley in the summer window, amid plenty of competition for his signature.

O’Riley could be exactly the type of player the Blues need this summer, possessing guile in attacking midfield areas and creating chances for the strikers.

The 2-cap Dane had a tough first year in a Brighton shirt, with a serious pre-season injury setting him back immediately, and he ended up being limited to only 11 starts in the league.

O’Riley is a class act with a beautiful left foot, though, and he excelled during his time at Celtic, winning four Scottish Premiership titles and being lauded by Brendan Rodgers.

“He has been absolutely phenomenal really in his consistency. I think if we lacked anything as a team, it was probably that. But from an individual perspective his goal return.

“I think someone said he had scored his first goal [of last season] in January of last year. So to look at his numbers now, it’s huge testament to himself because the work he puts in, the focus he puts in every single day at training to improve and be better, that’s clearly been rewarded by his team-mates and everyone else.”

Everton battling West Ham to sign "brilliant" 29 y/o Player of the Year

David Moyes has tried to snap him up in the past.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 2, 2025

Everton should be an interesting proposition for potential signings, considering they are in a sparkly new stadium and Moyes has improved them greatly since coming in, so the hope is that O’Riley sees them as a leading option to move to.