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Highlights from the final day of sixth round of matches

Shashank Kishore26-Jan-2025

File photo: R Sai Kishore’s match haul of eight wickets helped Tamil Nadu ease past Chandigarh•PTI

Vidarbha complete stunning come-from-behind win Vidarbha overturned a 100-run deficit to clinch a stunning 221-run win over Rajasthan in Jaipur to assure themselves of a knockouts berth from Group B. Their fifth outright win in six games was set up by Akshay Wadkar, the captain, who struck a combative second-innings century after they’d been effectively reduced to 44 for 5.Wadkar was assisted by Yash Rathod, who made 98, and fast bowler Nachiket Bhute who made 87 from No. 10. The eighth-wicket stand between Wadkar and Bhute was worth 172. Rajasthan never got going in their target of 329; they were bowled out for 107.Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey picked up 5 for 51 – his fifth five-for this season. Dubey now sits on top of the wicket charts for the season – he has 42 wickets in 12 innings at an average of 14.55. Jammu & Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi comes next with 38 wickets.Related

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Sai Kishore and Ajith Ram take TN to doorstep of knockouts His participation in the first half of the Ranji season was hampered due to a thumb injury, but R Sai Kishore, the captain, made an impact in his just third game, his match haul of eight wickets helping Tamil Nadu beat Chandigarh in Salem. Sai Kishore profited from having an equally aggressive bowler wheel away from the other end – fellow left-arm spinner S Ajith Ram too picked up four wickets in the second innings, and a match haul of nine wickets.Before the spin twins left their mark on the final day, Tamil Nadu were set up by Vijay Shankar’s 150 that helped them set Chandigarh a target of 403. The win took TN to the top of Group D; a draw in their next game against Jharkhand should see them through to the knockouts. Chandigarh and Saurashtra are the other two teams in the running for a knockouts berth from the group.File photo: Akshay Wadkar scored a second-innings ton to send Vidarbha on their way to victory against Rajasthan•PTI

Kerala show incredible fight to salvage draw A miniscule lead of just seven runs proved massive in the end as Kerala defied conditions and MP’s bowling attack to secure a draw that gave them three crucial points. This put them in a three-way race with Karnataka and Haryana for the knockouts from Group C. Kerala are currently second with 21 points, while Karnataka are on 19. Haryana top the pool with 26 points.Kerala were set a 363 target to win, but more importantly, needed to bat out at least 100 overs to secure a draw. Those hopes appeared crushed when they stumbled to 47 for 5 by lunch on the final day. But a stunning lower-order rearguard helped them script a miracle. This effort was led by Mohammad Azharuddeen and Aditya Sarwate, who made 68 and 80 respectively.Kerala’s ninth-wicket pair of B Aparajith and MD Nideesh batted out over an hour and 13.4 overs under fading light to secure a draw from the jaws of defeat. MP threw everything they had at Kerala, with Kuldeep Sen picking up 3 for 64, while left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya wheeled away for 37 overs for his three wickets. Baroda stumble as Mukesh Choudhary picks up maiden five-for Baroda’s position at the top of Group A received a jolt as their defeat to Maharashtra left them in slightly troubled waters. This result coincided with Jammu & Kashmir’s upset of Mumbai that took them to the top of the table. Baroda now play J&K in what is effectively a must-win for them to keep their knockouts hopes alive, considering Mumbai, who are in third position, have a relatively easier draw as they play Meghalaya.Baroda’s defeat will rankle as they couldn’t bat out a little more than two sessions to secure a draw. Maharashtra batted big to extend their second innings well into the final day, when they declared on 464 for 7 to set Baroda a target of 617. Baroda lasted just 36 overs and were bowled out for 177 with left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary picking up 5 for 76.

It looked like it would be a run fest, but then it evolved into a low-scoring thriller. In a shapeshifting T20I in Sydney, Australia adapted better than Pakistan, holding their nerve to defend a modest total of 147 and edging to a 13-run victory, which gave them the T20I series.Spencer Johnson was the star of the show with 5 for 26, taking wickets at the top and the end and keeping Pakistan penned in, but he had plenty of support from his mates in a disciplined bowling effort. It was matched by a first innings where six batters reached double-figures, the clump of cameos ensuring the batters gave their bowlers enough to work with.Pakistan looked like they were on track for a hammering when Australia reached 50 in 3.1 overs – the fastest they have ever got to the mark in a T20I. But Pakistan, led inevitably by Haris Rauf, hit back through the middle overs. However, their fielding lapses proved costly, and in a game of fine margins, that proved to be one of the points of difference between the sides.They will also rue their lack of intent early on with the bat. Pakistan limped along for the first half of the innings and left themselves too much to do at the back end. Usman Khan – who scored his first T20I half-century – and Irfan Khan made a fist of it to get within 13 runs of victory, but just couldn’t do enough to undo the damage of the first part of the innings.Australia made sure they did just enough things better than Pakistan, and on that count, ended up worthy winners.Matthew Short played his part in giving Australia a rollicking start•Getty Images

The flight, and the uncontrolled descent

Australia began the game as if they had drawn inspiration from India’s batting show against South Africa on Friday. Shaheen Afridi was bowling into the arc as if feeding a slot machine, and Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk were only too happy to oblige. Naseem Shah similarly failed to keep it out of the arc, and 15 balls into the game, Australia had sped along to 47, having hit five fours and three sixes already.As Pakistan have learnt over the white-ball tour, when in doubt, give Rauf the ball, and that worked the charm again. He was the only man who could arrest the slide, and it didn’t take him long. A pacy bouncer that Fraser-McGurk couldn’t get on top off and slogged to the cover fielder punctured Australia, before a leading edge sent Josh Inglis on his way.Abbas Afridi – who bowled beautifully all innings – struck with the slower ball to dispatch Short, and suddenly, it turned into an even contest. After the first 15 balls of the powerplay had leaked 47 wicketless runs, the last 21 balls saw just 14 scored, with Australia’s top three back.Haris Rauf struck twice in an over to check Australia’s rapid start•Getty Images

Pakistan sloppy in the field, again

Pakistan tend to take one of their most famous characteristics each game, and turn the dial up to 11. Sometimes it’s the unpredictability, at other times it’s the fast bowling. Today, they went for the comic ineptitude in the field they have picked up a reputation for.The warning signs were there from the first over, which was when Naseem made a mess of a Fraser-McGurk top edge, and it only got worse from there.Salman Agha put Marcus Stoinis down off Rauf, while Shaheen reprieved Glenn Maxwell off Sufiyan Muqeem in the eighth over. Rauf made a mess of an effort in the field off Naseem that went for four, while Babar Azam put Tim David down before the batter went on to get ten runs off the next three balls. Those were just the highlights and, in a low-scoring game, it all counted.Mohammad Rizwan struggled during his 26-ball 16•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Pakistan’s no-power play

Pakistan looked at the way Australia had been dragged back and perhaps thought “this won’t happen to us”. It didn’t, because they never got going at the front end of the innings in the first place. They did lose Babar (pick-up flick to deep square leg) and Sahibzada Farhan (pull straight to deep midwicket) to careless shots, but for much of the first nine overs, there were scarcely any attempts to hit a boundary.Mohammad Rizwan struggled through an especially curious innings where he was either happy with dot balls or poked the ball away for singles. It wasn’t until the tenth over that a boundary off the bat was finally struck as Rizwan cleared his front leg and slog swept Johnson over cow corner to pick up four.But Rizwan attempted the same shot off the next ball, only to miscue it for David to take a superb catch diving forward. By this time, the asking rate was approaching ten, and Pakistan’s top order had written cheques they unfairly expected their lower order to honour.Usman Khan battled hard to give Pakistan a chance•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Johnson brilliance

When Johnson began the innings with a wide down leg side that went for five, and followed it up with a wide outside off that would have done the same had first slip not done brilliantly, any comparisons with the other Johnson, Mitchell, would have only pertained to the phase in his career that spawned the unfortunate “he bowls to the left, he bowls to the right” chant. But it took the South Australian no time to turn his fortunes around, controlling his high pace and exploiting sideways movement beautifully to rip through Pakistan.Farhan’s soft dismissal was only the beginning, and Pakistan were dented during the middle overs, and that proved telling.Rizwan fell in Johnson’s return spell before Salman fell the very next ball, leaving Pakistan’s ultra-long tail one wicket away from being exposed. When Usman and Irfan put up a 58-run stand, it was once again Johnson who struck, taking two more in an over when his extra pace saw Usman smear a pull into the air before Abbas was dispatched in similar fashion. It allowed Adam Zampa’s double-wicket over effectively seal the game despite Irfan’s presence.

You would do incredibly well to find any Chelsea supporters, or supporters of any club, who do not think that the club hit the jackpot with Cole Palmer.

The Blues reportedly paid an initial fee of £40m to sign the attacking midfielder from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, and he has been a rip-roaring success at Stamford Bridge.

Since making the move to London two years ago, the England international has racked up 43 goals and 29 assists in 97 appearances in all competitions for the club.

The left-footed star, who won the Conference League with the Blues last season, has scored a staggering 37 goals in the Premier League in his two seasons with Chelsea to date.

Palmer is well on his way to being recognised as one of the best number ten, or attacking midfield, players the club have had in modern history, at least.

However, he still has a way to go to overtake some of the other established names in that role, such as Italian icon Gianfranco Zola, who the current Chelsea star knew through FIFA.

Why Gianfranco Zola is a Chelsea legend

Last year, Palmer admitted that he did not know too much about the former Blues midfielder, but knew that he was a good player because he had an icon card on FIFA.

Whilst Zola may be an icon in FIFA, or EAFC as it is now called, he is a legend at Stamford Bridge because of what he achieved during his time at the club.

The diminutive star joined the Blues from Parma in the summer of 1996 and spent seven years in London, racking up two FA Cups, a League Cup, a Community Shield, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

In 2003, Chelsea ran a poll to find out who their supporters felt was the best player in the club’s history, and Zola won it with a landslide 60% of the votes, which shows how highly fans rated him at the time.

Whilst the likes of John Terry, Didier Drogba, and Eden Hazard, among others, have passed through the club since then, this shows that the Italian maestro is still a Chelsea legend from that era.

Gianfranco Zola’s Premier League career

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2002/03

38

14

7

2001/02

35

3

4

2000/01

36

9

4

1999/00

33

4

2

1998/99

37

13

4

1997/98

27

8

3

1996/97

23

8

3

Stats via Transfermarkt

Zola ended his time at the club with a return of 80 goals and 44 assists in 312 appearances in all competitions, which shows that Palmer still has a way to go to catch up with his legacy.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are now reportedly eyeing up a move to sign another attacking midfielder who is even more similar to Zola than Palmer is.

Chelsea ready to bid for Bundesliga star

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea are still “working” on a deal to sign RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons this summer.

The reporter claims that there is a “strong feeling” that a transfer will go through before the summer window slams shut at the start of September.

Transfer Focus

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

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Plettenberg adds that the Blues are “ready to submit an official bid” for the Netherlands international, although there is no mention of how much the offer is going to be worth.

He reveals that a verbal agreement is almost in place, but the Conference League champions need to offload some more players before they go through with a deal.

Leipzig are reportedly looking for a fee in the region of £61m in order to sanction an exit for the Dutch playmaker, who could be Zola 2.0 at Stamford Bridge next season.

Why Chelsea should sign Xavi Simons

The Blues should push to get this deal done because the Bundesliga star could come in as Enzo Maresca’s own version of Zola, as a diminutive number ten who offers goals, assists, and flair.

Whilst Palmer is undoubtedly a phenomenal footballer, he is somewhat unorthodox at times due to his lanky frame. That is not a bad thing, as the numbers speak for themselves, but Simons may be more of an aesthetic like-for-like for Zola in a Chelsea shirt.

The 5 foot 10 magician, who was described as a “superstar” by analyst Ben Mattinson, is a joy to watch with the way that he can dribble and move with the ball at his feet, effortlessly drifting past opposition players, as shown in the clip below.

As well as being an enjoyable player to watch, Simons is also an effective operator at the top end of the pitch, as he has proven himself to be adept at scoring and creating goals.

In the last two seasons, the Dutch sensation has racked up 21 goals and 21 assists in all competitions for Leipzig, which shows that he can offer plenty of quality in the final third.

24/25 Bundesliga

Xavi Simons

Percentile rank vs AMs

xG

5.11

Top 4%

xG on target

8.19

Top 2%

Goals

10

Top 1%

xA

5.98

Top 6%

Chances created

51

Top 7%

Assists

7

Top 5%

Successful dribbles

33

Top 4%

Touches in opposition’s box

88

Top 3%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Simons ranked highly among his positional peers in the Bundesliga last season in a host of key attacking metrics, as a goalscorer, a creator, and as a dribbler.

These statistics suggest that the 22-year-old starlet has the potential to be an incredibly exciting and effective attacking midfielder, possibly playing alongside Palmer in the team, for Chelsea if they are able to get a deal over the line for him.

Palmer and Simons could be a joy to watch alongside each other as two attacking midfielders who have both proven that they can score and assist goals on a regular basis at the top level, which is why this could be a brilliant signing for Chelsea.

That is on top of the Dutchman potentially giving the older Blues supporters flashbacks of Zola with his similarities to the former Italian star, due to his diminutive style of play, height, and technical elegance.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 1, 2025

Leeds United are looking to buck the recent trend and avoid relegation from the Premier League in 2025/26 after a memorable title-winning Championship campaign.

Daniel Farke will be backed by the 49ers Enterprises in the transfer market, with Jaka Bijol the first marquee signing of the window after forward Lukas Nmecha joined on a free transfer.

Bijol cost Leeds around £15m from Udinese and penned a five-year deal at Elland Road, and it’s no secret that the club want more additions before their top-flight opener at home to Everton on August 18.

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AI has actually predicted Leeds to avoid relegation this season, and Grok has now forecasted how the Whites will line up in 2025/26, changing from a 4-3-2-1 system to a 4-3-3.

AI predicts Leeds United’s 2025/26 starting line-up 1 GK: Nick Pope

With the future of Illan Meslier up in the air, Leeds are on the search for a new first-choice goalkeeper and have been linked with Newcastle United’s Nick Pope.

The England international has plenty of Premier League experience and, although he may cost a big fee, Grok says most importantly, Pope will offer ‘reliability’ at Elland Road.

2 RB: Jayden Bogle

In what was a brilliant first season, Jayden Bogle has been backed to keep his spot as Leeds’ main right-back.

Costing just £5m from Sheffield United, Bogle has proven to be a shrewd signing and is viewed as the ‘long-term fit for the right-back role’.

3 CB: Jaka Bijol

New signing Jaka Bijol is predicted to start ahead of Pascal Struijk in defence, something which may not come as a shock after Leeds’ swoop.

The Slovenia international ‘brings aerial strength and composure, ideal for the Premier League’s physical demands’, according to Grok.

4 CB: Joe Rodon

A key man under Farke, Joe Rodon is tipped to partner Bijol in central defence, with the Wales international missing just three league games in the last two seasons.

His ‘leadership and familiarity with Farke’s system ensure he remains a starter alongside Bijol’, with Rodon under contract until 2028.

5 LB: Kostas Tsimikas

After helping Leeds to the Championship title, Junior Firpo is on course to leave the Whites at the end of the month on a free transfer.

A new left-back will be required to fill the void and Grok has predicted Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas to be that man. Linked with a move to Yorkshire, Tsmikas fits the bill of 49ers targeting players with Premier League experience.

6 CM: Ethan Ampadu

Club captain Ethan Ampadu played more games as a centre-back than he did as a midfielder in 24/25, but he has been predicted to return to his holding midfield role.

Grok says ‘Ampadu’s versatility and defensive nous make him a mainstay in midfield’ under Farke.

7 CM: Anton Stach

With Leeds targeting physicality this summer, Anton Stach is being linked with a move to Elland Road from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

The Whites have missed out on Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki to Sunderland, but Stach is seen as the midfield ‘specialist’ Farke and the 49ers are after.

8 CM: Ao Tanaka

Arguably Leeds’ signing of the season last year was Ao Tanaka, who looks ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

The Japan international has even been hailed by Declan Rice for his displays in England, and he could lock horns with the Gunners star in Leeds’ second league game.

9 RW: Daniel James

One of Farke’s most important attackers in the Championship has been Daniel James, who was named Leeds’ Player of the Season for 24/25.

Games

83

Goals

25

Assists

17

The Wales star is also close to a new Elland Road contract, so should keep his place on the right hand side.

10 LW: Wilfried Gnonto

With Manor Solomon potentially staying put at Tottenham, the door is open for Wilfried Gnonto to make the left wing spot his own.

The Italian initially impressed in the Premier League after joining back in 2022, and he could be given the chance to feature heavily this time around under Farke.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is aiming to use the 2025 summer transfer window to bolster a squad which secured European qualification last term.

Given how well the club performed throughout 2024/25, Forest have a genuine chance of winning the Conference League.

Santo has shown admiration for plenty of potential targets, including Yunus Musah and Lukas Ullrich, but it appears as though one Serie A star has been linked more than most…

Latest on Nottingham Forest’s interest in Timothy Weah

As was widely reported earlier this month, including via transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio, Forest were believed to be interested in signing Timothy Weah this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Juventus appeared to be demanding just £12m for Weah, should they agree to cash in, which looked to be a solid piece of business by the club.

Last season, the American played 43 times for the Serie A giants, scoring six goals and grabbing five assists in the process.

In the top flight, he recorded an impressive goal conversion percentage of 24%, while also creating four big chances and averaging 0.6 key passes per game.

He played across several positions last year, predominantly on the right flank, a position which the Midlands side are keen to bolster.

After stepping up their pursuit of the one-time Celtic loanee, however, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed on Friday that Forest had actually walked away from any negotiations, despite the deal being “close”, after carrying out “extensive data analysis”.

As such, the City Ground outfit may need to turn their attention elsewhere, with one Brazilian star seemingly on their radar…

Why Nottingham Forest must sign Pepe

As reported by ESPN earlier this week, four Premier League clubs have opened talks to sign Porto winger Pepe this summer.

Forest have been named as one of those clubs, along with Aston Villa, Fulham and Burnley. The fact that Santo led them to Europe indicates that they could potentially be one of the frontrunners.

Goals

3

Assists

2

Big chances created

5

Key passes per game

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.6

Shots per game

1

A fee of £21m has been set, which is more than affordable for the Midlands side, no doubt about that.

While Weah may be the cheaper option, Pepe is certainly the bigger talent. Last season, the Brazilian dynamo registered an impressive total of 11 goal contributions across all competitions.

When comparing the pair via their domestic stats last term, it becomes clear who enjoyed the more productive campaign. Indeed, Pepe not only recorded more shots per 90 (1.36 vs 1.15), but he also registered more shot-creating actions (2.71 vs 1.98), goal-creating actions (0.36 vs 0.16) and more touches in the opposition penalty area (79 vs 35), showcasing his superiority in these metrics.

South American football expert Tim Vickery lauded the winger when he was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur a couple of seasons ago, saying:

“I certainly remember him as a winger with Gremio, little mosquito kind of winger, who can do either flank.”

His ability to play on either wing could also come in handy, giving Santo some added flexibility, especially if injuries start to play their part.

It is clear that the manager wants to bring those to Forest who have proven ability on the biggest stages. Having scored in the Champions League, Copa Libertadores and Europa League, as well as gaining two caps for Brazil, Pepe would be an excellent signing.

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ByTom Cunningham Jun 26, 2025

It would be fair to say that, thus far, this hasn’t been a great transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur.

While their Premier League rivals have been making impressive signings left, right, and centre, Thomas Frank has been left waiting for the club to make another move after signing Mathys Tel on a permanent deal.

Worse yet, North London rivals Arsenal appear to have awoken from their slumber as well, and are starting to make waves in the market, most notably regarding the potential signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

However, things may soon be about to change, as reports have linked the Lilywhites to a Premier League star who could be Frank’s answer to the Sporting CP star.

Spurs target their own Viktor Gyokeres

Given their truly diabolical form in the competition last season, it makes sense that Spurs would be targeting some of the Premier League’s most exciting talents this summer.

Transfer Focus

However, thus far, the Europa League champions haven’t been able to secure any signatures, with Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo still looking more likely to join Manchester United over them, and Antoine Semenyo putting pen to paper on a new deal at Bournemouth.

Even Eberechi Eze, who was once again linked with the club this year, now looks like he could be joining Arsenal, alongside Gyokeres.

Yet, there is still reason to be optimistic, as the Lilywhites close in on a key target, a Premier League star who could be their answer to the Swede: Mohammed Kudus.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the West Ham United ace.

In fact, the Italian journalist claims the Ghanaian is now a “top target and a crucial target” for Frank and that even though their initial offer of £50m was rejected, they will bid again.

In terms of the final price, it has been reported elsewhere that the Hammers may be holding out for a fee in the region of £65m.

It appears that this would be a complicated and costly transfer to complete this summer, but one Spurs should fight to secure, especially as Kudus could be their Gyokeres.

Why Kudus could be Spurs' Gyokeres

The first thing to say is that, yes, Kudus and Gyokeres are fundamentally different players and occupy very different roles within their respective squads.

However, when we say the former could be Spurs’ answer to Arsenal signing the latter, we are not talking or even thinking about where they play.

Instead, the point is that, in a similar way to how the Swede is likely to transform the Gunners’ attack and potentially their fortunes next season, the Ghanaian star has the ability to do the same for the Lilywhites.

Appearances

48

35

Minutes

3781′

2721′

Goals

18

5

Assists

10

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.25

Minutes per Goal Involvement

135.03′

302.33′

For example, while it’s certainly the case that his return of five goals and four assists in 35 appearances last season was underwhelming, his output the year before was nothing short of superb.

In 48 appearances, totalling 3781 minutes, the “generational talent,” as dubbed by journalist Gary Al-Smith, scored 18 goals and provided ten assists.

In other words, the Accra-born monster averaged a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 135.03 minutes, which is the sort of output that could fire Spurs up the table next season.

Furthermore, in addition to incredible ability in front of goal, the former Ajax gem can play anywhere from right wing to attacking midfield and even centre-forward, in turn giving Frank so many tactical options.

Finally, if you are still unconvinced over his game-changing potential, then you need only look at some of his underlying numbers.

Despite not having the best campaign in terms of output, FBref still ranked the international ace in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for take-ons attempted and successful take-ons, as well as the top 6% for pass completion and goal-creating actions from long shots, among other metrics, all per 90.

Ultimately, Kudus may not have been at his very best last season, but the talent is there, and in the right environment, he could be utterly game-changing, and in a way, Spurs’ answer to Gyokeres moving to the red side of North London.

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ByEthan Lamb Jul 6, 2025

Former internationals Junaid Khan and Abdur Rehman will serve as assistant coach and spin-bowling coach, respectively

Danyal Rasool26-Jun-2024Mohammad Wasim, the former Pakistan batter and men’s chief selector, has been appointed head coach of the women’s national team, with the T20 Asia Cup a little under a month away. Junaid Khan and Abdur Rehman, both former Pakistan bowlers, will serve as assistant coach and spin-bowling coach, respectively. No batting coach has been appointed, and it is understood that Wasim will act in that role himself.A PCB statement confirmed that the appointments were only for the Asia Cup, to be played in Dambulla from July 19 to 28. There has been no word on whether the appointments could extend beyond the tournament.The bulk of Wasim’s coaching experience has been with Northern, a side that existed in the Pakistan domestic structure for four years when the PCB revamped the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at the behest of Imran Khan, then the Pakistan prime minister and the patron of the PCB.Related

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Wasim led Northern to successive runners-up finishes, with his side noted for bringing young players through. He also won silverware at the National T20 Cup, with Northern triumphing in the tournament in 2019-20. Wasim was later appointed chief selector of the men’s team, before being abruptly sacked when Najam Sethi briefly took over as PCB chairman in December 2022.For the last few series, Pakistan have played under an interim head coach Mohtashim Rasheed, with former international cricketers Taufeeq Umar and Salim Jaffar serving as batting and bowling coach, respectively.The T20 Asia Cup comes at a challenging time for the Pakistan team after a pair of difficult tours. They won just one of eight T20Is in the West Indies and in England, and went winless in both ODI series. Those followed a year where extended dry runs were interspersed with encouraging results, most notably a home T20I series whitewash of South Africa, and becoming the first Asian women’s side to win a T20I series in New Zealand.A women’s PSL appears a bleak prospect even as the PCB has notionally committed to it, and there were no exhibition women’s matches held in concurrence with the 2024 men’s PSL, as was the case in 2023.While no squad has been named for the Asia Cup, the PCB has named a 28-member group for a four-day training camp in Karachi.

Celtic are already probing for reinforcements this summer and have now set their sights on a talented gem who could offer a towering presence at Parkhead, per a report.

Celtic look to kickstart summer transfer business

The Bhoys are marching towards the end of the season in style and could finish the campaign with a domestic treble should they defeat Aberdeen at Hampden later this month.

Brendan Rodgers has once again shown his managerial prowess, domestically and in the Champions League, which he will hope can help his case in earning significant backing from the Hoops’ hierarchy this summer.

Looking ahead to the window, Celtic could make a surprise move for Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan to help fill their homegrown quota for European competitions next term.

Scott Bain could leave Parkhead in search of first-team football, and the Lennoxtown academy graduate fits the bill as a club-trained asset ready to step in.

Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter is also on the list at Parkhead, though it remains to be seen whether Celtic will firm up interest in the Norwegian once the window opens for business.

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BySean Markus Clifford May 5, 2025

Despite excitement over potential arrivals, Celtic aren’t assured of their place in next year’s Champions League league phase and need to navigate the final qualifying round to certify a spot in the competition.

Nevertheless, speculating to accumulate has to be the aim for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions. They have enough money in the bank to make a statement, so expect some exciting new faces to strengthen Rodgers’ talented group.

Casting an eye to the continent, Celtic are now in the mix to sign a towering young defender who could add further strength to their backline.

Celtic very interested in signing Veljko Milosavljevic

According to Max Sport, Celtic are ‘very interested’ in giant Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic as Rodgers looks to add further solidity heading into next season.

For now, the Bhoys have been told the 17-year-old isn’t for sale, which is a stance that could change as clubs from England and France position themselves to sign the Serbia Under-19 international, who stands at 6ft 4.

Veljko Milosavljevic’s season for Red Star Belgrade – all competitions

Appearances

28

Goals

0

Assists

3

Prioritising the future, Celtic are always in the market for talent with sell-on value. While experience is always a bonus, the scope to develop stars of the future is a major avenue towards the club earning significant capital to reinvest.

Carrying the ball from deep, Milosavljevic has completed an average of 1.9 dribbles per match in the Serbian top-flight, illustrating a degree of comfort in possession that would fit Rodgers’ high-octane tactical framework.

Nevertheless, growing competition for his signature will leave Celtic with work to do as they look to convince another prodigious star to commit their future at Parkhead.

The thought of winning regular silverware and competing in European football may well be a tempting one for Milosavljevic, but you get the impression he will also need first-team guarantees.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is currently waiting to find out a player’s feelings about joining the club this summer, following Gunners talks with him in January, and it is even believed he visited the Emirates Stadium that month.

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As per GiveMeSport, Berta and the Arsenal recruitment team could splash up to £300 million on seven new arrivals, including a new “second-choice goalkeeper, left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger and striker”, with the north Londoners also pondering an alternative for Bukayo Saka.

While supporters will be eager to see Berta finally bring the club’s long wait for a prolific striker to an end, the need for a centre-midfielder will be prevalent, as Mikel Arteta is set to be minus two solid options in the middle of the park.

Everton (away)

Today

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Thomas Partey and Jorginho will leave upon the expiry of their contracts on June 30th as things stand, leading to Arsenal’s talks over a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international is apparently “very likely” to join Arsenal and is “almost definitely” happening, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, with talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent suggesting that it is imperative for Berta to reinforce Arteta’s engine room.

“Another midfielder, a holding midfielder,” said Bent when asked what Arsenal need most this summer.

“I love Thomas Partey, I think this season his form has been brilliant but you have to look long term. There’s talk about Zubimendi, I have reservations. I know he’s a good player.

“I thought he was brilliant in the second half of the Euros final when he came on for Rodri but the Premier League is a different animal. You have to be able to run, be strong, get your foot in. But that’s an area I’d look at as well.”

There are suggestions that Arsenal could move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes as well as Zubimendi, with the Brazilian’s contract also including a release clause.

Another midfield technician they’ve been seriously interested in, with talks already held, is Rosenborg sensation Sverre Nypan.

Andrea Berta waiting on Sverre Nypan decision to join Arsenal

As per GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Berta is waiting for Nypan’s final decision on potentially joining Arsenal.

The Norwegian, rumoured to command a price tag of £20 million, visited the Emirates in January and reliable news outlets at the time reported that Arteta’s side held winter talks with Rosenborg over a deal.

The teenager bagged eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions across the 2024 campaign for Rosenborg, even drawing comparisons with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, but he has many other suitors – including Man City (Fabrizio Romano).

“Sverre Nypan is extremely exciting,” said Norwegian pundit Jesper Mathisen to TV2 last year.

“I get a bit of the same feeling as when I saw Martin Ødegaard break through as a boy.”

A proud part of Arsenal’s DNA has long been their development and promotion of young academy talents.

This has been especially true over the last few years, with the emergence of players like Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and, of course, Bukayo Saka.

The latest player who seems ready to make the leap from the youth sides to regular senior football is Max Dowman.

However, the talented 15-year-old certainly won’t be the last, and there is already one youngster making waves in the academy who could soon find himself in the first team.

Dowman's rapid rise to stardom at Arsenal

Even before this season, Arsenal fans have been at least somewhat aware of Dowman.

After all, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig boldly proclaimed him as the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

That might sound absurd, but over the course of last season, the youngster ended up scoring 19 times and providing five assists in just 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, for the youth sides.

Dowman in 24/25
Appearances	23
Minutes	1945′
Goals	19
Assists	5
Goal Involvements per Match	1.04
Minutes per Goal Involvement	81.04′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

That comes out to a sensational average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes, made all the more astonishing by the fact he was playing for the u18s and even the u21s.

With performances like that in age groups well above his own, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see the Chelmsford-born dynamo included in the first team’s pre-season tour.

The 15-year-old made his debut against Newcastle United, and in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, spent his short cameo “humiliating Premier League players.”

His competitive debut came at home to Leeds United in the Premier League, and then he became the youngest player to ever start a game for the club against Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup.

The superstar in the making then broke another record in the Champions League a week later, and was described as “a miracle player” by Slavia Prague defender David Zima.

In all, it certainly seems like Dowman is destined to reach the top of the game with Arsenal, although he might be joined by another academy gem this season.

Hale End's next superstar

It’s been a good season for Hale End this year, as on top of Dowman, Andre Harriman-Annous has also been given his full competitive debut by Mikel Arteta.

It could get even better, though, as there is another youngster in the system, who, like the record-breaker, could find himself becoming more involved with the senior side as the campaign goes on: Ife Ibrahim.

The 17-year-old has been with the club since May 2016, and while he started out as a striker, he has since moved back down the pitch, into defensive midfield.

However, he’s not limited to just one position, as the highly rated youngster has also played at right-back, in central midfield, and even as a centre-back.

It’s no surprise that he has been used in the defence before, as even though he’s still so young, the versatile prospect is huge and towers above some of the first team in pictures taken of the time he trained with them. It is no wonder that analyst Harvey Diamonds said that he has a “languid frame like [Patrick] Vieira and [Abou] Diaby.”

Don’t let his size and physicality fool you, though; the Hale Ender is no slouch on the ball.

In fact, academy expert Will Balsam described him as someone who makes everything look so “effortless.” Moreover, this and his height mean “he eats up space, recovers the ball, and glides past players with ease.”

He has also made an impression on U23 scout Antonio Mango, who has described him as “composed, technically talented in possession and calculated out of possession.”

Overall, while he plays in a totally different position to Dowman, Ibrahim sounds like the sort of Hale End product who could come in and have a serious impact on the first team soon enough.

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