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After a generally positive Premier League Summer Series campaign, can West Ham United start to build some positivity ahead of the new season?

On Sunday, goals from Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen saw the Hammers beat Bournemouth 2-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Four days earlier, Graham Potter’s team had also defeated Everton 2-1 in Chicago, thereby finishing second in the Summer Series standings, below only Manchester United, who they’d narrowly lost 2-1 against in their US-tour opener in East Rutherford.

After being appointed in January, Potter won only five of 19 matches in charge, thereby picking up fewer points-per-game than his sacked predecessor, Julen Lopetegui, so will come into this new campaign under serious scrutiny.

If the Irons are going to get back to challenging for European qualification, they still require a few more signings, so could one be about to arrive?

West Ham United's transfer search

Following the release of veteran Łukasz Fabiański, West Ham have been in the market for a new goalkeeper throughout the summer, seeking to upgrade Alphonse Areola, following the Frenchman’s underwhelming campaign.

The Hammers have been interested in Mads Hermansen of Leicester City, Viktor Johansson of Stoke City and Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper, but have seemingly settled on their number one target to become number one.

That’s because, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, West Ham are “in advanced talks” with Botafogo to sign their shot-stopper John Victor.

Romano adds elsewhere that the Hammers are now “advancing to key stages” of the deal, and that John “wants the move”, subsequently stating that they have reached a “verbal agreement”. He will cost around £9m.

Transfer Focus

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

Botafogo, for their part, “have reached an agreement” to sign Neto from Bournemouth, as reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, thereby securing a replacement, suggesting further that John is set to swap Rio de Janeiro for East London.

How John Victor will improve West Ham

As already outlined, goalkeeper is certainly a position of need at West Ham, and the table below documents why.

Minutes

2,260

18th

1,160

22nd

Saves

77

15th

50

21st

Save %

64.3%

20th

74.6%

2nd

Goals conceded per 90

1.63

6th

1.63

7th

Clean sheet %

20%

13th

15.4%

17th

Post shot xG – goals conceded

-2.6

36th

+1.6

12th

% of crosses prevented

3.8%

21st

4.5%

18th

Punches

10

17th

9

19th

High claims

15

19th

9

24th

Average SofaScore rating

6.87

34th

7.08

18th

As the table outlines, it was actually the now-departed Fabiański who largely boasted better numbers in the Premier League last season, most notably when it comes to save percentage and xG prevented, but neither he nor Areola covered themselves in glory.

Thus, John will surely arrive to be the starter and, assuming the deal is done in time, meaning the Brazilian will be donning the gloves at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland on the opening day of the season.

The 29-year-old joined Botafogo from Santos in January 2024 and picked a good time to move to the Engenhão, a key figure as Fogo won their first Brasileirão title since 1995, as well as their first-ever Copa Libertadores trophy, with John the number one throughout the campaign.

He then captured global attention during the Club World Cup earlier this summer, starting all four matches as his team reached the knockout stages, most notably defeating European champions Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at the Rose Bowl.

Saves

13

11th

Save percentage

81.3%

2nd

Goals conceded per 90

0.69

2nd

Punches

9

1st

High claims

7

2nd

Average SofaScore rating

7.48

6th

These statistics at a high-level competition are certainly encouraging, hence why teammate Philipe Sampaio, who is a centre-back, described his goalkeeper as a “warrior”.

Meantime, Matt Pyzdrowski of the Athletic was certainly impressed, first praising the ‘quality of his distribution’ and ‘technical ability’ in terms of in possession with the ball at his feet.

Furthermore, they go onto comment that John ‘makes full use of his physical presence’ as well as the fact that the 29 year old is a ‘high-level performer’ when it comes to shot-stopping, concluding that he would be a ‘smart’ and affordable addition for whichever European club are able to get their hands on him.

So why will he prove to be a better signing than future teammate Callum Wilson?

Well, while the England international’s quality has never been in doubt, he can never be fully relied upon when it comes to fitness and availability, seeing just 458 minutes of action for Newcastle last season due to a back and then hamstring injury.

On top of this, Wilson is not a guaranteed starter, especially after Füllkrug and club captain Bowen linked up very nicely as a front two during the pre-season friendlies out in America. Despite the bonus of arriving on a free, the 33-year-old’s record of just 11 goals in all competitions across the last two seasons is hardly the most encouraging.

Thus, while Wilson could still prove to be a shrewd addition, fitness-permitting John could turn out to be a transformational signing, not only as a result of his own quality, but given that he will be filling a position of genuine need.

Better than Wilson: West Ham agree personal terms with "unreal" £35m star

After Callum Wilson was unveiled as West Ham United’s new striker on Saturday, the Irons have now agreed personal terms to sign an “unreal” £35m star.

1 Aug 3, 2025

Ex-USMNT ace Brad Friedel says a star in America's second tier was "better than Harry Kane", with caution being urged when it comes to Cavan Sullivan.

• Record-breaking teenager in MLS
• Caution being urged with Sullivan
• Adu a famous tale of unfilled talent

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Excitement has continued to build around teenage wonderkid Sullivan since he made history as the youngest MLS debutant in July 2024. He was aged just 14 years and 293 days at the time, with a place in the history books being snatched from former prodigy Freddy Adu.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Adu has been used as a cautionary tale down to the years when it comes to unfilled potential, as he was billed as the next Pele after making his own breakthrough at 14. He went on to endure a nomadic career at club level, but did earn 17 caps for the United States.

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Sullivan will be hoping to fare better than that, but there are many stories to be found of shining lights that burned out before illuminating the big time – with there tales of that variety to be told around the world.

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• WHAT FRIEDEL SAID

  Friedel, speaking with the online casino authority Casino.org, told GOAL when asked about the habit of writing exciting youngsters off if they ultimately become anything less than superstars: "Correct, and it’s wrong to think that way.

  "I’ve sat in the Premier League at Tottenham in the academy when deciding between two or three players to take up to the next age group at 13, 14, 15. Sometimes what you’re choosing between is so strange. At one stage, Cameron Lancaster was, in a lot of people’s eyes, better than Harry Kane. And he was, by the way. He had terrible injuries. You are choosing at such young ages. Harry has become this world icon and Cam, unfortunately, could have done really well. He had some terrible knee issues.

  "You just don’t know what’s going to happen at young ages. When you build someone up too much and they don’t score 25 goals, 25 assists every season, everyone’s thinking that they can’t play."

After missing out on their long-term target, Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United will be seeking alternative options in the transfer window this summer.

The Magpies had been keen to bring in the Eintracht Frankfurt forward this summer, with the Frenchman seen as a perfect addition to their attacking ranks.

However, Liverpool hijacked that move and are now expected to sign the 23-year-old in a deal that could end up being worth a fixed fee of £69m.

The Reds had earlier tested Newcastle’s resolve with a £120m approach for Alexander Isak, which was firmly rejected.

Newcastle looking to sign Ekitike alternative

In response, Newcastle have turned their attention to Yoane Wissa of Brentford with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealing a bid of £25m bid has been turned down. The Toon are set to return with a £30m plus add-ons offer.

As an alternative, they could Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus.

Speaking on the Football Transfers Podcast, reporter Duncan Castles noted: “Newcastle United are involved in the conversation, and I think at present it looks like they are the most likely destination for Kolo Muani.”

Transfer Focus

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

It is further reported that PSG are demanding €50m (£44m) for the 25-year-old forward, and while Juventus would like to make the deal permanent, they have so far failed to meet the asking price.

This has opened the door for Newcastle.

How Kolo Muani compares to Hugo Ekitike

On paper, Kolo Muani and Ekitike seem like-for-like replacements: young, French forwards who briefly battled for minutes under Christophe Galtier at PSG.

However, their contrasting styles offer very different strengths, and that could explain Newcastle’s pivot.

Kolo Muani is all about directness. He excels at running in behind, attacking space, and finishing with composure.

His efficiency stands out, netting 14 goals from an xG of 11.2, and he managed a shot-on-target percentage of 44.6%, better than Ekitike’s 39.7%.

While he played fewer minutes than Ekitike last season, he was a sharp presence whenever on the pitch.

In contrast, Ekitike brings more creativity and finesse to the forward line.

He scored 22 goals from an xG of 24.6 but also contributed heavily in build-up play: 17.2 completed passes per 90 to Muani’s 11.7, and a progressive passing distance of 43.2 metres per 90 – far higher than Muani’s 27.5.

Ekitike also posted better numbers in shot-creating actions (3.49 vs. 2.31), take-ons (1.89 vs. 1.51), and touches in the attacking third (20.6 vs. 16.0).

Ekitike is the more technical, playmaking forward, while Kolo Muani is the more explosive, goal-focused attacker.

That difference is crucial when viewed through the lens of Newcastle’s style under Eddie Howe.

Indeed, Newcastle thrive on pace, power, and transitions. They often look to release wide players like Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy quickly and create space centrally through dynamic runs.

Kolo Muani fits that system well. His instinctive movement and clinical edge offer a natural complement, or even alternative, to Isak, rather than a direct copy.

The aforementioned Castles noted the stylistic overlap with Isak, saying: “This makes you wonder what is happening with Isak because of his similarities to Kolo Muani as a player.”

While Newcastle insist Isak is not for sale, the interest in Muani suggests Howe may be looking for someone who can either ease the burden on his No. 14, or perhaps even compete with him directly.

Crucially, Kolo Muani may also be more attainable. At £44m, he is significantly cheaper than Ekitike.

He would arrive off the back of a strong season at Juventus, described as “absolutely incredible” by analyst Zach Lowry, and has already shown he can adapt to different systems and leagues.

Losing out on Ekitike may sting, but in Kolo Muani, Newcastle could be securing a forward who’s not only more affordable but arguably better suited to their tactical needs.

He may not be a like-for-like replacement, but he might be exactly the kind of signing that keeps Newcastle’s momentum rolling.

Even better than Sesko: Newcastle agree personal terms to sign £50m striker

Newcastle United would love to welcome in this £50m striker who is even better than Benjamin Sesko.

2 ByKelan Sarson Jul 20, 2025

The supporters of Tottenham Hotspur will undoubtedly have a sense of excitement building among the fanbase, as they start a new era in the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank is set to lead the side in North London, hoping to build on the Europa League triumph they achieved at the end of the previous season.

Many may have seen the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou as harsh given the European success, but his side’s lack of quality in the Premier League led to his departure.

The Dane will be looking to avoid suffering a similar fate, needing to strike a balance between success in the league whilst also being competitive in the Champions League.

However, if the new boss is to be a success during his maiden campaign in the role, he will undoubtedly need backing from the hierarchy within the transfer window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

In the last couple of days, Spurs have made their opening offer to West Ham United for the potential signing of talented forward Mohammed Kudus – but their bid was immediately rejected.

However, they’re set to make another offer in the coming days, with the new boss wanting to accelerate a deal for the Ghanaian attacker this window.

Despite the move for the 24-year-old, another Premier League forward has emerged on their shortlist in recent days in Rodrigo Muniz, according to Brazilian outlet BolaVIP.

They claim that a £32m bid has been made for the Fulham striker after he scored eight times in England’s top flight throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

It also states that the Lilywhites will face stiff competition from Leeds United, after the newly promoted side made an offer for his services earlier this window.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines within the Premier League, scoring endless goals for Manchester City over the last few years.

The Norwegian moved to the Etihad back in the summer of 2022 and has since scored 124 times in his 146 appearances – a simply staggering record in the modern day.

He’s registered four goals in his six appearances against the Lilywhites, often causing the club countless issues, with the fanbase undoubtedly wishing they had their own version of the forward.

However, talents like Haaland don’t come around very often, and if they do, they will likely cost a small fortune – especially given the money in the current climate.

They could be about to land their own version of the talisman with Muniz this summer, with the Brazilian labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref.

Whilst he’s undoubtedly been massively outscored throughout 2024/25, he’s managed to outperform Haaland in numerous key areas, showcasing what an excellent addition he’d be to Frank’s side this summer.

Muniz, who’s been labelled as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian, has registered a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.

How Muniz compared to Haaland in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Muniz	Haaland
Games played	31	31
Goals & assists	9	25
Goals per shot on target	0.4	0.3
Passes into final third	1.2	0.3
Progressive passes	2.5	0.6
Take-ons completed	0.9	0.4
Fouls won	2.9	0.4
Aerials won	6.3	1.8
Stats via FBref

He’s also registered more progressive passes per 90, with more passes completed into the final third, having the ability to provide others around him with chances in attacking areas.

The Fulham star has also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels, offering Frank an all-round option at the top end of the pitch that he will likely desire.

It’s unclear if Marco Silva’s side will accept the latest offer for Muniz’s signature, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be an excellent option for Spurs.

If he can replicate the levels produced by Haaland over the last couple of seasons, it would be a superb signing and one that could catapult the club up the table next campaign.

Better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs make enquiry for "world-class" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time making moves within the summer transfer market.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 5, 2025

Leeds United are now in the race to sign a “highly rated” £17 million Ligue 1 ace who’s being chased by major teams throughout Europe, according to a new report.

As pre-season preparations get underway, Daniel Farke will be very pleased with the business the club have conducted so far, but he will be wanting more arrivals between now and September, as he knows Leeds have a lot of work ahead of them if they are to remain in the Premier League.

Better than Gudmundsson: Leeds want to land deal for "dominant" £22m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be even better than Gabriel Gudmundsson.

2 ByDan Emery Jul 7, 2025

Three players have already arrived at Elland Road, but that could soon be about to double. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are closing in on the signing of Gabriel Gudmundsson from French side Lille. The Sweden international was expected to travel to England on Sunday to complete the transfer and add more options in the left-back spot for Farke.

That is not the only full-back the Whites are chasing, as Leeds are also interested in signing El Hadji Malick Diouf and are in a good position to beat West Ham to his signature, as they have already seen a bid turned down.

Meanwhile, the Premier League newcomers have also held talks with goalkeeper Lucas Perri over potentially replacing Illan Meslier between the sticks at Elland Road.

Leeds in race for highly rated Neil El Aynaoui

The transfer news doesn’t stop there for the Yorkshire side, as according to Foot Mercato, Leeds are interested in signing midfielder Neil El Aynaoui from RC Lens.

The report states that after a successful 2024/25 season on a personal level, where El Aynaoui scored eight goals in 24 Ligue 1 games, the 24 year-old midfielder is now wanted by many teams across Europe. As well as Leeds, Sunderland and Wolves showing strong interest from England, they all face competition from Juventus and AC Milan.

But it could be AS Roma who are the significant threat to the Whites, as the Italian side have already submitted a bid worth 20 million euros, which is roughly £17.2 million, and are looking to continue talks with Lens over the coming days.

El Aynaoui, who has been dubbed “highly talented” in the past, would bring versatility to Leeds’ midfield department, as he can operate defensively and offensively, as well as being comfortable playing out wide.

Apps

56

Goals

9

Assists

5

Capturing El Aynaoui would show significant intent from the 49ers, given the interest from huge clubs with multiple Champions League titles to their name, with the American group seemingly intent on putting Leeds back on their perch.

With a new goalkeeper likely to cost in excess of £10m and El Aynaoui’s price looking likely to breach the £30m mark, it may not be long before the Whites are heading towards a nine-figure spend in the summer market.

The transfer window might be closed again for a few days, but it feels like Arsenal are starting to fall behind their rivals.

For example, Manchester City have already secured the services of Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Ait-Nouri and look set for more.

However, perhaps the most worrying development, at least in terms of the Gunners’ chances in the Premier League next season, has been Liverpool’s £116m capture of Florian Wirtz.

The German is about as perfect an example of a statement signing as you’ll ever see, but in some more positive news, reports have recently linked Arsenal to someone who could be their own version of the international superstar.

Arsenal transfer news

While Arsenal are yet to make any official signings this summer, they have been linked with a host of potentially game-changing stars, such as Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has a release clause reportedly worth around £68m in Crystal Palace contract, and while that is a sizeable sum of money, it would be a price more than worth paying for a Premier League-proven attacker who scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games this season.

Likewise, while Rodrygo could cost a whopping £84m this summer, his tally of 24 goal involvements this season and record of winning the biggest trophies in the game means he’d be a superb addition to the Gunners’ squad.

However, regarding the North Londoners’ answer to Wirtz, it looks like it will be Benjamin Sesko.

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig star.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Gunners have now made a ‘breakthrough’ in negotiations and are expected to make an offer of €100m early next week, which comes out to around £85m.

It would represent an enormous vote of confidence in the young striker, but given his ability and potential, this is a transfer Arsenal should get done as soon as possible, as Sesko could be their own Wirtz.

Why Sesko would be Arsenal's Wirtz

Okay, so the first thing to say is that the two players are obviously not comparable in terms of position, as while Wirtz can play in a few other places, he is primarily an attacking midfielder, not a striker.

However, their positions have little to do with why Sesko could be Arsenal’s version of the German.

The first actual reason is that, like Liverpool’s new creator, the Slovenian international has the potential to be a truly game-changing addition to the Gunners.

Appearances

45

Minutes

3258′

Goals

21

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.6

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

For example, even though he’s still just 22 years old, the former Salzburg gem was able to score 21 goals and provide six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes.

That means the Radeče-born “monster,” as dubbed by respected data analyst Ben Mattinson, averaged a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes for a pretty poor Leipzig side.

So, just imagine what he could do under Arteta with Bukayo Saka to the right of him, hopefully, a new left-winger on the other side and a rejuvenated Martin Odegaard behind him.

Moreover, despite standing a mammoth 6 foot 5, the 41-capped behemoth is still incredibly rapid and capable of hitting speeds of 35.69 km/h and then, to top it off, you only need to watch his clips to see how technical he is with the ball at his feet.

Finally, aside from the ways in which Sesko could take Arteta’s side to the next level, he’d also be arriving for huge money and from the Bundesliga, just like Wirtz.

Ultimately, even though the money involved is more than most expected, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Leipzig gem this summer.

He's just like Saka: £68m winger is Tognozzi's dream target for Arsenal

The exciting wonderkid would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 13, 2025

After a middling season in which they ended up finishing fifth in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur decided to splash the cash on a new centre-forward.

Daniel Levy and Co went out and spent a club-record £65m on then-Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke, who had just racked up a haul of 25 goal involvements in all competition.

Now, while the Englishman has not been poor this year, his eight goals in 25 league games is a far cry from the often inhuman exploits of Harry Kane that fans were so used to seeing in campaigns prior.

So, with that in mind, it’s not surprising that we have seen reports in the last couple of months linking the North Londoners to another striker ahead of this summer, including one who’s won comparisons to the club’s all-time top scorer.

Spurs' striker search

Before getting to the free-scoring dynamo in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other marksmen linked with Spurs in recent weeks, like Liam Delap and Daizen Maeda.

Transfer Focus

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

The former reportedly has a £30m release clause in his current deal, and considering he’s scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 34 Premier League games for a terrible Ipswich Town side, he could prove to be a very savvy signing.

Likewise, while the latter is playing north of the border, he’s been nothing short of spectacular this season, racking up a simply unreal tally of 45 goal involvements in 48 games, and once again, with a relatively modest price tag of £25m, he may be too good a deal to miss out on.

However, Daniel Levy and Co might be after more of a sure bet to lead the line next year, which would explain some of the links we have seen to Jonathan David in recent weeks.

If the North Londoners do act on this supposed interest, then the good news is that the Canadian international wouldn’t cost them a penny in transfer fees, as his contract with LOSC Lille is set to expire at the end of the season.

It could still be a complicated transfer to get done, but David is certainly someone Spurs should be doing all they can to sign, especially as he’s won comparisons to Kane.

How David compares to Kane

Before getting into some of the other reasons why David could be looked at as a young Kane, it’s worth examining where this comparison has come from.

Well, in this case, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the seventh most similar forward to the Lille gem.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, goals per shot and shot on target key and live passes, carries and more, all per 90.

David & Kane
Statistics per 90	David	Kane
Progressive Carries	1.28	1.12
Goals per Shot	0.17	0.15
Goals per Shot on Target	0.37	0.36
Key Passes	1.28	1.31
Live Passes	22.3	23.5
Carries	17.9	19.6
Ball Recoveries	2.26	2.27
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Furthermore, while we wouldn’t want to suggest that the Canadian international is as good as the Lilywhites legend – very few players in world football are – he has shown a level of consistency up top that mirrors the 31-year-old’s.

For example, since the start of 21/22, the New York-born monster, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 96 goals and provided 25 assists in just 182 club appearances.

What makes that continued level of output that much more impressive is that it’s come in a traditional top-five league, whereas some of the other aforementioned strikers linked with a move to Tottenham have thrived in comparatively weaker leagues.

Finally, as the England captain did in N17, the “mind-blowing” goalscorer, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has shown a surprising level of loyalty to Les Dogues, as, thanks to his consistently brilliant numbers season on season, he probably could have left earlier than this year but did not.

Ultimately, everything from his underlying numbers and raw output to his commitment to the cause reminds us of a younger Kane, and should Spurs want to supercharge their attack next season, they’ll do what they can to sign David in the summer.

Conte 2.0: Spurs looking at hiring "phenomenal" Postecoglou upgrade

The vastly experienced manager would be an incredible hire for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 7, 2025

Everton are in the market for signings this summer, with a raft of first-teamers set to depart when their deals at Goodison Park expire in a few months.

Bramley Moore awaits, and the Toffees appear to be ready to use the change of scenery as more than just a symbolic shift: this is a new era, and hopefully, a new Everton.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin may yet renew his deal, but with Armando Broja set to depart after a disappointing loan spell and Beto attracting plenty of attention from overseas in the recent past, signing a new centre-forward is going to be one of David Moyes’ priorities.

Everton chasing new striker

According to iNews’ Mark Douglas, Moyes is to be handed the powers to enforce a series of changes to his squad this summer, with sights set on rising up the Premier League ladder next year.

The Northern correspondent claims that the Toffees are ‘all in’ for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who is one of the hottest commodities in England at the moment, with a £30m release clause now active following his team’s relegation.

Delap bears a throwback kind of attacking profile with a modern, technical twist, with such an approach suggesting that he could be Moyes’ next version of Louis Saha.

Moyes' next Louis Saha

Saha made 134 appearances for Everton, scoring 34 goals across three-and-a-half seasons, signed from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Delap, while his own man, bears a similar kind of profile and could thrive under Moyes as the Scotsman’s next version of the dynamic striker.

Having joined Ipswich from Manchester City’s academy in a £20m deal last summer, the number nine has been the biggest success story from a frustrating campaign for the freshly-promoted side.

His commanding displays up top have given Kieran McKenna’s side a focal point, one which, more often than not, will finish the chances provided and indeed gave Ipswich a fighting chance of retaining their top-flight status.

Matches (starts)

33 (30)

Goals

12

Assists

2

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.9)

Big chances missed

10

Pass completion

62%

Key passes*

0.6

Dribbles*

1.2

Duels won*

4.5

As per FBref, the Englishman even ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, highlighting his capacity to drive forward with powerful and confident strides.

This is further backed up by Opta Analyst, who described him as a “one-man battering ram” for the Tractor Boys earlier in the season.

His roundedness certainly carries similarities to Saha.

Regarded as the complete striker, Saha’s link-up play, pace and power allowed him to establish himself as one of the most talented forwards in England, only thwarted by recurrent injury problems throughout his career. Wayne Rooney even stated once that the Frenchman was his favourite strike partner.

Delap is endowed with similar athletic and technical properties, and after flourishing for a side fighting relegation all year, he could take his game to the next level as the talisman of an Everton side that, whisper it quietly, is on the rise.

A massive Beto upgrade: Everton enter talks to sign "phenomenal" star

Everton are making moves to land a new striker for David Moyes ahead of the summer.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Brave’s elder stateswoman hopes to bow out on a high, just as 18-year-old challenger comes of age

Valkerie Baynes31-Aug-2025Sophie Devine has kept very few secrets about where she’s at.A month before New Zealand launched their ultimately victorious campaign at last year’s T20 World Cup, Devine – who turns 36 on Monday – announced she would step down as their captain at the end of the tournament.In June, Devine revealed that the upcoming 50-over World Cup would comprise the last ODIs of her career.Then she goes and produces a body of allround work across this year’s Hundred that has twisted all that clarity about a player in the twilight of her career out of shape, to lead an undefeated Southern Brave directly into Sunday’s Final at Lord’s.”I wish I would’ve done it at the start of my career,” Devine says with typical dry, self-deprecating humour.Speaking on a call set up by KP Snacks, who are celebrating the achievement of installing over 100 grass root community pitches in England and Wales, Devine continued: “I’m just really enjoying my time down at the Southern Brave.”I’m just really enjoying my time and contributing. That’s the biggest thing for me, especially, I guess, at this phase of my career, it’s about passing on my knowledge and helping out whoever I can.”The fact that we’ve managed to get a fair few wins on the board is nice, but we all know that it doesn’t really mean too much unless you bring the trophy home at the end, so there’s still a lot to go.”Davina Perrin celebrates her 42-ball century•Philip Brown/Getty ImagesFortunately for New Zealand – and for cricket – Devine plans to keep playing T20Is and franchise cricket for “probably how long people can handle me and put up with me”.There’s that humour again from a player who has earned the right to call the shots on her career in her own time.With 12 wickets at 14.08 and an economy rate of 6.54, she is the third-highest wicket-taker in the Hundred women’s competition. Her 3 for 15 against Northern Superchargers was one of four Player-of-the-Match performances in the space of five games for Devine. Brave team-mate and England seamer Lauren Bell is the leading wicket-taker with 19 at 7.47 and an economy of 5.35.Devine scored an unbeaten 41 off 42 balls at No. 4 against Trent Rockets in the other game during that stretch. While that remains the best of her eight innings so far with an average of 28.40 and strike rate of 109.23, having an even bigger impact with the bat in the final would ice an outstanding tournament for her.So it was with beautiful symmetry that, in the Eliminator at the Kia Oval on Saturday, the 18-year-old Davina Perrin announced she was coming for Devine and her Brave team-mates with the second-fastest century across the history of the men’s and women’s competitions.Perrin tees off during her matchwinning innings•Philip Brown/Getty ImagesPerrin’s 42-ball ton was just one ball short of Harry Brook’s record, set in 2023, and propelled Northern Superchargers into the title decider via an emphatic 42-run win over last year’s champions, London Spirit.Her 101 runs led Superchargers to 214 for 5, the highest total in the women’s competition to date – there has been just one total higher in the men’s – and ultimately sealed a second final for her team.Superchargers lost to Southern Brave in the final of the 2023 women’s competition after Brave had been runners-up to Oval Invincibles in the first two editions.Beyond a “bloody belter of a deck” at The Oval on Saturday, Perrin credited a lap round the outfield on match eve with Lisa Keightley, the former England Women’s head coach now guiding Superchargers, and a net session with assistant Liam Simpson for the best innings of her young career. Chiefly it was their advice to “puff your chest out, take the helmet off, let it flow” that was on her mind as she struck five sixes and 15 fours in a remarkable show of power and poise.”For me, I’ve got to back that up, for the team, we’ve got to back that up tomorrow,” Perrin said. “We’ve got a big game coming up and that’s where our minds are at now.Related

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“Whatever’s happened today, we take the token of confidence but we also park it, we move on. New game, new ground, new conditions, different team. We’re going to take whatever’s thrown at us… I guess I have made some sort of impact but a bigger impact will be the job that we do tomorrow.”Perrin’s knock impressed all who saw it, including London Spirit wicketkeeper Georgia Redmayne, who had tried to get in the youngster’s head by drawing her attention to her looming century, before scoring an unbeaten fifty in a losing cause herself.”She didn’t get too distracted,” Redmayne said. “It was very impressive and I’m excited to see how she goes in the future. It’s going to be tough for her to back it up tomorrow but I’d love to see some more striking like that in the future… hopefully not against us!”But in terms of potentially catching the eye of England Women’s head coach Charlotte Edwards, Perrin was happy to let her “bat do the talking”.”I just look to go out there and have fun,” Perrin said. “I don’t think about the rest of the stuff, that’s just noise. It’s all noise and the only noise I’m listening to when I’m batting is the sound of the ball flying off the bat – when it’s a good day!” KP Snacks, the Official Team Partner of The Hundred, are celebrating the installation of over 100 new community cricket pitches across England and Wales. To find out more and search for your nearest pitch, visit: www.everyonein.co.uk/pitchfinder

No-balls remain an issue, and he has been expensive at the death, but the CSK quick is also picking up lots of wickets at IPL 2023

S Sudarshanan05-May-20231:24

Tushar Deshpande: ‘Bowling a no-ball is a crime in T20 cricket’

Tushar Deshpande was unlikely to be at the top of too many lists of top wicket-takers in the IPL before the season started.That’s not a comment on Deshpande’s abilities, but before 2023, he had featured in only seven IPL matches across two seasons. He is right up there, though, nearabouts the top with 17 wickets – the same as Mohammed Shami – and that’s because he has used his pace as well as the variations in his repertoire – the offcutter and the knuckle ball, especially – to good effect to fix one of the gaps in the Chennai Super Kings line-up.”I am not going there to learn, firstly,” Deshpande had said of his expectations from the IPL on ahead of the 2020 edition, when he found an IPL team – Delhi Capitals – for the first time. He was 24 then. He had played all domestic formats for Mumbai already.Related

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“If I want to play for India in the future, I cannot look at IPL as a place to learn. I will look to grasp from whatever inputs I will get. But I will go there to deliver. I will be looking to execute whatever I have prepared.”Deshpande speaks very little. But those words revealed a lot about the person that he was – is – and how he thinks about himself and his game.And for CSK this year, Deshpande has exhibited his preparedness for the big moments early in the competition. First, when he got rid of Rohit Sharma with a nip-backer after being hit for a four and a six in the space of four balls. Then, again, in the same game when he dismissed Tim David with change of pace after he was pumped for 6, 4, 6 in the three previous deliveries. Later, against against Lucknow Super Giants, he kept his calm in the face of an onslaught from Nicholas Pooran to have the batter caught at long-off when the game was in the balance.Deshpande has carried his confidence from Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win, where he regularly bowled in the powerplay as well as at the death and returned 17 wickets at an economy of 6.72 – his best in a T20 tournament.

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As an eight-year-old, Deshpande played at Subhash Maidan in Kalyan, a distant suburb of Mumbai. Seeing his interest in the game, his father Uday sent him for the Under-12 trails for Shivaji Park Gymkhana in Dadar, 48 kilometres away from home. Deshpande, who travelled there in a local train with his kit bag in tow, saw that the queue for bowlers was shorter than that for batters, and joined that. There was no looking back thereon.Tushar Deshpande had played five games for Delhi Capitals in 2020•BCCIThat day, it was Deshpande’s ability to be nippy that had caught the eye of former Mumbai left-arm spinner and renowned coach Padmakar Shivalkar, Capitals’ current assistant coach Pravin Amre, and Sandesh Kawle, head coach of the Mumbai women’s side in the last two seasons.It was the first batch of the academy that also had the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur, who have since gone on to play for the national side, and also Aakarshit Gomel, Siddhesh Lad and Harmeet Singh. And it didn’t start too well for Deshpande.”He had the spark, and we felt he could do well as a pace bowler. But he came crying once his Under-19 coach told him that he can never be a fast bowler,” Amre told ESPNcricinfo. “I told him, ‘we believe in you, but do believe that you can bowl fast?’ He said yes. I told him to write it on his bag, take it seriously, work towards it and not get demoralised. That was an important moment in his career.”Kawle worked on Deshpande’s basics – the run-up, the action, the fitness – and taught him never to compromise on his pace.”He is a soft-spoken and polite man, but he has the anger and the fire in his body language that is in-built in a fast bowler,” Kawle said. “He has the aggression. If someone hits him for a boundary, (he gets very angry). But we used to tell him not to compromise on his pace. If you do that, you can never become a fast bowler. Now he has the variations which are needed to be unpredictable in T20s.”In 2015, just a month short of 20, Deshpande first represented the senior Mumbai side – after having played for their Under-16 and Under-19 teams – in a T20 against Odisha.

“Subroto Banerjee [Bihar’s coach] called me up and said he saw a bowler who dismantled their batters with just pace”Pravin Amre on Tushar Deshpande’s performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2018-19

Come the 2016-17 season, his was a last-minute selection in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad as a replacement for Thakur, who had been called up to India’s Test side, and Deshpande immediately left a mark with a four-wicket haul – including dismissing Dinesh Karthik – on the opening day against Tamil Nadu in Rohtak, and took 21 wickets in the competition in 14 bowling innings.In the quarter-final, though, he suffered a stress fracture of the ankle, which he aggravated when he tried to rush back to action. The result was that he was out for about six months. It was around the same time his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a battle she would lose two years later.In October 2018, a month after Deshpande had made his List A debut for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Amre got a phone call. It was from former India cricketer Subroto Banerjee, who was then coaching Bihar.”He called me up and said he saw a bowler who dismantled their batters with just pace,” Amre recalled. “He picked up five wickets [in the Vijay Hazare quarter-final in 2018-19]. Mumbai were winning the Ranji Trophy [comparatively more] but had won the one-dayers after a long time, and Deshpande’s contribution was a big one.”Despite injury setbacks in 2018-19 – he suffered a hamstring injury in the Ranji match against Gujarat – Deshpande had a productive season. He had picked up 15 wickets in Mumbai’s first Vijay Hazare win since 2006-07, 17 wickets in four Ranji matches and 19 in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy that season, which led to a call-up for the India A series against Sri Lanka and South Africa at home.Thakur and Deshpande are seen as similar bowlers in Mumbai cricket. In Amre’s words, “Shardul used to swing it a lot while Deshpande was more of a hit-the-deck bowler.” But Deshpande has had an issue with bowling front-foot no-balls.Deshpande’s first red-ball game for Mumbai was as Thakur’s replacement, and it so happened that CSK acquired Deshpande after Thakur became too expensive for them in the IPL 2022 auction – they had to opt out after going up to INR 7 crore.Amre on Deshpande’s IPL success this season: “Good to see him do well, and I am sure MS Dhoni has a big role to play in that”•BCCIBut before that, Deshpande was selected at his base price in the IPL auction in 2020 and only played five games for Capitals that season, picking up three wickets. Ben Stokes, now his CSK team-mate, was Deshpande’s first IPL wicket. And while he went unsold in the auction in 2021, he was still part of CSK as a net bowler.Come 2023, there was a bunch of injuries in the CSK camp: they had Kyle Jamieson and Mukesh Choudhary ruled out before the season started, while Stokes, Simarjeet Singh and Deepak Chahar picked up injuries during the tournament. That has given Deshpande regular games, and the opportunity to bowl in the death overs as well as have short bursts at the start, and he has capitalised.He has played ten matches for CSK so far this season, and his 17 wickets includes seven in the last four overs, again the joint-most for anyone to have bowled at least four overs at the death. Deshpande’s economy rate of 12.70 during that period has been on the higher side, but Amre is still pleased with the efforts.”He was with DC where he didn’t have a good year but got the experience,” Amre said. “He is a learning boy, a good student of the game and he took it in his stride. Good to see him do well this season, and I am sure MS Dhoni has a big role to play in that.”For an Indian fast bowler, pace is important, and he has that. To come from a simple household from Kalyan and do this well, I am sure his father, who supported him throughout, must be very proud.”Deshpande might have been a tad late to enter the glitzy world of the IPL, but in his first season as a regular in the XI, he sure is leaving an impression. In the process, he has perhaps ensured that his is not the last name you would imagine topping the bowling charts going forward.