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The pair hit aggressive half-centuries to lift India from 31 for 3; England suffer their first T20I defeat at the venue

Alan Gardner01-Jul-2025India 181 for 4 (Rodrigues 63, Amanjot 63*) beat England 157 for 7 (Beaumont 54, Ecclestone 35, Charani 2-28, Amanjot 1-28) by 24 runs
India inflicted a wounding defeat on England for the second match in succession to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur dug India out of trouble with vibrant half-centuries, and the bowlers all did their bit to keep England’s chase at bay despite a belligerent fifty from Tammy Beaumont.Coming off the back of a record loss in the series opener at Trent Bridge, England kept faith with the same XI – and the same tactics as Nat Sciver-Brunt put India in. England’s seamers backed that call by reducing India to 31 for 3 in the powerplay, only for a fourth-wicket stand of 93 in 55 balls to emphatically wrest the game from their grasp.Rodrigues recovered from a slow start to reel off a flurry of boundaries, eventually falling for 63 off 41. Amanjot was similarly brimming with energy as she brought up a maiden T20I fifty, adding an unbeaten partnership of 57 with Richa Ghosh as India recorded the second-highest total in women’s T20 internationals at Bristol. In all, the last 10 overs leaked 117 runs – India’s third-highest aggregate for the second half of a women’s T20I innings (where ball-by-ball data is available).Amanjot then claimed the key wicket of Sciver-Brunt as England suffered their own powerplay slump at 17 for 3. Beaumont made her first T20I half-century in almost four years, adding 70 off 49 in partnership with Amy Jones, but she was run out by Sneh Rana’s pinpoint throw as the required rate began to climb.Sophie Ecclestone produced some late hitting, and a reminder of her all-round ability, in making 35 off 23 but it was not enough, leaving Sciver-Brunt – who spent much of India’s innings off the field with a “tight hip” – and England coach, Charlotte Edwards, with much to ponder ahead of Friday’s crucial encounter at the Kia Oval.England’s stumbling startSince beginning the summer with an opening partnership of 51 against West Indies at Canterbury, Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s stands have since read 0, 0, 9 and 2. That has largely that has been down to Wyatt-Hodge’s struggles – she has made 18 runs in five innings – but here it was Dunkley who was first to go, slapping the ball straight to Deepti Sharma at extra cover and then being sent back after attempting a non-existent single.Wyatt-Hodge managed to end a run of three successive ducks, but her success was relative as she attempted to hit her second ball over the top only to pick out mid-off. Having been dismissed three times in a row by Zaida James’ left-arm spin during the West Indies series, she has now gone two from two against Deepti’s offies.Tammy Beaumont struck her first T20I fifty since 2021•ECB/Getty ImagesBeaumont makes her caseHeather Knight’s injury in the third T20I against West Indies opened the door for Beaumont to make a return in this format – albeit in an unaccustomed spot batting at No. 4. And the carnage suffered by England’s top order meant she was in the middle by the eighth ball of the innings anyway. She would soon set about reaffirming her credentials ahead of next year’s home T20 World Cup.From 11 off 10, she struck Radha Yadav for back-to-back boundaries in a 15-run seventh over. She was dropped on 24, a tough caught-and-bowled chance off Amanjot, before crunching Rana for three consecutive fours as England reached the 10-over mark on 76 for 3, marginally ahead of India’s score at same stage.A cut off N Shree Charani’s left-arm spin followed by a single into the leg side brought up Beaumont’s first T20I fifty since she made 97 against New Zealand in September 2021. However, she only faced two more balls. After cutting Radha firmly to backward point, she paid the price for hesitating as Jones called her through, a brilliant throw from Rana catching Beaumont inches short at the non-striker’s end to leave England needing 95 from 51.When Alice Capsey and Jones fell in the same over from Charani, the equation had become 72 off 30 and there would be no great escape, as England lost a women’s T20 international at Bristol for the first time.India’s stumbling startEngland started poorly with Capsey conceding 11 off the first over, with Smriti Mandhana, fresh off a T20I hundred at Trent Bridge, immediately back into her groove. But Lauren Filer quickly made the breakthrough from the other end, cramping Shafali Verma with one back of a length that flicked the gloves through to Jones.Lauren Bell’s first over cost just two runs, and although Rodrigues picked off a couple more boundaries, there were signs of England’s greater intensity in the field: Ecclestone pulling off a diving stop at mid-off; Dunkley pouncing on a Rodrigues drive to then shy at the non-striker’s end.That was topped by Bell’s flying catch at mid-on to dismiss Mandhana for 13, as Em Arlott claimed the big wicket with her fourth ball. While the shot would have cleared several members of the England team, Bell was able to leap and contort herself in the air to hold on brilliantly.With Filer stooping for a low take in the following over to dismiss India’s returning captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, India were seemingly in trouble on 35 for 3 at the end of the powerplay.Jemimah Rodrigues scored her first fifty against England in white-ball cricket•Andy Kearns/Getty ImagesRodrigues chimes inComing in at No. 3, Rodrigues took some time to get her eye in. She was initially troubled by Filer’s pace when she went short, and was going at just above a run a ball for the first half of her innings, happy to rebuild in partnership with Amanjot.At 64 for 3 after 10 overs, India then needed to kick on, and Rodrigues provided the impetus. She responded to a blow on the helmet from Arlott by creaming the seamer over long-on to start a sequence of 6, 4, 4. She greeted the returning Filer with two impudent scoops over the keeper – the second of which almost went for six – and a slash through third, at which point she had scored 10 of India’s 13 boundaries. In between she brought up a 33-ball half-century, her first against England in 21 limited-overs internationals.Amanjot then picked up the cudgels to take three more boundaries off Ecclestone, cutting and sweeping with elan, as India produced consecutive overs worth 16, 18 and 15. Although Rodrigues was out shortly after, slapping Bell to cover to end a scintillating stand, only one side had the momentum.Amanjot ices the cakeBatting as high as No. 5 for the first time, allrounder Amanjot showed considerable poise throughout her innings. She had one early boundary – chipping Linsey Smith over mid-off to bring cheers from the India supporters in the crowd – and was 18 off 18 balls before tucking into Ecclestone, England’s premier spinner.She then accelerated brilliantly through the back of the innings in partnership with Ghosh, bringing up her maiden international half-century from 35 balls as England’s frailties from the first T20I reemerged. Ghosh thundered six boundaries in a 20-ball cameo, though she had a life on 12 when Beaumont inexplicably made a hash of a top-edged sweep at square leg.While Bell finished with fine figures of 2 for 17 and Ecclestone looked sharper in her second match back, India’s swashbucklers were brutal on the rest.

A league official was hopeful MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ which would ease any concerns about the participation of the players

Matt Roller05-Jun-2025Major League Cricket (MLC) officials hope that Afghanistan players including Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will be able to fulfil their contracts for the 2025 season after US president Donald Trump signed a travel ban which will come into effect next week.Trump’s proclamation will “fully restrict and limit the entry” into the United States of nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. He said the ban is designed to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people”.There are seven Afghanistan players under contract for MLC 2025: Rashid, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq (all MI New York); Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil (all Seattle Orcas) and Noor (Texas Super Kings).Related

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The ban, which is effective from 12.01am Eastern Time on Monday, June 9 includes an exemption for “any athlete or member of an athletic team… traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State”.The order also states: “This proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designation countries who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.”ESPNcricinfo understands that some relevant players have already reached the United States after receiving visas, while others are yet to apply or travel. A league official told ESPNcricinfo they were hopeful that MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ by Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, which would ease any concerns about the participation of Afghan players.An official at one affected franchise told ESPNcricinfo that they would explore all options, including the possibility of flying affected players into the United States before the ban kicks in. The official added that they will lean on MLC and other relevant authorities for guidance.An MLC spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to monitor the situation and are working with the relevant authorities to minimize travel disruptions for overseas players ahead of the start of Major League Cricket next week. We continue to attract some of the best players from around the world to come over to the US to showcase their talent, along with the best cricketers from the USA, and we are set to have the most exciting tournament to date this summer.”The order specifically mentions the Olympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, as an event for which athletes will be granted exemptions. Afghanistan should, therefore, be eligible to compete in the men’s T20 cricket event at the Games if they qualify.MLC’s 2025 season starts on June 12, with a rematch of last year’s final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco at the Oakland Coliseum.

Nottinghamshire’s Ben Slater and Joe Clarke posted battling half-centuries and new England Lion George Hill claimed five more wickets for Yorkshire during a fascinating opening day of Rothesay County Championship cricket at Headingley.Division One leaders Notts, inserted, were bowled out for 228 by a White Rose side who sat second-bottom ahead of this seventh fixture of the summer.Opener Slater made 52 off 111 balls and Clarke 64 off 151, while Hill’s seam accounted for 5 for 40 from 20 overs – his third haul of five wickets or more in as many matches. He is now the joint-leading wicket-taker in the country with 32.Yorkshire closed on 10 for 2 from 12 overs in reply, Mohammad Abbas striking twice.If things go well for Notts over the next few days, and if they go on to prise the title away from Surrey, this could be a pivotal day. That wasn’t because they dominated. Instead, they showed impressive fortitude in challenging conditions. They could quite easily have been bowled out for 150.Yorkshire constantly challenged, with Jordan Thompson claiming three wickets and new-ball seamer Jack White an excellent 2 for 23 from 16.2 overs.Yes, Notts had some luck. They continually played and missed. But they made decent use of it, and it feels like a useful total even though they lost their last five wickets for 36. Just how useful will become clear on day two.With Clarke and Lyndon James together in a sixth-wicket partnership of 71 either side of tea, that was when the visitors looked most secure.Dom Bess won his first toss in charge as Jonny Bairstow’s replacement. This was the first time in seven matches this season that Yorkshire haven’t batted first. And they started well, with White removing visiting skipper Haseeb Hameed, brilliantly caught one-handed at point by James Wharton diving low to his right – 9 for 1 in the sixth over.Even with a score of 6, Hameed became the first man in Division One to pass 700 runs.With 12 millimetres of grass left on the pitch for Yorkshire’s second home game running, the seamers got plenty of assistance. But Slater repelled the new ball and shared 56 for the second wicket with fellow left-hander Freddie McCann through to late morning. Slater reached his fifth fifty of 2025 off 109 balls.McCann fell just before lunch with the score on 65, caught low down at first slip off Thompson for 28. And when the same bowler clipped Slater’s off-stump shortly after lunch, two balls after he reached 50, the score slipped to 102 for 3 in the 38th over.That was the first of three wickets to fall for 19 runs inside nine overs, with Notts now 121 for 5 in the 47th. Hill bowled Jack Haynes shouldering arms and shortly afterwards bowled South African Kyle Verreynne through the gate.Yorkshire came into this fixture with some significant selection headaches, not least losing captain Bairstow to the Mumbai Indians for the latter stages of the IPL. Hill and White were the standout bowlers. They shared 13 of 25 maidens Yorkshire bowled. Thompson also impressed.Clarke reached his fifty off 123 balls and, with the help of 29 from James, advanced Nottinghamshire’s cause. But Yorkshire hit back to limit the damage.The 71-stand between Clarke and James was broken by Thompson’s third wicket – the latter caught behind by wicketkeeper Harry Duke following a top-edged pull.In the next over, Liam Patterson-White offered Duke a more regulation catch off Hill – 197 for 7 after 73 overs. Hill then had Brett Hutton caught at second slip and Clarke brilliantly caught by Thompson on the run at third-man following an attempted reverse scoop.White wrapped things up by bowling Dillon Pennington after he had heaved a four and six.The visiting overseas seamer Abbas then had openers Adam Lyth and Fin Bean caught behind for 2 apiece before close, and the concern for Yorkshire is that in Pakistani Test star, Notts have the perfect bowler for these conditions.

It would be an understatement to suggest that West Ham United have had a bad start to the season this year.

Sure, the Hammers managed to pull off an impressive 3-0 win away to Nottingham Forest before the international break, but they’ve lost every other game.

The East Londoners are currently sitting in the relegation zone with a goal difference of negative seven, and as things stand, it’s hard to see where the next win is going to come from.

However, Graham Potter can certainly make things easier for his side and give himself a better chance og keeping his job by axing a certain player from the starting lineup.

West Ham's underperformers

Unfortunately for Potter and Co, there are more than a handful of players who’ve looked entirely out of sorts so far this season.

Chalkboard

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One of those is undoubtedly Mads Hermansen, as even though he wasn’t to blame for the loss away to Sunderland, and even pulled off a fine stop early on in that match, he’s since been a real hazard between the sticks.

For example, according to FBref, his save percentage has fallen from 64.5% for Leicester City last season to just 45% this year.

Another struggling member of the defensive unit has been Max Kilman, who has started all four league games this season, in which the team have conceded a whopping 11 goals.

Moreover, in the game against Spurs, he lost 100% of his ground duels, misplaced five of six long balls, failed in 100% of his attempted dribbles and didn’t make a single tackle or interception.

However, there is another regular starter in the side who simply has to be dropped for the next game, and for Potter’s own future.

The West Ham star Potter has to drop

While there are likely a few other names that could be mentioned here, we are talking about James Ward-Prowse.

The former Southampton captain joined the Hammers for £30m in the summer of 2023, and while there have certainly been some decent performances from the 30-year-old since, it would be hard to describe his move as anything other than a failure.

Indeed, in the words of former Hammers midfielder Martin Allen, when Ward-Prowse arrived, he could have done a job “similar to Mark Noble” in claret and blue but unfortunately it hasn’t panned out that way.

After all, he was sent out on loan to Forest last season, and then even at the City Ground, he was such an afterthought that he moved back to the London Stadium in early February.

Since then, the 11-capped Englishman has been a constant in the team and has started all five games this season, although once again, considering the results, that is not an indication of his quality.

In fact, many fans are now desperate for the manager to remove the former Saints star from the lineup, as while he was once considered “the best in the Premier League” for set-pieces, per Jamie Carragher, he now appears to offer very little.

Appearances

4

Minutes

325

Expected Goals

0.11

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.69

Assists

0

Shots

0.3

Duels Won

57%

Successful Dribbles

0

Dribbled pas per Game

0.5

Accurate Crosses

50%

For example, he has yet to register a goal or assist this season, averaging just 2.5 key passes, creating only two big chances, and being accurate in 50% of his crosses.

Moreover, he does not have the agility or speed to play in a deeper midfield role, so he cannot even really help out with the defensive side of the game either.

A perfect example of his lack of speed came last season when Arsenal’s David Raya beat him to the ball from a corner he had come up for, and if an outfield player is slower than a goalkeeper, that is more than a little worrying.

Finally, it shouldn’t even be a tough decision to remove the Portsmouth-born midfielder from the side, as the highly-rated Soungoutou Magassa just joined the club and would surely do so much more.

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Ultimately, Ward-Prowse is a talented player and someone with a career most players would love to have, but the end of last season and the start of this one have proven that he must be dropped from the side.

Paul Scholes claims that Marcus Rashford “quit on Manchester United” and has branded the England international’s attitude a “disgrace”. A product of the Red Devils’ famed academy system spent time on loan at Aston Villa last season, having slipped out of favour under Ruben Amorim, before linking up with La Liga giants Barcelona for the 2025-26 campaign.

GettyRashford's record for Man Utd: Appearances & goals

Rashford has taken in 426 appearances for United, scoring 138 goals, but he may not figure for the Premier League outfit again. His form dipped on the back of signing a lucrative new contract, leading to questions being asked of his commitment to the collective cause.

AdvertisementChampions League double & benched by Barcelona

A spark of sorts was rekindled at Villa, while a stunning brace was recorded for Barcelona in a Champions League clash with Newcastle at St James’ Park on September 18. Rashford was, however, benched by Hansi Flick for a domestic date with Getafe after reporting late for a team meeting.

GettyMan Utd legend Scholes slams Rashford

United legend Scholes has hit out at Rashford on podcast, accusing the 27-year-old forward of letting the Red Devils and himself down. Scholes said: “I really struggle to feel happy for Marcus Rashford.

“Mainly because of his attitude. His attitude towards Man United towards the end was disgraceful. The amount of times I saw him walking because he wanted to leave… His whole demeanour about him was a disgrace.

“I think he quit on Man Utd. When you quit once, you’ll quit again. He was late last night [for Barcelona]. He wont get away with that for long at Barca. There’s absolutely no chance. How can you sleep in these days? Your phone, f*cking alarm, whatever. How can you sleep in?

“He’s definitely got the talent to be [one of the best players in the world]. But he’ll never have the mentality.”

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Rashford future: Contract at Man Utd & Barca purchase option

Rashford made unfortunate headlines in January 2024 when being spotted on a night out in Belfast before calling in sick to miss United training. He remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, but Barca’s season-long loan agreement includes an option to buy.

Manchester United have now hatched a plan to sign an “exceptional” £120m star in a swap deal for Jadon Sancho, with Ruben Amorim pushing INEOS to get a deal done, according to a report.

Man Utd still keen to strengthen in several areas

With their Premier League opener against Arsenal a matter of days away, Man United still remain keen on strengthening in several key areas, and Gary Neville believes his former side’s most important task will be to bring in a new goalkeeper.

Neville is relatively encouraged by the additions Amorim has made up to this point, but added: “If they get a goalkeeper, I think that they could get into the top six, but a lot of things have to go on.”

Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma has recently entered the frame as one of the Red Devils’ main targets, but it remains to be seen whether they are able to sign the Italian, given that they are now planning to break the bank on a midfielder…

Bigger talent than Baleba: INEOS chasing "phenomenal" £100m CM for Man Utd

Manchester United are making another huge move in the transfer market this summer.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 13, 2025

Indeed, Man United are expected to make a huge bid for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, but they have also hatched a plan to secure the central midfielder’s signature in a different way.

That is according to a report from The Independent, which states Man United would be willing to use Sancho as a makeweight in negotiations with Brighton, although it is deemed unlikely that the Seagulls will be tempted by a deal of that nature.

Instead, owner Tony Bloom is holding out for the huge sum of £120m, and INEOS are now actively trying to figure out a way of orchestrating the deal, amid pressure from Amorim.

The United boss is said to be pushing for the club’s hierarchy to bring in Baleba, with the manager keen on a new midfielder to fit the team together, and the Brighton star has the best profile of any player on the shortlist.

"Exceptional" Baleba very keen on Old Trafford move

With the defensive midfielder thought to be very keen on joining Amorim’s side, the move could be a formality if United are able to agree a suitable fee with Brighton, although they are driving a very hard bargain with the £120m asking price.

That said, there are some signs the Cameroon international could be worth the huge outlay, having performed extremely well on some key defensive metrics over the past year compared to other midfielders.

Lauded as “exceptional” by scout Ben Mattinson, the 21-year-old is also Premier League proven, which is crucial, given that previous signings, such as Rasmus Hojlund, have failed to adapt to life in England after joining for huge transfer fees.

It seems unlikely that a swap deal for Sancho will be possible, but it is exciting news that Amorim is pushing to get a deal for Baleba over the line.

Judgement on Ruben Amorim’s spell as Manchester United manager has been held back, after the 40-year-old took the reins at Old Trafford midway through the previous campaign.

He joined the club in November 2024, leaving Sporting CP to take the reins after Erik ten Hag was dismissed from the role after a dismal start to the season.

However, this window has been the first chance for the boss to make his own stamp on the first-team squad – already spending big money in his quest for Premier League success.

Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have all joined the Red Devils, with the attacking trio setting the hierarchy back around £200m this window.

Despite the big-money additions, other areas of the pitch are set for further investment, undoubtedly helping the manager be a success during his tenure at the club.

United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba & Adam Wharton

The midfield area of the pitch has been the latest on United’s shortlist, resulting in Brighton star Carlos Baleba being the main name touted with a move to Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old, who made 34 appearances in England’s top-flight last campaign, had previously held talks with Amorim’s side, but no deal could be completed for his signature.

The Seagulls were demanding a £100m fee to part with the Cameroonian, but changed their stance, stating the youngster wasn’t for sale at any price during the summer window.

Such a decision has seen attention being turned towards Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, but a deal for the Englishman would also cost a pretty penny, given his tender age.

At just 21, he’s already made seismic waves in the Premier League, even being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships back in 2024.

His current employers are also demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload the midfielder, with such a sum evidently too much, resulting in various other options being considered by the hierarchy.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer

In an attempt to bolster the midfield, United have since turned their attention to Sevilla star Lucien Agoume over recent days, offering the side a cheaper alternative compared to the aforementioned targets.

It’s been reported that the LaLiga outfit are currently demanding a fee in the region of £35m for the 23-year-old, who made 37 appearances in all competitions throughout 2024/25.

However, he’s not the only Frenchman currently in their sights, with the Red Devils also closely monitoring a move for Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that Amorim’s side are preparing a £69m bid to land the 22-year-old star, who could be an immediate and long-term option at the heart of the side.

It also states that Xabi Alonso’s side could be open to allowing the former Rennes star to depart before the transfer deadline, but it’s unclear if the player would be open to a switch to Old Trafford.

Why United’s target would be a better signing than Baleba & Wharton

Given their experience in England’s top-flight, supporters may prefer any deal to land Baleba and Wharton this summer, but they could cost the hierarchy a pretty penny.

Deals in isolation could prove to be worth it, but given the money splashed elsewhere, cheaper alternatives will have to be considered if the side are to land the reinforcements they crave.

Options such as Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have often failed to deliver when called upon, as seen by the Uruguayan’s speculative effort in the defeat against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Bruno Fernandes will operate in a deep-lying position, but he will need a partner alongside him at the heart of the side if they are to have any chance of success in 2025/26.

A deal for Camavinga would provide just that, with the Frenchman a cheaper alternative than the pair, but also a more experienced one in the club’s hunt for future success.

Despite the Frenchman’s tender age, he’s already racked up 41 Champions League appearances, having the ability to offer top-level European experience – that’s if the Red Devils manage to qualify for such a competition under Amorim.

When delving into his stats from the previous campaign, he managed to produce numerous impressive numbers that rank him among Europe’s elite.

Games played

19

Goals & assists

3

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

4.9

Progressive carries

2.2

Tackles entered

3.4

Interceptions made

1.5

Blocks made

2.1

Aerials won

1.6

According to FBref, Camavinga ranked in the 98th percentile for tackles made in LaLiga last season, whilst also in the 96th percentile for blocks made – leading to Raj Chohan labelling him a “monster”.

Such numbers are simply superb, undoubtedly handing Amorim the ball-winner he’s desperately craved, which could free up Fernandes to operate in a free role at the heart of the side.

However, in possession, the Madrid star was just as impressive, completing 88% of the passes he attempted, with 4.9 of his efforts being labelled as progressive – having the tools to provide the new additions ahead of him the chance to impress.

His talents are further reflected in his tally of 1.6 aerials won per 90, also putting him in the 87th percentile, an asset that could make him a key threat at both ends of the pitch.

£69m would be an excellent price for a young star with bags of experience at the very top of the European game, having the chance to improve further, given his tender age.

The difference between Camavinga and the likes of Baleba and Wharton is truly staggering, with United making a better addition should they land the Frenchman, given his career achievements up to now.

The new Carrick: INEOS now preparing offer to sign £86m talent for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make another big-money move this summer.

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Newcastle United are ready to pay £55m to sign a Premier League star ahead of both PSG and Tottenham Hotspur.

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PIF have tried and failed to bring Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, James Trafford and Hugo Ekitike to Newcastle, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all beating them to deals.

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Now, it looks as if those at Old Trafford are about to pip them to a transfer for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with both clubs making offers. Sesko wants to move to Man Utd instead of Newcastle, despite the Magpies having a €85m proposal accepted by the Bundesliga side.

Time is ticking ahead of the opening Premier League weekend and the transfer deadline on September 1, with Anthony Elanga the only real marquee signing to shout about at St James’ Park.

Now, it looks as if they are willing to make a move for another target who is also wanted by numerous clubs.

Newcastle ‘ready’ to pay £55m for Zabarnyi

According to reports in France, Newcastle are now willing to hijack PSG’s move to sign Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi.

The Cherries have been holding out for €70m but are reportedly willing to accept PSG’s offer of a €60m fee, should they also include €3m in add-ons, which takes the total package to £55m.

However, the report adds that Newcastle are ‘ready to immediately meet’ Bournemouth’s demand, if they get wind that Zabarnyi is willing to make the move to St James’ Park. Tottenham have also been linked and are in the same position as Newcastle.

Those at the Parc des Princes are still expecting to sign the Ukraine international, but it appears as if PIF are ready to complete a hijack of their own after experiencing multiple transfer blows in recent weeks.

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool

Manuel Akanji

Man City

Levi Colwill

Chelsea

Jonathan Tah

Bayern Munich

Maxence Lacroix

Crystal Palace

As can be seen, Zabarnyi has been compared to numerous high-profile defenders after starring on the south coast for Bournemouth, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

Still just 22 years of age, Zabarnyi could partner Sven Botman in the long run at St James’ Park, but it looks as if any attempted deal would be tough to complete given PSG’s optimism.

Deal for English county confirmed after former majority owner Rod Bransgrove sells stake

Nagraj Gollapudi30-Sep-2024

The GMR Group, the newly unveiled owner of Hampshire, is “keen and open” to buying a majority stake in the Southern Brave franchise in the Hundred. That confirmation has come from Grandhi Kiran Kumar, GMR’s corporate chairman, who recently sealed a multimillion-pound deal which has made Hampshire the first English county to have overseas ownership.ESPNcricinfo understands that GMR Group’s parent company, GGPL, will initially hold a 53% stake in Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd, Hampshire’s parent company, with a completed 100% acquisition expected within the next 24 months. The overall deal, which was sealed earlier this year, is close to £120 million, half of which is understood to be operating debt. The equity part of the deal is worth £43 million.It is understood that GMR, an Indian infrastructure conglomerate that owns teams in various T20 leagues, including the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL, have paid 53% of that equity amount upfront with the remainder to be be paid in a phased fashion. There is also an incentive element in the deal which is related to the performance component, but the exact nature of how that will work will be worked out by all parties soon.The process does not guarantee GMR’s acquisition of Southern Brave, the Hundred team who play at Hampshire’s Utilita Bowl, though they are clear favourites to acquire full ownership. The ongoing sale of equity in the eight Hundred teams by the ECB will involve 51% stakes being transferred to host counties – in this case, Hampshire – but the process includes a mechanism which would require GMR to pay fair market value for the remaining 49% before that transfer happens.Grandhi told ESPNcricinfo on Monday that the acquisition of Southern Brave was part of his plan. “We will evaluate as we go forward,” he said. “Certainly, we are happy to work with ECB. We are certainly very keen and open.”Jofra Archer is Southern Brave’s star player•Harry Trump/Getty Images

Both parties have stressed that the Hundred was not a significant part of the original plan when Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire’s majority owner, first pitched the idea of selling his 60% stake in the company. It was in June of 2023 when India and Australia were playing the World Test Championship final at The Oval that Grandhi was alerted to a possible investment opportunity in Hampshire.As the months went by, GMR started looking at the opportunity seriously. While the cricketing aspect of the deal was appealing, GMR, whose core business remains in infrastructure, was equally – if not more – attracted to five-star Hilton hotel and golf course at the Utilita Bowl.”We come from an infrastructure background,” Grandhi told ESPNcricinfo. “We are into airports, roads etc. When you see this, it is quite amazing with what they have done. When we visited the facilities, including the hotel, we were impressed.”The entire concept is very nice, especially the fact that it was developed with keeping the fans in mind. Rod [Bransgrove] and his management team have kept the cricketing and sporting culture intact. I was quite amazed with the other facilities like the golf course. It is quite inclusive.”Kiran Kumar Grandhi (left) sits on the IPL auction table•BCCI

Grandhi assured Hampshire fans and members that GMR do not intend to “come and takeover”. He said: “We are looking at this opportunity holistically. The Hundred [opportunity] came only recently. Our discussions with Hampshire started nearly one-and-a-half years ago. When I heard about the opportunity I said, ‘Why not?’ The first six months went knowing each other and become comfortable. The deal happened much later.”The deal makes GMR Group the majority shareholder in the club, after Hampshire’s former chairman, Rob Bransgrove decided to sell his 60% stake in the company. Bransgrove will, however, continue as group chairman until at least September 30, 2026, with David Mann retaining his role as group CEO.While its business focus has been in the infrastructure business, GMR Group made its first major sporting investment in 2008 when it bought Delhi Daredevils. In 2018, GMR sold a 50% ownership stake in the Delhi franchise to Jindal South West (JSW), a fellow Indian business heavyweight. In cricket, the GMR Group also owns the Dubai Capitals franchise in the UAE’s ILT20 and has a stake in Seattle Orcas in MLC.The potential for overseas investment in Hampshire derives from Bransgrove’s original bail-out of the county in 2000, when he secured the club’s move from its 116-year home at Northlands Road in Southampton to the Utilita Bowl, on the outskirts of the city.Related

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In so doing, he converted Hampshire from a members-owned club to what was then known as Rose Bowl PLC, and oversaw the building and development of the venue – which now includes the Hilton hotel and Boundary Lakes Golf Course, with plans for more additions currently under consideration with Eastleigh Borough Council.The Utilita Bowl hosted its maiden Test match against Sri Lanka in 2011, while in 2020, its on-site hotel and remote location made it an ideal venue for the ECB’s bio-secure summer during the Covid pandemic. The ground hosted three Tests against West Indies and Pakistan, and six white-ball matches against Australia and Ireland.”This is the fulfilment of a dream for me and, I hope, for all Hampshire Cricket supporters,” Bransgrove said. “Beyond our team’s accomplishments on the field over the past 24 years, we have transformed our stadium into a premier Test Match and events venue and one of the most exceptional cricket and leisure facilities in the country. We have also been pioneers in the development of women’s cricket and have consistently innovated throughout this relatively short history.”After a thorough selection process, we chose GGPL as our partners due to their shared values and commitment to our vision. We believe GGPL is the perfect organization, with the right people, to build on our proud legacy. Becoming the first English cricket club to join an international cricket group will open exciting new opportunities as we embrace the globalization of this great sport.”Rod Bransgrove (left) and David Mann (right) were GMR’s guests at the ILT20 in February•ILT20

In 2021, Hampshire also hosted the inaugural World Test Championship final between New Zealand and India, again with Covid restrictions, while in 2027, it is due to host its maiden Ashes Test.Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, said that the deal “demonstrates the global interest” in investing in English cricket and underlines “the continuing appeal of county cricket.”Gould said: “This is an exciting time for Hampshire Cricket, and I’d like to welcome GGPL to cricket in England and Wales. I am pleased to see their commitment to continuing to develop Hampshire’s cricket teams and pathways and enhance facilities at Utilita Bowl, and their respect for the traditions of the game in this country.”I’d like to thank Rod Bransgrove for all he has done in transforming Hampshire and creating a world-class stadium, and look forward to continuing to work together in his role as Group Chair.”

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Sunderland are in talks with OGC Nice over a deal to sign Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bulka this summer.

The Black Cats are interested in a swoop for the former Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper to bolster Regis Le Bris’ squad, as he would come in as competition for Anthony Patterson.

If they can sign the Ligue 1 star, the Premier League side will also need to bolster the defence in front of him, but Chris Mepham is unlikely to be a part of that.

Journalist Graeme Bailey reported earlier this month that a move back to the Championship is more likely than a permanent return to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland eyeing up new centre-back

Whilst a deal for the Bournemouth central defender seems unlikely, given Bailey’s report, the Black Cats reportedly have their eye on another centre-back option.

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According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are eyeing up Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car as a potential signing to bolster their squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Croatia international – who is valued at £6m, according to Football Transfers, has been transfer-listed by the French club, despite starting 17 of his 19 appearances in the league this season.

It adds that Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 following a financial audit, which could provide Black Cats with further encouragement in their pursuit of Caleta-Car, but that they are set to appeal that decision.

Why Sunderland should sign Duje Caleta-Car

The newly-promoted side should pursue a deal to sign the Croatian giant this summer because he could come in as an upgrade on Mepham, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland will need strong defenders to protect their goal, which could be guarded by Bulka, as they battle against relegation next season, and the Lyon titan’s performances in Ligue 1 suggest that he would offer more to the team than the Wales international would.

Caleta-Car, whose former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl claimed he has a “big presence” on the pitch, also caught the eye for his country recently, winning seven of his nine duels and making eight clearances combined in a 7-0 win over Gibraltar and a 5-1 win over Czechia.

Stats

Caleta-Car (24/25 Ligue 1)

Mepham (23/24 Premier League)

Appearances

19

10

Tackle + interceptions per game

2.0

1.9

Clearances per game

5.1

2.9

Dribbled past per game

0.5x

0.5x

Blocks per game

0.2

0.0

Ground duel success rate

44%

37%

Aerial duel success rate

75%

60%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Croatian star’s defensive performances in Ligue 1 this season were simply better than what Mepham produced in his last season in the Premier League.

These statistics suggest that Caleta-Car would be far more dominant defensively, particularly in aerial battles, whilst also making more interventions, with tackles, interceptions, clearances, and blocks, each game to stop attackers from troubling the goal.

The Lyon defender would also arrive with Premier League experience under his belt. He started nine matches for Southampton in the 2022/23 campaign, winning 57% of his duels and making 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game.

Caleta-Car – who transfer insider Dean Jones lauded for having “major quality” – was not available enough to make a telling contribution to their season, though, and they were relegated from the top-flight that term.

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However, his form for Lyon since returning to France suggests that he does have the quality to be an impressive performer in a major European league, particularly in comparison to Mepham.

Therefore, Sunderland should pursue a deal to sign the Croatia international after a move for Bulka this summer to improve their defensive options, whilst removing any need to bring Mepham back on a permanent transfer.