Chelsea hold talks with Ajax chief as BlueCo step up move to sign £42m star

Ahead of what could be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have now reportedly held direct talks with one European club chief over signing a £42m defender.

Chelsea making summer transfer plans

As ever, the Blues will be ones to watch this summer. Even as their Champions League qualification remains unconfirmed, those at Stamford Bridge are likely to be in a position to splash the cash in an attempt to finally put a side together capable of taking Chelsea back into the Premier League title picture.

With the summer transfer window fast-approaching too, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast. Names such as Ollie Watkins and Dean Huijsen have particularly been mentioned among the headlines in recent weeks and there’s no denying that both would hand Enzo Maresca key upgrades at opposite ends of his strongest side.

Watkins would be a particularly interesting arrival thanks to his place at Aston Villa – a direct rival for Champions League qualification. A proven goalscorer in the Premier League, the England international could finally be the answer to the Blues’ striker problems if he decides to swap the Midlands for the London club this summer.

In pursuit of a rival star, to say that Champions League qualification would go a long way towards luring such players to Stamford Bridge would be a major understatement – especially if it means that Aston Villa miss out on a place.

Whilst it’s easy for the Blues to get ahead of themselves, however, Maresca chose to remain fairly grounded when quizzed on the frantic top five battle – telling reporters: “The mood is good and I’ve said for a few weeks now that it’s a matter of how we manage emotions until the end [of the season],’ the Blues head coach explained.

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“When we win games, we are happy and when we don’t win, we’re not happy. But it’ll be a race until the end and we need to manage the emotions. In this moment, the main thing is to watch ourselves and be focused on ourselves. This is the main point. For sure, there are more clubs involved [in the top-five race] but for us, it’s important to stay focused on ourselves.”

Chelsea step up move to sign Hato

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, BlueCo have reportedly been busy. According to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij on De Telegraaf’s Kick Off podcast, Chelsea have now held direct talks with Ajax chief Alex Kroes over signing Jorrel Hato this summer.

The teenage full-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Netherlands and BlueCo are now reportedly set to step up their chase for his signature in a deal worth £42m this summer. Adding competition for Marc Cucurella in the process, Hato would go a long way towards handing Maresca a complete squad.

Praised for an “excellent” season by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hato looks likely to be one to watch as Chelsea push to welcome yet another young talent this summer.

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Chelsea chiefs hold a private belief that one “sensational” player will make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer, following the club’s decision to offer him a tempting contract.

Chelsea suffer damaging 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United

The race for Champions League qualification is the tightest and most enthralling we’ve seen in years, with six teams involved in a narrow top-five battle which could see any one of them drop out in the final two Premier League games of the season.

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The Blues are ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini May 11, 2025

Chelsea acquired some breathing room between themselves and sixth place after their excellent win over champions Liverpool, but immediately followed up that result with a damaging 2-0 loss to Newcastle at St. James’ Park over the weekend.

Sandro Tonali opened the scoring inside two minutes, kickstarting the uphill contest awaiting Enzo Maresca’s men, with striker Nicolas Jackson then compounding Chelsea’s misery by receiving a red card on 36 minutes.

Chelsea’s final Premier League fixtures

Date

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

They remained in the game until the dying seconds, with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes sealing a precious three points for Newcastle. Chelsea remain in the top five on goal difference alone, making their final matches against Man United and Nottingham Forest absolute must-wins.

The race for Europe is absolutely vital in more ways than one, with their success set to have an influence over their transfer plans for the summer as well.

Chelsea manager EnzoMarescalooks on before the match

Beyond this season, Chelsea are competing in the Club World Cup and reportedly want to bolster their squad before the tournament kicks off.

According to widespread reports from reliable media sources, Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen is a very serious target for Maresca’s side as they seek to reinforce their central defensive options.

Chelsea have already held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, and some reports claim they’re moving in with an attractive proposal for the 20-year-old, one which he personally likes (Simon Phillips).

Huijsen’s £50 million release clause has piqued interest from a host of English rivals and beyond, but it appears BlueCo are making real moves for the ex-Serie A defender, and want a deal done “by the end of May” (Fabrizio Romano).

Chelsea convinced Huijsen will join with "lucrative" contract offer

Now, TEAMtalk have backed up previous reports that Chelsea are ready to tempt Huijsen with an offer, providing further background on this evolving story.

The outlet reports that Chelsea’s offer to Huijsen will be a “lucrative” seven-year contract, and he’s responding “positively” to their eagerness. Those within Stamford Bridge are also convinced that he’ll choose to join them over rival clubs.

While they haven’t won the race for his signature just yet, with Real Madrid described as a threat in particular, Chelsea view themselves as serious frontrunners to sign the Bournemouth sensation after his impressive debut campaign in England.

Dubbed a “sensational” centre-back prospect by members of the media (Ben Mattinson), the intense race for his services is a clear indicator that elite club insiders see Huijsen as a potentially world-class addition, both for now and the long-term.

Better than Kvistgaarden: Celtic could sign 23-goal "sensation"

Celtic lost their first-choice number nine in the January transfer window at the start of the year when they opted to sell Kyogo Furuhashi to Ligue 1 side Rennes.

The Hoops cashed in on the Japan international and went with Adam Idah, Johnny Kenny, and Daizen Maeda as their number nine options, instead of swooping for a replacement in the window.

Brendan Rodgers is seemingly in the market to sign a new number nine ahead of next season, though, as it was recently reported that the club are expected to make a new move for Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgarden.

Why Celtic want to sign Mathias Kvistgaarden

The Denmark youth international is a long-term target for Celtic, who wanted to sign him in January and remain keen ahead of the summer, and that is because he has been in terrific form for his club.

Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup

Kvistgaarden scored 23 goals in all competitions for Brondby in the 2024/25 campaign, which included a return of 17 goals in the Danish Superliga, and scored ten goals in 28 matches the previous season.

As you can see in the post from talent scout Jacek Kulig below, which was last month, the 23-year-old attacker has improved year-on-year with his current team.

The Danish marksman is a striker who is on the up and coming off the back of an impressive season, which is why he would be an attractive target for the Scottish giants heading into the summer window.

However, it has also been reported that Brondby are sticking to their valuation of at least £10m for the attacker. This means that the Hoops would have to splash the cash to bring him to Parkhead to bolster their attacking options.

Transfer Focus

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

With this in mind, Celtic could look elsewhere to find more value for money, and they could find it by signing reported target Youssef El Kachati.

Why Celtic should sign Youssef El Kachati

The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that the Scottish Premiership champions are tracking the Telstar forward as a potential free agent signing, as his contract with the Dutch club is due to expire.

El Kachati, who is due to play in the play-off final for Telstar this evening, has scored 23 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for his team this season, matching Kvistgaarden’s return.

The 25-year-old attacker, who played for Morocco at U23 level, has scored 82 goals in 189 matches throughout his career in Dutch football, which shows that he has been a consistent scorer throughout his time at first-team and academy level.

His form in the 2024/25 campaign also suggests that the potential is there for him to be an even better signing than Kvistgaarden if he can translate his form over to Scottish football as a bargain free agent addition.

24/25 season

Kvistgaarden (Superliga)

El Kachati (Eerste Divisie)

Appearances

29

37

Goals

17

19

Big chances missed

17

12

Big chances created

5

6

Assists

5

5

Dribbles completed per game

0.7

1.0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Dutch-born forward has a more impressive ‘big chance’ conversion rate, scoring two more goals whilst missing five fewer ‘big chances’.

This suggests that El Kachati, described as a “sensation” by journalist Mounir Boualin, has the potential to deliver more effective performances in front of goal in a Celtic shirt as a finisher.

The Telstar marksman has also added three goals in four play-off matches on top of those 19 goals during the regular season, taking his league tally to 22 in total – five more than Kvistgaarden managed for Brondby.

With this in mind, the potential is there for Celtic to land an even better signing than the Danish attacker, valued at £10m, by swooping for this bargain free agent star who has been incredibly prolific in the Dutch second tier.

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1 ByDan Emery May 27, 2025

Leeds looking to sign "unbelievable" £15m star who'd be Bogle 2.0

Leeds United have a huge task on their hands over the summer as they look to try and beat the drop in the Premier League throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The Whites managed to secure the Championship title after posting a staggering 100 points total, winning the league on goal difference after Manor Solomon’s strike against Plymouth Argyle secured a final day win.

However, despite Daniel Farke securing promotion from England’s second tier for the third time, he faces the prospect of keeping the Yorkshire outfit in the top-flight next season – something which he’s failed to do in his two previous attempts.

The board have backed him in recent weeks, handing him the chance to spend around £100m on new additions to bridge the gap and build a competitive squad.

With the window opening last Sunday, work has already commenced behind the scenes to hand the manager the players he craves, with numerous players emerging as key targets this summer.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Leeds will need additions in all areas of the pitch to hand themselves the best chance of survival next season, but it’s crucial they sign quality over quantity in their quest.

Gustavo Hamer, Sam Johnstone and Sean Longstaff have all been touted with a summer switch to Elland Road, but as of yet no deals have yet been completed in Yorkshire.

Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff

However, it appears as though another name has been mentioned in recent days, with Ipswich Town centre-back Dara O’Shea on their radar, according to The Irish Sun.

Their report claims that the Whites are weighing up a move for the Ireland international, who won the Tractor Boys’ Player of the Season award despite suffering relegation.

It also states that Wolves and Burnley are interested in a move for the 26-year-old, who cost a fee in the region of £15m less than 12 months ago – with the defender wanting to stay in England’s top flight next season.

Why Leeds’ £15m target could be the next Bogle

Jayden Bogle has thrived beyond the imagination of all supporters at Leeds this season, playing a crucial role at both ends of the pitch during the club’s title-winning campaign.

Jayden Bogle

The 24-year-old joined the Whites in a £5m deal from Sheffield United, looking to fill the void at right-back after academy star Archie Gray departed for Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the defender made a huge impact at the back, helping the side concede just 30 times in their 46 league outings, with Burnley the only side to concede fewer.

He also impressed in attacking areas, registering 10 combined goals and assists, which included six goals – with his most notable effort coming in the 2-0 win away at Coventry City.

The fee paid for his signature now appears to be somewhat of a bargain, with the club having the opportunity to replicate such a deal with O’Shea this summer.

The Irishman would be the next player to join the Whites from a side relegated from the Premier League, looking to cement their place in the backline – just as Bogle has in recent months.

O’Shea, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former boss Slaven Bilic, has also managed to have an impact in forward areas, registering two assists for Kieran McKenna’s side, but ultimately not enough to keep them in the division.

Dara O’Shea’s stats for Ipswich in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

35

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

80%

Dribble success

50%

Tackles won

63%

Aerials won

3.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Duels won

5.8

Stats via FotMob

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 80% of the passes he attempted, while registering a 50% dribble success rate – having the tools to play out from the back should Farke need him to.

The defender has also won 63% of the tackles he entered this season, whilst winning 3.8 aerials per 90, handing the side the added defensive quality they need to survive the drop in the Premier League.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Irishman will set them back this summer, he has the tools to bolster Farke’s ranks and play a key role should he move to Elland Road.

Given the interest from other sides in the division, they will need to act quickly to avoid missing out on his signature and subsequently improving a rival in their hunt for survival.

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1 ByDan Emery Jun 5, 2025

The dream XI Frank could build at Spurs: £68m "superstar" & new Mbeumo sign

It truly was the best and the worst of times for Tottenham Hotspur last season, and though Ange Postecoglou drove his side to glory in the Europa League, his wretched Premier League form led Daniel Levy to give him the boot.

Though there has been an outpouring of rueful emotion following the news, and though Ange will likely feel aggrieved after ending 17 years of searching for silverware in north London, finishing 17th in the league was unacceptable.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou

It is, of course, crucial that Spurs use this critical juncture as a launching pad for future fortunes, taking Postecoglou’s foundations and building sustainable success.

Mooted managerial targets such as Fulham’s Marco Silva and former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has since led Chelsea, don’t quite speak of a step in the right direction.

But Brentford’s Thomas Frank certainly does.

Talks are advancing for Brentford’s boss, with the Lilywhites growing in confidence that a deal will be reached now the 51-year-old has informed his club of his wish to depart.

Change, then, is afoot. With Levy moving swiftly to get a deal done, Tottenham are expected to make changes to the first team.

Let’s have a look at exactly how Frank might put his stamp on his new team.

1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario has suffered through his second season in a Tottenham shirt, but he kept a clean sheet in Bilbao and made a crucial save in the dying embers of the match.

With so much going on elsewhere, it looks like the Italian will continue to ward off competition from Antonín Kinský.

2 RB – Pedro Porro

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid ended Pedro Porro’s chance of moving to the Spanish capital, and though it’s been an up-and-down campaign for the right-back, he’s still an impactful and dynamic talent.

For sure, Djed Spence will be knocking on his door, but Frank’s more stable defensive game could actually see Porro go from strength to strength.

3 CB – Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match

Marc Guehi is a wanted man. Tottenham are on the case, but so too are Liverpool and Newcastle United believed to be suitors for the centre-back.

Cristian Romero is being linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine is world-class, but routinely injured, and Guehi could wipe the slate clean.

Prem 24/25 – Marc Guehi vs Cristian Romero

Stats (* per game)

Guehi

Romero

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

18 (18)

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

0

Clean sheets

11

2

Touches*

64.9

78.8

Pass completion

84%

90%

Key passes*

0.5

0.4

Ball recoveries*

4.3

5.0

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

3.1

Clearances*

4.6

2.9

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

4.9 (61%)

Errors made

2

2

Stats via Sofascore

Worth as much as £70m, Guehi would cost a pretty penny, but his technical and defensive qualities and rare absences highlight his aptness as Romero’s heir. The best ability is availability, after all.

4 CB – Micky van de Ven

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven

Romero may get sold, particularly with Ange now gone, but Micky van de Ven will be going nowhere. Athletic, imposing and a progressive passer, his form and fitness could see him become a defining linchpin of the prospective Frank era.

5 LB – Destiny Udogie

Tottenham full-back Destiny Udogie.

Only starting four Premier League matches in 2025 due to injury, Destiny Udogie hasn’t elicited the awe of football fans this year, but still remains one of the most powerful and high-potential defenders across Europe.

Recent interest from Manchester City, before Pep Guardiola’s side moved for Rayan Ait-Nouri, indicates the strength of his skill set and how he could still become a first-class full-back.

Improvements, though, need to be seen. Perhaps he could take influence from how Frank crafted Rico Henry into a better player in west London.

6 CM – Lucas Bergvall

It’s crazy to think Lucas Bergvall is still only 19, thrown right into the deep end last season, playing 45 matches across all competitions.

The Swedish talent will only continue to improve, and if he takes the right steps, could become a fixed feature in Tottenham’s senior squad.

7 CM – Morten Hjulmand

Morten Hjulmand for Sporting Lisbon

TEAMtalk believe Tottenham are ready to make their move for Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand, who is also wanted by Man United. The Dane could cost around £50m.

Neither Rodrigo Bentancur nor Yves Bissouma have really cut the mustard, and both strugglers are on the verge of entering their final year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hjulmand is tenacious and a tough tackler, more of a natural six than the aforementioned, and he might just prove a huge difference-maker.

8 RW – Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane may end up leaving Bayern Munich this summer, and should the German winger do so, Tottenham could reportedly be there to tempt him back to the Premier League.

Though the 29-year-old has lost some of his raw pace (37th in the Bundesliga for highest-clocked speed last term), he still scored 11 goals from just 17 league starts.

This could be Frank’s new Mbeumo…

9 AM – Dejan Kulusevski

Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski celebrates

Dejan Kulusevski had surgery on a patella injury last month and will be sidelined for several months, but he’s still one of the most important players down N17.

He might not be as naturally prolific as James Maddison, but Deki’s industriousness and ball retention have seen him step toward the upper echelon of top midfielders, and he may well keep the Three Lions star on the bench.

10 LW – Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace.

Aside from keeping Postecoglou in the dugout, this could be the summer-defining move. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has been heavily linked with Tottenham of late, and with a £68m release clause, could mark the marquee move of the off-season.

FA Cup “superstar” – as he’s been described by football analyst Ben Mattinson – Eze would be an incredible addition, replacing Heung-min Son at left wing. Son scored himself a fairytale ending by winning the Europa League, but recent reports suggest a fee could be generated for the 32-year-old, who is the latest high-profile Saudi Pro League target.

Eze’s pace and silky athleticism would prove the perfect way to replace the legendary skipper, that and his potency, posting 14 goals and 11 assists across the campaign.

Chelsea plot new talks for "quick" player with £46m duo up for sale

Chelsea are planning to overhaul a key area of Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer, with BlueCo looking to sell two players and potentially open new talks for an elite-level star.

Chelsea continue transfer planning after botched CWC deals

In high-profile fashion, Chelsea missed out on a couple of anticipated deals before the pre-Club World Cup transfer deadline at 7pm on Tuesday.

Chelsea are in ongoing talks with Neymar-like forward – Sky journalist

The west Londoners are still working beyond the Club World Cup transfer deadline.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

While Chelsea do have the arrival of Liam Delap to celebrate, with the English sensation set to bolster Maresca’s forward options for the CWC, the Blues couldn’t quite get Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens or AC Milan’s Mike Maignan over the line.

The former was a top target for Maresca in the wide area, and Chelsea did their utmost to make it happen – lodging three different offers in the build up to Tuesday’s deadline, only for Dortmund to reject them all and demand more money (Florian Plettenberg).

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea went as high as £47 million in their bid to sign Gittens, but it was no use, with the west Londoners deciding to walk away from talks once it was clear a deal could not be done in time.

Their attempts to sign Maignan were equally frustrating.

Milan wanted around £25 million to sell the France international, who’s about to enter the final year of his contract and won’t sign a new one, but Chelsea were only willing to pay up to £13 million, meaning no agreement could be found (The Athletic).

AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts

Given the 29-year-old’s pedigree as, arguably, one of the world’s finest keepers and France’s undisputed number one, there is frustration among Chelsea supporters that they didn’t stump up the cash for a player who would’ve undoubtedly been an upgrade on their current crop.

Maignan was also known to be very keen on a move to Chelsea, and for just £25m, the shot-stopper could’ve been a serious bargain.

However, their transfer plans are continuing into the summer, with reliable journalist Simon Phillips suggesting that a move for Maignan certainly isn’t off the cards.

Chelsea could hold new Mike Maignan talks next week

The Blues want to sell both Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, with Chelsea reportedly valuing the latter at around £21 million. Sanchez joined the club for around £25 million from Brighton, and you’d Chelsea would want to recuperate a large portion of that fee.

With the £46 million duo up for sale, one source has told Phillips that Chelsea could even reopen talks for Maignan as early as next week.

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

“They held talks with Milan, Maignan wants the move, and Chelsea actually believed they were about to sign him with a fee agreement close,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“AC Milan moved the goalposts on the fee in the final stages and that was enough for Chelsea to back out, for now.

“However, they are likely to go back for Maignan. I know initially we heard yesterday that they wouldn’t be going back for him at all. But after further digging by our sources last night, we’ve heard that Chelsea are now likely to revisit this deal later in the summer window. One source even suggests they could go back in for talks as soon as next week.

“Chelsea don’t want to be pushed over in negotiations so some of this is about sending messages as well as not appearing desperate to land a new goalkeeper.

“And that is because they want to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez this summer. Obviously this needs suitors and those suitors to pay the valuations to make this happen, but this is their intentions.”

Called “one of the best” keepers in world football by Alisson, the Liverpool star also heralded Maignan’s “quick” burst of pace off the line, and a truly quality number one could be one of the final missing pieces of Maresca’s jigsaw.

Naib orchestrates Afghanistan's historic win over Australia

Earlier, Cummins had bagged a second consecutive hat-trick, but it would be overshadowed by Afghanistan’s big day

Deivarayan Muthu23-Jun-2024

Gulbadin Naib and his team-mates celebrate a review going their way•ICC/Getty Images

With a semi-final spot on the line, Australia’s top order was wiped out by Afghanistan’s seamers.Glenn Maxwell then pulled off one trick shot after another to counter Afghanistan and leave them feeling a sense of déjà vu. One shovelled four off Azmatullah Omarzai had Maxwell grinning from ear to ear. After he brought up a 35-ball half-century, Maxwell put his thumbs-up to the Australia dressing room and looked set to secure their place in the final four and KO Afghanistan once again.Related

'Everything pointed towards Agar' – Marsh on Starc's omission against Afghanistan

Stats – Afghanistan's maiden win against Australia in any format

Cummins makes history with back-to-back hat-tricks: 'Remembered this one'

Gulbadin Naib, though, combined with Noor Ahmad to stop Maxwell on 59 off 41 balls and keep Afghanistan alive in this T20 World Cup. After Naib hid one away from Maxwell’s swinging arc, Noor pulled off a spectacular, low catch at backward point. Maxwell’s exit left Australia at 106 for 6 in the 15th over, still needing 43 off 32 balls on the St Vincent pitch that offered sharp turn and variable bounce.Naib used those conditions to his advantage to come away with career-best T20I figures of 4 for 20 to help bowl Australia out for 127. Brought in as their eighth bowler, Naib took out Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Pat Cummins to headline Afghanistan’s famous victory, their first over Australia across formats.Earlier, Cummins had bagged a hat-trick in consecutive World Cup games, and almost got four in four, but this was indeed Naib and Afghanistan’s day.Rahmanullah Gurbaz celebrates that winning feeling with Azmatullah Omarzai•AFP/Getty Images

The opening actRahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran struck up their third century stand in this tournament – they became the first pair to do so in any T20I series – to set Afghanistan up for a competitive total.Both openers made half-centuries, leaving Australia waiting until the 16th over for a breakthrough. Never have Australia had to wait that long for a wicket in T20Is.Gurbaz and Ibrahim had played out 21 dots in the first four overs in which they managed only 17. But in the next two overs they more than doubled the score, ending the powerplay on 40 for 0.Gurbaz then jumped out of his crease and pumped Adam Zampa for a straight six while Ibrahim manufactured swinging room and crunched Ashton Agar over cover-point for four. Australia had picked the left-arm fingerspinner, ahead of Mitchell Starc, to match him up with a right-hander heavy Afghanistan line-up on a spin-friendly surface, but he went wicketless (4-1-17-0).Gurbaz and Ibrahim largely played percentage shots to counter the conditions and Australia’s attack. Ibrahim could’ve been dismissed on 11 had Zampa not dropped a difficult chance in the outfield; he ended up parrying it away to the boundary. Ibrahim got another life on 32 when Stoinis shelled a return catch. Australia continued to be uncharacteristically sloppy in the field, and Afghanistan capitalised on the many missed chances.The comebackCummins led Australia’s comeback at the death by claiming his second hat-trick in three days. On Saturday in St Vincent, he dismissed Rashid Khan, Karim Janat and Naib across the 18th and 20th overs. When he performed the feat against Bangladesh, Cummins said that he forgot he was on a hat-trick, but on Saturday against Afghanistan, he was aware of it, putting his hands up in celebration even before Maxwell had caught the ball. Cummins could’ve well had four in four had David Warner not dropped Nangeyalia Kharote off the next ball. From 118 for 0 in the 16th over, Afghanistan finished with 148 for 6, and it was anyone’s game at the halfway mark.Pat Cummins dismissed Gulbadin Naib to complete his second T20I hat-trick•AFP/Getty Images

Naveen’s double-strikeAfghanistan have become used to Fazalhaq Farooqi striking repeatedly in the powerplay, but here it was Naveen-ul-Haq who wrecked Australia’s top order. After taking the first two balls away from Travis Head, Naveen threatened to bring one back into the batter with the angle from around the wicket, but the ball swung and seamed away wickedly to make Head look silly and crash into the middle stump. In his next over, Naveen had Mitchell Marsh slicing a catch to mid-off with a 108kph slower ball that would’ve done Dwayne Bravo, the Afghanistan bowling consultant and Naveen’s team-mate at Texas Super Kings, proud.

Hello again, MaxwellAustralia were 16 for 2 in three overs. Enter Maxwell. He set to work with two fours off Omarzai in a space of three balls and then dumped rookie left-arm spinner Kharote out of the attack. He first reverse-swept Kharote past slip for four and slog-swept him powerfully over midwicket in a 13-run over. Kharote was done with the ball after just one over.Maxwell also took some calculated risks against Rashid and kept Australia in touch with the asking rate. When he reached his half-century with a six off Naib, the ghosts of Mumbai 2023 might have resurfaced for Afghanistan.Naib flexes his musclesNaib, though, helped them exorcise the ghosts.Australia were 94 for 5 in 13 overs, with Maxwell and finisher Wade in the middle. Naib had already removed Stoinis and David in his first two overs. He wasn’t even part of Afghanistan’s Plan A. With the spinners erring full, especially against Maxwell, Rashid turned to Naib, who responded with two more wickets.Naib doesn’t have high pace, but he kept hitting the surface and had the ball react differently off it. After getting rid of Maxwell in his third over, he flexed his muscles and let out an almighty roar that might have been heard in Kabul. The Afghanistan fans in St Vincent roared with their hero and waved the flags.In his final over, Naib fooled Cummins with a slower cutter before Naveen and Omarzai sealed the deal for Afghanistan.

A bigger blow than Quansah: Liverpool star looks set to leave in £40m deal

Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after they won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in England, having joined from Feyenoord last summer.

The Reds boss has already added Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster his squad, whilst Milos Kerkez is set to be confirmed as their latest signing from Bournemouth.

These moves show that the Reds want to build on their success to push on and compete for even more trophies in Slot’s second season at Anfield.

Of course, signing new stars in several positions also means that some players may have to be moved on to make space in the squad, as Jarell Quansah is reportedly set to leave the club.

Jarell Quansah for Liverpool

Fabrizio Romano claims that Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal that could be worth up to £35m to sign the England U21 international this summer.

Why selling Jarell Quansah makes sense for Liverpool

Selling a homegrown, 22-year-old, England U21 international may not make much sense at face value, given that he is valuable for the homegrown quota and has plenty of room left to improve.

However, the Reds are in win-now mode after their Premier League success and with the likes of Alisson, Mo Salah, and Virgil van Dijk in the latter stages of their respective careers.

Unfortunately, Quansah has not proven that he has the quality to be a key player when called upon in the Premier League for Liverpool, given his performances for the team in the 2024/25 campaign.

The English youngster was handed a start against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the top-flight season, but was hauled off for Ibrahima Konate at half-time.

After the match, Slot explained that it was because he lost too many duels, telling TNT Sports: “First thing I said is we don’t have to speak about tactics if we lose so many duels and that was what we did. Not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels. But I think we needed Ibou Konate to win these long balls in the air from their No.9.”

24/25 Premier League

Jarell Quansah

Appearances

13

Starts

4

Error led to shot

1

Error led to goal

0

Penalties committed

1

Ground duel success rate

47%

Aerial duel success rate

41%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, losing duels was a theme for Quansah throughout the Premier League campaign, as he lost the majority of his battles on the ground and in the air.

The 22-year-old defender, who has lost 53% of his ground duels in the U21 Euros for England this summer, has not shown enough strength as a centre-back to compete week-in-week-out for Liverpool, which is why cashing in on him makes sense at this moment in time.

Premier League club eyeing up Liverpool midfielder

Quansah may not be the only England U21 international to move on from Anfield before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as Harvey Elliott is now being eyed up by a Premier League.

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 Football Insider, Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in a move to sign the former Fulham prodigy from Liverpool to bolster their midfield options.

The report claims that the Seagulls are confident that they can agree a deal with the Reds to bring the left-footed star over to the AMEX this summer, and that they are one of the frontrunners to land his signature.

Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool

It adds that Brighton are capable of matching Liverpool’s £40m valuation of the English playmaker, and it now remains to be seen when they will make an official swoop for his services.

Why Harvey Elliott would be a bigger loss than Jarell Quansah

Losing Elliott would be a bigger blow than losing Quansah this summer because he is more suited to making an impact on the pitch in the here and now.

Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool

As aforementioned, the central defender has been disappointing when called upon at the back for the Reds, which is why it makes sense to move him on, but that has not been the case with the attacking midfielder.

When given opportunities to impress, the 22-year-old star has shown plenty of promise for the Reds, with five goals and three assists in 28 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.

The England U21 international, who has scored two goals in four games at the Euros this summer, also produced four goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Reds in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.

Vs attacking midfielders & wingers in the Big 5 Leagues

Last 365 days

Harvey Elliott p90

Percentile rank

Non-penalty goals

0.66

Top 1%

Assists

0.33

Top 14%

npxG + xAG

0.60

Top 15%

Shot-creating actions

4.48

Top 23%

Progressive passes

8.80

Top 2%

Passes made

64.76

Top 2%

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Elliott has been particularly impressive over the past 365 days when called upon by Slot, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of attacking and possession-based metrics.

These statistics show that the young attacking midfielder offers a lot of value on the ball as a player who can score and create goals, whilst also progressing the play with his passes, which is why it would be a blow to lose him from the squad this summer.

Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool

Whilst he may not be a frontline option who is likely to start 50 games next season, his form in the last couple of years shows that he is a very good squad player who can be relied upon when needed, as a starter or off the bench.

This is why losing him to Brighton this summer would be a bigger blow than Quansah’s move to Leverkusen, as the centre-back has not proven himself to be as valuable to the team.

He'd be unplayable with Gordon: Liverpool submit bid to sign £64m forward

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025

Arsenal's next Auba: Berta opens talks for "one of the best CFs in Europe"

Arsenal haven’t had the rip-roaring start to the summer transfer window that their fans perhaps wanted, but the cogs are starting to churn as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta plan to make improvements.

Across the past three Premier League seasons, the Gunners have finished second each time. Some might ridicule Arteta for failing to reach that final level, but were Arsenal not toiling in the pits before they arrived? And have they not rediscovered themselves as a European superpower?

Arsenal manager MikelArteta

We’re just lacking that special… something. The Emirates side have endured their share of frustration through recent transfer windows, and another disappointing finish this summer could derail a lot of progress.

Time was, Arsenal were defined by their incredible focal frontmen, but that now needs to change. It’s often futile to pinpoint exactitudes in regard to a club’s transfer strategy, but it’s clear that Arsenal’s problems could be halved through the signing of a new centre-forward.

The latest on Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal are planning to sign a new striker this summer. It’s their principal priority. There’s just cause for excitement in regard to Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, but such bids won’t be in lieu of a new number nine.

But we can’t deny that it’s taking its time. The summer saga has centred on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, who is expected to leave Sporting Lisbon but has been left dismayed by his outfit’s stance on his leaving fee.

BBC Sport understand Arsenal have yet to find a breakthrough with Sesko or Leipzig, while the 27-year-old Gyokeres might indeed prove too expensive.

Advancements with either forward may well occur in the coming weeks, but the Gunners may well turn to an alternative option ahead of the beginning of pre-season.

He’s come close to north London before.

Arsenal open talks for new striker

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with both clubs making contact with their Premier League counterpart.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal saw a £40m offer rejected for the England international back in January, but could now return as they look to seal a new striker sooner rather than later.

It’s thought that the Villans value the 29-year-old at £60m, a figure that the north Londoners were unwilling to pay earlier in the year.

If the package can be reduced, there’s every chance a figure could be tabled.

Why Arsenal want Ollie Watkins

The issue with both Sesko and Gyokeres is that neither boasts experience in the Premier League – and that’s an important part of determining who’s the right pick.

In Watkins, Arsenal would sign a player who is proven at the very highest level, having scored 75 goals and provided 36 assists across 184 Premier League matches, who bears the stylistic qualities befitting a Gunners talisman – indeed, skills found in the game of both Sesko and Gyokeres.

But the same could be said for a former star in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who signed for Arsenal in January 2018 for £60m – level with Villa’s asking price for Watkins – and went on to score 92 goals and provide 21 assists across 163 appearances, a remarkable run of prolific performances that led to triumph in the FA Cup too.

In his pomp, the Gabonese icon was electric, intelligent and as clinical as you like. The right-footer also found success when peeling off the left, which is a role Watkins has played many a time for Unai Emery’s side.

The Three Lions star might be a goalscorer first and foremost, but he’s also a well-rounded forward, having ranked among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for assists and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Moreover, he’s something of a veteran at 29, which is similarly the case with Aubameyang, who joined the Premier League aged 28 and hit the ground running, calling upon all his experience and athleticism to post ten goals and four assists over his opening 13 matches in the division.

While Watkins is coming off the back of a campaign that left something to be desired, he still scored 17 goals and chalked up 14 more assists across all competitions, with his exploits rightly seeing podcaster Rohan Jivan name him “one of the best CFs in Europe.”

This is certainly underscored by his impressive track record (across all competitions) against the Premier League’s historic ‘big six’, having notably bagged six times over 11 matches against Arsenal, a statistic that will no doubt dredge up some off-putting memories for the club’s fanbase.

They say that if you can’t beat them, join them, but in Arsenal’s case, if they can’t stop Watkins from scoring, why not just sign him?

There is, of course, more to it than that, but Watkins’ goalscoring record against high-level opposition does underscore his suitability.

That and a consistent goalscoring record that would see Arsenal return to the striking success of old, when Aubameyang last plied his trade in an Arsenal shirt.

Arsenal – Premier League Top Scorers by Season

Season

Player

Goals

24/25

Kai Havertz

9

23/24

Bukayo Saka

16

22/23

Martin Odegaard

15

21/22

Bukayo Saka

11

20/21

Alexandre Lacazette

13

19/20

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

22

Stats via Transfermarkt

Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe, but they lack the deadly goalscorer of their domestic and continental rivals. Bukayo Saka is world-class, but he’s not an out-and-out striker.

And though Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been out injured for a while, neither boasts the true clinical edge needed.

Watkins is a veteran, but so was Aubameyang when the mobile, high-speed star came over way back when. Imagine Auba in this current Gunners team? Such dreams may be realised if Watkins signs this summer.

He's a lot like Saka: Arsenal "working on" signing £50m star – Ornstein

The international attacker could add some more flair to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 3, 2025

Liam Dawson turns up the heat to seal Hampshire's high-speed run-chase

Kent battle back to post 180-run final-afternoon target, but it is hunted down in style

ECB Reporters Network03-Jul-2024

Liam Dawson steers into the off side•PA Images via Getty Images

Liam Dawson produced a remarkable innings of 56 in 29 balls to give Hampshire a sensational six-wicket in the Vitality County Championship victory over Kent.Hampshire were given 179 runs to chase in 31 overs, and after Toby Albert, Fletcha Middleton and James Vince had given them a flyer, Dawson made it a cakewalk.His two sixes and seven fours meant he completed the win in 23 overs to keep Hampshire in the title race with three wins in their last four matches.Kyle Abbott had taken a five-wicket haul while 84-maker Harry Finch had frustrated the hosts, but Kent remain winless in the Championship since May 3.Middleton and Albert remained as openers but hit their T20 switch to put on 41 in seven overs – coloured in with Middleton clearing long-on and Albert scooping Grant Stewart over the ropes.Albert edged behind but Vince carried on the momentum with 32 off 21 – which included a humungous slog sweep six.But Vince was yorked and Middleton was bamboozled by a pea-roller either side of a rain delay which lost one over.Nick Gubbins and Dawson initially put the power-hitting back in the locker, with the run-rate in hand, to focus on smart running and precision strikes.But then Dawson ran amok to terrorise Matt Parkinson and Nathan Gilchrist – whose figures were an unflattering one for 48 and one for 52 and included Dawson led overs which went for 14 and 19.Gubbins holed out but James Fuller got Hampshire over the line with seven overs to spare when he threw his bat at a wide delivery.Hampshire started the day needing eight wickets at the very least on the final day, with their lead a slender 30. But were a bowler down all day after Keith Barker pulled out of an over the previous evening, initially thought to be cramp.It was hardly helpful when Jack Leaning was dropped on 32 and 43, although only lasted two further balls after the second shelling when an attempted hook was glanced to wicketkeeper Ben Brown.That ended a 106-run partnership with Ben Compton, who had been a brick wall to frustrate Hampshire as long as possible, while also giving his side a slim chance of victory.His gritty stay ended when he was adjudged to have gloved the ball to short leg before Joey Evison was pinned by a delivery which stayed low from Fuller.What Compton had started with his 92, Harry Finch continued, initially at a quicker rate than his predecessor – especially during his 72-run stand with Tawanda Muyeye.The wicketkeeper-batter was the glue with the tail, as Leaning had been in the first innings, although Muyeye, Charlie Stobo and Grant Stewart all fell to the rampaging Abbott.Muyeye hit onto his own stumps, Stobo was undone by a beauty which hammered the top of off stump and Stewart was lbw to a full in-ducker.Finch was tigerish though as he reached 50 in 81 balls, and found company with Parkinson – who like the first innings helped add 44 for the ninth wicket.Parkinson tickled Mohammed Abbas behind but another 23-run stand for the last wicket further maddened a tetchy Hampshire before Abbott finally wrapped things up, via a Finch top edge and a juggling Vince. Abbott returning five for 85.The 179 should have been a test, but Hampshire won at a canter.

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