The three-match series begins at the MCG, with both teams building towards the Champions Trophy

Andrew McGlashan03-Nov-20241:41

Australia look for one final tune-up before Champions Trophy

Big picture: Pakistan’s year-long gap amid chaosAustralia’s top-order bat-off in Tests is front and centre. But before India arrive for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the men’s international season begins with a white-ball tour by Pakistan. That includes three ODIs and T20Is each, and starts in Melbourne on Monday.For the hosts, this provides the majority of their preparation for the Champions Trophy, with just a one-off game in Sri Lanka to follow in February. They remain largely settled in the format, barring the retirement of David Warner since the ODI World Cup, and are coming off a 3-2 victory in England in September.Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head are missing the series against Pakistan on paternity leave, and Cameron Green is injured. But otherwise, the main names will be on show – at least for parts of the series – as the fast bowlers, in particular, continue to be managed ahead of the Tests. The big three, including Pat Cummins, who remains the ODI captain even though he hasn’t played a game since the World Cup final, are expected to feature in two out of the three matches.Related

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Shan Masood backs Babar Azam to make strong comeback

Despite the dwindling significance of bilateral ODIs, it still feels extraordinary that Pakistan have not played a game since their last outing of the World Cup nearly a year ago (so the form guide below is pretty irrelevant). Don’t for one minute, though, think that that means any lack of drama. Despite not facing a ball in ODIs during this time, Babar Azam resigned as captain, returned, and then resigned again.Having been dropped during the Test series against England, he’s back for this tour, along with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, while Mohammad Rizwan has been handed the captaincy – at least for this week – as they try to put a side together that can compete in a home Champions Trophy.White-ball coach Gary Kirsten is also gone without having had an ODI during his brief tenure. Jason Gillespie has been handed the job on an interim basis for this tour, creating an unexpected chance to come up against his home nation. It may be something of a trail run, given no coach has been named for the Zimbabwe tour which follows, although it’s understood to be unlikely that Gillespie will be offered the role full-time – and whether he would want it is another question entirely. A few weeks ago, though, it appeared he may be the first coach out of the door, until Sajid Khan and Noman Ali got to work on England.Form guide(Last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia: WLLWW
Pakistan: LWWLLJake Fraser-McGurk has played only two ODIs so far•Getty Images

In the spotlight: Jake Fraser-McGurk and Kamran GhulamWant another bat-off? Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have a chance to stake a claim to be Travis Head’s partner at the Champions Trophy. Fraser-McGurk made his international debut in the two ODIs he played against West Indies earlier this year, where he cracked 41 off 23 balls across two innings. He didn’t feature against England, but will now likely have all three games of this series to show his skills in the longer white-ball format. Fraser-McGurk has only played one game this season, a 50-over outing for South Australia, having been left out of the early Sheffield Shield rounds. But Pakistan have a strong pace attack, and could give his technique a working over.It sent a jolt through Pakistan cricket when Babar was omitted after the opening Test against England, but his replacement Kamran Ghulam started in grand style with a century on debut in Multan. He has a single ODI cap to his name, but that came as a concussion substitute against New Zealand last year when he replaced Haris Sohail after Pakistan’s batting innings was complete, and he wasn’t required to bowl. So, in effect, a game against Australia would be the proper start.Team news: Hardie includedCummins confirmed his first team of the season. Josh Hazlewood (Sheffield Shield) and Cooper Connolly (Australia A) are not available for the opening match. Lance Morris has been added as fast-bowling cover. Aaron Hardie impressed in England, and may have earned an opportunity slightly higher in the order.Australia: 1 Matt Short, 2 Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Josh Inglis (wk), 5 Marnus Labuschagne, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Aaron Hardie, 8 Sean Abbott, 9 Pat Cummins (capt), 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Adam ZampaIrfan Khan will make his ODI debut in the middle order while Pakistan have included four frontline fast bowlers. Mohammad Rizwan was listed at No. 4Pakistan: 1 Saim Ayub, 2 Abdullah Shafique, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5 Kamran Ghulam, 6 Salman Ali Agha, 7 Irfan Khan, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Mohammad HasnainBabar Azam is one away from equaling Saeed Anwar for most ODI centuries for Pakistan•Getty Images

Pitch and conditionsThe pitch for the Sheffield Shield match last month had considerable help for the quicks, and it’s still relatively early season in Melbourne. The forecast is for a cool and an overcast day, but it’s due to stay dry.Stats and trivia Glenn Maxwell needs 66 runs to reach 4000 in ODIs. Maxwell’s strike rate of 126 is way higher than any of the 20 Australia batters to have scored at least 3500 runs in ODIs, with Warner’s 97 the next best. Babar needs one more century to equal Saeed Anwar’s record for the most ODI hundreds for Pakistan. Pakistan have beaten Australia only twice in the last 13 ODIs between the two sides, with both those wins coming in a home series in 2022. Overall, Australia have a 10-4 win record against Pakistan at the MCGQuotes”It’s a great way to kind of kick into the summer. Some of the young guys, seeing what they’re made of as they’re kind of starting out their international careers. And then in the longer-term context, we’ve got Champions Trophy coming up, which always has a good link into that.”
“We don’t want to prove anything. We’ll just play normal cricket. We will try our best to play against these guys. Yes, Australia is a good side, and they are in home conditions. Only one thing they have is the benefit of a home crowd.”

Aston Villa have entered pole position for their potential first major signing of the summer, ahead of both Man City and Leeds United, according to a new report.

Related Duran 2.0: Aston Villa in contact with “one of the best strikers in the PL”

Aston Villa have an opportunity to land their next Jhon Duran by signing this attacking menace.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Aug 1, 2025

Unai Emery’s side have just two weeks to go before their first Premier League game of the season against Newcastle, and barring goalkeeper Marco Bizot, Villa have been one of the least active top flight clubs in terms of recruitment.

Their transfer window has been dominated by PSR concerns, financial constraints and more rumours linking key men with moves away than stars actually coming through the door.

Aston Villa’s best performers in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Youri Tielemans

7.08

Morgan Rogers

6.92

Marcus Rashford

6.82

Tyrone Mings

6.81

Ollie Watkins

6.80

via WhoScored

Emery, and supporters in particular, will be hoping for a late-window surge from the club’s president of football operations, Monchi, in preparation for what is an absolutely vital 2025/2026.

Villa are paying the price for missing out on Champions League qualification, but if they fail to reinforce the squad, it is unlikely they can mount a more successful top four push next term.

NSWE have been tipped as contenders for some high-profile upgrades from now until deadline day on September 1, though, with Emery reportedly keen on a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson among others.

As well as the Senegalese, Villa are believed to be top contenders to sign former Norwich City star Gabriel Sara, who’s fresh off the back of a promising debut season with Turkish champions Galatasaray.

The Brazilian hit double figures for assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, including two against Besiktas, with Sara also scoring in a 3-1 derby win over arch rivals Fenerbahçe at the beginning of 2024/2025.

Sara has built upon his fine last campaign at Norwich, where he was included in the 2024 Championship Team of the Year, attracting praise from ex-Canaries boss David Wagner.

“He is an outstanding player. Not only for us but in this division – no one has a doubt about this. It’s crystal clear,” Wagner said in February last year.

“Nobody should underestimate that he has played more or less every game from the first to the final minute, and he has put on numbers that, in terms of goals and assists, are near the top of our team.

“He works very hard.”

Now, Villa are looking to offer him a route back to England, and they appear to be serious.

Aston Villa leading race to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara

According to CaughtOffside, Villa are currently the “most advanced” side for Sara, taking pole position at the expense of City, Leeds, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

NSWE are also ready to hold talks over signing the South American, who can play both as a traditional centre-midfielder and number 10, with Sara also capable of playing out wide.

Statistically, it’s clear as day why Villa are this keen. Sara recorded a whopping 5.1 shot-creating actions per match and averaged 7.64 progressive passes, placing him in the top 10% of midfielders in Europe (Fot Mob).

His flair and versatility would be a fantastic asset for Emery, and Galatasaray will apparently do business for around £35 million. While Villa are only prepared to go as high as the £17 million mark right now, as per CaughtOffside, it is definitely worth consideration to raise their offer.

علق حمد المنتشري لاعب المنتخب السعودي السابق، على فوز فريق بيراميدز أمام أهلي جدة، وتحقيق لقب كأس القارات الثلاثة ببطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال، موضحًا رأيه في مباراة القمة المقبلة بين الأهلي والزمالك.

وقال حمد المنتشري في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “النهار”: “نبارك لفريق بيراميدز على انتصاره الكبير والمستحق على أهلي جدة، كان يوجد ضغط وإجهاد بدني على اللاعبين بسبب مباراة الهلال، وأنا ضد هذا الكلام، لديك الوقت الكافي وقائمة اللاعبين والأجانب المتواجدين في الفريق، وكل شيء تطور فهذا ليس عذرًا”.

وأكمل: “أعتقد أن المدير الفني للأهلي لم يذاكر المباراة بشكل جيد، يورتيتش مدرب بيراميدز حضر للقاء بشكل ممتاز، متأكد تمامًا أنه شاهد آخر مباراتين وتحديدًا مباراة الهلال، وقام بعمل تكتيكي مميز”.

واستطرد: “لاعبو بيراميدز داخل الملعب تشعر أن هناك روحًا ورغبة وانضباطًا تكتيكيًا وأداء جماعي، الأهلي كان لديه مشاكل كثيرة والمدير الفني الألماني يتحملها”.

طالع | الأهلي السعودي يُبرر الهزيمة القاسية أمام بيراميدز في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

وأردف: “أنا ومحمد نور نحب الكرة المصرية، نميل للزمالك بشكل كبير، انطلاقته في الدوري أكثر من ممتازة، بداية من التعاقدات، مباراة القمة لن تكون سهلة، الأهلي مستواه ليس أفضل شيء”.

وواصل: “مباراة القمة لا تحكمها المقاييس، فنيًا الزمالك أفضل، رغم التعاقدات الكبيرة لـ الأهلي وحالة عدم الرضا بسبب المدرب، أعتقد لقاء لن يكون سهلًا”.

وأشار: “ما يحزنني في الزمالك شيء واحد، الجوانب المادية والمستحقات، في الوقت الراهن والفريق يقدم كرة جيدة، المفترض من الإدارة تتصرف بأي حال من الأحوال”.

وأتم: “اللاعبون يقاتلون و(بيموتوا نفسهم في الملعب وإنت بتتأخر عليهم)، أعتقد هذه المشكلة الوحيدة التي يعاني منها الزمالك في الفترة الأخيرة، وتوقع نتيجة مباراة القمة صعب”.

Celtic are in the market to add another winger to their first-team squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after they sold Nicolas Kuhn to Italian side Como and lost Jota to injury.

The Hoops have reportedly placed Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha at the top of their wishlist to fill their need for a new flanker this summer.

If the Scottish Premiership giants can get a deal over the line for the Belgian winger, who produced four goals and three assists in 12 Pro League starts last season, Brendan Rodgers could have a strong threat on the left flank.

Celtic are not only looking to sign an attacker for the left side of their team, though, as the club are also looking for another left-back option to compete with Kieran Tierney.

Celtic exploring deal for new left-back

The Scotland international has missed 45 games through injury in the last two seasons combined, which means that it is likely that the Hoops are going to need a high-quality second-choice left-back to step in when required.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Rodgers has identified Cercle Brugge left-back Flavio Nazinho as a candidate to come in as the back-up to Tierney next season.

The journalist claims that the Hoops are exploring the possiblity of a deal to sign the 21-year-old defender, who played for Portugal at the U21 Euros this summer.

Joseph adds that the Premiership champions are yet to make an offer for the left-footed starlet, but they are interested in signing him and watched the defender in action for his country at the U21 Euros.

Why Celtic should sign Nazinho

The Hoops should press ahead with a swoop for the Cercle Brugge full-back this summer because he could be a fantastic back-up to Tierney and a dream signing for Balikwisha.

As a right-footed left-winger, Balikwisha is a forward who likes to cut inside from the left to score and create goals on his favoured foot, which is why Celtic need to partner him with a left-back who carries an overlapping threat to draw attention away from opposition defenders.

Nazinho is the perfect profile of left-back to allow Balikwisha, and Jota when he returns from his injury, to thrive at the top end of the pitch, as he has the quality to cause problems for defenders with his runs forward.

24/25 Pro League	Flavio Nazinho
Appearances	29
Starts	18
xG	1.46
Goals	2
Big chances created	7
xA	4.89
Assists	6
Key passes per game	1.4
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Portuguese gem showcased his ability to get forward in the Pro League last term, with nine goals and ‘big chances’ created in just 18 starts, which shows that he likes to bomb on and provide a threat in the final third on a regular basis.

The 21-year-old talent, who was described as an “exciting” young prospect by the Daily Record’s Keith Jackson, also showcased the defensive side of his game at the U21 Euros, winning 76% of his duels and making 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game across four appearances.

Nazinho is a left-back, therefore, who can combine defensive solidity with attacking work rate and flair, which is why he would be a dream signing to come in alongside Balikwisha this summer.

His attacking qualities could make opposition right-backs think twice about what to do when Balikwisha has the ball and Nazinho is bombing down the left on the overlap, potentially creating more space for the winger to cut inside onto his right foot.

Celtic can land this summer's Engels by signing a star who's "like Ronaldo"

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be this summer’s Arne Engels.

1

By
Dan Emery

Jul 13, 2025

Therefore, the Hoops should be pushing hard to bring in both Nazinho and Balikwisha this summer because, at the ages of 21 and 24, they could be a pairing that brings success down the left flank for many years to come at Parkhead.

The franchise is set to retain Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy ahead of the mega auction

Nagraj Gollapudi30-Oct-20249:57

Should KKR retain Shreyas Iyer?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are unlikely to retain their title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer and star allrounder Andre Russell ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and uncapped fast bowler Harshit Rana are set to be the franchise’s four retained players.They are also unlikely to retain Mitchell Starc, who they had bought for the record price of INR 24.75 crore at the IPL 2024 auction. Starc had a poor league phase in IPL 2024 before playing vital roles – 3 for 34 and 2 for 14 – in KKR’s victories in Qualifier 1 and the final.There is also a possibility that KKR will retain a second uncapped player in Ramandeep Singh, an explosive batter in the lower middle order. If they do so, then they will have only one right-to-match option left to use at the auction on a capped player, in case they want to buy back either Iyer, Russell, or Starc.October 31 is the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their lists of retained players to the IPL. The teams have been allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction before the 2025 season, of which a maximum of five can be capped internationals and two can be uncapped players. While the IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained – INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for an uncapped player – the franchises are free to pay more or less than those amounts to their retained players.Related

SRH set to retain Klaasen, Cummins, Abhishek

KL Rahul unlikely to stay with LSG; set for mega auction

LSG set to retain Pooran, Mayank and Bishnoi for IPL 2025

How many players can a team keep? And at what cost?

While the individual amounts for each of KKR’s likely retentions are not yet known, they will lose at least INR 47 crore for four players (including one uncapped) or INR 51 crore for five players (including two uncapped).The big development in the KKR camp is the possible release of Iyer, their captain, and Russell, who has been with them since IPL 2014. Iyer was their most expensive purchase at the 2022 mega auction (INR 12.25 crore – $1.633 million approx. at the time) when KKR were on the hunt for a new captain. Russell had been retained for INR 12 crore ahead of that auction.Iyer led KKR to the IPL title in the 2024 season, scoring 351 runs at a strike rate of nearly 147, their first triumph since 2014. While he will be optimistic about attracting sizeable bids at the mega auction considering a few franchises might need a captain and a top Indian batter, Russell will also be a huge draw. He scored 222 runs at a strike rate of 185 last season and took 19 wickets, three of which came in the IPL final.Among the players retained, Narine, Rinku and Varun have all played vital roles for KKR over the last few seasons. Narine, who was retained for INR 6 crore ($722,000 approx. then) in 2022, was the Most Valuable Player in 2024 for his explosiveness at the top of the order and his 17 wickets at an economy rate of 6.69. Varun, who joined the franchise in 2020 and was retained in 2022 for INR 8 crore ($1.066 million approx. then), has 41 wickets (8.09 economy) in the last two seasons, the most by any bowler. Rinku, whose IPL performances catapulted him into the India T20I team, has a strike rate of 207.97 since 2022.Rana is emerging as promising fast bowler and is part of India’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, while Ramandeep’s IPL and domestic performances earned him a spot in India’s squad for the recent Emerging Players Asia Cup in Oman.

Wolverhampton Wanderers may have lost Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha this summer, but Vitor Pereira has recruited wisely.

In come Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez, while Jorgen Strand Larsen has joined on a permanent deal following his season-long loan spell at Molineux, one that saw him end the campaign as one of the top scorers in the division.

The supporters will be keen on more moves to occur over the coming weeks, especially as the new Premier League season draws ever closer.

There are several positions that the Portuguese manager will be keen on bolstering and the latest news surrounds a Bayer Leverkusen winger.

Wolves’ search for a winger

Despite Arias and Lopez linking up with the squad, it is clear that Pereira is still looking to sign someone who could replace Cunha on the left flank.

According to German outlet BILD, Wolves are keen on landing Leverkusen winger Amine Adli this summer and he has already received a ‘concrete offer’ to move to the Midlands.

He is reportedly keen on having talks with the Old Gold, and it would take a bid of around €30m (£26m) to secure his signature.

The report goes on to mention that despite the player being attracted to the project at Molineux, it is unsure whether the club are willing to meet their demands for Adli.

If a move can be struck, Pereira would be signing an excellent player who was even compared to Bayern Munich sensation Jamal Musiala last season…

Why Wolves want to sign Amine Adli

During the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, Musiala was the ninth-most comparable player in the German top-flight to Adli, according to FBref.

Indeed, the duo also registered a host of similar statistics across a range of attacking metrics, including shots per 90 (2.35 vs 3.4), successful take-on percentage (46.9% vs 51.1%) and carries into the final third (25 vs 48) in the German top flight last season.

Furthermore, Musiala and Adli both have strengths, including key passes, through balls and even defensive contribution according to WhoScored.

Due to their attacking abilities and the fact that they like to dribble often, both wingers get fouled a lot, meaning their respective teams usually have free kicks in dangerous areas of the pitch.

While not having quite the level of talent as Musiala, for £26m, Wolves could be getting a bargain in Adli.

Adli’s Bayer Leverkusen stats last season (league only)
Goals	2
Assists	0
Big chances created	1
Key passes per game	0.6
Total duels won per game	3
Successful dribbles per game	0.8
Via Sofascore

Prior to his move to the Bundesliga in the summer of 2021, talent scout Jacek Kulig lavished plenty of praise on the youngster, stating that he had “electric pace & acceleration” along with having “superb dribbling skills” and these are abilities that the winger has developed over time.

It might take him time to settle into the Premier League, but if given the chance under Pereira, Adli could showcase his talents in the Midlands.

His comparisons to Musiala from a statistical point of view, suggest that the Old Gold could have an excellent attacking talent on their hands.

Wolves will be eyeing a place in the top half of the table this season amid a solid second half of 2024/25. Adli could certainly add something extra to the final third, that’s for sure.

Wolves in race to sign £17m+ striker who has been likened to Olivier Giroud

The teenager could be the next big thing…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 24, 2025

Newcastle United are said to be one of a host of Premier League clubs interested in completing the signing of a “world-beater” this summer.

Newcastle depleted in midfield

While much of the focus has been on the future of Alexander Isak and potential replacements for the Swede, the Magpies are badly in need of midfield reinforcements before the end of the transfer window.

Joe Willock is injured and Sean Longstaff has departed for Leeds United, while Lewis Miley is still young and learning on the job. That leaves Eddie Howe with only three genuine senior options in Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, with the addition of Champions League football to come this season.

Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor has been linked with a summer move to St James’ Park, potentially being seen as a younger alternative to Aston Villa’s John McGinn. The former scored five goals in 11 Europa League appearances last season, and at 23 years of age, he would be a long-term acquisition.

Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher has also been backed to join the Magpies ahead of the new season, although Tottenham could possibly hijack their move for him.

Bruno Guimaraes

3286

Sandro Tonali

2632

Joelinton

2405

Joe Willock

1077

Sean Longstaff

788

Lewis Miley

304

Newcastle in the mix to sign "world-beater"

Now, Caught Offside claim that Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is being “closely monitored” by Newcastle, with the Magpies one of seven Premier League clubs eyeing up the £100m-rated star. The other teams in question are Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham, with the Red Devils seemingly leading the race to sign him currently.

Signing Baleba would be fantastic for Howe, and a welcome boost after such a dispiriting summer, with the youngster a player with incredible potential.

The four-cap Cameroon international excelled for Brighton last season, averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League across 34 appearances, which is more than any Newcastle player managed in the competition in 2024/25.

Baleba has been compared to Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga by scout Jacek Kulig, highlighting his quality, and Danny Welbeck has lauded him as well.

While the striker situation still needs to be addressed at Newcastle, signing a player of Baleba’s quality and potential would be huge in the middle of the park, not least because it would mean beating many of their rivals to his signature.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has shared an update on top Tottenham transfer target Savinho, amid Spurs’ ongoing talks to sign the Brazilian.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Lilywhites opened talks with City over a deal for Savinho, alongside Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, with chairman Daniel Levy aiming to back Thomas Frank by signing both players in separate moves (Fabrizio Romano).

Son Heung-min departed N17 after 10 memorable years for LAFC nearly a fortnight ago, while playmaker James Maddison will be absent for most of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL in pre-season against Newcastle United.

Frank desperately needs replacements for both men, not to mention Dejan Kulusevski, who is expected to remain out for a long time with his knee injury.

However, reports suggest that Tottenham have a long way to go before agreeing a deal for Savinho in particular.

His agent, Frederico Moraes, told journalist Jorge Nicola in the last few days that City knocked back Tottenham’s opening bid for the 21-year-old, worth around £42 million, as the Premier League heavyweights hold out for around £67 million.

Savinho wants to join Spurs, though, and Moraes has jetted to Europe in an attempt to push through his client’s desired move. The ex-Girona sensation is looking to play his way into Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup by becoming a star mainstay in north London (The Mail), and Frank personally wants him.

The desire to make it happen is clearly there on both Savinho and Tottenham’s side, but the two parties still have a major roadblock in the form of City to conquer.

Pep Guardiola makes damning Savinho admission amid Tottenham talks

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Sky Blues’ Premier League opener against Wolves, Guardiola shared some bad news about Savinho amid Tottenham’s pursuit of the winger.

Guardiola confirmed that Savinho will be out for weeks after picking up an injury against Palermo in their final pre-season game, so even if Levy does manage to pull off a deal, the player may not even be ready and available for Frank.

The City head coach did comment on his player’s links to Spurs as well, calling him an “extraordinary” player, whilst expressing his wish for Savinho to remain at Eastlands for many years.

Aston Villa have a striker dilemma on their hands amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Ollie Watkins, and Unai Emery could now be set to move for a high-profile forward.

Aston Villa continue to fight interest in Ollie Watkins

Following a summer that has been quieter than anticipated due to the Villans’ close shave with PSR regulations, something they are still trying to navigate, it comes as no surprise that suitors are mounting for some of their first-team regulars.

Manchester United continue to push to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with reports suggesting Alejandro Garnacho could head to Villa Park in the opposite direction amid his preference to remain in the Premier League.

The England international is valued at between £40 million and £45 million. Still, it remains to be seen whether Emery will give short shrift to a divisional rival amid his status as the Villans’ star man.

Lining up potential alternatives, Aston Villa are keen on signing RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda after initiating contact with the Bundesliga outfit.

Cropping up as a cost-effective solution to strengthen their forward line, Dominic Calvert-Lewin may arrive as a free agent after opting to leave Everton.

Aston Villa now submit bid for "elusive" £35m forward also wanted by Forest

The Villans have now made an offer for an attacker, who could be allowed to leave his club for the right price.

ByDominic Lund Jul 30, 2025

Monitoring financial output and attracting quality in the same breathe isn’t easy, though Emery has a history as a shrewd operator on the market, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he were able to play a part in sanctioning some creative deals.

Monchi and company will be tasked with finding solutions, and they may now have began to accelerate a move for one of Europe’s most prolific young strikers.

Aston Villa enquire about Porto striker Samu Aghehowa

According to Mailsport, Aston Villa have made contact by way of enquiry to sign Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who could be available if the Villans put forward a proposal of £55 million.

Of course, that may prove tricky in their delicate situation. However, his arrival would be a signal of intent after a brilliant campaign for the Portuguese giants that yielded 27 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.

Five similar players to Samu Aghehowa (FBRef)

Adrian Martinez

Racing Club

Brian White

Vancouver Whitecaps

Kaio Jorge

Cruzeiro

Rafael Borre

Internacional

Ezequiel Ponce

Houston Dynamo

Labelled an “absolute powerhouse” by Ben Mattinson, he has previously been targeted by Chelsea and has broken into the Spain senior set-up, earning two caps under Luis de la Fuente.

Whether Aston Villa could afford to sign the prolific frontman remains to be seen, with reports suggesting Watkins would need to be sold before making a move emerges as a viable option.

Supporters will face a nervous wait on that front over the next few weeks, but there is no doubt Aghehowa would be an excellent alternative in the event their frontman heads to Manchester United or elsewhere.

لا يزال المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، يبهر الجميع بمواقفه الداعمة لفلسطين وقطاع غزة ضد العدوان الإسرائيلي الغاشم.

ويعاني أهل قطاع غزة من ويلات الاعتداءات المستمرة من جانب الكيان الصهيوني، منذ 7 أكتوبر عام 2023، وهو ما أسفر عن استشهاد وإصابة وتشريد وتجويع الآلاف، من بينهم الأطفال والنساء.

وكعادته، قدم بيب جوارديولا رسالة دعم لأهل فلسطين وقطاع غزة، ولم يكتفِ بقول كلمات طنانة، بل دعا إلى الحشد في كتالونيا من أجل المطالبة بإيقاف الإبادة الجماعية في غزة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إيقاف مباراة في الدوري الإسباني بسبب دعم فلسطين ضد الكيان الصهيوني

وقال بيب جوارديولا في مقطع فيديو مصور، نشرته الجالية الفلسطينية في كتالونيا وتضمن عدة شخصيات عامة أخرى: “نشهد إبادة جماعية حقيقية، حيث مات آلاف الأطفال، وقد يموت المزيد”.

وأضاف: “قطاع غزة مُدمر، وحشود من الناس بلا مأوى، بلا طعام أو ماء أو دواء”.

وواصل: “المجتمع المدني المنظم وحده من يستطيع إنقاذ الأرواح والضغط على الحكومات للتحرك بشكل حاسم”.

وشدد: “في الرابع من أكتوبر، الساعة 12:00، سنتدفق على شوارع جاردينيتس دي جراسيا (في برشلونة) للمطالبة بإنهاء الإبادة الجماعية”.

Manchester City manager and football legend Pep Guardiola has spoken out in solidarity with Palestine, calling on people to flood the streets of Barcelona tomorrow to protest against the genocide.@PepTeam @Palestina_cat pic.twitter.com/csIO6o3mnF — Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) October 3, 2025