Nottingham Forest are now “preparing a bid” for a “fantastic” playmaker, who has been a subject of interest for a number of Premier League clubs this summer, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed.

Forest looking to bolster options at full-back

Ola Aina was one of Nuno’s most important players in the Premier League last season, making 35 appearances, but the manager has set out to bolster his options at right-back ahead of his side’s upcoming European campaign.

Neco Williams has also proven himself as a dependable option on the opposite flank, but given that the Wales international is more accustomed to playing on the opposite side, Nuno may look at bringing in another option at left-back this summer.

Earlier this week, it was revealed the Tricky Trees were in talks to sign Omari Hutchinson, and the forward is not the only Ipswich Town player on the shortlist, with Jacobs taking to X to state that Leif Davis has also emerged as a target.

Nottingham Forest are “preparing a bid” to sign the left-back, who is clearly highly sought-after, with the journalist revealing Ipswich have already knocked back offers from different Premier League clubs this summer.

Nottingham Forest now ready to offer £26m for "superb" international star

The Reds want the move done as soon as possible.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 8, 2025

Jacobs has since offered a further update on Forest’s pursuit, suggesting that it could be difficult to get a deal done, given the Tractor Boys’ unwillingness to sell.

"Fantastic" Davis could be exciting addition for Forest

The Ipswich defender, who was once dubbed “fantastic” by Cartlon Palmer, poses a real threat on the front foot, as showcased by the fact Kieran McKenna’s side were heavily reliant on the full-back as a playmaker during the 2024-25 campaign.

While the 25-year-old struggled to make much of an impact in the top flight, picking up three assists all season, the attacking numbers he chalked up in the Championship and League one were remarkable.

As such, the Englishman could be an exciting addition from an attacking point of view, and it could be useful for Nuno to have a different type of player to choose from at left-back, given that Williams flourishes from a defensive standpoint.

There may be some concerns about the fact Forest want to sign the £25k-a-week full-back and Hutchinson, given that both players were relegated from the Premier League last season, but Davis’ attacking prowess means it could be a risk worth taking.

Monaco forward Ansu Fati netted a brace after coming off the bench in their weekend clash against Metz. On loan from Barcelona, the 21-year-old struck just a minute after his introduction before adding a second to complete a comeback victory. Fati said the performance was a major confidence boost for both himself and the team following their midweek Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.

• Monaco's win against Metz and Fati's brace

  Monaco ran out 5-2 winners over Metz with debutant Fati marking the occasion with a brace. The visitors struck first through Habib Diallo, but Fati, introduced at half time, needed just a minute to make his impact as he slotted home from Lamine Camara’s cutback. He then doubled his tally with a well timed header from Krepin Diatta’s pinpoint cross, helping Monaco turn the game around in style.

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  Fati's comments after the win

  Fati commented on the win and how much the two goals boosted his confidence, saying: “Yes, of course. That's the case every time you score a goal and contribute something to the team. Those two goals helped us impose ourselves. It's a joy for me too, as a striker, to have that confidence. The coach encouraged me and told me to make the most of it. We knew it wouldn't be easy; every match is important, and after a defeat, it's even more so. We managed to win; that was essential.”

  He added: “It's a joy for me too, as a striker, to have this confidence. The coach encouraged me and told me to make the most of it. We knew it wouldn't be easy; every match is important, and after a defeat, it's even more so.”

• Fati's fresh start at Monaco

  Fati joined Monaco from Barcelona on loan with an option to buy. The Spanish forward enjoyed a dream start at Camp Nou, becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer at just 17 years and 40 days old. However, a series of injuries stalled his progress, leading to a loan spell at Brighton during the 2023-24 season, where he struggled to make an impact. After returning to Barcelona and featuring in only 10 games, Fati now sees his move to Monaco as a chance to revive his career, linking up with idol Paul Pogba in the process.

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  Fati's challenges for this season

  Fati will be aiming to stay injury free, rediscover his best form, and play a key role in Monaco’s bid to challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title, while also keeping alive his hopes of earning a place in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ao entrar em campo nesta quinta-feira (25), às 19h (de Brasília), o Fluminense se deparará com um duro obstáculo no confronto com o The Strongest. O fato da partida ser realizada no Estádio Hernando Siles, em La Paz, cerca de 3.600 acima do nível do mar, vem sendo um trunfo para o Tigre em edições da Copa Libertadores.

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A equipe não é derrotada como mandante por brasileiros na Libertadores desde o longínquo ano de 2013. Desde então, o The Strongest obteve cinco vitórias e dois empates em jogos válidos pela competição.

Para minimizar os efeitos causados pela altitude, a delegação tricolor viajará nesta quarta-feira (24) e, após se prepararem em Santa Cruz de La Sierra, irão perto da partida para o Hernando Siles.

+ 10% OFF nos mantos internacionais a partir de R$299,90 com o cupom: LANCEFUT

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Porém, há bons presságios que levam supersticiosos tricolores a ficarem otimista em um resultado positivo. A equipe brasileira que derrotou o The Strongest se tornou campeã da Copa Libertadores posteriormente. Em plena altitude, o Galo capitaneado por Ronaldinho Gaúcho saiu na frente com Diego Tardelli. A equipe boliviana igualou com Reina. Na reta final, em meio ao sacrifício, Méndez marcou contra e definiu a vitória por 2 a 1.

Outro fator contribui para a confiança da torcida. Atualmente nas Laranjeiras, o meia Lima defendia o Ceará na partida na qual o Vozão desbancou os donos da casa com uma vitória por 2 a 1. A virada veio nos acréscimos, em jogo suado pela Copa Sul-Americana.

Dhruv Shorey’s run-a-ball hundred in vain for Vidarbha

Shashank Kishore18-Jan-2025

In a high-scoring contest that produced over 650 runs and two superb hundreds from R Smaran and Dhruv Shorey, it was a 42-ball 79 from Abhinav Manohar that made the difference as Karnataka edged Vidarbha in a thriller to clinch the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Vadodara.That it became a thriller was down to Harsh Dubey’s 63 off 30 balls after Karun Nair’s dream run in the tournament ended. Nair was dismissed for only the second time in eight innings in the tournament when Prasidh Krishna knocked him over for 27. Nair finished with a chart-topping 779 runs at an eye-popping average of 389.50.Dubey built on Shorey’s third successive century, by hitting a 25-ball half-century lower down the order, to bring the equation down to 37 off 12 balls. In the end, Dubey ran out of partners and was the last man dismissed when he heaved left-arm seamer Abhilash Shetty to deep midwicket as Karnataka sealed victory to break a five-year trophy drought.The game was fought on an even keel for most parts. Karnataka, who were put in to bat, lost the in-form Devdutt Padikkal in the sixth over, before KV Aneesh and Mayank Agarwal steadied the innings.Seamer Nachiket Bhute then struck twice in two overs to remove both batters; Agarwal fell for 32 to finish the tournament as the second-highest run-getter with 651 runs. At 67 for 3, Karnataka needed a rescue act, and two relatively inexperienced players stepped up.Smaran and KL Shrijith, both of whom are in their first full seasons, put together 160 for the fourth wicket. The pair slowly built a platform before picking up pace. They took 26 off the 27th and 28th overs as Karnataka went on the offensive. Shrijith was superb in his footwork against spin, quickly bringing up a half-cegntury off 54 balls, Smaran followed suit in the same over when he brought his off 47 balls with an exquisite pull in front of square off the nippy Yash Thakur.Shrijith’s dismissal in the 38th over brought Manohar out to the middle, and he enhanced his reputation of being a finisher with some pristine hitting, not once giving the impression that he was slogging. On 24 off 25 at the end of the 44th over, Manohar began the surge by hitting Bhute for a sequence of 4, 4, 6 to begin the 45th.When Bhute bowled length into the pitch, Manohar used the angle to pick a boundary behind point. When Bhute bowled a wide yorker, he scythed it to the deep-cover fence, and when he missed a yorker, Manohar stayed deep inside the crease and shovelled it to clear long-off.Thakur bore the brunt of Manohar’s fury in the following over when he was picked away for two fours in the 46th, and three back-to-back fours in the 48th, as the wheels started to come off Vidarbha’s attack. The last seven overs fetched Karnataka 83 as they got the perfect finish.Vidarbha started the chase briskly but lost the centurion of the previous game, Yash Rathod, for 22 when he got a leading edge to Padikkal at slip. Nair and Shorey were then involved in a half-century stand to lift Vidarbha’s hopes.Nair was particularly sparkling in his short stay, punching and pulling Prasidh Krishna through covers and midwicket, and then going after legspinner Shreyas Gopal at the first sign of spin being introduced. But he fell for 27 off 31 balls when he failed to cover the line of a Prasidh inducker that kept slightly low.Vidarbha then chugged along with Jitesh Sharma giving Shorey company in a half-century stand before holing out to long-on. That wicket not only galvanised Karnataka but also freed up Vidarbha to go for broke, like Dubey did. With some support, he may have yet been able to pull off a heist, but it wasn’t to be.

When a player goes from being described as the heartbeat of one team to a forgotten figure in another, it’s rarely down to a simple drop in talent.

Often, as Chris Wood demonstrated, a change of scenery can make all the difference.

Wood left Newcastle as an apparent misfit, having struggled to make an impact after his move from Burnley, but found a fresh start at Nottingham Forest.

There, he reminded everyone of his qualities, scoring 20 Premier League goals last season and helping Forest to their first European campaign since 1996.

Football is filled with such stories: players who are able to flourish once more under the right conditions. One midfielder currently making headlines fits that mould almost perfectly.

Once a key performer in the Premier League, he has endured a frustrating year abroad, hampered by injury and an unstable tactical environment.

But with several English clubs circling for his signature this summer, there’s every chance he could engineer a comeback in the same spirit as Wood.

Latest on Nottingham Forest's transfer search

The midfielder in question is Douglas Luiz, who swapped Aston Villa for Juventus in a €50m (£43m) deal only to see his first season in Italy collapse into disappointment.

He failed to register a single goal or assist in 27 appearances, missed 20 games through injury, and never looked settled under either Igor Tudor or Thiago Motta.

Transfer Focus

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

He played just 45 minutes at the Club World Cup, and Juventus are now reportedly ready to let him go after he missed the opening day of pre-season training – a disciplinary issue that looks set to force his exit.

The Old Lady are now hoping to recoup around €40m (£34m), accepting things haven’t worked out as planned.

According to Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Nottingham Forest have been in direct contact with his camp, sensing an opportunity to acquire a player with proven English top-flight pedigree. The report suggests that ‘a five-year offer with an increased salary is on the table’.

Luiz’s numbers at Juventus paint a stark picture of how things fell apart. He ranked 19th in minutes played with only 841, starting just six matches.

His 0.69 key passes per game put him 9th among Juventus midfielders, while a meagre 0.77 tackles per game ranked him 21st.

For a player described by Statman Dave as an “engine in midfield,” these struggles were uncharacteristic.

Instead, he is on the periphery in Turin, his World Cup 2026 ambitions in danger of being derailed. Could he follow Wood in being revived in Nottingham?

Another Forest revival could be on the cards

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Luiz could thrive again with the right manager, system, and consistent game time.

At Aston Villa, Luiz was the definition of a modern, dynamic midfielder.

According to FBref, stats from his final Premier League campaign in 2023/24 underlined that: an 85.7% pass completion rate while attempting over 71 passes per 90, and nearly four shot-creating actions per match.

He consistently progressed play, averaging 5.49 progressive passes and 2.15 progressive carries per 90.

Defensively, he contributed too, with 1.74 tackles per 90 and almost one block per match, using positional discipline and work rate to cover ground effectively.

The numbers made clear why Villa fans valued him so highly – a player who could link defence to attack seamlessly while breaking up opposition transitions.

His last season at Villa saw him start nearly every game, a sharp contrast to the chaos of Juventus, where managerial turnover and persistent injuries destroyed any rhythm.

His 89.5% pass accuracy at Juve, still ranking him fifth-best at the club, suggests his technical quality remains intact. But without a consistent role, he looked lost.

The interest from Forest – as well as from Everton – makes perfect sense therefore.

Both clubs would welcome a midfield presence with ball-winning skills, tempo-setting passes, and Premier League experience.

Forest in particular could look to repeat their Chris Wood rescue mission by offering Luiz a stable platform and a clear tactical purpose. Wood had netted just five times in 39 games at St James’ Park, although has since showcased his prior form at Burnley, where the New Zealander scored 53 goals in 165 games.

As for Luiz also suits the style of English football far more naturally than the slower, more congested patterns he faced in Serie A.

His progressive passing, intensity out of possession, and capacity to make third-man runs all align with how many Premier League teams want their midfielders to operate.

What Luiz needs, just like Wood before him, is a manager willing to make him central to the team’s structure.

Wood rediscovered his confidence and instinct for goals at Forest, showing that a so-called failed signing can become an effective weapon when valued.

It is easy to forget how highly he was rated not long ago.

Leonardo Bertozzi’s prediction that Luiz could be a “leading name” for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup still has every chance of coming true, provided he finds a stable environment to rebuild his confidence.

With a Premier League return looking increasingly likely, fans might yet witness a redemption story worthy of Wood’s – proof once more that the right club, at the right moment, can revive even the most stalled careers.

Liverpool are set to have an intense end to the 2025 summer transfer window. The Reds have already had a busy few months, signing the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong to strengthen Arne Slot’s title-winning side. Yet, there may still be incomings.

Alexander Isak remains the top target, of course, although long-standing interest remains in Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace captain continues to be linked with the Merseysiders, with a £35m deal reportedly what it would take to prise him away from Selhurst Park. The England international is out of contract at the end of the season.

If a deal for Guehi does not materialise for the Reds, they could pursue an alternative target at centre-back.

Liverpool considering Guehi alternative

It seems clear with ten days or so left in the transfer window that Liverpool are ready to spend again. If they do indeed sign a new centre-back, then Guehi seems to be the ideal choice for Slot. However, it is not a guarantee at this stage.

Transfer Focus

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

If a deal for the Palace star does not come off, then the Reds could turn their attention to Brentford and Ireland international Nathan Collins. Caught Offside report that he is ‘one of the names’ on the list at Anfield this summer if they fail to land Guehi.

This will not be an easy deal to do. Firstly, having already lost Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard and potentially Yoane Wissa, Brentford are ‘eager not to lose more key players’ before the window slams shut.

On top of that, Liverpool will face competition from Manchester United, although Slot’s side are said to be in a ‘stronger position financially’, while Tottenham Hotspur are the frontrunners. A fee is not yet clear, but surely the Bees would want to make a profit on the £23m they spent on Collins in 2023.

Why Collins would be a good signing

There is no doubt that signing Collins would be a smart move for the Reds. He is a Premier League-proven defender who comes with a great reputation and is already up to speed with the pace of the English top flight.

The 24-year-old, who was named Brentford captain at the start of the season, has played 78 times for the Londoners so far. In that time, he’s played 90 minutes in all but six of those appearances.

The former Wolves star, who has also played for Burnley, is a goal threat in the penalty box, too. He’s bagged four goals for the club and assisted six, which included an impressive five assists last term in the Premier League.

This is certainly a deal that could see Liverpool sign their second coming of Virgil van Dijk. The legendary Dutchman also joined from a Premier League side, signing from Southampton back in 2017 for £75m.

The rest, as they say, is history. Now Liverpool skipper, Van Dijk has featured 321 times for the Reds, helping his side to lift two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Back in 2023, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called him “the best defender in the world”.

There are certainly similarities between Van Dijk and Collins. Not only would they have both come from fellow Premier League clubs, but the Ireland star could be described as “dominant”, just as football talent scout Jacek Kulig did. You could certainly use the same word to describe Van Dijk after the years of success he’s enjoyed at the top.

Statistically, the pair are similar, too. For example, Collins averaged 3.34 progressive passes and 4.26 ball recoveries per 90 minutes last season. In comparison, Van Dijk chalked up 5.35 progressive passes and 3.11 ball recoveries each game.

Progressive passes

3.34

5.35

Clearances

5.95

5.14

Tackles and interceptions

1.95

2.54

Ball recoveries

4.26

3.11

Aerial duels won

3.08

3.22

Progressive carries

0.84

0.59

Although there is no definitive fee, a move for Collins could be extremely smart for the Reds. There are certainly shades of Van Dijk in the deal and in his game, with the dominance shown off the ball and the quality they have in possession. The pair are also towering figures at 6 foot 4 and 6 foot 5, respectively, while also captaining their current sides.

Liverpool fans would love for him to become the second coming of their club legend.

If they miss out on Guehi, signing Collins instead this summer might be the perfect move to help Slot’s Liverpool side continue their dominance.

He can usurp Gakpo: FSG ready late bid to sign £43m winger for Liverpool

Liverpool still hope to sign a left-sided forward before the end of the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 19, 2025

Mitchell Owen had a rollicking Bellerive Oval crowd in the palm of his hands and capped a breakout season with the equal-fastest BBL century as Hobart Hurricanes powered to their first title in style.Hurricanes needed a seemingly tricky 183 runs, but they achieved the highest chase in a BBL final with ease after Owen produced an innings for the ages. He reached his century off 39 balls – within 10 overs – and finished with 108 off 42 including 11 sixes.Related

• Melbourne Renegades sign Doggett, Jewell set to follow

• 'It's super special, it's a childhood dream' – Owen on Hurricanes' 'surreal' night

• All the BBL lists ahead of the trade window and those off contract

• From 74 all out to the BBL final: Hurricanes a win away from history

Ben McDermott and Matthew Wade finished the job as Hurricanes rolled to a seven-wicket victory with 35 balls to spare.It was a disappointment for Thunder, who started brightly after being sent it with a 97-run opening partnership between captain David Warner and Jason Sangha before they were pegged back by quicks Nathan Ellis and Riley Meredith.Warner fell short of being a winning captain less than six months after having his lifetime leadership ban overturned.Owen decimates ThunderAs Hurricanes started their chase, ESPNcricinfo’s predictor had Thunder at a 61% chance of winning. It wasn’t long for Hurricanes to surge into heavy favourites after Owen’s whirlwind. After four overs, Hurricanes were 74 for 0 with Owen 58 off 18 balls having smashed six monstrous sixes and five boundaries.The promotion of seam bowling allrounder Owen from the middle-lower order to opener has been a masterstroke. Owen saved his best for last as he backed his successful formula of swinging hard and muscling the ball over hapless fielders.Mitchell Owen celebrates a stunning century•Getty Images

There was no stage fright for Owen as he got rolling by launching quick Nathan McAndrew over deep midwicket for six then hitting consecutive boundaries in an opening over yielding 23 runs.Warner reverted to the reliable option of left-arm spinner Tom Andrews, but Owen was undaunted and smashed a huge six over deep midwicket. He then continually thumped quick Wes Agar as he soon motored to his half-century off 16 balls – the third fastest in tournament history.There was no let up even with the fielding restrictions eased as he continued his assault. With giddy fans chanting his name, Owen eyed the fastest BBL century – a record set by Craig Simmons in 2014. He couldn’t break it, but he matched the long-standing mark to earn a standing ovation as he lapped up the applause. Owen finally fell in the 11th over but the damage was done.His heroics will certainly gain attention far and wide – from the national selectors to other franchise leagues.Thunder’s attack have no answers, Sangha tries his bestTo be fair, few attacks could probably have stopped Owen in that zone. But Thunder started sloppily and continually bowled right in his favoured hitting arc.They slumped in the field too with Matthew Gilkes at cover dropping opener Caleb Jewell on 5 and Warner in the same sequence missing a chance to run out Owen at the bowler’s end.The only bright spot was legspinner Tanveer Sangha, who finished the season strongly having bowled well since returning to the side after injury. He claimed Jewell and Nikhil Chaudhary in the eighth over to give Thunder hope before he succumbed to the Owen show.Ellis hauls Hurricanes back with superb slower deliveriesOvershadowed by their belligerent batting order, Hurricanes’ versatile attack has been just as important but nothing worked in Thunder’s opening 10 overs. Meredith was counterattacked with the new ball, while spinners Peter Hatzoglou and Chaudhary, both so miserly this season, were under an avalanche from Warner and Sangha.The drinks break came at an opportune time for Hurricanes and Ellis put the onus on himself to get his team back in the contest. He did exactly that by nicking off Warner before on the next ball completely deceiving Gilkes with a trademark slower delivery.Nathan Ellis struck twice in one over to change the game•Getty Images

Ellis came close to securing a hat-trick when Sam Billings nervously drove just short of mid-off, but he continued to have an impact. He made the right move in the 15th over and deployed Meredith, who justified the decision with a cracking yorker to clean bowl Billings.Ellis proved why he is right on the fringes of Australia’s white-ball teams with superb execution in the latter overs, dismissing Sangha with another slower delivery at a crucial time before the power surge. He then conceded just six runs in the second over of the power surge to finish a stellar season in style with 3 for 23 from 4 oversSangha and Warner silence crowd initiallyAll eyes were on Warner, but he was initially overshadowed by Jason Sangha who was playing just his third BBL game of the season. He made an impact at the top of the order in his return against Sydney Sixers in the Challenger, bolstering a thin Thunder batting order.After a cautious start, Sangha went after Meredith in the third over. Meredith had shaken up Sixers’ top-order in the qualifying final, but Sangha decided to meet fire with fire. He rocked on the back foot and hammered a six over deep square before smashing a boundary through backward point.Thunder got through the powerplay wicketless for just the second time this season. Sangha scored 30 of 40 runs before Warner got in on the act after the fielding restrictions were eased. He was inventive and reversed lapped Hatzoglou before reverse sweeping seamer Chris Jordan over gully. A feature was Warner’s running, racing between the wickets with such speed to belie his advancing age.Warner and Sangha continued to mix power with placement as they got through to drinks with Thunder well paced at 97 for 0. But Thunder could not capitalise on their platform and their lack of batting depth was exposed. Chris Green added a couple of vital boundaries in the last over, but it proved ultimately nowhere near enough.

Who’s playing

Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, 7:30pm IST

What to expect: Battle of middle-orders

That Capitals have the most successful opening combination in the WPL meant that the middle order has escaped scrutiny. But not anymore, after they almost lost their opening fixture this season and then went down heavily to RCB. Capitals’ middle-order batters (Nos. 4 to 7) average 21.97, which is the lowest in the WPL. Jess Jonassen (13), Marizanne Kapp (12) and Jemimah Rodrigues (12) have batted the most innings in these positions for them.In stark contrast, UP Warriorz have the best average for these positions (28.44), with Deepti Sharma (14), Grace Harris (14) and Tahlia McGrath (9) being the regulars. This could partly be attributed to the fact that they have used five opening pairs across the three seasons.Related

• Athapaththu to leave WPL early to play for Sri Lanka

A stronger show in the middle order could end up having a say in which way the contest sways. Warriorz are yet to get off the mark, having lost their opening game to Gujarat Giants.

Team news and likely XIs

Capitals played their full-strength XI in the last outing against RCB. Expect them to go in with a similar structure that allows them batters till No. 11.Delhi Capitals (possible): 1 Meg Lanning (capt), 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Jemimah Rodrigues, 4 Annabel Sutherland, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Jess Jonassen, 7 Sarah Bryce (wk), 8 Shikha Pandey, 9 Radha Yadav, 10 Arundhati Reddy, 11 Minnu ManiWarriorz could think of getting in Poonam Khemnar to shore up the lower middle-order firepower. There could also be a case to play Anjali Sarvani for the left-arm seam angle.UP Warriorz (possible): 1 Kiran Navgire, 2 Vrinda Dinesh, 3 Uma Chetry (wk), 4 Deepti Sharma (capt), 5 Tahlia McGrath, 6 Grace Harris, 7 Shweta Sehrawat/Poonam Khemnar, 8 Alana King, 9 Sophie Ecclestone, 10 Saima Thakor, 11 Kranti Goud

Players to watch: Shikha Pandey and Kiran Navgire

Overlooked from the Indian side after the T20 World Cup 2023, Shikha Pandey continues to grab the spotlight with performances in T20 competitions around the world. After the WPL last year, she played in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, Women’s Big Bash League and Women’s Super Smash, picking up 25 wickets across them. She’s begun WPL 2025 on the right note – keeping MI in check in the opening game and conceding runs at 6.75 runs per over against RCB even when the scoring rate was close to nine. She has been the third-most economical bowler in WPL 2025 so far.Kiran Navgire opened the batting with Vrinda Dinesh for UP Warriorz•BCCI

In the WPL, Kiran Navgire takes a liking to spin. She has a strike rate of 156.84 against spin (95 balls faced) as opposed to 106.50 against pace (123 balls) in the competition. She has been dismissed 22 times by pace and only five times by spin in the WPL. When she hit 125 not out against Arunachal Pradesh in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy earlier this season, four of her five sixes came against the spin duo of Shivi Yadav and Reetika Agarwal. Is there a case for Warriorz to bat Navgire in the middle order? Or for her to see off fast bowling and wait for spin, in case she continues to open?

Key stats

• Deepti Sharma is one of only four players in the WPL with over 400 runs and 15-plus wickets.
• Meg Lanning, the leading run-scorer of the WPL, has been in a slightly lean patch in T20 cricket. She has only three half-centuries (one of them in the Hundred) and averages 21.34 since the last WPL.
• Since her ODI best of 3 for 62 against Australia, Saima Thakor has picked up just one wicket in nine outings across formats. She went wicketless in Warriorz’s first match.

Elland Road will have to be a fortress in the Premier League this season for Leeds United to survive at the first time of asking.

The last eight opening fixtures in the top-flight that had fallen at the hallowed turf, building up to Monday night’s clash with Everton, had seen the Whites pick up five wins and collect zero defeats. Thankfully, that impressive trend continued against David Moyes’ Toffees, as a slender 1-0 win was secured.

It could have been more emphatic on another night, as Leeds boasted 2.13 xG come the full-time whistle, having registered 21 efforts in total at Jordan Pickford’s busy net.

But, it would end up just being a slim victory for Daniel Farke’s side – not that anyone packed into Elland Road cared – courtesy of Lukas Nmecha stroking home a penalty with some confidence, considering it was his debut in West Yorkshire.

Nmecha's standout debut performance

Nmecha will be remembered for some time now as the figure who officially got Leeds’ 2025/26 season up and running as he placed a spot-kick with ease past Pickford.

The former Wolfsburg attacker would only go on to amass ten touches of the ball from his inspired 13-minute cameo, with the German’s fifth touch of the ball being the decisive moment that broke the deadlock.

Amazingly, during his entire debut season in Germany for his past employers, he wouldn’t break his duck.

In his fresh English surroundings, however, he has that monkey off his back, as Nmecha now hopes he can be an effective utility option all campaign long, with the 26-year-old capable of slotting into Farke’s XI up top – like he managed against the Toffees – as well as down either flank.

A dream opening day in the difficult division won’t stop Leeds dead in their tracks when it comes to sealing more late deals before September’s deadline, however, with a Nmecha repeat potentially on the cards if Farke and Co. can strike up a £22m move in time.

Leeds frontrunners to sign £22m star

Nmecha managed to bask in the limelight of being Leeds’ goalscorer on the night, with other brand new recruit Dominic Calvert-Lewin absent from the side altogether.

The former Everton attacker will no doubt get his own opportunities to impress down the line, but Leeds don’t look to be done and dusted just yet when it comes to trying to add more exciting attackers to their ever-growing squad.

Indeed, Leeds are very close to welcoming in another standout summer addition in the form of Noah Okafor, with a deal now in place for the AC Milan attacker to move to English shores for a fee around the £18m mark, as per Fabrizio Romano on X.

On top of that, another update states that Leeds is well-positioned to land another exciting attacking option, this time from La Liga.

Spanish outlet Carrusel Deportivo has revealed that Leeds could soon welcome Getafe ace Christantus Uche to Elland Road, having been noted as being in a favourable spot to do so, with Brentford also interested in the £22m forward’s services.

Further reports also suggest that even more of Leeds’ Premier League foes in Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland are keen, with the Whites fearful that Regis Le Bris’ men could pip them to yet another coveted signature this summer.

Fresh off scoring on the opening day in La Liga himself, Leeds will pray they can get a deal over the line for Uche – amid all this competition for his services – as they attempt to win another version of Nmecha.

Why Uche can be a Nmecha repeat

It is, of course, too early in his Leeds career to suggest he will be a rip-roaring success, but Nmecha couldn’t have made a better first impression if he tried.

Uche also raced out of the blocks with blistering speed for Getafe last time out, with a goal and an assist coming his way versus Celta Vigo, continuing his stunning ascent with his Spanish employers.

Before linking up with José Bordalás’ side, the Nigerian attacker was plying his trade in the lower depths of Spanish football with third-tier outfit AD Ceuta FC.

Now, he looks to be on the brink of a move to the Premier League, having turned into a “spectacular” asset in La Liga, as he was dubbed by Bordalás himself.

CF

19

4 + 4

AM

13

0 + 3

SS

3

0

LW

1

0 + 1

LM

1

1 + 0

From just 39 appearances and counting for Getafe, the adaptable Nigerian has chipped in with a bumper five goals and eight assists, with Uche also lining up in five different positions for his side when needed.

Nmecha also offered this same level of flexibility for Wolfsburg, having been noted previously for his ability to play in “so many different positions” by former boss Nico Kovac.

Much like Uche, the ex-Wolfsburg number ten had a knack for launching himself into any forthcoming XI in a whole host of different roles, with three career goals even coming his way down the right flank for the Bundesliga giants, despite being predominantly known for his strengths as a centre-forward, where 14 strikes were registered.

Both players could be worthwhile bodies to have around the building, therefore, with Nmecha already proving his worth as an impact substitute when sending Elland Road into raptures versus Moyes’ men.

Farke will hope he will be able to wax lyrical about Uche in a similar manner very soon, with the 22-year-old not perturbed by the bright lights of La Liga whatsoever during his Getafe stay.

The Premier League shouldn’t unnerve him either, hopefully, as the German just goes about tweaking here and there to try and give his underdogs the best fighting chance at instant survival.

Raphinha 2.0: Leeds man who outshone Nmecha was the best player on the park

Leeds sealed all three points on their return to Premier League action with Lukas Nmecha the hero.

ByDan Emery Aug 19, 2025

Khawaja informed Queensland Cricket that he was unavailable to play while Marnus Labuschagne returns as captain

Alex Malcolm13-Mar-2025

Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja has opted not to play for Queensland in the upcoming Sheffield Shield match against South Australia where a win could hand them a spot in the final, but he could be available for the decider if they get there.Khawaja was not named in Queensland’s 14-man squad after informing Queensland’s selectors that he was unavailable. Queensland Cricket were accepting of Khawaja’s decision with captain Marnus Labuschagne returning to the lead the side being away with Australia’s ODI team at the Champions Trophy.Khawaja isn’t the only Cricket Australia contracted player missing with Xavier Bartlett also unavailable for the remainder of the season as he heads off to play in the IPL for Punjab Kings. Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Spencer Johnson are all unavailable for South Australia for the remainder of the season as they are IPL bound but Alex Carey has been named to play against Queensland and will available for the Shield final.Related

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However, Khawaja’s absence is an odd one given he is fully fit and produced match-winning scores of 127 and 33 not out in Queensland’s win over Tasmania to put the Bulls back in contention for the final, as they sit second on the table just 1.41 points ahead of New South Wales. Khawaja has opted to fly from Brisbane to Melbourne to spend the weekend watching the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix instead of playing the Shield game at Karen Rolton Oval.The 38-year-old has managed his schedule carefully in recent years, valuing rest over playing a lot of back-to-back games in order to remain mentally and physically fresh for his Test commitments as he attempts to extend his career as long as possible. That management plan has been supported by Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket.He missed one of Queensland’s first four Shield games to freshen up ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and understandably missed the Shield game against Western Australia that started nine days after the tour of Sri Lanka where he scored a career-best 232 not out in the first Test. Khawaja wasn’t the only Test player to miss that round but Beau Webster did play for Tasmania, having played the three most recent Tests for Australia.Khawaja has already played 11 first-class matches this summer including seven Tests, which is already more games and days than any Australian domestic red-ball only batter would play in a Shield summer in total. He has also already captained Queensland to a Shield title back in 2021. However, Khawaja is likely to have all of April and May to rest after the Shield season finishes in the final week of March before preparing for four Tests in June and July which include the WTC final and a three-Test tour of the Caribbean. He won’t have any international commitments thereafter until the Ashes begin in late November.Meanwhile, Khawaja’s Queensland team-mates travelled to Adelaide early to get an extra day of training in on Thursday ahead of the match starting on Saturday as the squad could not train all week due to the heavy rain that followed Cyclone Alfred.South Australia have rested quick Brendan Doggett for the Queensland clash ahead of the final but Nathan McAndrew returns after he was rested from the win over Victoria last week.Elsewhere, Australia Test quick Scott Boland has been ruled out of Victoria’s must-win match against WA at the WACA ground. Boland suffered some knee soreness in the aftermath of the loss to South Australia and if Victoria are unable to qualify for the Shield final he is set for an extended period of rest before beginning a lengthy build-up towards the WTC final that will feature some bowling in Melbourne and up-to three training camps in Brisbane.Victoria captain Will Sutherland returns after being rested from the loss against South Australia and Peter Siddle has also been included in the 13-man squad. Victoria have also called up former WA quick David Moody after some strong performances for Victoria’s second XI.New South Wales have named Australia Champions Trophy players Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis and Tanveer Sangha for their day-night pink ball clash with Tasmania at Ninja Stadium (Bellerive Oval) in Hobart. A win and significant bonus points could be enough to get NSW into the final ahead of Queensland even if Queensland beat South Australia.Sheffield Shield squadsQueensland squad: Marnus Labuschagne (c), Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Jackson Sinfield, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Jack WildermuthSouth Australia squad: Nathan McSweeney (c), Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry ThorntonWestern Australia squad: Sam Whiteman (c), Cameron Bancroft, Hilton Cartwright, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Keaton Critchell, Joel Curtis, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Jayden Goodwin, Joel Paris, Corey Rocchiccioli, Charlie Stobo, Ashton Turner.Victoria squad: Will Sutherland (c), Scott Boland, ⁠Harry Dixon, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Blake MacDonald, David Moody, Todd Murphy, Fergus ⁠O’Neill, Oliver Peake, Peter SiddleTasmania: Jordan Silk (c), Gabe Bell, Jake Doran, Kieran Elliott, Brad Hope, Caleb Jewell, Matt Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Aidan O’Connor, Mitch Owen, Nivethan Radhakrishnan, Tim Ward, Jake Weatherald, Beau WebsterNew South Wales squad: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Ollie Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards (c), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Blake Nikitaras, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha