All posts by h716a5.icu

Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing a Manchester United player as a replacement for outgoing hero Florian Wirtz this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

Man Utd gearing up for busy summer

The Red Devils continue to be linked with new signings in the summer window, with the club reportedly readying a shock move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Italian could be a great signing at Old Trafford, having been such a key man for the Magpies.

United are also believed to be planning a late hijack of Tottenham’s move for Lille and England ace Angel Gomes, with the midfielder potentially sealing a return to the Premier League giants as a free agent.

Wolves star Matheus Cunha has been mentioned as a leading summer option for the Red Devils, too, and the attacker is still being linked with a switch to the club, possibly even alongside Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

A new goalkeeper is also arguably important for United ahead of next season, with Andre Onana a hit-and-miss performer between the sticks, and Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma has been mentioned as a target. He has been magnificent this season, playing a big role in his side reaching the Champions League final.

Bayer Leverkusen want Man Utd player to replace Wirtz

According to a new update from The Sunday Mirror [via Man Utd News], Leverkusen are keen on signing Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho to replace Wirtz at the end of the season, with the German potentially departing for as much as £100m.

While Chelsea have an obligation to sign him for £25m this summer, it is claimed that the Blues aren’t interested in making his loan move permanent, paying a £5m penalty to take themselves out of the agreement after BBC reported his move there is in doubt.

The £100,000-a-week Sancho has been a big disappointment for United, hence their willingness to allow him to join Chelsea on loan last summer, so allowing him to leave for good makes complete sense.

It is simply a transfer that hasn’t worked out, with the 25-year-old clearly an extremely talented footballer, with Ian Wright calling him “amazing” and Blues manager Enzo Maresca sharing that sentiment: “Jadon is doing well. He needs to continue in the same way; work hard, every day. As I’ve said before, for sure he is going to help us. We really believe that he is a special player. But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious. He needs to want more and more and more.”

Man Utd readying shock £85m offer to sign "excellent" Premier League rival

They could steal plenty of headlines…

ByTom Cunningham May 11, 2025

United should now be looking to cash in on Sancho, in a summer that could also see the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony move on, allowing Ruben Amorim to bring in the wingers that he feels can best suit his style of play moving forward.

Manchester United will want to improve all areas of the pitch during the summer transfer window, needing to right the wrongs of the 2024/25 campaign, which was certainly one to forget.

The Red Devils lost in the Europa League final and also finished 15th in the Premier League, with no European football present at Old Trafford next season.

Such a failure will certainly have an impact on finances at the club, restricting any funds that boss Ruben Amorim may have had at his disposal had they claimed victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it could be a blessing in disguise, handing the manager the opportunity to work closely with his players and mount a serious charge for the Premier League’s top four in 2025/26.

Regardless of the terrible form, the hierarchy look set to give Amorim the benefit of the doubt and hand him funds to change their fortunes, with numerous players already on the manager’s radar.

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

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap have been on United’s radar in recent days, with the hierarchy holding talks with the Cameroon international over a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

The club have been quoted a fee in the region of £50m for the 25-year-old star, who’s managed to score 20 goals in the Premier League this season, but could face competition from Newcastle United for his signature.

However, the other end of the pitch is also in need of investment, with Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford emerging as a summer target, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the club are exploring potential reinforcements to bolster the ranks, with the future of Andre Onana at United uncertain given his recent showings.

It also states that it’s unknown how much Scott Parker’s side will demand for the signature of the 22-year-old, who kept a staggering 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season, but prior reports this year suggest it may be around £30m.

Why Trafford could be the next Sancho

Winger Jadon Sancho joined United in a £73m deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, but it’s safe to say his time at Old Trafford has been a disaster.

The Englishman has made 83 appearances for the club, scoring just 12 goals and being sent on various loan spells – including back to the side which the Red Devils landed him from.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at fellow Premier League side Chelsea, but could well be back in Amorim’s side ahead of next season if the Blues trigger his £5m cancellation fee after originally joining with an obligation to join permanently.

He’s only scored four times in his 40 appearances across all competitions in West London, with the club undoubtedly set to lose a small fortune on their investment in the near future.

However, the club could land a repeat of Sancho in a summer move for Trafford, with the goalkeeper following a similar path in his career to the winger over recent years.

The pair both came through Manchester City’s academy, before moving elsewhere to make their name and potentially costing the Red Devils a small fortune in the process.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the hierarchy back this summer, it’s one they should look to avoid with better options available in the market.

Games played

28

38

Goals conceded

62

58

Save percentage

65%

75%

Saves made

3.7

3.9

Clean sheets

2

9

Clean sheet percentage

7%

23%

Pass accuracy

65%

73%

Trafford, who’s been labelled “world-class” by current boss Parker, was unable to better current ‘keeper Onana in numerous key areas during his last stint in the Premier League, even dropping to number two in the pecking order as a result.

Whilst there’s no denying that a new goalkeeper needs to be on the agenda this summer, Amorim and the board should be exploring other options, with a more experienced head needed between the sticks.

Given the similarities between him and Sancho’s career path, it’s another reason as to why they should steer clear – needing to find value for money elsewhere given the financial constraints.

He's like Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd expect to sign £30m star after Cunha

Manchester United could follow Matheus Cunha by signing Ruben Amorim’s new Viktor Gyokeres.

1 ByDan Emery May 27, 2025

Aston Villa are still looking to fill the void left by Jhon Duran as the summer transfer window enters its embryonic stage.

The Colombian was sold for £71m in January after scoring 12 goals for the club during the first half of the season.

While Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford contributed well between January and May, scoring 12 goals between them, both have since returned to their parent clubs.

This means Unai Emery enters the market looking for a forward who can make a difference. Might he turn to Ligue 1 again?

Aston Villa lead the race for Belgian sensation

It appears as though Rashford won’t return to Villa next season. The club have shown interest in Tyler Dibling and Jadon Sancho in a bid to improve their wide options next season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Rather than focus on Premier League talent, the manager also has eyes on the continent. According to TEAMtalk, Villa are among the clubs leading the race for talented Lyon winger Malick Fofana.

Liverpool and Arsenal are also in contention for the player and the report states that Lyon’s financial troubles could see Fofana available for just £40m this summer.

A young, left-footed talent ready to make his mark in the Premier League. Can Emery sign his new Duran in a move for Fofana?

Why Villa must sign Malick Fofana

Duran certainly had the potential to become Emery’s main attacking option, but the offer from the Middle East was too good to turn down.

The youngster dazzled with his displays off the bench for the Midlands side, eventually scoring 20 goals in 78 appearances, yet only 17 of those were starts.

Metric

Ligue 1

Europa League

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

1

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes per game

0.9

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.8

0.9

Emery has been craving a talent like Duran ever since he departed, and in Fofana, the Belgian starlet could become his next exciting young forward. Indeed, journalist Antonio Mango has lauded him for his “frightening speed” and “game-changing potential” – remind you of anyone?

The 20-year-old made his debut for Gent during the 2022/23 campaign, impressing sufficiently to secure a move to Lyon in January 2024.

His spell with the French giants has been a major success. Across 62 games, the youngster has registered 22 goal contributions – 15 goals and seven assists – particularly impressing last term.

Indeed, in April, talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed the winger for “showing flashes of his enormous potential” and he was especially dangerous in the Europa League.

When compared to his positional peers in the competition, Fofana ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05), progressive carries (7.88) and touches in the attacking penalty area (8.23) per 90 in the Europa League.

His explosiveness and desire to make things happen in the final third make him an excellent prospect, and he could continue his development under Emery at Villa.

Like his fellow left-footer, Duran, he would be an exciting young signing with potential, and there is no doubt Fofana could have a similar sort of impact as the Colombian forward.

With Villa playing in the Europa League – a competition Fofana excelled in – then bringing the Belgian sensation to the Midlands this summer could turn out to be one shrewd move by the manager.

Better than Watkins: Aston Villa ready offer for £28m "pure goalscorer"

Aston Villa are eyeing up a swoop for a striker

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 6, 2025

Crystal Palace are now in talks over signing a 32-year-old international on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace stepping up transfer plans

The Eagles have been waiting for clarification on their participation in the Europa League for next season, and with reports now emerging that they could be allowed in the competition, the club are likely to go ahead with their transfer business.

"I've been told" – Crystal Palace could receive "reliable" Newcastle player in Guehi swap

The Eagles could get a player in return.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025

It’s already been reported in the early parts of this transfer window that Palace have made an approach to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. The Portuguese side want £40 million for his services, and his arrival could be seen as a replacement for Marc Guehi, who is continuing to be linked with a move to Newcastle United.

In fact, Andrew Musgrove has now revealed that Palace could be open to the idea of letting Guehi leave as long as they get Matt Target in a swap deal. That is because Ben Chillwell has returned to Chelsea, and the Eagles want another option behind Tyrick Mitchell, with some cash coming their way as well.

They are not the only defenders the club are looking at, as it’s also been reported by The Sun that Oliver Glasner is pushing the South Londoners to sign Strahinja Pavlovic from AC Milan. Glasner is a big fan, and while Milan value the Serbian at £40 million, Palace may look to start the bidding at around the £25 million mark.

Crystal Palace now in talks to sign goalkeeper Walter Benitez

It appears that Glasner wants to strengthen the spine of his team, as according to reporter Uriel Lugt, relayed by Ben Jacobs, Crystal Palace are also in talks to sign goalkeeper Walter Benitez.

The 32-year-old has been at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven since July 2022, but he is now coming to the end of his contract this month, and the Eagles are looking to swoop in and sign him on a free.

Benitez has been a regular in the PSV side since joining the club and, in the last two seasons, has been a key performer in the club winning the Eredivisie, the Dutch Cup and the Dutch Super Cup. In the 2024/25 season, Benitez, who has been capped by Argentina, kept nine clean sheets in 34 league games.

Apps

134

Goals conceded

152

Clean sheets

43

His potential arrival at Selhurst Park would see him go up against Dean Henderson for the number one spot. That is because Matt Turner’s loan spell at Palace has now come to an end after playing just four games for the club, which all came in the cup competitions.

Despite being older, Benitez may be seen as an upgrade to Turner, as his experience and track record of winning and playing in Europe is something that Glasner will want to have more of in his squad as they look ahead to the 2025/26 season.

Leeds United will be looking to offload some deadwood ahead of venturing back up to the Premier League.

Indeed, Daniel Farke will know he needs everyone singing off the same hymn sheet to be a success in such a daunting division, meaning personnel such as Illan Meslier and Maximilian Wober could soon be on the chopping block, following Junior Firpo – who headed for Real Betis – out of the exit door.

Patrick Bamford could also be another reserve figure that the German is tempted to part ways with this summer.

But, if the injury-prone 31-year-old was to stay put, he might well be a valuable option for the Whites still, based on his flashes of brilliance in the Premier League previously.

Bamford's previous form in the Premier League

The long-standing Leeds servant did let the entire 24/25 campaign pass him by without scoring a single strike, but he has displayed signs of his class in the big time before.

Bamford has netted all but one of his 24 top-flight strikes donning Leeds white, with the wonderfully taken goal above one of three strikes he managed against Aston Villa to bag a Premier League hat-trick all the way back in 2020.

Of course, it would be extremely bold to expect the 31-year-old to recapture his Premier League best, especially as a goalless season under Farke’s wing is still so fresh.

Yet, he could still be utilised as an impact option off the bench if necessary, with the four goals he bagged the last time he was at the intimidating level, coming about from just 18 starts.

Whilst the veteran still has some credit left in his bank, this other attacker has been stuck on the periphery at Elland Road for some time now without ever looking likely to redeem himself, with a loan exit this summer looking to be nailed on.

The Leeds star who is worse than Bamford

Leeds supporters will always possess a soft spot for Bamford, considering he has two Championship titles under his belt now with the West Yorkshire outfit, away from his favourable output of 60 strikes when at the peak of his powers.

In the curious case of Joe Gelhardt, however, his excellent displays at Elland Road have been even more fleeting than the 31-year-old’s, with the Liverpool-born forward last powering home a strike for the club way back in August of 2023 against Shrewsbury Town. Bamford, on the other hand, last scored in April of 2024 when Farke’s men were hunting down promotion.

24/25

3

0

0

23/24

13

1

0

22/23

19

0

3

21/22

22

2

4

That goal against the Shrews didn’t even come about in league action either, meaning Gelhardt hasn’t actually fired home a meaningful strike in the bread and butter of league football for Leeds since the 21/22 season.

The 23-year-old did amass a promising collection of five goals last season out on loan with Hull City, but Farke will hold zero confidence in Gelhardt being able to transition to Premier League life smoothly. Whereas, with Bamford, he will at least have some crumbs of comfort on his side that he can compete, even if it’s from a bit-part role.

Therefore, instead of killing the 23-year-old’s confidence even more, Leeds will likely loan Gelhardt back out to the Championship, with journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that Wrexham and Birmingham City are interested in the out-of-sorts striker’s services.

The reporter claims that the Premier League side have told the forward that he is free to move on from Elland Road this summer, which has attracted interest from the second tier.

It will be intriguing to see what happens past this next step for Gelhardt, with Jamie Carragher once branding the former England U20 international as a “special” when he was making a name for himself in the senior side while Jamie Redknapp suggested he was “really exciting.”

Now, his future at Elland Road is arguably on even more unstable ground than Bamford’s, even as Farke begins to eye up some fresh stars up top to help Leeds adjust back to their unnerving new level.

Farke's own Phillips: Leeds schedule talks to sign "phenomenal" £30m star

Leeds United could be about to land themselves a top-level Premier League talent.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

All eyes are on Chelsea’s Club World Cup commitments, although that has not stopped the transfer rumour mill rumbling on in the background, with further deals seemingly set to follow, following the notable capture of Liam Delap last month.

While the Blues appear to have ended their interest in AC Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, the club’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens continues, despite missing out on the Englishman ahead of the previous transfer deadline.

Prior reports have indicated that the 20-year-old has already agreed on a seven-year contract with the Stamford Bridge side, albeit with a club-to-club agreement still yet to be found, amid reports of a €65m (£55m) asking price.

The former Manchester City youth star does appear to be Enzo Maresca’s leading target right now, although further moves could seemingly lie in store, with talk that a new defensive addition could also enter the building.

Latest on Chelsea's bid for a new defender

For all the speculation surrounding attacking additions, it would appear that the west Londoners are also keen to bolster the backline this summer, having previously been in the mix for new Real Madrid man, Dean Huijsen.

A reunion with a certain Marc Guehi has also been mooted, albeit with the Englishman looking more likely to join Arne Slot’s Liverpool, should he decide to leave Crystal Palace in the coming months.

Centre-back thus looks to be a priority position for Chelsea ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, with reports in Spain suggesting that they are now readying an offer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As per the report, the Blues have ‘launched an ambitious move’ for the 23-year-old defender, having made the versatile left-footer – who can operate at left-back – one of their ‘key targets’.

Despite his €60m (£51m) asking price representing something of an obstacle, the report claims that Chelsea are ‘willing to negotiate’, with the player himself ready to take the next step in his career.

Should that step take him to Stamford Bridge, the 6 foot sensation could look to replicate the success of his compatriot, Moises Caicedo.

Why Chelsea could land their next Caicedo

It’s fair to say that eyebrows were raised when Chelsea forked out a club-record fee of £115m to sign Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2023, with the Blues edging out Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature.

Despite enduring a “tough” first season by his own admission, the 23-year-old has kicked on and then some since, with teammate Cole Palmer hailing him as the side’s “best player” last month.

Also lauded as the Premier League’s ‘best central midfielder’ by pundit and analyst Adrian Clarke, the former Seagulls star is relishing life under Maresca, having notably made the fifth-most tackles in the top-flight last term.

Hopefully, the signing of his international colleague – who is the same age as Caicedo – can prove just as successful, with Hincapie having been noted as an “Ecuadorian football legend in the making” in his own right, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Despite being “in the shadow” of the likes of Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen, the £51m man is a “top quality” talent undoubtedly, in the words of Kulig, with it no surprise that he has caught the eye of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

Where he particularly excels is in possession, as evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, while also ranking in the top 16% for progressive passes, as per FBref.

For comparison, the man he could potentially replace in that left-sided centre-back – Levi Colwill – ranks in just the bottom 33% for progressive carries, as well as in just the top 38% for progressive passes.

Games (starts)

32 (28)

Goals

2

Assists

2

Big chances created

4

Key passes*

0.5

Pass accuracy*

89%

Tackles*

1.6

Interceptions*

1.0

Balls recovered*

3.3

Total duels won*

62%

In a similar manner to Colwill, however, what does set Hincapie apart is how flexible he is at operating as a full-back or more centrally, with Caicedo sharing that versatility having featured as a deep-lying midfielder, or even as an inverted right-back under Maresca to date.

A further benefit is also the wealth of experience that Hincapie has earned thus far despite his relative youth, having made 189 club career appearances at senior level, alongside 46 caps for his country. For comparison, Caicedo has made 193 senior club appearances, alongside 55 caps at international level.

While unlike the latter man and his time at Brighton, the Leverkusen star is yet to be tested in the Premier League, all the signs point to him being a natural fit in Maresca’s side – much like Caicedo has been over the last 12 months or so.

Better than Garnacho: Chelsea set to launch £45m bid for "world-class" star

The dynamic phenom would be sensational for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 26, 2025

Filer, Wellington, Knight star for Storm but skipper prevails for hosts

ECB Reporters Network09-Jun-2024Southern Vipers 137 for 9 (Adams 55, Knott 37, Filer 3-8, Wellington 3-17) beat Western Storm 119 (Knight 69, Adams 3-23, Dean 3-24) by 19 runsGeorgia Adams produced a superb all-round performance with bat and ball to guide Southern Vipers to a 19-run victory over Western Storm in an enthralling Charlotte Edwards Cup contest at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium.Heather Knight had scored 69 from 56 balls and was threatening to win the game for Storm when Adams struck a crucial blow by claiming her wicket in the penultimate over. The Vipers captain finished with figures of 2 for 23, while fellow spinner Charlie Dean took 3 for 24 as the home side were bowled out for 119 in 20 overs.Adams had earlier top-scored with a 40-ball 55, mustered six fours and a six and helped stage a progressive stand of 55 in 6.1 overs with Charli Knott as the visitors posted 137-9 after losing the toss.Lauren Filer produced her best performance of the season, taking 3 for 8 in four overs, while overseas leg spinner Amanda Jade Wellington returned figures of 3 for 17 and Sophia Smale claimed 2 for 28 to keep Storm in with a chance at the halfway stage.But Vipers held their nerve in a close finish, spinners Adams, Dean, Knott and Linsey Smith making the difference to keep the defending champions on course for a place in the knockout stages.Vipers posted 41 in the powerplay for the loss of Maia Bouchier and Georgia Elwiss. Restored to Storm’s attack, pace spearhead Filer made an immediate impact, having England team-mate Bouchier held at mid-on without scoring, while Elwiss succumbed to Smale’s slow left arm, chipping to short extra and departing for nine.Fortunately for the visitors, Knott and Adams were able to harvest sufficient boundaries from the other bowlers to remain in credit, the former carving Ellie Anderson over cover point and then straight-hitting her for an imposing six on a ground where she made a magnificent hundred in a 50-over contest only last month.Storm deployed spin at both ends in a bid to stem the flow, only for Adams and Knott to each plunder a six at the expense of Chloe Skelton as the eighth over yielded 20 runs. The 50 partnership occupied just 32 balls and the home side no doubt breathed a collective sigh of relief when Knott, having raised 37 from 29 balls with four fours and two sixes, advanced down the pitch to fellow Australian Wellington and was comprehensively stumped in the tenth with the score on 78.That quickly became 81 for 4 in the next over when Freya Kemp, playing back to a fullish delivery from Filer, dislodged a bale and was given out. Wellington then had Charlie Dean caught at the wicket in the act of cutting, at which point Vipers were 84 for 5, having lost three wickets in the space of 12 balls. Well and truly back in the game, Storm piled on more pressure, Filer clean bowling Nancy Harman to further reduce Vipers to 96 for 6 in the fifteenth.Alice Monaghan holed out to long-on off the bowling of Wellington for 11, but the redoubtable Adams remained at large, pulling Smale to move to a 37-ball 50 via her fifth four. By the time she departed in the penultimate over, caught on the long-on boundary off Smale, Vipers were assured a competitive total.Storm made a shaky start to their chase, Nat Wraith and Fran Wilson falling to successive deliveries from slow left armer Smith in the third over, but Knight remained unfazed as she plundered six boundaries in a powerplay that yielded a healthy return of 43 runs.Cast in a supporting role in a third-wicket stand of 54, Sophie Luff was pinned lbw by Dean with the the score on 54 in the ninth, but Knight continued to trade ostensibly in boundaries as Storm reached the halfway point on 71-3, requiring a further 68 from 60 deliveries.Knight went to 50 from 43 balls, but Knott had compatriot Wellington caught at short fine leg and Dean bowled Niamh Holland and Issy Wong with successive deliveries to reduce Storm to 93 for 6 in the fifteenth as Vipers deployed spin to build pressure during the middle overs.Requiring 45 off the last five overs, Storm were now almost totally dependent upon experienced campaigner Knight. But the England captain was rapidly running out of partners, Smale holing out to long on off the bowling of Adams, who then put down a tough return catch to afford Knight a life on 62.Storm still needed 24 off two overs when Knight attempted to straight-drive Adams for six and was brilliantly held by Monaghan on the boundary. Adams then removed Filer with the next delivery to put the outcome beyond doubt.

Sri Lanka’s interim coach also says people need to give Asalanka some time as captain before judging him

Shashank Kishore01-Aug-2024Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s interim coach, wants his team to channel the criticism they have received after the T20I series loss to India to turn things around during the 50-overs leg of the tour.”I tell them that I have been at this place too during my 20 years as a player,” Jayasuriya said ahead of the first ODI in Colombo. “A lot of you have just started. You have to be able to accept this criticism, and then be able to come out and play well. If you play well the fans will love you. What they say to you is because of the hurt they are feeling, and that’s temporary.Jayasuriya said the Sri Lankan team was putting in “huge efforts” at training, and the batting collapses they suffered in all three T20Is was simply a case of things not clicking. Two nights ago, they lost 7 for 27 as India took the third T20I into the Super Over despite the hosts cruising towards their 138-run target at one stage. In the first T20I, they lost 9 for 30 after setting themselves up for victory at 140 for 1 in 14 overs while chasing 214.Jayasuriya said it wasn’t a lack of skill or commitment that led to the meltdowns. He felt his players’ “cricket awareness” needed sharpening. “We have created a system where top-order batters could bat for two or three hours during training,” he said. “Kamindu Mendis batted for more than 600 balls during our training. Kusal Perera batted for over 700 balls and that’s quite a number of overs.Related

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Sri Lanka's latest collapse a chef's kiss on their incompetence

“I don’t see a lack of commitment, but they have got to tackle pressure better. Their cricket awareness also needs sharpening. We are taking the responsibility; you can’t go away from that. As long as they realise that, and make sure that, we’ll have to keep giving them the confidence and support.”Jayasuriya elaborated on the “cricket awareness” aspect by citing how it was acceptable to not be a six-hitting team.”When you talk about power hitting, I don’t think you need that much,” Jayasuriya said. “If you hit enough fours and enough twos, you get the total that you need. The [Sri Lankan] grounds are a little bigger. There’s no reason why you can’t hit boundaries, or twos, or threes. If you can do that, you can get by without hitting so many sixes.”Jayasuriya also backed new captain Charith Asalanka to come good, while underlining the importance of giving him time to settle into the new role before being judged. Since his debut in 2021, Asalanka has risen to become one of Sri Lanka’s more consistent ODI batters, averaging 43.59 with a strike rate of almost 90 across 52 innings.”Charith Asalanka is one of our best players in this format, and we need to remember that,” Jayasuriya said. “But when you get the captaincy, there is some pressure. I’ve been there too. You have got to give them a little time in that position.”There are ten more players in the side, and 16 in the squad. We all have to get together and give him the confidence too. At any moment, the captain could click. Charith Asalanka is someone who works really hard. He’s very professional and communicates well.”The Sri Lanka players have been hit by injuries and illnesses in the lead-up to the ODI series. The list is rather long – Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara are all unavailable.”We have brought Pramod Madushan into our squad,” Jayasuriya said. “There’s also a viral flu in the team and we need to account for that. Maheesh Theekshana was sick and he recovered enough to play. Wanindu Hasaranga also had it. There were several who caught it and in the end, we even had to admit Binura Fernando to the hospital.”The absence of key players, though, is not something Jayasuriya wants to use as an excuse. He insists there’s plenty to play for and has spoken to players individually about placing an emphasis on being “mentally in the right place”.”I’m interim coach and I’ve only got these two series, but that’s not how I think,” he said. “When I was playing, and even now, I hate to lose. The players who are around now know that too. When I talk to them, I tell them that fans in this country love the game, and a lot of us, including me, have brought cricket into this country to a certain place.”I’ve spoken about that a lot individually with players and as a team. In terms of facilities and practice, I’ve tried to do as much as I can. What I want is to create a good environment so they can be mentally in the right place and can play with confidence.”

From crossing the divide between both Manchester United and Manchester City and starring at Juventus to featuring for Argentina, it’s fair to say that Carlos Tevez’s career isn’t short on moments to remember, or teammates for that matter.

The iconic forward shared a dressing room with some of the best players in football history, but the two that instantly stand out are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Whilst Tevez did become an Olympic Gold Medalist with Lionel Messi for Argentina in 2004, it was with Ronaldo at club level that he enjoyed the most success.

During the two seasons they played together at Old Trafford from 2007 to 2009, the attacking duo won the Premier League twice, the Club World Cup, the League Cup and the Champions League. To say their partnership was a success would be an incredible understatement.

Their best season together came in the 2007/08 campaign as they combined to score a total of 45 Premier League goals and help Manchester United on their way to another title-winning season.

Appearances

34

34

Goals

14

31

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Of course, it wasn’t long after that when Tevez committed the ultimate sin of swapping Old Trafford for the chance to join arch-rivals Manchester City, whilst Ronaldo also left for Real Madrid at the same time.

The impact Tevez often made when partnering Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo at Manchester United is undeniable and the forward has been full of praise for both over the years, previously telling reporters: “Cristiano had to work and prepare himself to be the best, while for Leo it comes naturally.

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“Those are the greatest differences that I see between the two best players on the planet. Messi plays another sport. For him to score three goals [in any given game] is normal.”

As much as Messi and Ronaldo steal the headlines, however, when asked to pick his best ever teammate, Tevez chose to name an England and United legend instead of the men who dominated the Ballon d’Or podium for over a decade.

Carlos Tevez: Rooney was my best ever teammate

Snubbing both Messi and Ronaldo, Tevez revealed that Wayne Rooney was his best ever teammate during an interview relayed by GiveMeSport.

The impact that the England legend made as part of a deadly front three with Ronaldo and Tevez is clearly something that the latter has not forgotten and will not do so anytime soon.

Whilst some are quick to undervalue Rooney’s influence, Tevez went as far as putting the former United forward above two of football’s greatest-ever players when discussing his best teammates.

Liverpool are now reportedly preparing to spend big once again this summer, this time to welcome an impressive midfield star and a key defensive reinforcement for Arne Slot.

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The Reds have spent more than ever this summer, even breaking the British transfer record to secure Florian Wirtz’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. The German international is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world and will only improve a side that already have a Premier League title to their name under Slot.

The former Leverkusen star isn’t the only fresh face in Liverpool’s dressing room, however. Joining him, Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman have also all put pen to paper on Anfield moves this summer.

After signing as many as five fresh faces though, the Reds are now looking to open the door to a number of stars which could yet include Luis Diaz. The Colombian winger has found himself on the radar of both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, with the latter now reportedly willing to spend over £50m to secure his signature.

Whether Liverpool chiefs deem that offer acceptable is the big question. For over £50m, they would be selling a winger who is 28 years old and into the final two years of his current deal with fresh terms not guaranteed. And with that money, the Reds could go out and welcome two more fresh faces to round off their summer spending.

Liverpool preparing £86m double Barcelona swoop

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now preparing a €100m (£86m) offer to sign both Fermin Lopez and Andeas Christensen this summer.

The Barcelona duo have entered Liverpool’s radar, who are seemingly looking to reinforce both their midfield and backline ahead of their Premier League title defence with £69m on Lopez and £17m on Christensen.

Slot reportedly thinks they’re both a perfect fit at Anfield, but out of the duo, it is Lopez who instantly stands out as a talent to watch. The Spaniard earned high praise from scout Jacek Kulig, who praised his “incredible” 2024. Now, he could be on his way to the home of the Premier League champions.

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Christensen, meanwhile, wouldn’t exactly be a bad backup for Liverpool given his Premier League experience at Chelsea. Whether those at Anfield are prepared to pay his £146,000-a-week salary is another question entirely, however.