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Newcastle United are believed to be in the mix to sign an “incredible” player this summer, as they look to hijack Everton’s move for him.

Howe provides new Isak update

The Magpies are preparing to host Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night, with St James’ Park likely to be at its atmospheric best amid the Alexander Isak saga.

Eddie Howe has confirmed that the Swede will play no part in proceedings against the club who want to sign him this summer, also reacting to his statement about being let down by Newcastle earlier this week.

“It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must: the club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment, the club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United.

“It will do that in every situation. He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt.

Away from the Isak situation, Newcastle are still working hard on possible new signings at both ends of the pitch, and they are reportedly battling others for the signing of a Premier League player.

Newcastle eyeing move for Man City defender Nathan Ake

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are potentially looking to hijack Everton’s move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake this summer. While Everton are already in talks and the Magpies are only “monitoring” the Dutchman, he is represented by the same agency as several Newcastle stars, including Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes, so there could be a smooth path to personal negotiations.

Ake could be a brilliant addition for Newcastle, bringing a wealth of experience of him, not least six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. The 30-year-old is capable of thriving at both centre-back and left-back, which Howe has shown he appreciates with his use of Dan Burn, and Pep Guardiola spoke glowingly about him during last season.

Champions League

Manchester City

2023

Premier League

Manchester City

2024

Premier League

Manchester City

2023

Premier League

Manchester City

2022

Premier League

Manchester City

2021

Premier League

Chelsea

2017

Premier League

Chelsea

2015

Europa League

Chelsea

2013

FA Cup

Manchester City

2023

EFL Cup

Manchester City

2021

EFL Cup

Chelsea

2015

Club World Cup

Manchester City

2023

Super Cup

Manchester City

2023

In some ways, it seems strange why City are willing to sell a player who still has so much to offer, but if Guardiola no longer sees him as an important part of his plans, Newcastle should pounce.

Hopefully, the lure of a move to St James’, including playing in the Champions League, ultimately appeals more to Ake than joining Everton, even though the Blues are starting a new era at their impressive Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.

Newcastle submit bid for 20 y/o prodigy with "true vintage striker vibes"

The striker was the second-highest goalscorer in Serie B last season.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 22, 2025

The £160,000-a-week Ake is a class act who has proven himself at the highest level, and at 30, there is no reason why he couldn’t enjoy three or four good years at Newcastle.

تحدث حسام المندوه، أمين صندوق نادي الزمالك، عن الأزمات المالية التي تعاني منها القلعة البيضاء خلال الفترة الحالية.

وقال حسام المندوه في برنامج “الكلاسيكو” على قناة “ON E”: “عن تصريح (الزمالك بيموت)، طبعًا المصطلح الذي استخدمته هو أن الزمالك إن شاء الله (عمره ما يموت)، لكنني استخدمت لفظًا صعبًا لتسليط الضوء على مشكلة حقيقية يمر بها الزمالك”.

وتابع: “لا أعتقد أن يختلف أحد على أننا في نادي الزمالك نواجه أزمة مالية قوية، هل يختلف أحد على أننا نمر بأزمة مالية وإدارية في ظل الظروف الحالية؟ لا أظن، نحن جئنا وأنا لا أريد الخوض كثيرًا في هذا الملف لأن الناس ملت منه، ولكننا جئنا وقضينا سبعة أشهر لا نعرف موقفنا، هل سنستمر أم سنرحل، بسبب الطعون القضائية المقدمة من أشخاص ينتسبون إلى نادي الزمالك، بحجة تصحيح المسارات، وفي النهاية حكمت المحكمة لصالحنا”.

طالع.. “لم نصل لنتيجة”.. اتحاد طنجة يهدد الزمالك باللجوء إلى فيفا بسبب معالي

وواصل: “السبعة أشهر لم تضع من المجلس، لكنها شغلتنا كثيرًا وبعد هذه المدة بدأنا نفكر ماذا سنفعل في نادي الزمالك؟ الجميع قال إن المرحلة التي نعيشها هي الأصعب في تاريخ النادي”.

وأضاف: “كثيرون نصحوا بعدم الترشح، ولكن في النهاية لا بد أن يتواجد أحد من أبناء النادي لحل مشاكله ولا ننسى أن الفترة التي تولينا فيها المسؤولية كانت استثنائية، بعد استقالة المجلس السابق لأسباب حدثت داخل النادي، ثم جاء المجلس الذي أتشرف بالانتماء إليه برئاسة الكابتن المحترم حسين لبيب”.

واستكمل: “واجهتنا مشكلة كان لا بد من حلها فورًا، الحجز على الأرصدة، القيود المفروضة، غياب التناغم بين الفريق ومدربه، ترتيبنا في الدوري كان في المركز الحادي عشر تقريبًا، أوضاع البنية التحتية كانت سيئة، والناس داخل النادي كانوا يشتكون من الكلور وحمامات السباحة”.

وأردف: “لكن الناس ربما تنسى كل ذلك، وأنا أريد منهم أن يتذكروا اللحظة التي استلمنا فيها النادي، لأن الوضع كان مأساويًا، بدأنا نفكر في حلول سريعة المدى وأخرى طويلة المدى”.

وأشار: “أما طويلة المدى، فكانت فكرة الاستدامة المالية، لأنها ما يريح أي مؤسسة في العالم، فبدونها لا يمكن التخطيط للمستقبل، اكتشفنا أن هناك مشكلة كبيرة في موارد النادي، وسنتحدث عنها لاحقًا، لكننا في البداية ركزنا على حل الأزمات العاجلة، وبالفعل نجحنا في ذلك، رفعنا إيقاف القيد ورفعنا الحجز”.

وأضاف: “أما أرض نادي الزمالك في 6 أكتوبر، فكانت هناك قضية وصلت إلى المراحل النهائية من التقاضي، وكان سيصدر حكم ضد النادي لصالح وزارة الأوقاف بسبب عدم سداد المستحقات واجتمعنا مع وزير الأوقاف وقتها، الدكتور محمد مختار جمعة، وعقدنا تسوية، وتم الاتفاق على التفاصيل، والحمد لله انتهى الموضوع لصالح نادي الزمالك، وأصبحت الأرض الآن في حيازة وملكية النادي”.

واستكمل: “لو كان الحكم صدر ضدنا، لم تكن الأرض ستؤخذ بالطبع لأنها قائمة ويُقام عليها النادي، لكن كانت ستُقدر بسعرها الجديد، وهو ما كان سيكلفنا مليارات وحللنا هذه المشكلات لأن مجلس الإدارة كان على دراية كاملة بكل الأزمات، هناك فرق بين معرفة المشكلة وبين القدرة على حلها سريعًا”.

وقال: “يقال لنا أنتم جئتم وأنتم تعرفون كل المشاكل، نعم كنا نعرفها، وكنا قد عملنا سابقًا في لجنة عام 2021 مع الكابتن حسين لبيب، ورأينا أوضاع النادي من الداخل، لكن هل معنى أنني أعرف كل الأزمات أنني أستطيع حلها في لحظة؟ بالطبع لا”.

وأكمل: “النادي بظروف مالية بهذا الشكل، وبالاستقرار الإداري بهذا الشكل من اللجان المتعددة ومجالس الإدارات الكثيرة التي لا تنتهي، تخلص لجنة وتأتي أخرى هذه ليست ميزة، بل عيب فظيع، استقرار المجلس أمر ضروري، وأنا أتكلم هنا لصالح المجلس الحالي”.

واستكمل: “(إحنا باقي لينا سنتين)، وهذا في حد ذاته استقرار، لكن الآخرون بقوا سنوات طويلة جدًا ومستقرين، الاستقرار يعني أن تكون جالسًا بثبات، والمجالس تتوالى بشكل منظم، استقرار المجالس شيء أساسي في نجاح أي كيان في العالم”.

وواصل: “هل كانت مجالس إدارتنا مستقرة سابقًا؟ نحن جئنا على مجلس مستقيم، والتاريخ معروف، ولا نريد الخوض فيه كثيرًا”.

وصرح: “لكن هذا الوضع يؤدي مباشرة إلى مشاكل، فالنادي الذي ليس فيه استقرار إداري، والنادي الذي يواجه مشاكل مالية، ومع ذلك يحقق بطولات وينافس، هذا أمر صعب جدًا، نحن كمجلس إدارة حصلنا على 3 بطولات حتى الآن، ونحن حاليًا متصدرون الدوري وحتى لو الأهلي لعب وفاز، سنظل نحن في النهاية بالمراكز الأولى، أي أننا لسنا بعيدين عن القمة”.

وقال: “الزمالك هو أكبر قلعة رياضية في مصر مهما حدثت فيه مآسي أو أزمات، يظل أكبر كيان رياضي في البلد، لكن نحن نريد أن يرتاح النادي، والجمهور العظيم الذي يقف خلفنا أيضًا يريد أن يرتاح، ومن هنا جاء لفظ كلمة موت”.

وأضاف: “الموت بالنسبة لنا لا يعني أن النادي سيُغلق الناس، تسأل: هل ستغلقون باب النادي؟، لا، لن نغلق باب النادي، وأنا أريد أن أضع النادي في المكانة التي يجب أن يكون فيها، والتي هي أن يعرف مستقبله خلال خمس أو ست أو سبع سنوات كيف سيكون وضعه”.

وتابع: “أما إذا كانت الرؤية أمامنا ضبابية، فهذه مشكلة كبيرة جدًا، عندما ينافس نادي الزمالك على البطولات ولكنه يواجه صعوبات، فهذا بالنسبة لنا نوع من الموت الكروي والمعنوي، الأهم من ذلك، هل هناك رياضة في مصر من دون نادي الزمالك؟ لا، لا يوجد، أنا تربيت على الرياضة وحب الكرة، والزمالك جزء من هوية الرياضة في مصر”.

وأشار: “نحن كمجلس إدارة حاليًا، كانت توقعات الناس وطموحاتهم عالية جدًا معنا، ونحن أيضًا طموحاتنا كانت عالية جدًا لكن في المقابل نواجه مشاكل كثيرة جدًا خارجة عن إرادتنا”.

وأردف: “المشكلة الحالية الأبدية والمؤثرة، والتي هي سبب انزعاجي الشخصي، هي ملف 6 أكتوبر، وعلينا أن نرى الحل الذي يحقق ديمومة أو استمرارية لنادي الزمالك، نحن نتحدث عن مشروع كبير وضخم، وطبعًا هناك أفكار أخرى كما يتحدث الناس، فهي موجودة، نحن نعيش بالأفكار التي ننفذها منذ أن جئنا، وبمحبة النادي، ومع مجلس الإدارة الحالي، ولهذا قدرنا أن نكمل ونعيش بهذا الشكل منذ سنتين”.

وأشار: “سأعود لك لاحقًا، لكن بالنسبة لموضوع كلمة “بيموت” التي أزعجت الناس، طبعًا أنا لا أحب أبدًا أن يكون جمهور الزمالك غاضبًا مني على الإطلاق، حقيقة الأمر، لم يخنني التعبير؛ أنا أردت أن أجسد صورة تعبر عن مأساة قد يمر بها النادي”.

وأردف: “كنت أقصد المصطلح، طبعًا، لأنني أردت أن أسلط ضوءًا شديدًا على المشكلة، وأتمنى أن نتحدث جميعًا بنفس اللهجة، نحن الزملكاوية، لنتحد معًا ونقول إن نادي الزمالك بدون أرض 6 أكتوبر لن يستقر”.

وأتم: “يجب ذلك، لأن هذا حق لنا، وعلينا أن نطالب به، ويجب أن يكون صوتنا واضحًا ونحن نطالب بهذا الحق. لأننا لم نخطئ، ومن اتهمنا وقال إننا بعنا الأرض لمستثمر، فهذا كاذب؛ نحن تعاملنا مع الملف بمنتهى الاحترافية”.

With English cricket heading down a new path, it leaves Australia as the outlier in terms of private investment in their domestic league

Matt Roller31-Jan-2025

The BBL enjoyed a successful season•Getty Images

Australian cricket is watching the ECB’s introduction of private investment into the Hundred with interest as the Big Bash League looks to “stay ahead of the game” following a successful 2024/25 season.Hobart Hurricanes’ maiden title, on the back of Mitchell Owen’s 39-ball century, put the seal on a campaign that demonstrated the BBL’s “strong momentum and growth”, the league’s general manager Alistair Dobson told ESPNcricinfo. It has given both him and Cricket Australia the chance to think to the future after spending multiple seasons in “reset mode”.After four seasons of the Hundred, the ECB is selling 49% stakes in each of its eight teams to private investors in a process that got underway on Thursday, leaving the BBL – which is owned and run entirely by CA and its states – as an outlier. Dobson declined to comment on whether the BBL will follow suit imminently, but remains open-minded about the league’s future.Related

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“The BBL has been successful almost from the very beginning,” Dobson said. “It has been able to deliver a really strong product and return to Australian cricket, which has meant that the model we have has been really successful – hence why there has been limited momentum in changing that model historically, because it’s been so strong.”The world’s shifting, and we’re always looking at other leagues and other models around the world to make sure we still have the right one for us… Every part of the global game is evolving really quickly and we learn bits from everyone. The process that the ECB is going through with the Hundred looks like an interesting one – it’ll be fascinating to see how that unfolds.”Dobson travelled to the UK to watch several games of the Hundred’s 2023 season and has kept close tabs on the competition’s first four seasons. “We can and do learn from the Hundred around continuing to innovate, in the way that the Hundred was prepared to try something different,” he said. “We have plenty to learn from each other.”Both leagues have that philosophy of continuing to be fan-first. From the outside looking in, it appears that they’ve taken a lot of the BBL’s DNA – the colour, fun, new audiences, new brands – and have created a product that seems to have connected quite strongly with the fanbase, and is bringing new fans into the game.”The Hundred has changed the landscape of English cricket•ECB via Getty Images

CA’s decision to expand the BBL from 43 games to 59 (and later 61) from 2018/19 until 2022/23 brought several challenges, with attendances and TV viewership suffering. But since returning to a shorter window last season – squeezing into the school holidays – it has managed to hold its own through a “quality over quantity” approach, despite clashes with the ILT20 and SA20.”For the past three or four years, we’ve been building the competition back after some challenging years through Covid and otherwise,” Dobson said. “It’s not until the last 12 months where we’ve had the momentum to be able to look at the future… I wouldn’t comment on any specific opportunities, but the world’s moving pretty fast and it’s important that we stay ahead of the game.”The availability of the world’s best players – both from Australia and elsewhere – remains a sticking point for the BBL, with only three out of six overseas spots filled in Monday’s final and Test series against India and Sri Lanka at either end of the season. But Dobson believes that the player pool remains healthy, with competitive top-end salaries of AUD$420,000.”The global landscape is moving really fast,” he said. “We hear a lot from players that playing in front of big crowds in iconic stadiums with great wickets and facilities is still really important, so we feel like we’re in a good position on that front… The other leagues around our window have created some interesting challenges, we feel like we are in pretty good shape.”Guys like Chris Jordan for the Hurricanes and Sam Billings for the [Sydney] Thunder have become really engaged in their clubs. Combining that with the iconic players in our competition – whether that’s Glenn Maxwell, or increasingly Mitch Owen – and then when we get a glimpse of Steve Smith, or David Warner… our strength is the mix of all those player groups.”Owen earned worldwide attention in his breakthrough season – not only for his brutal hitting, but for his obvious affinity for the Hurricanes. He grew up supporting the club from the grass bank at Bellerive Oval in Hobart and described his starring role in their first trophy win, aged 23, as a “childhood dream”, underlining the BBL’s longevity compared to many T20 leagues.’You start to get kids coming through who grew up barracking for and supporting their BBL team, evolving from young fans into opening batters’•Getty Images

“It’s a great story for us,” Dobson said. “I mean that not just individually for Mitch and the Hurricanes, but also, it’s a really strong signpost for us on the maturity and evolution of our competition, where we now have kids that have grown up supporting their BBL team, and we’re old enough for those kids to see their way through to play – and win – for that team.”We see it in other codes around the world – whether that’s football or other sports – where you want to play for the team you grew up supporting… Once you get through 14 seasons, you start to get kids coming through who grew up barracking for and supporting their BBL team, evolving from young fans into opening batters. That’s a really cool place for us to be.”The BBL will again overlap with a major series next summer, with Australia’s Test players unlikely to be available until the second half of the season following the Ashes. And while the majority of boards now reserve a space for their short-form leagues in their international calendar, Dobson insisted that the BBL works best when it operates “in harmony” with headline Test series, allowing cricket to capitalise on its window in the Australian sporting calendar.”Test cricket is still the pinnacle for our fans and our players,” he said. “For the BBL to run alongside that with its own offering and its own strengths is still the right model for us… There’s always talk about whether the BBL and the Test season should be separated to allow more player availability, but there’s also an element where those two things can work in harmony to create a really strong offering.”

Cameron Bancroft emerged from a horror form slump with an unbeaten half-century to steer Western Australia to a powerful position against South Australia in their Sheffield Shield match.Bancroft, who was overlooked for Australia’s team for the first Test against India, was unbeaten on 72 as WA reached 185 for 2 at stumps on day three of the pink ball day-night fixture at Adelaide Oval.Related

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SA opener Henry Hunt earlier completed his 10th first-class century, posting 106 as the home side was all out for 253 – a first innings deficit of 120 runs.Bancroft and WA’s first innings centurion Jayden Goodwin then turned the screws, taking the visitors to a lead of 305.Bancroft failed to press his Test claims with a wretched run of Shield scores: 0, 0, 8, 2, 12, 11 and a golden duck. He also made just 0, 16, 3 and 0 for Australia A against the touring Indians before the Test squad was selected. But on Monday he struck three fours and a six in a 206-ball knock.Goodwin, who made a polished 139 in the first innings, continued his fine fixture with a 139-ball innings featuring nine fours before falling to Harry Conway. Bancroft and Goodwin put on 132 runs for the second wicket after SA quick Spencer Johnson had Sam Fanning caught behind for a second-ball duck.Earlier, SA’s Hunt banked his century and acting skipper Ben Manenti was 73 not out in an innings when Harry Nielsen was the only other batsman to pass 10.The home side struggled to combat WA pacemen Joel Paris, who claimed 5 for 34 from 20 overs, and Jhye Richardson who had come through an injury scare on the second day.

Manchester United could be set for a huge season under Ruben Amorim next season, that’s if the additions he’s made to the squad make the desired impact.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are two senior additions made to the Red Devils squad, costing a staggering £130m – showcasing the ambition from the hierarchy.

Benjamin Sesko could be the next player to move to Old Trafford, after the club made a £74m bid for the RB Leipzig forward, with the player himself wanting a move to join Amorim’s side over Newcastle United.

Such additions will likely provide a huge upgrade on the options who were at the club throughout 2024/25, potentially helping them return to their former glory in the Premier League.

Other areas of the pitch will also need strengthening if they are to be successful, with work already being done behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Douglas Luiz has reappeared on United’s radar in recent weeks, after originally being touted with a move to join the club in the early stages of the summer window.

The Red Devils have already held talks with Juventus over a potential deal to sign the Brazilian international, but the Italian side are demanding a permanent move rather than a loan deal.

However, he’s not the only midfielder still on their radar, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez a player who’s firmly in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that the United hierarchy have made the 22-year-old their top target after completing a deal for Sesko between now and the end of the window.

It also states that the hierarchy are willing to fork out a fee in the region of €70m (£60m) to land the Spaniard, who made 46 appearances across all competitions last campaign.

Why United’s latest target would be Amorim’s own Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been one of Europe’s leading talents over recent years, making huge strides in his career as a professional despite still being just 22 years of age.

He started his career at Birmingham City before a move to Borussia Dortmund, which catapulted him to stardom, subsequently making a move to Real Madrid back in the summer of 2023.

However, his career could’ve been completely different, with the Red Devils previously interested in making a move for the Englishman during the early days of his rise.

The youngster even visited the Red Devils training ground ahead of a potential move, but Bellingham chose a move to Dortmund instead – leaving question marks as to what could’ve been for him in Manchester.

Despite missing out on his signature, the hierarchy have the chance to land their own version of the superstar this window, with current target Lopez labelled a similar player to the Englishman by FBref.

The Barça star has even managed to outperform the Madrid gem in numerous key areas in recent times, showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be to United this summer.

Lopez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, averaged a better goal and assist per 90 record, whilst achieving a higher shot on target accuracy rate – subsequently offering a bigger threat within the final.

Games played

28

31

Goals & assists

11

17

Goals & assists per 90

0.79

0.61

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

36%

Key passes

2.1

1.5

Passes into opposition box

1.4

1.1

Take-ons completed

1.8

1.4

Carries into opposition box

0.9

0.5

Recoveries made

4.8

3.5

He’s also dominated Bellingham in possession, completing more key passes per 90, with more of which going into the final third, handing potential new signing Sesko with the tools he needs to thrive at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard’s talents are further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and recoveries made, potentially being a perfect box-to-box option in Amorim’s current system.

£60m would be yet another massive statement of intent from the ownership group, as they look to avoid the travesty that occurred across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

If he can move to Old Trafford and replicate his displays in LaLiga, he would be a huge coup and one that could transform into a potential world beater under Amorim’s guidance.

Perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha: Man Utd in talks for another deal after Sesko

Manchester United could be about to make another huge move before the end of the window.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 6, 2025

In his seventh season – and second as captain – at Guyana Amazon Warriors, Imran Tahir, now the oldest player in the CPL at 45, became the first overseas bowler to take 100 wickets in the league. Tahir reached the milestone when he had Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ Hassan Khan holing out to Gudakesh Motie right at the edge of the midwicket boundary in Amazon Warriors’ successful defence of 135 on a Providence turner.Tahir cherished the landmark, saying it was a game-changing moment. When Hassan, who is adept at playing spin, holed out for 10 off 12 balls, Falcons were reduced to 41 for 3 in the eighth over and were eventually bowled out for 108.”I think he [Motie] took a really good catch,” Tahir said after Amazon Warriors secured their spot in the playoffs. “I was quite pleased because Hassan is very dangerous and can play spin really well, so getting him out at that time was really crucial for the team. I am just glad it came off and it was a totally great effort from Motie. For me, that was the turning point to get back into the game.”After Motie completed the catch, Tahir set off on a signature celebratory sprint and even mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’ celebration. In his next over, Tahir trapped Kofi James with another slider, for 27 off 23 balls.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

It was not a popular move when Tahir, 44 then, was named captain of Amazon Warriors last season, but he led the team to their first title. Continuing as captain, Tahir faced a stumbling block this time when he was injured midway through the season, but he returned to action and marshalled Amazon Warriors into the playoffs once again.”I just wanna be really grateful to Guyana for giving me the opportunity over the years to come and play here in this beautiful country,” he said. “Look, it’s a personal achievement [100 CPL wickets] but I hope my achievement includes whatever I’ve helped for the team and that’s what I look to do always. It’s a very good milestone and I’m very pleased.”Tahir also credited Moeen Ali for his calculated 42 off 33 balls, which propped Amazon Warriors up to 135 for 7 from 85 for 5. While Moeen was circumspect against Chris Green’s offspin, he lined up left-arm fingerspinner Imad Wasim for an electric sequence of 4, 6, 6, 6, 0, 4 in the 19th over.Related

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Amazon Warriors’ batters have been particularly good at acing their match-ups this season. For instance, when they met Falcons in North Sound earlier this season, Romario Shepherd played out Fabian Allen and Shamar Springer, who has quite a few slower variations in his repertoire, and instead smashed Mohammad Amir for 15 off five balls.”We knew it was going to be difficult from the start,” Tahir said. “I think we wanted to have a better powerplay, to be honest, but I still think we were okay because we didn’t lose a lot of wickets. It’s actually totally different than last year – it’s quite tough for the batters to adjust themselves. I think Moeen played really, really well.”Obviously, he had a chance, but then, I think, he capitalised on that all the way and he was incredible. One over changed the game. We were still thinking we could have done better but we knew 135-140 we can defend as a bowling unit.”The Providence has been a fortress for Amazon Warriors: their win-loss ratio of 1.71 at this venue is the best among all teams at home in the CPL. While Amazon Warriors have always had a deep and varied spin attack, which suited these conditions, Tahir attributed their sustained success at home to the Guyana crowd.”The support we get here from people,” Tahir said, “they are always here every single game and it’s sold out. As a professional sportsman, you want to play somewhere where you really enjoy and that’s what we felt over the years. I’ve been very lucky to be part of this franchise for the last seven years. It’s been incredible and that’s the only thing I can think of. The skills are there and obviously you’ve done your homework, hard work, this and that, but I think it’s the support and I just want to thank all the people in Guyana and all over [the world] where Guyanese people are. It’s incredible and we love playing here.”Jewel Andrew, 17, is among the positives for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in CPL 2024•CPL T20 via Getty Images

‘Shoulda, coulda, woulda’ – Falcons captain Green reflects on the season

After Falcons suffered a group-stage exit in their first CPL season, their captain Green was left with a tantalising thought: what might have been. With Brandon King injured at the start of the tournament, Green took as captain and oversaw four home defeats in five matches in North Sound. Though Falcons did the double over the mighty Trinbago Knight Riders, they had already fallen out of the playoffs race.”It [captaincy] was a good challenge,” Green said. “I found out at the very last minute that I would be doing it in Antigua. Fortunately, I’ve got some really good people around me in my team. We had so much fun together and we had some really close losses unfortunately in those first two games and reflection on the season: shoulda, coulda, woulda. We showed glimpses of what we could do at times and then we were really poor at times and probably our fielding let us down and lack of big runs let us down as well throughout the tournament.”Green, however, was buoyed by the emergence of Jewel Andrew, the youngest player to ever feature in the CPL, and the re-emergence of Justin Greaves and Shamar Springer.”You look at some individual performances. Justin Greaves coming in and opening the batting and having the tournament he did,” Green said. “Shamar Springer, another one with the ball, and unfortunately he was injured. I’d have loved to see him get up the wickets column and finish a great tournament that he deserved. And then the youngster – Jewel Andrew how he started in the tournament and it’s a pity he didn’t play in the back end as well but at 17 years of age to come out and play the way he did. That’s three off the top of my head. Just outstanding individual performances throughout the tournament and they have got bright futures ahead of them along with other guys in the team.”

Everton are now believed to have made an approach to complete the signing of a “world class” player who knows the Premier League well but has fallen out of favour at his current club.

A host of players continue to be mentioned as options for the Blues in the summer transfer window, including Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper. The 25-year-old Englishman started all 46 of the Blades’ Championship matches last season, helping them reach the playoff final, but defeat to Sunderland at Wembley ruined their chances of promotion, and he may like the idea of heading to the top flight.

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is another player who could want to remain in the Premier League, following his side’s relegation to the second tier, and Everton have been backed to snap him up, amid their search for more quality in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic is another reported target for the Merseysiders, with the Serb potentially seen as a strong replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Just 20 years of age, he scored an impressive 12 goals in 23 Championship starts last term and could serve as the old fashioned number nine alongside the more elusive Thierno Barry.

Everton make approach for "world class" midfielder

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport [via Goodison News], Everton have made an approach for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, seeing him as an excellent choice to bring in this summer. The Blues are said to have asked for information regarding the 27-year-old, but it is added that no offer has been tabled for him yet.

He joined Juventus for around £42m last summer but was once worth a much higher figure, with Neil Moxley even claiming “somebody’s just having a bit of a laugh” when he was quoted at £60m while thriving at Aston Villa, pointing to Declan Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal as a benchmark.

Indeed, albeit out of form and out of favour in Turin last season, Luiz is a player who has proven his worth at the highest level for many years now, having been such an influential performer for Villa, so he could be a brilliant signing for Everton.

The Brazilian has 175 appearances to his name in the Premier League, as well as 20 goals and 18 assists, with John McGinn heaping praise on his ability, describing him as “world class”, and Jermaine Pennant calling him better than Rice in the past.

“Any team would dream to have Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment. I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better. I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice. Creativity-wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice. So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz.”

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Luiz is still in his prime, so this wouldn’t be a case of Everton splashing out on a player who has peaked, and his box-to-box style could be a great asset for David Moyes.

Aston Villa have now made contact over a deal for a defender, whose recent performances have attracted the attention of some top clubs, according to a report.

Aston Villa eyeing bargain signings amid PSR concerns

PSR has been a thorn in Villa’s side for quite some time now, having previously been forced to cash-in on the likes of Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran to raise funds, and having missed out on the Champions League in controversial fashion, NSWE may have to make sales this summer.

After the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, there are now doubts over the futures of Morgan Rogers, Emi Martinez and Marco Asensio, with Manchester City being named as potential suitors for the former in the past.

Martinez also looks as though he could be heading for the exit door, with Atletico Madrid recently entering the race for the Argentina international, alongside Manchester United, although it is unclear whether a move to Old Trafford would be of great appeal after their Europa League final defeat.

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Amid PSR concerns, it could be a wise idea for Aston Villa and NSWE to make some low-cost additions to the squad this summer, and they have now made contact over a deal for Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola, according to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness).

Owing to some of his recent performances, Coppola is now attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford also being named as potential suitors.

A deal could be on the relatively cheap side too, with the Serie A side expected to receive offers of around €10m – €15m (£8m – £13m) in the coming weeks.

"No-nonsense" Coppola impressing in Italy

The Hellas Verona defender is only 21-years-old, but he has already solidified his place as a regular starter for the Italian side, making 34 Serie A appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, during which time he impressed considerably.

Indeed, the Italian centre-back showcased his defensive quality on a regular basis, perhaps most notably ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Aerials won

4.09 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

2.21 (99th percentile)

Tackles

2.03 (85th percentile)

Not only that, but the “no-nonsense CB”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, also proved himself to be an attacking threat, scoring with a towering header in his side’s 3-2 victory over Parma back in December.

Coppola has proven he could now be ready to take the next step in his career, and he could be a fantastic low-cost addition to Unai Emery’s squad.

The Premier League is widely regarded as the most physical, intense and demanding league across the continent, so it’s always very impressive to see players performing well into their 30s.

Here, we’ve taken a look at the 10 oldest players in the Premier League, with their age taken from their last appearance. Without further ado, here is the list…

Rank

Player

Club

Age

Lukasz Fabianski

West Ham

Ashley Young

Everton

James Milner

Brighton

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

Jonny Evans

Man Utd

Adam Lallana

Southampton

Fraser Forster

Tottenham

Willian

Fulham

Seamus Coleman

Everton

Martin Dubravka

Newcastle

10 Martin Dubravka (Newcastle) 36 years, 1 month

Martin Dubravka has been in and out of Newcastle United team of late, primarily standing in for Nick Pope whenever the Toon No 1 is out injured.

Indeed, he was called upon over the Christmas period with Pope unavailable, with Newcastle securing a sixth consecutive win with the Slovakian between the sticks on his 36th birthday.

Dubravka’s last appearance came against Man City in February 2025.

9 Seamus Coleman (Everton) 36 years, 7 months

Seamus Coleman has been at Everton for 16 years now, though his season was derailed by injuries throughout.

It meant the Irishman only turned out five times for the Toffees in the 2024/25 Premier League, coming on most recently in the final game at Goodison Park against Southampton on 18th May.

8 Willian (Fulham) 36 years, 9 months, 1 day

Willian made his Premier League debut for Chelsea in October 2013 and has remained in the division ever since, aside from brief stints out at Corinthians and Olympiacos. The tricky winger returned to Fulham in January 2025.

His longevity is admirable, having made 327 appearances in England’s top flight with three different clubs as of the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

#

Player

Goals

1

Roberto Firmino

82

2

Gabriel Jesus

76

3

Richarlison

64

=4

Philippe Coutinho

47

=4

Willian

47

6

Gabriel Martinelli

40

=7

Matheus Cunha

29

=7

Juninho

29

=9

Joao Pedro

22

=9

Joelinton

22

7 Fraser Forster (Tottenham) 36 years, 9 months, 12 days

Fraser Forster was summoned to the Tottenham Hotspur first team when Guglielmo Vicario was struck by injury.

It handed the former Southampton and Celtic shot-stopper a brief run of games in December, though Spurs were only successful on one occasion – on a return to St Mary’s.

Now 37, it remains to be seen whether he will appear for Spurs in the new season, having lost his place in the matchday squad towards the end of the campaign.

6 Adam Lallana (Southampton) 36 years, 9 months, 26 days

Adam Lallana’s Premier League career may well be over following Southampton’s relegation in 2025, which isn’t a huge surprise given he may not be granted another move up the pyramid at 37 years of age.

Looking further ahead, Lallana joined up with the England Under-21s in September 2023 as a coach – perhaps indicating his future plans on the touchline.

Trophy

Year

FIFA Club World Cup

2020

Premier League

2020

UEFA Super Cup

2019

Champions League

2019

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy

2010

5 Jonny Evans (Man Utd) 37 years, 4 months

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United re-signed free agent Jonny Evans in the summer of 2023, but the veteran certainly proved a few naysayers wrong.

The Northern Irishman called time on his second spell in 2025, ending the campaign as the fifth-oldest player in the league.

He would have to turn out for another top-flight club to climb the rankings, perhaps for a promoted club looking for an experienced head.

Trophy

Year

Community Shield

2009, 2011, 2012, 2021

FA Cup

2021, 2024

Premier League

2009, 2011, 2013

FIFA Club World Cup

2009

League Cup

2009, 2010

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy

2010

Champions League

2008

Championship

2007

4 Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 37 years, 4 months

Jamie Vardy bid a fond farewell to Leicester City this season, but despite the Foxes’ relegation, the 37-year-old backed himself to still do a job in the Premier League.

At the conclusion of the season, it was not clear where the striker was headed, but he certainly flew the flag for the veterans of the division, with only three older players appearing.

3 James Milner (Brighton) 39 years, 4 months

James Milner has amassed a remarkable 638 Premier League appearances – only Gareth Barry (653) has collected more.

The former England international has adapted his game to continue operating at the highest level, particularly at Liverpool, where he became an established left-back.

Now at Brighton, Milner has played at left-back, right-back and central midfield for the Seagulls.

He won Liverpool’s gruelling lactate test every pre-season he was at the club, evincing his astounding fitness levels, which no doubt have played a huge role in his longevity.

#

Player

Goals

1

Gareth Barry

653

2

James Milner

638

3

Ryan Giggs

632

4

Frank Lampard

609

5

David James

572

6

Gary Speed

535

7

Emile Heskey

516

8

Mark Schwarzer

514

9

Jamie Carragher

508

10

Phil Neville

505

2 Ashley Young (Everton) 39 years, 10 months

Ashley Young turns 40 in summer 2025, and has been a superb servant to Everton since his switch in 2023.

The former Manchester United winger has experienced a similar career development to Milner in the sense that he converted to full-back in order to continue playing at the highest level.

Young has continued to rack up appearances despite his advancing age, playing primarily at right-back.

Team

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Manchester United

261

19

33

Aston Villa

247

38

53

Watford

110

22

9

Everton

70

2

4

Inter

59

5

9

1 Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham) 40 years, 1 month

It seems crazy to think that Lukasz Fabianski is now in his 40s, having joined English football as a youngster with Arsenal in 2007.

He will be leaving West Ham United after seven years of service in east London, but not before topping the Premier League charts as the competition’s oldest player in 2024/25.

It’s hardly a badge of honour, but it speaks to the Pole’s enduring qualities that he could still hack it at the top level.

Everton are “confident” of signing a rapid new player who is said to play with “a lot of dynamism and speed” in a cut-price deal this summer, according to a new report.

Everton remain on the up despite Chelsea loss

Everton suffered a 1-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge over the weekend, with Nicolas Jackson scoring his first goal of 2025 to gift the home side all three points.

Despite the loss, however, Everton remain very much a team on the rise. After a desperately poor start to the season under Sean Dyche, the Toffees have gone from strength to strength since the reappointment of David Moyes as manager in January.

Under the Scotsman, Everton lost just one of their first 10 Premier League games — a remarkable run of form that essentially secured their top-flight status for another year, something that had looked extremely unlikely around Christmas.

Results have dipped slightly since, but with Premier League football now guaranteed for next season, attention inside the club has already begun to turn towards a fresh start.

“[Moyes] only wants the club to go one way, which we all do, and that is up. But there is still a lot of work that we all need to do to get to that point,” winger Dwight McNeil said after the defeat to Chelsea.

Everton confident of signing Ligue Akpa

Everton’s fresh start next season will come in two parts — the first being a brand-new home: Everton Stadium, a 52,888-seater set to replace Goodison Park after more than a century as the club’s base.

The second will be a revamped squad, with the club’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, expected to back Moyes with funds in the summer to strengthen his team.

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One of the players Moyes could be bringing in is Auxerre defender Clement Akpa, with Football Insider reporting that Everton could secure his signing in the coming months.

The outlet claims that Everton have been alerted to Akpa’s availability — and that they are now “pretty confident” of landing the 23-year-old in what could be a cut-price deal due to Auxerre’s financial difficulties.

Akpa has made 28 appearances for Auxerre this season, mostly at centre-back, though he is also capable of playing at left-back.

Speaking about the Ivory Coast international earlier this season, Auxerre head coach Christophe Pélissier said: “He’s a player who works a lot, having made very good and quick progress. At the beginning of this season, I did not think he would be one of the most used players.

“His qualities — playing with a lot of dynamism and speed — have allowed him to develop fully in this system. He asks a lot of questions about the game and what he needs to do to move forward. Being a very young father has given him a great sense of responsibility.”