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DC’s Impact Player Ashutosh Sharma brought them back from the brink with an incredible innings

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Mar-20251:07

Rayudu: Ashutosh was calm under pressure

Delhi Capitals (DC) were down and out at 7 for 3 and then 65 for 5 in their chase of 210 against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam. But the lower order, led by Ashutosh Sharma, performed a rescue act that reduced the equation to 22 off two overs and then six off six balls. Last man Mohit Sharma survived a close lbw appeal off the first ball of the 20th over before taking a single. Ashutosh then smacked the winning six to seal DC’s one-wicket win, only the fifth in IPL history.DC vice-captain Faf du Plessis said the finish reminded him of the famous 438-run chaseSouth Africa pulled off against Australia at the Wanderers in 2006, calling that run “the most important single” of Mohit’s life.”Unbelievable, it actually reminded me a little bit of the 438 game against Australia when Makhaya [Ntini] got that important single towards the end,” du Plessis said. “That’s probably the best and most important single that Mohit Sharma has ever taken in his life – beautiful forward defence, just pushing it into the gap. What a story to get the big man back on strike to hit it for six.”Related

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Awe-inspiring Ashutosh brings DC back from the brink

Ashutosh walked in as DC’s Impact Player with the score 65 for 5 in the seventh over. After the 13th over of the chase, DC were 116 for 6, needing 94 runs off 42 balls with four wickets in hand. ESPNcricinfo’s win predictor gave them a 1.56% of winning.”A lot of the cricketers, if you ask them, they would complain about the [Impact Player] rule in the IPL,” du Plessis said, “but this is obviously why that rule is there – for games when you think that you’re completely dead and buried, someone comes in and plays like that. I’m definitely going to drink some more masala tea to make sure I can hit the ball like the boys do at the end.”To be honest, when I looked at the wicket and saw how much the ball was gripping and losing five wickets, I thought it was going to be an almost impossible task. But it’s even great for the old brain of mine just to make sure that you can never be out of a game completely. The extra batter really makes a big difference.”Ashutosh got together with Vipraj Nigam when DC needed 97 off 45 balls. Their 55-run stand off just 22 balls brought DC’s equation down to 42 off 24 before Nigam fell for 39 off 15. Ashutosh was unbeaten on 66 off 31.”As an overseas player, one thing that’s remarkable for me to watch is the amount of Indian players that are so powerful and they got the ability to just strike the ball so easily,” du Plessis said. “It wasn’t an easy pitch. There was a lot going on, but the two boys at the back end there, just the way they came in and just effortless hitting boundaries.”

يحل منتخب فرنسا، ضيفًا على أيسلندا، مساء اليوم، في إطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة من تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم 2026.

ويحتل منتخب فرنسا صدارة المجموعة الثالثة برصيد 9 نقاط خلال 3 مباريات، حيث حقق 3 انتصارات وسجل 7 أهداف وأستقبلت شباكه هدفًا واحدًا.

بينما يحتل منتخب أيسلندا المركز الثالث بـ3 نقاط من 3 مباريات، حيث فاز في مباراة وخسر اثنتين، وسجل 9 أهداف واستقبلت شباكه 7 أهداف.

ويدخل منتخب فرنسا مباراة أيسلندا بدون أبرز لاعبيه كيليان مبابي، الذي عاد إلى ريال مدريد ولكن إصابته ليست خطيرة، كذلك تم استبعاد إبراهيما كوناتي قلب دفاع ليفربول.

اقرأ أيضًا.. النرويج يوجه دفعة إيجابية لمانشستر سيتي حول إيرلينج هالاند

وكان منتخب فرنسا قد حقق فوزًا كبيرًا ضد أذريبجان بثلاثية نظيفة يوم الجمعة الماضية، أما عن منتخب أيسلندا، فقد تعرض للهزيمة بخمسة أهداف لثلاثة ضد أوكرانيا. موعد مباراة فرنسا وأيسلندا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم

ستنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة العاشرة إلا ربع مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. معلق مباراة فرنسا وأيسلندا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم

تم إسناد مهمة التعليق في هذه المباراة للمعلق علي سعيد الكعبي. القناة الناقلة لمباراة فرنسا وأيسلندا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم

من المنتظر أن تنقل المباراة عبر قناة (beIN Sports 1 HD)

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

Ben Stokes has defended the decision to hand Jacob Bethell a Test debut at No.3 against New Zealand this week, but understands why some will query England’s latest off-the-wall punt.England announced their XI for the first Test at Hagley Oval, starting on Thursday, two days early, with Bethell replacing Jordan Cox, who had been in line for his maiden Test cap before fracturing his right thumb on Sunday. With Cox originally down to keep wicket in the absence of Jamie Smith on paternity leave, Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum decided upon a solution of handing the gloves to Ollie Pope and shifting him down to No. 6.With no intention of moving Joe Root up a spot from No. 4, it means Bethell, in just his 21st first-class appearance, will slot in at first-drop for the first time in his career. A tough ask for anyone unfamiliar with the role, let alone a 21-year-old without a professional century who averages just 25.44 in red-ball cricket. The majority of his runs for Warwickshire have come in the middle order.Related

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Stokes, carded at seven, revealed the decision on the layout of the top six was made after a “two, three-minute discussion” with McCullum. While the option of leaving Pope at No. 3 if England were batting first, before shifting him down the order for their second innings was considered – a move pulled in the second Test of the 2022 Pakistan tour – it was ultimately decided a set order was necessary for clarity.”We didn’t want to make it too messy,” Stokes said. “There was another way of thinking, if we bat first Popey can bat three. But again, it was just too many moving parts.”We just wanted to keep the simplicity of it where we had the batting order, and everyone knows what they’re doing throughout the week. Fair play to Popey for stepping up and doing a role he’s done before, but obviously it’s something that he’s not quite used to.”Bethell coming in gives him an opportunity up the order, as opposed to just sort of filtering down and not being able to impose himself on the game.”Bethell only joined the squad in New Zealand on Sunday, having had time off following the white-ball tour of the West Indies, thus missing the weekend warm-up match against a Prime Minister’s XI. On Tuesday, he was partnered with Stokes on the golf course – a coincidence given pairings are picked at random. Though they were defeated by James Anderson and Zak Crawley, Stokes valued the face time with the precocious youngster. “He’s an incredibly talented kid. I think when you look at someone like Jacob, you can just see the ceiling that he has.”Jacob Bethell is set for a Test debut•AFP/Getty Images

Bethell has impressed in flashes, and the selectors were encouraged by his composure in the Caribbean, having been capped in both white-ball formats against Australia at the end of the 2024 summer. On Monday, he bagged a £245,000 contract from Royal Challengers Bangalore for his first IPL. But with just five half-centuries in 30 first-class innings, he remains a work in progress.Stokes does not regard Bethell as a punt but accepts observers will question his ascension given his modest record so far. Stokes asked for patience, and an understanding that this is more than just a shot in the dark.”I mean, you can totally understand it,” Stokes answered when asked if he could see why there is trepidation about Bethell’s spot in the XI. “But you’ve got to be true to yourself when you get given the opportunity to be able to make decisions.”We’ve always done what we feel is right for the team. It’s gone in our favour quite a lot. So, I think we do know what we’re doing. There is thought and there is process towards it, even if it does raise a few eyebrows. We’re not picking people just to wind people up.”People might not quite understand it, but that’s how me and Baz have operated for a long period of time now. And we’ve got a pretty good understanding, and I feel insight and a good eye for picking players to fulfill a role if we need to.”He’s an incredibly talented kid. I think when you look at someone like Jacob, you can just see the ceiling that he has. I remember watching the one-day series. I think it was [Josh] Hazlewood; he bowled him a full ball and got smacked off the front foot, and then he got tested out, like right there, and then whacked it.”Just those tiny little things where you see that there is something very special there. I’m looking forward to him getting going this week.”

India lose 7 for 54 after Sarfaraz and Pant’s 177-run partnership to leave NZ in sight of first Test win in India in 36 years

Sidharth Monga19-Oct-2024Stumps
Test cricket showed off in all its glory as India, led by the impish Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, threatened to pull off the unthinkable in an audacious manner. But the second new ball claimed seven wickets for 62 runs to leave New Zealand 107 to win their first Test in India in 36 years. That, incidentally, is the lowest target successfully defended in India, but that was on a rank turner in Mumbai in 2004-05.This was Test cricket shorn of all of its niceties. The bowlers were under extreme pressure from Sarfaraz and Pant, who added 177 in 35.1 overs, as India tried to become only the second team to win a Test from a sub-50 first innings. This same approach resulted in a collapse when the second new ball started to nip around.Related

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This was high-variance Test cricket. India lost 17 wickets for 108 runs to the first and the third new balls, but scored 400 for 3 in 80 overs in between.India’s quick scoring rate meant the second new ball was New Zealand’s absolute last roll of the dice. Had they failed to cause any damage with the new ball, the best they could have hoped for was a draw. Keeping in mind how they had been pummelled and made to look toothless for 80 overs, it was a show of remarkable skill and persistence to roar back into the match.In under 20 overs, they drew 43 false shots from India, having done so only 72 times in the first 80 overs. Much of it was down to Sarfaraz swinging his bat hoping to blast the new ball, but who dare question that approach when he scored 150 showing similarly scant regard to the bowling. Pant himself tried to hit his way out, gloving a sweep off Tim Southee, slog-sweeping him out of the stadium, but then playing on the 6’6″ Will O’Rourke with the replacement ball on 99, his seventh dismissal in the 90s to go with six hundreds.O’Rourke was fiery, 3-3-0-3 at one point with the new ball, before Matt Henry found just the optimum seam to take out the last three. It showed just how far you fall behind when you get bowled out for 46. Sarfaraz and Pant carried on from the 231 for 3 on day three, and managed to one-up the progress. Team-mates at the Under-19 World Cup, they were innovative and thrilling.Sarfaraz turned his first Test hundred into a 150, his 11th first-class score of 150 or more out of his 16 hundreds. Pant, who missed keeping duties after a knock on his surgically repaired knee from his life-threatening road accident, matched him in audacity. However, his running hampered, he turned at least two couples into singles as he approached the hundred. He walked back with a wistful look at the sky.Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan added 177 in 211 balls•Associated PressIf Sarfaraz toyed with the bowling with late-cuts and ramps while ducking and weaving, Pant slog-swept fast bowlers and charged at them to hit them past mid-off. His five sixes took him past Kapil Dev and placed him sixth in the list of top six-hitters for India in Tests.Before the new ball, the only time New Zealand came close to a wicket was a run-out opportunity at Pant’s end, but Tom Blundell reprieved him for the second time in the match by leaving his base to collect a wide throw, seemingly unaware of the opportunity at his end. Pant was on only 6 then.As Pant felt his way into the innings, scoring 12 off the first 24 balls he faced, Sarfaraz took only six balls in the morning to bring out his cheekiness: a nonchalant ramp off O’Rourke’s first ball of the day. When they reinforced the field with a deep third and a deep point, Sarfaraz still bisected them.Soon Pant joined him. They showed little regard for the field-sets, no fear of making mistakes, and the New Zealand bowlers again failed to provide Tom Latham any control. The biggest disappointment was Ajaz Patel, who turned the ball less than the part-timer Rachin Ravindra.It seemed the seam bowlers wanted to trap Sarfaraz lbw, but that only kept giving him easy singles on the leg side. When the keeper came up to the stumps to root Pant to the crease, the visitors were rewarded with an edge but the dying pitch didn’t have enough in it to make it carry. Soon, though, he lofted Southee from the crease for a six back over his head.In the eighth over of the day, Sarfaraz punched Southee to deep cover for what would have been a single for any other batter, but he had sent all the fielders elsewhere with his late-cuts. The boundary brought up an emotional hundred.Sarfaraz Khan sprinted to a 110-ball hundred•Getty ImagesWhen Ajaz got one to kick at Pant from the rough, the glove absorbed a lot of the impact and the ball went straight down. He now decided he had to attack. In one dramatic Ajaz over, he hit two sixes. Then he survived an inside edge and an outside edge in the same over. The inside one saved him from lbw, and his back pad denied New Zealand a catch off the outside edge. Pant still managed to hit one more four in the over, India’s 47th boundary, more than the runs they scored in the first innings.A shower brought them some relief, but India kept attacking before the new ball, taking their run rate back up to five an over. At first, it appeared New Zealand had exhausted all their luck in getting the conditions to bowl India out for 46 and in getting Rohit Sharma out in the second innings. For now, everything just started going past the bat or falling safe.Sarfaraz survived seven various kinds of false shots before he finally lobbed one to cover as the ball seamed away from him. Pant, not quite at home himself against the new ball, tried a sweep before actually dropping jaws on the floor with the slog-swept six to go into the 90s.Then came O’Rourke, who had been ramped for four first ball in the morning. This time, his first ball nipped back and kicked at Pant to take the fatal bottom edge to silence the crowd. His extra bounce and seam movement away also accounted for KL Rahul. Then one came slowly off the surface to take the toe end on a Ravindra Jadeja pull.Henry bowled an unbroken ten-over spell to keep a lid on the scoring and take the last three wickets to go with his first innings’ five. While the India fans had gone from praying for the rain to stop to now hoping for biblical thunderstorms, India didn’t seem pleased when they were asked to go off early for bad light, which did later turn into a massive storm. The new ball was moving, and India were hoping for some damage under artificial lights.

As they look to continue their summer business, West Bromwich Albion are now reportedly “plotting” a bargain deal to sign an experienced, versatile star for Ryan Mason.

West Brom pushing on after Heggebo deal

Whilst it’s not been the most frantic summer transfer window at The Hawthorns so far, West Brom have at least welcomed both Nat Phillips from Liverpool and Aune Heggebo from Norwegian side Brann. The forward stands out as their biggest arrival so far, given that he scored eight goals in all competitions last season and should play a prominent role in Mason’s frontline.

Following his arrival, the forward told West Brom’s official website: “Coming here with the fanbase and the history, such as being one of the oldest clubs in Great Britain, I feel very proud to get the chance to represent Albion. It felt like a really good opportunity to go and try something new – an adventure maybe. I can get some new life experience.

“To experience English football culture with the stadiums, fanbases, atmospheres and passion there is for football, I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve always been really big on English football when I was growing up, watching the Premier League and a bit of the Championship. It’s great to be here.”

With Heggebo signed and delivered, meanwhile, West Brom have reportedly set their sights on further reinforcements as pre-season gets underway in the Midlands.

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On that front, Preston North End’s Ali McCann and Tottenham Hotspur youngster Mikey Moore have both been mentioned in recent weeks. The latter would particularly make sense on loan given that Mason worked with him during his time at Spurs. As options go, the young winger stands out as someone who would be an exciting arrival.

At the other end of the spectrum, though, the Baggies are also reportedly targeting an experienced former Premier League midfielder who could arrive in a bargain deal this summer.

West Brom "plotting" move to sign Jeffrey Schlupp

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, West Brom are now “plotting” a move to sign Jeffrey Schlupp, who remains a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace.

Mason reportedly believes that the midfielder could be a key member of his West Brom squad due to his experience and versatility and that should come as no surprise. The former Palace midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell at Celtic last season, helping them retain the Scottish Premiership and even featuring in the knockout phase of the Champions League as the Bhoys narrowly lost out to Bayern Munich.

It was during his time on loan at Celtic that Schlupp earned high praise from manager Brendan Rodgers, who told reporters after welcoming the 32-year-old: “I am really pleased that we have been able to bring Jeffrey to the club. I know he will love it at Celtic and I am sure our fans will love him and what he can bring to us.

“He is a fantastic guy, someone with real high-level experience and with great attributes including power, pace and versatility. I know that he can be a really important addition to our squad this season.”

Manchester United need key additions in all areas of the pitch if they are to stand any chance of rising up the Premier League table during the 2025/26 campaign.

The Red Devils have showcased in recent times that they’re no longer one of the sides to be feared in the division, with Old Trafford no longer the fortress it once was.

Ruben Amorim’s side slid down the table last time around, ending the season in 15th place, a finish that was the club’s lowest since the division’s formation back in 1992.

However, it remains to be seen how much funding the boss will have at his disposal this window, potentially needing to rely on outgoings before he can make the desired additions he craves.

The likes of Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were all released at the end of their respective deals, freeing up needed budget to allow Amorim to get busy in the market.

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

Midfielders have seemingly emerged as key targets for United in recent days, with Lyon star Corentin Tolisso being named as a potential addition this summer.

Reports in recent days have linked the 30-year-old with a £20m move to Old Trafford, after the hierarchy entered talks with his current side over a deal for his signature.

However, he’s not the only player currently on their radar, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz still remaining as a possible target, according to Football Insider.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are leading the race for the Brazilian midfielder, who looks almost certain to leave the club this summer, after making just three starts following his £42m move last year.

It also states that they could face competition from Everton and Nottingham Forest for the 27-year-old’s signature, leading to a loan-to-buy offer currently being mooted.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own Pogba

Paul Pogba is a player who will remain in United’s history for a very long time, after he joined the club in a record £89m deal from Juventus back in the summer of 2016.

The Frenchman rejoined the club just four years after leaving them on a free transfer, with his return costing them a pretty penny and one which certainly raised eyebrows.

He made over 200 appearances during his second stint with the Red Devils, lasting just under six years, scoring on 39 occasions – including a superb strike against Swansea City.

However, Pogba would ultimately fall down the pecking order once more, leaving on a free transfer for the second time in 2022, re-joining former club Juventus in the process.

There’s no doubt he possessed a lot of quality, something which can also be said about current target Luiz – who could follow in the 32-year-old’s footsteps in joining from the Old Lady.

He also possesses a superb strike on him, but the Brazilian’s underlying stats from his time in Serie A could make him a superb piece of business for Amorim’s side next campaign.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Gary Lineker, registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents in driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.

Games played

19

Progressive passes

5.9

Progressive carries

2.7

Tackles won

2.1

Tackle success rate

68%

Take-on success

79%

Aerials won

56%

He also won 2.1 tackles per 90, whilst winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, capable of regaining possession before handing chances to those in forward areas – as seen by his superb tallies with the ball at his feet.

Luiz would be the perfect box-to-box option, as demonstrated by his 79% take-on success rate, having the capability to drive forward before making the killer pass to a teammate.

Given the interest from elsewhere, United will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal for his signature, with one of their rivals subsequently strengthening as a result.

If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by Pogba during his time at Old Trafford, it would be a superb addition and one that could catapult the side up the table next time around.

Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd make contact to sign "world-class" £86m CF

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a new striker this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 15, 2025

It is the start of a new era at Glasgow Rangers after Russell Martin was officially unveiled as the new head coach at Ibrox last week, shortly after the takeover was made official.

The former Scotland international has joined the club as their long-term replacement for Philippe Clement, having left Southampton at the end of last year, and is tasked with bringing glory back to Ibrox.

Rangers have failed to win the Scottish Premiership title in each of the past four seasons, and they ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.

The Light Blues know that they will need to be active in the summer transfer window to improve their squad, as the current playing group ultimately failed this season.

This means that there could be several new stars added to the club before the deadline in September, which could create uncertainty for some of the fringe players.

One player whose future at Ibrox could be thrown into doubt by possible new additions in their position could be Brazilian forward Danilo, who has not had the easiest of times in Glasgow so far.

Why Danilo’s future at Rangers could be in doubt

The Light Blues swooped to sign the centre-forward from Dutch outfit Feyenoord in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £6m, as Michael Beale looked to improve the club’s attacking unit.

Danilo is a bit of a tricky player to judge at Rangers because there is little doubt that he has the quality to make a big impact on his day. In fact, the striker scored five goals and provided four assists in just 878 minutes in the Premiership this season.

However, the fact that he only played 878 minutes, despite his impressive statistics in that time, is part of the problem for the Light Blues marksman.

Type of injury

Broken cheekbone

Knee injury

Knee injury

Date of injury

September 2023

December 2023

September 2024

Return date

October 2023

May 2024

November 2024

Days out

43

171

65

Matches missed

9

32

12

As you can see in the table above, Danilo’s injury record during his time at Ibrox so far is less than ideal, as he has missed a whopping 53 matches in two seasons.

Put simply, his injury history suggests that he will not be a player who can be relied upon by Martin moving forward, because the attacker has yet to prove that he has the durability to be available week-in-week-out at Ibrox.

This is why the Scottish head coach should consider ruthlessly parting ways with the Brazilian forward before the end of the summer transfer window, particularly when you consider the club’s reported interest in other players in his position.

Rangers eyeing up Pro League centre-forward

According to the Daily Record, Rangers are keeping tabs on KVC Westerlo centre-forward Matija Frigan, as Martin lines up a potential swoop for the gem in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that he is one of the strikers the club are watching, after a £20m cash injection from the new owners, and that they are also in talks to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv marksman Dor Turgeman after seeing an initial offer turned down for the Israel international.

Transfer Focus

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

It does not state that they have made an offer, or that they are in talks, to sign Frigan as of yet, which means that he could be behind Turgeman on their wishlist in the number nine position.

The Croatian marksman, though, is being tracked by the Premiership side, as they weigh up their options, and could be a genuine target for Martin and Kevin Thelwell.

However, the outlet does not reveal how much the Belgian side are set to demand for their centre-forward this summer, so it remains to be seen how much the Scottish giants would have to pay for his services.

Why Rangers should sign Matija Frigan

The Gers should swoop to sign the 22-year-old forward because he could arrive at Ibrox as a big upgrade on Danilo, not least because of his reliable availability record.

He has played 69 matches in all competitions for Westerlo since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, including 39 times this term, which shows that he has been consistently available for the Belgian outfit.

Frigan’s form in front of goal in the Pro League this season also suggests that he has the quality to be a big goal threat for Martin next term, whilst also potentially exciting supporters with his skills in the final third.

The young marksman marksman, as shown in the clip above, has the technical ability to beat defenders to create moments of magic, which could be particularly useful when facing low blocks of defenders sat behind the ball in the Premiership.

Frigan’s statistics in the Pro League this season in comparison to Danilo’s also suggest that he has the potential to offer even more in front of goal than the Brazilian.

Appearances

39

23

Goals

13

5

Goals per game

0.3

0.2

Big chances missed

12

5

Conversion rate

14%

11%

Big chances created

6

8

Penalties won

3

0

As you can see in the table above, the Croatian forward scored more than twice as many goals, averaged more goals per game, and had a better conversion rate of shots to goals than the Rangers flop.

Frigan, who was once described as a “complete” striker by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could come in as a big upgrade on Danilo as a goalscorer in the Premiership, as evidenced by their respective league form, because of how clinical and reliable he is in front of goal.

The Westerlo attacker would also be a big upgrade on the Gers number 99 because of his aforementioned availability record, which suggests that he is more likely to be available to Martin on a regular basis throughout the campaign.

Therefore, Rangers should sign Frigan and attempt to part ways with Danilo before the end of the summer transfer window because it would represent an improvement in the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

He wants to leave: Martin must axe Rangers dud who earns more than Igamane

Russell Martin must instantly axe this player from the squad if he is appointed.

ByDan Emery Jun 4, 2025

Chelsea are showcasing real ambition in the transfer market after qualifying for the Champions League next season, with the Blues looking back to manager Enzo Maresca after a successful debut campaign in the dugout.

Chelsea seal Liam Delap deal with more signings identified

On Wednesday, Chelsea officially announced the arrival of striker Liam Delap, who joins in a £30 million deal from Ipswich Town.

Chelsea hold new talks to sign "fantastic" £40m defender who's keen to join

The west Londoners want to get him in before the Club World Cup.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

Delap, who scored 12 league goals for the Tractor Boys last season, but couldn’t save them from relegation, will wear the number nine shirt and becomes eligible to take part in the Club World Cup later this month.

Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea

8.08

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town

8.05

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa

8.04

Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton

7.83

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town

7.55

via WhoScored

Chelsea can register players in time for FIFA’s competition due to a unique mini-transfer window, which is open until June 10, with Maresca having four more days to reinforce his squad ahead of the tournament.

BlueCo want one or two more new arrivals through the door before their CWC campaign kicks off, and Stamford Bridge chiefs have a number of plates spinning.

Journalist Simon Phillips claims Chelsea held fresh talks over a deal for Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato recently, with personal terms not seen as an issue considering the defender’s desire to join Maresca’s side.

Meanwhile, links continue to surround Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who could be their second striker signing after Delap.

As well as in attack and defence, Chelsea haven’t given up on signing AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro.

The France international, who captained Milan last season, is valued at around £25 million by the Rossoneri, despite his contract situation. Right now, Chelsea appear unwilling to go that far, but there is a major willingness from the 29-year-old himself to make the move happen.

Mike Maignan tells AC Milan he wants to join Chelsea

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, backing up other reports, Maignan has informed Milan that he wants to join Chelsea.

Convincing him is no issue, with the clubs now having to find common ground when it comes to his asking price. Maresca’s side only want to pay around £10 million for the keeper as things stand (The Mail), so there are plenty of negotiations still to be had if a deal is still possible.

This comes after another report from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, who told GiveMeSport that Maresca has personally approved Maignan’s potential switch to west London.

With Chelsea’s manager and the keeper wanting this deal done, they’re simply waiting for club-to-club talks to reach a positive resolution.

Maignan, described as a “world-class” shot-stopper, has plenty of top-level experience – which is something lacking in Chelsea’s overall squad – and is widely regarded as one of Serie A’s top keepers.

Liverpool have yet to officially lift the 2024/25 Premier League trophy but already sporting director Richard Hughes is looking at ways to improve Arne Slot’s side.

There’s no question that the Merseysiders have put on a season-long clinic, deserving, runaway winners. However, it’s also true that the likes of Arsenal and dethroned Manchester City will be frustrated with their respective top-flight campaigns and will be determined to come back stronger next year.

However, FSG and Anfield’s senior figures will be sure to take comfort in the manner of their triumph: winning the Premier League after bringing only Federico Chiesa into the first team – and he’s yet to even start a league fixture.

The mastery behind Slot’s genius has been in his soft and significant tactical tweaks to Jurgen Klopp’s system, also shaping existing squad players into superstars.

Ryan Gravenberch is the standout star, going from drifting prospect to the “exceptional” midfield player for the Reds, so says The Athletic’s James Pearce, but he’s not the only one.

Cody Gakpo has also been a revelation in his own right.

Cody Gakpo's season in numbers

Gakpo’s goal against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, expertly taken to make it 3-1 and put Liverpool within an inch of sealing the title, was his 17th of the season.

What’s telling is that that goal saw him beat last year’s 16-goal haul, and in over 600 fewer minutes at that.

Klopp utilised Gakpo’s dynamic talents in his own way, throwing him around the park like an erratic darts player across a board. This may well have proved fundamental development for the Netherlands international, but there’s no question he’s gone up a gear in a more structured role for his new coach on the attacking left flank.

Pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreed earlier in the term that the 25-year-old has “gone up a level,” and it’s exciting to think that Gakpo can ascend higher still.

Gakpo’s success this season owes largely to Slot’s tactical acumen, but there’s more still to come. The likes of Gakpo and Luis Diaz are bound to find more stable results with a high-class goalscorer in the centre.

However, Liverpool could also find another way to elevate Gakpo’s game even further, preparing to bid for one of the most talented young playmakers in the business.

Slot driving exciting Liverpool deal

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons this summer, with the Dutch playmaker emerging as one of FSG’s top targets.

Aged 21, Simons is one of the most exciting young talents in the world and would cost the Anfield side £60m, should they wish to advance their interest into something more solid. Manchester United are also sniffing around.

However, with Slot personally driving the deal for yet another Dutchman to join Gakpo, Gravenberch and co, it’s one to keep an eye on for sure.

Imagine Gakpo & Xavi Simons

Should Trent Alexander-Arnold leave Liverpool as expected when his contract expires this summer, Liverpool will lose one of their primary (if not the primary) creative sources.

Simons could prove to be the new playmaking hub, reorienting Liverpool’s creativity from the right channel and into the centre. Given that Simons has already forged something of a “symbiotic partnership” with his international peer, in the mind of journalist Bence Bocsak, it might prove to bear dividends.

The duo played together during their time at PSV Eindhoven, during the 2022/23 season, before Gakpo earned himself a £35m transfer to Anfield after his performances for his nation at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Ranking among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers cross Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 20% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for ball recoveries made per 90, as per FBref, Simons could certainly add some panache from the middle, bearing the athletic energy to cover for Dominik Szoboszlai too.

Looking at his statistics in the Bundesliga this season, you get a closer look at why Simons is such hot property, prolific, creative and combative in a way which would work a treat in Slot’s squad.

Matches (starts)

21 (21)

Goals

9

Assists

5

Pass completion

84%

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

2.2

Dribbles*

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

Duels won*

4.4

While Liverpool will need to sign a striker to complete the set, a player such as Simons would go a long way toward cementing a peerless level of attacking fluency at Liverpool, connecting the dots together and allowing Gakpo to continue his rise as one of the Premier League’s finest wingers.

Gakpo already ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe for non-penalty goals scored (0.52) per 90, also ranking outside the top 20% for shots taken, which effectively means he’s making the most out of the chances that fall his way.

With a playmaker like Simons, who has been dubbed a “game-changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, one he has already formed a prosperous on-field relationship with, taking a seat as the central creative force in Slot’s Liverpool project, there’s no telling how high Gakpo could reach.

Or Simons, for that matter. Having made his name known over the past several years, it’s easy to forget that the diminutive Dutch player is still so young. Given the direction Liverpool are going and the success Slot has already had with elevating his countrymen to new levels, this could be one to keep an eye on as the market looms large.

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Looking at the promotion-chasing Leeds United side at the moment, it could be argued that the defensive unit will prove vital if the club are to return to the Premier League.

Of course, the only goalscorer during the Whites’ recent 1-0 triumph over Middlesbrough was 56-time Wales international Daniel James, yet the imperious centre-back duo on the night, consisting of both Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, helped to keep the 22nd clean sheet of the season.

Whilst Daniel Farke will be glad a shut-out and a victory was secured at the Riverside Stadium courtesy of those named, he will be worried about the injury status of Pascal Struijk all the same, with the Leeds captain out again with another serious knock.

Struijk's importance at Leeds

After all, the 25-year-old centre-back just seems to be cursed with constant setbacks in this department.

Last season, Struijk was only fit enough for 25 clashes in all competitions owing to a recurring groin concern, with a new development now revealing that the reliable number five could miss the rest of this season with a potential foot fracture.

This would be a demoralising blow for Farke and Co, considering Struijk has popped up with five crucial goals this campaign from 35 Championship contests, including bagging a double against Sunderland in February to clinch a late win.

Moreover, the injury-prone defender has been dogged at the back away from these goalscoring heroics by collecting a hefty 14 clean sheets.

Whilst Ampadu is a sterling option in the short-term, Leeds aren’t exactly blessed with numbers in the centre-back spots with Struijk sidelined, making the decision to let this rising defensive star leave last summer for just £4m look more bemusing by the minute.

Leeds may have sold a £50m star in the making

Looking more long-term too, there had been rumours in the not-so-distant past that Struijk could leave Elland Road behind, with Serie A side Torino keen admirers.

Therefore, having more bodies at the back in the here and now would be extremely handy in preparing for this possible outcome, with Charlie Cresswell an ideal face to have around to shore up the promotion candidates even more defensively.

The former Whites number five would never quite make the grade at a senior level for his boyhood employers, despite having an “excellent” loan spell at fellow second tier side Millwall during the 2022/23 campaign – as it was labelled by Lions boss at the time Gary Rowell – which bumped up his experience of the testing division.

Much like his 6 foot 3 counterpart, Cresswell showed on loan at the Den that he had an eye for goal with five strikes tallied up from 30 appearances, meaning he could have been the perfect long-term successor to Struijk.

But, regardless of this standout spell in the English capital, the Preston-born titan would never make it at Elland Road, unfortunately, with only 14 senior chances handed to him before a bold £4m move to French outfit Toulouse came to fruition.

This left-field switch to Ligue 1 has worked in Cresswell’s favour, however, when glancing at his impressive FBref numbers below, with direct comparisons to be made between the 22-year-old’s improving game in France and Dean Huijsen’s current breakout season at AFC Bournemouth – the Cherries star noted among the most similar defenders to the Preston native across Europe’s top five leagues.

Attempted passes

54.58

59.81

85.57

Pass completion %

82.5%

84.1%

90.1%

Progressive passes

2.40

4.49

6.15

Progressive carries

0.34

1.45

1.18

Shot-creating actions

0.88

1.64

1.34

Tackles

1.39

1.54

1.05

Interceptions

1.01

2.10

0.89

Blocks

1.64

1.50

0.80

Clearances

6.76

6.78

4.49

Aerials won

3.57

2.71

3.60

Looking at the table above, Cresswell – who was dubbed “amazing” by Jesse Marsch in the past – isn’t a million miles off matching the £50m-rated Huijsen in various aspects of his defensive game, on top of also managing to better Strujjk in some defensive basics.

Therefore, if Leeds had just exercised more patience and didn’t offload the 22-year-old for £4m, they would already have a ready-made Struijk replacement to further boost their depth ahead of the edgy promotion run-in.

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