Newcastle United’s transfer window has already been dominated by the ongoing saga surrounding Alexander Isak, who continues to push for a move to Liverpool.

The Swedish striker, having refused to train with Eddie Howe’s squad and absent from the opening fixtures of the Premier League campaign, has placed the Magpies in a precarious position.

The lack of a recognised No. 9 has been evident, especially after their narrow defeat at home to Liverpool, where a spirited display was undermined by poor finishing.

To compound matters, makeshift striker Anthony Gordon – tasked with filling the void in attack – was sent off against the Reds, earning a three-game suspension.

With William Osula the only senior forward left available, Newcastle’s striking options are perilously thin.

Newcastle target has said yes to joining

Senior figures from the PIF have attempted to convince Isak to return to training, but the Swede has been clear in his desire to leave, publicly citing broken promises and insisting that change is in everyone’s best interest.

Newcastle failed in approaches for Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško, while two bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa were swiftly rejected.

With time running out before the close of the window, Eddie Howe and his recruitment staff have been forced to turn to a new solution.

It’s one that could both ease the immediate crisis and provide a longer-term replacement for Callum Wilson, who left for West Ham earlier in the summer.

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According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle’s pursuit of Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen has accelerated in recent days, with the 25-year-old Norwegian understood to have now ‘said yes’ to a move to St James’ Park.

Wolves have already rejected two significant bids – £50m and £55m – but there remains internal optimism at Newcastle that a compromise can be reached before deadline day, although it may cost them £65m.

Strand Larsen is seen as an ideal stylistic fit for Newcastle’s high-energy system under Howe, but whether or not he’ll still join alongside surprise signing, Nick Woltemade, remains to be seen.

Reports emerged on Thursday evening from Germany suggesting that a deal worth €85m plus €5m in add-ons had been agreed with the Bundesliga outfit, Stuttgart, to bring him to the Toon.

Why Strand Larsen is the perfect Callum Wilson successor

Strand Larsen, who signed permanently from Celta Vigo in July 2025 after a successful loan spell, has quickly become one of Vítor Pereira’s key players.

Last season, he scored 14 Premier League goals and has already underlined his value this term by scoring two quickfire goals off the bench to seal a dramatic 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham.

Wolves, already reeling from the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, are reluctant to part with another centre-forward.

With a contract running until 2029, Wolves are under no pressure to sell. Their stance is clear: Strand Larsen is central to their project, and any deal will have to reflect that.

For Newcastle, the attraction of Strand Larsen extends beyond the immediate need to cover Isak’s absence.

The club’s long-standing reliance on Callum Wilson, while successful in bursts, has been undermined by the Englishman’s ongoing fitness struggles.

During his five years at the club, Wilson missed more than 114 games through injury for Newcastle and England combined, leaving the Magpies chronically short of striking depth.

Despite scoring 47 goals across 113 appearances, his unreliability ultimately forced the club to seek an alternative.

Strand Larsen offers a blend of qualities that Newcastle have lacked in Wilson’s absence. Statistically, his 2025/26 numbers show why he is being targeted.

Jørgen Strand Larsen – 2024/25

Matches Played

35

Starts

30

Goals

14

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

17

Progressive Passes

29

Source: FBref

According to FBref, he recorded 18 goal involvements across 35 matches, boasting a 61.1% shot-on-target rate.

His 1.15 shots on target per 90 minutes compares favourably to many established Premier League strikers, while his ability to contribute defensively (0.66 blocks per 90 and 0.35 tackles per 90) reflects the intensity Howe demands from his forwards.

When compared to Wilson, the Norwegian’s durability and consistency stand out. At 25 years old, Strand Larsen is entering his prime, contrasting sharply with Wilson, now 33.

His physical profile also provides a different dimension – standing nearly 6ft 4in, he can hold up play and bring others into the game, something Newcastle’s current system could utilise to great effect.

The tactical implications are clear. With Strand Larsen leading the line, Newcastle would gain a reliable focal point capable of pressing, linking play, and finishing chances.

Even if Isak does reintegrate, the Norwegian’s presence ensures Howe has depth and flexibility in attack, reducing the risk of being left short in the way they currently are.

Moreover, his international pedigree – 21 caps and three goals for Norway – adds experience at the highest level, complementing Newcastle’s recent influx of players with European credentials.

The club’s summer recruitment of Jacob Ramsay, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga has already improved depth across the pitch.

Adding Strand Larsen would not only stabilise the forward line but also provide a long-term solution that fits with the club’s broader strategy of building a young, competitive squad capable of sustaining success.

The situation with Wolves remains delicate, but with the player keen and Newcastle’s need growing more urgent, negotiations are likely to intensify.

Should the Magpies succeed, Strand Larsen could prove to be more than just a stopgap amid the Isak turmoil. He could be the striker to finally end Newcastle’s reliance on fragile options and lead the line for years to come.

Related Strand Larsen upgrade: Newcastle discussing move for "phenomenal" £30m CF

Jorgen Strand Larsen remains the leading centre-forward target, although Newcastle United are still considering alternatives…

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Aug 27, 2025

Oliver Glasner says Marc Guehi has shrugged off the disappointment of seeing a Liverpool transfer fall through and is now focusing only on Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old looked set to make a switch to Anfield on summer deadline day, only for the move to collapse at the eleventh hour. Amid speculation the Reds may return for him in January, Glasner has no concerns about Guehi's professionalism.

• Leoni injury reignites Guehi to Liverpool links

  After Guehi stayed put at Palace, despite Liverpool's deadline day approach, Bayern Munich have entered the race to sign the centre-back, although the former Chelsea man may have his sights set on Real Madrid. Los Blancos are said to be keen on bringing him to Santiago Bernabeu next summer when he will be a free agent, but the Reds may try and move for him in January – something the Eagles could be open to so that they at least secure a fee for him.

  The Merseyside outfit have captain Virgil van Dijk as their defensive talisman, and Ibrahima Konate has ably supported him in recent times, but with summer signing and understudy Giovanni Leoni suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury this week, Guehi has swiftly come up on Liverpool's radar again. Whether he would join Arne Slot's side, who are a bit short of defensive options right now, for the second half of the season remains to be seen.

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  Glasner praises Guehi's class

  The Austrian did concede that Guehi was a tad disheartened that his Liverpool transfer did not come to pass, but his attitude and commitment to the cause for the Eagles has been exemplary. 

  He told reporters: "I have no concerns at all [about Guehi]. I'm completely convinced, and I mention this quite often, as long as Marc is playing for Crystal Palace, he will be playing with 100 per cent. This is what I expect tomorrow [against Liverpool].

  "I'm really convinced that he will show this again. He's an amazing player, he's in amazing shape. So I expect a great game from him. Of course, I had a conversation with Marc but I think you will expect it to maybe have been more or longer, it was really a very short conversation because it was easy. We talked before, we talked at the end of last season, we talked in off-season, we talked in the pre-season, and of course we talked after the transfer window closed but it was a five-minute conversation.

  "On the other side, I'm really wondering why it's so outstanding if you stick to an agreement, it also shows you maybe what kind of times we are living in. If you sign a contract, let's say the normal thing is you stick to your contract, so we are praised for doing what we have to do, I think it's more the opposite, we should blame people who don't stick to their agreement.

  "Of course he was a little bit disappointed at the beginning but he said 'no, it's fine, I like being here, I like the team, I like the staff, I like Crystal Palace, I'm a south London boy, it's all good, I will give my best,' and this is exactly what I knew would happen."

• Glasner 'tired' of Guehi speculation amid Liverpool and Real Madrid interest

  The Palace manager, who has guided his side to a 17-match unbeaten run, admitted he is a bit fed up with all the Guehi transfer speculation. But he acknowledges that it will undoubtedly come up in the January transfer window.

  "Again, [the move to Liverpool] is gone. The window is closed, fortunately, so he's completely focused on Crystal Palace, on his performance and our performance and like always, it's good to have him as a captain," the Eagles boss said.

  "I'm not talking about transfer discussions. We had this for three or four months, and it really made me tired. I don't want to talk about it. I know in January it will be again for one month. Even when I think about it, it makes me tired. So let's talk about this great game, the FA Cup winners against the Premier League. That's more important than all the other stuff."

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  Guehi to face suitors Liverpool

  The England international will get a chance to show Liverpool what they are missing when Palace host the Premier League holders and early-season pacesetters at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon. If the Eagles win this weekend and results go their way, they could go second in the table.

With a matter of hours left to hand Russell Martin the upgrades that he needs following a disastrous start to life at Ibrox, Rangers have reportedly turned their focus towards a former academy graduate.

Who Rangers could sign on deadline day

It’s been a big summer for Rangers. The Gers have welcomed over 10 fresh faces, new ownership and a new manager in Martin. So far, however, things haven’t exactly gone to plan. The Gers are winless in the Scottish Premiership, out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion and some are already questioning Martin’s ability to turn things around.

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ByDan Emery Sep 1, 2025

Alas, the transfer window is still open. There is still time for Rangers to welcome some much-needed upgrades and there are still a number of players to watch. Among the reinforcements that are likely to arrive is a replacement for Hamza Igamane.

The talented forward refused to come off the bench during Rangers’ draw with St Mirren earlier this month before swiftly sealing a move to LOSC Lille to leave the Gers scrambling for options.

Several names have been mooted since then and another forward could arrive even after Bojan Miovski signed on the dotted line. In that department, the Scottish giants could certainly do with all the help they can get after yet another lackluster display going forward against Old Firm rivals Celtic.

One of the names mentioned to that end has been Youssef Chermiti. The young Everton forward has struggled with injuries and struggled to break into the Toffees’ strongest side since arriving from Sporting Club in 2023, but a loan move could quickly turn his fortunes around.

Meanwhile, alongside an inexperienced option, Rangers have also reportedly set their sights on signing a Scotland international in a last-minute move.

Rangers readying McLean move

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Rangers are now readying a late move to sign Kenny McLean from Norwich City. The 33-year-old, who has made 41 appearances for Scotland, is currently struggling to break into Liam Manning’s strongest side despite the Canaries’ poor start in the Championship and could move on as a result.

Amid all of their own current struggles, Rangers would benefit from McLean’s experience at both club and international level. It’s on the biggest stage that he’s earned the highest praise too.

Former teammate and ex-Celtic man Stephen O’Donnell told reporters in the build-up to Euro 2024: “His physicality is good as well, he has got pretty much everything.

“Kenny has had a good career and I will be looking forward to seeing what role he has in the upcoming games. At this stage now, the team has been together that long, they all bring their own characteristics to the table and Kenny is a lively lad.”

In what is expected to be a busy deadline day, the midfielder would stand out as a solid arrival for those at Ibrox, who must get things right.

كشفت تقارير صحفية نتيجة الكشف الطبي الذي أجراه الدولي الفرنسي كيليان مبابي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد ومنتخب فرنسا بعد الإصابة الأخيرة التي تعرض لها.

وواجه منتخب فرنسا نظيره أذربيجان، أمس الجمعة، في إطار منافسات تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم، إذ فاز الديوك بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

وشارك كيليان مبابي في تلك المباراة كأساسي وسجل الهدف الأول بطريقة رائعة، قبل استبداله في الدقيقة 83 حيث بدا متأثرًا بإصابة في الكاحل، مماثلة لتلك التي تعرض لها قبل أيام في مباراة ريال مدريد وفياريال.

كان الاتحاد الفرنسي لكرة القدم قد أعلن منذ ساعات بسيطة إعفاء مبابي من السفر مع الديوك استعدادًا لمباراة أيسلندا في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026 بسبب الإصابة التي تعرض لها.

اقرأ أيضًا | فينيسيوس جونيور يحدد المدرب الأفضل في مسيرته.. ويصرح: قدمت أفضل أداء معه

وعاد المهاجم الفرنسي إلى مدريد للخضوع لفحوصات طبية من قبل الجهاز الطبي للنادي الإسباني بعد شعوره بآلام في كاحله الأيسر خلال مباراة فرنسا وأذربيجان أمس.

وفقًا لصحفية “ماركا” الإسبانية، فإنه بعد الفحص الطبي الذي أجراه النادي، فإن إصابة كيليان ليست خطيرة وسيتدرب بشكل طبيعي الأسبوع المقبل.

وأفادت بأنه سيتدرب بشكل طبيعي إلى جانب باقي زملائه في الفريق وبالتالي سيكون قادرًا على اللعب في مباراة ريال مدريد القادمة يوم الأحد ضد خيتافي ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

Their run-scoring methods haven’t worked on this tour and part of that is due to the variety in the Indian bowling attack

Alagappan Muthu11-Feb-2025Big picture: Variety the spice of both life and ODI bowling attacksJos Buttler, all though this ODI series, has been conscious of doing well for longer but also of playing watchable cricket. He picked up Rohit Sharma’s 72-ball hundred as an example of how that is a virtue worth striving for; that being “dynamic” and “aggressive” is how the game needs to be played in the modern day.Rohit, having suffered months where nothing went right – maybe a ball rolling off his forward defensive and onto his stumps at the start of the season should’ve been a clue – looked up and saw four fast bowlers coming at him on a slow and low pitch and all four of them were virtually the same. Mark Wood had a little more pace. Saqib Mahmood swings it a bit but essentially they were all tall guys operating in the 130-140 kph in conditions that were never going to help them.England, meanwhile, had to score their runs against a mystery spinner who had already run through them in the T20I leg of the tour. Varun Chakravarthy, on ODI debut, picked up a wicket in his second over. They had to navigate two very different left-arm spinners. Axar Patel doesn’t rely on turn. He round-arms it in looking for lbw and bowled. Ravindra Jadeja doesn’t distinguish between edges of the bat like that. He hunts both of them. Variety like that matters in ODI cricket. India have it, to the extent that Rohit doesn’t really see too much wrong with where his team is at.Everyone feels the need to play attacking cricket, and that’s not just now. One of the greatest ODIs ever played – the 438 game – took place even as the world had barely realised T20 was a thing and reiterated just the unmitigated thrill of run-scoring. Three-hundred playing three-hundred is boring but four-hundred playing four-hundred is edge of the seat. England made 500 seem gettable – twice – and that’s the dream they’re still chasing. Maybe they could put just as much attention into finding a bowling attack that isn’t so samey.Form guideIndia WWLLT (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
England LLLWLIn the spotlight: Harshit Rana and Jos ButtlerHarshit Rana hated missing out on an international cap. He needed to be consoled when that kept happening, by his father, by his coach. Now though he’s an all-format player – Test, ODI and T20I debuts happening all in the space of four months – and with the Champions Trophy on the horizon his star might rise even higher. India are valuing his knack of picking up wickets over his tendency to leak runs and that is a trade-off worth pursuing, especially if it gives them a leg up in the middle overs.Harshit Rana, on ODI debut, picked up some big wickets•AFP/Getty ImagesIn Cuttack, at 219 for 3 in the 39th over, England were actually doing well, until their captain’s attempt to clear mid-off didn’t happen. Buttler could well have been playing that sequence in his mind when he said, “we are making steps again in the right direction but not the perfect, complete performance with the bat.” Had that shot gone for four, which it has hundreds of times before, things could’ve been different. Buttler needs for them to be different. The last 50-over ICC event that took place in the subcontinent didn’t go so well for him or England.Team news: India to bring back Kuldeep?When they named their squad for these ODIs, India had hoped to see if Jasprit Bumrah might be able to play this third one, following his back injury in the New Year’s Test against Australia in Sydney. That has turned out to be wishful thinking and it appears the way they front up now might be the way they front up in the Champions Trophy too, without their premier fast bowler. A different, but perhaps just as important member of their bowling attack, might be making his way back to the XI though. It was strange that Kuldeep Yadav was rested in the first place when he had played just two competitive matches since the middle of October 2024India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 KL Rahul (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Harshit Rana, 11 Mohammed ShamiIt is a dead rubber so England might not push to bring back some of the players they rested in the last game, unless they are fit and able, in which case they could really use them considering Paul Collingwood and Marcus Trescothick had to volunteer for sub fielder duties. Tom Banton might be in line for an ODI recall, but given he usually does his best work at the top of the order, what does it mean for the rest of the line-up?England: 1 Ben Duckett, 2 Phil Salt (wk), 3 Tom Banton, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jos Buttler (capt), 7 Liam Livingstone, 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Saqib Mahmood/Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Mark WoodPitch and conditions: Win toss, win match?A hot, humid day is forecast for the game in Ahmedabad. Both England and India are painfully aware that the best chance of winning a white-ball game there is to chase.Stats and trivia: Twin peaks waiting for India’s stars Rohit needs 13 runs to score 11,000 in ODIs. On Sunday, he went past Rahul Dravid into the top 10 run-getters in the format’s history Virat Kohli needs 89 runs to get to 14,000 in ODIs. Only Kumar Sangakkara and Sachin Tendulkar have ever got to that peak. England and India have both won the same number of matches since the end of the last ODI World Cup – 4 – just that England have also lost as many matches (9) as India have played in that same time.Quotes”We want to keep getting better as well. Nothing specific we want to work on but overall we want to keep getting better as a player and team. That is what we want to do. As long as guys are clear about what they are supposed to do, if they keep doing that not much to think about.”

Chelsea could have to offload Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson before proceeding with a summer signing, with talks believed to be advanced for another player who has also agreed personal terms.

Enzo Maresca’s side have zero trouble financially, having made millions off their previous transfer sales this window, alongside the Blues’ windfalls from qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Club World Cup.

They’re estimated to have raised nearly £220 million through outgoings alone, with Chelsea’s CWC triumph yielding £87.5 million in prize money and their Champions League riches tipped to be around £80 million just from qualifying.

Having spent nearly £280 million on new signings, including their pre-agreed summer deals, Chelsea have actually registered a net profit over the last few months – so BlueCo are in excellent stead when it comes to the Premier League’s PSR rules.

However, the same cannot be said for UEFA’s separate FFP laws.

Chelsea reached a settlement with UEFA last month after being in breach of these regulations, and as part of the agreement, Maresca’s side must produce a positive transfer balance by September – or they won’t be able to register new players to their A-list Champions League squad.

Simply put, the west Londoners have to agree just as many outgoings as incomings to balance out their books.

Chelsea have already sold Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu, with both Jackson and Nkunku tipped to potentially follow.

Chelsea are ready to sell Jackson amid reports that he’ll cost around £60 million, while the same can be said of Nkunku as Chelsea reduce his asking price to around £40 million.

This £100m fire sale could be key to the club signing Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Chelsea plot Nkunku and Jackson sale before formalising Garnacho deal

Jacobs, writing for GiveMeSport, claims that Chelsea may look to sell Jackson and Nkunku before formalising a deal for Garnacho.

The Argentine has already agreed personal terms with Maresca’s side and talks are at an advanced stage, with the Argentine now simply waiting for United and Chelsea to reach a full agreement.

The Red Devils want a minimum £50 million to sell Garnacho, but both sides expect to shake hands on a deal before the window slams shut in just over a fortnight.

Right now, Chelsea are focused on outgoings, hence why they could bide their time before completing this move, as Maresca plots to get Jackson and Nkunku out the door first.

Amidst all of this, Chelsea are still trying to reach an agreement with RB Leipzig over Xavi Simons, with the Dutchman also agreeing terms and patiently watching on in the hope that both sides can find middle ground.

“He has a lot of personality, he doesn’t give up and he’s always on the ball. He never gives up in one-on-one situations,” said former Barcelona forward Javier Saviola about Garnacho.

“Now he’s adding goals to his game, something he was lacking a bit before, and he’s appearing closer to the box.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O amistoso da Seleção Brasileira contra Guiné, neste sábado (17), em Barcelona-ESP, seria para estabelecer um marco na luta contra o racismo, capitaneada por Vini Jr., que foi o camisa 10 do Brasil. No entanto, antes mesmo de a bola rolar, mais um caso lamentável ocorreu fora de campo e com um agravante: foi com um amigo de Vini na entrada do estádio. O atacante do Real Madrid não falou com a imprensa, mas usou suas redes sociais para se pronunciar.

RelacionadasSeleção BrasileiraRamon agradece confiança da CBF, mas desconversa sobre possível chegada de Ancelotti à Seleção: ‘Foco é nesses dois jogos’Seleção Brasileira17/06/2023Seleção BrasileiraCBF tem conversas avançadas com Carlo Ancelotti e marca pronunciamento para o fim deste mêsSeleção Brasileira17/06/2023Seleção BrasileiraRamon valoriza oportunidade para estreantes na Seleção e já projeta confronto com SenegalSeleção Brasileira17/06/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Segundo a denúncia, Felipe Silva, de 27 anos, afirmou que um dos seguranças do Estádio Cornellà-El Prat lhe apontou uma banana e afirmou que aquela era uma “arma que seria usada contra ele”. A assessoria de Vini fez a denúncia no local e a Globo acabou testemunhando a situação. A reportagem da emissora, inclusive, flagrou a banana no bolso do funcionário do estádio.

De acordo com o atacante da Seleção, o tratamento dos responsáveis pelo local não foi o mais adequado para casos desse tipo. Dessa forma, Vini cobrou, em tom mais forte, medidas cabíveis para apurar o crime.

– Enquanto eu jogava com a já histórica camisa preta e me emocionava, meu amigo foi humilhado e ironizado na entrada do estádio. O tratamento foi triste, em todos os momentos duvidaram da cena surreal que aconteceu. Os bastidores são nojentos. Mas pra deixar tudo público, pergunto aos responsáveis: onde estão as imagens das câmeras de segurança? – relatou Vini em seu Twitter.

Enquanto eu jogava com a já histórica camisa preta e me emocionava, meu amigo foi humilhado e ironizado na entrada do estádio. O tratamento foi triste, em todos os momentos duvidaram da cena surreal que aconteceu. Os bastidores são nojentos. Mas pra deixar tudo público, pergunto… https://t.co/41RIJIJiuZ

— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) June 17, 2023

Vale lembrar que como símbolo da luta antirracista, a Seleção atuou com um uniforme todo preto pela primeira vez na história. A indumentária foi usada no primeiro tempo, já no segundo os atletas retornaram com a tradicional camisa amarela.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Vini Jr mostra que é o craque do novo ciclo da Seleção Brasileira no amistoso contra Guiné

Depois de vencer Guiné por 4 a 1, com direito a gol de Vini Jr. cobrando pênalti, a Seleção Brasileira terá mais um amistoso nesta Data Fifa, que será disputado contra Senegal, em Lisboa, nesta terça-feira (20), às 16h (de Brasília). A partida será disputada em Portugal, na cidade de Lisboa, no estádio José Alvalade.

Gloucestershire have signed Australia’s Cameron Green for five County Championship matches, in a deal made possible by a “significant donation” from one of the club’s members.ESPNcricinfo reported this month that Green is hoping to make his return from a back stress fracture before the end of the Sheffield Shield season, and that he was lining up a stint in county cricket. Gloucestershire announced on Friday that he will play five games for them between April 18 and May 26 in the second division of the Championship.Green’s stint will enable him to play competitively ahead of June’s World Test Championship final, which sees Australia face South Africa at Lord’s. He will only be available as a specialist batter, rather than an allrounder, and faces competition for places in the middle order after the recent success of Josh Inglis and Beau Webster early in their Test careers.Gloucestershire’s finances have been perilous in recent years, with the club posting a £1.19 million loss in their most recent accounts. But chair Peter Matthews said one of the club’s 2,000 or so members had donated a sum of money which will enable them to cover the cost of Green’s wages without exceeding their playing budget for the 2025 season.”We are delighted to welcome Cameron to Gloucestershire,” Matthews said. “This deal would not have been possible without a significant donation from a member of the club, and we are incredibly grateful for his generosity, which has enabled us to do this deal without going over the playing budget.”Related

• Green unlikely to play Shield cricket before county stint

• Bancroft named Gloucestershire captain after shoulder 'trauma'

• Hampshire sign Stoneman as Vince cover

• Green hopeful of Shield return and county cricket ahead of WTC final

Green has never previously played county cricket and will link up with his Western Australia team-mate Cameron Bancroft in Bristol, who was appointed captain for their Championship season earlier this week.Mark Alleyne, Gloucestershire’s coach, said: “Cameron Green’s ability is unquestionable… He usually operates in a key position for the best Test team in the world at the moment and having that pedigree in our camp is amazing for the players alongside him. We have serious ambitions in all formats in 2025 and Cameron’s signing will reinforce this sentiment.”Elsewhere, Hampshire have confirmed the signing of another Australian allrounder in New South Wales’ Jack Edwards. ESPNcricinfo reported this week that Edwards will effectively replace Mohammad Abbas for the first two months of the Championship season, with Hampshire’s hoping Edwards’ ability to bat No. 7 will help them fill the void left by James Vince quitting red-ball cricket.

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.

New Zealander will captain Spirit in men’s Hundred alongside county stint

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2025

New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has become the first direct overseas signing in the men’s Hundred and will captain London Spirit during this year’s competition, as previously reported on ESPNcricinfo. He will also play for Middlesex during a four-month stay in the UK.Williamson, 34, has not played in the Hundred, despite being picked up in the original draft by Birmingham Phoenix, withdrawing from his deal in 2021 to manage an elbow issue. He will make his debut in the season opener at Lord’s on August 5, having agreed a contract with Spirit as part of new rules allowing teams to sign a player outside of the draft via one of their 10 retentions spots.”We’re thrilled to have Kane on board for this summer,” Fraser Stewart, London Spirit’s general manager, said. “For us to be able to make a direct signing of this calibre is truly exciting for London Spirit, and I am sure that he will be looking forward to captaining our talented side.”London Spirit were the most highly valued team in the ECB’s process to sell equity in the Hundred, with a Silicon Valley consortium expected to pay £145 million for a 49% share. Talks have begun with MCC over the team’s name and branding, but they will remain unchanged for this year.Williamson said: “Our international schedule has allowed for a bit of break during the English summer, and I was looking to come to the UK with my family, so when this opportunity arose it was a really exciting prospect. The Home of Cricket is one of my favourite grounds in the world for so many different reasons. I’ve had so many incredible moments there.Related

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“Every player in the world holds Lord’s in the highest regard. They have been able to maintain the tradition around playing there, and that’s what makes it unique to any other place in the world.”Williamson, who has previously turned out for Gloucestershire and Yorkshire in county cricket, is expected to be available for at least 10 of Middlesex’s Vitality Blast and at least five County Championship fixtures during the latter half of the season. He will arrive in May, following his involvement at the PSL with Karachi Kings.While New Zealand will tour Zimbabwe to play all three formats in July-August, Williamson is no longer centrally contracted by NZC and free to prioritise other opportunities.”I’ve played a bit of county cricket in the past, but not for a number of years now, so when this opportunity arose with Middlesex it was a really exciting prospect,” Williamson added.”To be able to play for Middlesex – a fine club with a rich heritage – is really exciting and something that I’m really looking forward to being a part of. There’s a good balance of youth and experience in the Middlesex squad, which is great, and I’m really excited to join up with the team, meet the players in the squad and helping out wherever I can.”Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s director of cricket, said: “We are hugely excited about Kane joining Middlesex this summer and are looking forward to him making a positive impact in both our Blast and Championship campaigns.”To have secured one of the most talented players in the world game is a real coup, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Lord’s and to seeing him heading out with the three Seaxes on his chest.”Having a player like Kane in the Middlesex dressing room will be a huge plus for the entire squad, and especially our younger players, who will benefit enormously from playing alongside one of the world’s best.”