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Birmingham City will be looking to enter the Championship and show off their renewed confidence after an explosive title-winning season in League One.

For far too long, the Blues have struggled in the chaotic second tier, with all those lower table finishes in the EFL’s elite division coming to a head when relegation finally occurred at the close of the dismal 2023/24 campaign.

Now, however, after an unforgettable 111-point season in the league below, Birmingham will jump back up to the unpredictable level, keen to impress.

They will surely be helped navigating back up to their tricky, new surroundings by a whole host of new signings entering through the door, with one face now rumoured to be joining the ever-growing camp perhaps their next Demarai Gray at St. Andrew’s.

How Demarai Gray burst through at Birmingham

Before going on to cement himself as a Premier League regular for Leicester City and Everton, Gray was the next rising star coming up the ranks in the West Midlands.

The homegrown product instantly caught the eye when he was thrown into the senior team deep-end, making his Championship bow under Lee Clark at the age of just 17 years, three months and three days.

He quickly became known for his trickery and speed on the ball, while also being able to fire home an opportunity after darting forward with intent.

In total, Birmingham’s former number 33 slotted home eight strikes and picked up four assists from 78 games for his boyhood employers, leading to Gray then going on to tally up a mammoth 200 Premier League appearances away from St. Andrew’s.

As it happens, there’s a Birmingham transfer target who will be aiming to become a recognised top-flight performer in time, too, with his ability to play down either the left or right channel with equal amounts of venom making him a similar style player to Gray.

Birmingham's next Demarai Gray

If Chris Davies’ men are to take the Championship by storm, they will have to scare second-tier defences stiff like they managed in League One, with Jay Stansfield and Alfie May proving to be too hot for many a third-tier team to handle, scoring 40 goals between them.

Throwing Kwame Poku into the mix could make an already dynamite Birmingham forward line even more of a mouth-watering prospect; therefore, with a report from GIVEMESPORT recently revealing that Davies and Co. are just one of a jaw-dropping 26 outfits eyeing up the EFL superstar on a free transfer.

Described as a “top-drawer” player by Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony, the forward has certainly been making all the right noises of late and if his numbers are anything to go by, he should settle into his new division swimmingly and become the club’s new iteration of Gray.

After all, away from collecting a gigantic 12 goals and 11 assists last season for Darren Ferguson’s men to show off his clinical edge, Poku’s versatility, energy and dazzling dribbling wherever he lines up on the pitch is very reminiscent of the 28-year-old during his St. Andrew’s heyday.

Whilst Gray has predominantly featured as a left winger for most of his varied career to date, he is capable of playing as a number ten or as a right winger if needed, much like the one-time Ghana international.

Of course, with the vast amount of teams sniffing around for Poku’s services, snapping him up could be an almighty slog, particularly as Premier League-bound Sunderland allegedly begin to circle.

But, Poku might well see the journey Gray went on with his hometown club as a bonus of coming to Birmingham over bravely leaping straight up to the top-flight.

Birmingham can sign their new Jutkiewicz with move for "phenomenal" striker

Birmingham City could go down the experienced route when landing a new striker this summer.

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By
Kelan Sarson

May 27, 2025

Right from the moment Arne Slot got to work in his new job at Liverpool F.C., there was a sense that FSG had appointed a coach who knew his stuff.

But, perhaps, even FSG’s chiefs hadn’t expected such a startling ascension to the peak of the English pyramid; not 12 months into his role, Slot clinched the Premier League, he won it with dominance, Liverpool’s quest never really in doubt after Manchester City peeled away before a harsh winter dragged them down further still.

There’s no question sweeping changes are now needed: Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving for Real Madrid on a Bosman, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is on the verge of joining as his replacement.

Plenty more, such as a striker, since Darwin Nunez is leaving, is needed. However, numerous areas could be strengthened.

Liverpool only brought Federico Chiesa into the fold, signing the injury-prone Juventus star for a cut-price £12.5m fee. Chiesa, sadly, hasn’t kicked on, only starting one top-flight fixture.

The right-sided Chiesa was always up against it, for Mohamed Salah has just produced a talismanic campaign for the ages.

Mohamed Salah's historic season

Salah scoring goals is no new thing on the English scene. The Egyptian has been one of the most destructive forwards in European football since signing for Liverpool in 2017, leaving AS Roma for a £34m fee.

The 32-year-old’s season rubber-stamped his reputation as one of the finest to do it. Journalist Uri Levy has even said, “Mohamed Salah has a very good chance to go down in history as the greatest Premier League player of all time.”

And for good reason. Football is a team sport, but Salah has dragged his side toward gold. Across all competitions this season, he’s scored 33 goals and provided 23 assists across 51 matches.

His 28-goal return in the Premier League has also seen him break into the division’s top five goalscorers in history. With a two-year extension penned last month, Salah has a golden opportunity to overtake Harry Kane as the second-highest scorer of all time, behind only Alan Shearer.

He’s a true great, and Liverpool will struggle to replace him. Indeed, it would take an incredible feat to find a bigger talent than the winger, but FSG might just have found such a player ahead of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool make staggering offer

Spanish outlet Sport have made something of a bombshell claim concerning Liverpool and Barcelona, the latter of whom wish to sign Luis Diaz this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Standing in the way of La Blaugrana’s bid is Florian Wirtz, with the Bayer Leverkusen sensation at the top of FSG’s shopping list. The report actually reveals that Liverpool have presented an ‘astronomical offer’ to Wirtz as they look to beat Bayern Munich to the 22-year-old’s signature.

Signing Wirtz won’t be easy, even though Manchester City have pulled out of the running. Firstly, Bayern consider themselves favourites to sign the player, keeping him in his homeland, while Leverkusen are also looking to fetch a sum of €150m (£126m) for their star man.

For now, a waiting game, with the ball very much in the attacking midfielder’s court.

What Florian Wirtz would bring to Liverpool

Wirtz is a young and up-and-coming talent. Oh, he’s also one of the most talented and effective in the game. Former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has even called him “the best midfielder in the world.”

Debatable? Certainly. Unfounded? Certainly not. Wirtz might only be 22 but he’s already racked up 197 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 57 goals and providing 65 assists.

He’s not just a goal-getting machine, either (not that that’s a bad thing). As per Sofascore, Wirtz has created 29 big chances across the past two Bundesliga campaigns, with his athleticism underlined by physical metrics: he’s averaged 2.6 dribbles and 5.2 successful duels per game in 2024/25.

Given the Germany international’s skyrocketing journey to the highest echelon of European footballers, still so young, he could prove to be the best attacking player the club has seen in a very long time, maybe even eclipsing Salah.

Though ‘The Egyptian King’ has cemented himself in immortality, he was once discarded by Chelsea after failing to make his mark at Stamford Bridge. A career revival with two clubs in Italy propelled him back to the Premier League, but it wasn’t until he was 25 that Jurgen Klopp came calling.

Moreover, Wirtz has been described by journalist Zach Lowy as a “world-class” player who “could win the Ballon d’Or one day.”

From a wider, longer lens, Wirtz’s minutes will need to be managed to ensure he doesn’t burn out toward his thirties, having featured prominently across his fledgling years and having already overcome an ACL injury.

But his startling output and indeed the staggering £126m fee that Liverpool may have to pay highlight a ceiling that might not even be there. That is to say, Wirtz’s potential is boundless; with such talent and athleticism, he truly could become one of the greatest contemporaries in the Premier League and supercharge the Slot era toward a sustained spell of dominance, both domestically and abroad.

He’s got all the tricks and plenty more flicks besides, but Wirtz is also a focused and intelligent player whose decision-making and application have led talent scout Jacek Kulig to praise his “sensational blend of flair and creativity.”

And he’s only just getting started. With Slot tinkering away at the player’s skill set, we may well see him go from strength to strength and become one of the deadliest players in Europe, if he’s not already.

It’s a high bar to reach for, but he might just prove himself an even bigger talent than Salah.

Their best LW since Mane: Liverpool prepare move for "world-class" £50m ace

Liverpool could be about to land a star who could follow in Sadio Mane’s footsteps at Anfield.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 23, 2025

Liverpool’s success during 2024/25 has been nothing short of sensational, winning the Premier League with ease and being unlucky not to have added a Carabao Cup to their list of honours.

Arne Slot has produced a side that has made easy work of other sides in the division, losing just three times in their 35 matches – the best record of any side in the top-flight.

The Dutchman hasn’t made wholesale changes from the previous management, utilising all the players who were at the club after his appointment last summer.

However, despite the excellent run endured in recent months, he has the opportunity to make changes to his squad and take them to the next level ahead of 2025/26.

With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, the manager and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting added reinforcements to bolster his already impressive squad.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of new signings this summer

Over the last couple of months, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been a player who has constantly been touted with a switch to join Liverpool this summer.

However, it appears they’re set to miss out on the 26-year-old, after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he’s agreed a deal with fellow Premier League side Arsenal over a £50m switch.

Such news will be a disappointment to the fanbase, but they’ve quickly moved on to other options, with Athletic Club’s Mikel Jauregizar now their top target, according to Anfield Watch.

The report states that Slot and staff behind the scenes have been impressed with his showings in LaLiga this campaign and are ready to make an offer for his signature.

It also claims that any move could depend on outgoings in the coming months, but that the 21-year-old will be the player they go after if sales are made.

Why Liverpool’s target would be better than Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been a key part of Slot’s side this campaign, starting all but one league game to date, and cementing his place alongside Argentinian international Alexis Mac Allister.

It’s a stark change from last season as he struggled to break into the side, making just 12 Premier League starts under former boss Jurgen Klopp.

His £34m transfer fee was seen as a waste of money given his lack of action in 2023/24, but now it appears to be a bargain given his importance under his compatriot.

He will likely remain an integral part of Slot’s plans once again next campaign, but his game time could dramatically decrease should the Reds secure a summer deal for Jauregizar in the coming months.

When comparing the Spaniard’s stats to those of Gravenberch this season, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be for the club.

The youngster, who’s been labelled “Mr Consistent” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more passes into the final third – highlighting his ability to get the ball into forward areas.

However, he’s also dominated defensively, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more blocks per 90 – handing the manager that added defensive reinforcements he’s been desiring.

Jauregizar has also won more aerial duels this season, whilst drawing more fouls per 90 – handing the side a restbite option should they find themselves under the cosh.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spanish youngster would set the club back, it’s evident that from the stats produced that he would be a phenomenal addition to the Reds squad.

If Slot is to maintain such success and claim a second title next campaign, it’s vital that the hierarchy work tirelessly to complete a deal – potentially seeing Gravenberch face stiff competition to maintain his starting role.

Dream Frimpong alternative: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star

Liverpool could forget about Jeremie Frimpong with a move for another defensive star.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 10, 2025

Given the high standards he’s set for himself in 2024/25, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has a huge job on his hands this summer to continue the process made in recent months.

The Dutchman took the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer, offering a seamless transition and leading the side to Premier League glory at the very first attempt.

He managed to achieve such a feat with multiple games to spare, winning 25 matches out of a possible 35 to date, losing on just three occasions, with one coming on home soil.

However, the Dutchman faces a huge task on his hands next time around to maintain such a success and hand the club an opportunity to make it back-to-back titles.

If such an achievement is to happen at the same point in 12 months time, this summer transfer window will be crucial, with the hierarchy needing to hand Slot the funds to make the additions he needs.

An update on Liverpool’s pursuit of new signings this summer

With the transfer window just around the corner, numerous names have been mentioned over a potential move to join Liverpool, including Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez.

The Hungarian has been on their shopping list for many months now, with the Reds still in the hunt for his signature, leading to a potential saga throughout the off-season.

However, the opposite side of the pitch could also be in line for investment, with Slot’s men closely monitoring a move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports in Spain.

They state that the Reds are to submit an offer in the region of £34m for the 24-year-old star, who’s made 47 appearances across all competitions for the German outfit this campaign.

It also claims that the Dutchman is the manager’s key target for the upcoming window, with Frimpong having the tools to come into the side and soften the blow of one player’s pending departure.

Why Liverpool’s £34m target is the dream TAA replacement

Over the last couple of days, Liverpool fans have been left dismayed after right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed he would be ending his 20-year stint with his boyhood club.

The 26-year-old has racked up over 350 appearances after making his first-team debut back in the summer of 2016, winning a staggering six major trophies – including two Premier League titles.

However, after such an impressive stint at Anfield, it’s going to be tricky to replace such a talent, which could subsequently have an impact on their ambitions of going back-to-back in the Premier League next campaign.

It’s a positive sign that the hierarchy have already wasted little to no time in targeting a replacement, with Frimpong having the tools to do just that – or even provide an upgrade on the Englishman.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from 2024/25, the Leverkusen star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – with the fee touted potentially being a bargain for the Reds.

The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “one of the best wing-backs in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to complete more progressive carries per 90 this campaign – handing Slot an added attacking threat from full-back.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, but whilst also attempting more take-ons – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

Defensively, he’s been just as impressive, winning more tackles against players attempting to dribble past him – with Frimpong able to offer added stability, something which Trent often struggled with at Anfield.

£34m for a player of his calibre in today’s market is an absolute steal, allowing the club to land a player who can fill the role for many years, given his tender age.

Whilst losing Trent will be a huge disappointment to many, the Leverkusen star has the chance to allow supporters to forget about his departure and play a key role in any success endured under Slot in the years to come.

Better signing than Sesko: Liverpool plot move for "world-class" £64m ace

Liverpool appear to be making a huge move to land a new striker for Arne Slot this summer.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

May 7, 2025

The last few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have lost the Premier League title and looked lethargic in games against Brentford and Crystal Palace.

However, in the Champions League, they’ve thrived and, thanks to a demolition job of Real Madrid home and away, are set to play just their third semi-final in history tomorrow night.

On top of that, recent reports have suggested that Thomas Partey could be set for a new deal, and the transfer of Martin Zubimendi remains a real possibility.

Undoubtedly, having the two midfielders would be a serious boon for Arsenal next year, although there’s another star in the squad worth more than both combined.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Why Arsenal want Partey and Zubimendi

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at why Arsenal would want Partey and Zubimendi next year, and when it comes to the former, there are two key reasons.

The first reason is that, while he has endured some significant injury problems in the past, he’s been available for practically the entire campaign this year and has arguably been in the form of his Arsenal career.

For example, he’s made 47 appearances so far, in which he’s scored four goals, provided three assists, and, according to FBref, is in the top 4% of Premier League midfielders for successful take-on percentage, the top 6% for tackles in the attacking third, the top 7% for passes completed and more, all per 90.

However, as he’s set 32 in the summer and still has a miserable injury record, the club will need to add more quality to the number six position, which is where Zubimendi comes in.

The Real Sociedad star has been just as important to his team this year, making 43 appearances, in which he’s scored two goals and provided two assists.

Moreover, like the Gunners’ number five, the Spaniard also has some impressive underlying numbers, with FBref placing him in the top 7% of midfielders in La Liga for shots blocked, the top 9% for clearances, touches in the defensive third and successful take-on percentage, the top 16% for aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

In all, it would be fair to say that even at his age, Partey is worth his €14.7m – £12.5m – valuation given to him by Football Transfers, and Zubimendi is deserving of his €55.2m valuation, which comes to £46.9m.

Yet, despite their impressive campaigns, there is another Arsenal star worth millions more than them combined.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Partey and Zubimendi

So, when it comes to the most valuable Arsenal players, most fans will understandably think of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.

However, while they are worth enormous sums of money, the star in question is none other than Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this season and, according to Football Transfers, is worth €116.4, which is about £99m, or £39.6m more than Partey and Zubimendi combined.

Now, that might seem like an awful lot of money for a central midfielder, but it would be hard to say it’s not warranted.

For example, in 47 appearances, the 26-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by podcaster and host Adam Keys, has scored seven goals and provided ten assists.

Moreover, FBref has placed him in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, the top 5% for goals plus assists, progressive carries and corner kicks, the top 7% for crosses and more, all per 90.

Moreover, there are certain intangible elements to his game, such as his leadership and ability to deal with the biggest occasions, that make him such an asset.

Ultimately, while Zubimendi and Partey would be incredibly useful players to have in the squad next season, we can’t see either one surpassing Rice as the club’s most important midfielder.

He's like Saka & Salah: Arsenal plan talks to sign £55m Ballon d'Or nominee

The free-scoring international could be just what Arsenal need.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 28, 2025

Leeds United are interested in signing an in-demand French striker who is also wanted by Scottish giants Celtic.

Leeds transfer rumours following promotion to the Premier League

The Whites and Daniel Farke are preparing for life back in the Premier League following a successful Championship campaign.

Promotion was secured for Leeds over the Easter weekend which resulted in a party at Elland Road on Monday evening. Farke’s side secured wins over Oxford United and Stoke City, whereas Sheffield United fell to defeat against Burnley to guarantee a top two finish for the Whites and the Clarets.

Talking after sealing promotion to the Premier League, captain Ethan Ampadu said: “It’s amazing. If you look at the scenes here, as it was after the final whistle, just pure excitement. Within ourselves we’ve got another target, so we can enjoy this now, but we’ve got another target we want to achieve. But right now, it’s very good.”

Centre-back Joe Rodon added: “For me it hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will until the end of the season, but I’m just delighted for everyone involved with the club, the fans and what it means to them. It’s what everyone has worked for all season and I’m buzzing.”

With top flight football back in Yorkshire for the 2025/26 season, the 49ers Enterprises may look to splash the cash on several new signings, and a new centre-forward is thought to be on the wishlist.

There are doubts at Leeds over Joel Piroe’s ability in the top flight, despite the striker scoring four goals in the first half against Stoke on Monday. There are also concerns over Patrick Bamford.

There have been some forwards linked with moves to Elland Road recently, including AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham. However, a new up-and-coming young forward appears to be on the Leeds radar, going off a recent update.

Leeds keen on French forward Moussa Soumano

According to Africa Foot, Leeds are one of several sides keen on Ajaccio forward Moussa Soumano. Aged just 19, Soumano is also wanted by Celtic and Leicester City, whereas Brentford have already made an offer worth €3m (£2.5m) to sign the attacker.

49ers not messing: Leeds swoop for "unique" £1.5m Premier League striker

The Whites have set their sights on a forward who is currently plying his trade in the Premier League.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 24, 2025

Also capable of playing on the wing if required, Soumano has scored five goals and provided two assists in 66 appearances for his current employers. Not exactly a prolific record, however, the 6ft French attacker has been hailed as a promising talent and is ‘considered one of the great hopes of Corsican football’ in Africa Foot’s report.

Soumano could be one to keep an eye on, with Leeds potentially looking to bring in some talented teenagers alongside some big names, just like they did with Crysencio Summerville and Mateo Joseph when they were last in the top flight.

Nottingham Forest are ready to pay a massive £75 million to sign one of Europe’s most sought-after players this summer, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest slip-up against Everton

After only narrowly escaping relegation last season, Nottingham Forest have been enjoying an extremely fruitful 2024/25 campaign.

With just six Premier League games left to play, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are currently third in the table, firmly on course for qualification for next season’s Champions League.

There hopes of qualification, however, took a minor dent at the weekend as they slipped to a surprise 1-0 defeat at the hands of Everton, who walked away from the City Ground with all three points thanks to a last-gasp goal from midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Speaking after the game, Espirito Santo was highly critical of his side’s display.

“The performance was not good,” said the Portuguese head coach, as per BBC Sport. “Last minute of the game, from an offensive corner we conceded so we are disappointed but in terms of the game, we were not good. Everton were dominant.”

“Everton made problems for us so it was a tough one. were not able to do the things they normally do. Everyone felt we were not comfortable. The defense was fantastic for us and today we felt the boys It is in our hands and we have to bounce back.”

Nottingham Forest ready to pay £75m for Cunha

Despite their strong season, if Forest are to qualify, and compete, in next season’s Champions League, they’ll no doubt need to add further quality to their squad, particularly in the final third.

One man the club and owner Evangelos Marinakis are particularly keen to add to their ranks over the summer is Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian has been Wolves’ star player this season, playing a vital role in their likely Premier League survival, scoring 13 goals – many of them long-range beauties – and registering four assists.

According to reports from Spain, Forest are now ready to pay as much as £75 million to secure Cunha’s services, but will face stiff competition from all of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who are willing to do the same.

The publication adds that it’s also unclear whether Cunha would be open to leaving Molineux, having only signed a contract extension in February.

Speaking about the 25-year-old back in November, former Premier League defender turned pundit Micah Richards described him as “absolutely sensational.”

“He’s the one who can unlock the doors. He finds the little pockets of space and makes the right decisions at the right times,” said Richards. “He’s always scanning where he needs to be and always plays the right pass. He is so key in what Wolves are trying to do. He is the best at everything.”

Tottenham recruitment chiefs have reportedly set their sights on an “elite” talent who Man City boss Pep Guardiola called “unbelievable”, with the looming January transfer window set to be an intriguing one for Spurs and Thomas Frank.

The Lewis family, after parting company with ex-chairman Daniel Levy, have made their intentions to back the club pretty known.

After injecting £100 million worth of new capital into Spurs via ENIC, they sought to re-appoint transfer guru Fabio Paratici as a co-sporting director, where he’ll work alongside Johan Lange overseeing their drive for new signings.

Amid their striker conundrum, with Randal Kolo Muani now sidelined with a jaw problem, Dominic Solanke still recovering and Richarlison largely out of form, Tottenham are exploring the possibility of a new striker arriving mid-season.

Frank has even reportedly held direct talks with Ivan Toney about a potential loan move to N17 with the 2026 World Cup looming and his England place in doubt, while Juventus star Dušan Vlahović is believed to be another Spurs target as his contract ticks down towards expiry.

According to other reports, the Lilywhites also have plans to bring in another winger and centre-back at the turn of the year, even if Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski are poised to return from their long-term injuries fairly soon.

However, according to a new report from TEAMtalk and journalist Dean Jones, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is also attracting their attention.

Tottenham chiefs really want Spurs to sign Bournemouth sensation Alex Scott

The 22-year-old has started nearly all of high-flying Bournemouth’s 11 Premier League games this season and was a surprise inclusion for Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad to face Serbia and Albania. More interestingly, Tottenham hold an historic interest in Scott, which dates all the way back to 2022 during his Bristol City days.

Once likened to Jack Grealish, the Guernsey-native was dubbed an “elite” level talent on the rise back when he was 18 and making a name for himself at Bristol, with Guardiola confessed to be among his many admirers.

With Scott now making a name for himself in Europe’s most competitive division, Spurs’ admiration for the player hasn’t gone away.

As per Jones, some members of Tottenham’s transfer team are “very hot” on Scott right now, and a move for him in the near future could be on the cards.

According to Opta, no Bournemouth midfielder has made more dribbles than Scott or won more ground duels than the new England international — demonstrating his ability to excel both defensively and in the forward areas.

Scott also started in England’s victorious U21 European Championship final against Germany in June, with Spurs chiefs potentially taking interest in one of the country’s next rising stars who’s perhaps less talked about.

According to another report, though, he won’t be let go on the cheap.

Bournemouth could demand as much as £65 million for Scott, or more, with the Cherries aiming to make a near-triple profit on a player they signed for just £25 million.

The allrounder made a successful comeback for Baroda with a match-wining performance on Tuesday

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Dec-2025Hardik Pandya is set to make a comeback to T20Is when India’s selectors pick the squad for the five-match series against South Africa on Wednesday. There are doubts about the availability of Shubman Gill, India’s T20I vice-captain.The Gill question is likely to be top of the agenda for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel when they meet in Raipur, where India play South Africa in the second ODI.In Gill’s likely absence, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the possible contenders to open the innings with Abhishek Sharma. While Samson was in the recent T20I squad that toured Australia, he played only two out of the five matches and batted only once – at No. 3. Jaiswal was not part of that squad.Gill had hurt his neck while batting in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, where he retired hurt and played no further part in the match. He missed the second Test too – which India lost to concede the series 2-0 – and the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa as well.It is understood that Gill’s injury involves a pinched nerve, and as per the initial timeline drawn up by BCCI medical staff, he would need to rest for a minimum of five weeks before resuming training. He arrived at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday to continue his rehab.The selectors are also likely to consider Riyan Parag for a slot in the 15-member squad. Parag last played for India in a T20I series against Bangladesh in 2024 and is currently leading Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Both the selectors and the Indian think tank will be happy about Hardik’s successful return – he led Baroda to a victory against Punjab on Tuesday in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – having successfully recovered from the left quadricep injury he suffered during the Asia Cup in September. Hardik took 1 for 52 in four overs and scored a match-winning 77 not out in his first competitive game in more than two months. He had missed the five-match T20I series in Australia in October-November, which India won 2-1 with two washouts.The T20I series against South Africa begins on December 9 in Cuttack – after the ODI series ends on December 6 – followed by games in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17) and Ahmedabad (December 19).India, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, are currently the top-ranked T20I team, while South Africa are in fifth place.

Thibaut Courtois has acknowledged Real Madrid’s relationship with manager Xabi Alonso has included “better or worse moments” after their vital 3-0 win over Athletic Club. The result snapped a run of three winless away games in La Liga and eased growing scrutiny around the squad. The Belgian goalkeeper also praised Los Blancos' response while urging the squad to maintain intensity.

• Real Madrid break three-match winless streak with 3-0 win

  Real Madrid returned to winning ways on the road with a commanding 3-0 victory against Athletic Club at San Mames, a performance described by Alonso as their most complete display of the season. Courtois produced a crucial save at 1-0 to deny Athletic Club their best opening, helping Madrid close the gap to Barcelona to a single point. The win came at a cost, however, with Eduardo Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold sustaining fresh injuries during a night that otherwise revived confidence.

  The match carried added significance given Madrid’s previous three league fixtures had yielded draws, prompting external pressure on both the players and Alonso. Los Blancos played with noticeably higher intensity than in recent weeks, particularly compared to their sluggish performance in Girona, where Courtois admitted they “didn’t give enough”. The improved organisation, pressing and defensive structure helped Madrid control phases of play that had troubled them during November’s downturn.

  Despite the comfortable scoreline, the wider backdrop remains shaped by ongoing concerns over tactical consistency and dressing-room harmony. The clash followed a period in which reports claimed several senior players were unconvinced by Alonso’s methods, contributing to speculation about fractures within the squad. While Madrid delivered a response on the pitch, the internal noise surrounding relationships and expectations remains a defining theme of their season.

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• AFP
  

  Courtois opens up on Real Madrid squad's relationship with Alonso

  After the win over Athletic Club, Courtois gave a clear assessment of Real Madrid’s improved performance and the mentality shift required to avoid repeat lapses. “In the first half in Girona, we didn’t give enough, and we have to understand that today, if you don’t play at 100%, you can easily be beaten. What we’ve said is that we need to stop talking and start acting. Matches are always different; Athletic plays with a high defensive line, which creates more space, and it’s more difficult for us against Girona or Elche when they defend,” he told .

  He also highlighted the collective effort behind their victory. “We can improve against teams that play deep. It was a good team performance. We have to keep working and believing. In the end, we’re a team, and everyone has their role. Everyone played a great game. Everyone wants to contribute to the team’s success.”

  Courtois then addressed rumours of a strained relationship between the dressing room and Alonso, insisting the situation had been exaggerated externally. “I think we’re always close to him. Ultimately, we’re at Real Madrid, any small gesture is magnified by 10, and we’re people. Sometimes tensions are high, but I don’t think there was a problem between the team and the manager,” he told . “We started very well. In relationships, there are always better or worse moments, but I don’t think any player has felt that they were not OK with him, and we’re always OK. I don’t think there was ever a problem, on the outside, there’s always noise, but internally, we don’t notice it. There’s a lot of talk externally, when maybe on the inside it’s not like that, but we can’t come out and deny everything.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Real Madrid dressing room split over Alonso

  Courtois’ comments arrive during a crucial phase of Alonso’s tenure, as Real Madrid’s tactical misfires and dressing-room tensions have intensified scrutiny around the club. The early part of the campaign was defined by experimental setups and inconsistent performances, including a heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid. These setbacks contributed to the perception that Madrid lacked structure and presence in midfield, particularly during difficult stretches in November.

  Reports have also highlighted a dressing-room divide, with certain players struggling to adapt to Alonso’s tactical demands and rotation strategy. The publicised conflict with Vinicius Junior, who reacted angrily to a substitution in El Clasico and has reservations about renewing his contract at Real Madrid if Alonso remains, has amplified the sense of unease within the squad.

  Madrid’s victory at San Mames may signal a turning point, but the team remains under the microscope due to their inconsistent pressing, fluctuating intensity levels and reliance on moments of individual brilliance.

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• Real Madrid and Alonso face crucial winter period

  Real Madrid now prepare for back-to-back home fixtures against Celta Vigo in the league and Manchester City in the Champions League, matches that will test whether their improved display in Bilbao represents genuine momentum. Alonso must balance tactical refinement with squad management as injuries continue to accumulate, further complicating his efforts to re-establish stability. With external pressure unlikely to fade, Madrid’s ability to sustain results and harmony will determine whether they can shift the narrative and mount a stronger title challenge over the winter period.