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Manchester City are now set to “present an offer” for a £43m star who Pep Guardiola called “sensational”, journalist Orazio Accomando has revealed.

Man City looking to offload more players before deadline

Guardiola has previously made it abundantly clear he doesn’t want to work with an oversized squad next season, with the Man City boss saying: “I said to the club I don’t want that. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the tribune. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”

As such, despite recently offloading Jack Grealish, City may look to get some more players off the books before the transfer deadline, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Galatasaray are pursuing Ederson.

It remains to be seen whether City opt to cash-in on the Brazilian this summer, with reports from elsewhere revealing they have little interest in sanctioning a departure, but if they do, they may need to bring in a replacement.

That is due to the fact that new arrival James Trafford has limited experience in the Premier League, making just 28 appearances in the competition, and the Blues could now make a move for a goalkeeper who has proven himself at the top level.

That is according to an update from Accomando on X, who states that Man City are now set to “present an offer” for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the next few days, as they continue to work on offloading Ederson.

Donnarumma is also a major target for Manchester United, and PSG are now willing to sanction a departure, having made it clear that Lucas Chevalier is their new number one, with the French club looking to receive £43m.

Pep's an admirer of "sensational" Donnarumma

Guardiola is a long-term admirer of the Italian goalkeeper, having once lauded him as “sensational” after impressing against City in the Champions League, and he continued to catch the eye in last season’s competition.

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Indeed, the Italy captain played a major role in his side reaching the Champions League final, with journalist Carlo Garganese singling the 26-year-old out for praise after impressing in the semi-final against Arsenal.

That said, there are doubts over whether Donnarumma would be a good fit in a Guardiola system, given that he isn’t the best with his feet, averaging 29.95 touches per 90 over the past year, compared to Ederson’s 60.34, so it may be worth persisting with the Brazilian.

It’s not been a year to remember for West Ham United supporters, and there are few signs of encouragement so far this summer.

The Hammers finished 14th in the Premier League last season, sacking Julen Lopetegui in January, having picked up 1.15 points-per-game under the Spaniard, before this actually dropped to 1.11 points-per-game following Graham Potter’s appointment.

As they look to improve ahead of next season, star attacker Mohammed Kudus has been sold to fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf have arrived.

Now though, with another one of the Hammers’ most high-profile players potentially on his way out, should they replace him with an “exquisite” talent?

West Ham target Lucas Paquetá's replacement

On Friday, it was reported by Martyn Ziegler and Matt Lawton of the Times that Lucas Paquetá is ‘set to be cleared’ of spot-fixing.

As documented by Mario Cortegana and Roshane Thomas of the Athletic, the Brazilian was alleged to have intentionally collected yellow cards in four Premier League matches, thereby ‘affecting or profiting from the betting market’, which, if found guilty, would have seen him handed a lifetime ban by the FA, but this will now not come to pass.

These allegations scuppered Paquetá’s proposed move to Manchester City two years ago, but it is now forecast that the Brazilian will push for a transfer this summer, reportedly valued at around £80m by West Ham.

Should he depart, the Hammers would need to sign a replacement, hence why journalist Ben Jacobs is reporting that they are interested in signing Fábio Vieira from Arsenal, adding the Irons are ‘planning to add multiple midfielders’ to their squad.

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Vieira was not included in the Gunners’ squad that is currently in Hong Kong, but that’s due to his exploits at the Club World Cup, starting all three of Porto’s fixtures in the United States last month, providing an assist during their bonkers 4-4 draw with Al Ahly.

So, could he become the latest player to go directly from Arsenal to West Ham, following in the footsteps of Jack Wilshere, Manuel Almunia, Jérémie Aliadière, Marouane Chamakh, Carl Jenkinson, John Hartson, Freddie Ljungberg, Lucas Pérez, Davor Šuker, Nigel Winterburn, Ian Wright, and many others? We could go on!

What Fábio Vieira would bring to West Ham

Vieira joined Arsenal from Porto three summers ago for a reported fee of £34m, and has shown glimpses of why they paid that money, but has never produced on a consistent basis.

The table below illustrates Vieira’s statistics for the Gunners, as well as what he produced last season, having been loaned back to Porto.

Fábio Vieira season-by-season statistics

Statistics

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Appearances

33

16

42

Starts

14

3

30

Minutes

1,415

561

2,698

Goals

2

1

5

Assists

6

4

6

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table notes, Vieira never managed to establish himself as a first-choice figure in the Arsenal team, starting just three times during his most recent campaign with the club, his only goal an 88th-minute penalty during a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United.

Despite this, his talent is obvious, with presenter Adam Keys impressed by his “incredibly clean ball-striking” ability, labelling him “exquisite”, while Lorihanna Balabanova of Total Football Analysis outlines how he is at his best as a ‘creative attacking midfielder’ who likes to ‘occupy the right half-space’.

Well, similarly, Karim Shahine of Total Football analysis notes that Paquetá thrives as a ‘right-sided half-space’ number ten, praising his ‘creativity’ and ‘tactical flexibility’.

Based on that, it would appear as though Vieira would be the ideal replacement for his fellow left footer, so let’s take a look at how the duo compared last season.

Lucas Paquetá vs Fábio Vieira 2024/25 comparison

Statistics

Paquetá

Vieira

Minutes

2,533

2,239

Goals

5

5

Assists

0

6

Big chances created

4

11

Shots

39

59

Shots on target %

7.7%

30.5%

Shot-creating actions

82

116

Goal-creating actions

6

16

Progressive carries

26

32

Progressive passes

155

154

Take-on success %

44.7%

41.2%

Touches per 90

64

56

Average SofaScore rating

6.92

7.29

Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, in 300 fewer minutes, Vieira’s statistics were, almost across the board, more impressive than Paquetá’s, notably when it came to chances created, shooting and dribbling.

Of course, the caveat is that he was doing so at a lower level, with the Primeira Liga ranked by Global Football Rankings as the seventh-strongest league in the world.

Nevertheless, Vieira is certainly available this summer, no longer in Mikel Arteta’s plans, so the Gunners may well sanction another loan deal, making his signing a low-risk, high-upside move for West Ham.

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Glasgow Rangers are reportedly planning to table an offer for an attacking player who “does everything”, seeing him as a potential alternative to Jamie Vardy.

Rangers linked with stunning Vardy signing

Vardy has been one of the most prominent attacking stars in the Premier League over the past decade, famously starring for Leicester City en route to an unfathomable title triumph in 2015/16.

Now, the 38-year-old is being strongly linked with a summer move to Rangers, having brought to an end a legendary spell at the King Power Stadium at the end of last season, saying goodbye to the fans.

“I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, some downs, but the majority all highs. But it’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about but I think the timing is right. I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own.”

Recent reports have suggested that the Gers have opened talks with Vardy over a move to Ibrox, seeing him as an ideal option to bring added firepower to Russell Martin’s squad, as the new manager looks to win the Scottish Premiership title at the first attempt.

Given his age, it is understandable why some may have reservations about a move, but there are no great signs of the Englishman slowing down, and he could be an inspired signing for a year or two. It looks like a younger option is being looked at, though, following a new update.

Rangers planning bid for attacker who "does everything"

According to Gol [via The Daily Record], Rangers are planning a bid for Girona striker Bojan Miovski, seemingly seeing him as an option if they miss out on acquiring Vardy’s signature. The 26-year-old is also reportedly wanted by Celtic this summer, so it could be a tug of war between the two biggest clubs in Scottish football.

Miovski could be a great signing for Rangers this summer, even though Vardy is arguably the preferable choice in the sense of high level experience, with the striker 12 years younger than the Leicester icon.

The Gers have felt the wrath of the North Macedonian plenty of times in the past, with Miovski scoring four goals against them in nine appearances, three of which came in six league outings.

Meanwhile, former Rangers attacker Billy Dodds has lauded his ability, saying: “I really like Miovski. How he played against England, you’re stepping up the levels and notching up the standard of football, then seeing him today, seeing him throughout the season. You get some people who don’t join in the game, don’t link up, but score goals. Others you see not scoring goals but they link up. This guy does everything.”

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A return to Scotland may appeal to Miovski, having only netted twice for Girona in 17 La Liga appearances last season, and he stands out as a top-quality option for Rangers alongside Vardy.

Hilton Moreeng has been appointed the new head coach of USA’s senior and Under-19 women’s teams. He takes over from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whose contract came to an end in 2023.Moreeng served as South Africa women’s head coach for just over 11 years before his stint ended in March this year. Under him, South Africa made two ODI World Cup semi-finals, two T20 World Cup semi-finals, and became the first national senior side to reach a World Cup final, at home in the 2023 T20 World Cup.”I am thrilled to join USA Cricket and eager to collaborate with both current players and emerging talent,” Moreeng said. “My goal is to methodically build a competitive squad capable of rivaling the best in women’s cricket globally. Together, we aim to foster a culture of excellence and achievement within USA Cricket, paving the way for a successful future on the international stage.”Former Australia international Julia Price served as the head coach of the team from 2019 to 2022 before Chanderpaul took over.”Coach Hilton brings a rich background and vast experience to USA Cricket having been a critical part of the transformation of South African women’s cricket,” USA Cricket chairman, Venu Pisike, said. “USA women are also at the beginning of a transformative period with an Olympics in four years’ time and we believe Hilton’s successes, diverse experiences, and understanding of challenges in an emerging cricket nation is well suited for our program.”Moreeng’s first assignment will start with preparations for the 2025 U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

With New Zealand playing Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and India in the subcontinent over next four months, their young batters were focusing on playing spin

Deivarayan Muthu01-Jul-2024Two days after New Zealand’s golden era ended in Tarouba, some members of their next generation were hard at work in Chennai. The city in south India has become something of a satellite office for New Zealand cricket in India, thanks to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) connection.Spin-bowling allrounder Dean Foxcroft, top-order batter Tim Robinson and wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay, three of New Zealand’s brightest young talents, were countering local spinners with a variety of sweeps at both the indoor and outdoor nets at the Super Kings Academy. The trio spent two weeks in Chennai with an old friend Sriram Krishnamurthy, the former New Zealand A and Wellington coach who is currently the coach of the Super Kings Academy at CSK, and Paul Wiseman, NZC’s talent ID manager, getting exposed to black- and red-soil pitches and playing T20 games against Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) sides.With New Zealand in rebuild mode following the first-round exit at the T20 World Cup – and with the team scheduled to play Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and India in the subcontinent over the next four months – this was a good time for the next-gen New Zealand batters to spend the winter on slow, turning pitches.Related

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Foxcroft, 26, and Robinson, 22, have already played for New Zealand, while Hay, 23, is on the fringes of national selection, having impressed both in the four-day Plunket Shield and white-ball cricket for Canterbury. Hay averages over 46 after 19 first-class games, while he has a strike rate of almost 150 after 28 T20s. He is also a capable wicketkeeper, but sweeping spin isn’t something that comes naturally to him. He practices every variety of the shot, including the reverse, even in damp conditions following an overnight shower.”I wouldn’t say I’m a natural sweeper, but having the exposure here is a great opportunity to learn from the coaches,” Hay tells ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of a training session. “Sri [Sriram] has been amazing with his knowledge of conditions in both India and New Zealand. So it’s been a good challenge to learn some different shots and different strategies on wickets that are spinning a lot more than at home.”In New Zealand, you can potentially stand up and hit through the line easier. The biggest takeaway for me against spin is trying to get low because the bounce is variable. We’ve also been trying to use the crease, and as Sri alluded to, a lot of Indian batsmen are good from the crease – playing deep but also coming out on the front foot to get really close to the ball. For me, it’s about staying low, and when the length is there, get into a strong position on the back foot to manoeuvre the ball.”Robinson, who is bit of a Finn Allen clone, has also picked up cues to tackle spin and expand his game. “I think for the sweep, I like to get outside the line of the ball and try not to get in front of the stumps,” Robinson says. “I also think it’s quite important to commit to the shot quite late so you can adjust to the length of the ball and then your own stride.Sriram Krishnamurthy and Paul Wiseman were in charge of the New Zealand batters’ training sessions in Chennai•Super Kings Academy”For me, naturally at home in New Zealand, it’s a sweep-on-line thing, and the need to sweep is not as big there as it is here. So it’s something that we all are trying to develop, and it’s about using the right tools on the right wicket at the right time.”Robinson is a natural athlete. He won junior and senior titles in the javelin throw along with his brother Cam Robinson back in the day. In the most recent Super Smash, he had success throwing his bat at the ball for Wellington at the top, and was immediately called up to the New Zealand T20I squad for the Pakistan tour earlier this year in the absence of the IPL-bound players. Robinson admits that his life changed after he cracked 139 off 64 balls, with ten sixes, against Otago Volts in the Super Smash, the second-highest score in the tournament’s history. Robinson, though, might not have achieved the landmark without some help from Foxcroft.”Foxy dropped one at long-on, and he bowled the sixth over in the powerplay as well, which was a little bit of a kick-start (laughs). But no, I think it was just one of those things that came off and I had a little bit of a luck,” Robinson recalls. “I suppose that’s T20 cricket as well. You got to ride your luck and make it count when things do go your way. It was well and truly my day, but there was luck going my way and I ended up getting through it unscathed. But yeah, it was a life-changing sort of day for me.”Foxcroft is the most experienced among the trio, having also won the PSL with Lahore Qalandars and been part of the Oman T10 league. Covid-19 had locked him out of New Zealand for almost two years, but he is now making up for lost time, learning from every experience.Paul Wiseman chats with Dean Foxcroft at the Super Kings Academy•Super Kings Academy”Pakistan and India are a bit different in terms of conditions,” Foxcroft says. “In Pakistan, the wickets are bit skiddier than here. Wherever you go, you’ve got to adapt quick enough to the conditions and understand your game better, which will be helpful when I come back and play on these wickets.”Foxcroft bowls quickish offspin and tested it out against TNPL team Nellai Royal Kings during a T20 game. In the 2023-24 Super Smash, he bowled just 6.2 overs in ten matches for Otago, but is working towards becoming a genuine allrounder.”Yeah, it [the bowling] has been coming out nicely,” Foxcroft says. “It’s a great time to come out to India and work on it. I want to be the No.1 allrounder, [and contribute] in both departments. Hopefully, I can get a five-for and a Test hundred or whatever, but I want to keep developing [the bowling] and get better at it at every training. It’s great to learn from Sri, the Chennai Super Kings coaches, [and bowling] different variations and different lengths.”Foxcroft and Robinson go “Ooooh!” when Hay’s lofty first-class average is brought up. While Canterbury have produced a number of fast bowlers for New Zealand – right from Kyle Jamieson to Zak Foulkes – in the recent past, Hay could well be the next international batter from the domestic side.Dean Foxcroft bowls quickish offspin, and tested it out against TNPL team Nellai Royal Kings•Super Kings Academy”That’s the ultimate goal: to represent the country and play for the Black Caps,” Hay says. “But there’s also a lot of things before that. To improve my strengths and keep working on my weaknesses and get better overall as a player… those sorts of things. Selection will look after itself, so I guess in a way it’s nice to take the focus away from that and put it on myself to get better so that when I do get the opportunity, I’m ready to perform.”With Kane Williamson giving up his New Zealand central contract to become a freelancer, and a number of other players ageing, Foxcroft, Robinson and Hay will likely get their opportunities in the next few months.New Zealand’s lack of proper preparation for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies came into sharp focus last month, but their young batters might not be underdone when they would revisit the subcontinent for a longer trip later this year.

Extensive grassroots development and a detailed transformation policy that goes beyond mere numbers are now a must

Firdose Moonda16-Dec-2021Cricket in South Africa is institutionally racist. Cricket South Africa is institutionally racist. South Africa is institutionally racist. Whichever way we arrange these words, they’re not telling us anything we didn’t already know.South Africa was the last bastion of legalised white supremacy in the world. Apartheid officially ended only 27 years ago. When this website began in 1993, the majority of the South African population – people of colour – could not vote. But they could and did play cricket. The national team was readmitted into the international game two years earlier, in 1991, with an all-white team even though there were established leagues among players of colour. A white national team was chosen, as it had always been, emphasising cricket’s legacy as a sport of empire, promoted by prime minister Cecil John Rhodes and played by the head of his department, William Milton, who was once Test captain.We only need to look at the treatment of people of colour in the United States to know the shadow of discrimination is long and can last hundreds of years. It’s unsurprising that South Africa and cricket in South Africa still battles these demons of discrimination. The Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) hearings and report have laid bare some of these demons, which constitute some of the gravest issues in the game over the last 30 years.The report has found that CSA, as well as some of its biggest names and at times its selection policies, have often been prone to racial bias. At the heart of the findings is that the champion team of 2012, who lifted the Test mace at Lord’s, has been stained by an exclusionary team culture. That was a team led by current director of cricket (DOC) Graeme Smith, that had just seen the retirement of current head coach Mark Boucher and was headlined by arguably South Africa’s greatest batter, AB de Villiers. All three are central to specific instances where their conduct was thought to be prejudicial.

The SJN has revealed a nuance that establish no outright heroes or villains and no decisions that were simply right or wrong

At the same time, the report also makes judgements against them which might seem to lie outside its remit. Ombudsman Dumisa Ntsebeza found that the appointments of Smith and Boucher were procedurally flawed, in essence because they were headhunted. But CSA’s HR operations were never meant to be within the mandate of the hearings. Ntsebeza was led in that direction, however, because the pair hold positions of power in the game today. The decisions they make now impact players in the current set-up and could those in the future.Still, it’s worth remembering that Smith and Boucher were roped in at a time of great turmoil in South African cricket, two weeks before an incoming tour by England, with then CEO Thabang Moroe suspended and no one in the position of head coach. Moroe had courted Smith for the role of DOC for months, only for Smith to withdraw from the process. Then-CSA president Chris Nenzani approached him and eventually convinced Smith to sign on. Smith then hired Boucher, his friend, but also a franchise coach. Both Moroe and Nenzani are black. They were the men making decisions that saw white men appointed, and not just any white men but Smith and Boucher. All these men have made some good decisions and some bad decisions, as we all do.Related

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The SJN has revealed a nuance that establish no outright heroes or villains and no decisions that were simply right or wrong. Thami Tsolekile is perhaps the best example. His career was derailed when he was not given the opportunity to play for the Test team in 2012, despite being contracted as Boucher’s replacement, and only because de Villiers decided he wanted to keep wicket. de Villiers remained in the position until 2014, when Quinton de Kock arrived. Tsolekile was sidelined and would eventually be embroiled in the corruption scandal of 2015-16.That same summer, Khaya Zondo was denied a debut in an ODI series in India, in favour of Dean Elgar, who was not even part of the original squad. Testimony from former selector Hussein Manack claimed de Villiers pressured him into making the decision to play Elgar over Zondo, which de Villiers has never denied. But de Villiers maintained he was only considering “cricketing” reasons. The report found de Villiers’ conduct in that incident to be discriminatory, which he strongly objects to.What we can see from these examples is that selection is not straightforward. There is a good case for why Tsolekile should have been the Test keeper – he was averaging over 40 in first-class cricket at the time. There is also a good case for why de Villiers should have – he allowed South Africa to field seven specialist batters. There is more of an argument for why Zondo should have been included – he was in the squad as a reserve batter – and not Elgar, who was flown in earlier because he had more domestic cricket experience.What makes these cases significant is that they pit a black African player against a white player; the most discriminated against, and the most privileged. And so when a decision is made, it has to consider cricketing as well as transformation imperatives. Right answers are rare. On occasions such as the 2015 World Cup semi-final, when a half-fit Vernon Philander was picked ahead of Kyle Abbott, decisions can hurt everyone almost immediately. On others such as the exclusions of Tsolekile and Zondo’s the hurt only emerges over time. And none of that can be changed.Graeme Smith, Enoch Nkwe, Mark Boucher and Linda Zondi at the unveiling of South Africa’s then new coaching structure in December 2019•AFPSo where do we go from here?The debates around selection aired at the SJN should prompt a more detailed policy for national and provincial teams, which does more than just laying out transformation targets (currently domestic teams have to field at least six players of colour in every XI, of which at least three must be black African, and the national team must field at least six players of colour of which at least two must be black African) and also contains detail on how to meet them and how to resolve disputes when two players of similar potential are competing for a similar spot.An example of how difficult this can be could come as early as the upcoming Test series against India. South Africa have eight quicks in their 21-player squad, with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje set to be certain starters, Lungi Ngidi and Duanne Olivier to compete for the third seamer spot and the rest as back-up. So how should the selectors decide between Ngidi and Olivier?On precedent, Ngidi should play, because the spot was his the last time South Africa played Tests, in the West Indies, and he performed well. On form and fitness, Olivier should play, because he is the leading wicket-taker in the first-class competition while Ngidi hasn’t played red-ball cricket since June or any competitive matches in five months. Further clouding the issue is the fact that not that long ago, Olivier chose to end his career in South Africa by opting for a Kolpak deal. He’s only back because Britain’s exit from the European Union means his agreement with Yorkshire is no longer in place.Some may argue that from the perspective of variety, neither should play and that the left-armer Marco Jansen should be capped and unleashed on India as early as possible. Others will feel Glenton Stuurman’s consistency will serve South Africa better. The selectors will have to factor all of these things in when they make their decision. Not everyone will be happy with whatever decision they make.

The SJN has opened a door. Like the country, it has been flawed, but it has also been among the most necessary things that have taken place in cricket, in sport, in society and in South Africa.

The SJN highlighted that there are still remnants of the belief that transformation and excellence are considered mutually exclusive. This is a notion that was birthed in whiteness and allowed to flourish under the misguided idea that people of colour were less capable. It masked the injustices which denied them access to resources and facilities to compete on a level playing field. Ultimately, extensive grassroots development a should be a focus of cricket, big business and government, even if it may not easily change the entrenched mindsets of white privilege that the SJN highlighted. Money can be ploughed into townships but if people in positions of power don’t ensure players of colour are picked and backed the system will not change.Almost every player of colour has a story to tell about how they were treated poorly, overlooked, othered or excluded; from South Africa’s first, Omar Henry, who was denied opportunity at the 1992 World Cup, to one of South Africa’s best, Hashim Amla. More’s the pity that Amla, who is notoriously private but said on his resignation as Test captain that, “the first time you play Test cricket everybody doubts you because of the colour of your skin,” did not make a submission at the SJN. Neither did Makhaya Ntini, despite numerous interviews in which he detailed why he would run from the ground to the hotel rather than sit on a bus with team-mates who avoided him, or Philander. This trio are South Africa’s most successful players of colour and their stories would have added extra weight.Similarly, none of the former players facing the brunt of these allegations gave oral testimony before the ombudsman. Smith, Boucher and de Villiers submitted written affidavits as did a slew of others. What they did not do was take the opportunity to show their humanity by appearing before the ombudsman and thereby begin a two-way conversation which may ultimately lead to greater understanding. That may yet come when the dust settles.Though much of the SJN’s timing has been inopportune, with parts of it running through the T20 World Cup campaign, the report was released on the eve of South Africa’s Day of Reconciliation: December 16. This day was celebrated by the Afrikaner community in commemoration of their victory in the battle of Blood River in 1838, and by the African National Congress, as it marked the founding of their militant wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, in 1961.Historically, this was a day of violence. But in 1995, December 16 was chosen to signify unity and racial healing. South Africa, and South African cricket, are very far from either but the SJN has opened a door. Like the country, it has been flawed, but it has also been among the most necessary things that have taken place in cricket, in sport, in society and in South Africa.

After initially going unsold, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim were picked up by Rangpur Riders and Rajshahi Warriors, respectively

Mohammad Isam30-Nov-2025Mohammad Naim was the only player to fetch more than BDT 1 crore (USD 88,000 approx) at the BPL auction on Sunday, when Chittagong Royals signed him up for the upcoming season. Naim, the highest run-scorer in the BPL last season (511 runs at a strike-rate of 143.94), was incidentally the first player who went up for sale in the auction.Towhid Hridoy (USD 73,600) and Litton Das (USD 56,000) also went for big money, both signed up by Rangpur Riders.There were, however, no initial bids for veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, who were both in category B. Later in the day, after a request from BCB director and Rangpur chief executive Ishtiaque Sadeque, the auctioneer put up both players for sale again.Eventually, Rangpur took in Mahmudullah, while Rajshahi Warriors signed Mushfiqur, for their base price of BDT 35 lakh (USD 28,000 approx).Dasun Shanaka was the most expensive signing among the overseas players, going to Dhaka Capitals for USD 55,000. Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella were sold at their category A base price of USD 35,000, to Chittagong Royals and Sylhet Titans, respectively.Among the uncapped players, Habibur Rahman Sohan, who recently did well for Bangladesh A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, was taken by Noakhali Express for USD 40,000.This was the BPL’s first auction since the inaugural edition in 2012. The rest of the editions have been done through the drafting process.During the auction, there were also a few Bangladesh cricketers who sat in the bidding tables, including Nurul Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.The BPL will be contested by six teams – Dhaka Capitals, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriors, Noakhali Express, Sylhet Titans and Chittagong Royals – with the tournament likely to start on December 26.

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“Obviously hope to play,” he told reporters in Adelaide, where Ashes resumes on December 17. “I don’t really know. Obviously, it’s not my decision. The older I’ve got, the more comfortable I’ve got with things that I can control and things that I haven’t. I feel really good in terms of I’m ready to go. The rest of it is not in my control. So, yeah, we’ll see what happens.”I’m feeling 100%. So unless something else [happens], but I felt 100% before Perth, too. It’s just one of those things. I’ve done everything. That’s why I was training all last week. I was just doing rehab, which sucks because when you get injured, you have to do more, right.”I’ve had a fair bit of load, but it’s obviously what I wanted to just get as much as possible and I’m running at 100% again and again. So everything’s feeling pretty good again.”Usman Khawaja: I can bat anywhere•AFP/Getty Images

Khawaja, who turns 39 next week, went through multiple gym, running and net sessions before, during and since the Gabba Test. He added that he was being extra careful about how much he does on the day he flies into venues, conceding he had felt sore after a delayed six-hour flight to Perth, although insisted the much-talked about rounds of golf had not been a factor. “I’ve always been a professional,” he said.In Khawaja’s absence, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have combined to produce two impressive stands: the chase in Perth where they added 75 and the first innings in Brisbane where their 77-run partnership put England on the back foot on the second day.But Khawaja backed himself to have a game that could adjust to various tempos, citing his Sheffield Shield form where he had a strike-rate of 62.34 in three matches which puts him just outside the top 10 from those with 200 runs this season.”I’ve got gears when I want them,” he said. “You’ve got to find a way to be consistent for a long period of time, not just over a game or two. So I’ve always been conscious of that. I can go out there and play more shots and I think I’ve been scoring pretty [quickly]. So sometimes the game and the situation dictates that [and] the wickets dictate that. I think I just play the game, what’s in front of me.The option remains for Khawaja to return in the middle order where he batted on his Test comeback in 2022. “I’ve always done really well batting at four or five,” he said. “Normally people that open aren’t as attuned to No. 5 as opening because they’re not as good playing spin. But I’ve proven I’m one of the best players to spin in Australia. So, that’s never been the issue. So I can bat anywhere.”Usman Khawaja did pull up in time for Brisbane, but is ready for Adelaide•Getty Images

Khawaja also joked he was somewhat unconvinced by talk that Head, who flayed an astonishing century in Perth, had “lobbied” to open the batting. “I think Travis said he’d been quietly lobbying. It was more a case of Heady always said, ‘If you need me to open, I’ll open’,” he said.”I had a joke with [Andrew McDonald about it], I was like, ‘Quietly lobbying – that’s one of the quietest lobbyings I’ve heard’, and he had a giggle too and was like, ‘Yeah’. Heady’s a team player, he’ll always open if they need him to open, but it’s not like he was at the back knocking on doors saying, ‘I want to open’.”Khawaja, who has one hundred in his last 45 Test innings and averages 31.84 since the 2023 Ashes, said talk around his position “doesn’t really faze me” although when pressed on whether any of the commentary about him has an effect, he admitted it was impossible to be completely unaware.”Certain things probably do, certain things probably don’t,” he said. “I genuinely don’t read it. I probably get more from vibes and what other people tell me. It’s not like I’m going out and reading the actual thing, it’s the vibe. And some things sometimes just pop up, you can’t hide from it. But yes, certain things do, certain things don’t, but I just don’t see the relevance in talking about it. I just don’t see the point.”As much as people sometimes want to have a crack at me, I love playing for Australia. I’m still very committed. Every game I take the same way as I took 10 years ago. I train hard, I do everything right. For me, it’s more about just being a professional. People can have opinions, that’s absolutely no worries to me. I can’t really sit down and worry about what other people think, especially outside of the squad.”In terms of his future, Khawaja said that “I’m not here to hang around” but added the most important aspect to him was knowing he was still wanted in the team. “I could have retired two years ago,” he said. “I could have retired at any time. But I’m still valued by the team. I’m still asked to be here, to play. So I’m here.”I’m always mindful of the future, too. I always have been. I’m not here to hang around. I’m just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I’m valued, I’m here. I’m doing my job. And I’ve done quite well over the last few years.”

South Africa got onto the points table while New Zealand slumped to their second straight loss in Indore

Shashank Kishore06-Oct-2025

Tazmin Brits walked back to a rousing ovation in Indore•ICC/Getty Images

Tazmin Brits is having a year like no other. Her fifth hundred in 2025 – the most-ever by a woman in a calendar year – studded South Africa’s dominance as they got onto the points table with a crushing six-wicket win over New Zealand, who slumped to their second straight loss in Indore.Four nights after being bundled out for the second-lowest score in World Cups, South Africa showed authority and intent in chasing down 232 in 40.5 overs. This somewhat helped cover up for a massive net run rate dent from their embarrassing loss to England in Guwahati.That South Africa had only these many to chase was largely thanks to left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, whose 4 for 40 triggered an alarming slide after Sophie Devine and Brook Halliday threatened a jailbreak. After the pair had added a quickfire 86 for the fourth-wicket, New Zealand were coasting at 187 for 3 in 38 overs when Mlaba made big dents.Related

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Halliday contributed 45 off 37 in a terrific exhibition of sweeps and reverse-sweeps, before falling to one hit too many when she top-edged a slog-sweep off Mlaba at the start of the 39th. During her stay, she briefly gave South Africa the shivers, like she had in last year’s T20 World Cup final in Dubai.South Africa hit back quickly after Halliday’s dismissal, with Mlaba next sending back Maddy Green to an ill-advised reverse sweep as she picked out backward point. Amid the collapse, Devine held out hope for New Zealand, like she’d done in hitting a valiant 112 against Australia in their opener.Nonkululeko Mlaba opened the floodgates with Brooke Halliday’s wicket•Getty ImagesDevine helped shift gears after Georgia Plimmer struggled to hit the ball off the square in a painstaking 31 off 68 balls. Devine was largely measured, taking 66 deliveries to bring up a half-century, her 17th in ODIs, before shifting gears, as she fed off Halliday’s form and enterprise.Halliday and Devine raised their half-century stand off just 41 deliveries, and New Zealand looked set for a lift-off. But Devine’s dismissal for 85, attempting to work a full delivery into the leg side, had a deflating effect. Ayabonga Khaka then cleaned up the lower order, as New Zealand lost 7 for 44 to be bowled out for 231, leaving 13 deliveries unused.All told, it was an innings of contrasting fortunes. New Zealand played themselves into a hole, consuming as many as 72 dots in the first 15 overs to leave the middle order with too much to do, after Suzie Bates fell for a second straight duck off the first ball of the match and Melie Kerr for 22. Then Devine and Halliday bailed them out, but in having a terrible back 10, New Zealand undid all the good work through the middle overs.To make a fist of the target, New Zealand needed early wickets, and they had one when Laura Wolvaardt, who plucked a stunner to end New Zealand’s innings, was out lbw playing around her front pad to Jess Kerr. But that was as much joy as they were to derive over the next two hours as Brits put on an exhibition, with Sune Luus for company.Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus left New Zealand without hope in the chase•Getty ImagesBrits’ was a high-tempo innings full of stunning shots, and it included a thrilling takedown of Melie Kerr early in the innings to offset any threat South Africa had. Having begun the innings steadily, Brits went into overdrive after the 10-over mark, at one point hitting five boundaries in nine deliveries, en route to a 44-ball half-century, her fastest in ODIs.Brits equally punished Eden Carson, the offspinner, muscling a six to bring up the 100 partnership off 111 deliveries. Brits’ use of her feet to negate any turn and bludgeon spinners repeatedly down the ground made for thrilling viewing. And while she was flying, Luus was fighting for survival.Unlike Brits, Luus struggled for timing, but the reward for all that tenacity for a fight was a half-century that she raised off 76 balls. Brits’ counter-attack gave her the rare luxury of finding her feet as the ball spun and jumped, merely underlining how ridiculously easy Brits had made batting look.Brits fell soon after getting to her century, bowled attempting to pull a skiddy length ball off Lea Tahuhu to leave South Africa briefly wobbly, as they lost two more wickets in an attempt to raze down the runs. But even through that, the result was a foregone conclusion.Luus raised the winning runs with a lofted hit over extra cover, finishing unbeaten on 81 to ensure South Africa ride a wave of confidence when they meet hosts and table-toppers India come Thursday in Vizag. New Zealand will hope for a change of luck when they travel to Guwahati to play Bangladesh the following day.

It was crucial that Everton put the brakes on their season for a third time with a win. And win the Toffees did. The Hill Dickinson returned to form as David Moyes oversaw a professional victory over Fulham in the Premier League.

The 2-0 win marked the end of a three-match winless run for Everton, lifting them to 11th in the standings. It’s all rather congested in the middle of the table right now, but Everton know they need to make improvements if they wish to beat off mid-table competition and push for a place in the top half.

And it’s becoming apparent that external solutions will be needed, thus turning our attention toward the looming January transfer window.

Where Everton are looking to strengthen

Everton’s winter transfer plans are currently rather nebulous, but that’s only natural given there is still a month and a half until the January market opens for business.

What is clear is that Moyes will be looking to strengthen, and the Friedkin Group are ready to back him in this endeavour. More detailed plans might be unknown, but it’s obvious that the Toffees will look to sign a striker, with Beto and £27m summer recruit Thierno Barry both toiling this term, one goal between them in the Premier League.

Were the Merseysiders playing their football with a reliable bagsman at number nine, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that European contention would already be a conversation.

That could still be the case, with a few tweaks. It’s not just up top where Everton need to remedy their tactical creases. Both full-back berths have been focus points of criticism this season, with Jake O’Brien industrious at right-back but out of position nonetheless, naturally a centre-back.

Let’s have a look at how Everton could shape up after a window of dealings.

Moyes' dream XI after January

Jordan Pickford will, of course, remain between the sticks for Everton, having extended until 2029 last month.

The return of Jarrad Branthwaite to fitness will also feel like a new signing for side who have had to make do at the rear this term. Praise must be placed at Michael Keane’s feet, the English defender having completed a U-turn before the end of last season, signing a new deal and starting every Premier League match of the campaign.

It is indeed the wide defenders who need changing, and Everton could act on their interest in Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez, with an October report suggesting the Blues have prepared a £17m bid ahead of January.

Sanchez, 23, is a powerful and balanced player, and in La Liga this season, he ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

This would be an interesting deal to add width and dynamism down Everton’s right side, but it could be a move that is overshadowed by a loan bid for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly’s reduced role in Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging team this season is not a reflection of his skillset but an emphasis on the Gunners’ remarkable rise in recent years. The 19-year-old was very much a part of that last year, his performances leading The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid to describe him as a “£100m footballer”.

Arteta has yet to name the prospect from the opening in the top flight this season, and this has given rise to chatter about a winter loan move. A number of unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation, and it’s more than likely that Everton are among that mix.

Such additions would have a marked impact on Everton’s prospects this season, giving Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish more freedom and security on the attacking wings. Grealish is only a loanee himself, but there are hopes that a permanent deal can be engineered in 2026.

That leaves the big one. One of Beto or Barry could leave the Hill Dickinson this winter, especially when Everton have shown signs of interest in Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who left the Premier League for Saudi Arabia in 2024.

Toney, 29, is one of England’s most talented and dangerous marksmen, and he had been coveted by Chelsea last summer, before the stars aligned for a big pay packet overseas.

The Athletic have confirmed that the former Brentford man is a player of interest heading into the January market, albeit with a host of complications relating to finances and the thick competition for such a signature at the season’s midpoint.

This would be an ambitious move, but one which could pay off handsomely if the Merseyside club play their cards right. The £30m-rated Toney, after all, is intrigued by the possibility of returning to his homeland ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Instrumental in propping the Gtech up in the Premier League, Toney was described by Thomas Frank as being a “monster” of a striker, not only deadly in front of goal but dynamic and intelligent too.

25/26

17

4 (2)

24/25

33

20 (4)

23/24

33

12 (5)

It won’t be easy, wrestling the £400k-per-week Three Lions star from the Gulf region and beating the inevitable competition for his signature, but Everton need a striker, and Moyes may just canvass a compelling proposal to the proven Premier League star.

We can say without question that Everton have enjoyed an upswing in results and performances since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the helm. But Everton need more. There’s a bluntness to the squad’s attack, and by reenergising the widths and placing a robust and hungry option at the focal front point, Moyes might just pull off another special success.

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