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Arne Slot has held his press conference ahead of Liverpool’s second Premier League game of the season against Newcastle United, revealing he is happy with the current squad.

“As always, if we think we can improve in a certain position and there’s a player available who can really make us better – which you could see with Giovanni Leoni – then this club has always shown that they can bring these players in, but only if things are right,” said the Dutchman.

Slot also implied the return to form of Federico Chiesa will improve his attacking depth: “I see a totally different Federico now than I did for most of last season.”

When asked about his upcoming opposition, he highlighted the threat they pose going forward: “The main thing we have to be ready for is their midfielders, their last forwards, their three forwards. I assume Isak isn’t playing, but they still have Gordon as a nine, Elanga, Barnes, Jacob Murphy.”

Slot also revealed that Liverpool had been dealt a blow that will affect their ability to deal with Newcastle’s attack, as their new right-back, Jeremie Frimpong, has picked up an injury that will see him out of action until after the international break.

Liverpool’s eyes are on Newcastle in more ways than just the Premier League clash however, as they plot another bid for one of the Magpies’ star players.

Liverpool readying new Isak bid

Liverpool are preparing another bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Reds had previously bid £110 million plus add-ons for the Swedish striker, but that deal was rejected. Now, as Newcastle edge closer to signing Yoane Wissa and also line up Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen, Liverpool are preparing a new bid for Isak.

Reports from Spain have indicated that the new bid will be worth somewhere in the region of £138 million. The club view this massive fee as worthwhile, however, as they think “his arrival would bridge the gap following the imminent end of the Salah era”.

The bid may come in after the two clubs face each other on Monday, as Newcastle are unlikely to sell their best player to a team right before they play them.

From the player’s perspective, it has now got to the point where he is publicly pushing for the move, as he put out a statement before the PFA awards, where he spoke of Newcastle’s broken promises and the benefits of “change” for both parties.

What happens to Ekitike if Liverpool sign Isak?

Whilst Hugo Ekitike had an impressive season last year in the Bundesliga, he arrived in the Premier League as something of an unknown quantity, and when it looked like Liverpool might sign him and Isak, the latter looked the safest option of the two.

Ekitike quickly put any doubts about him to rest with his first two performances for Liverpool. During the Community Shield and the opening Premier League game, he registered two goals and an assist, showing that he’s easily adapted to English football.

This means Slot may be faced with the best predicament a manager could find themselves in, as he has two impressive strikers both competing for game time. While Isak may want to come straight into the first team, he’s been away from team training at Newcastle for a while, meaning it may take a few weeks to get up to speed.

An answer to Slot’s issue may arrive before it becomes too much of a problem. This is because in less than a month’s time, the Champions League group stage will be starting, meaning Liverpool will often be playing two games a week, and there should be ample minutes for the forwards to share.

New Zealander joins after successful spell in charge of Otago Sparks

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Dec-2024Craig Cumming, the former New Zealand batter, has been appointed as head coach of the Blaze for their first season affiliated to Nottinghamshire as part of the Tier 1 women’s domestic structure.Cumming has enjoyed success in his home country with Otago Sparks, leading them to two 50-over Hallyburton Johnstone titles in four years. He will arrive in the UK in the new year, after the conclusion of the Super Smash T20 competition.”I feel very humbled and privileged to be selected as head coach of the Blaze,” Cumming said.”I know some of the players and staff already, and have visited the team while in the UK over the last couple of years, so I know that everyone works to the highest standards. But most importantly, I know that I’m joining a brilliant group of people, both on and off the field.”I can’t wait to be part of this wonderful team, and I’m ambitious to help deliver more of the success they have had in the past couple of seasons.”Cumming’s appointment comes after Chris Guest, who coached the Blaze to their first piece of silverware in last season’s Charlotte Edwards Cup, left to take charge of England Women Under-19s.Blaze director of cricket, James Cutt, said: “Craig’s success as a coach speaks for itself. In a relatively short period of time, Craig has had a significant impact at Otago, who have been a pre-eminent force in New Zealand women’s cricket in the past few years. I’m excited to see how we can evolve under his leadership.”Guesty’s departure gave us an opportunity to look at how we could move forward from a position of strength, having put together such a strong record over the past two summers.”We conducted an exhaustive, global search to find the best candidate, and – amongst some very strong applicants – Craig’s credentials and pedigree were the most compelling.”There’s an exciting summer ahead for us, with an expanded fixture list and a squad with a blend of young talent and international experience, and I’m sure Craig’s fresh perspective will be a huge asset.”

Worcestershire reduced to 56 for 76, but Waite and van Beek rally before rain

ECB Reporters Network26-Sep-2024Lancashire made up for lost time and maintained their Vitality County Championship Division One survival hopes after Tom Bailey and Anderson Phillip impressed with the new ball against Worcestershire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Bailey and Phillip fully justified Lancashire skipper Keaton Jennings decision to put the home side into bat in reducing them to 22 for 5 and then 56 for 7 in seamer-friendly conditions when play got underway after lunch. The duo both picked up three wickets to give Lancashire an ideal start to a game they have to win to keep alive their chances of remaining in the top flight for another season.Lancashire began the game 15 points adrift of third from bottom Nottinghamshire but last week’s win over Somerset at Emirates Old Trafford had kept them in contention.Bailey bowled eight overs on the trot and returned excellent figures of 3 for 9 while Phillip had 3 for 44 from seven overs.Worcestershire had already guaranteed their safety during a recent run of three wins in four matches and their eighth-wicket pair of Matthew Waite and Logan van Beek led a partial recovery. They plundered 63 in seven overs but the rain which had washed out the morning’s play returned after tea.Worcestershire made two changes from the side in action against Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl with the fit again Waite and Jack Home replacing the injured Tom Taylor and spinner Amar Virdi. Lancashire kept faith with the side which had defeated Somerset.Bailey’s second delivery of the opening over accounted for Gareth Roderick who drove at a ball of full length which was swinging away and he edged to Will Williams at fourth slip.Jake Libby square cut Phillip for four but then was stuck in the crease and nicked another ball which moved away to Harry Singh at third slip. Rob Jones was undone by an excellent full length swinging delivery from Phillip and was caught behind. Kashif Ali steered Bailey to first slip and then Brett D’Oliveira pushed at the same bowler and perished at second slip.Adam Hose off drove Bailey to the ropes to move into double figures but it became 39 for 6 when Ethan Brookes played forward and was bowled with a fullish-length delivery which did just enough to nip away.Phillip came back into the attack to replace Bailey after a superb opening spell of 8-4-9-3 and he soon claimed his third scalp when Hose tried to on drive a delivery slanted towards leg stump and ended up deflecting to Jennings at second slip.Waite decided attack was the best policy and pulled and on drove Williams for sixes in his first over which cost 15 runs. Van Beek also went on the attack and he struck Balderson and Williams for further maximums.By tea the eighth wicket pair had added 63 in just seven overs but the players were unable to return for the final session after a heavy downpour.

Manchester United’s hunt for new attackers has been evident throughout the summer window, with Ruben Amorim making his need for added reinforcements clear.

The 40-year-old took the reins back in November, but was unable to transform the situation within the final third at Old Trafford – with no player registering double figures in the Premier League last season.

Main striker Rasmus Hojlund only netted four league goals in 2024/25, leading to murmurs around his long-term future at the club, with Inter Milan just one of the sides interested in his signature.

His potential departure will likely raise some key funds for the manager within the transfer market, handing him the opportunity to improve the current situation at the Theatre of Dreams.

Numerous players have been touted with moves to join the Red Devils this window, with multiple deals appearing to be heading in the right direction over recent days.

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

Tyler Dibling has emerged as a key target over the last couple of days, with United just one side touted over a potential move after Southampton’s relegation to the Championship.

However, he would still cost a fee in the region of £55m this window, an extortionate price tag, especially considering that he only notched two combined goals and assists in the league last season.

It would be an expensive addition, but it wouldn’t be the only one, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo still a key target for Amorim this summer, according to Graeme Bailey.

The journalist claims that a deal is edging closer to being agreed, after the Red Devils had two offers rejected for the 25-year-old, with the latest totalling £62.5m including add-ons.

He also states that Mbeumo only wants a move to Old Trafford, with a £65m fee expected to be agreed between the two parties as personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s next Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres is a striker who’s arguably been one of the most in-demand talents this summer, unsurprisingly so given his phenomenal goalscoring record in recent seasons.

The Swedish international has registered a staggering 97 goals in his 102 appearances for Sporting CP after joining the Portuguese side back in 2023 from Coventry City.

Part of his incredible record in the final third came under Amorim, which has since led to huge rumours linking the 27-year-old with a switch to Old Trafford.

However, the Red Devils’ lack of European football appears to be a huge hindrance in their pursuit of his signature, with the Swede now fully focused on a move to join Arsenal instead this summer.

The United boss shouldn’t worry, with Mbeumo able to be his next version of the talisman, with the Cameroonian possessing a clinical nature as seen by his tally of 20 league goals in 2024/25.

When comparing his underlying stats to those of the Sporting star from last season, he massively outperformed Gyokeres in numerous key areas, handing Amorim the key talisman he’s lacked during his time in England to date.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have been outscored, but he has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating the clinical edge he possesses in front of goal.

Games played

38

33

Goals & assists

27

46

Goals per shot on target

0.44

0.41

Progressive passes

3.7

2.1

Passes into final third

1.7

0.5

Take-on success

47%

45%

Carries into final third

1.8

1.3

He’s also completed more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90, having the tools to provide other attackers with the chances to thrive within the final third at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian’s all-round talent has been showcased in his ability to complete a higher success rate of take-ons, whilst also registering more carries into the final third – with Mbeumo being able to carve out an opportunity out of nothing.

The saga of his proposed transfer this summer has been one that has dragged on for way too long, with a conclusion desperately needed in the coming days.

If he can replicate his levels from last season at United, it would be a phenomenal signing, handing Amorim the talisman he needs to replicate the level produced by Gyokeres in recent years.

He's a bigger talent than Mbeumo: Man Utd make contact to sign £55m star

Manchester United could forget about Bryan Mbeumo after the hierarchy made another move for an attacking star.

8 ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

Harry Kane has been a player who’s been constantly on their radar over recent years and understandably so given his goalscoring ability in England.

The 31-year-old managed to score 213 goals during his spell in the Premier League, sitting second in the all-time list, with Alan Shearer the player who has scored more.

Back in the summer of 2023, the Red Devils were firmly in the race to land his signature, but he chose to join German giants Bayern Munich in an £82m transfer instead.

Despite moving to the Bundesliga, he’s still managed to haunt the club, scoring against them in the Champions League back in his first year in Munich.

However, despite missing out on his signature, Ruben Amorim could be about to land his own version of the England international, with a deal for one player in the pipeline.

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

A deal for Bryan Mbeumo appears to be edging ever closer, with journalist Graeme Bailey stating that a deal is expected to be agreed in the coming days for his signature.

He claims that a £65m deal remains on the cards this summer, after Amorim’s side previously had two offers rejected for the forward, who netted 20 league goals last campaign.

However, progress has been made on a deal to sign Juventus talisman Dušan Vlahović, with the Serbian expected to leave the club this summer, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report claims that talks have been held with the Serie A side over a deal for the 25-year-old, which could see current Red Devils outcast Jadon Sancho.

It also states that the forward has rejected approaches from the Saudi league to stay in Europe, after netting 17 goals in his 44 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Why United’s latest target would be their answer to Kane

Given United’s measly tally of just 44 league goals last campaign, it’s understandable that Amorim will want to land a forward who can hand him that clinical edge within the final third.

Current strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only managed to score seven Premier League goals, highlighting the lack of confidence in front of goal.

Undoubtedly, many supporters must wish they had landed Kane when they were originally interested, with the Englishman finding the net on 85 occasions in the last two seasons.

However, despite missing out on his signature, they could be about to land their own version of the talisman this summer, with a potential move for Juve star Vlahovic.

The Serbian has been labelled as a similar player to the former Spurs star, highlighting how much of a superb signing he could be for the Red Devils this summer.

When comparing their respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, Vlahovic has outperformed Kane in numerous key areas, showcasing the threat he poses within the final third.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, has matched the Englishman for shots on target per 90, but won more aerials – handing Amorim the focal point he’s craved since taking the reins.

Games played

29

31

Goals & assists

14

35

Progressive carries

2.4

1.1

Carries into opposition box

0.9

0.7

Aerials won

2

1.1

Shots on target per 90

1.7

1.7

Take-ons completed

1.4

0.8

He’s also completed more progressive carries and more carries into the final third, having the ability to transition the play and carry the ball into more dangerous areas.

The 25-year-old’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more take-ons per 90, and having the all-round tools to thrive within attacking areas at Old Trafford.

Given the need for a new striker and the availability of Vlahovic, a deal for his signature should be a no-brainer this summer, potentially reaping the rewards of any move this summer.

If he can manage to get anywhere close to the levels produced by Kane in England’s top-flight, it would be an excellent addition and one that could catapult the side to added success in the near future.

Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd make approach for "strongest DM in the world"

Manchester United continue to pursue top-level talent ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

This summer feels like Tottenham Hotspur’s most important for a very long time.

While the club endured a torrid Premier League campaign, Ange Postecoglou’s side did the unthinkable on the continent and won the Europa League.

With Champions League football now secured, Daniel Levy and Co have the chance to genuinely back the manager by bringing in a number of top-quality players in the coming months.

However, on top of getting their incomings right, the North Londoners need to nail their outgoings, which means moving on a fan favourite before the end of his time at the club goes down a similar path as Mousa Dembélé’s did.

Dembélé's Spurs career

In the summer of 2012, Spurs decided to spend around £15m on a midfielder from Fulham by the name of Dembélé, and over the next six and a half years, he’d go on to become one of the very best players in the Premier League.

The Belgian was renowned for his silky technique and utterly ridiculous ability to never lose the ball, regardless of the opposition or the pressure he was facing.

It might sound like hyperbole, but you don’t have to take our word for it, as his former teammates couldn’t praise him enough, with Kyle Walker describing him as “the best player I’ve ever seen play football” and Eric Dier claiming “he’s a monster and he’s got ballerina feet at the same time.”

In all, the midfield “genius,” as former boss Mauricio Pochettino labelled him, made 249 appearances for the club, in which he scored ten goals and provided ten assists, but in his later seasons in North London, he began to be plagued by injury, with reports even claiming he admitted that the physical demands of the league were becoming too dear.

For example, even though he only spent half of the 18/19 campaign at the club before moving to the Chinese Super League, the Antwerpen-born star missed a staggering 22 games through injury, and the season before that, it was nine.

Dembélé’s Spurs career
Appearances	249
Starts	181
Minutes	16115′
Goals	10
Assists	10
Goal Involvements per Match	0.08
Minutes per Goal Involvement	805.75
All Stats via Transfermarkt

In short, there is a strong argument that Dembélé should have left Tottenham in the summer of 2018, as his final six months at the club didn’t do his status as a great any good, and the same argument could be made for someone in the current squad.

The Spurs star who should leave this summer

So, while there are a number of players who should probably be sold or moved on this summer, the one we are talking about might have a genuine shout for being one of the most popular players in the club’s modern history: Son Heung-min.

Chalkboard

Now, before the pitchforks come out, we are not trying to disparage the South Korean superstar, as, without a shadow of a doubt, he’s now secured himself the status of a club legend, if not a legend of the Premier League in general.

Moreover, he’s the first club captain to lift a major honour for the Lilywhites in 17 years and the first to lead the club to a European title in two generations.

Yet, that, in part, is why he should leave the club this summer, as he’d be departing on the highest of highs and having achieved something genuinely remarkable.

Furthermore, while he’s not been terrible this year, there is no denying the fact that he simply isn’t as devastatingly effective as he once was.

Now, that’s not his fault, as, based on research by The Athletic, wide players hit their peak at 26 years old and see a steep decline in their ability to beat defenders at 30 years old.

In other words, with the “incredible” international, as dubbed by Postecoglou, set to turn 33 in a couple of months, he’s just a victim of time.

We can also see this decline in the data, as, according to FBref, he was in the top 25% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for successful take-ons in the 19/20 season but has dropped into the bottom 42% this season.

Moreover, like Dembélé before him, injuries seem to be more of a problem, as across the last three seasons, he has missed 34 games, whereas across the three seasons before that, he missed just 14 games.

Ultimately, Son is an icon for Spurs and the Premier League as a whole, but to ensure he doesn’t leave the club on a downer, he should move on this summer, basking in the glory of European success.

Their new Dele Alli: Spurs could sign "one of the best 10s in the world"

Spurs could sign their new Dele Alli this summer.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 27, 2025

Manchester United have now agreed personal terms with a striker following talks with his entourage, but they must shell out €75m (£64m) to get a deal done, according to a report.

Man Utd's striker pursuit heating up

Following the late heroics against Lyon to progress to the Europa League semi-finals, Ruben Amorim would’ve been hoping to ride the momentum into the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, but his side came up short in a 1-0 defeat.

It was a drab affair at Old Trafford, with Rasmus Hojlund once again failing to find the back of the net in the Premier League, having scored just one goal in his last 18 games, which highlights the need for a replacement to be brought in this summer.

The Red Devils and INEOS are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker, and they are believed to be on the verge of signing Wolves star Matheus Cunha, having held positive talks over a deal for the Brazilian.

Better than Cunha: Man Utd to step up move for 'one of PL's best players'

Man Utd appear to be closing in on a move for Matheus Cunha – but is he the best target?

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 22, 2025

Cunha is not the only option, however, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap also on the list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), there has now been a promising update in Manchester United’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen, as they are believed to have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms.

United have held talks with Osimhen’s entourage, and negotiations appear to be going well, with the striker seemingly keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, and Amorim’s side are now becoming more determined to get a deal done.

A deal will not be cheap, however, as the Red Devils will have to fork out the forward’s €75m (£64m) release clause, which only applies to clubs outside of Italy.

"World-class" Osimhen could be huge upgrade on Hojlund

Lauded as “world-class” by members of the media, the Nigerian is enjoying a fantastic season on loan at Galatasaray, amassing an incredible 30 goals in 35 matches across all competitions, while also providing seven assists.

Albeit playing in a much weaker league, the 26-year-old is vastly outscoring Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, and he has proven himself in one of Europe’s top leagues in the past, scoring 26 Serie A goals en-route to Napoli’s title triumph in the 2022-23 season.

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Turkish Süper Lig	25	21	4
Europa League	7	6	2
Turkish Cup	3	3	1

Osimhen could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, at which point signing a new striker should be one of their main priorities, given that Hojlund and Zirkzee cannot be relied upon as a regular source of goals.

A comedy of errors littered Liverpool’s trip to Craven Cottage. That was the headline right there. The Premier League’s Champions Elect lost any semblance of defensive security as they caved in against a robust and deserving Fulham side.

But wait a minute. There’s no doubting that it was a mistake-filled match, but what about the lack of fluency and coherence that Arne Slot’s side mustered in the opening phase?

Sure, Alexis Mac Allister’s whomping thundercracker sparked delight from the travelling Redmen, who sang and sang and sang. We’re going to win the league.

But the champagne must be corked for a while longer; Slot, without a doubt, will have killed swiftly any giddiness or positivity around his squad’s dressing room, likely issuing a stern reminder that the day is not done and focus needs realigning ahead of the final straight.

So many players, frustratingly, failed to turn up against Marco Silva’s men, with Mohamed Salah culpable of another poor performance as uncertainty surrounding his future lingers.

Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future

On Monday afternoon, an embargoed discussion concerning Virgil van Dijk and a hive of reporters broke into the mainstream. Anfield’s skipper confirmed that there had been progress in extending his £220k-per-week contract.

While Trent Alexander-Arnold appears bound for Real Madrid, attention swivels to Salah, who, like Van Dijk, will potentially be at Anfield next season, with the reputable David Ornstein confirming talks with the 32-year-old are still very much on.

Salah has been the fulcrum of Liverpool’s attacking success this term, ridiculously chalking up 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions. However, he’s dipped of late as the Reds’ collective form and fluidity have stifled the feel-good factor.

Some have questioned whether Slot watches his superstars through rose-tinted glasses, unwilling to enforce changes unless forced. Salah has been a part of this list of late, with his poor showings calling for the likes of Federico Chiesa, whose opportunities are nominal.

Still, he continues to show promise when called upon. Chiesa will hope for more chances over the final weeks and maybe next year too, but regardless of Salah’s contractual outcome, it’s clear that Liverpool need more quality to ease the Egyptian’s workload.

He might principally play off the left, but FSG have found a rising star who could serve as Salah’s long-term successor while aiding him next year too.

FSG scouting Salah heir

Liverpool need to address a number of issues in the market this summer. Andy Robertson’s latest gaff illuminated the need to replace him this summer. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez appears to be at the top of the list.

Wonky attacking output has also led to speculation pertaining to the signing of a new striker. With Darwin Nunez expected to leave at the end of the season, expect activity on this front.

However, Liverpool’s attacking ‘problems’ spread out to the wings too, and that’s why FSG have been scouting Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.

According to Fabrizio Romano – in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter – the 20-year-old Englishman is hoping to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and is eyeing a return to his homeland, having left Manchester City for the German scene back in 2020.

Back in February, the Yellow Wall put up demands worth £85m for the potential sale of their latest prize, however, it’s hard to envisage any suitors – Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest – paying such an exorbitant sum.

Still, Gittens is one of the most exciting young prospects in the game. With Salah perhaps standing on the edge of his twilight years at the top, here’s why Liverpool should make their move.

Why Liverpool should sign Jamie Gittens

Gittens has stepped up from the academy scene and made real headway at the top level over the past few years. After breaking through in 2022/23, he started to showcase genuine quality last term before becoming a key feature of Nuri Sahin and now Niko Kovac’s first team.

Indeed, across 42 matches in all competitions this season, Gittens has scored 12 goals and laid on four assists, with his shift to the left flank unlocking a goalscoring touch that could be perfect for Slot’s Liverpool side.

But that’s not all, Gittens is also one of the most electric attackers in the game right now, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, perfectly illustrating that point.

In this manner, he bears a likeness to a younger version of Salah, who lacks his one-time pace and jet-like bursts but has redefined his game to stay at the highest level as his 33rd birthday looms.

Looking at Gittens’ statistics in the Bundesliga this season, when compared with Salah’s during his incredible debut campaign at Anfield, you perhaps see that this is a rising talent who Slot could shape into a superstar.

Jamie Gittens vs Mohamed Salah

Stats (* per game)

Gittens (24/25)

Salah (17/18)

Matches (starts)

28 (19)

36 (34)

Goals

8

32

Assists

3

10

Shots (on target)*

1.8 (0.8)

4.0 (1.9)

Big chances missed

4

23

Pass completion

82%

77%

Big chances created

6

12

Dribbles*

2.7

2.2

Duels won*

5.1

3.7

Stats via Sofascore

While Gittens, who has been hailed for his “special” performances by Romano, still has much to learn, you can see that the blueprint is there. Like Salah, he’s proving to be clinical in front of goal – converting eight of his 12 big chances this term – while also proving relentless in his dribbling and most eager to win a duel too.

The similarities don’t stop there, though. Gittens was discarded by Man City when he was in his formative years, forced to find a home elsewhere given the bloated nature of the Sky Blues’ youth scene.

Likewise, Salah was once a talented prospect in the Premier League, with Chelsea, before moving to Italy and making his name, earning that historic £34m transfer to Liverpool.

Different circumstances, sure, but the signs are right there for Slot to make his move and strengthen Liverpool’s frontline with his very own Salah signing this summer.

Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley remarked a few months back that Gittens has been “England’s best left winger in 2024/25.” He’s only going to improve, and Liverpool need to make sure he rises to the fore in red.

Related Better than Diaz & Gakpo: "Perfect" £62m star wants to sign for Liverpool

Arne Slot is hoping to make a range of signings this summer to improve Liverpool’s starting 11.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 7, 2025

Australia, meanwhile, have plenty to do if they’re to finish in the top two without depending on other results

S Rajesh25-Nov-2024India
India’s emphatic win in Perth takes them back to the top of the WTC points table, and keeps their chances of making it to the final at Lord’s next year very much alive. To be certain of finishing among the top two without depending on other results, India still need to beat Australia 4-0: four wins and a draw would lift India to 65.79, which would be marginally more than New Zealand’s maximum (64.29) if they were to blank England 3-0 at home. India would then at worst be second on the points table, after South Africa, who can finish on a maximum of 69.44 with 2-0 home wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Related

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However, these scenarios are based on other teams maximising their points. If that doesn’t happen, India can still make it with far fewer points. If, for example, these results happen from the key upcoming series:India lose to Australia 2-3
New Zealand draw with England 1-1
South Africa draw 1-1 at home in both their remaining series, versus Sri Lanka and Pakistan
Australia draw 0-0 in Sri LankaThen Australia would finish on top at 58.77, but India’s 53.51 would still be enough for second place, ahead of South Africa (52.78), New Zealand (52.38) and Sri Lanka (51.28). Thus, where India finish up also depends on how other results pan out.Australia
The defeat in Perth means Australia have plenty to do to finish in the top two without depending on other results. Given that South Africa and New Zealand can both finish with more than 64%, Australia need five wins in their last six to finish ahead of New Zealand’s maximum of 64.29; in this case only South Africa, with a maximum of 69.44, can finish ahead of them.If India win the ongoing series 3-2, Australia can still finish ahead of them, but only if they sweep the series against Sri Lanka 2-0. In this case, Australia would finish on 60.53, marginally ahead of India’s 58.77, but they would still need help from at least one of South Africa or New Zealand to finish in the top two.ESPNcricinfo LtdSouth Africa
While much of the focus of the cricket world is on Australia and India, there’s another huge series about to start in South Africa. They take on Sri Lanka and then Pakistan at home. If South Africa were to win each of their four remaining Tests, they would finish with 69.44%, which would be enough for qualification as only Australia can go past that number. Three wins and a draw would leave South Africa with 63.89, while three wins and a defeat would lower their percentage marginally to 61.11. If South Africa were to finish on 61.11, it’s possible for three teams to go past them – New Zealand, plus two out of Australia, India and Sri Lanka. That means South Africa can’t afford to drop too many points if they want to make it to Lord’s next year.Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka are in a similar position to South Africa, which is what makes the series doubly interesting – they are on 55.56% with four Tests to go. However, unlike South Africa, only two of those matches are at home, against Australia. If they were to win each of those matches and take home 48 more points, they would finish on 69.23% and assure themselves of a place in the final regardless of other results. If they were to lose one and win three, they would end up on 61.54, which would still leave them with a chance of qualifying. However, as with South Africa above, that would leave them depending on other results, as New Zealand and one of India or Australia could go past them.New Zealand
At the start of the series in India, it seemed highly improbable that New Zealand would still be in contention for a place in the final at the end of the series in India, but three incredible wins have given them the chance to dream. If they were to win each of their three remaining Tests, they would finish on 64.29. It won’t ensure qualification, but it would certainly keep them in the mix. If they lose one of those Tests, though, their percentage would drop to 57.14, which would still keep them in the hunt but heavily dependent on other results.Australia need five wins in their last six to finish ahead of New Zealand’s maximum of 64.29•AFP/Getty ImagesPakistan
Pakistan’s home form has shown some revival, but it’s most likely too late in this cycle. If they win each of their four remaining Tests, they would finish on 52.38. They would still need several results going their way to be in contention. If, for instance, Sri Lanka lose 0-1 in South Africa and draw 1-1 against Australia, India lose 1-2 in Australia, and New Zealand lose 1-2 versus England, then Pakistan’s 52.38 would be enough for second place behind Australia.England
The two defeats in Pakistan means that England can finish with a maximum of 48.86 percent even if they beat New Zealand 3-0 in their last series of the current cycle. It’s almost certain that this won’t be enough for qualification, though there’s a mathematical chance of finishing second on 48.86 if several other results go their way: if India get no more than 13 points from their remaining games, and the upper limits being 18 and 16 respectively for South Africa and Sri Lanka, then England could still finish second to Australia.Bangladesh
The four defeats in their last four Tests against India and South Africa have hurt Bangladesh badly – from 45.83% they have dropped to 27.50. Even if they win each of their two remaining Tests, they would only improve to 39.58, which won’t be enough for a place in the top two.West Indies
West Indies have already played four series and have only scored 20 points out of 108. Even if they win their last four Tests, they can only finish on 43.59%.

Infuriating, inscrutable and ingenious in equal measure, where does one draw the line with the Bangladesh star?

Mohammad Isam19-Mar-2023Shakib Al Hasan waits until the 35th over of the Bangladesh innings during Saturday’s first ODI against Ireland, to alter the course of the game. Offspinner Harry Tector comes from around the wicket, Shakib goes down to sweep the first ball, from outside off stump, for a boundary. Next, he lofts him over cover, then sweeps again and cuts one past point, for three more fours. Shakib ends the over by lofting Tector over long-off, for the fifth four. Bangladesh’s innings turns the corner decisively towards a 300-plus total. Shakib hurtles towards a century.He doesn’t get to it, but leaves a big enough impact for the team’s score to balloon to 338 for 8, their highest ODI total. Shakib then breaks Ireland’s 60-run opening stand before the other Bangladesh bowlers take advantage of the breakthrough and the hosts pick up their biggest win in the format, too.During the innings break, BCB’s cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus answers questions about Shakib’s whereabouts between the England and Ireland series. This is where Shakib divides opinions.Related

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Specifically, Shakib’s appearance in Dubai to open a store is in the spotlight. Bangladesh’s security authorities have claimed that Shakib ignored their warning about the owner being under investigation by the police in a murder case. Yunus said they will look into the matter if this “commercial activity” contradicts the BCB’s contract with him, but they were aware that Shakib would join training on March 17 in Sylhet.A week before that, Shakib went to inaugurate another store, in Chattogram, after the third T20I against England. He had just led Bangladesh to a historic 3-0 whitewash against the world champions. Shakib was at the top of his game throughout the series. Hours after the third game on March 9, he had to jostle through a large crowd to get to his car after opening the store. In the melee, someone tried to pick his cap. Footage shows that Shakib not only grabbed the cap back, but tried to smack the person a few times.In January, Shakib made strong comments about the BPL that no player, coach or team owner has ever dared to make against the tournament. He followed that up by attacking the umpires twice in the first week, only being punished for the second offence. Shakib ended the BPL with 375 runs and 10 wickets.

“He stays in his bubble [on the field]. He has a generally very positive mentality. He doesn’t look back. It is purely a mental skill. It cannot be taught or coached.”Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, Shakib’s coach since his school days

There are more instances of Shakib smoothly bouncing between great performances, giant controversies and scandals. He compartmentalises the two major aspects of his life: on and off the field. The two live dangerously close to each other, but it has left many baffled as to just how he manages to keep the two apart.Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, who has worked closely with Shakib since his school days and most recently was his coach with Fortune Barishal at the BPL, said that the way Shakib separates the on-field and off-the-field aspects of life, is entirely the cricketer’s doing. He cannot be coached in this aspect.”It is quite a surprising aspect,” Fahim said. “He probably puts himself into a bubble which keeps out the external factors. He has this in him. He can switch at the last moment. But once he is in the field, he is at his best from nowhere. We have seen it many times. He stays in his bubble. He has a generally very positive mentality. He doesn’t look back. It is purely a mental skill. It cannot be taught or coached.”Last year, Shakib’s commercial interests and decision around (not) touring certain countries caused much friction between him and the BCB. On both occasions, he had to relent. Shakib also withdrew from the sponsorship of a betting company (masked as a sports website) after the BCB pulled him up. This happened before the 2022 Asia Cup and T20 World Cup season, when he was about to be named the new captain. Bangladesh had their best T20 World Cup to date, with Shakib leading the side into a new direction in the format.In March 2022, Shakib initially refused to tour South Africa, but after a few days of drama, he walked back on the decision.Shakib goes through a gamut of emotions and expressions every game•BCBTwo years ago, Shakib kicked and threw down the stumps in an extraordinary outburst during a Dhaka Premier League (domestic one-day competition) match. It didn’t take him too long to bounce back from this incident, too.One of the reasons why Shakib recovers quickly from these incidents is because of how leniently the BCB has treated him over the years. Only last year did the board really get him to tour when he refused to, or prohibit him from signing a commercial partnership that was against the board’s policy. Even so, for the stump throwing incident, he was banned for only three games. On many occasions over the years, the BCB has reduced Shakib’s punishment, or ignored his controversies altogether.It’s just as likely that that his tryst with the Dubai store owner will first be swept under the carpet, and then forgotten by the public and media. If that happens, it will serve as yet another example of Shakib getting away with hardly a slap on the wrist. Or, is it another example of Shakib expertly compartmentalising his life on and off the field?He never lets one interfere with the other. As a great allrounder, Shakib often covers for a batting failure with a bowling masterclass. When it concerns his off-the-field incidents, he smoothly covers it with an on-field performance that takes away everyone’s attention.