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It will be fascinating to see whether Jadon Sancho will remain at Chelsea beyond this season. The England international is currently on loan at Stamford Bridge from Manchester United, and has a £25m buy obligation in his contract.

However, a recent report from the Mirror suggested the Blues will not activate the option and will instead send Sancho back to Old Trafford this summer. His record in West London is respectable, with four goals and ten assists in 39 games for the club this season. Eight of those goal involvements came in the Premier League.

If Chelsea decide not to keep Sancho beyond this season, they will be in the market for a new winger and could make a move for one former Premier League star.

Chelsea’s search to replace Sancho

One of the most interesting sagas in the summer transfer window will be that of Leroy Sane. The Bayern Munich star, formerly of Manchester City, could well be on the move again this summer, with a return to the English top flight on the cards.

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 report from Football Insider, Chelsea are thought to be ‘are intensifying their interest in the winger’ and could make a move for him this summer.

With a view to replacing Sancho, the German could be one of their primary targets.

However, they will not be alone in the race for Sane, who is out of contract next month. London rivals Arsenal are also interested in the 29-year-old, with the Gunners and Enzo Maresca’s Blues considered the ‘frontrunners’ this summer.

Why Sane would be a good signing

Should Chelsea sign Sane this summer, there is no doubt about the experience and quality he would bring to Stamford Bridge. The German international has had another impressive season, helping Bayern reclaim the Bundesliga title under his former teammate, Vincent Kompany.

In 44 appearances this season for the German giants, Sane has managed 13 goals and six assists across all competitions. 17 of those goal involvements have come in the Bundesliga, in just 29 appearances.

The former Schalke academy star is a consistent goalscorer, too. He has only ever gone four games this term without a top-flight goal or assist, although he managed just one goal and no assists in 13 Champions League games.

What a player Sane was during his first stint in England, for City. He managed 39 goals and 44 assists in 135 games. According to Statman Dave, the 29-year-old was “phenomenal” at his peak for City.

Well, his Premier League numbers speak for themselves. Not only did he help City to two top-flight titles during his three full seasons at the club, but he managed to score and assist 55 goals in 90 appearances in the competition.

Games

26

32

31

Minutes

1787

2424

1867

Goals

5

10

10

Assists

4

15

11

Mins per G/A

198

96

88

Chelsea will surely be hoping Sane can replicate the impact Cole Palmer has had at Stamford Bridge. Of course, there are parallels between the two, given that they both played for the Citizens, although Palmer’s opportunities were few and far between at the Etihad Stadium.

He played just 41 times for Pep Guardiola’s side, and since his move to West London, has become “the best player in the Premier League”, which Jamie Carragher claimed back in October.

If Sane can somewhat replicate the England international’s 40 goals and 25 assists in 88 appearances in Blue, he will be a successful signing, to say the least.

Palmer has certainly been an excellent addition to the club, and Sane would surely hope to follow in his footsteps in that sense.

For what would be a free transfer, this seems like a deal Chelsea can’t miss out on. They would be signing a proven Premier League player who can still contribute at the highest level.

A better signing than Osimhen: Chelsea in talks to land the "next Haaland"

Chelsea appear to be making moves to land a star who would be better than Victor Osimhen.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

There has been a lot to be negative about for Arsenal fans this season.

From their never-ending slew of injuries to bizarre suspensions and the fact that they once again failed to win a trophy.

However, while we certainly wouldn’t disagree that this year has been a disappointment for Mikel Arteta’s side, there have also been a few genuine positives.

For example, a number of players have stepped up throughout the year and improved their standing in the team, including one who’s looked at entirely differently by the fans but shouldn’t be at the club at the start of next season.

The Arsenal stars who stepped up

So, before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over a few of the other stars who did themselves proud in an otherwise underwhelming season, such as Bukayo Saka.

Yes, the Hale Ender was out of action for just over three months with a hamstring injury, but when he was on the pitch, he’s only further proven to people that he is well and truly world-class.

For example, in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, the 23-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games or every 100.73 minutes.

Appearances

37

Minutes

2619

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

The Englishman also stepped up against Real Madrid, just like another of the team’s leaders from this season, Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain started the season somewhat slowly, but after Christmas, he looked back to his very best, and if he wasn’t breaking up opposition attacks in the middle of the park, he was starting them himself.

Moreover, the fact that he scored not one but two utterly superb free-kicks against Real in the Champions League cannot be overlooked – not that it is, mind.

Someone who doesn’t receive quite as much attention but should is Jurrien Timber, who, off the back of his ACL injury in the 23/24 season, managed to cover for the injured Ben White brilliantly this season, making 48 appearances across all competitions, 42 of which were starts.

Interestingly, the former Ajax star wasn’t the only defender to seriously improve his standing in the team this season.

The Arsenal star who should never play for the team again

So, it’s probably not too difficult to work out that the defender we are talking about is, of course, Jakub Kiwior.

The Polish international, who joined the club for £20m in January 2023, played something of a bit part for most of the campaign, right up until Gabriel Magalhaes saw his campaign end with a hamstring injury against Fulham on April 1st.

Following on from that game, the former Spezia star started every Premier League and Champions League game, including both legs against Real, in which, aside from a small mistake in the first leg, he was near enough perfect.

It was a totally unexpected run of genuinely impressive form from the 25-year-old, who only in December was branded as “shocking,” as having “no outstanding physical qualities”, and simply not “good enough” by Arsenal podcaster Phil Costa.

So, you may be asking yourself, why are we saying the “exceptional” international, as dubbed by Arteta, should never play for the club again?

Well, simply put, now is the best time to sell him and earn a tidy profit, with reports from last week claiming that he now has a price tag of £60m on his head, which works out to a 200% increase on the fee paid by the Gunners.

Moreover, it would also be in his own best interest, as when Gabriel is back, his game time will dramatically decrease and then decrease some more if Riccardo Calafiori can sort out his fitness over the summer.

Ultimately, Arsenal should say their thanks to Kiwior and move him on this summer, while his valuation is justifiably high as it is.

Better than Sane: Arteta makes £50m winger Arsenal's new priority signing

The international star would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 29, 2025

With Newcastle United still chasing a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, Nottingham Forest have reportedly set their sights on signing a young Premier League gem who could replace the Swede.

Nottingham Forest battling to keep Elanga

Those in the Midlands managed to keep hold of Elanga last summer and that victory quickly paid dividends in an excellent season at the City Ground. The interest in the winger hasn’t gone away, however, and this time Newcastle have money to spend. The Magpies have already reportedly made an enquiry about signing the former Manchester United man and Forest face another fight to keep hold of one of their star players.

Elanga, himself, chose to remain coy when asked about his Nottingham Forest future whilst on international duty with Sweden recently, telling reporters: “There’s a lot of talk. I’m focusing on what I can do and my focus today was on the game. In football there are always rumors. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”

After missing out on the Champions League even after a fantastic campaign, there may be some concern around the City Ground that Nuno Espirito Santo could lose his top players this summer.

Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign "brilliant" £13m ace from Norwich

Nottingham Forest have now made an official bid to sign a player from the Championship.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 12, 2025

As ever, Evangelos Marinakis has already set his sights on incomings of his own, though. The Greek owner and Nottingham Forest have recently been linked with moves for the likes of Igor Jesus and Real Valladolid star Raul Moro. What’s more, the Tricky Trees are also reportedly interested in signing an impressive Premier League gem if Elanga chooses to leave the club in favour of Newcastle this summer.

Nottingham Forest assessing Oscar Bobb move

According to Football Insider’s Mick Brown, Marinakis is now assessing a Nottingham Forest move to sign Oscar Bobb from Manchester City this summer. The young winger returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines towards the end of last season and will be desperate to get up to speed with some much-needed game time.

Brown, a former Premier League scout, told Football Insider: “A Premier League loan move is exactly what Bobb needs. After the injury he had, he has to prove to everybody that he is still capable at this level.

“It’s difficult to come back from something like that, he has some proving to do, but he has to be playing regularly to do it. If you take him out of that Man City side and put him in another Premier League team, a Crystal Palace or a Nottingham Forest, it will show where he’s at. Palace and Forest are both clubs I’ve heard are having a look at the deal.

The 21-year-old is a player who Pep Guardiola believes has “incredible potential”, but his short-term future could lie at the City Ground. It’s there that he could step into Elanga’s role and discover his best form following a frustrating injury setback.

Enzo Maresca leads his Chelsea team at the Club World Cup in the USA over the next few weeks, but he will still be aiming to bolster his squad.

Date

Opponent

Venue

Monday, June 16

Los Angeles FC

Mercedes-Benz stadium

Friday, June 20

Flamengo

Lincoln Financial Field

Tuesday, June 24

Esperance

Lincoln Financial Field

Indeed, several players have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge of late, notably Hugo Ekitiké. The French striker is wanted by several clubs, and now Manchester United have entered the race.

Benfica defender Tomas Araujo is another player that the Blues have targeted this week. He did sign a new contract until 2029 with the Portuguese side, and it has a release clause of €80m (£68m) inserted.

Jamie Gittens is the one target whom the club appear to be prioritising of late, although they might need to wait until the Club World Cup ends to get their man.

Chelsea keen on signing Jamie Gittens

The Blues had an initial bid rejected for the English teenager before making a €50m (£42m) offer, yet this was also rejected by Borussia Dortmund.

Maresca is now preparing a new offer to sign the English talent, who is worth €50m (£42m) according to Transfermarkt.

Across his senior career with Dortmund, the 20-year-old has already played over 100 times, registering 31 goal contributions in the process.

In terms of potential, Gittens is one of the most talented young wingers in Europe, given his goal contributions at such a young age. Should he make the move to Stamford Bridge, he would build on his experience gained in the Bundesliga.

Regarding young talent, Chelsea have a player in their squad who is worth more than double that of Gittens, and he could go right to the very top.

Chelsea have struck gold on Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer was signed for just £40m in 2023. Let that sink in for a moment. Across his two seasons with Chelsea, the Englishman has scored 40 goals and registered 27 assists in just 91 matches for the Blues.

Remarkably, this counts as a goal contribution every 1.3 games, and there is no denying that £40m has turned out to be a sublime bargain for the London side.

He was widely praised by Maresa following a victory against Tottenham last season, describing the former Manchester City starlet as “one of the best” players in the Premier League.

When compared to his peers in the top flight last term, Palmer ranked in the top 4% for shot-creating actions (5.7), in the top 9% for progressive passes (6.04), and in the top 3% for expected goals (0.49) per 90.

One of the best indeed. The best thing is, Palmer will only continue to get better and better as time goes on.

Palmer’s stunning rise is evidenced by his market value shooting up in the previous 12 months. According to Transfermarkt, the English midfielder is now worth a staggering €120m (£102m), and it looks like it will continue to soar.

While Gittens may be the next big thing to come from Dortmund, Chelsea have struck gold with their own English talent. Especially considering he is worth over double what the 20-year-old is valued at.

Chelsea "exploring conditions" of deal for £34m Hugo Ekitike alternative

The west Londoners have their eyes on a different striker.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Surrey loanee the spark with the ball as Gloucestershire ship 13 wickets in the day

ECB Reporters Network25-Jun-2024Yorkshire 456 (Bean 164, Lyth 129, Singh Dale 3-70) beat Gloucestershire 197 (Revis 3-30, Thompson 3-37) and 237 (Akhter 70, Hill 3-43, McKerr 3-48) by an innings and 22 runsYorkshire claimed 13 wickets in the day to wrap up a three-day innings-and-22-run victory over Gloucestershire at Scarborough – their first of this season’s Vitality County Championship.At the eighth attempt, Yorkshire recorded a 22-point haul to breathe life into a promotion push which has struggled to get out of the blocks since being labelled as Division Two title favourites before a ball was bowled in April.This performance, with bat and ball, was one which indicated such a pedigree.Gloucestershire, replying to a first-innings 456, started day three on 168 for 7 in their first innings and were made to follow-on 259 runs in arrears having been bowled out for 197. Seam bowling allrounders Jordan Thompson and Matthew Revis finished with three wickets apiece.The visitors, who suffered their second defeat in eight, started their second innings at midday and were bowled out for 237 after tea. Seamer Zaman Akhter hit a consolatory career best 70.On-loan Surrey fast bowler Conor McKerr, making his Championship debut for Yorkshire, impressed by taking five wickets in the day – two at the end of the first innings and three more in the second. He was on a hat-trick twice and claimed the winning wicket.Despite losing Ben Charlesworth, bowled by Vishwa Fernando in the second over, Gloucestershire made an encouraging start to their second innings.They reached 55 for 1 thanks to Cameron Bancroft and Ollie Price, who were in determined mood. But, just as they did on day two in striking five times late in the day, Yorkshire remained patient and took their chance when it arrived.Price, Bancroft and James Bracey all fell in the space of five afternoon overs, leaving the score at 73 for 4 in the 28th over.Price edged Revis to fourth slip to fall for 27 before Bancroft, on 26, was trapped lbw by a big in-swinger from George Hill. And then came a catch which will be a strong contender for the best of the summer anywhere on the county circuit as Adam Lyth helped Sri Lankan overseas Fernando oust Bracey.Gloucestershire’s wicketkeeper-batter aimed a pull at the left-arm quick but could only cue-end it to Lyth’s left at second slip. Diving full-length to his left, Lyth held a one-handed stunner to continue a memorable game for the veteran on his home ground having scored 129 in the first innings amidst an opening partnership of 307 with Fin Bean, who made 164.When captain Graeme van Buuren edged a drive behind at Thompson – 82 for 5 in the 33rd over – the writing was on the wall for Gloucestershire.So it proved. McKerr struck twice in two balls late in the afternoon to get Miles Hammond caught at leg-slip off a gloved pull and Ed Middleton caught at second slip.Earlier in the day, Surrey’s McKerr helped polish off Gloucestershire’s tail in the first innings, finishing with figures of 2 for 28 from 17.3 overs. In the second innings, he returned 3 for 48 from 11.4 overs.Hill claimed the seventh wicket of the afternoon in its closing stages, Beau Webster caught behind for 30 to leave Gloucestershire 158 for 8.Akhter gave the visitors some cheer with three sixes off Dom Bess’s offspin. One, reverse-swept over cover, was fabulous and he reached his fifty off 54 balls in the early evening. He shared 58 for the ninth wicket with Dom Goodman to hold things up before being bowled by Hill.McKerr then had Ajeet Singh Dale caught behind down leg to seal victory. Goodman finished with a career best unbeaten 38.Yorkshire wrapped up Gloucestershire’s first innings, which resumed on 168 for 7, inside the opening 50 minutes of the play. Thompson added his third wicket of the innings – Akhter caught at first slip – before McKerr wrapped things up.McKerr has been with the county for the last few weeks, playing four times in the Vitality Blast. A peripheral figure at the Kia Oval, he trapped Goodman lbw and had Singh Dale caught at mid-on next ball.

Everton are in the market for a striker this summer and may now have identified the man they want to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin when the England international moves on, according to a report.

Everton still in limbo over Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Clubs are beginning to filter back in for pre-season, and the transfer window is well underway. However, there is still no definitive news over whether Everton stalwart Calvert-Lewin will sign a contract extension.

Leeds United have reportedly made contact to sign the England international. Still, their pursuit has been complicated amid the suggestion that he could be open to a prolonged stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Confirmation is needed for all parties at this point to bring about some form of clarity. Regardless, Everton are expected to be in the hunt for attacking reinforcements as David Moyes seeks to bolster his offensive line.

Having put that into the universe, BBC chief reporter Phil McNulty feels Jack Grealish is unlikely to move to the Toffees despite persistent rumours connecting the Manchester City star with a switch to one of their Premier League rivals.

He explained: “Everton, like many other clubs, will be aware that there is a deal to be done for Jack Grealish, but this would be a very rich deal for Everton to do – and would certainly require Manchester City picking up a large share of his salary.

Everton’s first five fixtures of the new Premier League season

Leeds United (A)

Elland Road

Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Molineux

Aston Villa (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Liverpool (A)

Anfield

“So, at the moment, I think you can categorise this as being a long shot but, if the clock runs down towards the window closing and Grealish has not found himself a new club, then I can certainly see Everton at least trying to find out the lay of the land.”

Despite Grealish becoming a difficult pursuit, Everton have now turned their attention to an exciting potential replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton set sights on Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic

According to Goodison News, Everton have identified Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic as a target and Moyes is ‘desperate’ to strengthen his forward line amid uncertainty over Calvert-Lewin’s future.

After joining the South London-based outfit for £2.8 million last year, the Serbia international has also attracted interest from other Premier League clubs after scoring 13 goals and putting in a string of impressive performances.

Huge upgrade on Beto: Everton in talks to sign "elite" big-money striker

Everton will be looking for improved output in front of goal next season

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 25, 2025

He hit the net 14 times last term, if you include his solitary effort at Vojvodina before moving to the capital, and was previously labelled “remarkable” by Alex Neil amid his rapid rise to prominence at Millwall.

Encouragingly, any deal would be ‘unlikely’ to break the bank from an Everton perspective, potentially offering an affordable solution if Calvert-Lewin decides to move on to pastures new.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta appear to be creating quite the squad ahead of a vital 2025/2026, where the Gunners are under pressure to clinch a piece of major silverware.

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

The north Londoners are opening talks.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 2, 2025

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi’s arrival at N5 is expected to be confirmed shortly, but in the meantime, supporters can now officially welcome new second-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The 30-year-old had his medical last week ahead of a £5 million switch from Chelsea, and the shot-stopper’s signing has now been announced by Arsenal as Berta unveils his debut deal for the club.

“We are really excited to have Kepa join our Arsenal family,” said Berta about Kepa’s arrival in an official statement.

“He is a player with great experience, someone who has already won major trophies, and we cannot wait for him to join the group and help the club win.

“Kepa knows it is an exciting time to be at Arsenal and we know he is a player who will bring with him a winning mentality. We welcome him and his family to the club, and look forward to him meeting the players and staff, with everyone excited to see him.”

Arsenal are by no means done with Zubimendi and Kepa, either, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard poised to join Arteta after the north Londoners agreed a potential £15 million deal for him to replace Thomas Partey.

Meanwhile, Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera has reportedly agreed personal terms over a move to Arsenal too, with Arteta’s side attempting to agree a club-to-club fee.

While the La Liga side have offered Mosquera a new contract in an attempt to ward Arsenal off (Fabrizio Romano), the 21-year-old is clear – he wants a switch to the Premier League.

Arsenal are extremely busy right now, and all of this is happening while they make an approach to £100,000-per-week Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal hold "positive" talks with Eberechi Eze

Berta has many attacking midfielders and wide players on his list of targets, including Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, but Eze remains chief among them.

That is according to GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, who shared an update on Arsenal’s pursuit of the England international this week.

Jacobs reports that Eze is keen to join Arsenal after “positive” talks with his representatives, which occurred over the weekend, and their main attraction to the 27-year-old is down to his versatility, given he can play both as a CAM and out wide.

Berta has the option of paying his £68 million release clause through installments as well, so Palace chairman Steve Parish won’t demand the fee be paid in one lump sum, and that may help Arsenal when it comes to erring on the cautionary side of PSR.

Jacobs describes their interest in Eze as “serious” and “advancing”, following a 2024/2025 campaign where he bagged 14 goals and 11 assists, with one of his strikes coming in the FA Cup final against Man City – ending Palace’s history-long wait for a major trophy.

The former QPR sensation has been an elite-level Premier League player for some time, and former Arsenal defender Martin Keown is among those who’ve praised his quality in recent seasons.

“This guy is an immense talent, there’s no doubt about that,” said Keown about Eze.

“He was released by Arsenal as a kid. I wonder if that will come back to haunt Arsenal here today? He said he cried for a week. He realised when it hits you really hard as a young man, you think, ‘Ok, I’m coming back from this.’ It proves that he’s made of really strong stuff.”

He posted on social media that he would be “open” to next year’s tournament in Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jul-2024David Warner has again left the door ajar to appear in next year’s Champions Trophy despite announcing his international retirement over the last 12 months.Warner retired from Test cricket in January when he also announced that last year’s ODI World Cup was his final outing in the 50-over format, but talked of being available for the Champions Trophy if he was needed. Last month his international career ended with Australia’s exit from the T20 World Cup.Related

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However, in an Instagram post reflecting on his career, Warner made another reference to the Champions Trophy which will be staged in Pakistan next February and March.”I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for [Australia] in the Champions Trophy if selected,” he posted.It is a highly unlikely scenario given Warner will not be available for any of Australia’s matches in the lead-up to the tournament. They tour England in September for ODIs then face Pakistan in November when Jake Fraser-McGurk, who Warner has endorsed as his successor, will be one of the frontrunners to come in at the top of the order.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31)

Back in January, Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins responded to the prospect of Warner making a one-off return for the Champions Trophy.”I think it’s probably time to give some others a crack [in ODIs], but knowing that he’s going to still be playing cricket,” he said. “So it might be more of a kind of break glass in an emergency option. But, you know, David is going to be scoring runs somewhere in the world. So you never quite know that this is [the end].”Warner finished his ODI career with 6932 runs at 45.30 with 22 hundreds, a tally second to only Ricky Ponting.”Chapter closed!! It’s been an unbelievable experience to play at the highest level for such a long period,” Warner began his Instagram post. “Australia was my team. The majority of my career was at the international level. It’s been an honour to be able to do this. 100+ games in all formats is my highlight.”I want to say thanks to everyone out there who has made this possible. My wife and my girls, who sacrificed so much, thank you for all your support. No person will ever know what we’ve been through. For all the cricket fans out there, I truly hope I have entertained you and changed cricket, especially tests, in a way where we scored a bit faster than others. We cannot do what we love without the fans, so thanks.”Warner will be in action in Canada’s GT20 and a T10 tournament in the Cayman Islands over the coming months while Sydney Thunder remain confident of seeing him return for the BBL although he also has a deal with Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 which overlaps and commentary commitments.

Devastating win over Durham puts the heat on first-place Surrey, who visit Taunton next

ECB Reporters Network01-Sep-2024Jack Leach completed match figures of 12 for 174 as Somerset maintained their challenge for a first-ever Vitality County Championship title with a crushing 293-run victory over Durham at Taunton.The left-arm spinner claimed seven for 50 in the visitors’ second innings total of 126 all out, aided by teenager Archie Vaughan, whose off-breaks reaped 2 for 40. Nightwatchman George Drissell top scored with 33 in an otherwise disappointing Durham batting effort.Somerset took a maximum 24 points from the game to Durham’s four and, with Surrey up next at the Cooper Associates County Ground next week the second placed Cidermen will have the chance to close the gap on the Division One leaders.Play began under overcast skies with Durham 15 for 3. Somerset fears that the weather might scupper their victory bid appeared justified when rain started falling after just 5.4 overs, with their opponents having added 14 to the overnight score.Seven overs were lost from the half-hour interruption, and nightwatchmen Drissell and Callum Parkinson continued to offer stout resistance when the match resumed, taking the score to 63 in the 26th over.Drissell used his feet well against spinners Leach and Vaughan, while Parkinson dealt effectively with most deliveries on a good line and length, only to fall for 18 to a leg-side ball from Vaughan, which saw him pick out Lewis Goldsworthy, who took a tumbling catch at backward point.It was 70 for 5 when Ollie Robinson edged a turning delivery from Leach and Lewis Gregory took a sharp slip catch, diving low to his left. With seven runs added, Drissell’s battling contribution ended in similar fashion, Gregory pouching a more straightforward chance off Leach.By lunch, Durham were struggling on 94 for 6, their hopes of salvaging a draw resting largely on the weather, the seventh-wicket partnership between Ashton Turner and Bas de Leede, which was worth 17 runs at the interval, and first innings centurion Brydon Carse.Leach had been extracting considerable turn from the River End, while teenager Vaughan maintained exemplary accuracy on an impressive first class debut. Neither gave away cheap runs and skipper Gregory was able to stick with attacking fields.It was Leach who struck again early in the afternoon session, this time finding the edge of Turner’s bat. Overton accepted the straightforward chance at second slip, his sixth catch of the game, to leave Durham 108 for seven.With 16 added, including a Carse six over mid-wicket off Leach, the rain returned and Somerset faced further frustration. Carse had appeared to survive a chance to wicketkeeper James Rew on two, Leach being the unlucky bowler.Play resumed at 2.50pm with a further seven overs lost. The first delivery saw Carse push forward to Leach and edge to second slip where Overton again made no mistake diving to his right.At 124 for 8, the Durham cause was almost lost. Ben Raine could add only two to his first innings half-century before being caught at short-leg to become Leach’s sixth victim of the innings.The next delivery clean bowled last man Daniel Hogg, sparking celebrations among the Somerset players. Within moments the rain was falling again, but it was too late to dampen spirits in a jubilant home dressing room.

49ers Enterprises and new sporting director Adam Underwood have suffered a major blow as one of Leeds United’s top targets is now pushing other clubs to bid for him, according to a new report.

Leeds agree deal to sign Sean Longstaff

The Whites have already made four new additions ahead of the 2025/26 season, but that could soon be five. The Athletic’s David Orstein reported on Tuesday night that Leeds have agreed a deal in principle with Newcastle United to sign Sean Longstaff.

Biggest talent since Gray: Leeds make contact for "world class" £34m star

Leeds are looking to add young talent to their sqaud

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 16, 2025

The midfielder is in the final 12 months of his contract at St James’ Park, and the Magpies have now agreed to sell him to Leeds for a deal worth £12 million plus £3 million in add-ons. The Championship title winners could be set to finalise the deal fairly soon, as Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle have given Longstaff permission to undergo his Leeds medical after he agreed to the transfer way back in June.

Longstaff’s imminent arrival at Elland Road will see him battle the likes of Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev as Daniel Farke’s midfield options. Longstaff, who is the product of Newcastle’s academy, will bring vital Premier League experience to Leeds’ midfield, having played over 170 games in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and recording nine assists.

Leeds target now pushing other clubs to bid

As the Whites close in on the signing of Longstaff, they are also in the market for a new striker, and they have now learnt the price tag of one of their key targets. According to CalcioStyle, Leeds have seen a bid worth 25 million euros (£21.6 million) rejected by Lecce to sign striker Nikola Krstovic.

The report adds that while Lecce have rejected Leeds’ bid, they have also gone back, stating that they want 40 million euros for their player, which is roughly £34 million. In a further blow to Leeds, Krstovic is said to be pushing to stay in Italy and is looking for big clubs to make an offer for him.

Leeds do have hope, as Lecce are open to selling the player, as they want to have cash to fund their transfer plans, but everything is on hold at the minute, as they try to find a replacement and Krstovic hopes for a move from a major Italian club.

Apps

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Assists

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It goes on to add that AS Roma are one team that are interested in signing the striker, but as things stand, their priority is to strengthen their midfield.

The 25-year-old, who has won 24 caps for Montenegro, has been at Lecce since 2023. In his first season at the club, he scored seven goals in 35 Serie A games, a tally that he was able to surpass last season with 11 goals and five assists in 37 league games.