Still chasing potential incomings despite their PSR concerns, Aston Villa have now reportedly opened talks to sign an experienced winger who scored against Manchester United last season.

In just three days, Aston Villa will face the PSR deadline in the hope that they’ve done enough to avoid any sanctions. Whether that means player sales or even the sale of their women’s team is the big question. Already, names who could be sacrificed include young gem Louie Barry who Villa are reportedly ready to sell this week to meet PSR requirements.

Meanwhile, fresh reports have suggested that Villa could also follow Chelsea in selling their women’s team for over £100m this summer. The sale would take advantage of a PSR loophole and could save their transfer window.

Once Monday’s deadline has passed, Aston Villa should finally know where they stand on the transfer front and that could see them spring into action to get their business underway.

If they are in a position to spend, then they could do so to welcome the likes of Lucas Chevalier. The Villans have reportedly opened talks to sign the LOSC Lille goalkeeper and have tabled an offer worth £40m.

Aston Villa chiefs now prepared to sell "superb" 16-goal forward this week

The Villans must be ruthless.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 26, 2025

Their pursuit of the Frenchman comes amid rumours that Emiliano Martinez could leave the club this summer. Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that the World Cup winner now wants to join Premier League rivals Manchester United.

It’s not just in the defensive third that Aston Villa could make changes, though. A fresh name who knows all about scoring against Premier League opposition is now threatening to steal the headlines.

Aston Villa hold talks to sign Pepe

As reported by ESPN Brazil, Aston Villa have now held talks to sign Pepe from FC Porto this summer. The 28-year-old winger has already got his name on the scoresheet at the Club World Cup – netting in a 4-4 draw with Al-Ahly and could now be on the move for over €15m (£12m+) in the coming months.

At the peak of his powers, Pepe proved that he has the quality to perform against Premier League sides when he scored in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Manchester United in the Europa League’s table phase last season.

Just one of the six goals that he managed alongside his four assists in all competitions last season, Pepe would offer Unai Emery some much-needed attacking depth following the end of Marco Asensio’s and Marcus Rashford’s loan spells.

As the Spaniard looks to enjoy more success in the Europa League next season, having that depth will be more important than ever for Aston Villa.

Despite already reinforcing their midfield with arrivals such as Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, reports are now claiming that Leeds United have submitted an opening offer to sign an ex-Barcelona star.

Farke "happy" to welcome Perri at Leeds

Several problem areas have already been addressed at Elland Road this summer as Leeds prepare for their Premier League return. But welcoming a new goalkeeper remained on the list until the 49ers completed yet another impressive move to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon. And Daniel Farke has instantly welcomed the shot-stopper’s arrival.

The Brazilian represents a replacement for Ilan Meslier, who was relieved of his duties at the end of last season following one mistake too many. Just where his future lies is now the big question, with Leeds seemingly moving on to bigger and better things.

When compared, it’s Perri who instantly stands out. The 27-year-old has Europa League experience to his name and already squared off against rivals Manchester United last season. Having lost out against the Red Devils last season, though, he will have his sights set on getting one over on those at Old Trafford.

With their goalkeeper problem now solved, however, the 49ers have now reportedly made their first move to sign yet another impressive midfield reinforcement.

Leeds submit opening offer to sign Kessie

According to Saudi Arabian newspaper Al Riyadhiah, relayed by there are claims the 49ers and Leeds have submitted an opening offer to sign Franck Kessie from Al-Ahli this summer. The 28-year-old midfielder captains the Saudi Pro League club and is entering his third season at the heart of their midfield, but could now be on his way out.

Having starred for both Barcelona and particularly AC Milan, Kessie’s arrival would be an incredibly impressive coup by all involved at Elland Road. But it’s unlikely to come without plenty of negotiating on the salary side of things.

Leeds in pole position to sign 18-goal star who's keen to join

The Whites could yet get their man.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2025

As things stand, Kessie earns a staggering £12m-a-year in Saudi Arabia and unless he takes a significant pay-cut, he will be out of Leeds’ price range given that their current highest-earner is Patrick Bamford at around £4m-a-year.

That said, if the midfielder is willing to lower his salary then Leeds should go all out to secure his signature this summer. His experience would prove to be invaluable and at 28, he is more than capable of returning to the top level with a flourish.

A player who was previously dubbed a “complete player” by former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, Kessie could now be one to watch.

Twenty-year-old Disha Biswas, who is too yet to make her Bangladesh debut, was also selected

Mohammad Isam18-Sep-2024

Fahima Khatun was among those recalled to the side•BCB

Bangladesh have dropped experienced allrounder Rumana Ahmed for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in one of five changes to the squad that had played in the Asia Cup in July. But there was a first call-up for uncapped top-order batter Taj Nehar.Also among those selected, there was a recall for Sobhana Mostary, Shathi Rani, Fahima Khatun and Disha Biswas. Twenty-year-old allrounder Biswas, who had played in the Under-19 T20 World Cup in January-February 2023, was also picked for the senior T20 World Cup last year, although she is yet to make her Bangladesh debut.Fahima, the experienced 32-year-old legspinner, has played 84 T20Is so far, 20 of which have come across the five T20 World Cups since 2014. However, she had lost her place in the squad recently when she struggled against India and Australia at home. After missing out on the Asia Cup, Fahima took six wickets in as many matches in the Women’s National Cricket League (NCL) T20 competition.Bangladesh squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Meanwhile, opening batter Rani, whose five T20Is came last year, was the NCL’s leading run-scorer with 284 runs at a strike rate of 151.06. However, Rumana, a veteran of 87 T20Is, missed out after scoring just 55 runs in three innings at the NCL. Middle-order batter Mostary also had a tough time against India and Australia, and neither did she perform in the NCL, where she managed 103 runs in five innings. Mostary is also yet to score a fifty in 38 T20Is, but chief selector Sajjad Ahmed put her selection due to a lack of options at No. 3.”She is a prospect. However, she hasn’t performed up to the mark,” Sajjad said. “We don’t really have a lot of options at No 3. We tried Ishma Tanjim, but she didn’t perform well, and she couldn’t do much in the NCL. That’s why we had to go to Sobhana Mostary.”Apart from Rumana, the four others left out of the T20 World Cup are Rubya Haider, Shorifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar and Ishma Tanjim. Sajjad said that despite an experience of 87 T20Is, they replaced Rumana with Nehar, as the former hasn’t batted in an aggressive manner of late.”We selected Rumana in the Asia Cup, where, unfortunately, she didn’t perform,” he said. “She is a middle-order bat who isn’t batting the way that is needed in T20s.”Bangladesh start their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland in the first of the double-header fixtures on October 3, the opening day of the tournament.Bangladesh squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas
In: Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani and Disha Biswas
Out: Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider, Shorifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar and Ishma Tanjim

During the off-season, weekends don’t tend to generate much excitement for football fans. It’s time to enjoy the summer weather and disassociate ourselves from the stresses of supporting a team. However, for Arsenal fans on Sunday, there was certainly something to get the blood pumping.

It’s been two years now, two long years that the Gunners have needed a new striker and they finally look set to bring one to the Emirates Stadium.

For much of the transfer window so far, the question has been, will Mikel Arteta sign Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres?

Well, it looks like the answer has arrived emphatically; Gyokeres.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein broke the news over the weekend that the reds were set to sign the Swede from Sporting, finally agreeing a fee with the Portuguese club that will see him move for a guaranteed fee of £55m plus an extra £8.6m in add-ons.

Arsenal, however, are not done there.

What's next for Arsenal after Gyokeres

This has been a particularly busy fortnight for Andrea Berta with Arsenal having confirmed the arrivals of three players: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.

It’s now widely expected that Noni Madueke will complete his move to the red side of London this week with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Monday that he will sign a contract until 2030 after undergoing the final part of his medical.

Transfer Focus

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

After that, Arsenal look set to bolster their defence with the addition of a young defender plying their trade in LaLiga.

That’s according to a number of sources, including the aforementioned Ornstein who claimed at the start of this week that Arsenal “are working to complete” a move for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. Personal terms have reportedly already been agreed.

An update was also provided by sources in Spain, via Sport Witness. They report that the player was left out of training on Monday and is now already flying to England to undergo a medical and officially put pen to paper on his contract.

Previous reports have suggested it could take a bid of £17m to lure him away from Spain.

What Mosquera could bring to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal team

The arrivals of Zubimendi and Gyokeres will undoubtedly cause much fanfare this summer but should Berta and Co get a deal over the line for Mosquera, it must also be celebrated.

After all, the 21-year-old has showcased himself to be one of the best young defenders in Spain over recent years.

On the face of it, you may not think Arsenal need to sign another centre-half. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are immovable objects at the heart of Arteta’s defence and have steered the Gunners to the best defensive record in the Premier League over the last two seasons.

Yet, it could be argued that they’ve struggled to find adequate backup. Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, who is a centre-back by trade, has played more as a left-back since arriving in the English capital and Jakub Kiwior’s future remains up in the air.

To his credit, Kiwior did stand out while Gabriel nursed a hamstring injury and actually looked like the more composed out of him and Saliba when Arsenal travelled to the Bernabeu. It was Saliba’s mistake that led to Vini Jr’s goal in the second half.

The Frenchman and Gabriel will resume their partnership in 2025/26 but Mosquera, a front-footed modern defender, will fit like a glove into this Arsenal team.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has described Mosquera as “one of the best backline aggressors of his age” while noting that the youngster will be the “aggressor and leader that Gabriel is but from right centre-back”.

What that means is that the Valencia star could be the perfect profile to help transitions into midfield, thus helping the likes of Zubimendi and Declan Rice get on the ball more.

Anytime Arteta’s side find possession in the hands of those two this season, something is bound to happen. European football expert, Sid Lowe, has noted that the Spaniard “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri,” while we all know the power and carrying ability that Rice has from deep.

To rubberstamp why Mosquera would be so beneficial to the build-up and midfield transition, we’ve highlighted the following numbers via FBRef.

Mosquera in LaLiga – 2024/25
Metric	Stat (per 90)	Rank vs LaLiga CBs
Progressive carries	0.95	Top 18%
Progressive passes	3.34	Top 37%
Pass completion	90.5%	Top 16%
Long pass completion	68.1%	Top 16%
% of dribblers tackled	77.5%	Top 16%
Ball recoveries	5.15	Top 4%
Stats via FBRef.

What the metrics above suggest is that Mosquera is very much ball-dominant. He loves to carry the ball forward and he marries that attribute with the composure to play out from the back.

For context, his pass completion rate of 90.5% was greater than Gabriel’s 90.2% in the Premier League last season.

He’s not just front-footed, but he’s an aggressive defender too, something Mattinson outlined. Only 16% of centre-backs in LaLiga tackled a higher percentage of dribblers. Only 4% of positionally similar players made more ball recoveries.

This is an elite defender in the making and his ability to make an impact higher up the pitch and carry the ball into midfield will only be beneficial, particularly for someone like Rice.

The club’s record signing loves to drop into the hole and then burst forward. He does that regularly with Gabriel and Saliba behind him but should one of them be unavailable, Mosquera will ensure Rice and Zubimendi can play in the same way.

Way better than Madueke: £50m PL star wants to join Arsenal alongside Eze

Arsenal could sign another Premier League star beyond just Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 11, 2025

علق الإعلامي أحمد شوبير على أزمة التحكيم في الدوري المصري خلال الفترة الأخيرة، حيث تناول في تصريحاته عبر برنامجه الإذاعي عدداً من الحالات الجدلية في المباريات، مؤكدًا أن بعض الحكام يفتقدون الخبرة والذكاء المطلوب في اللقاءات الكبرى.

قال الإعلامي أحمد شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأحد: “تتذكرون ليلة مباراة الأهلي الأخيرة مع سيراميكا، عندما كنت على الهواء هنا في الإذاعة، قلت لكم: محمود وفا حكم هايل وحكم ممتاز، لكن المباريات الحساسة لها حسابات أخرى، الأفضل أن تستعين بحكم دولي مخضرم لديه خبرة وتضعه في هذه المباراة، وبذلك أنت تحمي حكامك”.

وتابع: “أود أن أوضح أنني لا أهاجم محمود وفا إطلاقًا، فهو حكم مميز جدًا، لكن هناك مباريات يا جماعة تحتاج إلى ذكاء وخبرة وفطنة، حتى لا يقال أصل وفصل، وحتى إذا حدثت أخطاء من الحكام الدوليين، فلا مشكلة، لكن الوقاية خير من العلاج”.

وأضاف: “في مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا الأخيرة، كان هناك اعتراض من الأهلي على ثلاث كرات، واعتراض من سيراميكا على كرة واحدة. الأهلي يقول: لدي هدف لم يُحتسب، وضربتا جزاء لم يُعد فيهما الحكم إلى تقنية الفار، وسيراميكا يقول: لدي ضربة جزاء لم تُحتسب. فدخلنا في جدل كنا في غنى عنه”.

وتابع: “محمود البنا كان يدير وقتها مباراة مودرن وإنبي، مباريات قوية وممتازة. فلماذا لم يتم وضعه في مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا، ويتم تكليف وفا بمباراة مودرن وبعدها يحصل على لقاء آخر أخف؟ الأمور كانت ستصبح أهدأ بكثير”.

وواصل: “لكن في النهاية هي وجهة نظر، ورئيس لجنة الحكام يرى أن وفا يقدم مباريات جيدة، وكذلك الغندور، لكن مثلًا، مباراة الزمالك والإسماعيلي أدارها أمين عمر، ورغم أن الزمالك دائمًا يتحفظ على وجوده، إلا أنه حكم دولي. وحتى عندما استدعاه الفار لضربة جزاء صحيحة للزمالك، احتسبها دون تردد، وكان القرار صحيحًا 100 في الـ100”.

طالع أيضًا | طه إسماعيل: الأهلي يمر بأزمة مانشستر سيتي.. ووفرة النجوم “مشكلة”

وأضاف: “الأهلي أرسل خطابًا رسميًا يؤكد أن لديه ضربتي جزاء لمحمد علي بن رمضان وطاهر محمد طاهر، وأن كرة تريزيجيه تجاوزت خط المرمى ولم تُحتسب، وكان لابد أن يستدعي الفار الحكم محمود وفا”.

وأشار: “لكن في النهاية، فاز الأهلي بالمباراة 1-0 ومرت بسلام، ولم تحدث مشاكل. صحيح أن الأخطاء لم تؤثر على النتيجة، لكن لو كانت أثرت كنا ما زلنا نتحدث عنها حتى الآن، وسيراميكا يرى أن الأخطاء أثرت على النتيجة من وجهة نظره، ويؤكد أن لديه ضربة جزاء صحيحة لم تُحتسب”.

وأكد: “فاركو اشتكى من الحكم حماده بعد مباراة الفريق أمام الاتحاد السكندري التي انتهت بالتعادل، وطالبوا بإبعاده عن المباريات، لجنة الحكام ردت عليهم بشكل ودي وقالت: أنتم محقون، لم يكن هناك تدخل من الفار في الحالة، كذلك غزل المحلة أصدر بيانًا بعد مباراة المصري التي خسرها 2-1، وهاجم الحكم محمود بسيوني، رغم أنه من أفضل الحكام الدوليين”.

وتابع شوبير: “كنت متفائلًا جدًا بالتحكيم هذا الموسم، لأن المجهود المبذول من اللجنة والحكام كبير جدًا، لكن أين تكمن المشكلة؟ المشكلة في عقلية بعض الحكام، أتحدث عن فاركو واتحاد، عن بيراميدز والإسماعيلي، عن المحلة والمصري… تقريبًا لا توجد مباراة خالية من المشاكل”.

واستمر: “المحلة قال: لن ألعب مباراة يديرها محمود بسيوني. نادٍ آخر قال: لن ألعب إذا كان الحكم أمين عمر، أندية أصبحت تختار الحكام! وهذا ليس من حقها إطلاقًا، من حقك أن تقدم شكوى، لكن ليس من حقك أن تقول: لن ألعب”.

واستطرد: “حتى نادي زد أصدر بيانًا واشتكى من التحكيم في مباراتين أمام الإسماعيلي وبيراميدز. وقالوا إن الحكم لم يطرد أحمد سامي رغم تدخله الخطير بالركبة على رأس مهاجم الإسماعيلي”.

وختم شوبير تصريحاته قائلًا: “التحكيم موهبة مثل اللاعب، مثل المغني، مثل الفنان. ليس مجرد لياقة بدنية أو سرعة جري، الأهم أن يكون لدى الحكم موهبة، وأنا أوجه كلامي للحكام الشباب: أحيانًا ألمح نبرة غرور أو ثقة زائدة في طريقة التعامل مع اللاعبين أو في صوت الصفارة، هذا غير صحيح، اقرأوا الفاتحة قبل المباراة واجعلوا نيتكم النجاح، وربنا سيكرمكم، لقد حذرت وسأظل أحذر: ما يتعلمه الحكام في التدريبات يجب أن يطبقوه داخل الملعب”.

Uncapped Bilal Sami, Darwish Rasooli and Abdul Malik also named for Afghanistan’s first bilateral ODI series against SA

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Sep-2024Afghanistan legspinner Rashid Khan is set to be back in ODIs for the first time since the World Cup last October-November, after being named in the 17-member squad to face South Africa in the upcoming three-match series in the UAE.However, Afghanistan continue to miss the services of mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is still recovering from a sprain in the index finger of his right hand, even as they left out wristspinner Noor Ahmad. Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said offspinner AM Ghazanfar, who had made his ODI debut in March, “will cover” for Mujeeb against South Africa.But Rashid’s return helps make up for Mujeeb and Noor’s absence. Rashid was ruled out of Afghanistan’s ongoing one-off Test against New Zealand, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) saying he can’t play red-ball cricket till he gets medical clearance due to an “ongoing injury”.ESPNcricinfo LtdRashid had undergone back surgery after last year’s World Cup, and was thus out of action for four months, during which time he missed entire assignments against UAE, India and Sri Lanka, and ODIs against Ireland. That apart, Rashid also had to withdraw from the BBL, PSL and the SA20, before finally returning to action in the Ireland T20Is this March.Since his surgery, Rashid has only played T20s, following up his comeback series with the IPL, T20 World Cup, MLC, the Hundred, and the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), Afghanistan’s domestic T20 competition. But after back trouble, Rashid also injured his hamstring while playing for Trent Rockets in the Hundred, as a result missing the last week of the competition, before facing back issues again at the SCL, where he played three games.Meanwhile, Afghanistan have also called up uncapped medium-pace bowler Bilal Sami, and top-order batters Darwish Rasooli and Abdul Malik for the ODIs against South Africa. While Rasooli has played seven T20Is and Malik has played two Tests, Sami is yet to represent Afghanistan in any format.According to an ACB release, Malik was called up to act as cover for the injured opening batter Ibrahim Zadran, whose ankle sprain first forced him to miss the one-off Test against New Zealand, and now rules him out of the ODIs against South Africa.The three-match ODI series begins on September 18, with all games to be played in Sharjah. This will be the first time that Afghanistan and South Africa will be facing-off in a bilateral ODI series, having only met at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups before.For Afghanistan, this series will serve as preparation for the Champions Trophy early next year, for which they qualified for the first time by finishing sixth in the league stage of the 2023 World Cup.Afghanistan squad for South Africa ODIsHashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad

After confirming the arrival of 18-year-old Diego Leon, Manchester United chiefs are now reportedly discussing the chance to sign an impressive defender who is wanted by “half of the Premier League”.

Man Utd confirm Diego Leon arrival

In their second signing of the summer following the earlier arrival of Matheus Cunha, Manchester United have officially unveiled new man Leon. The left-back, who only turned 18 in April, is likely one for the future but certainly one to watch as he progresses under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford in the coming years.

Although the teenager won’t steal the same headlines as Cunha, his arrival could eventually prove to be just as important. With the South American confirmed too, Manchester United have officially continued their trend of welcoming young defenders in the last 12 months following Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven last season.

It’s not just young players that are on United’s radar, however. The Red Devils are still chasing a deal to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo with negotiations ongoing in pursuit of a deal worth over £60m this summer.

The winger is likely to cost around the same price as Cunha, who joined the club for £63m this summer, and would provide Amorim with yet another attacking upgrade.

Starts

38

29

Goals

20

15

Assists

7

6

Expected Goals

12.3

8.6

Last season’s numbers suggest that signing Mbeumo alongside Cunha would make it job done for Manchester United’s attacking rebuild, but they’re still reportedly targeting the likes of Victor Osimhen to truly round things off.

Meanwhile, those at Old Trafford are also reportedly discussing the chance to welcome a key defensive addition before the new Premier League season gets underway.

Man Utd discussing Bisseck deal

According to Caught Offside, Recruitment chiefs at Manchester United are now discussing signing Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, but reportedly face competition from “half of the Premier League” for his signature. The central defender played his part as Inter reached the Champions League final last season and may yet bring that experience to English football.

Described as a “commanding” defender who is “dominant” in wide channels by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bisseck – like Mbeumo and Cunha – would hand Manchester United an instant upgrade on their current options.

Man Utd want midfield star who scores at exact same rate as Bruno Fernandes

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025

The Red Devils have already surprised many by taking charge of the race to sign Mbeumo and could yet do the same in pursuit of the Inter defender. Despite interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, the Manchester United name may remain strong enough to lure another reinforcement to Old Trafford.

Manchester United are making progress in their mission to strengthen under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to move forward in their pursuit of a high-pedigree defender, according to a report.

Manchester United urged to break the bank for quality additions

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha would fit the definition of breaking the bank for elite talent, but Premier League giants Manchester United are aware that more signings are needed to match the output of their domestic rivals on the market.

Reports suggest Manchester United would be willing to offer £22 million for Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, which would be another signal of intent, though Rio Ferdinand believes the Red Devils should go all out for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba to bolster the spine of their team.

He stated: “Who would you go and get?”, and there’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’m going to be honest, guys, who I think fits the bill for what we need.

“He’s an Amorim-type player as well. Physically, he’s great. He can drive with the ball, he can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, central midfield… Baleba.”

Without putting too fine a point on it, Manchester United’s lack of solidity in the Premier League last term was evident for all to see, hence why Amorim is also targeting defensive reinforcements in the form of Lucas Beraldo.

Manchester United’s defensive frailties in 2024/25

Goals conceded

54

Defeats

18

Clean sheet percentage across 38 league matches

26%

Ultimately, a failure to secure the back door is a recipe for chaos, leading to a growing appetite for an overhaul within the Red Devils’ backline.

After months of searching, Manchester United could now have found one part of a solution to remedy the well-documented faults within their rearguard.

Manchester United make contact for Inter defender Benjamin Pavard

According to Transferfeed, Manchester United have made contact by enquiring about Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, who may be allowed to leave San Siro this summer for a fee between £26.1 million and £30.5 million.

Despite the Nerazzurri not officially listing the France international for sale, they are looking into potential replacements for the ex-Bayern Munich star, including Genoa’s Koni De Winter.

Related Better than Sesko: Man Utd in talks to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"

Manchester United could be about to forget about Benjamin Sesko with another move elsewhere.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Labelled “brilliant” by Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps, Pavard, who is outfitted by Adidas, registered one goal and a solitary assist in 37 appearances last campaign, operating almost entirely in central defence.

The 29-year-old also won 78 duels in Serie A, cementing himself as an important factor behind Inter’s ability to go deep both in domestic competitions and the Champions League.

Now, it appears he could be set for a new challenge in the prime of his career, which has piqued Manchester United’s interest as they look to seal a marquee deal to strengthen their backline.

Chelsea are now ready to offer Blues players as part of a swap deal for an “unbelievable” Premier League and England star, according to a report.

Blues set sights on another attacker

The Blues have already strengthened their forward options considerably this summer, with the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens sealing moves to Stamford Bridge, but Enzo Maresca remains keen on adding another attacking midfielder to his ranks.

The west Londoners have ramped up their interest in a number of playmakers over the past few days, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers being identified as their top target, although there are two other exciting options on the shortlist.

Target

Current club

League G/A in 2024-25

Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa

19

Xavi Simons

RB Leipzig

17

Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace

16

Maresca’s squad is arguably already bloated, meaning it could make sense to offload some unwanted players in swap deals for new signings, and a new report has revealed the Club World Cup champions plan to do exactly that.

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, Chelsea are ready to offer players as part of a swap deal for Aston Villa’s Rogers, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile among the potential options.

Villa have also expressed an interest in Nicolas Jackson, as Unai Emery is keen on reuniting with the former Villarreal man, so it may also make sense to use the 24-year-old as a makeweight in negotiations.

The Blues can arguably afford to get rid of Jackson, given that Delap and Pedro have arrived this summer, with the latter playing a major role in their Club World Cup triumph, scoring three goals throughout the tournament.

Should a swap deal not be possible, Chelsea may have to spend big to get a deal over the line, with Villa reportedly looking to receive over £90m.

"Unstoppable" Rogers could be statement signing for Chelsea

The west Londoners should be in a strong financial position after winning the Club World Cup, having raked in around £85m, meaning they may be able to afford to make another statement signing this summer.

The Villa star would be exactly that, having performed remarkably well across the 2024-25 campaign, proving himself in his debut season in the Champions League by collecting four goals and three assists in 12 outings.

Agent expected to offer Chelsea chance to sign £192k-a-week Eze alternative

A transfer twist that could shake up Chelsea’s attack.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 19, 2025

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has also been left impressed by the 22-year-old England international, describing him as “unstoppable”, and given the attacking midfielder’s age, he still has plenty of time to develop further.

Rogers could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, and it would be an added bonus if they were able to get Jackson off the books as part of the deal, given that Pedro has already proven he is capable of leading the line next season.

Sri Lanka’s most-famed England victory may still be their Oval win from 1998, but the team that won the third Test of their 2024 tour on Monday did it in tougher conditions. This is what Sanath Jayasuriya believes, and he would know. Jayasuriya was one of the architects of the 1998 victory, crashing 213 runs off 278 balls in the first innings, clubbing 24 not out off 17 in the second dig, and bowling 39 overs of left-arm spin.As the interim coach who oversaw Sri Lanka’s next victory at the same venue, he was full of praise for the fast bowlers in particular. Unlike the 1998 victory, which came on an exceedingly dry deck and mostly under clear skies, this one came on a green-tinged track, in cold and cloudy weather.Related

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“About 27 years ago we won here, under Arjuna [Ranatunga]. Murali [Muthiah Muralidaran] got about 16 wickets, I got a double-hundred, Aravinda [de Silva] got a 150,” Jayasuriya reminisced. “It’s a place we’ll never forget – The Oval.”But these guys played in different conditions altogether. It was tough conditions, with the grass, the weather, and everything was cloudy and cold. All credit to these boys. The fielders fielded well and the batsmen took responsibility in the second innings.”Sri Lanka’s quartet of quicks were the primary architects of the victory, sharing 18 wickets between them, largely evenly (series-topper Asitha Fernando took three wickets, Milan Rathnayake bagged four, Vishwa Fernando took five, and Lahiru Kumara six).”It’s the first time we went with four fast bowlers, and we went with that because of the conditions here, and all of them went beyond 100% in their efforts,” Jayasuriya said. “It’s a joy to talk about them. Our second-innings bowling was remarkable – they stuck to the plan and got them out in under 35 overs, all out for a little more than 150.”The attitude Lahiru Kumara brought to the middle is what I expected – I wanted him to show as much of that as possible in the middle. That’s how we need to play cricket. He bowled an excellent line and length.”Asitha Fernando was outstanding right through the series. Rathnayake was really good as a newcomer – he bowled really well. Vishwa Fernando – the way he bowled in the second innings is absolutely what we wanted.”Jayasuriya’s 213 off 278 balls in the 1998 Oval Test was one of his greatest innings•Getty Images

The series also saw the blossoming of young talents for Sri Lanka, with Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka hitting Sri Lanka’s only hundreds in the series. Nissanka was especially aggressive at The Oval, breezing his way to 64 off 51 in the first innings, then leading Sri Lanka’s chase with 127 not out off 124 in the second dig.”Pathum couldn’t play Tests for a few years because of injuries, but he’s been doing well in T20s and one-dayers, ” Jayasuriya said. “He played his natural game here, and I love to see him doing that. Even the non-strikers can play their natural game when Pathum plays like that. It’s good to see him play good cricket in all three versions.”Kamindu was Sri Lanka’s most prolific batter, hitting two fifties in addition to the century to finish with 267 runs for the series. He made these runs batting at No. 7 and 8.”We shouldn’t forget Kamindu Mendis and his innings right through the series. In pressure situations he he batted like an experienced player.”Meanwhile, Rathnayake – who made his debut in the first Test – took 10 wickets through the series, and produced innings worth 72 and 43 from down the order.”Milan played Sri Lanka A cricket and we knew that he was a good bowler and could bat well. But the world didn’t know he could bat,” Jayasuriya said. “He batted really well and bowled really well right through this Test series. He was a bit stiff in his first Test, but after that he bowled really well and started to relax. We will need a seam-bowling allrounder in the future.”