Surrey saw their romp towards a third consecutive Division One title lose a little momentum as they were forced to settle for a draw against relegation-threatened Nottinghamshire in the Vitality County Championship at Trent Bridge.On a day when their teenage off-spinner Farhan Ahmed’s 10-wicket match haul claimed a 159-year-old record set by no less a cricketing legend than WG Grace, the home side, who had been set a target of 298 to win from a minimum 48 overs when Surrey declared at 177 for nine in their second innings, were 121 without loss when the sides shook hands on a draw at 5pm, openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater having each made half-centuries.The result means that Surrey’s lead of 35 points at the start of this round of matches, after winning seven of their previous eight matches, is cut to 24 thanks to Somerset’s victory over Durham at Taunton. Surrey and Somerset meet at Taunton next week.At the other end of the table, after Warwickshire and Worcestershire both won, the points taken for the draw – a merit worthy achievement after trailing by 120 on first innings – leaves Nottinghamshire 10 points ahead of Lancashire in the battle to avoid being relegated alongside Kent. All sides have three matches to come.Rory Burns made 71 to go with his first-innings 161 with Liam Patterson-White finishing with five for 94 before the declaration came, but the Nottinghamshire left-arm spinner’s achievement was again upstaged by his young team-mate Ahmed, with whom he shared all 53 overs of the Surrey second innings.Already in the record books on his Championship debut as the youngest player to bag five wickets or more in a first-class match in Britain, he achieved another mark of distinction, arguably even more prestigious, when he claimed Jordan Clark as his 10th wicket of the match.This enabled him to replace Grace as the youngest to take 10 or more wickets in a first-class match in Britain – in fact anywhere other than in South Asia.Grace returned the extraordinary match figures of 13 for 84 – on his first-class debut – for Gentlemen of the South against Players of the South at the Oval in June 1865, at the age of 16 years 340 days.With a match analysis of 10 for 247 at the age of 16 years and 192 days, Ahmed lowers the record by 148 days. He bowled a staggering 76.4 overs in the match, which may be a record in itself for a debut appearance.Surrey, who had missed out on a fourth first-innings batting point that seemed theirs for the taking, arguably made another mistake when they declared just shy of an hour after lunch.The timing meant Nottinghamshire would have to score at more than six runs per over to win the contest on a pitch that had yielded at barely three-and-a-half all game, with the Kookaburra ball reportedly hard to get away on a slow surface.Surrey were banking on England off-spinner Will Jacks, who had matched Ahmed by taking seven first-innings wickets, and leg-spinner Cam Steel to exploit the fourth-day pitch but Hameed and Slater were rarely troubled as neither could find a way through.Earlier, Surrey had advanced from 13 for one overnight to 104 for four by lunch, playing in light for that period so gloomy that bowling spin was the only option for Nottinghamshire skipper Hameed.A second-wicket stand worth 57 was broken by Patterson-White, who induced a miscue to short midwicket by Ryan Patel, following up by turning one sharply to bowl Will Jacks three balls later.Patterson-White had Burns dropped at square leg on 39, after which the Surrey captain’s stop-start dithering over a single into the offside off Ahmed saw new partner Ben Foakes run out by Hameed’s throw to keeper Kyle Verreynne.As the tempo increased after lunch, with Surrey now chasing runs for the declaration, Ahmed completed his 10 for the match by bowling Burns and having Clark caught behind in a botched scoop attempt.Patterson-White raised his five for the innings by having Sai Sudharsan caught at deep midwicket and bowling Conor McKerr and Tom Lawes, for his pains getting clubbed for two meaty sixes by Dan Worrall before Burns signalled the declaration.

يشهد اليوم الثلاثاء 16-9-2025 العديد من المباريات القوية والمرتقبة، سواء على صعيد بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا أو منافسات دوري أبطال آسيا، حيث ينتظر عشاق كرة القدم مواجهات من العيار الثقيل.

في القارة الأوروبية، تبدأ أولى جولات مرحلة المجموعات بدوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث تدخل أندية الصفوة معركة إثبات الذات في بداية المشوار القاري، وسط ترقب جماهيري لمواجهات كبرى.

أبرز مواجهات اليوم ستكون في ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو، حين يستضيف ريال مدريد الإسباني نظيره أولمبيك مارسيليا الفرنسي، في مباراة يطمح فيها الملكي لبدء البطولة بأفضل صورة ممكنة أمام خصم صعب يملك طموحات كبيرة.

كما تتجه الأنظار إلى إنجلترا حيث يواجه آرسنال اختبارًا صعبًا أمام أتلتيك بيلباو الإسباني، فيما يدخل يوفنتوس الإيطالي مواجهة قوية أمام بوروسيا دورتموند الألماني، بالإضافة إلى مباريات أخرى أبرزها توتنهام ضد فياريال، وبنفيكا ضد كاراباخ.

أما في قارة آسيا، فتُقام عدة مباريات ضمن الجولة الأولى من مرحلة المجموعات بدوري أبطال آسيا، حيث يشهد اليوم مواجهة نارية بين الهلال السعودي والدحيل القطري على استاد المملكة آرينا، في صدام كبير يجمع مرشحين دائمين للمنافسة على اللقب.

الهلال يدخل اللقاء بطموحات كبيرة لاستعادة لقب دوري أبطال آسيا، بعدما قدّم مستويات قوية في النسخة الماضية ووصل إلى الأدوار النهائية، بينما يسعى الدحيل لفرض نفسه بقوة في البطولة القارية من خلال ضربة بداية مثالية.

طالع أيضًا | أرتيتا يكشف 5 غيابات عن آرسنال أمام بلباو.. ويؤكد: بدوري الأبطال تفشل كثيرًا لتنجح مرة واحدة مواعيد مباريات اليوم الثلاثاء 16-9-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا اليوم

أتلتيك بيلباو ضد آرسنال، الساعة 7:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN Sports 1.

آيندهوفن ضد يونيون سانت جيلواز، الساعة 7:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN Sports 4.

ريال مدريد ضد مارسيليا، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN Sports 1.

يوفنتوس ضد بوروسيا دورتموند، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN Sports 4.

بنفيكا ضد كاراباخ، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN Sports 5.

توتنهام هوتسبير ضد فياريال، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN Sports 3. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال آسيا اليوم

ميلبورن هارت ضد سان فريتشي هيروشيما، الساعة 10:45 صباحًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 2 HD.

ماتشيدا زيروبيا ضد إف سي سيؤول، الساعة 1:00 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 3 HD.

غانغوون ضد شانغهاي شينهوا، الساعة 1:00 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 2 HD.

بوريرام يونايتد ضد جوهور، الساعة 3:15 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 2 HD.

الأهلي الإماراتي ضد تراكتور سازي تبريز، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 3 HD.

الهلال السعودي ضد الدحيل، الساعة 9:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 2 HD.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

The transfer window hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle United in recent times, with the Magpies notably enduring a protracted saga involving Marc Guehi last summer, prior to also seeing a bid rejected for Anthony Elanga on Deadline Day.

Fast forward almost 12 months, and little has changed in that regard, with a fresh bid for that man Elanga having been swiftly knocked back by Nottingham Forest, with moves for Burnley’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Joao Pedro also proving difficult to get over the line.

With a return to Champions League football looming, Eddie Howe and co can ill-afford another messy summer, having thus far only secured the capture of Spanish teenager Antonito Cordero on a free transfer from Malaga.

Keeping hold of the likes of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes may be viewed as almost as key as any potential incoming, but the Tynesiders are in need of a squad capable of challenging, not just a starting XI.

With that in mind, there may be reason for encouragement amid the news that Newcastle are in the mix for an exciting Premier League talent.

Latest on Newcastle's transfer search

For all the frustration over the Magpies’ lack of business thus far, it is to their credit that the club are seeking to pursue proven, ready-made Premier League talents, in the form of Pedro and Elanga.

Whether that duo to eventually arrive at St James’ Park remains to be seen, although they would provide Howe with the ability to make an instant impact in the top-flight, without the need for any period of adaptation.

The same could also be said of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Newcastle are among a raft of Premier League clubs to have made a move for the 22-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the suggestion is that contact has been made after an initial enquiry was lodged, with the Carabao Cup winners said to be watching developments closely, amid the prospect of the England U21 star sealing a departure from Anfield.

Not only would Newcastle have to fend off rival English suitors for his signature, but they may also need to contend with the looming presence of Jurgen Klopp, with the German keen to take Elliott to RB Leipzig.

For whoever does ultimately nudge ahead in that race, the suggestion is that the playmaker would command a fee of more than £40m, with two years left on his existing deal.

Why Elliott would be a good signing for Newcastle

That potential £40m fee may have a few eyebrows raised, should any suitor cough up to meet the asking price, not least with Elliott having started just two league games last term under Arne Slot.

With that being said, Newcastle have previously reaped the rewards of a similar investment, having forked out what at the time looked to be an eye-watering £45m sum for Elliott’s former England youth colleague, Anthony Gordon.

Indeed, the promising forward had scored just seven times in 78 games at Everton, prior to making the switch in January 2023, with the Magpies gambling on his potential, rather than his record at the time.

Despite enduring a trickier 2024/25 campaign, which yielded just nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, the 24-year-old was an electric force the previous season, notching 28 goals and assists in total.

That had come after an initially quiet first six months at St James’, with Gordon appearing to be revived by his performances at the U21 European Championship in the summer of 2023, having scored twice en route to England’s glory.

Elliott, currently something of a bit-part player at club level, has also taken on a talismanic presence for the Young Lions this time around, with the versatile left-footer having scored five goals amid the surge to the final.

That return included a stunning, solo effort against the Netherlands in the semi-final, with the one-time Fulham starlet only rubberstamping why he is a simply “special” talent, in the words of former Reds striker, Neil Mellor.

Games (starts)

6 (6)

Goals

5

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes*

1.7

Pass accuracy*

82%

Tackles & interceptions*

1.2

Balls recovered*

4.0

Successful dribbles*

0.7

In a similar manner to Gordon on the Blue half of Merseyside, Elliott hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees at Anfield to date, with 35 goals and assists in 147 games, although he has shown more than a flicker of his quality.

Ranking in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as per FBref, Elliott has illustrated what he can do when given a rare outing, with a new home perhaps what is needed for his brilliance to be truly unlocked.

Gordon, once released by Liverpool as a teenager, has dazzled in his new home on Tyneside. Why can’t his compatriot do the same?

Pedro & Elanga upgrade: Newcastle showing huge interest in £40m "machine"

Newcastle are hoping to sign several new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

Leeds United are going to be in the market to add another centre-forward to their squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Whites have brought in German striker Lukas Nmecha, who has signed on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, but the 26-year-old may not be an immediate first-choice option.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the former Manchester City youth player produced three goals and zero assists in 19 games in the Bundesliga, which does not suggest that he is going to hit the ground running as a regular scorer in the Premier League.

Another current Leeds player who may not be leading the line in the top-flight is Joel Piroe, as Football Insider reported in May that the club have doubts about his ability to make the step up.

Despite a return of 19 goals and seven assists in the Championship last season, the Dutch striker may find himself having to fight his way back to being first-choice next term.

All of this does mean, though, that Leeds may have to dip into the market to bring in another number nine, as they look for Daniel Farke’s own Rodrigo.

What Rodrigo brought to Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds

After Marcelo Bielsa won promotion to the Premier League in 2020, sporting director Victor Orta heavily backed him during the summer transfer window.

The biggest move of the off-season was a £30m club-record deal to bring Spain international Rodrigo to Elland Road from Valencia to improve the manager’s options at the top end of the pitch.

It was a big move for Leeds because Rodrigo had racked up 59 goals and 41 assists in 220 appearances in all competitions for Valencia, which shows that the club were bringing in a star who had already proven his quality in front of goal for a big European side.

The Whites went on to benefit from his quality at the top end of the pitch as the Spanish forward scored 28 goals and provided five assists in 98 games for the club in all competitions during his time at Elland Road.

Centre-forward

37

13

2

Attacking midfield

22

5

2

Second striker

18

3

1

Right winger

3

1

0

Left winger

1

1

0

As you can see in the table above, Rodrigo also provided positional versatility for Leeds to go along with his goals and assists, as he had the capability to play in a multitude of attacking roles for Bielsa.

Leeds are now looking for a forward who could make a similar impact to the Spaniard in the Premier League next season, and they are reportedly eyeing up a striker who could fit the bill.

Leeds have Championship striker on their radar

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United are pursuing Norwich City centre-forward Josh Sargent, who worked with Farke during their short time together at Carrow Road.

The Whites head coach was the manager who signed the USA international from Werder Bremen for the Canaries in the summer of 2021, but he was sacked in November, which meant that they did not work with each other for very long.

Transfer Focus

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

The reporter now claims that the 25-year-old marksman is on the club’s radar and that they will have to battle one of their Premier League rivals to secure his services.

Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey said: “Josh Sargent is still one that’s very much on their radar. Burnley are also very interested, they like him an awful lot. Leeds aren’t panicking, they’re letting the market come to them.”

Meanwhile, journalist Alan Nixon claims that Burnley are very keen to bring him to Turf Moor this summer, but they are not willing to pay the £20m asking price set by Norwich at this moment in time.

Why Leeds should sign Josh Sargent

Leeds should now push to sign the American striker before the end of the transfer window because he could be Farke’s own version of Rodrigo in the Premier League next season.

Sargent, who writer Gab Sutton recently claimed “is the best ST in the Championship”, is similar to the Spanish forward in the sense that he is a natural number nine who can also play in a myriad of positions.

The Norwich star has played on the right and left flanks, as a second striker, and as a number ten in his career, which means that Farke could use him in a host of different ways, just as Bielsa did with Rodrigo.

Sargent, who provided an assist against Northampton Town in his first pre-season outing on Saturday, is also a forward who has the potential to deliver goals and assist at the top level.

Since struggling, with two goals in 26 games, in the Premier League as a very young player in a poor side, the £20m-rated star has been a force to be reckoned with in the Championship.

Appearances

26

32

xG

12.06

13.32

Goals

16

15

Minutes per goal

116

167

Big chances created

3

6

Assists

2

5

As you can see in the table above, Sargent has outperformed his xG to fire in 31 goals in the last two seasons combined, which shows that he is a prolific scorer and an incredibly efficient finisher.

The Norwich star also won 46% of his duels, including 45% of his aerial battles, and that is why he may be viewed as an upgrade on Piroe as a starter, because the Dutch attacker only won 27% of his duels, and 21% of his aerial contests, in the same division.

This suggests that Sargent can bring the versatility of Rodrigo, the finishing efficiency of Piroe, all whilst also being an upgrade from a physical perspective, with the power and strength that he can provide on the pitch.

Therefore, Leeds must beat Burnley to his signature because of the potential he has to be a talismanic number nine for the Whites, as well as Farke’s own version of Rodrigo next season.

49ers could land Leeds' brand new Raphinha by signing £27m striker

Leeds United could seriously bolster their survival bid by signing this star this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 13, 2025

Tottenham are continuing to reshape their squad ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge of the Lilywhites, and it could soon be a case of one in, one out as midfielder Yves Bissouma is told he’s free to go.

Player's camp in talks with Tottenham, Frank convinced he'd join Spurs

The Dane is personally confident they can secure his signature.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

Spurs could be forced to sell at least one overseas star this summer due to UEFA Champions League squad rules and their current abundance of non-locally trained players, according to a recent report from the Telegraph, and they have a few options to choose from.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Son Heung-min, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, Richarlison and Cristian Romero, alongside Bissouma, have all been linked with moves away from N17 this summer. A couple of them could realistically follow goalkeeper Josh Keeley out of the door, with the Irishman on the verge of a reported £1 million move to Luton Town (Alasdair Gold).

Romero has attracted serious interest from Atlético Madrid for months, even if we’ve seen reports of a move to La Liga die down recently, while both Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon appear to be prime candidates for the chopping block after spending 2024/2025 out on loan elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Richarlison is a wanted man in both Brazil and Saudi Arabia, with journalist Leonardo Lacenda recently reporting that Vasco de Gama president, Pedrinho, personally phoned the striker recently.

“It’s happening! President Pedrinho, accompanied by a member of the Vasco leadership, contacted Richarlison directly through a phone call,” said Lacerda, via Bolavip.

“The goal was to get a closer look at the striker’s situation, as he’s unlikely to remain at Tottenham next season. In addition to Vasco, the striker is attracting interest from Fluminense, Flamengo, and Palmeiras. Two Saudi Arabian clubs have also entered the fray—Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.”

Murmurs of a Son Heung-min exit, after links with a move to Saudi and Los Angeles FC, have gone fairly quiet – but the same cannot be said of Bissouma.

Last week, it was reported that a Fenerbahçe representative flew to London for talks with the midfielder (Yağız Sabuncuoğlu), with the Telegraph stating he’s a likely high-profile sale before deadline day on September 1.

Tottenham tell Yves Bissouma to leave with Joao Palhinha talks held

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared more on the 28-year-old’s future in a piece for TBR Football.

It’s claimed that Bissouma is informed that he’s free to leave Spurs in the coming weeks, even if he’ll only do so for the right offer, but Tottenham are already moving for a potential replacement in the form of £166,000-per-week Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The former Fulham star sealed his long-awaited move to the Allianz Arena last summer for an initial £43 million, but his switch has been far from plane sailing. The 30-year-old’s debut season at Bayern was marred by injury and a lack of playing time, with a return to the Premier League already on the cards.

Bailey reports that Tottenham have held new talks with Palhinha’s representatives in the last week, so the Portugal international is emerging as a serious option to succeed Bissouma after a few impressive years at Craven Cottage.

The Sri Lanka pair is currently recovering from injuries

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2024The Sri Lanka pair of Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara will not be available to play for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in CPL 2024. Both players had suffered injuries during the recent white-ball series at home against India.Patriots have signed Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje as replacements for Hasaranga and Thushara.While slinger Thushara was ruled out of the entire series with a finger injury, Hasaranga played all three T20Is and the first ODI before being sidelined with a hamstring injury.Related

CPL 2024 FAQs: New team, new players, new intrigues

South Africa call up Under-19 World Cup star Maphaka for West Indies T20Is

Thushara out of India T20Is with broken finger

Nortje is yet to make his CPL debut but Shamsi is a familiar name at the league, having played 32 games, including 27 for Patriots. Shamsi has taken 33 wickets in those matches for Patriots at an economy rate of 7.06.Nortje and Shamsi will reunite with their South Africa team-mate Tristan Stubbs at Patriots. The side had finished last in CPL 2023, with just a solitary win in ten games.St Kitts & Nevis Patriots squad for CPL 2024Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rilee Rossouw, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Sikandar Raza, Anrich Nortje, Andre Fletcher, Tristan Stubbs, Dominic Drakes, Mikyle Louis, Odean Smith, Joshua da Silva, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne

Sheffield United are making progress in their hunt for new signings and Ruben Selles is now advancing for his latest target, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Failing to claim promotion to the Premier League will have carried a sting in the tale for the Blades, though inevitable departures can often pave the way for fresh hunger ahead of the new campaign.

With Ruben Selles now in the door and facing up to that task, Don Goodman has had his say on Vinicius Souza’s Sheffield United departure as he prepares for an imminent move to Wolfsburg, claiming that he is surprised there wasn’t Premier League interest in the midfielder.

He stated: “The biggest surprise for me, should Vini Souza depart Sheffield United this summer, is that a Premier League club hasn’t taken a chance on him, and I say that with the greatest respect to Wolfsburg.”

He added: “it was up to the players who had almost let themselves down in the Premier League to wipe the slate down and go again, and he certainly was one of those who did that. When he wasn’t in the team, they missed him (when he was), he was outstanding.”

Nevertheless, Sheffield United are active on the transfer front and could look to bring in Tyler Bindon, who has previously worked with Selles while on loan at Reading last campaign.

Sheffield Utd now make contact to sign "unbelievable" star ahead of rivals

The Blades want to take advantage of his contract situation…

2

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 8, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur pair Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine could yet end up at Bramall Lane, indicatting that the club are searching far and wide for reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.

Now, Selles and company have their eye on a central defender from the continent who could add some much-needed solidity at the Yorkshire outfit.

Sheffield United hold "concrete interest" in Etienne Kinkoue

According to Fabrizio Romano on social media platform X, Sheffield United hold ‘concrete interest’ in Le Havre defender Etienne Kinkoue, who is set to leave his current employers this summer, with his deal at the Ligue 1 side set to expire in 2026.

Valued at around £4.3 million, Burnley and FC Köln are also said to be in pursuit and the 23-year-old wants to take his next career step elsewhere.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Kinkoue made 28 appearances across all competitions last campaign and helped his side to remain in the top-flight, though he could now be set for a new challenge away from the comfort of his homeland.

Sheffield United have been in the market for central defenders this summer and Kinkoue is clearly someone who would fit the bill ahead of another tilt at promotion.

Sunderland chiefs are now in talks to sign an experienced “leader” for around £8.5 million as the Black Cats join the race to secure his signature, according to a recent report.

Sunderland eyeing new midfielders with spending spree set to continue

Sunderland are set to make their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and Regis Le Bris and co. have been busy in their preparations as they look to make a good go at remaining in the division. The play-off winners have already added six new players to their ranks, which has seen them surpass the £100 million barrier, and it looks as though the spending is set to continue.

Related £26m release clause: Sunderland considering move to sign "outrageous" ace

He’s reportedly been granted a summer exit by his current club.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

Strengthening their midfield options appears to be a top priority for the Black Cats, as last week it was reported that Sunderland had made an approach to Marseille over the signing of Valentin Rongier. The midfielder is in the final 12 months of his contract with the French side.

The Premier League newcomers are keeping their options open, and at the start of this week, L’Equipe also reported that Sunderland have approached Leicester City over signing Bilal El Khannouss.

The 21-year-old also has interest from AS Monaco and West Ham United, as the Foxes are open to a sale as long as they receive a fee of £22 million. But the list of options to strengthen their midfield doesn’t stop there…

Sunderland in talks to sign £8.6m ex-Arsenal star Xhaka

According to Sky journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland have joined the race to sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, with Kristjaan Speakman and Florent Ghisolfi in talks with the former Bundesliga champions over a deal worth €10 million, which is roughly £8.5 million.

The Black Cats are not the only team chasing the Switzerland international, as Saudi Arabia side NEOM SC are also keen on striking an agreement. However, this isn’t putting Sunderland off, as they have already offered Xhaka a three-year contract.

Xhaka, who has been labelled a “leader” by football writer Craig King in the past, is under contract with Leverkusen until 2028, but he is expected to leave the club this summer after two seasons, one of which saw his Leverkusen team win the treble in an undefeated domestic season.

Last season, Xhaka scored two goals and registered seven assists in 33 Bundesliga games, as they finished runners-up to Bayern Munich.

Granit Xhaka’s Premier League stats

Apps

225

Goals

17

Assists

24

Before moving to Germany, Xhaka spent seven seasons at Arsenal, during which he won the FA Cup and Community Shield twice. A potential move to the Stadium of Light would see him return to the Premier League, where Sunderland would hope his experience and leadership skills would help them in their bid to beat the drop.

شهدت مباراة ليفربول وأتلتيكو مدريد مساء أمس على ملعب أنفيلد، واقعة مثيرة للجدل بين دييجو سيميوني مدرب الفريق الإسباني وجماهير الريدز، عقب تسجيل فيرجيل فان دايك لهدف الفوز الثالث في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ووفقاً لما أفادت به صحيفة “ذا صن” البريطانية فإن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” سيدرس تقرير الحكم والمندوب الرسمي قبل اتخاذ قرار بشأن الإجراءات المتخذة ضد أتلتيكو مدريد بعد طرد دييجو سيميوني في ملعب أنفيلد.

وسيكون مسؤولو الانضباط في الاتحاد الأوروبي على استعداد لعرض أدلة فيديو تظهر أن أحد أعضاء الجهاز الفني لأتلتيكو بصق على جماهير ليفربول والنظر في توجيه اتهامات إضافية.

وكان المدرب الأرجنتيني دييجو سيميوني قد حصل على بطاقة حمراء بعد هدف الفوز الذي سجله قائد ليفربول في الوقت بدل الضائع في الجولة الافتتاحية لمسابقة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضاً.. “لم أحدثه عن حرب فوكلاند”.. أول رد من مشجع ليفربول على اتهامه بالعنصرية تجاه سيميوني

وكانت الواقعة قد بدأت عندما استدار دييجو سيميوني غاضباً ليهاجم جماهير الفريق المضيف التي كانت تهاجمه قرب مقاعد البدلاء، وقام مراقبو المباراة بجر الأرجنتيني بعيداً ثم اقتادوه للحكم الرابع.

وقد ادعى سيميوني أنه تعرض لإشارة غير لائقة وطالب بطرد المشجع، ولم يكن ذلك كافياً لمدرب اتلتيكو مدريد وقام مراقبو المباراة باتخاذ مزيد من الإجراءات.

وخلال ما حدث من تدافع قبل إطلاق صافرة نهاية اللقاء، تم تداول مقطع فيديو يظهر أحد أعضاء جهاز سيميوني الفني يبصق على جماهير الفريق المضيف وقد تم تداول أيضاً أنه قام برش زجاجة مياه على جماهير ليفربول.

وقد تم تحديد هوية الرجل الذي بصق وهو أخصائي التغذية في أتلتيكو مدريد ديفيد لاجوس، وقد يؤدي ذلك لتوجيه تهم منفصلة له وهناك احتمالية إلى جانب ذلك لإيقاف سيميوني مباراة واحدة وتغريمه.

وقد طلبت لجنة الرقابة والتأديب التابعة للاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم والمختصة بالنظر في جميع مزاعم سوء السلوك داخل وخارج الملعب وجمع المعلومات المتاحة.

“There’s no better place to do it than here,” Jofra Archer said, on the outfield at Lord’s, fresh from 2 for 33 to help England claim the fourth ODI against Australia, squaring this five-match series 2-2.The venue has hosted legacy-making performances for what has been a stop-start international career for Archer. That ODI World Cup final against New Zealand in 2019, headlined by his Super Over, was followed a month later by a thrilling Test debut in the second Ashes Test. Both displays were confirmation of a supreme fast-bowling talent that England were lucky to have.Five years on, this latest performance offered more vindication for the ECB’s investment in that talent, through stress fractures of the back and elbow, which currently takes the form of a two-year central contract handed out last October. But the emotional and physical tax has squarely been Archer’s. And for the first time in a while, if you forgive tempting fate, the light at the end of the tunnel seems a whole lot brighter.Coupled with Monday’s third ODI in Durham, this is the first time Archer has played back-to-back 50-over matches in four years, even if the 29-year-old only bowled seven overs on Friday night. Should he feature in the series finale in Bristol on Sunday, he will have played 24 competitive matches this summer, a figure which includes the 2024 T20 World Cup. That would be the most since 2019, which was the last time he sent down more than the 681 deliveries he has managed this season.Considering his return, back in May, came off the back of 14 months out, things have gone as well as could be hoped. Particularly for a man who began this latest chapter wondering if he could go through the darkness of another injury setback.”I’m still on the park and we’re almost approaching the end of the summer,” Archer said. “So for me, that’s a take. I wanted to play a summer, and then I want to play a year, and then I want to play a few years. So everything is going to plan.Related

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“I think the World Cup was a good check mark. This was a good check mark. The Caribbean [England’s white-ball tour in November] will be another good check mark. Hopefully I play more games there. For now, I am happy to be playing. Sorry to echo myself but I don’t have anything else to say on it. I know I’ve been out, it’s been a while, but I am playing cricket again and I’m just happy.”In removing Mitchell Marsh’s off stump with a delivery that moved like a legbreak at close to 90mph, and snaring Glenn Maxwell caught behind, Archer showed his skill and pace is as prime as ever. Even at the end of a four-month period that has been relatively full-on given his recent output, he looked at ease. “I feel fine – do I look fine?” he asked. He did.The next stages of his progression will be improvised by design. A well-intentioned attempt to roadmap a return at the end of 2022, involving stints at the SA20 and IPL to facilitate his recovery, ended in tatters when he suffered a recurrence of his right elbow stress fracture at the start of the 2023 summer. Lessons have been learned, and any talk of Test cricket has been parked until 2025, with England’s first Test that year at the end of May against Zimbabwe. At Lord’s, of course.With five Tests against India to follow, and the 2025-26 Ashes, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes are desperate for Archer to feature in those marquee series – particularly the latter. As such, men’s managing director Rob Key is essentially running point on his recovery, with England physio Craig de Weymarn in constant dialogue with the Sussex quick.Archer remained coy on his next assignment, partly because it is not solely in his hands. As he himself hinted, he’s expecting to feature in the limited-overs series in the Caribbean which is sandwiched between the Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. McCullum will no doubt want him for the Champions Trophy in February, which will be the head coach’s first major assignment when he takes control of the white-ball sides at the start of next year.”Well, you got to speak to Craig or Keysy, to be honest,” Archer said, when asked what was on the horizon. “But for me, I’m just going series by series. And what’s next is I’m going to have some time off after Bristol, so looking forward to that.”Archer has been eased back into action but could be a key weapon at the Champions Trophy•Getty Images

As for Archer’s role in regeneration of England’s white-ball set-up, his experience in the dressing room will be just as vital as his skills. He turns 30 next April and has two World Cups under his belt, alongside franchise experience across five different overseas competitions. This particular return to action comes with added responsibility.”I’m one of three senior players, two World Cup winners,” he said, referring to his long-time team-mate Adil Rashid, who is a dual-format champion following his part in the 2022 T20 World Cup success. “So yes and no.”A lot of the guys who are in and around, yeah, they didn’t play in 2019, but a lot played just after. They have been around and have played big roles for their counties. It’s not like you are babysitting anyone here. Everybody looks after themselves, and Brooky [stand-in captain Harry Brook] looks after everyone.”It’s weird seeing the team change. Just the other day I was playing warm-up football on the young side and a couple of weeks later I’m on the old team. It’s been a bit of a shock, but everybody is looking forward.”