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Bracey plays key role in innings-turning stand as hosts close in on first-innings 424

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-May-2025

Cameron Green produced a vital century•Gloucestershire County Cricket Club

Cameron Green demonstrated true grit in scoring a much-needed hundred to extricate Gloucestershire from a spot of bother on day two of the Rothesay County Championship Second Division match against Kent at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.Reduced to 139 for 4 in reply to Kent’s first-innings 424, Gloucestershire were indebted to their overseas hired hand, who registered a battling 102 not out from 150 balls with 12 fours and a six, and shared in a revitalising unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 168 with James Bracey to steer the home side to the relative safety of 307 for 4 by the close, just 117 runs behind. Bracey finished unbeaten on 69 from 134 balls and Gloucestershire are already two batting bonus points to the good.Jake Ball took 2 for 67 and Nathan Gilchrist and Grant Stewart claimed a wicket apiece as Kent applied themselves diligently in the field, but the visitors will have to make the new ball count in the morning if they are to shift pressure back onto their opponents in a contest which looks increasingly likely to end in a draw.Resuming their first innings on 386 for 6, Kent had earlier lost their last four wickets for the addition of 38 runs, Ajeet Singh Dale returning career-best figures of 7 for 110 from 26 overs. He accounted for Stewart and Chris Benjamin, who scored 182 and 93 respectively in staging a partnership of 264, a record seventh wicket stand in all matches for Kent, who were dismissed in 110.4 overs.There may have still been some shine left on the relatively new ball, but it was back to business as usual for Stewart and Benjamin, Kent’s seventh wicket pair requiring four overs to bank a fourth batting bonus point. For their part, the home side desperately needed wickets and skipper Cameron Bancroft threw the ball to Singh Dale, Gloucestershire’s most incisive bowler on day one.He claimed his first five-wicket haul of the season in his third over from the Ashley Down Road end, inducing Stewart to play a tired shot and edge to second slip. Having advanced his career-best first-class score to 182 from 189 balls, hit 20 fours and 5 sixes and dominated a Kent record-breaking seventh wicket partnership of 264 with Benjamin, the Italy international walked off to a standing ovation with the scoreboard on 401 for 7.His erstwhile partner in runs departed soon afterwards, Benjamin attempting to drive Singh Dale and nicking off to wicketkeeper James Bracey, who took a straightforward catch to terminate a magnificently obdurate innings on 93 from 244 deliveries. The patient Benjamin had defied Gloucestershire for five and a half hours, transforming an innings that had been deep in trouble on 137 for 6 on the first day.Presented with an opportunity to improve upon the career-best 6 for 41 he took against Worcestershire at New Road in April 2023, Singh Dale ran in hard, located Ball’s outside edge and raised his arm in celebration before even Bracey had pouched the catch that further reduced the visitors to 414 for 9. He was denied an eighth victim when Zaman Akhter had Kashif Ali held at deep backward square to bring the innings to a close shortly after midday.Kent’s top order batsmen scratched a mere eight runs from 10 overs against a new ball that nipped off the seam on the first day, but Gloucestershire openers Bancroft and Ben Charlesworth encountered few problems on an essentially flat surface as they safely negotiated 12 overs to reach lunch on 48 without loss.But there was just enough assistance from the pitch to keep the Kent seamers interested and Stewart effected a breakthrough early in the second session, Bancroft prodding defensively outside off stump and nicking to slip. Gloucestershire’s skipper had scored 26 from 36 deliveries and staged an opening stand of 54 with Charlesworth inside 13 overs to at least afford the innings a decent start.Gilchrist and Stewart mustered sufficient movement off the pitch to trouble the batsmen, but left handers Charlesworth and Ollie Price played steadfastly, punished the bad bad when it came along and gradually laid the foundations for a meaningful partnership. Gloucestershire’s progress was smooth until Charlesworth fell into a trap set for him, pulling a short-pitched delivery from Ball and holing out to deep backward square for an 87-ball 41. The second wicket pair had added 45 in 13.5 overs and Gloucestershire were 99 for 2.When last they batted together, Price and Miles Hammond had staged a stand of 203 for the third wicket in a drawn match against Lancashire. Still in good touch following his career-best 253 at Old Trafford, Price played some glorious shots in raising 40 from 51 balls with 9 fours, only to be pinned lbw by Gilchrist with the score 119 for 3. It felt like a big wicket and Kent were positively on a roll when Hammond fell for 18 soon afterwards, playing a back foot defensive shot to a fullish delivery from Ball and offering a catch to Tawanda Muyeye at first slip. Having lost three wickets for 40 runs in 7.4 overs, Gloucestershire were 139-4 and under mounting pressure, still 285 behind.Green and Bracey ensured the home side reached the tea interval without further mishap on 156 for 4 and these two continued to build steadily as conditions eased in the final session, going to an assured 50 partnership from 120 balls. Green made a hundred on debut for Gloucestershire at Canterbury last month and clearly enjoys playing against Kent. He went to 50 from 106 balls on this occasion, reaching that landmark with his fourth four, a back foot force through the covers off Gilchrist.Runs now began to flow and the fifth wicket pair required only 62 balls more to raise the hundred partnership as Kent’s bowlers began to tire. Playing the supporting role to perfection, Bracey went to 50 via 101 balls with his tenth four, a cut shot off Kashir Ali. Gloucestershire banked a second batting bonus point and there was still time for Green to move to his hundred from 146 balls, the Western Australian heaving Kashif through mid-wicket for his twelfth four to spark raucous celebrations among those who had stayed on into the early evening sunshine.

Thomas Tuchel admits that Bukayo Saka has given him a nice "problem", with the Arsenal winger starring for England against Wales after seeing club colleague Noni Madueke miss out through injury. Saka, making his first appearance for the Three Lions since facing Senegal in June, scored a stunning goal for the Three Lions as they eased to a 3-0 victory over geographical neighbours at Wembley Stadium.

• Saka stunner: Arsenal star scores screamer vs Wales

  Saka missed out on selection in September when nursing a fitness problem of his own. He was recalled for a clash with Wales and a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia. The 24-year-old made the most of his opportunity in the first of those fixtures, with the Gunners forward lining up on the right of England’s attack.

  He saw Morgan Rogers fire Tuchel’s side into an early lead before another Aston Villa star, Ollie Watkins, doubled that advantage. Saka made it three inside the opening 20 minutes when he curled a spectacular strike into the top corner, having drifted inside onto his wand of a left foot.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Madueke misfortune: Gunners winger nursing injury

  Emirates Stadium team-mate Madueke had been on target for England in a World Cup qualifier with Serbia last time out, as he opened his senior international goal account, but he is now nursing a knee complaint and is not expected to be back in action until November.

  His loss has been Saka’s gain, with a man that has 45 caps and 13 goals to his name reminding everybody what he is all about. He timed his moment perfectly as Tuchel had admitted during the build-up to a meeting with Wales that he is happy to select a settled team if everybody is performing.

• More to come: Tuchel excited by Saka

  Saka appears to have forced his way back to the front of the queue when it comes to right wing berths, with Tuchel telling reporters of the selection headache that he faces: "Good. That’s what we want. Noni is unfortunately injured. Noni was excellent in the last camp, he was electric. He then continued to play for his club while Bukayo was out for Arsenal in the same manner. We were very, very sad that he’s now injured, but Saka stepped up. He had to step up also."

  Tuchel added on there being even more to come from Saka, who has now scored in his last three appearances for club and country: "It was like his first camp where he comes without injury and it’s necessary. Like I said, the competition is on. Bukayo had a good performance like everyone else and showed what he’s capable of.

  "I still feel there is a step to go for Bukayo to regain his rhythm, naturally after one or two injuries now, to regain his rhythm and his stamina. Then, he is a very important player for us and he will fight for his place because that’s what he does. He’s played for many, many years for Arsenal at the highest level and this is what we demand of him for England. He’s ready to go and that’s what he showed today."

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  England history: Saka sets goal record for Arsenal stars

  Saka’s eye-catching strike against Wales saw him claim his own piece of England history. A 13th goal for his country has made him the highest-scoring Arsenal player for the Three Lions – overtaking Gunners legend Cliff Bastin, who registered his last international effort some 87 years ago.

  England legend Stuart Pearce told of Saka’s sizzler at Wembley: "The ball's played past him and all of a sudden there's a two-on-one overload and England are finding so much space. And that is one of the best goals I have ever seen in this stadium. An incredible finish."

  Saka will hope to retain his starting berth for a World Cup qualifying clash with Latvia on Tuesday. Tuchel may, however, decide to shuffle his pack slightly for that fixture, with Arsenal – who have moved to the top of the Premier League – eager to ensure that their collection of international stars are returned to north London in full working order.

يخوض فريق ريال مدريد مباراة قوية ضد خصمه فريق يوفنتوس، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2025/26.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد الإسباني مع يوفنتوس الإيطالي في خضم لقاءات الجولة الثالثة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، وذلك على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

ويسعى ريال مدريد إلى مواصلة نتائجه المميزة في النسخة الحالية من دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث يمتلك 6 نقاط من مباراتين، بعدما فاز على مارسيليا وكيرات.

وتُعد تلك المباراة البروفة الأخيرة لـ ريال مدريد قبل لقاء الكلاسيكو ضد برشلونة، يوم الأحد المقبل، في معقل الملكي في الجولة العاشرة من الدوري الإسباني.

(محدث) تشكيل ريال مدريد أمام يوفنتوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام يوفنتوس اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: فيدي فالفيردي، ميليتاو، راؤول أسينسيو، ألفارو كاريراس.

خط الوسط: تشواميني، كامافينجا.

خط الوسط الهجومي: ماستانتونو، أردا جولر، فينيسيوس جونيور.

خط الهجوم: كيليان مبابي. 

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

As a tall left-arm Australian quick, capable of hitting speeds consistently at 145kph, comparisons to Mitchell Starc are unavoidable.Since he burst into prominence in the BBL in recent years, Spencer Johnson has been anointed as the successor to Starc, whose versatility and durability were again evident during a brilliant Test series against Sri Lanka.With Starc to miss the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons, the spotlight will shine considerably on Johnson. He started his preparation with 2 for 44 from seven overs in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo and mirrored Australia’s fortunes.Related

• Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy, Smith to captain Australia

• Asalanka's stunning hundred, Theekshana's four wickets turn tables on Australia

• Missing in action: Players injured and unavailable for the Champions Trophy

Johnson, 29, helped Australia move into a strong position with two wickets with the new ball before he suffered under an avalanche from skipper Charith Asalanka, who sparked a turnaround as Sri Lanka ran out eventual 49-run winners.”It’s obviously something I’ve pictured in my mind, to come in and play a similar role to him,” Johnson said about the Starc comparisons. “There were a few nerves there, and obviously big shoes to fill.”I think I am better for the run, it’s only my third ODI, hopefully a few more and I’ll be able to replicate some of the stuff he’s done.”While it’s easy to see why Johnson is likened to Starc, he mostly threatens through awkward bounce and probes away at a back of a length using his towering height to good effect.But after being carved through point by opener Pathum Nissanka, Johnson smartly readjusted to a fuller length and produced an edge to claim his maiden ODI wicket in his third match.Johnson’s second wicket was perhaps more fortuitous when he had Kamindu Mendis chipping tamely to square leg, but he bowled consistently around 140 kph with the new ball and his rearing bounce was impressive on a dry surface.It might just foreshadow what’s ahead in Pakistan where he is almost certain to be handed the new ball with a shorthanded Australia also without injured frontline quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.”Guys like Trent Boult and Starcy, left-armers who are aggressive, hopefully it’s what I can bring to Pakistan,” Johnson said. “I think this wicket is not what we’re going to get over in Pakistan.Spencer Johnson claimed his first ODI wickets during the opening match in Colombo•Getty Images

“It was nice to bowl on early with the new ball, and there was a bit of nip and carry. But [Pakistan] will be different to what we got here, potentially a bit flatter.”Australia’s selectors have been unsurprisingly keen to test Johnson in the shorter formats. The 29-year-old Johnson has played 11 white-ball internationals since debuting in South Africa in August 2023.Johnson produced his best international performance when he claimed 5 for 26 against Pakistan in November at the SCG – the best figures by an Australian quick in the format.But he’s so far in his career mostly played T20 cricket. Somewhat a product of franchise cricket, Johnson is already a veteran of the circuit having also played in the IPL, Major League Cricket, T20 Blast and The Hundred.But he’s had limited exposure in the longer formats with Johnson having played just 11 List A matches and six first-class matches. In his last first-class match in November, he snapped a tendon in the middle toe of his right foot during South Australia’s Sheffield Shield game against Western Australia after bowling 45 overs for the match.Set to be a key part of Australia’s Champions Trophy line-up, Johnson will now get a prolonged block in the 50-over format and a chance to build on a modest record of 12 wickets at 42.25 from 11 List A matches.”Obviously four overs [in T20 cricket] versus 10 overs is a little bit different, but the way I sequence my overs is pretty similar,” Johnson said. “I feel like I’m ready to play for Australia and I’ve had a little bit of a taste in T20 cricket and now a couple of ODIs. So heading to Pakistan it’s exciting and I’m ready to go.”

Very little is predictable in the final weeks of a transfer window, well apart from the fact Chelsea will be busy!

The Blues are currently finalising a deal to sign Xavi Simons, while reports suggest that they’re also in talks with Manchester United to bring Alejandro Garnacho to Stamford Bridge.

This would take the Blues’ summer spend above £300m, but could they leave their most important addition for last?

Chelsea target a transformational signing

Inarguably, the best signing of the Clearlake Capital-era is the £42.5m paid to Manchester City to sign Cole Palmer two summers ago, given that he has become one of the very best players in the Premier League.

Since, the Blues have signed a further 21 players, as the table below outlines.

Chelsea’s signings in 2024 and 2025
Players	Fee	Chelsea appearances
Summer 2024
Omari Kellyman	£19m	Zero
Tosin Adarabioyo	Free	41
Marc Guiu	£5m	16
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall	£30m	36
Renato Veiga	£12m	18
Caleb Wiley	£8.5m	Zero
Filip Jörgensen	£21m	24
Aarón Anselmino	£15.6m	1
Pedro Neto	£52m	51
João Félix	£44.5m	20*
Jadon Sancho	£5m penalty fee	41
Winter 2025
Mathis Amougou	£12.5m	2
Summer 2025
Mike Penders	£17m	Zero
Dário Essugo	£18.5m	3
Liam Delap	£30m	6
Mamadou Sarr	£12.5m	1
Kendry Páez	£17.2m	Zero
João Pedro	£55m	3
Jamie Gittens	£48.5m	Zero
Jorrel Hato	£35.5m	Zero
Estêvão Willian	£29m	Zero
*appearances made during his second spell only
All statistics and information courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table documents, Chelsea have signed 21 senior players since Palmer’s arrival, some of whom have never and will never make a first team appearance for the club, but could that trend be about to change?

Well, according to a report by Julien Laurens of ESPN, Paris Saint-Germain are expecting to receive an offer from Chelsea for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with Manchester United and Internazionale Milano also noted as being interested.

Les Rouge-et-Bleu are actively attempting to sell the Italian national team captain, having just signed Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier for £35m, with a report by La Repubblica claiming that Donnarumma is valued at a similar figure.

Transfer Focus

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

So, could there soon be a new number one in West London?

How Gianluigi Donnarumma would transform Chelsea

Despite no longer being wanted in Paris, Donnarumma’s quality should not be questioned.

Walid Acherchour of RMC Sport labels his performances for PSG last season “phenomenal”, while Mark White of Four Four Two believes he is the very best goalkeeper in the world, praising his ‘shot-stopping ability’, asserting that his game has reached a new level in the last 12 months.

Still only 26 years old, Donnarumma is vastly experienced, accumulating 251 appearances for boyhood club AC Milan, debuting for the Rossoneri as a 16-year-old, featuring a further 161 times for PSG since making the move four years ago.

He is also now Italy’s captain, racking up 74 caps at international level, very much on course to break the all-time appearance record of 174, held by his idol and namesake Gianluigi Buffon.

Should he make the move to Chelsea, he would surely be a key figure in West London too.

That’s because, as outlined by Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport, many believe the Blues still require a top-class goalkeeper if they’re going to challenge for the biggest trophies once again, noting that neither Robert Sánchez nor Filip Jörgensen ‘have proven themselves at the highest level’.

Donnarumma, on the other hand, certainly has, as the table below emphasises.

Gianluigi Donnarumma Champions League 2024/25 statistics
Statistics	Donnarumma	UCL rank
Goals conceded per 90	0.91	5th
Saves	35	13th
Save %	7.08%	20th
Clean sheet %	40%	9th
Post-shot xG – goals conceded	+2.2	13th
Crosses stopped	14	3rd
Punches	13	1st
High claims	13	4th
Errors leading to a goal	1	13th
Average SofaScore rating	7.1	16th
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table highlights, Donnarumma was one of the very best goalkeepers in last season’s Champions League, a key factor behind PSG’s triumph in Munich, making crucial saves against Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa en route to the final.

Thus, while many of Chelsea’s recent signings have been acquired for money-trading purposes, viewed as assets or market opportunities more than key contributors, the Italian would instantaneously improve the Blues’ starting lineup in a way that, it could be argued, no one has done since Palmer joined two years ago.

Chelsea coaching staff now want Maresca to replace Colwill with 22-year-old

The Blues are weighing up their options.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 9, 2025

Chelsea, amid their ongoing negotiations for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, also have to find a solution to their defensive shortage.

The west Londoners were considering a centre-back even before Levi Colwill’s nightmare ACL injury (Simon Phillips), but those plans have been brought more to the forefront with their Cobham academy graduate poised to miss around six-to-nine months.

He suffered the anterior cruciate ligament problem towards the end of his first training session back at the west London club, with his return ending in horror and 2025/2026 now mostly written off for Colwill.

There were some reports that Chelsea could turn to Renato Veiga as an option to fill in for the 22-year-old, but that notion has since been followed by credible sources confirming that the Portugal international remains up for sale.

Chelsea have already signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax, but Enzo Maresca and co reportedly view the teenage starlet as more of a left-back to alternate with Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea looking into signing defender on loan

Now, according to journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, Chelsea are thinking of an emergency measure to reinforce their central defensive numbers.

The club are under pressure from UEFA to register a positive transfer balance by September, or they won’t be able to register new signings for the Champions League, so it is imperative that BlueCo do not overspend on a new centre-back.

To combat this, Phillips reports that Chelsea are holding internal talks over signing a new defender on loan.

“Chelsea are exploring possible new centre backs after the injury to Levi Colwill,” wrote the journalist.

“Well, they were exploring new centre backs before that, and the proof is in the pudding because they tried to sign Dean Huijsen and failed, and then tried for Jarrad Branthwaite after that but his price tag was way too high.

“Sources have said this week that the club are discussing a new centre back again, and although we don’t have any solid names yet and will update accordingly when we do, there is talk of a potential loan deal being done for an incoming centre back.

“Chelsea do still hold an interest in Antonio Silva from Benfica, but the Marc Guehi noise is dying off because he prefers to go elsewhere at the moment.

“At the moment, it’s still all being considered, but at this point I’d be surprised if Chelsea now don’t sign a new centre back this window. It could still rest on player sales, but that will only be if we decide to sign a permanent new centre back rather than loan one in, which as I say, is now being spoken about internally.”

Maresca has confirmed that Wesley Fofana is likely to play against Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener this weekend, and Trevoh Chalobah’s ankle injury isn’t as bad as first though, so it’s likely the Italian will start with those two against the Eagles.

Having already advanced towards Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have reportedly been handed another boost towards signing a top target, who is now open to completing a summer switch.

Liverpool advancing in Ekitike deal

It’s been the summer of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes in the transfer market and Liverpool’s double act are now advancing towards their latest blockbuster deal. Not only have they emerged into the race to sign Ekitike this week, but they’ve shoved Newcastle out of the picture entirely.

Reports are now indicating that Liverpool have already received the green light from the forward and are now actively negotiating with Eintracht Frankfurt. Newcastle, meanwhile, have walked away from any potential deal.

Likely to follow Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong on Liverpool’s list of incomings, Ekitike will be solving the biggest problem that Arne Slot had within his title-winning squad last season.

The Dutchman often chose to deploy Luis Diaz as a No.9 over Darwin Nunez as the latter struggled more than ever at Anfield. Now, amid rumours that both South American stars could yet leave this summer, Liverpool are advancing towards an instant upgrade.

Minutes

2,563

2,399

1,133

Goals

15

13

5

Assists

8

5

2

Expected Goals

21.6

12

5.8

Even after Ekitike, however, the Edwards and Hughes show may not be over. Reports are now suggesting that Liverpool have also set their sights on signing a South American megastar in a deal that would arguably be even bigger than Ekitike.

Rodrygo now "open" to Liverpool move

According to Eduardo Burgos, a reporter from Spanish outlet AS, Rodrygo is now “open” to joining Liverpool this summer and the Reds have sent super agent Pini Zahavi to help broker a deal with Real Madrid.

Burgos told The RedmenTV: “It’s genuine. Liverpool already held talks with his camp. They sent an emissary to Madrid to talk to his family, and Rodrygo is happy with the interest.

“He’s open to a move. He always liked the Premier League. Two summers ago, even [Manchester] City tried to sign him. Guardiola called him a few times. He appreciated the gesture but in the end his preference was to stay in Madrid.

“His preference has now changed and now he’s hoping to leave…I think he will leave because he wants to be the star of the team, and [at Real Madrid] it will be very, very difficult, almost impossible. I think it’s not 50-50; it’s maybe 70-30. He’s open to a move and I think Liverpool may make a move.”

Liverpool now contacted with fresh opportunity to sign "superb" UCL winner

They could steal in ahead of Premier League rivals.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 17, 2025

The winger’s arrival would send yet more shockwaves around the transfer market, but it’s one that Liverpool have seemingly set their sights on despite the Brazilian’s hefty £11m-a-year salary.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo feels as though it has been going on for months now, with no deal yet agreed for the Brentford star this summer.

The Cameroonian has been a key target for many months now, unsurprisingly so given his record of 20 Premier League goals for the Bees throughout 2024/25.

The Red Devils have so far had two separate offers rejected for the 25-year-old, with Ruben Amorim yet to get his hands on the player who could transform the club’s fortunes in attacking areas.

Keith Andrews’ side are said to be holding out for £65m to part ways with their star man during the current window, but the sides are yet to agree to such a figure, with United’s latest offer totalling £62.5m including add-ons.

It would be a huge disappointment to miss out on the forward, given the huge attempts made for his signature, but other targets have been drawn up over the last couple of weeks as a result of the delay.

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

Southampton forward Tyler Dibling was a name that was thrown into the mix last week over a potential move to join United, with his current employers demanding a fee in the region of £55m.

Other attackers such as Christopher Nkunku, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with moves to join the Red Devils this summer.

However, other areas of the pitch have also been subject to interest, with the hierarchy currently exploring a deal to sign Brighton star Pervis Estupiñán, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

He claims that the club have already held talks with the player and his representatives over a move to Old Trafford, after he made 30 league appearances last campaign.

Jacobs also states that the Seagulls will be open to allowing the 27-year-old to depart this summer, after securing the signing of Maxim De Cuyper, but doesn’t state the fee any deal would cost Amorim’s side.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Mbeumo

Despite the delay around a deal for Mbeumo in recent weeks, there’s still a strong feeling that the club will complete a deal for his services at some stage this window.

It would be such a shame to miss out on the forward, especially considering the tiny difference of just £2.5m in valuation between the Red Devils and the Bees.

The player himself has previously expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford, which should only bolster their chances of landing the Cameroonian international in the coming weeks.

However, he will need to be aided in his attempt for success should he move to the club, with Mbeumo unable to transform the Red Devils’ fortunes all by himself.

The addition of fellow attacker Matheus Cunha will certainly help him in the final third, but Estupinan could also play a vital role in the Bees star’s hunt to be a success in the North West.

Despite being a full-back, the Ecuadorian international has showcased his talents higher up the pitch, potentially playing perfectly into the hands of Mbeumo as a result.

Estupinan, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by journalist Ryan Adsett, registered 4.9 progressive passes per 90 along with 3.9 passes into the final third – having the tools to provide Mbeumo with opportunities in attacking areas.

Pervis Estupinan’s stats for Brighton in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Goals & assists

2

Progressive passes

4.9

Passes into final third

3.9

Take-ons attempted

56%

Carries into final third

2.3

Tackles won

1.6

Interceptions made

1.4

Stats via FBref

He also completed 56% of the take-ons he attempted, whilst making 2.3 carries into the final third, able to overlap the forwards and add a new dimension to Amorim’s attack.

However, despite his attacking capabilities, he’s also been just as impressive without the ball, making 1.6 tackles per 90 and 1.4 interceptions per 90, arguably being the perfect wing-back in United’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the full-back would cost this summer, it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to thrive on the left side of United’s system.

If he can form a partnership with Mbeumo at Old Trafford, it would further add to the quality of any addition, helping the side massively in their quest for success in the near future.

Related Amorim's own Pogba: Man Utd leading race to sign "sensational" £42m star

Manchester United could be about to make a move to land a key target in their plans for the 2025/26 campaign.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 16, 2025

Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the women’s Asia Cup after picking up an injury to her left hand. A press release from the Asian Cricket Council on Saturday said the 21-year old India offspinner “sustained a fracture to the fourth finger of her left hand.”Shreyanka took a full part in the team’s only game of the tournament so far, against Pakistan on Friday, bowling 3.2 overs and picking up 2 for 14. She was not needed to bat with India wrapping up the win in 14.2 overs and with seven wickets to spare. Tanuja Kanwar, the uncapped 26-year-old left-arm spinner who plays for Gujarat Giants in the WPL and Railways in domestic cricket, has been called up as replacement.Shreyanka made her debut for India in December 2023 on the back of impressive performances in the WPL. This year, she went on to become champion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a season where she took 13 wickets – the most by any bowler – at an average of 12.07 and an economy rate of 7.30. Shreyanka has played 12 T20Is for India and has gone wicketless in only two of those games. She’s also represented her country in three ODIs.Kanwar, born in Himachal Pradesh, also made a big splash in the WPL. She was bought by the Giants in 2023 for INR 50 lakh. A week before that auction she had starred with 3 for 26 for Railways in the One Day Trophy final to finish the tournament with 18 wickets while averaging 11.16 and conceding just 2.43 runs an over. Kanwar finished the 2024 WPL season with 10 wickets from eight matches at an average of 20.70 and an economy rate of 7.13. She is known for a variation where she bowls her left-arm spin from well behind the popping crease.India’s next match at the women’s Asia Cup is on Sunday against the UAE in Dambulla.

Leeds United are “interested” in signing a Premier League striker compared to Erling Haaland, as the 49ers Enterprises’ ramp up the Whites’ summer transfer business.

Leeds making moves with Nmecha and Bijol

With Premier League football to prepare for under Daniel Farke, Leeds are now becoming active in the window, with Lukas Nmecha the first official arrival of the summer.

Joining on July 1 when his Wolfsburg contract expires, Nmecha has agreed to a two-year deal at Elland Road and will actually count as a homegrown player following his time in England with Manchester City.

Talking after sealing a move to Leeds, Nmecha said: “It’s just a great challenge and I’m really excited to get to know the team. I’ve spoken with the manager many times and I’m excited to play that style of football that they played in the Championship, even in the Premier League.

“I saw that there was dominance last season in terms of possession and the goals. I’m an attacking player, so obviously that’s exciting for me. Of course, in the Premier League, there’s some big boys in there where you can’t play like that all the time, but I think the idea of the manager is to play good football, possession football, and that’s what I’m used to and what I love doing.

“I wish we could get going now, but we still have a few weeks of pre-pre-season, getting the runs in and all that! But, I just can’t wait to start training now.”

Bid submitted: Leeds make £8.5m offer to sign "excellent" ace after Bijol

He’s reportedly next on Leeds’ summer wishlist.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 17, 2025

Alongside the German forward, Leeds are also primed to bolster their centre-back ranks with a move for Udinese star Luka Bijol.

A deal has now been agreed for Leeds to sign Bijol from the Serie A side in a transfer that could be worth over £18m with add-ons. It is the 49ers’ first major outlay following the club’s Championship triumph, and by the looks of things, they won’t be stopping there.

Leeds "interested" in signing £35m Rodrigo Muniz

According to Sky Sports senior reporter Rob Dorsett, Leeds are “interested” in signing Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz over the coming months, describing Leeds as “busy” in the window.

Thought to be valued at £50m by those at Craven Cottage, Leeds are willing to pay £35m, as the Whites look to bolster their attacking ranks even further.

Reliable reporter Graham Smyth of The Yorkshire Evening Post added that Leeds would still be in the market for another striker after landing Nmecha, and it looks as if Muniz is a real target.

Still just 24 years of age, Muniz has been a steady performer in the top flight in recent seasons, which have actually been his only campaigns in the Premier League. As per FBref, Muniz is similar to Man City star Haaland based objectively on his statistical profile, and ranks in the top 2% of forwards for aerial duels won over the past 12 months.

Games

26

31

Goals

9

8

Minutes played

1,599

950

As can be seen, Muniz hasn’t exactly been guaranteed game time at Craven Cottage under Marco Silva, so a move to Yorkshire may appeal to him, providing Farke can promise him more action.