Manchester United are on an improved run of form and could now be set to strike in the market to sign a highly talented midfielder, as Ruben Amorim plots further improvements.
Man Utd deliver stunning win over Brighton & Hove Albion
Consistency has eluded the Red Devils for much of Amorim’s reign at the club. However, they may now be starting to make a positive change on that front after securing a third Premier League victory in quick succession against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Slick signings in the forward areas, such as Bryan Mbeumo, coupled with a renewed feeling of solidity between the sticks courtesy of Senne Lammens, have brightened the mood at Old Trafford, and their firepower proved to be too much for the Seagulls in the end, despite the visitors’ late fightback.
Speaking after their victory on Match of the Day, Amorim urged his side to take the sting out of the game next time after they had to deal with late pressure before eventually sealing three points on home soil.
He said: “We need to be a bit more calm next time. We know the quality of Brighton, they always have hard games and of course they have the capacity to come back but I think in the end – it is part of the game and the most important thing is in the end that we win.”
While Casemiro could be in the final months of his Manchester United career, his contribution, for now, remains pivotal. However, there will come a time when the Brazil international decides to move on to make way for younger talent.
When that happens, the Red Devils will hope to have a contingency plan, and they may be about to put that into practice if recent developments are to evolve.
Man Utd set to target Jobe Bellingham deal
According to The Express, Manchester United are considering a loan move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham amid increasing tension between his father and sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
The 20-year-old has notched two assists in 12 appearances so far this term, though could be set for a surprise switch to the Premier League after a mixed start to life in Germany.
Labelled “a joy to work with” by Tony Mowbray, the England youth international joined Borussia Dortmund for £25 million in the summer and has proven his worth in the engine room, winning 15 duels so far in the German top-flight, per Fotmob.
Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is also another target for Amorim to add fresh legs in midfield as his side look to pursue a place in the Champions League slots.
Either way, there will be a sense of intrigue among Manchester United supporters as they look to push a deal over the line for Bellingham, someone Mowbray has also showered in praise for his “excellent” all-round abilities.
Man Utd could spend near-£70m on 'new Thiago Silva' in January spending spree
The Red Devils could turn to a Ruben Amorim favourite.
A segunda-feira está amarga para o palmeirense apesar do empate em Itaquera diante do Corinthians nesse último domingo (3), por 0 a 0.
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O gol perdido por Breno Lopes praticamente no último lance de partida, fez com que o empate ficasse com um gosto de derrota na boca dos palmeirenses.
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Apesar da atuação apática e pobre de criatividade do Verdão, o menino Endrick foi a grande notícia do Dérbi, e com uma ótima atuação nos poucos minutos que ficou em campo, deixou um gosto de quero mais em todos os alviverdes.
Sem Dudu, lesionado por todo restante da temporada, para muitos torcedores do Verdão, Endrick deveria ser titular, problema é o Abel Ferreira achar uma posição que favoreça as suas melhores características.
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O português testou Endrick com Rony no Paulista, e foi exatamente assim que ele foi decisivo na final do Paulista, diante do Água Santa.
Mas em alguns jogos não teve uma grande atuação, como diante do São Paulo pela Copa do Brasil.
Se ele merece titularidade ou não a gente pode até discutir, mas que o menino merece muito mais minutos em campo acho que é algo indiscutível entre a coletividade.
É óbvio que Endrick ainda não está compeltamente pronto e está longe de atingir o seu ápice como um jogador profissional, mas o que ele fez no Dérbi o credencia para ganhar mais algumas chances nesta reta final de temporada. Até porque já já ele vai embora para o Real Madrid.
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+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!
Em 2023, Endrick fez 36 jogos, apenas 17 como titular e marcou sete gols. O seu último jogo como titular foi na derrota para o Fluminense, por 2 a 1, pelo Brasileirão 2023, e já sua última bola na rede vai completar três meses. Foi diante do São Paulo, no Morumbi, também pelo Brasileirão.
Manchester City are now racing Real Madrid and Arsenal for the signature of a “jewel”, with the same agent as summer signing James Trafford.
Man City set to battle it out for new forward
Man City’s forward line were on the top of their game last time out, with Erling Haaland bagging a brace in the 3-0 victory against Manchester United, while Phil Foden also got on the scoresheet, and Jeremy Doku grabbed two assists.
Pep Guardiola is blessed with plenty of options in attacking areas, with the likes of Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Oscar Bobb also at his disposal, and the manager singled the latter player out for praise after the 4-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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The Manchester United legend was left very impressed with one Manchester City player’s performance at the weekend.
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Pep said: “Now I realise when I saw him in the first half and the second I realise how much we missed him last season. He’s sharp and quick and like Phil [Foden] with his qualities.
“I’m so happy he is back. I don’t know how long it is since he played 90 minutes maybe one year but he is so strong, so disciplined in defensive issues, incredible threat in small spaces.
Despite being well-stocked in attacking areas, however, a report from The Boot Room has revealed Man City have now joined the race for another young winger, namely Nordsjaelland star Prince Amoako Junior.
The Blues watched the 18-year-old in action against FC Midtjylland at the weekend, and it would be fair to say he caught the eye, scoring the only goal of the game in his side’s 1-0 victory.
However, it could be difficult to get a deal for the teenager over the line, given that there is widespread interest in his signature, with Real Madrid, Arsenal and a number of other Premier League clubs also being named as potential suitors.
Prince Amoako Junior is one for the future
Given his age, the Nordsjaelland winger is only in the infancy of his career, but he has already established himself as a key player for the Danish side, providing four goals and one assist in eight league appearances so far this season.
The youngster, who is represented by CAA Stellar, the same agency as Trafford, has also been praised for his start to the campaign by scout Jacek Kulig.
Given that Prince Amoako Junior is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, it is probably a little early for City to seriously consider launching a move, but there are clear signs he is a very talented young player with a lot of potential.
Liverpool’s search for a top-tier striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its final stages.
The club’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has dominated headlines this summer.
However, with Newcastle holding firm over a potential British-record transfer fee, Liverpool have started exploring alternative options.
Alexander Isak
The Reds have already been active in the market.
They have brought in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, Hugo Ekitiké from Frankfurt, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
These signings signal the club’s intent to strengthen the squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge and a fresh Champions League campaign.
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Isak’s protracted saga has created uncertainty, forcing the club to explore options capable of delivering an immediate impact while providing long-term potential.
One such player has emerged as a potential alternative.
A striker described by journalist Pablo González as a “monster,” whose skill set and goal-scoring instincts make him an intriguing proposition for a team with high expectations in both domestic and European competition.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Enter Julian Álvarez, the 25-year-old Argentine international. The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle has suggested that the former Manchester City star is ‘another name’ on their radar, while his colleague, Paul Gorst, has questioned how much ‘appetite’ there might be on Liverpool’s end to test Atletico Madrid’s resolve.
With a market value soaring to £142m, Álvarez has made 46 appearances for Argentina, scoring 13 goals, and netting 29 goals alongside seven assists across all competitions last season for Atletico.
His statistical profile positions him as a modern forward capable of both finishing chances and contributing to build-up play, drawing comparisons to players such as Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City.
Liverpool’s interest reflects a desire to secure a striker who combines goal threat with versatility.
Álvarez is capable of playing across the front line, linking effectively with wingers, and providing an option in wide channels if needed.
While the price tag and competitive market will complicate negotiations, his proven ability to perform in high-level competitions makes him an appealing alternative should the Isak deal fall through.
How Álvarez compares to Isak
From a tactical standpoint, Álvarez offers several advantages that could make him a suitable replacement for Isak while also complementing Liverpool’s existing attacking options.
His profile blends technical skill, mobility, and a high work rate, which would enable him to integrate into Arne Slot’s pressing and positional systems.
Whereas Isak excels as a central finisher with excellent movement and finishing in tight spaces, Álvarez provides additional dimensions through progressive passing and creative contributions, offering versatility in multiple attacking scenarios.
Statistically, the comparison underscores this difference.
Matches Played
34
37
Starts
34
30
Goals
23
17
Assists
6
4
Penalty Goals
4
4
In terms of ball progression, Álvarez averages 2.83 progressive carries per 90 versus Isak’s 2.71, and 3.30 progressive passes per 90 compared with Isak’s 2.88, highlighting his involvement in moving the ball forward and initiating attacking sequences.
Shooting metrics reflect a similar pattern.
Álvarez takes 2.51 shots per 90 with 1.29 on target, slightly below Isak’s 3.10 shots and 1.34 on-target rate, but his shot accuracy (51.4%) surpasses Isak’s 43.2%, indicating a higher efficiency when attempting to score.
Passing also remains an area where the Atleti forward differentiates himself, completing 25.7 passes per 90 at a 74.2% pass completion rate, compared with Isak’s 17.0 passes and 75.3% accuracy.
Notably, Álvarez’s progressive passing distance of 95.1 metres per 90 dwarfs Isak’s 53.7 metres, showing his capacity to advance the ball into threatening positions consistently.
In terms of creativity, Álvarez recorded 3.87 shot-creating actions per 90, significantly above Isak’s 3.01, suggesting he can make an impact beyond pure goal scoring.
This combination of attributes makes Álvarez a multi-dimensional forward capable of linking play, finishing opportunities, and contributing to Liverpool’s wide and central attacking structures.
He offers a slightly different skill set from Isak, providing Slot with the flexibility to adjust the team’s tactical approach depending on opposition and match context.
His ability to carry the ball into attacking zones, create chances for others, and finish efficiently mirrors Liverpool’s style of blending pressing intensity with dynamic attacking movement.
Moreover, the 25-year-old’s versatility could help Liverpool mitigate risk.
Should Isak’s transfer fail, having a player capable of playing across the front line or drifting into wide channels ensures Liverpool are not left with a single type of striker.
His profile complements the creativity of Mohammed Salah, allowing for multiple combinations in attack.
While Isak may bring superior finishing instincts, Álvarez provides a more rounded offensive package, combining goal-scoring ability with creative distribution and positional fluidity.
He represents a high-potential alternative for Liverpool, embodying the traits necessary to thrive in the Premier League while adding layers of creativity and adaptability.
The Argentine offers a balance of efficiency, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that aligns with Liverpool’s attacking philosophy.
If Liverpool act decisively, he could emerge as a central figure in their forward line, bridging the gap left by an unsettled Isak while complementing the club’s existing offensive talents.
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Kerkez will love him: £76m star talking to Alisson about joining Liverpool
Liverpool are drawing up contingency plans in the event they can’t sign Newcastle’s Isak.
Former Benfica manager Bruno Lage has opened up about the club's failed attempt to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea. The Portuguese side openly declared their desire to bring the forward back to Lisbon but were unable to match the Blues' asking price. Even though Felix had his heart set on returning to Benfica, he opted to accept an offer from Al-Nassr after the Saudi Arabian club paid the fee Chelsea wanted.
Joao Felix was close to joining Benfica
The Portuguese midfielder had advanced talks with former manager Lage and even reportedly agreed to lower his wages to join the Portuguese club. However, even with the involvement of Felix's agent, Jorge Mendes, the two parties could not agree on the transfer fee. Benfica offered to buy 50 per cent of Felix's rights, but the London club, who showed interest in the deal at first, declined as the valuation of €30 million (£26m/$35m) could not be met. The English club further wanted to add clauses demanding commitment from Benfica to eventually buy the player completely.
Felix eventually moved to Riyad as he joined Al-Nassr in a €50m (£43m/$58m) plus add-ons deal, with Chelsea able to recoup close to their original investment.
AdvertisementAFPBruno Lage opens up on Felix's rumored Benfica move
The Portuguese manager was soon sacked by Benfica following a 3-2 home defeat against Qarabag in their Champions League play-offs. The defeat extended his losing streak to six games, prompting Benfica to part ways with the manager.
In an interview with , the 49-year-old coach was asked about the rumoured return of Felix. The ex-Swansea coach delved in the details, saying: "I started to believe Joao could come. He's arriving in Portugal, and I'm leaving on vacation. I was at the airport when I received his statement and called him. I spoke to him and told him that if he said that publicly, he was opening doors, and I would speak to the president to make his wishes come true, as it was everyone's wish."
He further explained: "But Chelsea, which paid what it did for Joao, was always intransigent about the fees to be paid, and it would be very difficult for Benfica, despite having done almost everything possible to bring back a homegrown player. Joao showed a huge desire to return to Benfica and also understood the entire team I was trying to build, where he could be a very important piece, but Chelsea's demands were impossible."
Joao Felix had a lot of untapped potential
Felix burst onto the scene at Benfica with huge potential but has struggled to live up to expectations since his big move to Atletico Madrid in 2019. At Atletico, he made 131 appearances scoring 34 goals but was often inconsistent and misfitted in Diego Simeone’s rigid system. His spells at Chelsea and Barcelona offered chances for revival but were marked by ups and downs, limited starts, and injury problems. Returning to Chelsea, the Portuguese continued to face challenges, failing to consistently perform or secure a key role. Despite glimpses of talent, his career has been defined by unfulfilled promise and multiple moves without stable success.
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Getty Images SportFelix's is finding his stride at Al-Nassr
Felix is experiencing a resurgence with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. After a difficult spell at Atletico, Chelsea and Barcelona, he is now flourishing alongside stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. Felix has been delivering goals, assists and match-winning performances with seven goals and two assists to his tally in eight games. However, coach Jorge Jesus has urged the star to improve his penetration and attacking prowess to unlock his goal-scoring potential further.
انتهت أحداث مباراة منتخبي قطر وعمان بالتعادل السلبي، والتي أقيمت بين الفريقين على ملعب جاسم بن حمد في الملحق الآسيوي المؤهل لكأس العالم 2026.
ويتواجد منتخبا قطر وعمان، في المجموعة الأولى من المرحلة النهائية لتصفيات كأس العالم بجانب الإمارات.
وكان أحد المنتخبين يسعيان من وراء مباراة اليوم لتحقيق فوز مهم وصدارة المجموعة، حيث ما زال هناك مقعدين ونصف إضافيين، بعدما أعلن الاتحاد الدولي عن زيادة عدد المنتخبات المشاركة في المونديال المقبل إلى 48 منتخباً.
اقرأ أيضاً.. هدافي تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة لكأس العالم بعد هدف محمد صلاح أمام جيبوتي
وكانت المرحلة الرابعة قد تم تقسيمها إلى مجموعتين من 6 منتخبات، وتضم كل مجموعة 3 منتخبات وسوف يتأهل المتصدر من كل المجموعة لاكتمال عدد المنتخبات من قارة آسيا.
وكان 6 منتخبات قد حسموا بطاقة التأهل لكأس العالم من المرحلة الثالثة وهما منتخبات إيران وأوزبكستان وكوريا الجنوبية والأردن واليابان وأستراليا.
وتقام مباريات المرحلة الرابعة بنظام الدوري من دور واحد، وتلعب مواجهات المجموعة الثانية التي تضم السعودية وإندونيسيا والعراق في السعودية، بينما المجموعة الأولي تلعب في قطر.
ترتيب مجموعة قطر وعمان في تصفيات آسيا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026
After leaving David Moyes unimpressed during pre-season, Everton have now reportedly told one player to find a new club before the end of the transfer window.
Everton still seeking reinforcements
Even with Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry already signed and delivered, Everton are still in the market for attacking additions. The Friedkin Group will know how important it is to add goals to Moyes’ Everton side after they were outscored by every team outside the relegation zone in the Premier League last season.
Barry and Grealish represent a solid start, but it could be argued that the Toffees still need one more arrival. Just who that arrival is remains the big question, however. If recent rumours are anything to go by, then those at the Hill Dickinson are certainly still in the mood for reinforcements.
According to recent reports, Everton have submitted an opening offer worth around £37m to sign Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma, who are also owned by Friedkin.
Whether the American owners can help push the deal through remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that the Roma forward would hand Moyes a deadly strike partner for Barry this season.
Minutes
2,418
2,559
Goals
12
16
Assists
2
4
Expected Goals
11.9
12.5
Two players who outperformed their expected goals and reached double figures, Everton would be adding 28 league goals to their side if they combined Barry and Dobyk this season.
Of course, however, any deal would need to advance in routine fashion to get over the line at this stage with around two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut.
Meanwhile, it’s not just incomings that Everton are focusing on. As one striker arrives, another has reportedly been told to find a new club.
Everton tell Beto to find a new club
According to Football Insider, Everton have now told Beto to find a new club with Moyes unhappy about his attitude during pre-season and seemingly at the end of his tether. The towering forward has only been at the club for a year and, to his credit, showed signs of finding his best form under Moyes before pre-season reportedly undid all of his good work.
Beto
In a ruthless decision by Friedkin and Moyes, Beto could go from the centre of praise to an Everton outcast if reports are anything to go by. And given the earlier interest of Leeds United this summer, the Yorkshire club could now be ones to watch as the door opens to sign the Portuguese striker.
Just how Beto and Moyes’ relationship has reached this point will be the big talking point if the forward does depart. It was only back in May that the Everton boss told reporters: “He’s a great boy, I’ve got to say.
£52m winger has now told club he wants to leave as Everton submit offer
A major boost for the Toffees in their pursuit.
ByTom Cunningham Aug 14, 2025
“He practises like you wouldn’t believe to try and get better. Which, when you’ve got that, you know then that you’ve got something which is… at least he’s trying to get better. He’s incredibly humble. He’s very honest with himself, which gives a manager a great chance to try and improve. I have to say, he’s done great.”
This series is a bit of an oddity, with two sides at below full strength, with a number of big names rested for more pressing engagements, facing off in a format that’s taken a bit of a back seat in terms of wider relevance, with no immediate world event to build towards. It’s also an oddity in that it’s four matches long, rather than three or five.For all that, it’s been extremely competitive, and at 1-1 could be shaping up for a blockbuster second half. After sharing honours on the coast, South Africa and India now move to the pace, true bounce and high altitude of the Highveld with all to play for.Given that both sides are testing out young players and new combinations, neither team will read too much into how individuals have fared so far. But there are broad, team-level issues they may want to look into.Related
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Samson of 2024 meets Rohit of 2013
South Africa have faced 16 overs from India’s two wristspinners, and scored 91 while losing 12 wickets. The format is different, but Ravi Bishnoi and, in particular, Varun Chakravarthy seem to be exerting the same sort of influence that Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal did on the ODI leg of India’s tour of this country in 2017-18, when they shared 35 wickets in five games.India’s issue is structural, and one that’s cropped up from time to time over recent years: their batting in the first two T20Is seemed to stop at No. 7. They only scored 40 runs in the last six overs of the first match, and failed to turn Sanju Samson’s storming century into a truly awe-inspiring total. In the second, they lost early wickets, and never recovered thanks in part to this lack of depth.How the two teams sort out or work around these issues could well determine how this series finishes.
Form guide
South Africa WLLWL India LWWWW
In the spotlight – David Miller and Abhishek Sharma
In this series so far, David Miller has been out twice to Varun – the second off a peach that turned past his outside edge and bowled him for a golden duck – in 13 balls, while scoring 14 runs off them. Miller prides himself on his spin game, which he has transformed over the last three years, and will undoubtedly be working extra-hard on picking Varun’s variations and getting on top of him.He announced himself with an audacious 47-ball 100 against Zimbabwe in only his second appearance, but his eight other T20I innings have brought Abhishek Sharma only 70 runs, with only two of them going past the ten-ball mark. Abhishek’s no-holds-barred approach, which is exactly what earned him his international call-up, comes with the in-built risk of early failure, and getting the best out of him will require India’s team management to ensure they judge him on processes and not outcomes, helping him become a more rounded player while backing his attacking instincts.Lutho Sipamla has been brought in for the last two T20Is, and he has form behind him•Getty Images
Team news
Lutho Sipamla has joined South Africa’s squad for the third and fourth T20Is, and the fast bowler comes into the series with form behind him. He picked up the Player-of-the-Match award for his four-wicket haul in the final of the CSA T20 Challenge in late October, and followed it up with another match-winning contribution for Lions against Titans, a first-innings four-wicket haul in the CSA 4-Day Series. If South Africa bring him into their XI, either Andile Simelane or the legspinner Nqaba Peter may have to make way.South Africa (possible): 1 Ryan Rickelton, 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 Aiden Markram (capt), 4 Tristan Stubbs, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6 David Miller, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Andile Simelane/Lutho Sipamla, 9 Gerald Coetzee, 10 Keshav Maharaj, 11 Nqabayomzi PeterThere is no quick-fix for India’s batting depth issue within their squad, but they could try and mix things up nonetheless. Three players in their squad are still awaiting their first T20I caps: fast bowlers Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yash Dayal and the explosive lower-middle-order hitter Ramandeep Singh.India (possible): 1 Sanju Samson (wk), 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Arshdeep Singh, 9 Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Avesh Khan, 11 Varun Chakravarthy
Pitch and conditions
Centurion hosted two incredibly high-scoring T20Is in the space of two days last year. First, South Africa clattered their way to 131 in a rain-shortened, 11-overs-a-side contest, only for West Indies to haul down their target with three balls to spare. Then the hosts exacted a spectacular revenge, with Quinton de Kock’s 44-ball 100 helping them haul down 259 in just 18.5 overs and set a new record for the highest T20I chase. Expect plenty of runs, then, though the steep bounce at the venue could also bring fast bowlers into play if there’s a little bit of help from the surface. A clear and pleasant day is expected.3:33
2nd T20I takeaways – Varun, Stubbs, Coetzee show how good they can be
Stats and trivia
Of the six South African grounds that have hosted at least three T20Is since the start of the decade, Centurion has been the highest-scoring, with batting teams going at 10.90 per over and averaging 33.25 runs per wicket.
Miller (81) has the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in all T20Is.
Varun already has eight wickets in this series, and has a great chance, with two matches remaining, of going past the Indian record of most wickets in a bilateral T20I series of nine, held jointly by R Ashwin and Bishnoi.
Since his debut in July 2022, no Full Member player has taken more wickets than Arshdeep’s 89 in T20Is. Arshdeep is well on course to take over as India’s highest wicket-taker in the format, needing just eight more to go past Chahal’s tally of 96.
Quotes
“Everyone on the team hates losing. In the first game, we didn’t play at our best, if we can call it as it is. And then the second game, the whole focus was just to try and give us the best chance to win. In the second game, we were a lot more focused on winning those small battles because in T20 two or three overs is actually [significant], there’s a lot that can happen. So for us, it was just a focus point in terms of just trying to win those small battles. And I think we won most of the small battles, even though it was a low-scoring game.” “I’ve had a really good bowling partner in Jassi . He has helped me enormously in taking a lot of wickets by creating pressure from the other end. So a lot of credit goes to him as well. But the main thing is how well I can adapt to the conditions and the situations of the game, how I can attack the batsman early on and take some early wickets. And even at the death how I can outsmart them and bring the game back into our hands.
It has certainly been a busy week for Nottingham Forest. Whilst the future of attacking midfield talisman, Morgan Gibbs-White, is up in the air, as he awaits a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, they have lost one of their other star forward players, Anthony Elanga.
The Sweden international joined Premier League rivals Newcastle United from Forest, where he has played for two seasons. Whilst they did make a large profit of £40m from the original signing of the Manchester United academy star back in 2023, there is no doubt that losing the 23-year-old is a huge blow to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Sweden's AnthonyElangacelebrates scoring their fifth goal with Alexander Isak
Now, the hunt for his replacement must commence, with the East Midlands side seemingly eying up another Premier League player.
Forest’s search for an Elanga replacement
Replacing a player as impactful as Elanga will not be easy, but with the money Forest made on the sale, it does give them plenty of options. They have already been linked with a couple of names, but someone else has seemingly joined the list.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to a recent report from The Express, the East Midlands outfit have ‘have joined the race’ to sign Liverpool and Scotland international winger Ben Doak. The higher-ups at the City ground have ‘identified Doak as one of the options’ to replace Elanga.
However, this is not going to be a straightforward deal to do. Forest are not the only side to have made contact after registering their interest in the teen, with Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Everton all reportedly enquiring about his availability earlier in the summer.
A fee of £25m would be the minimum required for Liverpool to sell their starlet, according to the report.
Why Doak would be a good signing
The fact that Doak is already a Scotland international at just 19 years of age shows just how talented he is. Football scout Antonio Mango described him as a “menace”, and he showed exactly why for Middlesbrough on loan last season.
Ben Doak in action for Middlesbrough
The winger, who was born in Dalry, North Ayrshire, made 24 Championship appearances for Michael Carrick’s side last term. Notching up 1789 minutes, the equivalent of 19 full 90-minute games, he impressed with three goals and seven assists. That left him with a total of ten goal involvements in 19 games.
That was his first real taste of first-team football, despite making 12 senior appearances for Liverpool and Celtic. Described as “a very direct outlet” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, he excels in one-on-one scenarios. Just look at this assist against QPR last term.
Funnily enough, directness is one of Elanga’s biggest traits, too. Many of his best contributions at Forest stemmed from his ability to run relentlessly at opposition defenders.
This assist against Arsenal right at the start of his time at the club perfectly captured that direct nature.
In the end, the 23-year-old departed the City Ground with 82 appearances to his name in that famous Garibaldi Red shirt. He scored 11 goals and registered 21 assists, with 17 of those contributions coming in the 2024/25 campaign.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga
So, in terms of directness, Doak seems to be a great option to replace Elanga. That is further reinforced when looking at the stats from last season, which stack up well in favour of the Scotland youngster.
When looking at the underlying data on FBref, the Liverpool talent averages 2.22 key passes and 6.77 progressive carries each game, compared to 1.8 key passes and 3.67 progressive carries per 90 minutes for Elanga.
Key passes
2.22
1.8
Progressive passes
2.83
2.27
Shot-creating actions
4.15
3.67
Take-ons completed
1.77
0.9
Progressive carries
6.77
3.67
Those numbers certainly suggest Doak will be able to maintain the creative output of Elanga, who notched up 11 assists last term. He certainly seems like a fantastic option to replace the Sweden star, based on the numbers.
For just £25m, Doak could help bolster this Forest side, now weaker without Elanga, in a deal that seems like an absolute bargain.
Perfect for Wissa: Nottingham Forest ready offer for "special" £25m talent
Nottingham Forest are looking to make a bid for a Premier League starlet
Despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back option, Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly preparing an offer to re-sign a Premier League defender.
Daniel Levy: "Failure is not an option"
The biggest decision of Tottenham’s summer so far has undoubtedly been the appointment of Thomas Frank after showing Ange Postecoglou the door. The decision to sack Australian is one that split opinion just weeks after the Lilywhites ended their trophy drought by winning the Europa League against Manchester United.
Levy has since spoken for the first time since sacking Postecoglou, revealing that it was a difficult decision emotionally. He told reporters: “I don’t regret appointing Ange, I’m very grateful to Ange. In his first season we finished fifth and in his second we were over the moon to win a trophy.
“But we need to compete in all competitions, and we felt that we needed a change. Emotionally it was difficult but we feel that we’ve made the right decision for the club. “I’ve got very broad shoulders. Failure is not an option, the desire [is] to succeed. And because it’s so difficult, I want to succeed even more.”
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Whether those in North London agree with the decision or not, Postecoglou’s departure has since opened the door for Frank to step into the hot seat for the biggest job of his career.
It has been a long time coming for the Dane, who took Brentford to new heights despite often lacking in resources. Now at Tottenham, he has the chance to prove that he belongs at the very top by turning things around in North London.
That turnaround must start away from the pitch and in the transfer window, however, with names such as Antoine Semenyo alongside a name that Spurs fans know well already among the headlines on that front.
Tottenham preparing offer to re-sign Cirkin
According to reports relayed by The Northern Echo, Tottenham are now preparing a formal offer to re-sign Dennis Cirkin despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back clause from Sunderland.
The left-back has blossomed into an impressive talent since swapping Spurs for Wearside and now finds himself back in the Premier League with the Black Cats. That return has not gone under the radar, however, and Levy now has his sights set on a reunion.
Cirkin would not only hand Frank an instant boost in his backline but also help Spurs to fill their homegrown quota in the Champions League next season. On all fronts, it is a deal that may make sense for the Lilywhites.
Sunderland are reportedly eager to keep hold of Cirkin and tie their defender down to a new contract. Whether they are able to convince their defender to ignore the interest of his former club remains to be seen, though.
Alas, having already lost Jobe Bellingham for big money, the Black Cats have proved their ability to drive a hard bargain and with no buy-back clause to fall back on, Spurs could yet face some tough negotiations.