Leeds United will be somewhat resigned to the fact that their star-studded squad could now be picked off, with the West Yorkshire titans in a vulnerable current position by staying put in the Championship.

The added injection of cash from the new Red Bull deal could help them out, but money will ultimately end up talking, especially if crazy offers come their way they would be silly to turn down even for their most prized assets.

Archie Gray is one of those names who Leeds might well feel powerless to losing this summer, especially if a reported £50m+ bid does end up being offered up from a footballing superpower such as Bayern Munich, who are allegedly interested in the 18-year-old's services after a sublime debut season in the senior team at Elland Road.

Raking in substantial cash for the teenage sensation doesn't necessarily mean Leeds have to break the bank to adequately replace him, however, with a free transfer deal already in the works for a potential replacement according to reports.

Leeds going back in for "wonderful" defender

A recent report by Football Insider has confirmed the fact Ben Johnson will walk away from West Ham United when his contract at the London Stadium expires this month, with Leeds registering strong interest in his services as a free agent.

Rangers up in Scotland are also cited as being an interested party for the adaptable defender according to the site, with the 24-year-old capable of filling in wherever needed across a back four, as has been seen over the span of his time with the Hammers to date.

This campaign saw his role at the London Stadium diminish to being very much a bit-part figure though, only starting four total games in the league with a meagre average of 39 minutes per match being mustered up, with a move to Leeds surely appealing to him if Gray does walk away.

Why Johnson would be a great replacement for Gray

He has proven his worth to the Hammers cause over his five years in the senior ranks, helping himself to two Young Player of the Year accolades and glowing praise from the likes of Stuart Pearce describing him as a "wonderful professional", content at just playing his part unnoticed no matter how small for the Irons.

RB

37

LB

22

RM

8

LM

8

CB

8

Sourced by Transfermarkt

He could well take on a starring role in this new location though, filling in gaps not just in Gray's absence, but all over the pitch as Leeds strive for promotion once more.

Although, looking at the table above, Johnson has looked at his most comfortable donning a Hammers strip in that right-back spot, with two of his four starts in the Premier League coming here this campaign just finished.

Yet, he managed to still show his assuredness playing in midfield down the right flank – much like Gray has done for Leeds as well in the centre of the park, with his display against Manchester United in February of this season sticking out.

Constantly looking to cross into the area bombing down the wings, with eight crosses attempted at Old Trafford in total, Johnson could comfortably slot into Farke's XI in Gray's absence, therefore, with the likes of Joel Piroe for Leeds scoring a selection of his goals this season by latching onto crosses.

This was seen in his side's 4-0 demolition job of Norwich City in the play-offs, as Piroe leapt to power home to help destroy the Canaries.

Leeds will be far worse off without a figure like Gray in their side, but if they can replace his versatility cheaply in the form of the 24-year-old coming in from West Ham, this feels like a shrewd deal worth exploring.

Leeds eyeing "fantastic" transfer that can help them forget Bamford

Leeds United could finally ditch Patrick Bamford with this summer buy.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 2, 2024

The ICC has been given notice that South Africa’s minister of sport, Nathi Mthethwa, intends to intervene in Cricket South Africa (CSA) after failing to see progress in the organisation’s attempts to stabilise its governance.Mthethwa can act according to the country’s National Sport and Recreation Act, which gives him the power to intervene “in any dispute, alleged mismanagement or other related matter that is likely to bring a sport into disrepute.” Besides, if the federation does not comply with the ministerial directive, he has the power to take away funding and to no longer recognise them as a national federation. The minister has given CSA until October 27 to make a case to keep him out of their affairs.Mthethwa’s action comes after CSA ignored the instruction by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the umbrella-body under which all the country’s sports federations operate, for their board and executive to step aside while an investigation into CSA’s financial and governance affairs took place. CSA also did not allow SASCOC unrestricted access to their forensic report, which was used to fire former CEO Thabang Moroe, and wanted SASCOC board members to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) which they refused to do.CSA has made the full report available to the minister and the parliamentary portfolio committee, who questioned CSA over the report on Tuesday. The session yielded “negative outcomes”, according to a statement by Mthethwa, who has seen no alternative but to take matters into his own hands.”Having evaluated the discussions as well as the subsequent reporting on this matter, I have now reached a point where I see no value in any further engagement with CSA,” Mthethwa said, in a statement issued on Wednesday morning.ALSO READ: South Africa opens borders but international sport remains locked downHowever, Mthethwa’s statement stressed that he would prefer not to get involved and wants to provide CSA with the chance to sort their problems out themselves. “Minister Mthethwa strongly believes that there is great merit in creating an environment where sports problems are handled within the sports movement and accordingly wishes to offer them every possible opportunity to demonstrate their stated commitment to cooperate on a way forward for cricket,” the statement read.That is important, especially when dealing with the ICC, which forbids government interference in its members. Last month, SASCOC wrote to the ICC explaining that their action did not constitute government interference because they are an independent – albeit legislatively-created body – and were not acting under ministerial directive even though they had passed a resolution indicating that they were.The National Sports and Recreation Act requires that SASCOC is the first port of call in a dispute or alleged mismanagement in any sports federation and the minister may only step-in if SASCOC fails to resolve the issue. Two weeks back, SASCOC indicated they were not making progress and asked the minister to step-in.”When the SASCOC initiative yielded no positive results, the Minister personally held several meetings with the CSA Board and also met with the Members Council,” the statement read. The most recent meeting between the minister and CSA took place on Monday. CSA were hopeful they would obtain permission from the minister to host England for a “critically important” white-ball series in November-December but appear to only have angered Mthethwa while the tour remains uncertain.The United Kingdom is on South Africa’s list of high-risk countries and travellers from there need to apply for permission to enter South Africa, whose borders opened in limited capacity only on October 1.

رد المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي تشيلسي، إنزو ماريسكا، على أنباء اهتمام برشلونة بضم اللاعب، كريستوفر نكونكو، سواء في يناير أو الصيف.

ويلعب نكونكو مع تشيلسي منذ صيف عام 2023 ويستمر عقده مع الفريق حتى صيف 2029، لكن هناك الكثير من الشائعات تتردد حول إمكانية رحيله.

حيث أفادت التقارير الإخبارية أن برشلونة يرغب في ضم نكونكو في الشتاء أو الصيف المقبلين لتدعيم صفوفه ولكن العقبة هي الخوف من إصاباته.

لكن اللاعب شارك في الموسم الحالي في 25 مباراة بجميع البطولات وسجل 12 هدفًا وصنع 4 آخرين في إجمالي 1008 دقيقة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أسطورة مانشستر يونايتد: أفضل لاعب تشيلسي على محمد صلاح في الدوري الإنجليزي

وتحدث ماريسكا عن مستقبل نكونكو، وقال الإيطالي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية: “نحب كريستو ونريده هنا معنا في تشيلسي”.

وأضاف: “سيكون هناك دائمًا لاعبون غير سعداء وبعضهم سيطلب الرحيل في يناير، لست متأكدًا مما إذا كانت هذه ستكون حالة نكونكو أو لاعب آخر، نريد الاحتفاظ بالجميع”.

وكان نكونكو قد انضم إلى تشيلسي في صيف العام الماضي قادمًا من لايبزيج بمقابل مادي قيمته 60 مليون يورو.

The summer signing from Brighton scored a quickfire double to fire Marc Skinner's side to a third-straight win of the new campaign

Elisabeth Terland opened her Manchester United goal-scoring account with a quickfire double as the Red Devils beat Tottenham 3-0 on Sunday to maintain their perfect start to the Women's Super League season.

Spurs made a ferocious start as their high-press caught the home side unawares, with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce having to make two excellent stops early on. United were, in fact, second-best for much of the first half, but grabbed a stunning opener through Terland's volleyed strike in the 44th minute.

The Red Devils, who thumped Tottenham 4-0 in May at Wembley to win last season's FA Cup, then doubled their lead in first-half stoppage-time as ex-Brighton ace Terland once again finished off Celin Bizet's cross into the box.

The result was put beyond doubt when fellow former Seagull, Maya Le Tissier, converted from the spot in the 59th minute after Ashleigh Neville handled in the box, meaning Marc Skinner's team have won each of their three league games to start the campaign, leaving them level on points with defending champions Chelsea.

GOAL rates United's players from Leigh Sports Village…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Phallon Tullis-Joyce (9/10):

  Spread herself really well to deny Thomas early on and then made a great fingertip save to keep out Spence's long-range effort. She seems a first-rate successor to Earps.

  Celin Bizet (8/10):

  Provided two sumptuous assists for team-mate Terland, but sometimes struggled with the attacking runs of Thomas and England in the first half. Improved in that regard in the second period.

  Maya Le Tissier (8/10):

  Made some important tackles at the back but her passing sometimes got her team into a spot of bother. Took her penalty with aplomb, though.

  Millie Turner (8/10):

  Pulled off some key interceptions in defence and largely kept the roaming Naz and England in check.

  Gabby George (8/10):

  Most of Tottenham's threat came down the left, but when she was called upon, she was neat and tidy at the back and linked up with her team's attack well.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Dominique Janssen (8/10):

  Showed her energy and leadership in the centre of the park. Manager Skinner talked up her qualities pre-match, and he was right to do so.

  Lisa Naalsund (8/10):

  Worked hard off the ball and did well to snuff out some driving bursts from the dangerous Naz. Helped her team gain the upper hand in midfield as the match wore on.

  Ella Toone (7/10):

  Had a quieter game than United fans have come to expect from the England international, but her work off the ball was impressive.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Grace Clinton (8/10):

  At times, the England international was an unstoppable driving force with the ball at her feet; skipping past defenders at will. On another day, could have had a couple of goals.

  Elisabeth Terland (9/10):

  Showed just how clinical she can be in front of goal with a terrific volley and then a well-directed header late in the first half. Came agonisingly close to a hat-trick, only for goalkeeper Spencer to push her shot onto the post.

  Leah Galton (7/10):

  Was the quietest of United's frontline, but put in a shift for her side and popped up with some good defensive headers as well.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Rachel Williams (7/10):

  Nearly scored again off the bench, but Spencer did well to beat away her shot.

  Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):

  Showed some nice touches when introduced into the action late on.

  Simi Awujo (7/10):

  Looked lively when she came on and was very comfortable on the ball.

  Aoife Mannion (N/A):

  Had no time to make an impact.

  Marc Skinner (8/10):

  His side struggled in the first 30 minutes as Tottenham's press caused them all sorts of problems. But Terland's goal changed everything as Skinner's team grew in confidence and then managed to outmanoeuvre the away side. United have now scored seven and conceded none in the league – an impressive start.

France boss Didier Deschamps has played down the idea of a split between himself and his captain, Kylian Mbappe.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Deschamps denies riftMbappe had been allowed to restStar spotted in Swedish clubFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Deschamps denied that there was any animosity between him and Mbappe despite the star being spotted in a Swedish nightclub on the same night as France's clash with Israel. Mbappe had been excluded from the French squad to recover from injury but drew attention with his appearance in the nightclub. Deschamps claims he was not aware Mbappe was away in Sweden.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT DESCHAMPS SAID

Deschamps said: "I don’t follow the news of players who are not here, Kylian is following a programme with Real Madrid, I don’t know if he was away or not. Like any player for his club, he follows a programme. If players have days off, they are free to do what they want."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe was sidelined with a thigh injury after sustaining it in Madrid's 3-2 win over Alaves in La Liga. The forward was expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks, although he returned ahead of schedule to play against Villarreal, and was left out of France's squad. The rumours of a rift come amid reports that Mbappe only wanted to play in 'important' international fixtures as he prioritises his efforts to win the Ballon d'Or.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

Mbappe will continue to rest during the international break. He'll be hoping to take part when Real Madrid take on Celta Vigo on October 19, before they take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League three days later.

Norwich City's 2023/24 campaign ultimately ended in disappointment last month as they were hammered 4-0 by Leeds United in the second leg of their play-off semi-final.

The Canaries had finished sixth in the Championship during the regular season but failed to step up to the mark in the play-offs, as they went goalless in their two-legged clash with former head coach Daniel Farke.

Shortly after their capitulation at Elland Road in May, sporting director Ben Knapper decided to pull the trigger on manager David Wagner, who was relieved of his duties after just shy of a year-and-a-half in the role.

The Yellows chief then scoured the globe to find a replacement for the German boss and opted to bring in Danish head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup from FC Nordsjaelland.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the appointment is his commitment to playing and developing young talent. Per Transfer Room's 'Trust in Youth rating', no boss in Europe trusted young players more than him, with the likes of Liverpool's Arne Slot and Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany also within the top ten.

This will be music to the ears of Canaries fans who want to see more faith placed in up-and-coming stars so that the next Jonathan Rowe, who was one of the stars of the season just gone, can be unearthed.

Jonny Rowe's breakthrough season with Norwich

The young winger, who worked his way up through the ranks at Colney, made his first-team debut in the Premier League under Dean Smith during the 2021/22 campaign.

He went on to make 13 appearances as a substitute and contributed with one assist as his side were relegated from the top-flight under the English boss, who had replaced Daniel Farke in the dugout that term.

His emergence in the senior side came after his fantastic return of 11 goals and seven assists in 31 appearances for the U21s, and 12 goals and three assists in 31 games for the U18s in the academy.

Rowe's progress was, unfortunately, stunted by injuries during the 2022/23 campaign under Smith and David Wagner, who arrived in January 2023, as he was restricted to three league appearances.

He battled back from his injury woes to fulfill his potential in the second tier in the season just gone under Wagner, as he showcased his ability to make a big impact in the final third on a regular basis.

Appearances

32

Starts

25

Goals

12

Key passes

26

Assists

2

Dribbles completed

35

As you can see in the table above, Rowe chipped in with more than one goal contribution every other start on average, with 14 in 25 starts in the Championship.

His efficiency in the final third was particularly impressive as the 21-year-old dynamo scored 12 times from 5.76 xG, an overperformance of 6.24 – higher than any other player within the Canaries squad, with Gabriel Sara's overperformance of 5.55 (13 from 7.45 xG) the next best.

Thorup could now find Norwich's next breakthrough starlet on the flanks by unleashing Abu Kamara in the 2024/25 campaign, after his impressive year out on loan with Portsmouth.

Abu Kamara's academy form for Norwich

The versatile forward has been with the club since the age of ten and progressed up through the youth ranks over the years, just like Rowe did before his emergence.

Kamara showed glimpses of his goalscoring prowess at U18 level for the Canaries with a return of 12 goals and three assists in 30 outings as a centre-forward or second striker.

His form earned him a step up to the U21s and the left-footed star was then exposed to a multitude of positions; attacking midfield, right wing, left wing, second striker, and centre-forward.

He racked up an outstanding 31 goals and seven assists in just 50 matches for the U21s, which was remarkable consistency for a player who did not have a settled role.

Attacking midfielder

3

3

1

Right winger

15

9

3

Left winger

4

2

0

Second striker

5

5

0

Centre-forward

17

11

3

As you can see in the table above, Kamara thrived in front of goal in pretty much every position the club utilised him in, which then led to a loan move to Portsmouth for the 2023/24 campaign.

Why Johannes Hoff Thorup must unleash Abu Kamara

Thorup must now bring the 20-year-old wizard into the first-team picture at Carrow Road next term after his fantastic season on loan with Pompey.

The left-footed magician finally nailed down an established position as the majority of his appearances for the League One side came on the right flank, cutting inside onto his favoured foot.

Kamara enjoyed a brilliant first year of regular first-team football with John Mousinho's side as he racked up a return of ten goals and 11 assists in all competitions – only Sara (14 goals, 13 assists) registered more goals and assists combined with the Norwich squad.

xG

6.32

80.6%

Goals

8

79.6%

Assists

10

100%

Chances created

43

82.4%

Successful dribbles

57

95.4%

Touches in the opposition box

197

98.1%

As you can see in the table above, 18 of his goal contributions came in his 37 starts in League One as Portsmouth were promoted back to the Championship.

He ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics, which speaks to how much of a standout performer the young magician was in the division, particularly as a creative talent.

The Canaries academy graduate consistently found himself receiving the ball in the opposition's box and his end product shows that he was rarely wasteful with his touches in front of goal, and that bodes well for a potential step up in quality to the second tier.

There could now be a spot for Kamara, who was hailed as "outstanding" by Pompey coach Jon Harley, in the Norwich side next term as Rowe has been linked with a possible move to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That could open up a spot on the right wing for the England U20 international, who could line up on the right side of Thorup's preferred 4-3-3 formation, with Borja Sainz on the opposite flank and Josh Sargent leading the line as the lone centre-forward.

His exceptional form in League One suggests that the potential is there for him to make the step up to Championship level as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a wide position, but it is now down to him to prove himself at a higher level on a consistent basis.

This is why he could be the next academy star up for the Yellows and follow in Rowe's footsteps next term, if Thorup provides him with enough opportunities on the pitch at Carrow Road.

Tottenham are "expected to bid" for a £50 million Premier League player, who reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said manager Ange Postecoglou "really" likes.

Spurs identify new midfield signing as key summer priority

Bringing in a new midfielder is thought to be among Spurs' chief transfer priorities for this summer window, as uncertainty surrounds the futures of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso and a few others.

£21m star gives Spurs green-light as talks advance for signing after Werner

The player would agree to join Ange Postecoglou’s side.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 6, 2024

Hojbjerg has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs, and was given very few opportunities in Postecoglou's starting eleven during the Australian's debut campaign in the Lilywhites dugout. As a result, the Denmark international is expected to part company with the club – four years after being signed by ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho from Southampton in 2020.

Lo Celso is unhappy with his situation at Spurs, meanwhile, and is reportedly attracting interest from European clubs and sides in Saudi Arabia. The Argentine midfielder has entered the final 12 months of his contract as well, so the writing appears to be on the wall for both men this summer.

Postecoglou needs to bring in a replacement if either of the duo depart. Atalanta star Ederson has been monitored by Spurs ahead of a potential swoop this window, while Chelsea star Conor Gallagher remains a key player of interest to the Lilywhites.

The England international has been linked with a move to north London since last year. Chelsea may be forced to sell Gallagher as well, given the player's contract situation and need to balance the PSR books before June 30.

Fabrizio Romano stated in January that “Tottenham have been interested in Gallagher since August 2023 because Postecoglou really appreciates the player" (via GiveMeSport), and Sky journalist Kaveh Solhekol has shared that Spurs remain in contention for him now.

Tottenham "expected to bid" for Conor Gallagher

As per Solhekol, writing on X, Tottenham are "expected to bid" for Gallagher this summer – but Chelsea are set to demand £50 million despite his contract situation.

"Chelsea won’t let Connor Gallagher go for less than £50m," said the reporter.

"Mason Mount went for 50+5 and Gallagher is captain and regarded as better all-round player. Gallagher has been model professional. Not agitated for big new deal. Aston Villa and Atletico want him. Spurs expected to bid."

Conor Gallagher's best Chelsea games in the league last season	Match Rating (via WhoScored)
Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea	8.78
Chelsea 6-0 Everton	8.64
Chelsea 5-0 West Ham	8.39
Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea	8.22
Chelsea 3-0 Luton Town	7.90

The 24-year-old started 37 league games for Chelsea last season as a mainstay of Mauricio Pochettino's XIs and seriously impressed in that time.

"Really think Conor Gallagher is a very underrated footballer," said broadcast commentator Stephen Doyle.

"Spills his guts in every game and he’s always going forward. Good touch, scores goals."

A twisting and turning contest between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Chennai Super Kings came down to Ravindra Jadeja facing down Kamlesh Nagarkoti with seven runs needed from the last two balls, in an over that had begun with just ten needed. An ice-cool Jadeja swatted two length balls between long-on and midwicket for two sixes to raise victory for the Super Kings. His unbeaten 31 off 11 balls almost put in the shade a magnificent innings by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who hit 72 off 53 for a second consecutive fifty in IPL 2020.While the win came too late to help the Super Kings qualify, it has seriously dented the Knight Riders’ chances, who can still make it but will need other results to go their way. However, it also means the Mumbai Indians are now assured of a spot in the playoffs.The Knight Riders had put up a competitive 172 for 5 driven by an opening batsman’s fifty and a cameo at the end of their own. Nitish Rana began slowly but then finished with a flurry of boundaries to make 87 off 61, but it needed Dinesh Karthik’s 21 not out off ten to push them past 170, which looked like a total that would stretch the Super Kings.In reply, Gaikwad was all timing and elegance as the Super Kings began solidly. His shot-making, particularly off Lockie Ferguson, was the best on display on the night, even accounting for Jadeja’s finish. Gaikwad’s second-wicket partnership with an aggressive Ambati Rayudu (38 off 20) set the base for the Super Kings to eventually surge over the line despite a wobble. They went from 118 for 1 to 140 for 4, and visions of their earlier defeat to the Knight Riders, when they had failed to chase a similar total from a similar position of strength, would have swirled.However, in that game, Jadeja had come in at No. 7 and when the chase was much steeper. This time, he came in at No. 6 and had the time to take the game to the finish.Rana stops, then startsShubman Gill continued the free-flowing avatar that he has unlocked in the last couple of games, beginning with a boundary first ball. At the other end, Rana struggled to find the gaps against the pacers, counter-balancing Gill’s aggression with his slow start. Rana was on 6 off 16 at one point inside the powerplay, while Gill was blazing away on 23 off 13, but the introduction of spin in the form of Mitchell Santner unlocked Rana. He hit two fours and a six in the sixth over, to give his innings a bit of a surge.After the powerplay was done, Rana couldn’t find the boundary as regularly but wasn’t as bogged down as he had been at the start of the innings. The Knight Riders went with the tactic of maximising their chances at the death, and, therefore, kept Eoin Morgan and Dinesh Karthik for the back end of the innings. Consequently, Sunil Narine came out at No. 3 and Rinku Singh – playing his first game of IPL 2020 – at No. 4.Rana kept going more steadily than in a free-stroking fashion, although he was markedly more aggressive against spinners than pacers.Karthik’s cameoThe Knight Riders were 106 for 3 in 15 overs, a rather low run rate for the number of wickets down, and especially low given that they had sent in Narine and Singh early to get some momentum. Rana, already past fifty then, opened up against Karn Sharma, hitting three consecutive sixes that set the ball rolling for a productive last five overs that fetched 66.Karthik walked in when Rana fell to Lungi Ngidi – one of the three changes the Super Kings had made in this game – and immediately got into his stride, with his trademark busyness at the crease. Karthik’s boundary-hitting ensured the Knight Riders had a good finish. However, the sluggishness in the middle meant they still had a total they would have considered a mite under-par, especially because they had brought in Singh for this game in place of a bowler in Prasidh Krishan and lengthened their batting.Gaikwad-Watson start, Gaikwad-Rayudu cruiseThe Super Kings made a steady more than spectacular start, with Watson not able find runs between his boundary shots. Gaikwad was much more assured, particularly against Ferguson, whose pace and accuracy had troubled everyone he had come up against till now. In Ferguson’s first over, Gaikwad pulled and straight drove the bowler for boundaries, and was quickly outscoring Watson.When Watson fell, trying to go big but caught at long-on, Rayudu joined Gaikwad for the partnership that pushed the Super Kings into the ascendancy. Rayudu took a shine to Rana – the Knight Riders’ sixth bowler on the day – carting him for three fours in what would be his only over, and then punished Nagarkoti too. In between, Gaikwad was in command against Ferguson, and had reached his second successive fifty. Rayudu was out to Pat Cummins to break a 68-run stand that had come in just 6.1 overs and left the Super Kings needing 55 off 38 to win.The stutter and the finishMS Dhoni fell to Varun Chakravarthy for the second time in IPL 2020, bowled once again, and the Knight Riders began applying a late choke as only 23 runs came from overs 15 to 18. Not only that, the Super Kings also lost Gaikwad, bowled by Cummins after an excellent knock. That left Jadeja and Sam Curran 30 to get from the last two overs.Ferguson was given the responsibility of the 19th over, and what looked to be a game in the Knight Riders’ control changed with two legal deliveries left in the over. A full toss above waist height was pulled to deep-square leg for a couple by Jadeja and the free hit off the next ball was smashed over deep-square leg. For good measure, Jadeja got a thick outside edge to third man off the final ball, and from needing 23 off 8, the equation came to 10 off 6. Curran’s fluency didn’t materialise but he did manage to turn the strike over to Jadeja with three balls left. There was a dot to follow, but the last two balls proved to be enough for Jadeja to seal the win.

The Rajasthan Royals are now out after fading away in a steep chase

Saurabh Somani01-Nov-20202:10

Bishop: Cummins has kept doing the right things even if he wasn’t getting wickets

Both the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Rajasthan Royals had come into this game knowing it was not just must-win, but they needed to win it with a big margin to get some playoff security. Both teams showed the intent to go hard, and maximise their chances, but it was the Knight Riders who came out smiling at the end, having romped to a 60-run victory that vaulted them from last place in the points table to fourth, and knocked the Royals out.The margin of the win meant their net run rate had lifted to -0.214, within touching distance of the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Delhi Capitals, with all three teams on 14 points. A big enough loss for either of those two, when they face off on Monday, could see the losing team slip below the Knight Riders, an important cushion should qualification come down to net run rates. The first game on Sunday had already seen the Kings XI Punjab crash out with a defeat to the Chennai Super Kings, smoothening the way further for the Knight Riders.Intent was shown before the game itself, when the Knight Riders included a still not fully fit Andre Russell for this match. The thinking was evident: with the season on the line, you need one of T20’s best players in the XI.Eoin Morgan led the way with the bat, while Pat Cummins was devastating with the ball, as the Knight Riders won crucial passages of play handsomely. Morgan had come in at 74 for 3, after a double-wicket over, and paced his innings to a nicety. He expertly picked the bowlers to target, and bludgeoned his way to his highest IPL score. The unbeaten 68 off 35 he scored was also his first half-century of IPL 2020. The Morgan blitz took the Knight Riders to 191 for 7, a total well in excess of what they looked like getting more than halfway into the innings.Pat Cummins sent back Ben Stokes and Steven Smith in the same over•BCCIThe Royals innings began at breakneck speed but their unravelling was equally swift. The first five legal balls brought 19 runs, the next 4.1 overs produced 18 for 5 – four of those wickets going to Cummins. It was only the fourth time ever that a bowler had taken four or more wickets in an IPL powerplay. In seven of their last eight games, the Knight Riders had gone wicketless in the powerplay, and as if to revert to the mean, they got five on Sunday. Morgan took the aggressive option and bowled Cummins for three overs in the powerplay, and was amply rewarded for it. Cummins shrugged off those 19 runs he conceded first up to eventually end with 4 for 34.Archer at one end, runs at the otherThe match began in familiar fashion for the Royals. Jofra Archer was quick, hostile, accurate at one end. The runs leaked from the other. Archer’s first spell read 2-0-3-1 but the Knight Riders still had 55 for 1 in the powerplay, with Shubman Gill in his new avatar as an aggressive opener leading the way. Gill carted the other bowlers around as the Knight Riders shrugged off the first-over dismissal of Nitish Rana to continue to hit out against all bowlers save Archer, with the rest offering ample waywardness in line and length.Steven Smith also erred in giving Shreyas Gopal the fourth over, when pace might have been more suited and with the Royals having enough options. Gopal’s over went for 17 runs and the control Archer had given them first up disappeared. Later on, Smith would also call on Gopal when Russell was new to the crease – again with pace options available since the Royals had six frontline bowlers – and that over went for 21 after a middle-overs lull.Tewatia strikesRahul Tewatia continued to enhance his reputation as one of the stars of this tournament with a canny spell in the middle overs that dragged the Royals into the game for a while. He didn’t rip the ball a great deal, but kept it flat and on difficult-to-hit lengths. He also kept it out of the strike zone of the batsmen, denying them room to free their arms. He struck twice in the ninth over to get a fluent Gill and then the promoted Sunil Narine for a duck. Later on, he took the important wicket of Dinesh Karthik, who chipped tamely to short midwicket, finishing with 3 for 25 in his four overs, bowled on the trot. When he was done, the Knight Riders had been reined in to 100 for 5 in 13 overs after a quick start.Eoin Morgan was at his explosive best•BCCIMorgan’s blitzHe had been busy at the crease since his entry, though he had to temper his aggression against good bowling by Tewatia, while also setting himself up for launching in the death overs. Still, Morgan hadn’t let a scoring opportunity go, looking to attack even through the middle overs. The re-entry of Gopal for the 14th over opened the sluice gates, as Morgan smashed two fours and two sixes. Russell then showed some of his prime hitting form, even taking Archer for a six after an edged four. Though Russell was out for an 11-ball 25, Morgan stayed on, taking down England team-mate Ben Stokes in a massive 19th over that yielded 24 runs.Cummins runs through the top orderThe first ball of the chase was picked up for six over fine leg, the second was a big wide down leg. Stokes hit an audacious ramped six off the fourth and suddenly the Royals were flying. They were brought thudding to earth rapidly though. Cummins ended his first over with Robin Uthappa flicked to deep backward square leg, and from that point on, the Knight Riders stayed on top.Stokes was taken behind when Karthik leapt to his left to pluck the ball out of the air in one of the catches of the season, Smith was bowled off the inside edge and Riyan Parag was too late on a short ball that got big on him to glove it behind. In between, Shivam Mavi moved one off the seam to have Sanju Samson poking it behind.Jos Buttler fought for a while, and Tewatia tried to do what he could, but 37 for 5 in five overs, the Royals needed a miracle, and that didn’t materialise.

Looking to return to the Premier League with a bang, Russell Martin is now reportedly determined to add one particular summer target to his ranks before the start of Southampton's pre-season next month.

Southampton transfer news

Saints earned promotion to the Premier League after defeating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final and are now looking to ensure that they secure their top-flight status at the first time of asking. They've already kicked off their summer business in pursuit of that, of course, after welcoming Adam Lallana back ten years after he left St Mary's for Liverpool.

Speaking for the first time since returning to his boyhood club, Lallana told the club's official website: “I’ve been no stranger – my son’s at the Academy, so I’m in and around it quite a bit, but I’ve not been this close to being home, so it’s amazing. It does feel surreal, but it’s an opportunity I’m extremely grateful for and I’m looking forward to."

Southampton plotting move for "outstanding" £9k-a-week international

He’s even better in the air than Taylor Harwood-Bellis so the two could form quite the partnership.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 14, 2024

He's not the only former player that the Saints are reportedly looking to welcome back either. According to GiveMeSport, Martin is determined to sign Flynn Downes in a permanent deal for Southampton before the start of pre-season next month following the midfielder's successful loan spell last season.

West Ham are seriously considering cashing in on Downes, but it remains to be seen whether they'll accept an offer worth less than the £15m that Southampton reportedly value the Englishman at this summer. Given that Downes has five years left on his current contract in London, the Hammers are in no position to accept a cut-price deal this summer.

If he is not in the plans of Julen Lopetegui however, then a move to Southampton certainly makes perfect sense, given just how much he impressed Martin last season.

"Important" Downes already has Martin approval

Having already worked together at Swansea City, Downes' loan spell at Southampton was a natural move for all involved and now a permanent deal should be the next step this summer. In Martin, the midfielder has quite the fan, with the Saints boss saying via the Daily Echo last season: "Flynn, yeah, I told you before I think he's the best in the league.

"This team has missed him so much when he hasn't played. We haven't been quite able to replace him when he has not played. I thought we all stepped up and Joe Rothwell came on at Leeds and was brilliant when Flynn did go off the pitch. But Flynn is really important and last weekend there were really important minutes for him. He got through it and now he'll be good."

After admitting just how much Southampton missed the West Ham man when he didn't play last season, Martin and those at St Mary's must recognise the importance of getting a permanent deal over the line this summer as they look to avoid Premier League relegation.