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Manchester City now want to sign a “world-class” £67m full-back, and he could join alongside Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer, according to a report.

City making progress in Ait-Nouri pursuit

Man City have set their sights on signing a new left-back this summer, with Pep Guardiola perhaps not overly convinced by Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly, and there has been a recent update in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ait-Nouri.

Indeed, reliable reporter David Ornstein has now revealed that City “expect” to complete a deal for the Algerian this summer, although there is still work to be done before they are able to strike an agreement with their Premier League rivals.

"World-class" star now pushing to join Man City quickly; £59m+ offer needed

There has been a development in Man City’s pursuit of a key target…

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 3, 2025

Ait-Nouri’s arrival would leave Guardiola fairly well-stocked at left-back, given that Gvardiol and O’Reilly featured in that area regularly throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but a new report has suggested the manager could be keen to bring in another full-back who can play on both flanks.

According to GiveMeSport, Man City now want to sign Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, with the Italian being shortlisted by Guardiola, who has also personally requested the defender in the past.

It could be difficult to agree a deal for Cambiaso, with his current employers making it tricky to enter talks, but the full-back, who was valued at £67m back in the January transfer window, remains of interest to the Blues.

Guardiola’s side are confident about sealing the arrival of Ait-Nouri, but the Juventus star could join regardless of whether they complete a deal for the Wolves man, given he can play in a back four or five on both sides of the defence.

Cambiaso putting in "world-class" performances for Juventus

The 25-year-old is particularly impressive in an attacking sense, as highlighted by his dribbling ability, which is important for City, considering they are likely to be the main aggressors in the majority of the Premier League games they play next season.

Journalist Zach Lowy has also been left particularly enamoured by the Italy international’s ability to create chances for his teammates in the past, singling him out for praise last April.

That said, with Gvardiol and O’Reilly already on the books, and the move for Ait-Nouri seemingly advancing well, there are doubts over whether the full-back would be a necessary signing for Man City.

£67m is a huge asking price for any player, and it may be wise to invest the money into other areas of the squad, perhaps between the sticks, having been keen on signing an Ederson replacement for quite some time, and City have a number of options in mind.

Goalkeeper	Current club	Potential cost
Gianluigi Donnarumma	PSG	£25m+
Joan Garcia	Espanyol	£21m
Diogo Costa	FC Porto	£51m
Senne Lammens	Royal Antwerp	£21m

Heading into their contest at the Emirates Stadium, Newcastle United were still riding high off beating Chelsea 2-0 in the ongoing race to finish inside the Premier League’s Champions League spots.

However, the Magpies swiftly returned to reality after losing 1-0 to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, meaning only point now separates Eddie Howe’s Toon from seventh placed Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, only the top five are allowed a seat around Europe’s elite table.

Therefore, Newcastle will have to get back to winning ways at home to David Moyes’ Everton to cement a spot, with a number of underperformers very much at risk of being dropped from this crucial tie.

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4

71

37

20

6

11

66

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19

9

9

66

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19

9

9

66

36

19

8

9

65

37

19

8

10

65

Newcastle's biggest underperformers vs Arsenal

Newcastle just didn’t enter into this contest away from home with the same clinical edge they showed against Enzo Maresca’s Blues, as wasteful finishing ruined their day throughout. In short, it was obvious they missed Alexander Isak who was ruled out through injury,

Come the end of the finely poised clash, Newcastle actually bettered the hosts in terms of shots, but Arsenal just displayed more self-control in crunch moments, particularly when Declan Rice’s latest stunner proved to be the difference-maker between the two teams.

The visitors just didn’t have this same composure in their locker, with Anthony Gordon a real letdown throughout in the attacking areas, leading to the ex-Everton winger finishing the game with no efforts attempted on David Raya’s net. On top of this, a misjudged dribble from the Liverpool-born attacker would culminate in Rice firing home.

Moreover, Harvey Barnes would only muster up 14 touches of the ball down the opposing left channel on a quiet day at the office from the former Leicester City man, whilst Jacob Murphy would also fail to provide a spark down the wings when failed to register an accurate cross.

But, the most anonymous body perhaps just started for the final time donning the famous black and white stripes.

4/10 dud must never start for Newcastle again

Newcastle were, of course, hindered on their travels by 27-goal machine Isak being injured, but Howe would have hoped those in reserve would step up to the mark in the Swede’s costly absence.

Instead, Callum Wilson really struggled leading the line for the Magpies throughout, resulting in the 33-year-old being hooked by his manager just after the hour mark.

Minutes played

64

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

17

Shots

0

Accurate passes

8/8 (100%)

Successful dribbles

0/2

Total duels won

0/7

It hasn’t exactly been a standout season for Wilson away from his struggles in North London – with only one goal coming the former AFC Bournemouth striker’s way – but even this dire showing on the big stage against Arteta’s men felt like a low, especially as his St. James’ Park future hangs in the balance.

Across his forgettable 64-minute stint, Wilson failed to register a single shot on the Arsenal goal, failed to complete a single dribble to test the Gunners defence and further failed to win a solitary duel from seven attempts.

Just off this showing alone, Wilson is unlikely to be kept around past this season, particularly when there are promising young talents such as William Osula at Howe’s disposal in the striker department.

Osula came on in place of the 33-year-old veteran actually, and whilst he too didn’t test Raya, he did valiantly win two duels for the cause.

Therefore, the future may well lie with Osula now over persisting with a waning Wilson, with Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder equally displeased with the ageing forward’s performance when dishing out a low 4/10 rating his way.

Cursing his team’s careless finishing at the full-time whistle, Howe will pray he has Isak available again for the vital final day contest.

If he isn’t though, you would anticipate that Osula will be thrown into the deep-end, with Wilson now potentially exiting St James’ Park on a whimper.

Newcastle could sign "legendary" Isak replacement for £27m

Newcastle could lose Alexander Isak this summer amid interest from elsewhere.

ByRoss Kilvington May 18, 2025

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.

Games played

26

Goals

13

Assists

4

Progressive carries

3.9

Progressive passes

4.7

Shots on target

1.5

Pass accuracy

70%

Take-ons completed

2.1

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.”

Flintoff worked with Lawes on a Lions training camp and has since signed him in the Hundred

Matt Roller04-Apr-2024Tom Lawes was only two years old when England won the 2005 Ashes but has still been struck by Andrew Flintoff’s “aura” while being coached by him – a series of interactions he described as “surreal”.Lawes, the highly-rated young allrounder, earned a call-up to England’s Lions programme through his performances for Surrey last season, taking 39 wickets at 19.76 as they won the County Championship for the second season in a row. It gave him the chance to work with Flintoff for three weeks at a November training camp in the UAE.”That was quite a surreal experience,” Lawes told ESPNcricinfo. “Him and Swanny [Graeme Swann] were out in Abu Dhabi with us and did quite a lot. I did a little bit of bowling work with Fred and it was just really cool to ask questions. The stories he’s got are unbelievable and the experiences that he shared were invaluable, really.”He’s cool. He’s obviously got that aura – as he would – about him. But he’s genuinely the friendliest, nicest, most approachable guy. I got on really well with him, asked lots of questions. He was like, ‘I’m here for as much or as little as you need’. He’s really understanding, really good to talk to and I really enjoyed working with him.”Lawes has no memories of the 2005 series that marked the pinnacle of Flintoff’s career, his 402 runs and 24 wickets earning him the inaugural Compton-Miller medal. But he grew up watching the ubiquitous DVD box-set: “I don’t remember watching him when I was three years old… [but] I’ve watched it millions of times, and I know about it.”Flintoff has been increasingly involved with England’s white-ball teams•Ashley Allen/Getty ImagesHe clearly made a positive impression: last month, Flintoff’s Northern Superchargers signed Lawes on a £50,000 contract, picking him ahead of a recent England international in Richard Gleeson. It is a major show of faith in a player who has only made nine professional T20 appearances.”Fred dropped me a message saying he was buzzing to have me,” Lawes said. “It was a really nice feeling; a little bit out of the blue. I didn’t really know what was happening, and then to be able to work under him again… that will be really cool. I’m really happy with that.”He was an unused member of Oval Invincibles’ title-winning squad last season, and is hoping for more exposure to white-ball cricket this summer. “I want to contribute more in the Blast for Surrey to start with and then hopefully, because I didn’t get a run-out in the Hundred last year, I’d love to put in a few performances this year.”Related

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More immediately, Lawes is part of a Surrey squad hoping to win their third consecutive Championship title – a feat last achieved by Yorkshire in the 1960s. “If I can match my performances from last year – or maybe even contribute a little bit more with the bat – I’d be really happy,” he said. “I’m trying to be as close to a genuine allrounder as I can.”When Lawes first came into the Surrey team “he shocked everyone,” recalls Ollie Pope, five years Lawes’ senior at Cranleigh School. “Everyone knew he had talent, but the pace he bowled with and the control he had as well was seriously impressive. He’s the exact kind of bloke you want in your team. He’s young but he’s confident and he always wants the ball.”When Burnsy [Rory Burns, Surrey’s captain] takes the ball off him, he’s always like, ‘Come on, give me one more’. He’s definitely one that you could easily see playing for England in the next few years as well. He’s got the pace and the skills… he’s got everything you need.”Lawes wheels away in celebration•Getty ImagesLawes made a solitary appearance for England at Under-19 level but the ECB have tracked him closely, particularly since he broke into the Surrey side two years ago. He believes that his main strength is his versatility: he has generally played as one of five seamers, often as second or third change, and has often found success with the surprise yorker that is becoming his trademark.Pope believes that Lawes’ next task is to develop the skills that will help him thrive away from home. A bruised heel limited him to playing one of the Lions’ three ‘Tests’ against India A at the start of the year, in which he bowled 15 wicketless overs. “I felt like I held my own, but that I had more to give,” he said.The entire tour took place in Ahmedabad, with matches staged at the cavernous Narendra Modi Stadium. “It was a cool experience, but quite intense just being in one place and not travelling around the whole time, and just playing cricket,” Lawes reflected. “It’s a ridiculous stadium. I think they shut it, so there was literally no-one there: it was just echoes.”There should at least be a thousand or so hardy fans at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday, when Surrey start their Championship season against Lancashire. “It’s the same as last year: starting afresh. The goal is to go again, and we’re all keen and eager to get going.”

Great keeper, good mate, straight talker – that’s just a few things the former Australia player has been

Ian Chappell27-Feb-2022″Is Rod Marsh an epileptic?” The phone call came at about 11.30 am in Sydney.It was former Queensland and Australian ODI player and now Bulls Masters boss Jimmy Maher. The answer was an emphatic no.The next call was concerning. “Rodney has actually had an attack in the car,” said Maher. “His heart stopped beating for several minutes before the hospital got it started again.”Related

• Rod Marsh in Queensland hospital after heart attack

• 'You never forget things you've worked out yourself' (2010)

• Match of my Life: Marsh on The Oval 1972 (2011)

• Photographic Memory: Rod Marsh's 264th wicket (2008)

Seventy-four-year-old Marsh is the best Australian keeper I’ve seen and he has been a good mate since we played together in the 1970-71 Test side.He covered more territory standing back than any keeper, and while this was a great asset, it could also be a source of frustration. When Tony Greig edged Gary Gilmour’s awayswinger in the World Cup semi-final at Headingley in 1975, it was headed to my right.It never reached me.”Listen you fat bastard, catches on my right are mine,” I told him during the celebration. That’s one reason our friendship endured: we both made our points clearly.I was once asked who was the better keeper, Marsh or Ian Healy. It was an easy answer: “Have a look at their hands.”Marsh’s hands, despite years of collecting the ferociously fast Jeff Thomson and the extremely quick Dennis Lillee, are untarnished. If you look at that Headingley catch and then the diving leg-side one where he caught Clive Lloyd, you’ll understand about the territory he covered standing back.I awarded Marsh the dubious nickname of Iron Gloves during his Test debut at the Gabba. I’d just read about the poor-fielding Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Dick Stuart, who was nicknamed Iron Glove. It seemed like an appropriate name to anoint Marsh with – he dropped a couple in his first game. Years later, when Marsh claimed the world record for most dismissals by a keeper the laconic Doug Walters informed him: “Marshy, if you’d taken ’em all in your first Test, you would’ve claimed that record four games ago.”It was after Marsh’s first Test that former Australian opener and renowned journalist Jack Fingleton approached me at Sydney airport. “What’s this cove Marsh like?” he asked.I replied, “He’s a good bloke. He can bat, and don’t worry about the first Test, he can keep,” I answered. “Why do you ask?””Well,” replied the fastidious Fingleton, “he just threw his suit carrier in the luggage rack on top of my deer-stalker. I told him, ‘Marsh, my hat’s under there,’ Fingleton continued, “and he replied, ‘It can only improve the hat.'”Marsh famously poaches a Chappell catch at Headingley in the 1975 World Cup semi-final•Patrick Eagar/Getty ImagesI thought to myself that the debutant had a sense of humour, but I only said: “Jack, he’s all right. You’ll enjoy a game of golf with him.”We won that game of golf a few years later, thanks to Marsh’s skill with the clubs.Like all excellent teams, we had not only a very good wicketkeeper but a smart one.Marsh thought that if you were the incumbent, you should improve by doing the job all the time. He improved a hell of a lot, especially against spin. He was naturally very good standing back. As captain, he let me know how the quicks were hitting his gloves, and he was never short of an idea. He also told me the truth and that helped me learn a lot about captaincy.”You’re an idiot,” he told me, with an unprintable word before “idiot”, between overs at Old Trafford in 1972. He reckoned it was a seamers’ paradise and I had two spinners bowling. That warned me I was captaining like it was Adelaide Oval and I had to adjust my thinking to the ground we were actually playing on.Following his playing days, we’ve stayed in touch. He enjoyed a very successful career as head coach at both the Australian and England academies and has been a selector for both countries, as well as chairman of the Australian panel. He was director of coaching at the ICC’s Global Cricket Academy in Dubai, and has been an administrator as well.Whatever the job, he has given it his all, and he told the truth. You always know where you stand with Rod.He has a stalwart family in wife Ros, boys Paul, Daniel and Jamie and their wives and families. He’s a widely admired character and I received numerous encouraging messages when Rod fell ill. Their gist was the same: “He’s a tough bugger, he’ll pull through.”I’m hoping so, because he was a first-class teammate and remains an excellent friend.

For the Mariners, winning the longest winner-take-all game in MLB history was one thing. Winning a game 48 hours later will be quite another.

During its surreal 3–2 victory over the Tigers on Friday to close out the American League Division Series, Seattle burned through seven pitchers en route to its first American League Championship Series since 2001. On Sunday, the Mariners will head east to open the ALCS against the Blue Jays.

Seattle announced Saturday that Bryce Miller—its starter in Game 4 of the ALDS—would start Game 1.

Miller, 27, pitched 4 1/3 innings against Detroit on Wednesday. He gave up two earned runs on four hits while striking out two, taking a no-decision in a 9–3 defeat.

The Texas A&M product struggled this regular season after a good 2024. In 18 starts, he went 4-6 with a 5.68 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 90 1/3 innings. He will oppose Toronto pitcher Kevin Gausman.

If Mariners fans have heard it once, they've heard it a thousand times: Seattle is the only MLB franchise never to have reached the World Series.

The New York Yankees placed outfielder Aaron Judge on the 10-day injured list over the weekend with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Though Judge will have to miss some time, he did avoid a more serious injury or any damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, and his elbow will not require surgery.

"I think we in the big picture dodged something pretty good," Yankees manager Aaron Boone told on Tuesday. "Hopefully this little bit of downtime does the trick and also serves as a little bit of a physical reset for him in a long season where you're playing every day."

Boone added that he thinks Judge will begin hitting off the tee on Tuesday or Wednesday, and will resume throwing 10-15 days after the injury. Boone remains unsure of how long it will take Judge to be ready to go in the outfield after he starts throwing again.

Per Bryan Hoch of , Boone said the "hope" is that Judge will play as the designated hitter when he's eligible to return from the IL on Aug. 5.

The Yankees have talked to designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton about playing outfield with Judge out and for depth down the stretch. Though Stanton is "eager" about the opportunity and will do some drills in the outfield this week, Boone is unsure if he will actually use Stanton in that role.

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has delivered a blunt message, urging his team-mates to play with “hurt and anger” as pressure mounts on Ruben Amorim after another disappointing Premier League setback. With United slipping in their pursuit of the top five, Dalot insists the squad must find greater obsession and inner drive to meet the club’s expectations.

Man Utd falter as their continue downward slide

Manchester United find themselves stalled in their attempt to climb into the Champions League places after a stuttering run of form damaged the momentum built from an encouraging unbeaten spell. A home defeat to 10-man Everton and a frustrating draw against relegation-threatened West Ham have intensified scrutiny on Amorim’s project, despite a solid win at Crystal Palace wedged between the dropped points. United now face a critical trip to Wolves, who are winless all season, in what is increasingly viewed as a must-win fixture to ease tension around the manager.

Dalot had thought he secured victory against West Ham with his goal, only for United to concede late and let a valuable opportunity slip away. The result left fans dissatisfied, the atmosphere tense, and expectations at risk of drifting out of reach during a period where United’s fixture list had appeared favourable. Failure to beat Wolves would likely trigger further discussion about Amorim’s suitability and whether the squad is reacting adequately to his demanding standards.

Amorim’s frustration after the West Ham draw was clear, with the manager reportedly delivering a stern debrief to his players the following day. Dalot echoed that sentiment, suggesting performances must come from emotional intensity as much as tactical execution.

AdvertisementGettyDalot urges Man Utd players to fight for form

Speaking ahead of the clash with Wolves, Dalot said: “Sometimes it's not football qualities. We have shown this season that we can be a very good team, but we need to get into ourselves. It has to be from inside. It has to be from the anger and drive you need every day to win football games.

“We need to become a bit more obsessed about playing for this club, winning games and winning trophies. I'm not going to get into the 'we need time' thing. We have to win straight away because that's what the club demands. That's why it hurts sometimes even more when we have opportunities like this and we don't win.”

He added: “Even after winning three or four games in a row, people will expect you to win five or six or seven. So, we just have to focus on one game, one win at the time. (Against West Ham) we had a good chance to get closer to the top positions and I think that’s what hurts even more.”

Getty Images SportAmorim's job under threat yet again

Dalot’s comments reflect a broader theme within United’s dressing room, where Amorim has continuously pushed players to meet the club’s historical standards while demanding more consistency. The Portuguese coach has been vocal about needing improvements from multiple players, including Dalot and Patrick Dorgu, insisting they are “far from the best” and require higher levels of performance. Dalot responded by embracing that criticism, acknowledging that every United player must adapt to the pressure of being judged on their most recent performance.

The defender also pointed to the psychological demands of playing for a club of United’s stature, noting how quickly expectations rise after only a handful of victories. The reaction to the West Ham draw illustrated this reality, with supporters booing at full-time despite the team having been in improved form just weeks earlier.

Amorim’s position, while not yet under immediate threat, has become a topic of increasing debate as fans weigh visible tactical improvements against recurring lapses in key moments. United’s inability to turn dominance into results remains a concern and one that threatens to undermine their ambitions of returning to Europe’s elite competitions. With expectations high after heavy investment and a philosophy-driven managerial appointment, the margin for error has narrowed considerably.

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Man Utd face crucial clash with Wolves

Manchester United now turn their focus to Monday’s clash with Wolves, knowing that anything less than victory risks deepening the scrutiny on both the players and the manager. Dalot’s rallying cry places the responsibility squarely on the squad to respond with intensity, conviction and the “obsession” he believes is required to restore winning habits. Should United secure the three points, it may provide the platform Amorim needs to rebuild momentum, while another setback would almost certainly escalate pressure ahead of the festive fixture congestion.

Bates is set to become the first woman to play 350 internationals and she will share the moment with Devine, who will feature in her 300th international

Deivarayan Muthu05-Oct-20251:55

Bates: Not having to travel an advantage right now

Suzie Bates is set to become the first woman to play 350 international games on Monday, when she faces South Africa in Indore in the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup.She has the chance to celebrate the landmark with fellow New Zealand stalwart and captain Sophie Devine, who will feature in her 300th international match on Monday.Bates had made her debut in an ODI against India in 2006 aged 19, just a few months before a 17-year-old Devine made her first appearance for the White Ferns on their tour of Australia. At the time, Bates was also an elite basketball player – she even represented New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before switching her focus to cricket.Related

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Bates said that she and Devine will put those milestones on the back burner for now, and that the focus is on their crucial World Cup fixture against South Africa after they had lost their opening game to Australia on October 1.”Yeah, there’s probably a little bit of embarrassment from both of us,” Bates said at her press conference on the eve of New Zealand’s clash against South Africa. “We just feel that when we celebrate these milestones, it’s just because we’re getting old. But yeah, it’s one of those things that maybe in the moment, you probably take for granted, and it’s a World Cup game, and we don’t want to get too carried away with that milestone.”But I know after the game, Sophie and I will sit and reminisce on how far we’ve come, not only as players together throughout this career, but as a team. I just think there’s been so much growth in New Zealand women’s cricket and those younger players coming through. So, yeah, we’ll be really proud. But in the morning, I think we’ll just be trying to get on with the cricket. And it’s something [in] ten years’ time when we’re both not playing, we might have a cup of coffee and think how cool it was to do it in Indore in India.”Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates – New Zealand’s two superstars•ICC/Getty Images

Devine had kicked off New Zealand’s campaign with a run-a-ball 112 – her ninth ODI hundred – but it was not enough to stop the Australia juggernaut on Wednesday. Despite the opening defeat, Craig McMillan, New Zealand’s assistant coach, was pleased with Devine’s form.”Well, I think the thing about whenever Sophie Devine’s at the crease, the game is never over,” McMillan said on Friday. “I think Australia felt that as well because she’s so powerful, can hit boundaries, and even though we were needing to go at nine or ten an over… for quite a while we were actually doing that, and she was the key to that. It was a class, a great way to start the tournament, really. She’s really put a stamp on this tournament right from the start, and that’s what you want from your captain, from your leader, and the other girls will follow her.”Devine will retire from ODI cricket at the conclusion of the ongoing World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, but will remain available for T20Is under a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket [NZC]. Bates, who has had a front-row seat to Devine’s rise, delivered a glowing appraisal of her all-around ability and suggested that Devine is irreplaceable.”You’re not ever going to be able to replace Sophie Devine,” Bates said. “I think she’s changed the game through her power with the bat. I know every opposition fears the way she plays the game, and we haven’t had many players like that from New Zealand who can take the game away from an opposition.”And then with the ball, everyone talks about her batting, but the way she competes with the ball and the fact that she’s captain, it’s just going to be impossible to replace her. And I’m really glad that it’s just 50-over cricket that she’s talked about stepping away from. It probably feels right with the World Cup being four years away, but there’s plenty of 20-over cricket for her to contribute. And there’s going to be no other Sophie Devine that New Zealand cricket [will] produce. It’s going to be hard to find an allrounder as explosive as her in world cricket”Rosemary Mair bowled and batted on the eve of the match against South Africa•ICC via Getty Images

‘Still a little bit of work to do for Mair’Seamer Rosemary Mair, who had missed New Zealand’s first match of the competition against Australia, with a side strain, is recovering well, according to McMillan. Bates also suggested that Mair is “getting close to full fitness,” but she is unlikely to be rushed back into action against South Africa on Monday.”She’s going well,” McMillan said on Friday. “Would have been nice for her to get a few more overs in tonight, that was the plan, but she’ll probably bowl tomorrow. She’s coming along nicely. There’s still a little bit of work to do, so not sure how she’ll be for the next match, but she’s not far off, and she’s certainly progressed a lot over the last week, which is encouraging to see.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s start to life under Thomas Frank has been topsy-turvy to say the least, with the fanbase no doubt feeling mixed emotions during the opening months of his tenure.

The Dane has led the Lilywhites to incredible heights away from home in the Premier League, currently remaining as the only side yet to lose on their travels in 2025/26.

However, their form in North London has been a huge cause for concern, with their record of one win, two draws and three losses from their six games the second worst in England’s top-flight.

Frank’s men haven’t won on home soil since the 3-0 opening day triumph over Burnley, subsequently going 87 days without a home victory – a simply unacceptable statistic.

However, with January rapidly appearing on the horizon, it will no doubt present a fresh opportunity for the 52-year-old to further bolster the squad to end such a dismal record.

Spurs’ hunt for new attacking talent in the January window

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been credited with an interest in landing numerous top-level attackers to help improve Frank’s options within the final third of the pitch.

The Lilywhites have been named as just one Premier League team in the race to sign Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, with the Japanese winger set for a winter exit from the LaLiga outfit.

A fee in the region of £52m has been mooted for the 25-year-old’s signature this winter, which has led to the player himself speaking of his desire to move to the Premier League.

However, he’s not the only player from Spain’s top-flight currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another top-level talent the hierarchy are preparing a move for.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Lilywhites are set to make an €80m (£70m) offer for the 24-year-old in January, after the Brazilian fell down Xabi Alonso’s pecking order.

The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to the Premier League, which could led to a potential club-record deal for Frank’s men.

Why Spurs’ £70m target would be an upgrade on Kudus

Only a couple of months ago, Spurs did splash the cash on a new forward, subsequently spending a fee in the region of £55m on the signature of Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian completed such a deal from rivals West Ham United, but the 25-year-old has already made himself a fan-favourite with the Lilywhites faithful in North London.

He’s featured ten times in England’s top-flight to date, already racking up one goal and four assists – with such a tally the highest tally of any player in the first-team squad.

Kudus’ only goal came in the triumph over Leeds United back in October, but he will have to wait to make a further impact after missing Saturday’s draw with Manchester United through injury.

His tally of 34 dribbles is the highest of any player in the Premier League, further highlighting the immediate impact he’s had since his big-money transfer this summer.

However, his minutes could prove to be limited from January onwards, especially if the hierarchy manage to complete a deal for Madrid star Rodrygo.

The £70m would be a huge statement of intent from the board, but it would also allow them to recruit an elite-level talent – as seen by his tally of 23 combined goals and assists in 2024/25.

When comparing his stats to those of Kudus from the ongoing campaign, the Brazilian has massively outperformed the Ghanaian in key areas – showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be in January.

Rodrygo, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Ben Mattinson, has achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, subsequently showcasing his increased goal threat over Kudus.

Games played

10

10

Minutes played

261

875

Progressive carries

7.6

3.3

Progressive passes

4.1

2.2

Shot on target accuracy

50%

35%

Pass accuracy

83%

72%

Key passes

1.7

1.4

Passes into final third

3.8

1.3

Carries into final third

3.8

1.5

He’s also completed more progressive passes and carries per 90, highlighting his ability to get the ball into dangerous areas for those around him in attacking areas.

Other numbers, such as more key passes and more passes into the final third completed, also demonstrate his creativity, which could help bolster Frank’s side’s impressive figures in 2025/26.

There’s no doubt £70m would be a mammoth price tag, but it would be a deal that would help the manager’s quest to transform their current dismal record on home soil.

At just 24, Rodrygo has bags of time to improve further and potentially help the Lilywhites reach the next level after their Europa League triumph at the end of last season.

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ByAngus Sinclair Nov 11, 2025