The 19-year-old batter clinched Victoria victory in their opening Sheffield Shield match

AAP14-Oct-2025

Rising Victoria star Oliver Peake has seen up close what opportunities are in front of Australia’s next generation of cricketers.When Sam Konstas was famously ramping Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah last Boxing Day, Peake was running drinks out onto the MCG for his former Australia Under-19 team-mate.Then yet to make his first-class debut, Peake watched in awe as his fellow Gen Z product made an instant impact on international cricket.Related

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Peake performance: 19-year-old batter shows his talent

Konstas vs Boland as Ashes selection looms closer

But the 19-year-old has started making a name for himself after steering Victoria home with an unbeaten 70 in last week’s Sheffield Shield match against reigning champions South Australia. Earlier this year he was also with the Test squad in Sri Lanka as a development player.”I was running him [Konstas] out gloves and drinks, and to watch him take down Bumrah was so cool to see,” Peake said of his experience as Australia’s water boy. “He was pretty in the zone. I caught Uzzy [Usman Khawaja] a couple of times chuckling at him and sort of thinking, ‘How crazy is this?'”Even talking to the spider cam during drinks breaks, I was just like, ‘This is a different world’.”Peake and Konstas are among several members of Australia’s U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2024 making their mark.Captain Hugh Weibgen has fitted seamlessly into Queensland’s red and white-ball teams, scoring his maiden domestic one-day century for the Bulls last month in a thrilling run-chase against Western Australia.Harjas Singh went viral after belting an unbelievable 314 in NSW premier cricket earlier this month.Harry Dixon will open for Victoria in their Sheffield Shield match against NSW, starting on Wednesday, while Peake bats at No. 5. Konstas will be in the opposition trying to convince Australian selectors he deserves to retain his spot for the start of the Ashes.”From that World Cup team a couple of years ago, everyone’s pretty close,” Peake said. “When guys are doing well, everyone sends messages to each other.”Hugh Weibgen getting his first hundred was awesome to see, but no surprise for any of us. We all support each other and back each other in and have massive belief in each other. Sam was a good example of doing really well early in the year and finding his chance through that.”Peake said for now he was “just trying to purely focus on Vics cricket”, to achieve wins and “enjoy it as well”.”I was driving here this morning and thinking to myself, pinching myself, like, ‘This is so cool’,” he said. “I’ve got mates at uni and [doing other] stuff that I grew up with, and for me to be driving to cricket in the morning as my job, it’s incredible.”This rise of young talent comes at a time when there are set to be several looming vacancies in Australia’s Test XI. Khawaja is likely heading into his final summer, with him turning 39 in December. Steven Smith is still batting superbly, but at 36 there are doubts over how long his legendary career will go.

Tottenham have reportedly made an eye-watering initial offer to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo ahead of the January transfer window after contacting Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.

Rodrygo’s once-prominent status at Real has come under serious threat this season, with the Brazilian winger’s reduced role fueling speculation about a potential departure from the Bernabeu.

The 24-year-old’s situation has deteriorated rapidly since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout. Despite featuring in 13 matches this season, Rodrygo has managed just 359 minutes of playing time in all competitions, less than 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, Arda Güler and the exit-linked Vinícius Júnior.

More tellingly, he hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes in any game at all this term, suggesting a serious fall down Alonso’s pecking order.

Rodrygo’s career at Real Madrid since joining from Santos

Appearances

283

Goals

68

Assists

53

Bookings

12

Red cards

0

Minutes played

16,512

Rodrygo has started just three of his 13 competitive matches in 25/26, including only one start in his last seven La Liga games, raising serious questions about his future at the club where he’s won two Champions League titles.

The former Santos sensation, speaking to reporters in Brazil’s mixed media zone earlier this week, opened up about his lack of chances and put on a dedicated front.

However, behind-the-scenes, whispers are indicating that a January exit could be on the cards for him.

Rodrygo was attracting interest from Tottenham in the summer, with north London rivals Arsenal also holding talks over signing the South American as far back as May, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

While a move to the English capital didn’t materialise for Rodrygo, it could well be revisited in January, with ESPN Brasil reporting that he’s privately open to leaving Real after growing dissatisfied under Alonso.

From Tottenham’s perspective, it is believed that Thomas Frank’s side are prepared to spend a club-record fee on bringing Rodrygo to N17, as per reports from Spain, and there’s now been another update on his future, again involving Spurs.

Tottenham make 'initial offer' for Rodrygo after contacting Florentino Perez

As per Spanish media sources, the Lilywhites have approached Perez with a proposal already.

Tottenham are now said to have made an ‘initial offer’ of around £75 million for Rodrygo, with £62 million to be paid in full plus a further £13 million in add-ons. Right now, they’re apparently showing the ‘most interest’ of any potential suitor, with Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici setting their sights on a statement signing.

However, that isn’t to say they’re alone in the race, as other unnamed Premier League clubs have inquired about Rodrygo as well.

The Lewis family recently backed Tottenham with a £100 million cash injection which could be put towards the club’s recruitment drive, and reports of this nature suggest that they’re looking to usher in a post-Daniel Levy era with real aplomb.

Tactically, he offers Frank exactly what the Dane has been missing — creativity.

His strengths include exceptional dribbling, key passing, finishing and crossing ability (WhoScored), providing that spark from wide areas which Tottenham have desperately lacked so far, bar Mohammed Kudus.

Rodrygo’s versatility across the front three would give Frank real tactical flexibility as well, given he’s capable of operating on either flank or even centrally.

The winger scored 14 goals and bagged 11 assists in all competitions under Carlo Ancelotti last term, with Jude Bellingham calling him their most ‘gifted’ and ‘underrated’ player.

أبدى داني أولمو، نجم نادي برشلونة، سعادته الكبيرة بفوز فريقه اليوم السبت على ديبورتيفو ألافيس بالدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى، موضحًا أن عودة جميع اللاعبين من الإصابة أمر جيد.

برشلونة حول تأخره بهدف أمام ديبورتيفو ألافيس إلى فوز مستحق بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف واحد، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من عمر الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

واستطاع أولمو التألق في لقاء اليوم وسجل هدفين ليساعد برشلونة في تحقيق الانتصار في نهاية المطاف.

اقرأ أيضًا .. رجل مباراة برشلونة وديبورتيفو ألافيس في الدوري الإسباني

وقال أولمو في تصريحات لشبكة “دازن”: “الهدف الأول فاجأنا بعض الشيء، لكننا واصلنا اللعب بنفس الطريقة وهكذا فزنا”.

وأضاف أولمو في حديثه: “لقد أتيحت لهم فرصهم، إنهم لاعبون استباقيون ويلعبون بشكل جيد في المساحات، قدم خوان جارسيا مباراة رائعة وكان حاضرًا عندما احتجنا إليه، وكذلك رافينها”.

وأوضح لاعب لايبزيج السابق: “أحب اللعب هنا، والتسجيل والفوز، نحن سعداء بوجود جميع اللاعبين الذين نستطيع ضمهم إلى الفريق”.

أولمو كان يعاني من الإصابة خلال الفترة الماضية، وذلك قبل أن يعود مرة أخرى ليشارك بانتظام مع الفريق الكتالوني.

وتعززت صفوف برشلونة كذلك بعودة رافينها من الإصابة، إلى جانب تواجد بيدري الذي نزل في شوط اللقاء الثاني اليوم.

The New York Yankees delivered a heartwarming surprise to starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt ahead of Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers.

Unbeknownst to Schmidt, the Yankees invited his father, U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dwight Schmidt, to throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch. Dwight, who was in New York City for Fleet Week, surprised his son at Yankee Stadium and the two exchanged a big embrace before Clarke got the opportunity to catch the first pitch from his father.

Have a look at the wholesome moment below:

Not a bad first pitch from Dwight either.

Schmidt had a big grin on his face after catching the ceremonial first pitch from his father, and the two exchanged another hug and posed for pictures with some other service members.

Meredith Marakovits, clubhouse reporter for the YES Network, provided some additional background information on the game's broadcast, saying, "Clarke credits his dad Dwight for his mental toughness. [Dwight] was deployed in Afghanistan twice, he was flying F-18 aircrafts… and Michael [Kay], he even flew the Yankees charter a couple times…" she said.

A heartwarming gesture from the Yankees organization.

For over a century, the story of outfielder Joe Jackson, the 1919 Chicago White Sox and eight of their members' bans from baseball has gripped the imagination of sports fans across North America. Now, 74 years after Jackson's death, it has taken a new twist.

Jackson and the rest of the Black Sox are being reinstated from baseball's lifetime ban list with immediate effect, according to baseball commissioner Rob Manfred. Manfred made the announcement in a Tuesday letter, as first reported by ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr.

The decision clears the way for Jackson—a terrific talent for the Philadelphia Athletics, Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox—to potentially enter the Hall of Fame.

Jackson and seven teammates on the 1919 White Sox—pitcher Eddie Cicotte, center fielder Happy Felsch, first baseman Chick Gandil, utilityman Fred McMullin, shortstop Swede Risberg, third baseman Buck Weaver and pitcher Lefty Williams—were banned for life in 1921 by commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis on charges of throwing the '19 World Series.

"No player who throws a ball game, no player who undertakes or promises to throw a ball game, no player who sits in confidence with a bunch of crooked ballplayers and gamblers, where the ways and means of throwing a game are discussed and does not promptly tell his club about it, will ever play professional baseball," Landis wrote in '21 despite the eight players' acquittal on nine counts of conspiracy to defraud.

In the aftermath of the highly public trial, the Black Sox entered American legend. Jackson and Weaver's images were gradually rehabilitated and their innocences protested; they died in 1951 and 1956, respectively. Risberg, the last living member of the eight, died in 1975.

The scandal eventually became fertile ground for artwork; two of cinema's most celebrated baseball movies, and , center around its events.

Pete Rose, baseball's all-time hits leader, also received posthumous reinstatement Tuesday.

Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a January move to sign Davide Frattesi from Inter Milan, as the midfielder continues to struggle for a starting place at the San Siro.

The Magpies were interested in the midfielder in the summer and could now return for a missed target in the theme of their January transfer window. Alongside Frattesi, Newcastle have also been linked with James Trafford, who has been forced to play backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma after both joined Manchester City in the summer.

The England international could do nothing but watch as the Citizens came away 2-1 losers at St James’ Park, courtesy of an impressive brace from Harvey Barnes.

Speaking to reporters at full-time, Eddie Howe was full of praise for his side – saying: “I’m well aware of my record against Manchester City, that is something I take no pride in, really. Trying to figure out a way to beat them is very, very difficult.

“Even today’s game, it was so tight. The margins in Premier League games against them are so fine, but we came out on the right side today.

“I thought it was a great performance from the players, full of energy, heart and bravery. I’m delighted with how we played. The mindset was key and the attitude. The energy was back that was missing against Brentford and West Ham. Our running ability and power was there.”

Newcastle have already got a bigger talent than Barnes who's "like Mbappe"

Newcastle United have a bigger talent than Harvey Barnes in an 18-year-old who is similar to Kylian Mbappe.

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Kelan Sarson

Nov 24, 2025

The Newcastle boss will be desperate for his side to kick on domestically now, before potentially welcoming further additions in the January transfer window.

The Magpies were boosted on the PSR front by the sale of Alexander Isak in the summer and could yet use that to pick up where they left off at the end of the summer window.

Newcastle now eyeing Davide Frattesi

As reported by Tuttomercatoweb and relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now eyeing a move to sign Frattesi in January. Those at St James’ Park were denied the opportunity to sign the midfielder by Inter Milan in the summer, but he’s started just once in Serie A ever since.

Now, the door seems to be open for the Magpies to make their move and add further depth to their midfield. What should also make any deal easier is the fact that Frattesi is represented by the same agency as Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.

Frattesi’s current struggles at Inter come as quite the surprise, given that former Italy boss Luciano Spalletti told reporters last year: “With the intensity and quality he has, he can really get at opposition defensive lines.

“He has the sense of curiosity to go out and attack. But he also has to do better to more technically clean with the ball at his feet. If he keeps working hard he can get even better.”

It now looks as though that improvement will have to take place elsewhere and potentially in the Premier League. After missing out in the summer, Newcastle have an ideal opportunity to make up for lost time.

Newcastle have already signed their answer to Haaland and he's not even a CF

An “elite” midfielder has now risen to the top of Ruben Amorim’s shortlist, with Manchester United very keen to strengthen in the engine room.

Man Utd eyeing new midfielder amid Mainoo's lack of minutes

Kobbie Mainoo has played just 171 minutes across nine Premier League matches this season, most recently being brought on in stoppage time to help Man United close out a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.

Falling down the pecking order is far from ideal for the Englishman, who will have ambitions of going to the World Cup next summer, having played a vital role in the Three Lions reaching the final of Euro 2024.

The Devils’ Advocate co-host Joe McGrath has now claimed United should sanction a loan move this winter, saying: “We had a player worth – and is still worth – £80m or £90m. A young England international. He’s so good. We can’t let his standards drop and we need to let him go on loan.

Should that happen, the Red Devils will need to bring in a replacement, and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has now emerged as Amorim’s top target, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing the 23-year-old is their ‘clear favourite’.

There are a number of other options on the shortlist namely Adam Wharton, Joao Gomes, Conor Gallagher and Morten Hjulmand, with United clearly determined to bring in a midfielder.

Signing Anderson is now Amorim’s priority, however, even though it could take a huge bid to get a deal over the line, with the Tricky Trees planning to hold out for around £100m.

"Elite" Anderson would be statement signing for Man Utd

A number of top Premier League clubs are now queuing up to sign the England international, including Manchester City and Liverpool, so Man United would be making a real statement if they were able to win the race for his signature.

Related Man Utd copying Chelsea model as INEOS line up double new signing

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It is no surprise so many teams are eager to sign the Forest star, given the impression he’s made for both club and country, with Thomas Tuchel recently lauding the central midfielder as “elite”.

The former Newcastle United man has also been in top form in the Premier League, completing a total of 736 short passes, the fifth-highest number of any player.

It is the correct decision to pinpoint Anderson as the top target, but United’s ability to compete for his signature will likely depend on whether they qualify for Europe, amid rival interest from some top clubs.

Things are looking up for Chelsea.

Despite a couple of poor results earlier in the season, Enzo Maresca’s side are second in the Premier League, with a chance to cut Arsenal’s lead to just three points on Sunday.

Then on Tuesday night, they showed the continent just how dangerous they are by beating Spanish champions Barcelona 3-0.

One of the stars of that game, and of Chelsea’s season, was Estevao, and so fans should be excited about reports linking them to someone who could be seen as the original version of the wonderkid.

Chelsea target the original Estevao

The transfer window is still over a month away from opening, but that has not stopped Chelsea from being linked with a host of potentially game-changing signings.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, Nottingham Forest’s man-mountain Murillo has been touted for a £79m move to Stamford Bridge, as has Athletic Bilbao’s £62m Nico Williams.

However, as talented as those two are, neither one can accurately be described as the original Estevao, unlike Vinícius Júnior.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Chelsea are one of a couple of teams interested in signing the Real Madrid superstar.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that should the Brazilian be up for sale in the summer, the Blues will be one of the frontrunners for his signature, alongside Manchester City.

However, the report has confirmed that, even though he’d have just a year left on his deal, Los Blancos would demand a fee of around £80m.

Even so, Vini Jr is a genuinely world-class player and someone Chelsea should be happy to break the bank on, especially as he’s the original Estevao.

Why Vini Jr is the original Estevao

Now, when it comes to the similarities between Vini Jr and Estevao, there are a few that are quite obvious and somewhat surface-level.

For example, they’re both exciting wide players, they’re both Brazilian, and now they’ve both played for the national team.

However, what makes the Madrid star the original version of the Chelsea star is how they were both spoken about prior to their big-money moves to Europe.

The Blues ace, for example, was labelled a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson a few months before his deal was agreed.

Likewise, when the 25-year-old arrived in Spain over seven years ago, president Florentino Perez said: “He’s a player who is already considered one of the great hopes of Brazilian and world football.

In short, the West Londoners’ new prospect looks to be following in the footsteps of the former Flamengo ace, and they’ll certainly hope he continues.

After all, despite having a slow start to life in the Spanish capital, the São Gonçalo-born monster has now amassed 340 appearances for the biggest club in the world, during which he has scored 111 goals and provided 89 assists.

Appearances

340

Starts

267

Minutes

24,291′

Goals

111

Assists

92

Points per Game

2.15

Moreover, he’s helped the club win everything there is to win in the game, including two Champions Leagues, three La Ligas and one Copa del Rey.

Finally, he also has some sensational underlying numbers to his name, with FBref ranking him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, the top 3% for successful take-ons, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, with all that in mind, it’s hard to disagree with Ronaldo’s assertion that Vini Jr is “the best player in the world,” and therefore, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign him next year, especially as he could help Estevao’s development.

Chelsea have already signed another exciting star who's "just like Estevao"

Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become another Estevao for Enzo Maresca.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

Manchester United has been the home to so many iconic centre-forwards over the years, with the fanbase often blessed by numerous elite-level talents at Old Trafford.

Players like Wayne Rooney so often caught the eye during their time as a Red Devil, with the Englishman undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on the club’s history.

He registered a total of 253 goals for the club, subsequently sitting at the top of their goalscoring charts and beating the record set by the great Sir Bobby Charlton.

Rooney was partnered by numerous legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie, subsequently helping Sir Alex Ferguson win 13 Premier League titles along the way.

However, no manager has been able to achieve such a feat since, with Ruben Amorim wanting to land another talisman to his ranks to boost any title success in the near future.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new striker in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been strongly touted with a potential winter deal to land Serhou Guirassy from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.

The Guinean international has caught the eye of the last couple of years with his goalscoring exploits, subsequently registering 45 goals in just 65 appearances for the German club.

However, any deal would likely be an expensive one, as his current employers are demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with the 29-year-old frontman.

He’s not the only name currently on their shortlist, with Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta another talisman the hierarchy have set their sights on for the near future.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Red Devils’ hierarchy are considering a move to land the Frenchman and could present an offer to the Eagles in January.

The report also states that the player is understood to be frustrated over the lack of contract talks at Selhurst Park, which could lead to a £40m departure in the coming months.

Why United’s latest target is an upgrade on Sesko

The thought of talking about a new striker in December would have been a shock to many associated with United – especially after their move to land Benjamin Sesko in the summer.

Amorim and the board forked out a total of £74m, including add-ons on the Slovenian international after he netted 21 goals across all competitions for RB Leipzig last campaign.

Such a deal generated huge excitement and handed the supporters hope that they had found their new number nine, but ultimately, the move has struggled to lift off in recent months.

The 22-year-old has only managed to find the net twice for the Red Devils, with central midfielder Casemiro scoring more to date – subsequently highlighting his struggles in the Premier League.

Obviously, Sesko will need time to settle into life in England, but the early signs don’t appear to be promising, especially considering the fee paid for his services.

His lack of form has fuelled speculation over a deal for Mateta, with the Frenchman undoubtedly providing Amorim with the needed Premier League-proven star he craves.

He netted a total of 14 goals in his 37 league outings throughout 2024/25, but he’s continued his remarkable goalscoring feats into the current campaign – leading to Paul Merson labelling him “much better” than Sesko.

When comparing his stats to those of Sesko, he’s managed to outperform him in key areas, with his potential move undoubtedly an excellent pickup for United.

Mateta, who’s been dubbed “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by Ben Mattinson, has scored three times more goals than Sesko, whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate.

Games played

11

11

Goals & assists

6

3

Shot on target accuracy

50%

38%

Take-on success

55%

20%

Carries into final third

0.8

0.4

Aerials won

51%

48%

Shots on target per 90

1.4

0.9

Pass accuracy

65%

63%

Such numbers showcase his clinical nature within the final third, often able to take advantage of more of the opportunities that have fallen his way in front of goal.

He’s also completed more take-ons in the Premier League, whilst completing more carries into the final third per 90, which has certainly made him a more all-round threat.

Aerially, Mateta has dominated, subsequently winning more of the battles he’s entered – making him the perfect target man in Amorim’s current system at Old Trafford.

£40m in today’s market would be an absolute steal for a striker who’s been producing incredible goalscoring numbers at the top level over multiple years.

As for Sesko, he desperately needs to find form in the Premier League to avoid losing his place in the side at Mateta’s expense ahead of January and beyond.

Sesko repeat: Wilcox plotting Man Utd move for “world-class” £70m talent

Manchester United look set to make yet another big-money transfer in January.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 21, 2025

Leeds United are ready to sell a first-team player in the January transfer window, and there is now interest from a Champions League giant.

Pressure on Farke ahead of Leeds vs Aston Villa

Daniel Farke arguably appears to be the Premier League manager under the most pressure as club football prepares to make a return.

The Whites go into Sunday’s clash at home to Elland Road off the back of two disappointing away defeats to Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

Leeds’ upcoming fixtures

Date

Aston Villa (h)

November 23rd

Manchester City (a)

November 29th

Chelsea (h)

December 3rd

Liverpool (h)

December 6th

Brentford (a)

December 14th

Crystal Palace (h)

December 21st

Sunderland (a)

December 28th

Now just a point above the relegation zone, Farke insisted that his side aren’t panicking.

Leeds have already been linked with numerous managers to replace Farke in Yorkshire, including former RB Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose and ex-Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou, both of whom are currently out of work.

However, the 49ers Enterprises are ready to give Farke until January to turn things around, and in the winter transfer market, one player exit could materialise.

Inter Milan keen to sign Leeds goalkeeper Meslier

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Inter Milan are interested in signing Illan Meslier in 2026.

Leeds are ready to sell the goalkeeper in the January transfer window with his contract up at the end of the season, however, Inter, as well as rivals AC Milan, have their eyes on a free transfer in the summer.

Both Milan sides have a good relationship with Meslier’s agent Pini Zahavi, who is looking to find the Frenchman a new permanent home with the goalkeeper failing to make an appearance for Leeds in 2025/26, being preferred to new signing Lucas Perri and Wales number one Karl Darlow.

Of course, should Meslier’s situation remain the same, he’ll be able to pen a pre-contract agreement with Inter or AC Milan in the New Year.

The 49ers may find it tough to recoup the £5m they spent on Meslier back in 2020, which is something that would’ve been hard to believe a few years ago when the ‘keeper was once valued at £50m at Elland Road.

Inter are currently joint-top of the Champions League group with four wins from a possible four, conceding just once during that time.

They have Yann Sommer (36), Raffaele Di Gennaro (32) and Josep Martinez (27) as their current goalkeeping options heading into 2026, and by the looks of it, Meslier could join or replace one of the trio.

Academy star who's never played a senior minute for Leeds could replace Bijol