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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo chooses to remain silent in a WhatsApp group comprising ex-Red Devils stars because he fears the Englishman's status as a "journalist". Following his retirement from professional football, Ferdinand has kept himself busy by working as a pundit for various broadcasters. He also hosts his own podcast on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents.

Ronaldo's journey at Old Trafford

Ronaldo spent six glorious years at United during his first stint with the club between 2003 and 2009 as he won multiple trophies, including three Premier Leagues, a Champions League and a Club World Cup title. It was the Red Devils who gave the Portuguese icon a launchpad, and at Old Trafford, he established himself as one of the best players in the world. Ronaldo even won the first of his five Ballons d'Or as a United player. He came back to Manchester in the summer of 2021, but his second stint at the club did not run nearly as smoothly, and his contract was mutually terminated in November 2022.

Despite ending his ties with the Premier League giants, Ronaldo continues to remain in touch with many of his ex-colleagues, including former defender Ferdinand. The two even caught up for a chat after Ronaldo launched his own YouTube channel last year.  

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRonaldo wearing of speaking in front of Rio

A group of United stars, including Ronaldo and Ferdinand, continue to remain in touch in a WhatsApp group, although the Al-Nassr star mostly remains silent, according to Ferdinand.

Speaking to , Ferdinand said: "It’s funny because Cristiano [Ronaldo] calls me a journalist now. He messaged me saying, ‘Now I can’t say too much in the United WhatsApp group, Rio’s in there. Rio the journalist!"

Ronaldo's success mantra

During Ferdinand's chat with Ronaldo on the Portugal legend's YouTube channel last year, the Portugal striker revealed the secret to his success and how he still continues to dazzle for both club and country in the twilight of his career.

Ronaldo said when quizzed on what keeps him motivated to continue playing: "Last night I was having dinner with my family and my mum and we spoke about some situations that happened in the Euros. It's the enthusiasm that I still have for the game. I'm [an] addict for football, I'm addicted to scoring goals, and to playing at a good level even at my age because I love it."

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Getty Images SportRonaldo aiming for 1,000 career goals

At 40, Ronaldo continues to exhibit exceptional form for Al-Nassr and Portugal. He has kicked off the 2025-26 campaign on a high note, already registering five league goals in as many appearances and six overall across all competitions. He has played a pivotal role in Al-Nassr maintaining a 100 per cent record in the Saudi Pro League as they continue to enjoy a two-point lead at the top of the table. In the October international break, the veteran frontman scored a brace in Portugal's 2-2 draw against Hungary in World Cup qualifying and smashed yet another record in the process. 

With the double against Hungary, Ronaldo went past former Guatemala star Carlos Ruiz's tally to register his 40th and 41st World Cup qualifying goals, which is now the most in history. The Al-Nassr star has 143 international goals to his name in total, while his all-time tally has reached 948 for club and country, following his stunning strike against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. With only 52 goals left to score, Ronaldo is on course to realise his dream of achieving 1,000 goals before bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career. 

As part of Manchester United’s £200m+ shopping spree this summer, Bryan Mbeumo completed a move to Old Trafford to try and improve the situation within the final third.

The Red Devils only netted 44 league goals in 2024/25, with the Cameroonian scoring 20 in the Premier League alone last campaign – a tally which was 45% of the Red Devils’ total.

Whilst he cost a pretty penny, arriving in a £71m deal including add-ons, he does possess the top-flight experience needed to transform the side after last year’s dismal finish.

The 26-year-old has already hit the ground running for his new side, scoring twice in his opening four outings – including in the recent league clash against Burnley at the Theatre of Dreams.

If Mbeumo is to achieve further success during his spell at United, he will likely star alongside one talent who’s been a constant positive influence despite the slump over the last few years.

Bruno Fernandes’ time at Manchester United

Upon his big-money transfer from Sporting CP in the winter of 2020, no United supporter would’ve anticipated the phenomenal level of output produced by Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese international arrived as an unknown quantity to many, but he quickly showcased his talents, scoring 12 and registering eight assists in his first 22 outings for the club.

Since his debut campaign, the 30-year-old has gone from strength to strength at Old Trafford, now racking up a total of 99 goals in his 254 appearances for the Red Devils.

Bruno has since taken on the role of captaincy under various managers, highlighting the importance to the side and the faith shown in him to take the club back to their former glory.

Despite the failures under Amorim last campaign, the midfield still managed to thrive, notching 37 combined goals and assists – by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad.

He continued to be a constant creative threat, extending his tally and remaining as the player with the most through balls completed in Europe since 2022/23 – with his tally higher than those of Kevin de Bruyne and Martin Odegaard.

There’s no denying he’s one of the best additions ever made by the recruitment team, with another player joining him in that department, given his own rise at the club.

The United star who’s been the best signing since Bruno

United have been known to conduct some questionable pieces of transfer business over the last couple of years, which has undoubtedly contributed to their demise.

The likes of Casemiro, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund all joined the Red Devils in deals worth £70m or over, but none of which have failed to make a consistent positive impression on the fanbase.

The latter two of the duo both departed the club in the closing stages of the transfer window, further showcasing the poor business conducted by the board over recent seasons.

However, the same can’t be said for defender Noussair Mazraoui, with the Moroccan international cementing himself as a key player since his move 12 months ago.

The Red Devils paid just £12.7m for his signature from Bayern Munich, making him one of the cheaper additions made by Erik ten Hag during his time in Manchester.

Such a move now appears to be a genius one, as the 27-year-old ended the 2024/25 campaign with 57 appearances across all competitions – the most of any player in the first-team squad.

He operated in various roles such as wing-back, full-back and centre-back, showcasing his versatility which made him such an important aspect of Amorim’s system.

Games played

37

Minutes played

2848

Pass accuracy

86%

Dribbles completed

60%

Tackles made

2.2

Tackle success rate

60%

Cross success rate

26%

Duels won

6.8

Mazraoui has already earned himself huge admirers behind the scenes at United, with multiple insiders claiming that the former Ajax star is the best signing made by the club in many years.

His underlying stats in 2024/25 further highlight his impressive start to life in England, leading to journalist Umir Irfan labelling the full-back as “incredible”.

The Moroccan won 2.2 tackles per 90 last campaign, winning 60% of the dispossession attempts he entered – subsequently showcasing his tremendous ability out of possession.

He also thrived with the ball at his feet, completing 86% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 60% of his dribbles, which allows him to end the year with two assists despite his defensive role.

£12.7m for a player of Mazraoui’s quality is a tremendous piece of business – especially when taking into account the failures of the players before him who accrued mammoth sums of money.

Should he carry on at such a level in 2025/26, there’s no reason as to why he can’t be as important as Bruno in the club’s hunt for success in the near future.

Ten Hag sold Man Utd's "young Giggs" for just £15m, now he's like Mbeumo

Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one talented star to leave under Erik ten Hag.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 11, 2025

Liverpool won the Premier League at a canter last season, but significant changes across the past several months have left Arne Slot’s side looking somewhat imbalanced across the opening weeks of the campaign.

The Reds have relied on last-gasp winners against Bournemouth and Newcastle United in their opening matches of the term, shipping goals in both, though a glass-half-full perspective would suggest that Liverpool’s title-winning mentality is very much intact.

However, Mohamed Salah has been among those to suggest that the tweaks could have had an effect on the Anfield side, the Egyptian King acknowledging that the likes of Arsenal have strengthened considerably over the off-season months.

If Liverpool hope to defend their league title and push for silverware across further fronts, it’s vital that one or two more faces are welcomed through the door, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak still a priority for sporting director Richard Hughes and co.

Liverpool's last-minute plans

The fight to sign Isak and complete Liverpool’s frontline has gone on and on this summer, but it appears to be coming to an exciting head for Slot’s outfit, with the Magpies having this week signed Stuttgart’s promising striker Nick Woltemade for a club-record £69m fee.

24/25

42

27

6

23/24

40

25

2

22/23

27

10

3

Isak scored 27 goals across all competitions for United last season, winning the Carabao Cup and sealing Champions League qualification.

Liverpool might have landed a top attacking talent in Ekitike, but they have sold Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, and Isak would come with the guarantee of world-class output in the final third across the duration of the season and beyond.

A deal was reportedly agreed in the late hours of Sunday evening and, at long, long last, the Swede is set to move to Anfield.

It’s a deal worth £130m according to some reports, and it’s a signing that more than puts Liverpool in the driver’s seat for winning the top-flight.

However, Isak isn’t the only Premier League star on FSG’s radar at this late stage, with someone at the other end of the pitch anticipated to join in the coming days.

Liverpool submit late proposal

As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have submitted an official proposal for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, having fought to sign the England star over the past several weeks.

Palace have resisted the Reds’ attempts to land the defender, who has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, but chairman Steve Parish has moved to sign replacements and the signs suggest Guehi is on the brink of sealing his move to Merseyside.

FSG have offered £35m flat for the 25-year-old, looking to close the deal with the view that Ibrahima Konate has entered the final 12 months of his deal and has yet to strike new terms with the Anfield side.

Why Liverpool need to seal late Guehi move

Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £30m earlier in August. The 18-year-old defender is regarded as one of the great talents of his age bracket and has been integrated right into the first-team fold.

However, too much expectation can wear on an up-and-coming prospect, and adding Guehi to the mix would ensure that the Reds have enough depth in the rearguard to challenge across multiple fronts this season.

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

17 (14)

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

0

Touches*

64.9

46.9

Pass completion

84%

89%

Key passes*

0.5

0.1

Ball recoveries*

4.3

2.0

Dribbles*

0.4

0.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

1.7

Clearances*

4.6

3.6

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

2.5 (61%)

Errors made

2

1

Given the need for such a player and the probability that any deal would be finalised on deadline day, Guehi could even prove to be Liverpool’s finest last-minute signing since Luis Suarez way back when, with the Uruguayan striker joining from Ajax for around £23m in January 2011 after Fernando Torres left for Chelsea.

One of the greatest forwards in Premier League history, Suarez scored 82 goals and laid on 32 assists across all competitions, playing 133 times for the Reds.

Guehi, who is 25, could lead a similar legacy, albeit adding different positional value to Slot’s version of Liverpool.

Hailed as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, the Three Lions talent might not be directly replacing one of the club’s star members of the backline, but Konate’s long-term future is in doubt, and Virgil van Dijk will soon meet the twilight years of his illustrious career.

And like Suarez, Guehi is more than what his position suggests he might be skilled in. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for through balls and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90.

Such is the capacity of his skill set. Though Guehi would fetch a sizeable figure for one approaching free agency, Liverpool feel that his experience, quality and potential yet to be reached make for a compelling piece of business, should they get it done.

Suarez might not have played the prime years of his career Liverpool but he certainly left his mark on the Premier League, almost single-handedly dragging Brendan Rodgers’ side in 2013/14 to the league title.

Guehi would find a squad of greater depth and talent upon arrival in the coming days, and would hope to go one better and claim the prized trophy.

Liverpool have strengthened across the park this summer, and with deals for Isak and Guehi wrapped up before the end of the transfer window, few could deny that FSG will have equipped Slot with everything he needs to take last season’s success, solidify it, and use it as a springboard for another sustained period of success.

Higher ceiling than Isak: Liverpool ready late approach to sign £80m star

Liverpool are eyeing a move for a Premier League star man, amid their pursuit of Alexander Isak

2 ByWill Miller Aug 31, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

A retomada dos treinos no Botafogo em meio ao período da Data Fifa ganhou contornos decisivos para Luis Henrique. Lançado com frequência em campo pelo técnico Luís Castro, o camisa 11 está em um bom momento e, caso seja acionado mais vezes, tem boas chances de continuar a defender o Alvinegro.

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Os direitos econômicos do atacante pertencem ao Olympique de Marselha (FRA). Porém, o contrato de Luis Henrique com o Botafogo inclui uma cláusula de opção de compra de cerca de 8 milhões de euros (estimado atualmente em R$ 42,2 milhões). Além disso, estão incluídos “gatilhos” que estabelecem um número de jogos disputados a partir do qual a sua compra passa a ser obrigatória.

+ Confira as 20 contratações mais caras já acertadas para temporada 2023-24

Após ter travado uma disputa acirrada com Victor Sá, Luis Henrique gradativamente retomou seu posto de titular e se tornou um dos responsáveis por municiar o centroavante Tiquinho Soares. Bem entrosado, o jogador de 21 anos disputou 30 partidas e marcou duas vezes.

O fôlego do atleta terá de ficar ainda mais revigorado. Afinal, além de Victor Sá, terá outro jogador para concorrer por sua vaga: em julho, Diego Hernández estará apto para atuar com a camisa do Botafogo. Em meio a muitos desafios, Luis Henrique se empenha para manter o foco e consolidar seu futebol.

Newcastle United are believed to be in the mix to sign an “incredible” player this summer, as they look to hijack Everton’s move for him.

Howe provides new Isak update

The Magpies are preparing to host Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night, with St James’ Park likely to be at its atmospheric best amid the Alexander Isak saga.

Eddie Howe has confirmed that the Swede will play no part in proceedings against the club who want to sign him this summer, also reacting to his statement about being let down by Newcastle earlier this week.

“It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must: the club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment, the club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United.

“It will do that in every situation. He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt.

Away from the Isak situation, Newcastle are still working hard on possible new signings at both ends of the pitch, and they are reportedly battling others for the signing of a Premier League player.

Newcastle eyeing move for Man City defender Nathan Ake

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are potentially looking to hijack Everton’s move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake this summer. While Everton are already in talks and the Magpies are only “monitoring” the Dutchman, he is represented by the same agency as several Newcastle stars, including Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes, so there could be a smooth path to personal negotiations.

Ake could be a brilliant addition for Newcastle, bringing a wealth of experience of him, not least six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. The 30-year-old is capable of thriving at both centre-back and left-back, which Howe has shown he appreciates with his use of Dan Burn, and Pep Guardiola spoke glowingly about him during last season.

Champions League

Manchester City

2023

Premier League

Manchester City

2024

Premier League

Manchester City

2023

Premier League

Manchester City

2022

Premier League

Manchester City

2021

Premier League

Chelsea

2017

Premier League

Chelsea

2015

Europa League

Chelsea

2013

FA Cup

Manchester City

2023

EFL Cup

Manchester City

2021

EFL Cup

Chelsea

2015

Club World Cup

Manchester City

2023

Super Cup

Manchester City

2023

In some ways, it seems strange why City are willing to sell a player who still has so much to offer, but if Guardiola no longer sees him as an important part of his plans, Newcastle should pounce.

Hopefully, the lure of a move to St James’, including playing in the Champions League, ultimately appeals more to Ake than joining Everton, even though the Blues are starting a new era at their impressive Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.

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ByCallum Kemp Aug 22, 2025

The £160,000-a-week Ake is a class act who has proven himself at the highest level, and at 30, there is no reason why he couldn’t enjoy three or four good years at Newcastle.

The Darwin Nunez era has come to an end. However Liverpool fans choose to remember it, they can’t argue that it wasn’t eventful.

The Uruguayan centre-forward arrived on Merseyside to much fanfare, with Jurgen Klopp having hand-picked the raw and powerful talent after his immense breakout year with Portuguese giants Benfica, scoring 34 goals across 41 matches in 2021/22.

That included an eye-catching performance against Liverpool in the Champions League, with goalscoring games against Barcelona and Bayern Munich preceding it.

When Nunez arrived, many thought he would follow in his footsteps of his countryman Luis Suarez. It was expected this maverick of a striker, oozing quality, would leave his mark on Merseyside.

But that wasn’t the case at all.

Why Liverpool had to sell Darwin Nunez

Nunez was given ample chance to make it work at Anfield, but ultimately, two of the finest modern coaches in Klopp and now Arne Slot have failed to unlock this enigma of a number nine.

At times a maverick, Nunez’s wastefulness and ability to get lost in the flow of matches ultimately led to his downfall, with Slot only starting him once in last term’s Premier League edition since Boxing Day. Across 47 matches in all competitions last year, the 25-year-old only scored seven goals.

And when Slot remarked that he “can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything” following clear dejection when the striker missed a crucial chance against Aston Villa in February.

It’s for these reasons that an initial £46m fee has been agreed with Al Hilal for the transfer of the South American, who is now expected to have a medical with the Saudi Pro League side.

Touted as a talisman, Nunez leaves with a share of fond memories but plenty of moments that left something to be desired. A replacement is needed.

Liverpool preparing bid for Nunez upgrade

As per Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing a fresh bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, having seen an initial £110m offer rejected last week.

This has since been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano.

The press over in Spain believe that Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record that they set with the £116m signing of Florian Wirtz in June by pressing ahead with a move for Isak, who, aged 25, wants to join the Anfield side.

Everything hinges on the Magpies’ success in signing a replacement, and with Manchester United having won the race for Benjamin Sesko, uncertainty reigns with that one.

Why Liverpool want Alexander Isak

Having signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a £79m fee this summer, many observers might consider a record-breaking move for Isak somewhat superfluous on FSG’s part, but Liverpool are depleted up top in regard to numbers, and Isak would be the cream of the crop.

Not just a devastating goalscorer but an artful and athletic player, considered by his United teammate Nick Pope for being “like a wizard” on the ball, Isak is the real deal, and would be worth every penny as Slot looks to build and sustain a dynasty.

The £120k-per-week talent might even have enough talismanic aura about him that he steps up as Liverpool’s new inspiration, something that will weigh heavily on Slot’s mind as the 33-year-old Mohamed Salah enters the penultimate year of his journey on Merseyside.

Scoring 27 goals and supplying six assists for Newcastle last season, Isak certainly plays his role as the line leader with aplomb, and his goal against Liverpool to seal the Carabao Cup title at Wembley underscores his Steven Gerrard-esque quality, stepping up when his side need him most.

Gerrard had such desire and self-belief, and he had it in spades. The Liverpool legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, having played 710 matches for the Reds, scoring 186 goals and supplying 155 assists for his teammates.

But he was often the man for the big occasion, chipping in with his biggest career hauls against some of Liverpool’s biggest rivals, with Newcastle, Chelsea, Man United, Everton and Arsenal all featuring prominently on that list.

Steven Gerrard – Most G/A vs PL Opponents
Club	Apps	Goals	Assists	G/A
Newcastle	27	10	8	18
Bolton	23	7	9	16
Man City	26	6	10	16
Everton	33	10	4	14
Man Utd	35	9	5	14
Arsenal	34	6	8	14
Aston Villa	27	13	0	13
Data via Transfermarkt

Moreover, who could forget that FA Cup final performance, releasing a howitzer of a strike to force extra time against West Ham United in the 2006 FA Cup final.

The 45-year-old also inspired Liverpool’s historic Champions League triumph the year before, and stood proud as Anfield’s leader, through thick and thin, across the wide span of his unforgettable career.

Isak might not be cut from the same positional cloth, but the centre-forward has that rare quality that few players across the globe boast: the knack at grabbing games by the scruff of the neck and pushing his team forward, through to victory.

He showed as much against Liverpool at Wembley only earlier this year, after all, while his record against the so-called ‘Big Six’ is also nothing to be sniffed at.

A man for the big occasion, the Swede has scored six times in five meetings with Spurs, four in six against both Chelsea and Liverpool, while also netting two apiece against both Manchester City and Arsenal, across six and five encounters, respectively.

Regarded by journalist Harry de Cosemo for having “hero status” on Tyneside, Isak could immortalise himself in Liverpool by completing a transfer to Slot’s side, adding not just world-class ability but a willingness to step up and lead.

Just like Gerrard did. Time and time again.

More important than Isak: Liverpool begin bid for "world-class" £87m star

Liverpool have entered the race to sign a highly-coveted Luis Diaz heir.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 7, 2025

Rachin Ravindra admits that winning a Test series in India is an extremely difficult task, but is hopeful that his recent white-ball success in the country coupled with New Zealand’s experience of playing in the subcontinent recently could stand them in good stead in the three-Test series, starting in Bengaluru from October 16.Ravindra had a breakthrough 2023 ODI World Cup in India where he scored 578 runs in ten innings, which included three hundreds and two fifties. An IPL contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) followed, and Ravindra suddenly found himself in the thick of things.”Although it is different formats, it gives you confidence that you can perform in this part of the world, although conditions will most likely be different,” Ravindra said on Monday. “It’s more, I guess, managing the crowd and the expectations of the people because we know how passionate Indian people are about cricket.Related

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“It feels like if you’re able to do it a couple of times, hopefully you’ll be able to do it in a Test series and, look, I think it’s a different challenge entirely and it’s something I’m really looking forward to. It’s always special to come back to India and play. Those two tournaments [ODI World Cup and IPL] were amazing, the crowds and the passion and the hype and the buzz around them, so I’m excited to have a fully-fledged three-match Test series here.”After a bit of a false start to his Test career, Ravindra has had a fairly successful year in the longest format with 599 runs in six Tests in 2024 at 49.91, including a top score of 240 against South Africa.The same, however, can’t be said about New Zealand in general, whose World Test Championship (WTC) campaign has nosedived after the two wins at the start of the year against a second-string South Africa. They lost a home Test series to Australia before going down 2-0 in Sri Lanka. Spin has largely been New Zealand’s undoing in this WTC cycle, but Ravindra wants to take all the learnings and positives from the Sri Lanka series and is hopeful his side can come up with a better show in India.”India have always been a quality side, I guess the brand of cricket they play is very positive, especially in their own conditions, they know how to play,” Ravindra said. “They’ve grown up on these wickets and their players, the way they’ve evolved over the last few years has been amazing.”For us, it’s [about] playing our game and doing what’s true to us. I think we did some really good stuff during the Sri Lankan series as well, obviously came on the wrong end of the stick and the wrong side of the win-and-loss column there, but I think as a group there were times where we actually really pushed. That first Test was close and we played the way we wanted to in certain moments, but I think we’ve got to understand that we’ve got to do it for long periods of time because that’s what Test-match cricket is about.”As New Zealanders, we don’t necessarily try and look at the opposition too much; we know what a quality side they [India] are and what they bring to the table. But I think if we’re able to play our game and be consistent and put our best foot forward, hopefully that will result in a win, who knows?”While the pitches in India are unlikely to do New Zealand any favours, the weather in Bengaluru might help them feel at home. It’s been overcast and damp here over the last few days, and the forecast for the first Test suggests heavy cloud cover and rain. The pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, too, has been under covers for a fair bit.Does that then bring New Zealand into the game a bit more?”I guess a bit of rain around, a bit of overcast conditions, looking at the wicket, it might not turn as much as what we might expect in Mumbai maybe, but I think the quality of the wicket, the quality of their bowlers, the quality of our bowlers, I think that will decide the make-up of the game,” Ravindra said. “Whether it turns, I don’t know, I guess we’ll only find out… it might not turn first, second day, we’ll only find out third, fourth, fifth day. It’s important for us as a group to play what’s in front of us and not come into this game with preconceived notions or ideas of what it looks like.”I think we did some really good stuff during the Sri Lankan series as well”•AFP/Getty Images

“We know what Test cricket in India is, but we know the quality of the Indian fast bowling set-up too, so it’s not like they’re just going to produce a rank turner, you know, they’re quality [fast] bowlers too.”It is a sort of homecoming for Ravindra. His father played a decent level of cricket in Bengaluru before settling down in New Zealand. Ravindra still has plenty of family in the city and expects them to turn up for the Test.”Yeah, it’s cool,” Ravindra said. “Obviously when I was here last, well I guess it was IPL and then before that it was the ODI World Cup, so two pretty cool experiences to have, part of two very good teams.”But I guess it’s something different about playing a Test match. You’re here for five days and it’s tradition, and I guess it makes it extra significant just because of the family connection. For me, I was born and brought up in Wellington, I’m a Kiwi all the way through. It’s amazing and I’m very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something pretty special.”There’ll be a bunch of them in the crowd and I know Dad will be here watching, so those moments, you pinch yourself on the journey and for this, it’s definitely one of them.”

Newcastle United missed out on one of their key targets this summer, Bryan Mbeumo. The Brentford attacker reportedly chose to join Manchester United over the Magpies, as well as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, although that is a deal that is yet to go through.

So, with the Cameroon star off the table, they turned their attention to another Premier League forward, Anthony Elanga. The Nottingham Forest star had his move to St. James’ Park all but confirmed by Fabrizio Romano with his famous “here we go” tagline. It is a deal that will cost the Magpies £55m.

Even though one winger is essentially through the door, Newcastle are not stopping there. They are targeting another wide player who could be an even better signing than Elanga.

Newcastle’s next winger target

There are certainly not many options for Eddie Howe out wide. Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon did an impressive job last season, but it is no surprise that they are signing Elanga to help reduce the workload.

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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Indeed, to supplement that further, the Magpies could turn to Manchester City and England international winger Jack Grealish. Football Insider says that the North East giants ‘are planning to accelerate their interest’ in the 29-year-old this summer.

However, they will face competition for the former Aston Villa star. Everton, who move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, as well as newly crowned Serie A champions Napoli and clubs in Saudi Arabia, are also interested.

It was reported by Caught Offside at the start of the week that City will ask for £40m to secure Grealish’s services.

Why Grealish would be a good signing

It has obviously not been the season that Grealish may have hoped for in 2024/25. He barely got a look in at the Etihad Stadium and was not included in their squad for the Club World Cup, a competition in which they were eliminated by Al-Hilal.

The Birmingham-born winger played just 32 times for the East Mancunian side across all competitions. That included just 20 Premier League games, and 715 minutes, in which he scored and assisted just two goals.

Yet, let’s not forget the quality that the former Villa star possesses. He played 96 Premier League games for his boyhood club, scoring 15 goals and grabbing 19 assists. That included 18 goal involvements in 26 games during his final top-flight season at the club in 2020/21.

Those are impressive numbers, with Elanga putting up similar numbers in the most recent Premier League campaign, to the ones Grealish notched up five seasons ago.

For Forest last season, he managed six goals and 11 assists in 38 top-flight games.

He also scored one of the best solo efforts in the Premier League in recent memory, against his former club, Man United. The Sweden star picked up a loose ball in his own half and carried it all the way into the United penalty area, before slotting home past Andre Onana.

Indeed, ball carrying at such an electric pace is a key part of Elanga’s game. Likewise, Grealish is a specialist carrier, although in a slower and more methodical way. The numbers from 2020/21 via FBref suggest his all-around game was better than Elanga’s now.

For example, Grealish averaged 7.08 progressive carries and 7.78 progressive passes for Villa in that campaign. In comparison, the Forest number 21 averaged 3.67 progressive carries and 2.27 progressive passes last term.

Grealish and Elanga key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Grealish (2020/21)

Elanga (2024/25)

Goals and assists

0.66

0.61

Key passes

3.33

1.8

Progressive passes

7.78

2.27

Progressive carries

7.08

3.67

Take-ons completed

2.67

0.9

Ball recoveries

5.14

3.2

Stats from FBref

If the Magpies can help Grealish find his best form, like what he showed in the 2020/21 season, they may have made an even better signing than Elanga.

At his best, he can be a “menace”, according to Statman Dave, and Howe will be hoping to unleash that side of his game.

For a Premier League proven, England international, £40m seems like a bargain of a move for the Magpies this summer.

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James Wharton and Jonny Tattersall shared a record-breaking stand before rain frustrated Yorkshire on the second day of the Vitality County Championship match against Derbyshire at Chesterfield.The pair shared a partnership of 241, Yorkshire’s highest for the sixth wicket against Derbyshire, as the visitors moved to 416 for 6 when play was abandoned shortly before 4.30pmWharton faced 241 balls for his career-best 188 which contained 23 fours and six sixes with Tattersall 93 not out off 151 balls to give Yorkshire a lead of 340.Yorkshire had been unrelenting with the ball on day one and there was no respite for Derbyshire as Wharton and Tattersall batted through a rain-shortened first session.With Derbyshire bowling spin from both ends to improve their over-rate, they did much as they pleased to eclipse a record which had stood for more than a hundred years.Wharton twice dispatched the leg spin of Mitch Wagstaff for six and after surviving a difficult chance to deep cover on 147, he reached 150 off 180 balls, 104 of them coming in boundaries.Tattersall’s contribution was not as eye-catching but was just as valuable in putting Yorkshire into a near impregnable position and the pair eased past the county’s previous highest sixth wicket stand against Derbyshire of 178 set by Emmott Robinson and Cecil Burton in 1921.Derbyshire eventually claimed a second new ball after 89 overs and after Wharton drove Daryn Dupavillon through the covers to bring up the 400, rain brought another prosperous session for the visitors to a close.When play resumed after lunch, Dupavillon finally broke through by having Wharton caught at second slip for the 12th highest individual score against Derbyshire in Yorkshire’s history.He departed to a standing ovation and warm congratulations from the Derbyshire fielders who recognised how well he had played in far from straight-forward conditions.Jordan Thompson announced his intentions by hitting two fours before more rain stopped play with Tattersall seven short of a century.and that proved to be the final action on a day when only 35.1 overs were bowled.

Everton beat Newcastle United at St. James’ Park to finish the 2024/25 Premier League campaign on a high, finishing 13th with 48 points.

Curiously, David Moyes has led the Toffees to their best league finish since 2020/21. We’re a far cry away from the woes of mid-season, when Sean Dyche was sacked with Goodison Park, in its final year, walking a tenuous line between safety and the drop zone.

The improvements have been vast. However, Everton still lack that certain something in attack. Indeed, only the relegated teams finished the term with paltrier goalscoring hauls.

A new striker is needed, and Moyes means to bring one in.

Top target urged to sign for Everton

talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino has urged Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap to sign for Everton this summer, and that’s in spite of interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Transfer Focus

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

This follows a revelation from Fabrizio Romano relating to the ongoing transfer saga, with the journalist confirming Everton’s vested interest as they have presented their project to the 22-year-old, willing to meet the striker’s £30m release clause.

Cascarino believes Delap could get “lost in the system” at Chelsea or the Red Devils, whereas serving as Everton’s star man, and under Moyes’ wing at that, could be the right move at this stage of his career.

The talkSPORT pundit noted: “He fits a lot of clubs, but he needs to find the club he thinks is best for him. It’s not just, ‘I’ll go to Man United or Chelsea’. There’s something about me with Moyes… He still needs to work on a lot, so go to a manager who can help him become a better player. You can get lost in the system at Chelsea or Man United. We’ve seen younger players go to these clubs and find it really hard to settle, get into the team, and perform to what is expected of them.”

Why Everton should sign Liam Delap

Described as a “beast” of a number nine by his Ipswich teammate Jens Cajuste, former Manchester City academy star Delap has thrived in his first year in the Premier League.

Having scored 12 goals from 32 starting appearances for Kieran McKenna’s relegated side, he’s proved his worth, proved he has what it takes to succeed for a team competing higher up the table.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future is uncertain, at the end of his contract, but potentially penning a new deal, while Armando Broja will return to Chelsea after his unsuccessful loan spell.

Beto, at least, has made gains under Moyes’ wing, scoring seven goals from 18 Premier League fixtures since the Scotsman’s arrival, but he’s inconsistent.

It’s pretty clear Delap would be an upgrade, not only more clinical but bearing a physicality and combativeness to align with Moyes’ vision.

Matches (starts)

37 (32)

30 (15)

Goals

12

8

Assists

2

0

Shots (on target)*

1.8 (0.9)

1.6 (0.8)

Big chances missed

10

12

Touches*

22.2

20

Pass completion

62%

59%

Key passes*

0.6

0.4

Dribbles*

1.1

0.6

Duels won*

4.2

5.2

Delap might have produced a pretty shoddy pass completion rate in the Premier League this season, but then so has Beto. If anything, this indicates his ability to thrive in conditions which might settle in the Hill Dickinson Stadium next term.

He’s converting his chances more often than not, and he bears a willingness to get stuck in that has drawn plaudits for the muscular Beto.

Beto’s pace and piledriving movements also add a dimension for Moyes, but Delap is capable of bringing his own brand, maybe even surpassing the Bissau-Guinean’s ball-carrying ability.

As per FBref, Delap ranks among the top 13% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

While the Ipswich striker wouldn’t come cheap, there’s a reason why so many Premier League clubs want his signature this summer. This is an opportunity Everton cannot afford to let pass them by, for if he arrives, he will leap right over Beto into the first-choice spot.

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