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Sri Lanka’s first goal, however, will be to be more competitive than they were in Durban

Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Dec-20244:28

Will Sri Lanka go in without a spinner in Gqeberha?

Big picture: Can Sri Lanka avoid another collapse?

The headline is that both teams are in with a shot at making the World Test Championship final, but neither have secured a place. Unhelpfully for South Africa, the WTC points system doesn’t reward hefty winning margins, so although they crushed Sri Lanka by 233 runs in Durban, it still only goes down as a simple win.Still, they have arrived in Gqeberha full of confidence. Another win here, and their path to that final clears up significantly. A win for Sri Lanka, meanwhile, would mean they have a chance of qualifying for the final without having to depend on other results. (They would also need to win the matches against Australia 2-0.)Their first goal, however, is to be more competitive than they were in Durban. Their batters, specifically, cannot allow another collapse to occur. Various members of the batting group have spoken about the challenge of facing South Africa’s tall quicks, on tracks that offer more bounce than they are used to at home. These coastal venues are not as bouncy as they tend to be in the Highveld, for instance, but have clearly presented more of a challenge than Sri Lanka expected. They’ll also hope that given the wind and sunshine forecast for Gqeberha for the next few days, the surface will dry out and bring spinners more meaningfully into the game.Related

• Kandamby backs experienced SL to make a strong comeback

• SA face selection conundrum amid injuries

• Chandimal takes on No. 3 challenge

• Injured Coetzee out of second Test and all-format Pakistan series

South Africa’s own batters were dismissed for 191 in the first innings in Kingsmead, but they have Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs coming into this Test in serious form, while Aiden Markram also got a decent innings under his belt at Kingsmead.South Africa’s concerns ahead of the Test centre around the make-up of their attack, with Wiaan Mulder and Gerald Coetzee both ruled out. They still have their spearheads in Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, however, who shared 14 wickets in the previous Test, Jansen getting 11 on his own.

Form guide

South Africa: WWWWD (last five Tests, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: LWWWLSouth Africa will be without Wiaan Mulder and Gerald Coetzee in Gqeberha•Gallo Images/Getty Images

In the spotlight: Tristan Stubbs and Lahiru Kumara

Test cricket must seem pretty straightforward so far to 24-year-old Tristan Stubbs. Eleven innings in, he’s got two centuries and a fifty, with an average of 43.90. While Bavuma was tentative in the approach to triple figures in Kingsmead, Stubbs raced through the 90s. He had had some luck in that innings, having been dropped on 33, but remained positive through his stay at the crease, pressing South Africa’s advantage alongside Bavuma. He will relish the opportunity to back that 122 up with a solid performance in his first Test in his home town.Lahiru Kumara is not always the most disciplined of Sri Lanka’s quicks, but he is their fastest bowler, and at Kingsmead, the most penetrative. He is on the verge of joining a fairly exclusive club. Sri Lanka have only ever had four seam bowlers get to 100 wickets – Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, and Dilhara Fernando. Kumara needs only one more dismissal to get up to triple figures. If Sri Lanka are to level the series, they will likely need Kumara to blow well past that milestone.

Team news

South Africa named their XI on match eve, with Ryan Rickelton and Dane Paterson coming in in place of Mulder and Coetzee. That means an extra batter, three seamers and a spinner.*South Africa: 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Tony de Zorzi, 3 Tristan Stubbs, 4 Temba Bavuma (capt), 5 David Bedingham, 6 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7 Ryan Rickelton, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Dane PatersonSri Lanka also have major decisions to make around their attack. Will they do what they did in Lord’s this year, and strap four fast bowlers to the plough? It’s a definite possibility, given Milan Rathnayake can also bat a bit. They also desperately want to find a place for Oshada Fernando, as Oshada had recently made 122 and 80 for Sri Lanka A in South Africa, and had also hit 75 not out at this venue in 2019. But who would make way for his inclusion?Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Dimuth Karuanaratne, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Angelo Mathews, 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), 7 Kusal Mendis (wk), 8 Prabath Jayasuriuya/ Milan Rathnayake, 9 Vishwa Fernando, 10 Asitha Fernando, 11 Lahiru KumaraLahiru Kumara is on the verge of 100 Test wickets•AFP/Getty Images

Pitch and conditions

The day before the match, the playing surface was covered with a hessian to prevent too much moisture loss as the drying wind was expected to pick up in the afternoon. There remained significant grass on the surface for the same reason. The groundsman has yet to decide how much will be cut on the morning of the match. The westerly wind is forecast for most of the match, which suggests batting first and taking advantage of deteriorating conditions later on. No rain is forecast for the five days, for now.

Stats and trivia

• If Kumara takes three wickets in Gqeberha, his wicket-tally will go past those of Dilhara Fernando (100) and Lasith Malinga (101), and he will become the third-highest wicket-taker in Sri Lanka’s seam-bowling history.
  
• Sri Lanka lost their first match in Gqeberha in 2016, going down by 206 runs. But they won their most recent game at the venue, by eight wickets in 2019.
  
• Stubbs has been excellent at getting starts so far in his career, having got to 20 in nine of his 11 innings.

Quotes

“The way that we stacked up our line-up is that, we believe that with the runs on the board, that gives you enough time to get 20 wickets. It might take us a bit longer. It may not play like Durban. There is a bit more grass on the wicket. I think there will be something in there for our seamers. But if it doesn’t favour our seamers, we do have the spin of Kesh[av Maharaj] to be effective. So we believe that whether it’s the seam, whether it’s the spin, we can still be successful in these conditions.”
“If we compare this cycle with the previous one, we are doing far better. I’m happy with the boys and how they’ve performed. If we don’t get to the final in this cycle, we should be prepared to de even better in the next one.”
*

Aymeric Laporte has lifted the lid on his difficult exit from Al-Nassr, revealing the Saudi club's financial demands almost scuppered his dream return to Athletic Club. The Spain international admitted he felt "in the middle of nowhere" during protracted negotiations but insisted that coming back to Bilbao was always his primary objective.

• Laporte blames Al-Nassr for 'complicated' transfer delay

  Laporte has revealed the full extent of his transfer saga with Al-Nassr, blaming the Saudi club for delaying his return to Athletic Club. Speaking to the media for the first time since re-joining the Basque side, the defender explained that Al-Nassr's focus on financial gain almost blocked the move, despite him making his intentions clear from the start. "When we started talking with Al-Nassr, I expressed my intention to return to Athletic Club; that was my only objective," Laporte stated, admitting there were moments he doubted the transfer would happen. "I found myself in the middle of nowhere. When you don't want to negotiate, you can't do anything. It's complicated, but by talking things through, we were able to resolve the issue."

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  'Returning to Athletic was not a question of money'

  The Spain international confirmed that Al-Nassr received more lucrative offers from other "important clubs willing to pay large sums," which caused the hesitation from the Saudi Pro League side. However, Laporte was adamant that his heart was set on a return to San Mames and made a significant financial sacrifice to make it happen. "Returning to Athletic was a decision and it wasn't a question of money," he insisted. "For more or less, I was going to come back." Laporte described his return as an emotional experience, saying he got "goosebumps" hearing the club anthem again and rediscovered the "scent of my childhood" at the Lezama training ground.

• Laporte declares himself physically fit after FIFA's U-turn secured the move

  The defender's return was almost scuppered entirely by an administrative error after the move collapsed following the September 1 deadline. Al-Nassr failed to submit the necessary documentation in time, forcing Athletic to appeal to FIFA. While world football's governing body was initially expected to block the transfer, it granted the club's request, authorising the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to obtain the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and finally pave the way for Laporte to sign a three-year contract at San Mames.

  Despite not having played a competitive match since April, Laporte is confident in his physical condition and is eager to make his second debut for the club. "I feel very good physically," he said. "I've continued training on my own and have gotten in shape as much as I can." 

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• Laporte targets Spain recall and World Cup spot

  A key motivation behind the move was to boost his chances of returning to the Spanish national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Laporte confirmed he has been in regular contact with La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente throughout the transfer process. 

  "He was informed of everything that's been happening and has always reassured me," Laporte said. "Returning here is also an important decision for me in terms of being fit at the end of the season and being able to play in the World Cup."

A stand at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, home of Cricket Victoria and St Kilda Cricket Club, has been renamed in Shane Warne’s honour

Alex Malcolm25-Oct-2024Cricket Victoria and the St Kilda Cricket Club have renamed one of the heritage listed grandstands at the Junction Oval in Melbourne after the late Shane Warne in honour of his contribution to Victoria and his club team St Kilda.The process of renaming the stand, which has stood since 1925, had begun well before Warne’s passing in March, 2022. The stand was formerly named after Australian rules footballer Kevin Murray who has supported the change. Murray’s name now adorns a stand at Brunswick Street Oval in Fitzroy in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.The MCG named its southern stand after Warne at his state funeral in 2022 but the process to get the heritage listed stand renamed on the western side of Junction Oval in St Kilda, a suburb just south of Melbourne’s CBD, took far longer.Warne’s father Keith and his two daughters Summer and Brooke attended the unveiling, which took place before Victoria took on New South Wales in a One-Day Cup match at the Junction Oval. Australia Test captain Pat Cummins, and a host of Australian players including Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell, attended the ceremony before playing in the game. Some of Warne’s former Australia, Victoria and St Kilda teammates were also in attendance at the unveiling.Cricket Victoria have also unveiled a Shane Warne exhibition in the foyer of their administration and high performance centre at the northern end of the ground. The exhibition features memorabilia from Warne’s career, with a lot of it supplied by his father, and is free to visit.”Today marks a very special and proud day for the Warne family to have a stand named the Shane Warne stand here at the Junction Oval is a wonderful tribute to Shane, who we know would be honored to be chosen for such an accolade,” Keith Warne said at the unveiling.”In February 1991 he made his first-class debut playing for Victoria against Western Australia here at the Junction Oval. Some of Shane’s most enjoyable early cricketing years were whilst playing with his beloved St Kilda, especially when the matches were played here at the Junction Oval. As proud as Shane would be to know a stand at the Junction Oval bares his name, he would also be thrilled to know that he will now be forever linked with St Kilda Cricket Club and the Junction Oval. On behalf of her family, I’d like to thank Cricket Victoria and St Kilda Cricket Club for their support in honouring Shane with such a wonderful tribute, further enhancing Shane’s incredible legacy.”

Manchester United’s summer could be defining for Ruben Amorim in his tenure at Old Trafford, needing a huge summer to transform his fortunes at the club.

The 40-year-old has already wasted very little time in the transfer market, completing a £62.5m deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha.

After scoring 15 Premier League goals this campaign, the Brazilian will likely improve the options currently at the club, helping the manager in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

However, he will likely need to be joined in the attacking third by numerous other additions, with Jason Wilcox attempting to work his magic during the off-season.

Various other players have been mentioned with a potential switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with the Red Devils in desperate need of an overhaul.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

Given United’s measly tally of 44 league goals this season, it’s clear that additions are needed in such a department to transform the situation currently unfolding at the Theatre of Dreams.

Players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been mentioned as targets this window, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of the aforementioned stars.

However, another player has entered the mix over the last couple of days, in the form of Bryan Mbeumo, with the Brentford forward edging closest to a move, according to German journalist Christopher Michel.

He claims that the Red Devils are becoming “optimistic of finalising” a deal for the 25-year-old for the start of their pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

It’s also reported that Thomas Frank is trying to hijack a deal for the £70m star, looking to take the Cameroonian with him to North London after being appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Why United’s £70m target could be incredible alongside Ekitike

United’s hunt for new additions has seen no sign of slowing down in recent days, with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké firmly in their sights, according to Sky Germany.

They claim that the Red Devils have made contact with the Bundesliga side over a move for the 22-year-old star, who’s registered 22 goals across all competitions in 2024/25.

It’s also reported that the French international has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his deal, but they face a battle with other Premier League sides, with Arsenal and Chelsea also in the race for his signature.

It remains to be seen if the club would be able to fork out such a fee for the Frankfurt talisman, especially after completing a deal for Cunha and edging closer to a move to land Mbeumo.

However, it’s a move they should pursue, with the Bees attacker having all the tools to form a deadly combination with Ekitike within the final third at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by one analyst, may have scored 20 league goals this season, but he’s also demonstrated his creative nature throughout the 2024/25 season.

He’s registered 3.7 progressive passes and 1.9 key passes per 90, having the skillset to provide Ekitike with the ammunition needed to succeed in front of goal should he move to Manchester.

Mbeumo has also registered 1.6 passes into the opposition box per 90, whilst completing 5.3 crosses per 90, with his ability to cause carnage certainly aiding other attackers at Old Trafford.

£70m may appear to be another massive investment from the hierarchy, given the early business conducted this summer, but it’s one that would add a different dimension to Amorim’s attack.

The prospect of the Bees’ star partnering the French star alongside Cunha in the final third is certainly an exciting one, with the trio single-handedly hoping to push the club back up the table next campaign.

He's better than Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign £40m Ekitike alternative

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a star who could sign ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 13, 2025

The scorer of the game’s ‘winning’ goal over Real Betis in midweek, Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson put in a display that perhaps epitomises his Stamford Bridge career, having got himself on the scoresheet despite enduring a largely frustrating performance.

Indeed, at one stage the Senegalese striker produced a dismal touch when racing clear in behind the Betis defence, with that moment alone outlining the limitations of a centre-forward who ended 2024/25 with just 13 goals to his name in all competitions – fewer than the much maligned Christopher Nkunku (14).

Unsurprisingly, the search has begun to find a suitable replacement or rival for the 23-year-old, with the Blues having closed in on a deal for Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, following his 12-goal haul in the Premier League this season.

It remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old – who is set to undergo a medical on Monday – will be Enzo Maresca’s leading number nine next summer, not least with attention also turning toward Eintracht Frankfurt sensation, Hugo Ekitike.

What is evident is that the £30m capture of the Englishman could mark the start of a hectic summer in west London – with an even bigger statement signing already being plotted.

Chelsea's continued transfer search after Delap

It was confirmed on Friday that Chelsea had won the race for the former Manchester City man’s signature, with the Conference League winners notably edging out rivals Manchester United in the battle for his services.

Competition with the Red Devils could continue if recent reports are anything to go by, with Maresca and co believed to have turned their attention toward a long-time target of the Old Trafford side – Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Blues are said to be weighing up an approach for the towering centre-back, albeit with David Moyes’ side seemingly reluctant to sell their prized asset.

Transfer Focus

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

The 22-year-old was the subject of a £50m offer from United last summer, although the Toffees were looking for a fee closer to £70m at the time. It remains to be seen whether that price tag is the same this time around.

The report suggests that even if Ruben Amorim’s side renew their interest, the Blues could hold the advantage amid Branthwaite’s desire for Champions League football – something that appeared to be high on his agenda when contemplating an exit a year ago.

A colleague of Delap at U21 level for England, Branthwaite could represent an even bigger talent than his compatriot…

Why Branthwaite would be a bigger coup than Delap

For all the excitement of having won the race for Delap, with it having been reported at one stage that almost every Premier League club was keeping tabs on his situation, it’s worth remembering that this is still a deal that poses a risk.

Indeed, the in-demand marksman is fresh off the back of what was just his first campaign at the top level, having previously scored just eight goals in the Championship with Hull City in 2023/24.

Whether the youngster will be able to kick on again under the tutelage of Maresca, whom he previously worked with at the Etihad, remains to be seen, with the pool of evidence in the Premier League undoubtedly small.

That, it must be said, is not true of Branthwaite, with the former Carlisle United man – who joined Everton for just £1m in January 2020 – have shone over the last two seasons at Goodison Park, after previously catching the eye on loan at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 campaign.

That stint in the Netherlands saw the 6 foot 5 giant described as the “complete” defender by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, while analyst Ben Mattinson also lauded him as a “two-footed ball-playing, physical beast”, such is the wide array of his talents.

Since then, the £70m man has enjoyed two standout seasons in England’s top-flight, racking up 65 league appearances in that time after emerging as a crucial figure alongside James Tarkowski.

Described as a “monster” by pundit Ian Wright, Branthwaite notably ended 2024/25 having won 63% of his total duels, while averaging 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside making 6.3 clearances, as per Sofascore.

For context, the fellow left-footer he could well replace or rival at Stamford Bridge – Levi Colwill – won just 57% of his total duels, while averaging 2.2 tackles and interceptions, alongside making 3.3 clearances per outing.

With three eye-catching seasons under his belt in a row – including his time in the Eredivisie – Branthwaite has now repeatedly proven himself at the elite level. Delap, meanwhile, still has a way to go to illustrate that he can be a consistent success on the big stage.

The next Ashley Cole: Chelsea 'advancing talks' to sign "immense" £46m star

Chelsea are keen to sign a defender or two this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

May 31, 2025

Fresh from their play-off comeback victory, Sunderland have reportedly registered their interest in signing an EFL star who could become one of Regis Le Bris’ first Premier League signings.

Watson magic seals Sunderland victory

If there was ever a way for Tommy Watson to get fans back onside after choosing to join Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season, then it was always going to come through a special visit to Wembley.

Level at 1-1 following Eliezer Mayenda’s excellent equaliser, Watson came from the bench and showed all the composure in the world to play his effort beyond the outstretched Michael Cooper in the 95th minute. A player some booed in recent weeks to a boyhood Sunderland star now forever cemented as a hero in the Wearside history books, Watson couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

The man of the hour shared his joy following Sunderland’s victory, telling reporters: “After the last few weeks, I’ve been dreaming of that moment. I’m really happy that it’s going to end positively and this monster of a club is back where it belongs. It’s been tough, but I’ve learned so much from it. I knew something like that could happen. So I’m just buzzing.”

Although likely forgiven, the Black Cats will still need to replace Watson in the coming months ahead of their Premier League return. The talented 19-year-old, meanwhile, looks destined to become an impressive star at The Amex.

Sunderland can replace Bellingham with academy "diamond" who's like Watson

Sunderland might not need to splash the cash to win themselves a Jobe Bellingham replacement.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 27, 2025

With plenty of work to do in the summer transfer window, just who Sunderland welcome on the incomings front remains to be seen, but rumours over their potential targets have already been coming thick and fast.

Sunderland register interest in Kwame Poku

According to GiveMeSport, Sunderland have registered their interest in signing Kwame Poku from Peterborough this summer, so have made their approach. The Black Cats have reportedly joined the likes of Birmingham, Sheffield United and a staggering number of other interested parties in the race to secure the winger’s signature.

Revealing the sheer amount of interest in Poku, Peterborough director of football Barry Fry recently told reporters: “The last time I heard, there were 26 clubs in for him. I’m not surprised.

“The kid has what it takes to reach the Premier League. We have developed him over the past four years to the point where he is ready to take the next step in his career.”

The interest in Poku should come as little surprise, however. The 23-year-old enjoyed an excellent season in League One, scoring 12 goals and assisting another 11 to earn the high praise of manager Darren Ferguson, who told reporters in November: “Kwame is just unplayable at the moment. I would hate to play against him. He needs to give someone else a chance of winning player of the month. They’ll have to rename it the Kwame Poku Trophy!”

Though he may have plenty of suitors, Sunderland’s place in the Premier League could leave them with a major advantage in the race to sign Poku.

Tottenham want to sign a “special” Man City player who Pep Guardiola rates very highly, with the man in question thought to be keen on an exit from Eastlands when the summer transfer window reopens.

Tottenham battle Man United for Europa League after tough seasons

After cruising past Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals, Spurs now face Premier League rivals Man United in the Europa League final – where both sides will be battling to save their respective seasons.

Tottenham make formal offer to £50m star who Real Madrid think is incredible

Los Blancos are convinced he’s the best available on the market in his position.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou has led the Lilywhites to a dismal 19 league defeats this campaign, equalling the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season, with United suffering from a similar run of form.

The Red Devils are 15th in the league and winless in their last five encounters, but their fortunes are drastically different in Europe, having just impressively knocked Athletic Bilbao out in the semis with a 7-1 aggregate win over the La Liga side.

Now, either team could end their regrettable 2024/25 campaigns on a major high with silverware on a spot in next season’s Champions League group draw on the line.

“Who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it?” said Postecoglou on Tottenham and United’s critics ahead of the final in Bilbao later this month.

“It’s a separate thing. It’s got nothing to do with league form. We understand our league form hasn’t been great.

“We understand the struggles we’ve had. A lot of them are because of the situation we’ve been in. But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final.

“Like I said, this club and others have finished in first, second or third in the Premier League, and haven’t made finals. Why should that be diminished? I couldn’t care less who’s struggling and who’s not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there.”

Tottenham eyeing move for Man City attacker James McAtee

Winning the competition and confirming their place in the Champions League next term will also play a key role in attracting desired transfer targets, and one of them is believed to be Man City playmaker James McAtee.

McAtee has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest and other sides ahead of the summer, with The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Spurs are also in the mix for his signature.

Overall, the Englishman has struggled to stake his claim as a regular in Guardiola’s starting elevens, which is hard to do, but McAtee has still impressed when given the opportunity – scoring seven goals in all competitions.

Bailey reports that Tottenham are keen on signing McAtee this summer, and the 22-year-old is eager to pursue more game time away from the Etihad.

While Guardiola hasn’t quite found enough room for the ex-Sheffield United star, he’s still lavished McAtee with praise when it comes to ability.

“I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat-trick is not easy,” said Guardiola about McAtee earlier this term, after a hat-trick against Salford City in the FA Cup.

“He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score, and I am very happy for him.”

Last season, Arsenal couldn’t live without Martin Odegaard in the team.

Alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, he was the heartbeat of this side, most notably in forward areas.

Most notably, there was that magical assist against Porto in the Champions League, one of 12 assists and one of 23 goal involvements he registered in 2023/24.

Sadly, his form in 2024/25 has left so much to be desired. While Odegaard has actually registered 11 assists in all competitions, he’s only found the net on five occasions, the latest of which came against PSV back in March.

So, Arsenal could do with an upgrade, someone capable of scoring and assisting in equal measure.

Arsenal could sign Premier League assist king

Mikel Arteta has a number of areas he needs to strengthen the squad this summer, chiefly in attack where Arsenal lack an out-and-out number 9.

In that regard, the Gunners are pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres and he could be the second signing of the summer behind midfielder Martin Zubimendi who the club are reportedly confident of signing.

Transfer Focus

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

Not just content with improving the base of their midfield, Andrea Berta could also go out and sign a more creative force with Lyon’s Rayan Cherki linked in the last week. Still, he’s not a fraction on Manchester City hero Kevin De Bruyne.

A few weeks ago, it was announced that the great Belgian would be leaving the Etihad Stadium in the summer on a free transfer at the conclusion of his contract.

Speaking following the news, Pep Guardiola stated: “[He is] one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Man City there’s no doubt. Greatest or not the greatest, always you have to be careful with players that played at Maine Road, incredible players in the last 20, 30 years in this club.”

So, where could he end up? Well, one report over the weekend, which comes courtesy of journalist Graeme Bailey, suggests that Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa are all in the race for him.

Bayern Munich and clubs in Italy are also interested in the playmaker, but the three English sides have all been discussing De Bruyne behind the scenes, exploring whether they want to make a move for the 33-year-old.

How De Bruyne could be the new Bergkamp

Cast in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium, Dennis Bergkamp is one of the biggest legends in Arsenal history.

Signed in 1995 from Inter Milan, the Dutchman would later go down as one of the best players in Premier League history. He dazzled with his close control, terrified defenders with his dribbling, struck the fear of god into goalkeepers around the country and could unlock even the deepest of blocks.

What Arsenal would do for a player like that now, eh? Bergkamp played 422 times for the Gunners, scoring 120 goals and registering 116 assists. In the Premier League, he ranks sixth in history for assists with 64. One of the men ahead of him? De Bruyne.

Described as “one of the best midfielders of his generation” by Jamie Carragher, there is very little that the magical Belgium hasn’t achieved.

A six-time Premier League winner, the Manchester City icon has posted a ridiculous 261 assists in 647 club games. 177 of those assists have come in 418 City games. 119 of them have come in the English top-flight.

Like Bergkamp in his prime, De Bruyne is one of the best playmakers we’ve seen. Even at the ripe old age of 33, he can pick the lock of the sternest of defences, and he’s a pretty fine goalscorer too, finding the net 108 times in sky blue.

To further rubberstamp the comparisons between the two. only De Bruyne has registered more assists per 90 minutes in Premier League history than Bergkamp. The duo stand proud as two of the best attacking midfielders or shadow strikers we’ve seen in English football.

So jaw-dropping in fact, De Bruyne is actually quite far ahead of the legendary Bergkamp now for assists.

Let’s set the record straight, signing an ageing player on high wages might not be the best port of call but this is hardly another Willian or Raheem Sterling situation here. The City sensation is one of the finest to ever do it, and slapping his level of experience in this Arsenal team would surely go down a treat.

Arteta must axe £27m Arsenal dud who was worse than Odegaard v Bournemouth

Arsenal dropped yet more points, this time at home as they hosted Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

By
Matt Dawson

May 4, 2025

A Bundesliga side are “ready” to sign a Rangers star valued at more than £20m this summer, according to a new update.

Rangers exit Europa League as worrying 49ers takeover update shared

The Gers’ hopes of winning the Europa League came to an end on Thursday evening after a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Club. Rangers were hoping that they’d be returning to Bilbao at the end of May for the final, however, goals in either half from Oihan Sanchet and Nico Williams ensured it would be Athletic Club taking on Man Utd in the semi finals.

For those at Ibrox, attention will soon turn to the 2025/26 season, especially as they currently trail Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership by 15 points.

Rangers: Attacking 4-3-3 manager wanted at Ibrox is now "ready" for return

He’s been linked with a move to Glasgow.

By
Charlie Smith

Apr 17, 2025

The 49ers Enterprises are currently in the process of completing an Ibrox takeover, however, ex-Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness has heard that the American investors aren’t aware of how passionate Rangers fans are and are viewing the deal as a “business transaction”.

“I’m hearing some very interesting things from my sources at Rangers this week. They’re saying that the 49ers are looking at this like a business transaction, they don’t really get what they’re going into – in terms of the fans, the sectarian situation and the religious connotations.

“The Rangers fanbase have a massive passion. It’s alright to see it occasionally, but you’ve really got to live in it and get to know it if you’re going to invest like this. It’s an unusual beast and it’s very powerful. What I’m hearing is that the 49ers don’t quite understand that side of it.”

One of the first tasks for the 49ers will be to appoint a new permanent manager, however, they could also lose a number of players.

Recently, Hamza Igamane has been linked with a move away from Glasgow, with Marseille making a serious move. Meanwhile, Leon Balogun is unlikely to be offered a new Rangers contract and looks set to leave for free.

Borussia Monchengladbach “ready” to sign Rangers star Raskin

Now, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, relayed by Sport Witness, Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach are “ready” to sign Rangers star Nicolas Raskin this summer.

Those in Glasgow have recently valued Raskin at more than £20m, and according to Tavolieri, Monchengladbach are prepared to swoop.

He doesn’t state if Rangers are willing to do business, however, Raskin himself recently admitted his desire to “compete at a big club” ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“I’ve been here for two and a half years. It’s gone very well for me, especially this season. You have to see what the club wants, what comes on the table, and try to do the best for everyone. As a footballer, you always want to look ahead and see what you can do better.

“If you want to give yourself the best chance of playing in an international competition, you have to be able to compete at a big club. But the goal isn’t to go to a club where you’ll play less and lose that advantage of playing every week. It’s a balancing act that needs to be found.”

A move away from Ibrox could therefore be one to keep an eye on for the Belgium international.

Birmingham City are now ready to offer a £30,000-a-week contract to sign a 23-year-old on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report.

Birmingham City eye proven Championship defender

The Blues’ stay in League One was short-lived, as expected, as they have been by far the best team in the division. Chris Davies’ side are back in action on Thursday evening, with nothing on the game apart from pride, as Birmingham wrapped up promotion and the League One title a long time ago.

Wagner and Brady already in "talks" to sign EFL star for Birmingham City

They’re not alone, though.

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By
Charlie Smith

Apr 11, 2025

They have four games left to play in the league, but the focus will likely be turning towards next season and what the club wants to do in the summer transfer window. It’s already been reported by Wales Online that the Blues are interested in a move to sign Harry Darling from Swansea City. The centre-back is out of contract at the end of this campaign, and while he has an offer on the table from the Swans, Birmingham are keen on swooping in and securing a free transfer.

The 25-year-old has performed well for the Welsh side this season, and his experience of Championship football could be the reason why Davies wants to add him to his Birmingham team for the next campaign.

Birmingham plan to offer big contract to Kwame Poku

It is not just Darling that the Blues want to sign on a free transfer; according to Football League World, Birmingham City are preparing to offer £30,000 a week to sign Kwame Poku on a free transfer from Peterborough United.

It was reported earlier this month that the Blues were already in talks with Poku over a move to Birmingham. It was also claimed that, as well as Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Rangers are also interested in the EFL attacker, who has once again had an impressive season.

Football League World now reports that Birmingham are planning to beat Rangers and Palace to the signing of Poku by offering the attacker a £30,000-a-week contract, which is likely a significant increase on his current deal with Peterborough.

Posh did try and secure Poku’s future at the club earlier this season, but the forward turned down what was a record contract offer for Peterborough, and now the League One side expect him to leave for nothing at the end of this campaign.

The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals and recorded eight assists in 26 League One games this season, and that has been achieved in a team that has underperformed and been nowhere near competing for a League One play-off place.

Poku’s potential arrival at Birmingham would see him join the likes of Jay Stansfield, Alfie May, Keshi Anderson, Scott Wright and Lyndon Dykes – there will be a lot of competition in the forward ranks, which is exactly what’s needed to fire upwards instead of looking downwards next term.