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Abhishek also picked up a 25% fine for his involvement in the incident

ESPNcricinfo staff20-May-2025

The umpire separates Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma•BCCI

Digvesh Rathi, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner, has breached the IPL’s Code of Conduct for a third time this season, leaving him suspended for one game alongside a 50% fine of his match fee. Rathi picked up the infraction in LSG’s home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), following his dismissal of Abhishek Sharma.The incident happened in the eighth over of the chase after Rathi dismissed Abhishek. He gave the batter a send-off with a wave and an entry in his “notebook” which was followed by an exchange of words with the batter, needing the intervention of umpire Michael Gough. Rathi has now accumulated five demerit points for the season, due to which the suspension has kicked in. He will miss LSG’s next game against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Thursday.Rathi’s five demerit points this season are all under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct. According to the code, four demerit points add up to one suspension point, meaning players are forced to sit out one match when that mark is reached. Since the demerit points remain on an individual’s record for a period of 36 months, Rathi will have to be careful even in the upcoming seasons, since eight demerit points would result in a two-game suspension and 11 demerit points would result in a three-game suspension.Rathi had earlier picked up one demerit point for his celebration and charge towards Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) Priyansh Arya on April 1 and two demerit points for his celebration against Naman Dhir of Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 4, both involving his “notebook” send off. After his first offence against PBKS, Rathi was told by the match officials about why he was penalised. When Rathi was pulled up against MI three days later, he said that he was under the impression that the first time he was sanctioned for charging towards the batter.What is Article 2.5?

Article 2.5 includes any language, action or gesture used by a Player and directed towards a batter upon his/her dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter, whether or not any reaction results, or which could be considered to disparage or demean the dismissed batter, regardless of whether the batter him/herself feels disparaged or demeaned

Abhishek was also fined 25% of his match fee for his involvement in the incident. This was his first infraction of the season. Despite the heated moment between the game, the two players appeared to be in better spirits after the match. The two shook hands after the game and were seen joking around with each other as the teams caught up after the match which SRH won by six wickets and ten balls to spare.From the contest’s perspective, Rathi will be missed by LSG against table-toppers GT. He has been LSG’s highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps in a forgettable season for their bowlers. He will be available, though, for LSG’s final league game of the season on May 27 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Will West Ham United’s midfield rebuild right at the end of this transfer window continue?

So far in the Premier League, the Hammers have been smashed 3-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and then 5-1 when Chelsea visited the London Stadium.

In the latter, the Irons midfield pairing of Tomáš Souček and James Ward-Prowse was completely overrun by Chelsea’s duo of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, both of whom scored, barely getting near them all night.

Thus, it is no surprise that Graham Potter has prioritised midfield reinforcements since that ill-fated defeat, so could another be on his way to East London?

West Ham's midfield rebuild

On Friday, West Ham signed not one but two new midfielders.

First, Mateus Fernandes arrived from Southampton for £38m before, a mere few hours later, Soungoutou Magassa joined from Monaco for a reported fee of £17m.

The latter, who won Olympic silver with France in the summer of 2024, is very highly rated, so West Ham fans should be excited about his arrival, but could his dream midfield partner soon be on his way to Stratford?

Well, according to a report by TEAMTalk, West Ham are ready to raid Rangers for Nicolas Raskin, adding that the Glasgow-based giants value their Belgian international at around £15m.

This transfer speculation has been fuelled by the news that Raskin will not be involved in Sunday’s Glasgow derby, training away from the rest of the first team, following an alleged falling out with manager Russell Martin.

Transfer Focus

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

Wolves, Burnley, Aston Villa, Brighton, Fiorentina and others are also purportedly interested in signing the Belgian, but could he soon swap Glasgow’s south side for East London?

What Nicolas Raskin would bring to West Ham

Raskin was Rangers’ Players’ Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year last season, very much their standout player during an otherwise underwhelming campaign.

In total, the 24-year-old has made 104 appearances for the Glasgow giants, scoring six goals and registering 16 assists.

Thus, before a ball was kicked this season, it would’ve been unthinkable for Rangers supporters that he would not be in their lineup for key fixtures.

Well, that has been the case under Martin, with Raskin left on the bench for Champions League qualifiers against Viktoria Plzeň and Club Brugge, introduced at half time at Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday with the team 5-0 down.

The table below documents Raskin’s importance to Rangers last season.

Minutes

3,591

3rd

Goals

5

5th

Assists

11

1st

Shots

53

7th

Shots on target

23

5th

Passes completed

392

1st

Passes into final 3rd

41

1st

Shot-creating actions

20

4th

Tackles

44

1st

Interceptions

40

3rd

Ball recoveries

89

1st

Touches

639

1st

As the table outlines, Raskin was a key contributor for Rangers last season in every aspect, ranked first for assists, passes, tackles, ball recoveries and touches, emphasising his importance both in and out of possession.

He was even labelled a “pitbull” by journalist Bob Faesan – who noted that he is a “a box-to-box midfielder” – while John Walker has also described his performances as “utterly sensational”.

Thus, alongside Magassa, who likes to sit in front of a defence, they could form an excellent partnership. Indeed, the Frenchman is a real monster out of possession in his own right, having ranked in the 3% of European midfielders for interceptions per 90, as well as in the top 4% for tackles made, as per FBref.

Statistically similar to the aforementioned Caicedo, among his European peers, Magassa also has the benefit of being able to drag his side up the pitch, having also ranked in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

Raskin has been at his best in a Rangers jersey when given the freedom to get forward and contribute in attacking areas, while also getting back and offering defensive solidity, ensuring both he and Magassa could strike a perfect balance in the centre of the park.

So, if the Belgian is on the way out at Rangers, West Ham could snap him up for a bargain fee and potentially form an exciting, new-look midfield duo.

West Ham readying bid to sign "crazy" ace who dreams of Premier League move

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ByTom Cunningham Aug 30, 2025

أكد فيرمين لوبيز، نجم نادي برشلونة، على سعادته الكبيرة بالتواجد في صفوف الفريق الكتالوني، موضحًا أنه يشعر دائمًا بأنه لاعب مهم في تشكيلة النادي الإسباني.

برشلونة يستعد لمواجهة مرتقبة يوم غدًا الثلاثاء مع نظيره أولمبياكوس، وذلك لحساب منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وظهر لوبيز في المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص باللقاء بجانب مدرب برشلونة، هانز فليك، حيث أصبح اللاعب جاهزًا للعب من جديد عقب تعافيه من الإصابة.

وقال لوبيز في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو عن لقاء الغد: “أعتقد أنها ستكون مباراة صعبة للغاية، من الواضح أنها بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا ونحن قادمون من خسارة أمام باريس سان جيرمان. علينا أن نلعب مباراة جيدة وأن نستعيد زخمنا وأن نفوز”.

وأضاف: “لقد شهدنا العديد من الإصابات وعلينا أن نلعب بما لدينا من لاعبين ممتازين، لطالما شعرت بأنني لاعب مهم للغاية في برشلونة سواءً كلاعب أساسي أو بديل. علي أن ألعب عندما يقرر المدرب وأن أقدم كل ما لدي”.

وأوضح فيرمين: “يطلب مني فليك الضغط العالي واللعب بسهولة وخلق الفرص، أحاول أن أبذل قصارى جهدي ويمكنني اللعب كجناح أو لاعب وسط مهاجم عندما يحتاجني المدرب”.

وأردف: “هناك مباراتان مهمتان قادمتان وأسبوع رائع. لا أعرف إن كنت سأبدأ أساسيًا فهذا قرار المدرب، ولكن مهما حدث لي سأحاول مساعدة الفريق وحصد النقاط الثلاث من المباراتين”.

وتابع عن مستوى برشلونة: “إنها عملية مستمرة. لا نشعر بالشكل الذي نتمناه حاليًا، ولكن لا يزال أمامنا متسع من الوقت وموسم طويل. الفريق دائمًا متحد وحريص على التحسن والعمل، وفي الأسابيع المقبلة بدءًا من مباراة الغد سنعود إلى أفضل حالاتنا”.

وعن شائعات رحيله عن برشلونة في الميركاتو الصيفي قال فيرمين: “كنت هادئًا للغاية لأنني لطالما فكرت في التواجد هنا ولم أشك في ذلك أبدًا. طرأت الكثير من الأمور ولا أستطيع التحكم فيها، لكن الأهم هو أنني أردت التواجد هنا وهذا ما حدث”.

وأضاف: “لا أستطيع تحديد طريقة لعب الفريق لكنني أعتقد أن ما يطلبه المدرب هو الأفضل دائمًا للفريق. لسنا في أفضل حالاتنا حاليًا، لكننا سنعود إلى ما كنا عليه في الموسم الماضي. إنها مسألة وقت وعمل جاد ونقد ذاتي”.

طالع .. الإصابات تدق ناقوس الخطر في برشلونة قبل مواجهة أولمبياكوس

وعن رافينها وغيابه عن برشلونة أوضح لوبيز: “الجانب الدفاعي جزء لا يتجزأ من الفريق بأكمله، نحن الذين نضغط، الدفاع، خط الوسط، نعرف ما يجب علينا فعله وخطة المدرب وأنا متأكد من أننا سنضغط كما في السابق وسنعود إلى مستوانا السابق. رافينها لاعب مهم جدًا، لقد أثبت ذلك بالفعل ونأمل أن يعود في أقرب وقت ممكن”.

وعن اللعب الجماعي كفريق أردف فيرمين: “هذه لحظات في المباراة، لا يمكنك السيطرة عليها بأكملها أو اللعب بنفس المستوى لمدة تسعين دقيقة. نحاول لكن الخصم يلعب أيضًا، نحتاج إلى تحسين بعض الأمور لكن هذه لحظات في المباراة وسنتحسن”.

وعن حالته البدنية تابع لوبيز: “أشعر أنني بحالة جيدة جدًا، لقد لعبت 45 دقيقة وأنا مستعد لأي قرار يتخذه المدرب”.

وعن لامين يامال قال لوبيز: “أعرف لامين منذ صغرنا وهو أفضل لاعب في العالم. الجميع يتحدث عنه وأي شخص سيحاول إيقافه. عليه أن يبقى هادئًا، إنه ناضج بهذا المعنى ونحن نحاول مساعدته لأنه مهم جدًا. إذا كان بخير فسيكون الفريق بخير”.

وأضاف: “لا نفكر فيما هو أبعد من الغد. إنها مباراة مهمة للغاية ونحن قادمون من خسارة أمام باريس سان جيرمان، وعلينا التركيز على الغد وتقديم أفضل ما لدينا، والعودة إلى سكة الانتصارات”.

واختتم لوبيز: “الفريق في حالة ممتازة ومتحمس جدًا لمباراة الغد. إنها بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا وهي بطولة بالغة الأهمية. نتطلع إليها بشوق، لنقدم أفضل ما لدينا ونحصد النقاط الثلاث”.

West Ham United “could move” for an “incredible” England international as a replacement for Nayef Aguerd, who may be set for an exit before the transfer deadline.

West Ham eyeing new defender after Aguerd refuses to travel

After spending the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Real Sociedad, Aguerd has come back into the fold this season, starting the opening two Premier League games, during which West Ham conceded a combined eight goals.

However, it is clear the Moroccan has little intention of remaining at the London Stadium for much longer, with the 29-year-old pushing to leave before the deadline, amid interest from the likes of Sunderland, AC Milan and AS Roma.

In fact, the Keinitra-born defender is well-known to have refused to travel to Nottingham Forest for yesterday’s Premier League clash, with the centre-back taking drastic action to try and force through an exit.

However, ExWHUEmployee has now revealed that the club could be hesitant to sanction a departure, should they be unable to find an adequate replacement in time, with Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis among the potential options.

The West Ham insider said: “The club have yet to confirm any bid as yet from Marseille or Sunderland and even if they did would have to make a decision as to whether it is worth accepting and whether a replacement could be lined up in time.

“The club have looked at other defenders and one we exclusively revealed at the start of the window and we still have interest in us Charlie Cresswell, ironically he plays in France for Toulouse.

Aguerd upgrade: West Ham plotting late move to sign "excellent" £18m star

Following the signings of Soungoutou Magassa and Mateus Fernandes, West Ham are targeting an “excellent” £18m defender…

1 ByBen Gray Aug 30, 2025 "Incredible" Harwood-Bellis could be solid Aguerd replacement

Although the Saints were relegated without putting up much of a fight last season, the 23-year-old clearly enjoyed a decent campaign on a personal level, having picked up his first cap for England, scoring on his debut against Ireland.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also singled out his former player for high praise last season, saying: “He’s an incredible threat for Southampton from set pieces and a composer when they have the ball because the manager insists the way they have to play, they have to be close, to move differently.”

With Aguerd clearly eager to leave, West Ham shouldn’t stand in his way, should a deal for Harwood-Bellis be possible, and a move wouldn’t break the bank, with a £20m price tag being touted earlier this summer.

Tottenham have had a worryingly quiet summer transfer window so far, and Thomas Frank quite simply must strengthen before the start of his debut campaign in the north London dugout.

While the likes of Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea spend hundreds of millions on reinforcing their squads, ahead of what is expected to be a very competitive Premier League season, Spurs boast just three major first-team signings.

Burnley (home)

August 16

Man City (away)

August 23

Bournemouth (home)

August 30

West Ham (away)

September 13

Brighton (away)

September 20

Mohammed Kudus arrived in a £55 million deal from West Ham, and chairman Daniel Levy managed to negotiate a cut-price £30 million deal for Mathys Tel with Joao Palhinha also arriving on loan – but that is the sum of their activity.

Technically, Tottenham have spent £116 million this summer, if you count Kevin Danso’s obligation to buy deal, which was agreed in January, but Levy’s spending still doesn’t even come close to their arch rivals.

We’re less than a week away from the start of the new Premier League season and a meagre few days from Spurs’ UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, but Frank’s new-look squad is somehow weaker than Ange Postecoglou’s.

Son Heung-min’s emotional goodbye to LAFC and James Maddison’s crippling ACL rupture, adding to Dejan Kulusevski’s long-term absence with a knee injury, leaves Frank desperately short of options.

Reinforcing the squad with quality is an absolute non-negotiable if Levy is serious about transforming Spurs into genuine trophy contenders.

They’re set to be among the big boys in next season’s Champions League draw too – making new signings all the more important before the transfer deadline in under a month.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that striker Richarlison could leave Tottenham as well, and if that were to be the case, Spurs could become genuine contenders for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson with contact made.

There was another striker on their radar earlier this summer, Brentford star Yoane Wissa – a player Frank knows well from his many years at the Gtech.

Likelihood of Tottenham signing Brentford striker Yoane Wissa

Spurs were in talks for Wissa around the time of their failed move to sign playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, but precious little has been reported about their interest since then. Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has provided an update to TBR Football.

Bailey reports that Frank “specifically identified” Wissa as a target for Tottenham, and the club held talks with him, but the likelihood of Spurs doing a deal for the 29-year-old is now very unlikely as Newcastle United close in on the £40 million forward.

“Spurs did open talks with Yoane Wissa when Frank first came in,” said Bailey. “That was a player Frank specifically identified. But it looks like Wissa’s nailed on for Newcastle now. Frank made it clear from day one that he told Wissa exactly how he wanted to use him, centrally.

“I think Frank also understands the reality. Do you really pay £40 million for a 29-year-old with one year left on his deal? Tottenham are never going to do that. Newcastle look like they will, but there are other reasons behind that move.”

The Congolese bagged 20 goals in all competitions last season, with 19 of them coming in the Premier League, but that £40m could be reinvested into the signing of a proven playmaker – which Frank desperately needs.

You can see why they’ve backed out, and amid reports Jackson could leave Chelsea on loan, they do have other, cheaper options to target up front.

Fabrizio Romano has shared an intriguing transfer update involving Tottenham, with the Lilywhites now making contact over signing a big name.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has been dealt a couple of killer blows ahead of their blockbuster UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, both of which emphasise the need for Daniel Levy to reinforce his squad.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Firstly, the north Londoners waved an emotional goodbye to former captain and club legend Son Heung-min last Sunday, with the 33-year-old playing his last-ever game for the club in a friendly against Newcastle in Seoul.

Son was given a guard of honour and a standing ovation as tributes poured in for the winger, following his announcement that he would be leaving N17 this summer, and it was hard for him not to burst into tears.

“It was a perfect moment,” Son told Tottenham’s official website, via ESPN.

“Sharing these beautiful moments are something that I will never forget and I will always appreciate it – from the fans, the players and the gaffer. He understood my situation and was always on my side. He always listened to me and asked what I wanted to do. I have a huge respect and am very grateful.”

“I wish them all the best. There are five competitions ahead, and I hope they win all the five competitions. That’s my wish. Spurs will always be in my heart and the boys will always be in my history books. It was incredible.

“They’ve gone so fast, the 10 years. I can only think about the beautiful moments, amazing moments.”

Frank now faces the task of finding a replacement to somehow fill Son’s shoes, with the former Bayer Leverkusen star securing a £20 million move to the MLS with Los Angeles FC – where he’ll represent a city with the largest population of fellow Koreans outside South Korea itself.

On the same night they lost Son, star playmaker James Maddison also returned to the treatment table after suffering a serious injury to the same knee which kept him out of the Europa League final.

The England international now faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines, with Spurs now confirming Maddison is set to undergo surgery for a ruptured ACL that will keep him out for the majority of the season.

Frank has been left very short of attacking options in what is a dire situation, making this last three weeks of the window absolutely vital.

Tottenham make contact over signing Man City winger Jack Grealish

Levy needs to find a replacement for both Son and Maddison before the transfer deadline on September 1, after they unceremoniously missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White last month.

As per Romano, Man City outcast Jack Grealish is among their potential targets.

The 29-year-old’s stock has fallen dramatically since being a key member of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning side in 2023, and Grealish has been training away from the City squad this summer as the Blues seek to find a new home for him.

City have put a £40 million price tag on the ex-Aston Villa captain’s head if any side wishes to strike a permanent deal, but the most likely outcome right now appears to be a loan deal, considering Grealish’s sky-high wage packet of around £300,000-per-week.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano claims that Tottenham phoned City to make an enquiry over Grealish “in recent days”.

However, Everton are now in active talks for the Englishman, so if Levy wants to advance on a deal, he’ll need to hurry.

“Everton are working on a deal to sign Jack Grealish,” said Romano.

“There was a call also from Tottenham in recent days to understand the situation of the player, but it was just a call – no advanced negotiations.

“From what I’m told now, Everton approached Manchester City after speaking to the agent of the player last week. Now, Everton are in talks with Manchester City for Jack Grealish – they want to try for a loan. Let’s see the conditions of this loan, let’s see what Jack will decide to do – but Jack Grealish is the dream target now for Everton.”

Grealish actually came close to joining Tottenham for £25 million around seven years ago, and he admitted to being disappointed after missing out on a move.

“Of course, there’s going to be disappointment there,” Grealish told The Telegraph about his failed Spurs switch in 2018.

“You’ve just got to look at what Spurs have done this season. They’ve beaten Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, they’re playing Barcelona in the Champions League next week.

“I felt that if I’d gone there, I could have maybe been in the England squad by the end of the year. I would never have gone there just to make up the numbers.”

Arsenal have an estimated 100 million fans worldwide, with the Gunners one of the most recognisable clubs in the world.

As to be expected, plenty of famous faces support the red side of north London. From rappers to political leaders and sporting superstars, here is a list of Arsenal’s most famous fans.

1 Sir Keir Starmer British Prime Minister

Sir Keir Starmer is a lifelong Arsenal fan and has been a season ticket holder at the Emirates for many years.

After becoming Prime Minister in July, Starmer has been watching Arsenal’s games from a corporate box instead of his regular seat – an arrangement he was forced to defend to the BBC.

“I’ve had a season ticket for many, many years. I’m a regular attender but now, for security reasons, I can’t go in the stands, and therefore the club have made arrangements for me to watch from elsewhere. It’s as simple as that.”

2 Lewis Hamilton Formula 1 driver

Lewis Hamilton has long professed to be an Arsenal fan, so it raised more than just a few eyebrows in 2022 when it was revealed he had joined a consortium led by Sir Martin Broughton that was trying to buy rivals Chelsea.

At the time, the Formula 1 star even seemed to deny he was a true Arsenal supporter.

“I remember 5, 6 years old that I then became a supporter of Arsenal. But my Uncle Terry is a big Blues fan, so I’ve been to so many games with him to watch Arsenal and Chelsea play,” he told the press ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

3 Jay-Z Rapper & entrepreneur

It was Thierry Henry that prompted Jay-Z to start following Arsenal in the mid-noughties.

“I saw him play, and I just thought he was an amazing player,” the rapper and music mogul explained in an interview with Arsenal Magazine in 2010.

“Ever since then I have been a big fan of the club, following you guys, and still today you play the beautiful football that Thierry did. I think he had a real long-term effect on the team.”

4 Piers Morgan Journalist

Piers Morgan isn’t afraid to speak his mind and he never hides his love for Arsenal.

The journalist is regularly at the Emirates with friends and family to watch the Gunners, and he described the club’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League in 2025 as his best moment in his 55 years of supporting Arsenal.

However, when things go wrong in north London, Morgan is also quick to call those at the Emirates out, whether it be players, board or managers.

5 Kevin Costner Actor

Ahead of the 1998 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Newcastle United, Hollywood star Kevin Costner revealed he was a Gooner in an interview with Sky Sports.

Costner told Sky that he first went to watch the Gunners play while shooting the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” in 1991, and that he has been a fan since.

He’s since been back to watch Arsenal on numerous occasions, including in 2014, when he was in the stands to see Arsene Wenger’s side beat take on Aston Villa in the Premier League.

6 Mo Farah Long-distance runner

Shooting to fame after winning double Olympic gold at London 2012, Mo Farah is another high proifle Arsenal fan.

The 5,000m and 10,000m champion moved to Britain at the age of eight and instantly fell in love with the Gunners. He even previously admitted he would love to be Arsenal’s fitness coach one day.

“One thing I really love is football and I have a good relationship with Arsenal. I started supporting them when I first came to Britain as a kid.

“I liked the way they played. They also had a lot of players from African backgrounds. One day, I’d love to be able to work for them, maybe as a fitness coach.”

7 Anne Hathaway Actress

Anne Hathaway managed to keep her love for Arsenal secret until she let it slip during a junket for her movie “The Idea of You” in 2024.

Between interviews, Hathaway’s co-star Nicholas Galitzine celebrated after checking his phone to find out that the Gunners had gone a goal up against Wolves last season.

Hathaway seemed excited by the news, and after Galitzine had confirmed that it was Leandro Trossard who had scored, Hathaway responded by leaning forward in her chair and professing her love for the Belgian.

8 KSI Influencer and media personality

Media superstar KSI is one of the most well-known names on the internet. He first began making YouTube videos with the Sidemen and has since gone on to be successful in the influencer boxing world and music industry.

He is another who regularly visits the Emirates to watch Arsenal in action, and his drink brand Prime are even in partnership with the Gunners.

9 Christian McCaffrey NFL star

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been an Arsenal fan since watching them play during a pre-season trip to the United States in 2019.

After seeing Unai Emery’s side thump Serie A side Fiorentina 3-0 in the International Champions Cup at the Bank of America Stadium, McCaffrey announced his support for the Gunners in a video on the club’s social media pages.

10 Idris Elba Actor

Idris Elba is another well-known Arsenal fan and has been from a child, with the English actor working with the Gunners on numerous occasions.

Back in 2022, Elba and Ian Wright helped Arsenal with their anti-knife crime initiative by promoting a one-off all-white kit with no red, and he is no stranger to the Emirates.

The Northern Territory aims to bring Australia back for winter cricket

AAP21-Aug-2024The Northern Territory has set its sights on Australia’s white-ball series against South Africa next winter as their chance to end a 16-year wait for international cricket in Darwin.Darwin hosted the last of its four ODIs in 2008. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also played Tests in the city in 2003 and 2004.Since then, two drop-in wickets have been installed at the ICC-accredited TIO Stadium and the Top End T20 series launched, as part of the all-year Cricket 365 branding in the Territory.The Top End series last week brought in four Big Bash clubs, Tasmania, the ACT and teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh, with eyes to expand further in the future.Ten past or present Test players attended, including the likes of Jhye Richardson playing for the Perth Scorchers, and Marcus Harris with the Melbourne Renegades.But also on the horizon is international cricket, with Australia slated to host South Africa in three ODIs and three T20Is next August, and negotiations ongoing between the NT government and Cricket Australia.”I want that content. I don’t expect all of it, and I don’t expect any of it, but I want some of it – and I’m going after it,” NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey told AAP. “We are putting the foundation in place to be ready. We have the infrastructure and it has had exceptional cricket on it [with the Top End series].”It’s not the Big Bash or international cricket, but we have shown we have that calibre of players playing on these wickets. We have the venue and it is ICC-accredited – and we have the weather.”Dovey spent time holding a national team training camp in Darwin in his former life as Australia’s men’s team manager, before taking up the NT role last January.He is keen to make Darwin a consistent option for international fixtures, given only the Territory and North Queensland can host winter matches in Australia and are more likely to be held in the country in 2026.”It makes sense to get some T20s. We’ve never hosted a men’s T20, and there has been over 100 played in Australia,” Dovey said. “I’m not particularly after content every 10 years. I don’t see the legacy in it. Consistent content every year or two would mean kids don’t have to go a decade before they meet their BBL heroes or national heroes.”Dovey’s plan for growth is two-fold, with a desire to expand the Top End series to up to 12 teams, with more Big Bash franchises and overseas sides.Nearly 700,000 people watched this year’s nine-team, 30-match tournament via YouTube, while that number sat at 10.6 million last year once overseas broadcasters were included.Dovey is hopeful of adding teams from New Zealand and Nepal next year, along with the big lure of appealing to IPL franchises.”It’s in an August window where no one else can play. The wickets wouldn’t be like ours with the weather [elsewhere],” he  said. “It’s an incredible window to the subcontinent, where you can’t play easily this time of year either.  The event is awesome and has a point of difference with the international teams.”

Everton are now in a race with David Moyes’ former side to sign a “very good” international midfielder who will be allowed to leave this summer for £25 million, according to a recent report.

Everton weighing up several transfer options

It’s been a rather quiet transfer window for the Toffees so far, but that could soon be about to change, as the return of pre-season gets ever closer. Everton have brought in Carlos Alcaraz on a permanent basis this summer, and they could be close to adding to that, as BBC Sport reports that Everton are close to signing defender Kenny Tete on a free transfer.

A deal is said to be close to being secured, as signing a new right-back has become a priority given Ashley Young was allowed to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

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The Merseysiders remain in talks with Villarreal over a deal to sign striker Thierno Barry, but he is not the only forward David Moyes is considering signing. Goodison News reported that the Toffees are interested in Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic after he scored 13 goals in the Championship last season.

Everton don’t want to stop there, and a report has now revealed that they have registered their interest in signing James McAtee from Manchester City. The young Englishman looks set to leave the Etihad this summer.

Everton in race with West Ham for Onyedika

McAtee may not be the last midfielder to arrive at Goodison Park this summer, as according to Sacha Tavolieri, Everton are in pole position to sign Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge, albeit together with the Hammers.

Tavolieri states that both the Toffees and West Ham are leading the race to sign the midfielder this summer, with the Hammers the most concrete with their interest so far. He goes on to add that while he is under contract until 2027, the Belgian side would be happy to get around €30 million, which is roughly £25 million, this summer.

The 24-year-old has been with his current club since August 2022, where he’s won the Belgian league once and the Belgium Cup, which came in 2025. Onyedika, who has won 16 caps for Nigeria, was a key player for Club Brugge last season, as he played 25 times in the Jupiler Pro League and started all 11 of their Champions League matches.

Apps

141

Goals

6

Assists

4

Onyedika is very unknown to English football, as he’s spent his football career playing for FC Midtjylland and FC Fredericia before moving to Belgium. But reporter Graeme Bailey has labelled the midfielder a “very good player” and someone who is a “threat”, while he’s also been linked with a move to Leeds United.

Leeds United have a huge task on their hands over the summer as they look to try and beat the drop in the Premier League throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The Whites managed to secure the Championship title after posting a staggering 100 points total, winning the league on goal difference after Manor Solomon’s strike against Plymouth Argyle secured a final day win.

However, despite Daniel Farke securing promotion from England’s second tier for the third time, he faces the prospect of keeping the Yorkshire outfit in the top-flight next season – something which he’s failed to do in his two previous attempts.

The board have backed him in recent weeks, handing him the chance to spend around £100m on new additions to bridge the gap and build a competitive squad.

With the window opening last Sunday, work has already commenced behind the scenes to hand the manager the players he craves, with numerous players emerging as key targets this summer.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Leeds will need additions in all areas of the pitch to hand themselves the best chance of survival next season, but it’s crucial they sign quality over quantity in their quest.

Gustavo Hamer, Sam Johnstone and Sean Longstaff have all been touted with a summer switch to Elland Road, but as of yet no deals have yet been completed in Yorkshire.

However, it appears as though another name has been mentioned in recent days, with Ipswich Town centre-back Dara O’Shea on their radar, according to The Irish Sun.

Their report claims that the Whites are weighing up a move for the Ireland international, who won the Tractor Boys’ Player of the Season award despite suffering relegation.

It also states that Wolves and Burnley are interested in a move for the 26-year-old, who cost a fee in the region of £15m less than 12 months ago – with the defender wanting to stay in England’s top flight next season.

Why Leeds’ £15m target could be the next Bogle

Jayden Bogle has thrived beyond the imagination of all supporters at Leeds this season, playing a crucial role at both ends of the pitch during the club’s title-winning campaign.

The 24-year-old joined the Whites in a £5m deal from Sheffield United, looking to fill the void at right-back after academy star Archie Gray departed for Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the defender made a huge impact at the back, helping the side concede just 30 times in their 46 league outings, with Burnley the only side to concede fewer.

He also impressed in attacking areas, registering 10 combined goals and assists, which included six goals – with his most notable effort coming in the 2-0 win away at Coventry City.

The fee paid for his signature now appears to be somewhat of a bargain, with the club having the opportunity to replicate such a deal with O’Shea this summer.

The Irishman would be the next player to join the Whites from a side relegated from the Premier League, looking to cement their place in the backline – just as Bogle has in recent months.

O’Shea, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former boss Slaven Bilic, has also managed to have an impact in forward areas, registering two assists for Kieran McKenna’s side, but ultimately not enough to keep them in the division.

Games played

35

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

80%

Dribble success

50%

Tackles won

63%

Aerials won

3.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Duels won

5.8

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 80% of the passes he attempted, while registering a 50% dribble success rate – having the tools to play out from the back should Farke need him to.

The defender has also won 63% of the tackles he entered this season, whilst winning 3.8 aerials per 90, handing the side the added defensive quality they need to survive the drop in the Premier League.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Irishman will set them back this summer, he has the tools to bolster Farke’s ranks and play a key role should he move to Elland Road.

Given the interest from other sides in the division, they will need to act quickly to avoid missing out on his signature and subsequently improving a rival in their hunt for survival.

Better than Solomon: "Electric" £34m star is open to Leeds transfer

This Leeds target is reportedly open to joining the club, and he would be an even better signing than Manor Solomon

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