Following a hectic January transfer window, in which Jhon Duran left for Al-Nassr in a big-money move, Aston Villa are now reportedly in the race to sign a key replacement for the forward this summer.
Aston Villa transfer news
Whilst Duran’s exit certainly opened the floodgates for further arrivals to come flying in at Villa Park, the Midlands club ultimately ended the window without signing a replacement. Instead, they seemed to focus on the surrounding areas – strengthening on the flank through Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford, before replacing Diego Carlos with Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.
Speaking to the club website after putting pen to paper, late arrival Disasi said: “My happiness to play, my desire to play and to win. I’m still young, but I have experience, so I want to bring this.
“I’m just a guy that loves to give everything for the team, and it’s this that I want to bring. I hope we will succeed. I would say I like to be aggressive, I like to be dominant. I like to play with the ball also from the back, and I can score some goals. I am very happy to be here.”
Revealed: Why Aston Villa missed out on £365k-p/w trio before Disasi loan
It was a busy and hectic winter window at Villa Park as they tried for several new signings.
ByBen Browning Feb 4, 2025
After such a busy window, the Villans are still not done there it seems. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Aston Villa could now take advantage of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract doubts to land their Duran replacement.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
The Crystal Palace striker is reportedly deliberating over a new deal with his current contract coming to an end in the summer 2026. Leaving the door ajar, Villa could come swooping in and sign the added firepower they may need ahead of other interested parties such as Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest.
"Strong" Mateta is ready for step up
As Aston Villa eye Champions League qualification for the second year in a row, they could welcome a striker who is more than ready to step up to that European level following two standout campaigns at Selhurst Park. Even as Ollie Watkins’ deputy too, Duran proved that there’s still space in the spotlight for another striker to shine.
Minutes
1,862
638
Goals
10
7
Assists
1
0
Expected Goals
8.2
4.9
Outperforming his expected goals by two and hitting double figures this season, it’s no surprise that Mateta has found himself at the centre of Paul Merson’s praise.
The former Arsenal midfielder and now Sky Sports pundit said, as relayed by The Metro: “He’s a strong lad up front, playing at the top of his game, he leads the line, scoring goals now. He runs and works his socks off harder than anyone you know.”
With his Crystal Palace future still in question, Mateta looks set to have quite the decision to make in South London when the summer arrives and Aston Villa alongside others come calling for his signature.
In the grand scheme of things, Arsenal have enjoyed a rapid rise back up the footballing ladder in recent years.
Mikel Arteta has taken the North Londoners from mid-table mediocrity to genuine challengers in the Premier League and Champions League.
However, this season has felt like something of a step back, and following their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup during the week, it looks like they could end the campaign without a trophy yet again.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetacelebrates after the match
There were disappointing performances across the pitch on Wednesday, including from Leandro Trossard, who received a more than justified 5/10 match rating from the Standard’s Simon Collings.
The Belgian has been underwhelming for the whole campaign this season, so recent reports linking the club with an exciting winger who could replace him should not be a massive surprise.
Arsenal chase Trossard replacement
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several teams very interested in Deportivo La Coruña’s star winger, Yeremay Hernandez.
Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that fellow Premier League sides Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United are all keen on the young Spaniard and already have scouts watching him closely.
While the level of competition could prove a barrier to signing him, his price probably won’t, as another report out of Spain earlier this week revealed that the Galician outfit have set a €20m release clause in his contract, which converts to about £17m.
It could be a difficult transfer to get over the line, but given Hernandez’s performances this season, the potential some believe him to have, and Arsenal’s dire need for attacking reinforcements, it’s worth pursuing, even if it could spell trouble for Trossard.
How Hernandez compares to Trossard
So, it’s no secret that after his brilliant return of 17 goals and two assists in 46 appearances last season, Trossard has been seriously disappointing this year.
As things stand, the Belgian international has scored just four goals and provided three assists in 28 games, meaning he went from averaging a goal involvement every 2.42 games last year to averaging one every four games this year.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion ace cannot blame dwindling output on lousy luck either, as his underlying numbers have also significantly worsened.
Trossard’s poor form
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
46
28
Goals
17
4
Assists
2
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.41
0.25
All Stats via Transfermarkt
For example, according to FBref, he was in the top 3% of attacking midfielders or wingers for non-penalty expected goals in the Premier League last season, whereas this year, he sits in the top 36% for the same metric.
In short, the 30-year-old international appears to be rapidly losing his edge, which is where the exciting Hernandez could come in.
Now, the 22-year-old has not experienced top-flight football before, so there is an element of risk in signing him, but he has been electric this season.
For example, in just 17 appearances, the “excellent” prospect, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored seven goals and provided three assists, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games.
Moreover, his underlying numbers are utterly phenomenal.
According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of midfielders in the next best 14 competitions for actual and expected non-penalty goals, total shots, progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Trossard’s days of being a compelling option on the wing for Arsenal look numbered, and while there is an element of risk in signing Hernandez, his raw output and underlying numbers are so good it’s a risk worth taking.
Arsenal chase £42m "box-crashing" titan who could already replace Merino
The Premier League veteran would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.
Bayern Munich are worried they will miss out on a financial boost as Tottenham will decide against signing Mathys Tel permanently.
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Tel joined Spurs on loan in winter window
Has struggled to make an impact
Tottenham not expected to take up purchase option
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Tel arrived at Tottenham at the end of the winter transfer window and was handed the No. 11 shirt. Tottenham have the option to sign Tel permanently for a fee of €50m (£43m)but do not look like taking it up as the striker is effectively fifth choice now in north London, according to . The striker is described as having been "anything but good" during his time with Spurs and the fear is he's turned into a flop.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Tel has managed just two goals for Spurs this season. He's netted against Aston Villa in the FA Cup and Southampton in the Premier League but has struggled to impress for Ange Postecoglou's side. If Tottenham do not sign Tel it will be a blow for Bayern, as the club had reportedly been planning on using the funds to help reinvest in the squad which may subsequently affect their summer transfer plans.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tel was wanted by Tottenham's Europa League quarter-final opponents Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. Manager Dino Toppmoller told Sky Sport Germany: “Mathys was a topic during several transfer windows, of course because I know him and there’s simply a connection. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way we had hoped. I’m happy for him that he’s now found a club he’s chosen for himself. Let’s see how long he stays there – I believe it’s just a loan. We’ll see.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR TEL
Tel will come up against Frankfurt in the second leg of the Europa League tie on Thursday in Germany. Before then, Spurs face a trip to Molineux to take on Wolves on Sunday in the Premier League.
Wrexham are eyeing the January signing of a player who Jamie Carragher has described as “brilliant”, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
Wrexham looking strong in promotion push
Phil Parkinson’s side continue to impress back in League One, with some wondering if they would find it hard being in the third tier of English football back in August.
Instead, Wrexham have taken to the league like a duck to water, sitting third in the table behind Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers, with the trio looking like front-runners to seal promotion to the Championship.
The Welsh outfit could be looking to conduct some important business during the January transfer window, in order to give Parkinson’s men an even better chance of sealing promotion once again.
Ethan Wheatley has emerged as a rumoured target for Wrexham, even being seen as a player who could bring similar qualities to Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres. The 18-year-old Manchester United ace has been touted as a loan option, providing extra firepower in the final third.
Wrexham keen on signing "brilliant" ace in January
Speaking to The Wrexham Insider, Bailey talked up the idea of Wrexham signing Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt in January, possibly instead of Patrick Bamford:
“Patrick Bamford is an interesting name, but from what I am told Leeds are not in a huge hurry to lose anyone this January, it is all about promotion for them. And whilst Wrexham have a big budget, I don’t see how they could afford Bamford who is still on a Premier League contract.
“I do expect Wrexham to do something and I am actually told they could raid Leeds for another player, as they like Joe Gelhardt, although they are not alone and it would not easy to land him either. But I understand Wrexham have been offered a host of names and are confident of getting the right man.”
Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt.
Gelhardt could be such an exciting addition for Wrexham midway through the season, with Carragher calling him “brilliant” in the past, seeing him as a gifted young player.
Meanwhile, Jamie Redknapp has also spoken of his admiration for the Englishman in the past, saying: “You see him on the pitch, he made a real difference. I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, takes people on. Once he gets into the box he loves it and where he can cause most of his damage.”
Admittedly, Gelhardt’s time at Leeds has petered out a little, with Daniel Farke struggling to make him a key man and only nine minutes of Championship action coming his way this season.
Wrexham in League One: Latest standings, fixtures, results & key dates
FFC has all the latest Wrexham info as they seek promotion from League One, along with a look at the Red Dragons’ journey to where they are today.
By
Stephan Georgiou
Oct 8, 2024
He is still only 22 years of age, however, and could simply be desperate for a fresh challenge to prove himself. He would, therefore, be an eye-catching addition for Wrexham, who could even eye a permanent move at the end of the season if he impresses.
Ed Sheeran, who is a minority stakeholder at Ipswich, has blamed his awkward stand-off with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim on "10 pints".
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Pop star owns a stake in the Tractor BoysBoasts his own box at Portman RoadInterrupted Portuguese coach's interviewFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Singer-songwriter Sheeran owns 1.4 per cent of the Tractor Boys, having grown up supporting the club after seeing his family relocate to Suffolk. He is the front of shirt sponsor on Ipswich’s kit and has been treated to his own VIP suite at Portman Road.
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Sheeran likes to make the most of that hospitality when attending Premier League games. He can, however, take things too far occasionally – such as when he drunkenly interrupted Sky Sports’ post-match discussion with Amorim following a 1-1 draw at Ipswich in the Portuguese coach’s first game as United boss.
WHAT ED SHEERAN SAID
Discussing that incident on the podcast, Sheeran said of why his alcohol-filled executive box was to blame: "I had it gutted and turned into a pub, you don't need to go for pre-drinks anywhere else. And it's definitely got me in trouble sometimes.
"Like that United game where I didn't realise Amorim was getting interviewed. I honestly didn't. Jamie [Redknapp] said come and see me afterwards and I was wandering out afterwards. I'd had about 10 pints, saw Jamie, so I was like ‘Oh, I'll go up and say hi to Jamie’. It was the wrong time – very clearly the wrong time – but I have learned my lesson and it won't happen again."
Getty/IpswichDID YOU KNOW?
Sheeran has also urged supporters to come up with better songs when poking fun at him during top-flight fixtures. The Brit Award winner added: "The chants haven't been funny enough. I need better chants when we go away. I see so much thought and preparation go into some of the rude chants, and I just feel like I haven’t got the humour.
"We were at Wolves and there was a chant saying ‘Ed Sheeran’s a c***’, and I was like ‘at least have a bit of imagination’. You go to Spurs and they’re singing ‘gimme, gimme, gimme a ginger from Sweden’ (to the tune of Abba’s Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! for their midfielder Dejan Kulusevski), and you’re like, someone has put some thought into that, someone has really taken their time, I want that.
"I want someone in the home fans’ pub beforehand being like, ‘lads, we’ve got it, we’ve got something to rip Sheeran apart and it’s this’. I want time spent on it."
Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann has matched Lionel Messi as the foreign player with the most appearances in La Liga after making his 520th outing.
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Griezmann made 520th La Liga appearanceMatches Messi recordFaced former club Barca in crucial clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Griezmann is a legend of La Liga and is soon to stand at the top of the appearance charts when it comes to non-Spanish players in the division. After being named in the starting XI for the crucial league match against Barcelona, he made his 520th outing in the top flight, matching the iconic Messi.
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The Frenchman starred alongside Messi at Barca between 2019 and 2022, but has played his best football at Atletico, where he hopes to win his maiden La Liga title under Diego Simeone. He is already a Europa League, Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup winner with Los Colchoneros, and has hit 197 goals across his two spells for the Madrid-based club.
DID YOU KNOW?
At 33, Griezmann is still flying at the top level. In the 2024-25 campaign, the former Barcelona ace has bagged 16 goals and notched seven assists, and is on course to match his respective tallies from last term. However, Atletico's title hopes suffered a major blow on Sunday as they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Barca, despite taking a two-goal lead in the match.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR GRIEZMANN?
The World Cup winner has been linked with a move away from Spain at the end of the season. His contract runs until the summer of 2026, but there are strong rumours circulating about a potential move to the MLS, with Messi's Inter Miami among the clubs to have been linked with his services.
“Cricket shouldn’t be sabotaged because of the Taliban’s takeover of the country,” says former ACB official
Tristan Lavalette08-Apr-2022
Before the Taliban takeover, the ACB had announced central contracts for a pool of women cricketers•Afghanistan Cricket Board
Tumult in the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) appears to have quelled, but there remains uncertainty over women’s cricket as findings into a “complex” situation are set to be shared at the ICC board meeting on April 10.The swift return of the Taliban last year cast a pall over the fledgling women’s game in Afghanistan, exacerbated after public comments by ministers that women and girls would not be allowed to play sport.It led to calls for Afghanistan to be culled from the 2021 T20 World Cup and sparked debate over whether their Full Membership should be stripped. Cricket Australia postponed last November’s historic men’s Test with Afghanistan.But Afghanistan have continued playing international cricket and the ICC has preferred to wait until a working group tasked with investigating the situation provided its findings. Chaired by board veteran Imran Khwaja, the working group – which also includes Ross McCollum (Ireland chair), Ramiz Raja (Pakistan chair) and Lawson Naidoo (SA chair) – has liaised several times since its formation in November, interviewing past and present officials and closely monitoring developments at ACB.Related
Away in Canada, Roya Samim keeps a candle lit for women's cricket in Afghanistan
ICC quarterly meeting: Bilateral calendar, quadrangular T20 event proposal in focus
Afg women's cricket in danger after Taliban's reported opposition
Women's cricket 'in peril' even as game returns to Afghanistan
According to sources, in what is set to be its only recommendation to the ICC board, the working group has found 33-year-old Afghanistan allrounder Mirwais Ashraf’s appointment as chairman to be in compliance with the ACB and ICC constitutions. If accepted by the board then Ashraf will become an ICC board director.There was upheaval at the ACB in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover, with warring factions within the board trying to seize power for themselves. It culminated with Ashraf replacing Azizullah Fazli, who was in charge for just two months.”There needs to be stability within ACB,” a former ACB official who was interviewed by the working group, told ESPNcricinfo. “The chairman is meant to be in the role for three years. There needs to be clear directions (by the ICC) to the government that the constitution and procedures need to be met.”I told them (working group) that Afghanistan cricket shouldn’t be sabotaged because of the Taliban’s takeover of the country.”While there has been governance concerns and continual uncertainty over women’s cricket, revoking Afghanistan’s Full Membership was never really an option given their men’s team serves as a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration.”How can we punish the ACB for something they didn’t do?,” said an official with knowledge of the situation. “That’s out of the question. It’s not fair to pull the carpet out considering the progress they have made in developing Afghanistan cricket. If we start doing that then we have to banish half the (ICC) members.”Development and pathway structures for women’s cricket are part of strict criteria for Full Membership. When Afghanistan received it in 2017, an exemption was invoked on the proviso that they take active measures to develop women’s cricket. Before the Taliban takeover, the ACB had announced central contracts for a pool of women cricketers though they were still some way off fielding a team.After the Taliban’s takeover there were reports of female cricketers fleeing Afghanistan amid concern the regime would reinstate a ban on women and girls playing sport.”There is no way to know if women’s cricket is developing there right now,” an official familiar with the situation said. “The ACB is saying that women are still allowed to play. Indication is that the ACB is trying. Every country has an obligation to develop women’s cricket.””Women’s cricket was moving in the right direction prior to the situation changing,” McCollum told ESPNcricinfo. “The priority is to make sure their players are still available and can play. It’s a difficult situation. Afghanistan is complex.”In case complex becomes something a little more problematic, the working group contemplated the idea of controlled funding, where the ICC would make payments on behalf of the ACB (using Afghanistan’s share of the ICC’s money). It is a practice currently implemented due to the ACB having banking and foreign exchange issues since the Taliban seized power.”There is no impropriety at the moment and no reason to believe there would be danger of funds being sequestered,” an official said, with controlled funding not set to be part of the recommendations.The working group will convene a final time in Dubai to formalise its position before presenting to the ICC.
West Ham are struggling so far this season, sitting 14th in the Premier League after 11 games, winning three, drawing three, and losing five matches.
Julen Lopetegui was hired to take over from David Moyes, tasked with changing the Hammers playing style. However, things haven’t been plain sailing, with their change of identity proving tough to implement alongside getting results.
Their most recent 0-0 draw with Everton may have bought Lopetegui some time, but if their poor form continues, the Hammers could look to make a change in the managerial hot seat.
The key stats under Julen Lopetegui at West Ham
West Ham are currently averaging 45.3% possession this season, an increase from 40.5% possession under Moyes last season. This improvement is one West Ham wanted to see, hiring a more possession-based manager and looking to guide the team in that direction.
Lopetegui’s tactics have also seen an improvement in shots per game, taking 13.5 this season, compared to 11.8 per game last season. Again, this comes from a change in style, having more of the ball, and being able to assert more control in games to pin teams in and get shots off.
Lastly, West Ham have also improved with their shots conceded per 90, still conceding 16.3 shots – the fourth highest in the league. Comparatively, the Hammers conceded 17.2 shots per match under Moyes last term so there has even been a slight improvement in this aspect.
So why have all of these stats have increased, yet West Ham are performing worse, and struggling for results? Well, their pressing hasn’t improved enough. Lopetegui is not known for coaching his pressing structures, but the athleticism of the team and therefore their inability to cover ground is not great.
West Ham’s PPDA (passes per defensive action) last season was 16.3, the third-worst ranking in the Premier League, only ahead of Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest. This tells us West Ham wouldn’t put much pressure on the ball, and allowed teams to move through the thirds far more easily than other sides.
This does not seem to have improved this season under Lopetegui, meaning West Ham are often exploited and played through in their pressing scheme, and this is due to a multitude of reasons, one of which could be solved with a new managerial appointment.
Manager Focus
Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast's Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is the answer
Premier League legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy, recently left Manchester United, having spent the past four games in charge of the Red Devils on an interim basis. During those four games, the Dutchman managed three wins and a draw, averaging 2.50 points per match (PPM).
His other managerial experience in senior management comes from PSV (2022-2023), having taken charge of 50 games, averaging 2.20 PPM, and leading PSV to a double, winning the Dutch Cup, and Dutch Super Cup.
The 48-year-old – who coincidentally played 36 times under former Irons boss Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga and Real Madrid – has been known to deploy a 4-2-3-1, something West Ham had success with at times under Moyes.
However, the former United interim manager favours a slightly more aggressive out-of-possession system, looking to win the ball back quickly, whilst cutting off central penetration, often moving between a 4-2-4 and a 4-4-2 hybrid pressing system.
Van Nistelrooy's Eredivisie record compared to Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag.
During the 2022/23 season for PSV, Van Nistelrooy’s side averaged 55.6% of the ball, which was the fourth highest in the Eredivisie, whilst averaging 18.2 shots per game – the third highest in the league and averaging just 10.7 shots against per game, this time the third lowest.
PSV also made 17.7 tackles per 90, the fifth-largest tally in the division, showing their intent to win the ball back, regain control, and hurt teams in transition. Thus, this appointment could help West Ham continue on their quest to control games, bringing in another possession-based coach, but also one who can help their out-of-possession work.
This isn’t just a coaching issue, though. West Ham lack athletes, especially in the middle of the park, so who could Van Nistelrooy bring through to help with this, and are there any internal problem solvers to get him through to January?
Who could benefit from Van Nistelrooy's appointment
In Van Nistelrooy’s 4-2-3-1 system, the two holding midfielder options would be between three players currently in the West Ham squad, with Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez, and Tomas Soucek all familiar with the role.
Alvarez vs Rodriguez & Soucek in 2024/25
Stats (per 90 mins)
Alvarez
Rodriguez
Soucek
Goals
0.00
0.00
0.23
Progressive Carries
0.89
0.22
0.27
Progressive Passes
3.78
2.70
3.70
Passes Attempted
51.3
44.2
35.6
Pass Completion %
85.3%
82.7%
80.4%
Passes into Final Third
4.44
3.26
3.15
Tackles
2.44
2.81
1.92
Blocks
1.56
1.69
1.10
Interceptions
1.67
1.09
1.16
Aerial Duels Won
1.33
0.79
4.11
Stats taken from FBref
When comparing the metrics of those midfield options above, Alvarez seems to offer the most overall, making the most progressive actions, the most passes, the highest pass completion, and still putting in high defensive actions (most interceptions, second most tackles + blocks behind Rodriguez).
To add athleticism in the middle of the park, 18-year-old midfielder, Lewis Orford could be introduced under Van Nistelrooy, who has been compared to Declan Rice in the past by journalist John Brewin. By adding a more mobile midfielder to the squad, West Ham would be able to better implement their press, especially when going man for man in central areas.
Lewis Orford West Ham
It would, of course, be a risk to appoint the former United striker having only really managed PSV, before taking the assistant manager role at Old Trafford, only to get four games as interim boss before leaving the club.
That said, the risk/reward could be worth it in order for West Ham to fully complete their identity rebrand under a new and exciting coach, who is already well respected in the league.
8 managers who could replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham
Football FanCast takes a look at eight managerial options West Ham could turn to if Julen Lopetegui is sacked.
ICC’s clarification on a total of eight penalty points comes when the side is staring down a mammoth task to salvage second Ashes Test in Adelaide
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2021
Chris Woakes found the going tough at times•Getty Images
As if England’s plight wasn’t difficult enough, staring down a 456-run deficit heading into the third day in Adelaide, the ICC piled on more misery by docking them a further three points for slow over rates in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.England were originally handed a penalty of five World Test Championship (WTC) points – and fined 100% of their match fees – for maintaining a slow over rate in the first Test at the Gabba but the ICC on Friday announced the penalty would now be eight points in total.”Last Saturday, it was announced that England would be docked five WTC points, one for each over they were found to initially have fallen short by,” the ICC said in a statement. “However, it has since emerged they were eight overs short, and will therefore lose three additional points.”The points deduction for penalty overs is not capped and must reflect the actual number of penalty overs a team is short of the minimum requirement as per Clause 16.1.2 of the ICC Playing Conditions, hence they have been penalised one point for each over they were short.”Related
England docked five WTC points for slow over rates in Gabba Test
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The announcement leaves England in seventh place on the WTC table, with six points from five Tests in the current competition cycle, and came after England had lost early wickets to be 17 for 2 in response to Australia’s first-innings 473 for 9 declared when an electrical storm curtailed the final session on day two of the second Test at Adelaide Oval.England managed to bowl 89 of the scheduled 90 overs on the first day in Adelaide, albeit relying on five overs of Joe Root’s part-time off-spin to catch up.While over rates could well remain a concern for England’s five-man seam attack, Graham Thorpe, their assistant coach, played down the issue after the first day’s play, saying: “I think there’s bigger things going on in the world than over rates.”England, who lost the first Test by nine wickets and now face a mammoth task to salvage the second, were also penalised for a poor overrate in their home series against India in July and August, meaning they have now conceded a total of 10 points for slow over rate offences.
Despite victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, Celtic’s week hasn’t been one full of positives away from the action with Greg Taylor’s future in doubt and one other now potentially joining him out the exit door next summer.
Celtic transfer news
Smashing Aberdeen 6-0 to reach the Scottish League Cup final and send a damning statement to their title rivals in the process, it seemed as though things couldn’t get better for Celtic. But then came the visit of RB Leipzig, who were brushed aside in sensational fashion as the Bhoys sealed a 3-1 victory in the Champions League.
It should be a week full of good news, but reports away from the pitch suggest that the Scottish Premiership champions could be set to be handed a double blow in 2025.
One of those could come courtesy of Taylor, with talks over a new Celtic contract reportedly reaching a stalemate recently. As things stand, the full-back is set to leave as a free agent in summer 2025, and he could be joined by another one of Brendan Rodgers’ stars.
Brendan Rodgers frustrated by "disappointing" behind-scenes issue at Celtic
It’s simply not acceptable and the boss is not happy.
ByHenry Jackson Nov 4, 2024
According to reports in Spain, Crystal Palace have already expressed their interest in signing Nicolas Kuhn, who just stole the show in the Champions League. Celtic, of course, saw their last talisman bid farewell to the Premier League last season when Matt O’Riley joined Palace’s rivals Brighton & Hove Albion. Now, Kuhn could follow suit.
Only arriving last January, Kuhn is beginning to truly burst into life at Celtic and has seemingly earned the attention of the Premier League as a result. With quite the decision to make, the winger could deal Rodgers yet another blow on the exit front, potentially joining out-of-contract Taylor out the door.
"Quick" Kuhn has finally found Celtic form
Having initially struggled to adjust following a winter arrival last season – scoring just twice in the Scottish Premiership in nine games – Kuhn put his first pre-season at the club to good use and is now stealing the headlines in top form.
Rodgers has been swift to praise his winger as a result too, telling reporters via Celts Are Here back in August: “I just think it’s time, isn’t it? I think we all expect people to adapt straight away, you’d love them to, whether they’re managers, coaches, or supporters.
“You want them to be ready immediately, but he came into the club during a challenging period in January. He had issues around his fitness and health, and everything else.
“He just landed in the middle of that difficult time, and it took him a little while. But he’s had a really good pre-season. He’s always been quick, one of the quickest players you’ll see, but I think now there’s more variety in his game, coming inside and out.”
With nine goals and 10 assists in just 16 games this time around, Kuhn has well and truly put any previous struggles behind him and become the latest star of the show at Celtic Park.