حقق المنتخب الفرنسي فوزاً مستحقاً على منتخب أوكرانيا أمس بهدفين نظيفين في إطار منافسات تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.
وجاء هدفا منتخب فرنسا عن طريق مايكل أوليس لاعب بايرن ميونخ في الدقيقة 10 قبل أن يضيف كيليان مبابي نجم ريال مدريد الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 82.
وبحسب وكالة الأنباء الفرنسية “فرينش فوتبول نيوز” فإن منتخب فرنسا وباريس سان جيرمان قد تعرضا لضربتين موجعتين في لقاء مساء أمس.
أقرأ أيضاً.. وسط برود ديشامب.. منتخب فرنسا يفجر غضب باريس سان جيرمان بسبب ديمبلي
وقد تعرض ديزري دوي وعثمان ديمبلي للإصابة في مباراة أوكرانيا مساء الجمعة، قبل المباراة الثانية في تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لمونديال 2026 ضد منتخب أيسلندا.
وسيضطر عثمان ديمبلي نجم باريس سان جيرمان لمغادرة معسكر منتخب فرنسا، قبل أن تتلقى الجماهير الفرنسية خبراً صادماً آخر بانسحاب ديزري دوي.
وقد تعرض دوي صاحب الـ20 عاماً لإصابة مفاجئة في ربلة الساق أمس الجمعة وغادر اللاعب بين الشوطين وسيعود إلى فريقه باريس سان جيرمان مرة أخرى.
وتمثل هذه الأنباء ضربة موجعة لباريس سان جيرمان قبل استئناف دوري أبطال أوروبا، في الوقت الذي تعرض فيه لويس إنريكي مدرب الفريق لإصابة بالغة يوم الجمعة، بسبب دراجة هوائية وسيخضع لعملية جراحية في الترقوة.
Phoenix lose 6 for 12 in 25 balls as Ben Duckett’s 92 goes in vain
ECB Media03-Aug-2024
James Vince creams one through the covers•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty Images
Southern Brave went top of the table after a dramatic Birmingham Phoenix batting collapse at Edgbaston. Chasing 170 after James Vince’s unbeaten 90, Phoenix were well-placed at 92 for 1 after 49 but then lost 6 for 12 in 25 balls to slip to defeat.Both sides went into this match at Edgbaston with two wins from three, but Brave’s 169 for 2 – the second-highest score of the season – proved more than enough, despite Ben Duckett’s 92 for the Phoenix: none of his team-mates managed as many as 12.After Phoenix captain Moeen Ali won the toss and opted to bowl, Vince and Alex Davies got the visitors off to a solid start, posting 31 off the Powerplay, and then putting the hammer down to reach 81 off 45 balls after one Sean Abbott set of five went for 22.Southern Brave turned the tide with regular wickets•Getty Images
Davies was caught by Jacob Bethell off Benny Howell and Leus du Plooy could only muster nine off nine before he was also caught by Bethell, but from then on Vince and West Indian man mountain Kieron Pollard set about the bowling. Vince scored 90 from 47 balls with six fours and six sixes, and Pollard crashed 38 from 22.In reply, it looked like Duckett had designs on winning the game on his own, racing to a 21-ball half century as Phoenix reached 92 for 1 from 49 balls and the game absolutely in the balance.But ignited by a tight Chris Jordan set which culminated in Liam Livingstone slicing a high catch to du Plooy at point, Brave took five wickets for five runs in 18 balls to effectively seal the match, their stellar attack of Jordan, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Akeal Hosein and Tymal Mills proving too good.While Duckett hit eight fours and five sixes, the rest of the side hit just four fours between them.”It was a nice pitch, particularly up front,” Vince said. “Their bowlers bowled well at the back end and it was tricky to get the ball away at the death. Chris Jordan was fantastic, and once we got into a rhythm, we squeezed them really well. It’s a fantastic group of players and people are performing at the right times.”
Chelsea have signed plenty of attacking players from fellow Premier League clubs over the years.
Some have performed well and lived up to expectations at Stamford Bridge, whereas others have struggled.
Fernando Torres cost the Blues £50m when he joined from Liverpool in January 2011. Considering he was one of the finest forwards in Europe, the expectation was enormous.
A return of just 45 goals in 172 matches didn’t exactly see him shine at Stamford Bridge. Raheem Sterling was another attacking player who failed to star at the club, despite a big transfer fee, ultimately shipped out on loan to Arsenal after being excluded by the manager.
In comparison, Cole Palmer has been a massive hit, registering 68 goal contributions across 94 matches for the Blues since joining from Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole and Eidur Gudjohnsen have all made the move from other Premier League sides to Chelsea since the turn of the century and significantly impressed in their own way.
Now, Enzo Maresca is looking to wrap up a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro.
If a deal can be sealed in the coming days, the manager will be hoping he will turn into a Palmer 2.0 rather than a Torres.
Chelsea closing in on signing Joao Pedro
The Italian has made no secret that he is looking to bolster Chelsea’s attacking options this summer.
Jamie Gittens is someone whom the Blues have been tracking for quite some time, and they even had a bid rejected a few weeks ago.
Their £55m bid a few days ago was accepted, however, and the English winger is set to undergo a medical in London.
Jamie Gittens
Could Pedro follow suit in the coming days? According to The Athletic, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Brighton regarding a move for the Brazilian, and it is in excess of £50m.
His medical looks set to take place over the next few days, and the Blues are closing in on adding another top-class forward ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Pedro has scored 22 goals and grabbed ten assists across 88 Premier League games in his career. This is perhaps a decent record rather than spectacular, but Pedro offers more than just a clinical threat in front of goal.
Pedro’s PL statistics for Brighton last season
Goals
10
Assists
6
Big chances created
11
Key passes per game
1.1
Successful dribbles per game
1.1
Shots per game
1.7
Via Sofascore
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Pedro ranks in the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.33) and successful take-ons (1.34) per 90.
Additionally, the Brazilian forward also ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries (3.05) per 90 while also ranking in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
These statistics indicate that Pedro could be an exciting signing indeed, especially with his wonderful attacking traits.
Combine this with the fact that he can operate either as a centre-forward or as a shadow striker will give Maresca plenty of flexibility in where he deploys the Brighton star.
With a move close to completion, Pedro could link up extremely well with another Chelsea target – Mohammed Kudus.
Chelsea exploring move for Premier League star
While Gittens looks like he is closing in on a move to the Stamford Bridge side, he isn’t the only winger Maresca is eyeing up.
Blues insider Simon Phillips provided an update on the Blues’ pursuit of Kudus on X, saying that “Chelsea still trying for Kudus as well” amid the recent speculation.
Indeed, the club had made a proposal worth around £50m to West Ham United regarding the Ghanaian winger, yet this was rejected rather swiftly by the Irons as the player has an £85m release clause.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
Maresca appears keen on landing the player, however, and he could well go back in and make an official bid to test West Ham’s resolve.
If he can land both Pedro and Kudus this summer, the pair could work well together. That’s for sure.
Why Chelsea must sign Mohammed Kudus
Pedro will be signed to challenge Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson for a centre-forward role, with Maresca keen on making use of his strengths in the opposition penalty area.
As such, Kudus would be deployed on the flanks, where he can deliver crosses and provide a host of chances for the Brazilian.
During his two seasons with West Ham, Kudus has scored 19 goals and recorded 13 assists across 80 matches. This works out as a goal contribution every 2.5 games, which is a more than respectable figure.
In the Premier League last term, the former Ajax starlet succeeded with an impressive 2.9 dribbles per game, while also creating four big chances and averaging one key pass per match.
His ability to beat his opposite man was certainly on display throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Indeed, he ranked in the top 3% for successful take-ons (3.2) per 90 when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues.
Furthermore, Kudus also ranks in the top 17% for crosses into the penalty area (0.52) per 90 and in the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90.
Journalist Gary Al-Smith hailed the African winger as a “generational talent” back in 2023, just a few months after he made the move to West Ham and while his second season might not have been as impressive as his maiden one at the London Stadium, Kudus would still be an excellent signing for Chelsea.
Not only would he add some competition to the wide areas, but his abilities would work in tandem with Pedro, allowing the duo to flourish in the Premier League and Champions League next season.
That ability to beat a man won’t only open up more goalscoring opportunities for Chelsea’s forward line, but it would also drag more players towards him, thus opening up more space in the final third for the likes of Pedro and Co.
Much will depend on the fee West Ham demand, especially if the Blues are paying over £100 to sign both Gittens and Pedro in the coming weeks.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
If several players, such as Christopher Nkunku and João Félix, can be moved on, this will give Maresca the money to spend on bringing Kudus to Stamford Bridge.
If he manages to get all his transfer targets in the door before the start of next season, Chelsea could be a team to watch, that’s for sure.
A better signing than Gittens: Chelsea offered "world-class" £45m PL star
Chelsea could seal a better deal than Jamie Gittens joining the Stamford Bridge ranks by winning this £45m star.
After finishing the 2024/25 campaign on a high, Newcastle United approached the summer transfer window with excitement. But as is becoming habitual on Tyneside, there have been challenges and setbacks.
However, one of Eddie Howe’s superpowers is his ability to weather adversity and rally his club, and so in spite of missing out on Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro and Mohammed Kudus and maybe Matheus Cunha too, the Magpies are beginning to take shape.
Mbeumo
A deal with Nottingham Forest has been agreed for Anthony Elanga, worth £52m. A bid for Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford is also ongoing, and that one looks like it will end positively.
Alexander Isak, moreover, is set to remain at St. James’ Park. Even so, Howe wants a new centre-forward, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike confirmed to be on the radar.
However, it’s going to be a difficult deal to pull off, and an alternative option has been earmarked.
Newcastle chasing a new striker
Any interest in a centre-forward on Tyneside is laced with a measure of trepidation. Newcastle fans would love to see a new number nine welcomed to the fold, but not at the expense of Isak’s place in the team.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Luckily, PIF have no plans to sell their £200m-valued talisman. With Callum Wilson having departed St. James’ Park at the end of his contract, securing a new nine is a necessity, not a luxury.
Ekitike might be at the top of the shopping list right now, but he’s simply too expensive at £85m, a valuation Eintracht Frankfurt aren’t willing to budge on.
That’s why Newcastle are setting their sights on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. According to Caught Offside, the Magpies have joined the growing list of clubs – also containing Arsenal and Manchester United – who are interested in the England star.
Naturally, Villa don’t want to sell, but they have priced the 29-year-old at £50m, and if Newcastle were to table such an offer, they might just find themselves in an interesting position.
Why Newcastle want Ollie Watkins
Consistently one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards over the past few years, Watkins would bring experience and dynamism to a Newcastle side in need of just his profile.
Principally a central striker, Watkins’ high-energy running and ability to play through the lines have seen him deployed on the left flank in Unai Emery’s Villan system. This is perfect for Howe, who likes to shuffle his offensive pack.
The 22-year-old Ekitike scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions last season, but he’s still an uncut gem, only really having displayed the full extent of his quality across one campaign at the highest level.
Watkins, conversely, is proven across five years in ostensibly the toughest league in the world.
Ollie Watkins’ Premier League Career by Season
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
38 (31)
16
8
23/24
37 (37)
19
13
22/23
37 (36)
15
6
21/22
35 (33)
11
2
20/21
37 (37)
14
5
Data via Sofascore
The Three Lions star has even been described by podcaster Rohan Jivan as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe”, with his completeness and experience at the highest level exactly what Newcastle need to one-up their previous campaign.
It’s not going to be easy, for sure, but the Toon are now shaping into one of the recognised big hitters in the Premier League, fixed at the top end of the table.
Ekitike is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents in the business, but given his extortionate pricing and indeed the chances that he might not immediately acclimatise to the English game, bagging Watkins to provide instantaneous results might be the best course of action for Howe’s ambitious plans.
Dream Scalvini alternative: Newcastle make approach for "dominant" £25m CB
Newcastle are looking to strengthen at the back this summer
تلقى برشلونة دفعة معنوية كبيرة قبل لقائه الافتتاحي أمام نيوكاسل يونايتد في دوري أبطل أوروبا الأسبوع المقبل موسم 2025-2026.
ووفقاً لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، فإنه سيسمح لهانز فليك مدرب برشلونة ومساعده ماركوس سورج الذين كانا قد تعرضا للإيقاف بالجلوس على مقاعد البدلاء.
وقد استأنف برشلونة ضد العقوبات المفروضة على المدربين بعد الجدل الذي جاء بعد خروج البلوجرانا من دوري أبطال أوروبا الموسم الماضي أمام إنتر ميلان في نصف النهائي.
وقد تم إيقاف هانز فليك وسورج لمباراة واحدة لكن الاتحاد الأوروبي أيد الآن جزئياً استئناف برشلونة وعلق تنفيذ الإيقاف على أعضاء الجهاز الفني.
أقرأ أيضاً.. كيس سميت يوضح موقفه من الانضمام إلى برشلونة أو ريال مدريد
ويعني هذا أن كل من هانز فليك وسورج سيكونا قادرين على الجلوس على مقاعد البدلاء في المباراة المقبلة بدوري أبطال أوروبا والتي تم استبعادهما منها في البداية بعد إدانتهما بانتهاك المبادئ العامة للمسابقة وقواعد السلوك.
وعلى الرغم من رفع الإيقاف سيبقى كل من هانز فليك وسورج تحت المراقبة لمدة عام وفي حالة تكرار أي منهما سلوكاً يعتبر مخالفاً للوائح الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم سيواجهان عقوبات جديدة بالإضافة للعقوبة التي تم تعليقها.
وسيتحمل برشلونة تكاليف إجراءات الاستئناف مع أنها هذه تعد انتكاسة بسيطة مقارنة بالنتيجة، وسيكون فليك قادراً على لقاء نيوكاسل الذي من المرجح أن يغيب عنه في هذه المباراة يوان ويسا وجاكوب رامسي بينما سيغيب بالدي وجافي عن البارسا.
Mohammed Shami is still recovering from ankle surgery
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Sep-20242:57
Takeaways: No Shami, Sarfaraz gets retained
Rishabh Pant is back in the Test side for the first time since his car accident in December 2022 as India announced the squad for their first match against Bangladesh. There was no return for Mohammed Shami, though, who is recovering from an ankle surgery.Meanwhile, left-arm seamer Yash Dayal has received his maiden Test call-up. His selection comes with an eye on the five-Test series in Australia later in the year.The 16-member squad also sees the return of KL Rahul, who was ruled out of the England series after one Test. Akash Deep, who made his debut during that series, has retained his place. Akash impressed once again by picking up nine wickets in the Duleep Trophy game in Bengaluru.Rahul’s last Test was in January against England, after which he was out of the rest of the series with a quadriceps injury. He gave a good account of himself in the same Duleep Trophy game, scoring 37 in the first innings and 57 in the second for India A. For India B, Pant scored 7 and 61, and took seven catches behind the stumps.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Dayal also impressed by picking up three wickets in the fourth innings to help India B to a comfortable win. He has played 24 first-class games so far in which he has picked 76 wickets at 28.89.Dhruv Jurel, who made his debut against England and scored 190 runs in three Tests, is the second wicket-keeper in the side. From that series, India have left out Rajat Patidar, KS Bharat, Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar and Mukesh Kumar.Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the pace attack. In the spin department, India went with the usual quartet of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.The first Test against Bangladesh will be played in Chennai from September 19 and the second Test in Kanpur from September 27. The two Tests will be followed by three T20Is.India’s squad for first Test vs BangladeshRohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal
كشف مصادر خاصة داخل النادي الأهلي، كواليس قرار الكابتن محمود الخطيب، بشأن عدم الاستمرار في منصبه كرئيساً للنادي، وعدم ترشحه لفترة جديدة.
وعلم بطولات من مصادر داخل النادي: “أن الخطيب قرر الاعتذار عن استمراره في منصبه لأسباب صحية بعد تأكيد من الأطباء المشرفين على حالته بالابتعاد عن الضغوط والإرهاق التي يتعرض لها”.
وتابع: “الخطيب عقب انتهاء اجتماع مجلس الإدارة اليوم كتب إقرار بعدم الاستمرار في منصبه وقام بتسلميه للدكتور سعد شلبي وقام بارساله لأعضاء مجلس الإدارة على الواتس اب”.
طالع أيضاً.. “امحوا الفترة الماضية من تاريخكم”.. الخطيب يوجه رسالة هامة للاعبي الأهلي قبل العودة لبطولة الدوري
وأضاف: “هناك محاولات من لجنة الحكماء من أجل تغيير رأي الخطيب عن موفقه أو على الأقل إكمال الدورة الحالية للمجلس”.
ويمر النادي الأهلي، في الوقت الحالي بمرحلة انتقالية صعبة، وذلك بعد الهزيمة أمام بيراميدز وإقالة الجهاز الفني بقيادة الإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو، عقب سلسلة من النتائج السلبية.
وكان محمود الخطيب قد حضر مران الفريق أمس الخميس، ووجه رسالة إلى اللاعبين أكد خلالها ثقته الكاملة في قدراتهم، وطالبهم بإغلاق صفحة الفترة الماضية والتركيز فيما هو قادم.
Nottingham Forest are thought to be among the frontrunners to sign an “insane” £20 million-plus star who could replace the departed Anthony Elanga, according to a recent report.
Elanga sends Nottingham Forest a goodbye message
Newcastle United confirmed on Friday evening that they had completed the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The Reds have sold the Sweden international to the Magpies in a deal worth £55 million after he scored six goals and recorded 11 assists during the 2024/25 Premier League season, as Forest secured a place back in European football.
Nottingham Forest bid to sign "rated" Brazilian attacker who Dortmund want
He’s out of contract in 2026.
3 ByCharlie Smith Jul 12, 2025
After his transfer to Newcastle was completed, Elanga took to Instagram to send a goodbye message to Forest and their supporters. The winger described Forest as a “family” and said he will never forget walking out at the City Ground and feeling their energy.
Elanga wrote: “My Forest Family— it’s been real! From day one, the love has been crazy, and I felt it every time I stepped on that pitch. Grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the chance to wear that shirt with pride.
“Big love to my teammates, coaches & all the backroom staff, and to the City Ground faithful… You all made it special. I’ll never forget that feeling of walking out to your energy.
“Time for the next chapter. But this one? Forever in my heart. Thank you, Nottingham Forest. YOU REDSSS.”
Nottingham Forest among frontrunners to sign "insane" £20m+ star
Now Elanga has left, the Reds are wasting no time in finding a suitable replacement, as according to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Forest are progressing in their talks to sign Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven and are among the frontrunners.
It could cost the Premier League side well under half of what they sold Elanga for to sign Bakayoko, as the Dutch champions want just £22 million for the exciting winger.
However, since then, Sacha Tavolieri has added that it is Bayer Leverkusen who are in the lead for Bakayoko, who has agreed a five-year deal with the Bundesliga giants.
The 22-year-old, who has been dubbed an “insane” talent by football scout Ben Mattinson, has been at PSV since 2019. During that time, Bakayoko has won the Dutch title, the Dutch Cup, and the Dutch Super Cup twice, playing a key role in a lot of those campaigns.
Johan Bakayoko’s PSV stats
Apps
131
Goals
33
Assists
22
Bakayoko scored nine goals in 30 Eredivisie games last season, but given he is out of contract next summer, PSV may see this as the right time for him to move on. Bakayoko poses a similar threat to Elanga; he is a very quick and direct winger who has enormous ability and can also play in numerous positions across the frontline. The fact he may well be available for just £22 million means he could be a bargain purchase for the Reds, who are looking to go even better than last season.
SA batter has set himself the challenge of trying to adjust to different situations without losing the essence of his style
Firdose Moonda13-Aug-2024
Tony de Zorzi: “It’s just about being able to make small little adjustments according to the wicket”•AFP/Getty Images
“I wouldn’t say I was trying to entertain people and stuff like that. I don’t think I’m quite there to be thinking about it like that.”Except that’s exactly what Tony de Zorzi did. Off the field.He hosted the team’s video tour diary on their day off in Trinidad, which included a pop-quiz on who would play which sport at the Olympics (swimming was a favourite), designing a makeshift hurdles course for Dane Paterson, a spoof pitch report from Kagiso Rabada, and some politically-incorrect questions on which members of the squad chose not to swim and who was most likely to get sunburnt.Related
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But for those 13 minutes and 20 seconds, nobody could accuse de Zorzi of not trying to entertain.”It was another opportunity for me to talk nonsense, so I enjoyed it,” he said at a press conference. “And it’s important that you have those times where you can connect outside of a cricketing environment, because guys are obviously different in a training capacity and in a designated team environment.”Everyone’s quite cool, and keen to socialise and connect with each other in different ways. It’s nice to be able to connect and have those days together to just touch base.”Overall, South Africa looked relaxed and rested after a mentally-draining first Test against West Indies in Port of Spain, which went the distance because of a significant number of rain interruptions. As their coach Shukri Conrad had predicted, the match was mostly slow-paced, and run-scoring was tough.But de Zorzi, in his first outing as the new Test opener, acquitted himself well. In the first innings, he reached his half-century off 78 balls (at a strike rate of 64) upfront and finished on 78, and then hit a second-innings 45 off 60 deliveries to help set South Africa up to post a challenging target for West Indies.Tony de Zorzi fell for 78 in Port of Spain, but said there is no pressure to score his first Test century•AFP/Getty Images
De Zorzi explained his approach was less about playing his shots, and more about the situation.”I wouldn’t say it was something where I decided I’m going to come out and play Shuks-ball or something. It was just the conditions,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a bit easier because the ball is harder at the beginning. Being someone who was born up-country [in Johannesburg], I’m used to the ball coming on to the wicket, and scoring a lot squarer on the off side and the leg side. So it is [about] just being cognisant of the fact that I’m obviously going to have to hit a lot straighter for most of my runs.”Having spent his early career on the Highveld, de Zorzi has since moved down to the Western Cape, where he plays on slightly flatter surfaces. But he found the Queen’s Park Oval “completely different” to anything he has experienced at home. And he has set himself the challenge of trying to adjust to the differences without losing the essence of his batting style.”My mindset is that I’m here now, so I’ve got to just trust myself and back what I’ve done to get here,” he said. “I don’t think I have to try to reinvent the wheel in my game plan. It’s just about being able to make small little adjustments according to the wicket. So [it’s about] being comfortable enough to make a small change – not a massive one – and then just trusting it.”In the first Test, that shift was about getting on to the front foot more often than he might do at home, where back-foot play comes more easily. And so far, de Zorzi’s small shifts are working. He has now got past 75 twice in five Tests – once at home, and once away – and has shown signs he can go on to get bigger things. But asked if the pressure to score a first Test hundred is lurking, he was philosophical.”It’ll come when it’s supposed to,” he said. “I’m obviously doing the work that’s intended for me to get it, and I’m pretty comfortable with my game. Hopefully, next time it just doesn’t hit my glove [as it did against Jomel Warrican against West Indies], and I’ll get over the line.”For now, he’s just loving life as a Test cricketer, occasional vlogger and a foodie in the West Indies. “I’ve enjoyed the food in the Caribbean. It’s really nice, and really healthy,” he said. “I’ve found the food is pretty natural, and not as full of preservatives.”He had previously told the host broadcaster that the thing he has enjoyed the most on the tour was “the plantain”, which bodes well for his week in Guyana, the venue of the second Test. Deep-fried plantain chips are among the most popular snacks in the country, and if you’re keen to know what they taste like, keep an eye on de Zorzi’s socials, where you might spot a review.
Manchester United are now in talks to sign an “exciting” forward, who has even been likened to former Liverpool man Sadio Mane, according to a report.
Man Utd eyeing low-cost additions to the squad
After missing out on the Champions League last season, Man United will have to err on the side of caution in the transfer market, and having already shelled out around £133m this summer, they may not have much room left to manoeuvre.
New signing
Position
Transfer fee
Bryan Mbeumo
Winger
£65m
Matheus Cunha
Second striker
£64m
Diego Leon
Left-back
£3.5m
The Red Devils were also left frustrated by Brentford playing hardball over the transfer of Mbeumo, with their Premier League rivals raising their asking price during negotiations, which means they may have ended up paying slightly over the odds.
As a result, it would make sense if the remaining additions to the squad were on the cheaper side, and United have now entered talks for a forward, who is set to be available for a bargain fee.
That is according to a report from France (via Sport Witness), which states Man United have entered negotiations with the entourage of FC Metz forward Idrissa Gueye.
Gueye is expected to leave Metz this summer, despite the French side achieving their goal of promotion to Ligue 1 last season, and they are looking to receive a fee close to €15m (£13m), amid widespread interest in his signature.
Man Utd believe they can strike deal for "unstoppable" £40m Bayern target
The Red Devils could hijack Bayern Munich’s move for a forward.
ByDominic Lund Jul 24, 2025
The Metz ace is thought to have 10 or more suitors, including the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, so the Red Devils could have a battle on their hands trying to get a deal over the line.
"Exciting" Gueye likened to Mane
While he enjoyed the best years of his career at United’s bitter rivals, Liverpool, there is no denying that Mane was a top-quality forward, scoring 120 goals in 269 games for the Reds, and there is a belief the 18-year-old is a similar type of player.
Al Nassr's SadioMane
The teenager has been likened to his compatriot, with journalist Alan Nixon adding the youngster is “rated as highly as Sadio Mane was”, indicating he could be capable of going on to be one of the Premier League’s top forwards.
Unlike Mane, however, the Senegalese starlet’s main position is striker, and he enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with Metz in Ligue 2, picking up five goals and one assist in 17 games, with scout Ben Mattinson lauding him as “exciting”.
Given that Gueye is yet to prove himself at a high level, however, Man United will also need to bring in a proven top-level striker, and they have now opened talks to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.