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“The wicket was very good last time. I’m hoping it will turn more in this match.”When a Sri Lanka captain says this in Galle on the eve of a Test, there might be a dustbowl in the offing. What is clear is that the surface Sri Lanka and Australia are set to play the second Test on appears substantially drier than the track they played the first match on.Partly, this is down to bright conditions in the lead-up. Where the days before the first Test had been beset by rain, this pitch has more or less baked in ferocious heat since the first match ended, on Saturday.Related

• Kusal Mendis fights for Sri Lanka as Starc and Lyon stand out

• Ramesh Mendis recalled for second Test against Australia

• Karunaratne to retire from Test cricket after 100th appearance

• Sri Lanka hope for Nissanka boost as Australia target rare series win in Asia

There is also the theory that producing pitches that only break up after days three and four offers too substantial an advantage to the side batting first. Sri Lanka want to avoid conceding another score in the realm of 654 for 6 declared, which deflated them in the first Test. They are seeking an advantage and have fallen back to what they tend to rely on in Galle: big turn.”Our strength is spin,” Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said. “If you look through the history in Galle, a lot of spinners have been among the wickets, and hopefully ours can be effective.”The problem for Sri Lanka is that Australia have learned to thrive in spinning conditions as well. Their bowlers might have had the better bowling conditions in the first Test, but they made the unusual move of strapping three frontline spinners to the plow, and between them, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy shared 17 wickets, dismissing Sri Lanka for 165 and 247.Australia have been outspoken about their having prepared for “extreme” surfaces as well as flatter ones, partly through their week-long training camp in Dubai. Steven Smith revealed ahead of this Test that it was India’s spin-blueprint in Asia that Australia had chosen to emulate, to some extent. Devising bowling strategy around three frontline spinners is not a challenge that many Australia captains have had to contend with, but on the evidence of the first Test, Smith has been relishing it.”Looks a very dry surface and I dare say it will take a reasonable amount of spin,” Smith said. “In these conditions, it’s great to have more than two options of guys who can take wickets and build pressure. If you look at India, who have done it so well, they’ve had R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and either Kuldeep Yadav or Jayant Yadav or Axar Patel – someone who bowls good spin – with them in their line-up.”In these conditions, it’s tiring for a spinner as well. It’s hot and humid out there, and you can get tired bowling spin as well as pace. If a batter looks comfortable against a bowler, you can take that bowler off and get someone else in. Even if a new bowler takes a wicket early in the spell, you can go back to the other guy, which is what India have done so well for a number of years. I just have a similar philosophy. “Australia’s batting against spin has also improved substantially, particularly since the 2016 tour of Sri Lanka, which they lost 3-0. Smith said many Australia batters’ exposure to big-spinning conditions – even through the T20 leagues in Asia – has helped raise their game.Ramesh Mendis has been recalled, and could slot into Sri Lanka’s XI straightaway•AFP/Getty Images

“Even in one-day tours you can get similar wickets in the nets to what you get out there,” Smith said. “Last time we played in Colombo in one-dayers, the ball was ragging all over the place. For guys that play IPL and things like that, and you can get nets there that can be extreme, you just learn on the go through those experiences. It’s almost been attack before defence and thinking proactively. I thought we did that magnificently in the first Test.”Because of how enormous the winning margin was in the first Test – an innings and 242 runs – Sri Lanka now find themselves having to prove that their own batting in spinning conditions is up to scratch. And that their own bowlers can be penetrative in helpful conditions. Early signs are that this game could be a classic low-scoring Galle shootout.”In the first Test, a lot of our batters got starts but didn’t carry on,” de Silva said. “During the match and afterwards, what we’d talked about was that someone has to make 150 or 200, because then others can bat around him, and we can get to a big score. That’s what Australia did. I’m expecting that will happen for us in this match.”

Renuka, Wareham and Bisht bowled out Capitals for 141 before Mandhana and Wyatt-Hodge made short work of the target

Vishal Dikshit17-Feb-20255:16

Experts laud Mandhana, Renuka in RCB’s dominant win

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made short work of a full-strength Delhi Capitals by keeping their batting line-up to 141 and then chasing the total down with ease to continue the trend of the chasing side winning, for the fourth game in a row. Even though RCB were without the trio of Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana, which brought them glory in last year’s final against DC, the trio of Renuka Singh, Ekta Bisht and Georgia Wareham combined to bundle out DC to a below-par total.In reply, RCB openers Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge put on their second century stand, having earlier done so for Southern Brave in the Hundred in 2021. Mandhana scored her fastest WPL half-century, off 27 balls, and Wyatt-Hodge peppered the off side with six fours out of her seven during her 42 off 33. By the time she fell in the 11th over, RCB needed only 35 off 55 and they cruised over the line in the 17th over.Rodrigues leads DC in the powerplay, Lanning scratchy againRenuka landed DC the first big blow when Shafali Verma struck her first ball for the simplest of catches to mid-off for a golden duck. With Meg Lanning looking scratchy at the other end, just like she did against Shabnim Ismail two days ago, it was Jemimah Rodrigues who led DC in the powerplay. Rodrigues herself didn’t start too well – she survived a review on zero and took six balls to get off the mark – but she launched into the RCB attack at first sight of spin, gloriously lofting Ekta Bisht over the covers for a six. DC were also helped by plenty of byes and extras in the powerplay which Rodrigues combined with another six and two fours off VJ Joshitha in the sixth over to give DC their second 50-plus powerplay in as many games.Jemimah Rodrigues struck a quick 22-ball 34•BCCI

DC crumble again after the powerplayRCB, however, made inroads through the introduction of Georgia Wareham in the seventh over. Once Rodrigues missed a reverse sweep to be stumped in a flash by Richa Ghosh for 34 off 22, DC lost Lanning as well in the next over when the captain miscued Kim Garth to Ellyse Perry at deep-backward square leg. Annabel Sutherland soon launched Bisht for a big six on the leg side to show that DC weren’t going to be bogged down by the double blow but her attacking approach handed a catch straight to cover in Renuka’s second spell. New batter Jess Jonassen miscued Bisht to midwicket five balls later and DC had suddenly slipped from 60 for 1 to 87 for 5.It could have been 95 for 6 had Kanika Ahuja not put down Marizanne Kapp at short fine leg and even 103 for 6 if the mix-up between Kapp and Sarah Bryce had not been followed by a fumble, also by Ahuja, but it did become 105 for 6 when Kapp holed out to long-off off a 69.2kph delivery from Bisht. Bryce chipped in with another useful cameo with a 23 off 19 that saw RCB past 125 but they needed a lot more to make a match out of this. Wareham handed them a double blow in the 18th over and Garth wrapped things up in the last over to finish with 2 for 19, while Renuka bagged 3 for 23 and Wareham 3 for 25.Renuka Singh picked up 3 for 23•BCCI

Mandhana, Wyatt-Hodge cruise throughEven with Kapp and Jonassen back in the XI after recovering from sickness, DC hardly posed any challenges for the RCB top order. Mandhana cashed in on the wayward lines from Kapp in the first over and turned the tide of her record against offspinners (she’s been out to them 10 times in the WPL) when she swept Minnu Mani for two fours in the third over. Wyatt-Hodge pierced the gaps square on the off side, especially against Shikha Pandey, for four fours in the powerplay.At 57 for 0 in the powerplay, RCB’s asking rate was just over six an over. Even bowling changes didn’t work for DC. Both Jonassen and Annabel Sutherland were carted for fours by both batters in their first overs, and when the reliable Rodrigues dropped Wyatt-Hodge on 34 after Mandhana had collected back-to-back boundaries, the game was all but over.Mandhana dispatched Kapp for six over midwicket and continued to attack Jonassen with lofted strokes on the off side to take her for 27 runs off 14 on the night. Even though both openers fell towards the end, Ellyse Perry and Ghosh ensured there were no jitters to seal the eight-wicket win and top the table.

MatériaMais Notícias

Finalista da Copa do Nordeste, o Ceará iniciou a Série B em baixa e a diretoria resolveu demitir o técnico Gustavo Morínigo.

Além do paraguaio, o Alvinegro desligou o auxiliar técnico Diosnel Burgos e o preparador físico Martins Paolorosso.

De acordo com as informações, o que pesou na conta de Morínigo foi o desempenho ruim no torneio nacional, principal competição do calendário.

A gota final da paciência da diretoria ocorreu na rodada do fim de semana, quando o Ceará foi superado por 3 a 0 pelo Guarani. Na estreia, o time acabou derrotado por 2 a 0 pelo Ituano.

Campanha

Contratado pelo Ceará no fim de 2022, o treinador levou o time as decisões do estadual e Copa do Nordeste. Na Copa do Brasil, a equipe foi eliminada de forma precoce pelo Ituano.

Números

Em 24 jogos no comando do Ceará, Gustavo Morínigo venceu 14 jogos, empatou cinco e foi derrotado cinco vezes.

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In a summer full of frustration for Newcastle United, things could be about to get even worse with reports now suggesting that PIF could yet help deal them a major blow.

Howe delivers verdict on "difficult" summer

Those at St James’ Park have had plenty of ambition without reward so far this summer. Whilst they deserve praise for the signing of Anthony Elanga, other targets have come and gone elsewhere in what has become the frustrating trend of their transfer window.

The latest to do so looks set to be Hugo Ekitike. Although reports suggested that Newcastle had already submitted an opening bid for the Frenchman with a second on the way, Liverpool soon swooped in to steal a march on the Magpies. With concerns that the Reds would instead turn towards Alexander Isak if they missed out on the Frankfurt star, Newcastle dropped out of the race for his signature.

Eddie Howe, like all involved at St James’ Park, will be incredibly disappointed by how the summer transfer window has gone so far. He told reporters when asked about Newcastle’s business: “It was a difficult summer (to switch off) with everything going on behind the scenes.

“Obviously losing Paul (Mitchell) and all of the dynamics changing within (the club). The Sporting Director role is such a pivotal role at the club, so there was a lot (of work) to pick up.

“There has been a lot of work, transfer-wise, for very little incoming action, although we are delighted to get Anthony Elanga in, who has done very well in training so far. But a lot more work (is needed) behind the scenes in preparation for the new season.”

More clinical than Ekitike: Howe plotting Newcastle move to sign £75m+ star

Losing out on Ekitike could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

2

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 19, 2025

After calling for more work to be done, Howe may not exactly get his wish, however. In fact, reports are now suggesting that PIF could even play a part in dealing Newcastle their biggest blow yet.

Saudi giants plotting shock Isak move

According to Sky’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Al-Hilal are now plotting a shock move to sign Isak from Newcastle this summer in what would see PIF work on a deal between two of their majority owned clubs. Led by Simone Inzaghi, the Saudi market is said to be “heating up” with Al-Hilal “considering a massive offer to convince both the club and the player.”

It’s an unexpected twist, to say the least, but the Magpies could now reportedly lose out to the rich owners that they entrusted with keeping the Swede in the first place.

Despite the fact that PIF own a majority stake in both clubs, there would reportedly be no issue regarding the regulations if Al-Hilal did sign Isak this summer. Having lost out on Ekitike to fend off any interest from Liverpool in Isak, it would now be the summer’s most shocking turn if the forward moved to the Saudi Pro League courtesy of PIF.

There’s no doubt that the Magpies would be losing one of, if not the, best striker in the Premier League or perhaps world football, who earned plenty of praise from Gary Neville last season.

The Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit said after Newcastle defeated the Red Devils: “You could really see the quality of his play and his movement tonight.

“He’s absolutely fantastic and he’s improving all the time. We know he can score goals, we know he can run, but also his hold-up play and his link with others has got better and better since he’s been at Newcastle.”

Sunrisers still in contention despite six-wicket loss at Derby

ECB Reporters Network31-Aug-2024The Blaze 249 for 4 (K Bryce 87*, Beaumont 59) beat Sunrisers 245 (Griffith 65) by six wickets Double-chasers The Blaze kept alive their chance of qualifying for the knock-out stage of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy with a six-wicket win over Sunrisers at Derby, where they chased down a target of 246 with 39 balls to spare.Not for the first time, all-rounder Kathryn Bryce was their match-winner, top-scoring with 87 not out for the Charlotte Edwards Cup-holders to go with figures of four for 41 in the Sunrisers innings.England’s Tammy Beaumont (59) shared a 76-run first-wicket partnership with Kathryn’s sister, Sarah Bryce (41) to give the chase a strong platform, Ella Claridge helping Scotland skipper Bryce finish things off with an unbeaten 33 from 27 balls.Cordelia Griffith had been the Sunrisers’ star performer with the bat, making 65 with seven fours and a six, backed up by useful contributions from Eva Gray (37) and Jodi Grewcock (36) in the Sunrisers total.The result was a setback for Sunrisers, who started the day in third place in the group table, although the top-four finish they need to clinch their first semi-final appearance in the history of either of the women’s regional competitions remains in their hands with two matches left.The Blaze have momentum after winning six of their last eight completed matches but will still need other results to go in their favour even if they win their two remaining fixtures.Having opted to bat first on a green wicket after winning the toss, Sunrisers reached a solid 38 without loss before medium-pacer Bryce then removed Scrivens caught and bowled off a leading edge in the last over of the opening powerplay. Jo Gardner was then bowled off her front pad by Gordon as she sought to pull through midwicket.Griffith and 19-year-old Jodi Grewcock regained the initiative for Sunrisers, adding 89 for the third wicket, Griffith completing a 55-ball fifty after hitting Groves for six and four as the leg-spinner conceded 14 from her opening over.But Groves bounced back to have Grewcock leg before and picked up a second success as Mady Villiers top-edged to mid-on. Alice Macleod was run out thanks to Cassidy McCarthy’s smart work on the midwicket boundary.Sunrisers had slipped from 135 for two to 162 for six as Gordon claimed the vital wicket of Griffith when what must have been an optimistic appeal for leg before was upheld.Gray and Flo Miller bolstered the Sunrisers innings by adding an enterprising 60 in 11 overs before Miller (26) was bowled by Ballinger, her dismissal sparking a flurry of wickets in the final five overs as Gray, Kate Coppack and Amara Carr found fielders in the deep, all off Bryce.Beaumont and Scotland wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce provided a strong platform for The Blaze reply, putting 76 on the board before the latter was leg before playing back to off-spinner Villiers.With the Sunrisers attack unable to build sustained pressure, Beaumont and Sarah Bryce had doubled the Blaze total almost by the halfway stage of their innings, at which point another 100 runs were needed exactly.Beaumont departed lbw from 71 balls, having hit three fours and a six in a workmanlike performance, missing a pull shot against a ball from Gray that struck her very high on the left thigh.Nonetheless, with 88 needed from 20 overs and eight wickets in hand, The Blaze were in control, even with Gray and leg spinner Abtaha Maqsood, in her first appearance of this year’s competition, beginning to apply some pressure. They lost Kelly, trapped in front as Gray claimed a second success, but still had plenty of batting to come.Ireland’s Orla Prendergast was caught on the midwicket boundary but Claridge hurried things along with three fours in an over off Grewcock before Bryce, who had brought her skill and experience to bear in a superbly measured innings, hit the winning boundary.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the charge to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s ranks this summer, with the Gunners determined to end their two-decade-long-plus wait for a Premier League title.

Related Arsenal have "submitted an offer" to sign "strong" £30m Premier League star

The north Londoners are opening talks.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 2, 2025

Berta officially unveiled his first signing as Edu Gaspar’s replacement earlier this week.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Kepa Arrizabalaga is a now-confirmed Arsenal player after completing his medical at the club last week (Sky Sports), and the 30-year-old David Raya back-up joins from Chelsea for just £5 million.

“We are really happy to have Kepa joining us,” said Arteta about Kepa’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

“He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons. He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win.

“Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”

Arsenal are likely to announce Martin Zubimendi’s signing at some point this week too, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard also expected to undergo his medical in the next few days (The Athletic).

Arsenal also want to sign a new attacking-midfielder/winger, amid talks for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, but supporters are especially keen to see Berta end the club’s long wait for a prolific star striker.

While there have been tentative links to the likes of Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, two big names stand out as Arsenal’s top centre-forward targets – RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Sesko, fresh off the back of his best Bundesliga campaign to date, was a top target for Arsenal last summer and in January (Ben Jacobs), with Berta holding talks over the £94,000-per-week Slovenia international again this summer.

Gyokeres, meanwhile, is at the centre of a public fallout with Sporting and president Frederico Varandas, and the 27-year-old is believed to be very keen on a move to Arsenal, whilst being worried that his price tag could jeopardise a move (Record).

Sesko and Gyokeres eyeing Arsenal moves as Berta leads talks

As per GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal’s intentions are clear when it comes to a deal for either man.

Berta has “advanced talks” for Sesko and Gyokeres, as widely reported elsewhere too, and Jacobs says that they would both welcome a move to north London. However, the key for a deal to be done is, of course, down to their final price tags.

Arsenal’s aim is to sign Sesko or Gyokeres for around £60 million, but personal terms shouldn’t be a problem for either really, especially considering the latter is only on around £40,000-per-week in Portugal right now.

Given the likes of Man United are also hunting for a top striker, amid links to Gyokeres in particular, Arsenal cannot afford to dilly-dally for too long here.

Arsenal have made a left-field transfer approach amid sporting director Andrea Berta’s hunt for new forwards, with Mikel Arteta’s side moving for one of Jose Mourinho’s key targets for Fenerbahce.

Related £150k-per-week Premier League star in London after agreeing Arsenal move

Arsenal are about to make a signing.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

The north Londoners want to reinforce their attacking options ahead of a potentially more fruitful Premier League title challenge next season, and new sporting director Andrea Berta has been targeting both wingers and strikers.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Their pursuit of a number nine – likely to be one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres as Berta remains working on both deals simultaneously – is grabbing most of the headlines, but Arsenal definitely want a new winger as well.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo is their “dream” target, according to Fabrizio Romano, but the Brazil international’s £205,000-per-week wages and reported £77 million price tag make this move a difficult one to pull off, not to mention the task of convincing him to leave world football’s most elite side.

It may, however, be far easier to negotiate with Man United over a move for outcast Jadon Sancho, who are reportedly desperate to cut the Englishman’s £300,000-per-week salary from their wage bill.

Arsenal make "surprise" approach for Jadon Sancho

As per CaughtOffside, in collaboration with Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, Arsenal have made an enquiry over Sancho, which the outlet states may come as a “surprise” to some.

Arteta’s side are yet to follow that up with formal talks, though, with Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe appearing to be in the driving seat as things stand. The Portuguese has personally spoken with Sancho about swapping England for the Turkish Süper Lig, and if the player gives his green-light, United’s eagerness to sell means this won’t be a difficult deal to do.

If Arsenal are to hijack this move, they’ll have to move in quickly, as Fenerbahçe have also made Sancho a tempting contract offer with high wages – a proposal which he’s “seriously” considering.

The 25-year-old England international finds himself at a crossroads, despite flashes of brilliance during a mixed loan spell at Chelsea. Sancho scored in their Conference League final win over Real Betis, and his overall performances in west London were enough to convince Chelsea to hold talks with the winger over making his stay permanent.

However, they ultimately failed to reach an agreement, leaving Sancho in limbo, with a key decision set to be made on whether to leave England once again. For Arsenal, they must now decide whether to intensify their pursuit or focus all of their attention on the likes of Rodrygo.

If they do try their hand at competing for Sancho, Berta and co will likely want to negotiate a lower salary, as his current £300,000-per-week wages would make him Arsenal’s highest-paid player.

There is also the added complication from Juventus, who are poised to open talks for the ex-Borussia Dortmund sensation (Sky Sports).

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

Aston Villa transfer window challenges amid PSR concern

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

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

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

Posts ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

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

Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West Bromwich Albion have reportedly made contact with the representatives of a soon-to-be free agent ahead of a potential move to The Hawthorns.

West Brom seek new manager ahead of summer transfer window

The Baggies endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, which went downhill following Carlos Corberan’s departure just before Christmas. Corberan left West Brom for Valencia and in the second half of the season, the Baggies would only win seven more Championship games, falling out of the playoffs and finishing 9th.

Tony Mowbray was appointed and sacked in 2025, with the club saying in their statement: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results. Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns and their contributions to the club winning the 2007-08 Championship title will never be forgotten.”

With the Baggies looking for a new permanent boss, a number of managers have been linked with the vacant role, including Tottenham Hotspur assistant Ryan Mason and Stockport County boss Dave Challinor.

Former Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has also been mentioned as a potential target, and whoever comes in will be looking to make their mark in the transfer market.

He's Corberan 2.0: West Brom could hire "one of the best young coaches"

West Bromwich Albion will hope they can unearth their next Carlos Corberan with this managerial appointment.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 13, 2025

However, despite not having a permanent boss in place for the upcoming season, West Brom chiefs are already looking at new signings and have made contact over a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur youngster Jamie Donley on loan. The Northern Ireland international isn’t the only player the Baggies want, though, following a new transfer update.

West Brom make contact to sign Gora Diouf on free transfer

According to a report from Africa Foot, West Brom have made an approach to the entourage of FC Sion defender Gora Diouf.

Out of contract at the end of June and set to leave on a free transfer, Diouf is also being eyed up by Turkish clubs Trabzonspor and Samsunspor, who have also been in contact.

The 21-year-old is primarily a centre-back but can also play as a left-back if required and has been with the Swiss side since 2022.

Interestingly, Diouf is represented by well-known agency Wasserman who look after Baggies stars Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston, something which could help West Brom in any potential transfer.

A deal for Diouf looks like it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, and who knows, he could rival the likes of Torbjørn Heggem and Kyle Bartley, with Semi Ajayi out of contract in a matter of weeks as things stand.

Tottenham Hotspur failed to win for the 24th time in 35 Premier League matches yesterday, being held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals West Ham United.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went ahead early on through Wilson Odobert, but were unable to hold on to claim a rare three points after Jarrod Bowen’s equaliser.

Given the lack of importance to the fixture with nothing left to play for in the league, it’s no surprise that the Lilywhites failed to deliver, with all eyes on the Europa League semi-final on Thursday night.

However, the remaining outings give the manager an opportunity to evaluate his first-team squad ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window in North London.

Numerous players will likely be moved on from the club, with investment and changes desperately needed if they are to reach the heights they have done in previous years.

Spurs’ poor performers against West Ham

Yves Bissouma produced an excellent showing against Bodo Glimt on Thursday, but the same can’t be said about his display against the Hammers yesterday.

The Malian featured for the entirety of the contest, but lost possession ten times and failed to complete any of his dribbles – looking extremely wasteful with the ball at his feet.

Fellow midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has struggled to match his high levels of performance after his recent injury layoff, with his showing in East London another cause for concern.

The Swede lost 12 duels during the draw – the most of any player on the pitch – whilst also completing just one of his six attempted dribbles, unable to catapult the side to all three points.

However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other Spurs star struggled to make an impact, potentially ending his stint at the club ahead of next season.

The Spurs who needs to be sold after a 4/10 display

No Spurs fan could’ve envisaged how poor the current campaign has been, but a repeat simply can’t happen next season, with huge work needing to be done during the off-season.

Incomings and outgoings are needed across the board, with owner Daniel Levy needing to put his hand in his pocket to hand Postecoglou the tools he needs.

Given the lack of spending from the board in recent years, it’s likely that sales will be needed, resulting in the manager cutting a lot of the deadwood currently on the books in North London.

One of those who should be sold is striker Richarlison, who failed to take advantage of the start handed to him against the Hammers yesterday afternoon.

The Brazilian only managed to register a total of 22 touches during the draw – a tally lower than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who notched a total of 44, highlighting his lack of impact in the final third.

He also only managed to post a tally of four passes completed, and failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, leading to his withdrawal in the 68th minute.

Richarlison was also caught offside twice during the contest, unable to direct any of his efforts on goal and deserving of his substitution – subsequently replaced by youngster Mikey Moore.

Richarlison’s stats for Spurs against West Ham

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

68

Touches

22

Pass completed

4/10 (40%)

Dribbles completed

0/2 (0%)

Times caught offside

2

Shots on target

0

Possession lost

11x

Stats via SofaScore

As a result of his showing, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by London World’s Tony Bryant – topping off what was a disappointing showing at the London Stadium.

After such a showing, it’s evident that he doesn’t have the tools required for a side needing to return to the top level after a hugely embarrassing season in the Premier League.

If the side are to jump back up the standings, departures are needed, with Richarlison needing to be one of the first to be sacrificed by Postecoglou and the club’s hierarchy.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 3, 2025