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Birmingham City are finally underway in the Championship as the many twists and turns of the 2025/26 season now lie ahead.

The Blues will ambitiously be aiming for back-to-back promotions all the way up to the Premier League, after making League One look like a breeze when clinching the third-tier title with a record-breaking 111 points.

Marvin Ducksch will be hoping he can play a pivotal role in Birmingham achieving this unthinkable feat, as the German attempts to acclimatise to his new English surroundings swiftly, having been a prolific performer in his native Bundesliga for some time now.

What Ducksch can offer Birmingham

Birmingham often gets their own way in the chaotic transfer window, having previously flexed their muscles by picking up ex-Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi for a whopping £10m earlier this summer.

However, that wasn’t the case, unfortunately, when it came to chasing after the coveted signature of Chuba Akpom, as Ipswich Town stole the signature of the ex-Arsenal striker off Birmingham at the final hour.

Thankfully, the reigning League One champions had the now ex-Werder Bremen attacker up their sleeve as a back-up plan, having snapped up the shot-heavy 31-year-old following his £1.7m move.

He should be a hit in the English game with his imposing 6-foot-2 frame and his clinical eye for goal, as seen in Ducksch tallying up a lethal 54 strikes for Bremen across 134 games, on top of chipping in with a high 40 assists.

Fellow new faces such as Demarai Gray will surely love linking up with the unselfish forward, therefore, with the 31-year-old just fresh off a Bundesliga campaign that saw him create a stunning 17 big chances in total.

But, if the Dortmund-born striker fancies elevating his output in terms of goals in the West Midlands, he will want some inch-perfect service, which could come his way if Chris Davies’ men can seal a deal for this playmaker to also join the building.

The "quality" talent who is perfect for Ducksch

After all, if there is a move out there that can take the Bundesliga goal machine’s game to that next level in England, Birmingham should go all out to try and seal the deal.

Ducksch’s perfect partner in attack could well be Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell, as Birmingham have been tipped to go back in for their former loanee multiple times across this hectic window to date.

No such move has whirred into motion yet, unfortunately, but after a lacklustre opening day performance under Russell Martin in Scotland, with possession haphazardly given away 12 times versus Motherwell, the ex-Southampton boss might now be more willing to listen to the Blues’ advances.

Whilst the £16k-per-week ace has been regularly hit-and-miss at Ibrox, Dowell has proven himself to be a classy performer in the EFL in the past, particularly when carving out consistent opportunities for his attacking teammates to latch onto.

Games played

123

Goals scored

26

Assists

12

Big chances created

25

Indeed, it’s clear from the table above that Dowell’s strengths – when previously playing in the Championship – lie in his ability to fashion chances for his charitable teammates, with a standout 25 big chances created on his end from 123 career encounters in the tough division.

He also has a promising 26 goals next to his name, meaning he could step into the goalscoring limelight if Ducksch was suffering from an off-day, having also been branded as a “high-quality” star last season by Davies when amassing five goals and five assists from just 23 Blues appearances on loan.

Having such a creative force by his side will be music to the ears of Ducksch, who has also been showered with similarly high praise when being labelled as a talent capable of making “special moments” happen by former Bremen boss Ole Werner.

This really could be a devastating combo in the Championship, with their efforts combined potentially pulling the Blues into the promotion spots.

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Linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid after his U19 Euros heroics, AZ midfielder Kees Smit has set clear goals for his rapid rise.

• Smit admits ambition to reach the top after starring at U19 Euros
• AZ midfielder is linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona
• Plans to complete the season before considering a move

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Smit has declared his ambition to "reach the top as quickly as possible" after a breakout summer saw him linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. The 18-year-old was speaking to ahead of his recent debut for the Netherlands U21 national team.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Smit's stock has risen dramatically following a sensational U19 European Championship campaign this past summer, where he captained the Netherlands to victory. His performances earned him both the Player of the Tournament award and the top scorer prize, catapulting him onto the radar of Europe's elite. Addressing the subsequent transfer speculation, Smit admitted the links to Real Madrid and Barcelona "made me proud." Having since cemented a starting role at AZ, he is now regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the Eredivisie.

  During the Netherlands' victorious U19 European Championship campaign in Romania, Kees Smit achieved a rare double for a midfielder by being named the Player of the Tournament and also finishing as the competition's top scorer.

• WHAT SMIT SAID

  Speaking on the link of joining the La Liga giants, Smit said: "[The U19 Euros] helped with the attention. Not in Zakynthos [while on holiday], but I did see my name all over social media. I read I was on the radar of Real Madrid and Barcelona. That made me proud."

  Smit himself is clear about his plan: "I talk about it at home sometimes, not every week. But I know what I want – a good season with AZ. After that we’ll see. I want to take a step forward, but it doesn’t have to be next year. Still, I do want to reach the top as soon as possible."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KEES SMIT?

  Having made his Netherlands U21 debut against Israel earlier this week, Smit's focus will return to his club duties with AZ. The midfielder is aiming to build on his strong start to the Eredivisie season and solidify his place in the team. 

After welcoming Sean Longstaff earlier this week, Leeds United are now reportedly set to sign another midfield star in a deal worth over £17m this summer.

Longstaff: Leeds is the "perfect" move

Becoming the Whites’ fifth signing of the summer, Longstaff will instantly add some much-needed Premier League know-how to Daniel Farke’s side ahead of next season. The former Newcastle midfielder won’t steal the same headlines as the likes of Jaka Bijol, but he could prove to be equally important at Elland Road.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, Longstaff told the official Leeds website: “I spoke to [Karl] Darlow straight away, but I have got to meet everyone. It seems like a really good group. I have heard great things.

“I think there is something to be said for a team that wants you and a club that really wants you. I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I sort of got a feeling that they really wanted me.

“It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.

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“It was going to take a lot for us to leave Newcastle to be honest and I wasn’t just going to leave to go anywhere so it had to be the right place for me and my family and I think this is a perfect place. I got to watch pretty much all the games and see a team that was really exciting to watch, athletic, really good on the ball.

As pleased as they’ll be to have signed Longstaff, however, the 49ers aren’t stopping there. Reports are now indicating that they’ve instantly agreed another deal to sign their sixth fresh face of the summer and another midfield star.

Leeds agree deal to sign Anton Stach

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are now set to sign Anton Stach after agreeing a deal worth more than €20m (£17m) with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The 6’4 midfielder is set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract, as those at Elland Road prepare to welcome another signing.

With plenty of Bundesliga experience to his name and even appearances in the Europa League last season, Stach represents another solid signing by all involved at Leeds.

It’s no surprise that the towering midfielder has earned impressive praise during his time in Germany, either. Former coach Florian Kohfeldt recalled Stach’s days as a youth player at Werder Bremen, claiming that he was already a talented player at a young age: “He didn’t have such an easy time here at Werder when he was at boarding school.

“He was a bit behind his peers physically when he was young, but in my opinion he already had a very strategic disposition in his game and was incredibly goal-oriented and ambitious.”

The Athletic’s Beren Cross has also heaped praise on Stach in reaction to the deal, sharing on X on Saturday: “Another giant, another 26-year-old, Leeds are finalising a transfer (in excess of £17.3m) for Anton Stach. A sixth new face and a real unit that played as a defensive midfielder and centre-back with Hoffenheim.”

Glasgow Rangers took to Ibrox for the first time in pre-season on Sunday when Russell Martin’s side were held to a 2-2 draw.

Danilo led the line for Rangers during the match because Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers were both not ready to be involved at that stage.

Both players have been linked with a move away from Ibrox before the end of the summer transfer window, with clubs on the continent now keen on signing the pair.

This means that it remains to be seen whether or not they will still be at the club by September, which may be the Light Blues are reportedly in the market for a new striker.

Rangers leading race for new striker

The Scottish Premiership giants would need to bring in a fresh number nine option for Martin if they cash in on Igamane or Dessers, and they are eyeing up a free agent talent.

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According to Leicester Mercury reporter Josh Holland, Rangers are the “frontrunners” to secure a deal for free agent centre-forward Jamie Vardy this summer.

The former England international has been unattached since the start of this month after his contract with Leicester City officially expired at the end of June.

Genoa were interested in snapping up the experienced marksman but manager Patrick Vieira is said to have decided against the signing, which has presented Rangers with an opportunity to make their move.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants will be able to take advantage of the situation to get a deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Martin could find his own Defoe for Rangers

If the Gers can sign Vardy on a free transfer this summer, Martin could unearth his own version of Jermaine Defoe by relying on him up front next season.

Defoe joined the club on loan from Bournemouth at the age of 36 in the summer of 2019, and eventually joined permanently in January 2020, but was far from past his best.

The former England international went on to score 32 goals in 74 matches in all competitions for the Gers, including four goals in 15 Scottish Premiership matches in the 2020/21 title-winning season.

These statistics show that Defoe was still an incredible goalscorer, despite his age, and Vardy could be a similar signing for Martin this summer, as a 38-year-old striker who is still a huge threat in front of goal.

Jamie Vardy	23/24 Championship	24/25 Premier League
Appearances	35	35
xG	17.07	11.22
Goals	18	9
Conversion rate	31%	16%
Big chances created	2	6
Assists	2	4
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the English forward scored 27 goals in the last two seasons for Leicester, including nine in the Premier League last term, which shows that he is still a reliable marksman.

Vardy, who was once hailed for his “sensational” movement by Brendan Rodgers, did underperform his xG in the top-flight for the Foxes, but was still getting in positions to consistently generate high-quality chances.

His form in Leicester’s 2023/24 title-winning season in the Championship also shows that he still has what it takes to deliver consistently and efficiently in front of goal in a team that is competing at the top end of the table.

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Therefore, Vardy could be Martin’s own version of Defoe as a veteran former England international striker who still has the quality and consistency to make a huge impact in the Premiership in the 2025/26 campaign.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has a reputation for doing work on numerous transfer targets before eventually formalising that interest, and the Italian currently has many different avenues he’s exploring right now.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as confirmed by the reliable David Ornstein and others, despite the player’s cryptic comments recently, is closing in on a move to Arsenal with all details of the deal agreed.

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Arsenal regard the 26-year-old’s capture as “done and signed”, with Real Madrid posing no threat after all following their decision to back off in the race for Zubimendi, coming as fantastic news for Mikel Arteta.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is also poised to join Arsenal as David Raya’s understudy, and now that the Spanish duo appear on their way to N5, attention is turning to Berta’s pursuit of a winger and striker.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal talks remain ongoing for RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, while some reports claim the north Londoners are preparing another offer for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, after their opening bid was rejected (Mais Futebol).

Berta has apparently been working to discover the conditions of deals for both Sesko and Gyokeres before deciding which deal would suit Arsenal best (BBC), so it is little surprise we’re seeing leaks of serious Arsenal talks for the strikers.

Arsenal are also chasing a new winger, and £170,000-per-week Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams remains on their agenda.

Arsenal approach Nico Williams with Berta ready to pay release clause

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, despite reports to the contrary, the 22-year-old’s release clause is actually £53 million.

Nevertheless, Sport’s information is that Arsenal are ready to pay the £53 million for Williams, and are making “real moves” by knocking on his door. Berta is also ready to offer the Spain international a marquee salary, but there is an err of caution, as Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are prepared to do exactly the same.

Intriguingly, Williams’ ideal plan is to remain in Spain and join Barcelona. His agent, Felix Tainta, even held crucial talks with Barca sporting director Deco this week to explore a potential move to the Camp Nou.

However, while the Catalans were keen on Williams last summer, Sport suggests he won’t have much luck this time around, given Barca’s priority attacking signing is actually Liverpool star Luis Diaz.

Arsenal’s willingness to meet both Bilbao’s release clause and pay Williams a large salary could open the door for Arteta’s side to tempt the exciting wide player with a move to the Premier League instead, and former Chelsea boss José Mourinho’s plaudits suggest he could be worth the effort.

“Nico is unique, he is wonderful,” Mourinho said. “During the European Championship, people were talking a lot about Lamine Yamal, who is obviously another wonderful kid, but I personally prefer Nico.”

Newcastle United are active in the hunt for reinforcements and internal discussions are ongoing at St James’ Park over a potential move for an exciting attacker, according to a report.

Newcastle United discover opening Premier League fixtures

The Premier League fixture schedule has landed ahead of the new campaign, and it is fair to say Magpies fans will be salivating over the prospect of their side being back in competitive action.

Facing Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Liverpool within their first few matches won’t be easy, but there will be plenty of confidence within the camp that a strong platform can be built ahead of another enthralling season.

With a trip to Villa Park first up, intrigue will start to grow over potential activity in the North East over the next couple of months. Simon Jordan believes Newcastle’s position of relative strength should be more of a talking point as they gear up to go to battle in the top-flight.

He stated: “I think the answer to the question is where is there not an intriguing story? Look around the league. Look at all the teams that are in there. Look at Newcastle.

“Newcastle are now in the Champions League. They have got the spending restrictions probably back into play now and they can go again hard.”

Joao Pedro has emerged as a key target for Newcastle in their mission to juggle domestic football and Champions League participation, with talks open over a move for the Brazil international.

Roma’s Evan Ndicka could join Howe’s revolution, but it appears that extending their pool of depth across the front four position has become the main priority for the Geordies if recent reports are anything to go by.

Newcastle discuss West Ham United man Mohammed Kudus

According to The Athletic, Newcastle have internally discussed a move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus amid uncertainty over his future at the London Stadium.

Previously, reports came to light detailing that Magpies owners PIF feel they can afford a swoop for Kudus as a cheaper alternative to Brentford star Bryan Mbuemo.

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The Ghana international has a release clause of around £75 million. However, it is widely acknowledged that he won’t move for as high a fee, and Newcastle appear to have taken encouragement due to the fact his name has been mentioned in the corridors of power.

Labelled “brilliant” by Graham Potter, Kudus registered five goals and four assists last campaign in 35 appearances across all competitions, which isn’t bad going given the Hammers endured a disappointing season.

Making his presence known in attack, the 24-year-old created 31 chances in the Premier League and fits the bill as a versatile attack-minded addition for Howe due to his ability to function on either flank or through the middle.

Newcastle’s targets are beginning to evolve this window and Kudus is now near the front of their mind amid his potential availability.

Liverpool are in the market for forwards this summer, and they’ve already agreed a £100m deal for Florian Wirtz (which could rise to a British-record £116m).

Wirtz, 22, is a “truly generational talent”, as per sports media professional Cristian Nyari, and he’s only going to get better, having led Bayer Leverkusen to the 2023/24 Bundesliga title (winning the division’s Player of the Year), and breathing life into his side whenever he collects the ball, gambolling his way into the danger area.

Liverpool have got themselves a player, all right, and Arne Slot now has an elite-level playmaker in the attacking third of the field – all the more important with Trent Alexander-Arnold signing for Real Madrid.

Though FSG would like to turn their attention toward the front of the pitch, there’s little question that a replacement for Luis Diaz would need to be sourced, should he leave this summer.

It’s for this reason that rumours have gathered apace regarding Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

Last summer, Liverpool were offered the chance to sign Gordon as Newcastle sweated over PSR; after failing to qualify for Europe, the Magpies were forced to stare at their jewels and decide which to sell.

Liverpool were curious, but Newcastle found other ways to offset their troubles, selling more outlying members of Eddie Howe’s squad.

Now, the Merseysiders are keen once again, and Newcastle might be open to selling if their £100m valuation is met.

Liverpool are hardly going to meet such exorbitant demands, but if Diaz does leave, with suitors in Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League, then Reds intrigue in their former academy member, who left and joined Everton when he was 11, could take a more solid shape.

Would Liverpool be getting bang for their buck by signing Gordon for such a figure? Would they really? What about an alternative, one who would arrive for a similar fee but pack a far meatier punch under Slot’s wing?

Liverpool leading race for Diaz heir

Liverpool could sign an even bigger talent than Gordon if they advance their long-standing interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with Spanish reports claiming that the Brazilian forward could be sold for €90m (£77m) this summer.

More to the point, the Anfield side are considered alongside Manchester City to be the favourites in the race for the talented winger, though further Premier League sides are keen. Arsenal, in previous reports, have been credited with an interest.

Coming off the back of a difficult year, both Slot and Pep Guardiola believe a poor Club World Cup campaign could leave Rodrygo isolated, and with his valuation slashed toward a more agreeable €75m (£64m) ballpark.

How Rodrygo would perform for Slot

Picture this: it’s a decade ago, and Liverpool have fallen by the wayside under Brendan Rodgers. The staple of Liverpool’s summer 2015 transfer window was the £32.5m acquisition of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.

Ten years later and Liverpool are among the frontrunners for superstars like Rodrygo, having won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and plenty more across the intervening years.

It was over ten years ago that Liverpool released Gordon when he was a youngster, and though the England international is talented and a boyhood fan of the club, Rodrygo is the superior player, even if he only notched 14 goals and ten assists across 51 matches last season.

That’s not exactly a terrible haul, though the 24-year-old did only score six goals and six assists across the La Liga season, albeit missing just one big chance in front of goal, as per Sofascore, to emphasise his clinical ability.

The crux of Rodrygo’s Madrid malaise is that he’s routinely fielded out on the right, despite feeling the alternate flank as being his best position. Indeed, the right-footer has been far more prolific when playing as a left winger.

Right winger

29

7

4

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

8

0

0

The problem, however, is that Vinicius Junior holds down the fort in that area, with focal frontman Kylian Mbappe also preferring the left side to the right, as can be observed through his league season heatmap.

Given that Mohamed Salah is staying at Liverpool for the next two years, it hardly seems likely that Liverpool would make a marquee move and bring Rodrygo into the fold just for him to play second fiddle to the Egyptian.

Instead, he could replace Diaz, who, at 28, isn’t indispensable, and prove an upgrade on Gordon, with the 24-year-old also enduring something of a tough term in front of goal for the Toon, equal to Rodrygo in that he posted six goals and six assists in the Premier League.

As Liverpool plan to foray deep into next year’s Champions League knockout stage, putting themselves on a platform to claim number seven, Rodrygo would be the perfect fit, for his pedigree on the biggest stage speaks for itself.

Gordon failed to register a goal involvement across his six games in the 2023/24 Champions League, and while he’ll have the chance to rectify that over the coming year, Rodrygo is tried and tested, hailed as a “special striker” who can “play in all positions” by former Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti.

A fierce blend of speed, skills and strength, Rodrygo would be a statement signing for a Liverpool side who are undergoing a good amount of change this summer. While the Brazil star would be a new part, he’d arrive with a wealth of experience at the highest level, and Slot’s sharp tactics would surely whip him back into an elite standard.

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Chelsea are not short of options in attack, and Enzo Maresca certainly has an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The Blues’ key man in forward areas is Cole Palmer, who, despite a lean run of form, has managed 14 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season.

The other player to hit double figures for league goals is Nicolas Jackson, who has managed ten, as well as five assists. Noni Madueke has also surpassed ten goal involvements in the top flight, too, with 11 to be specific.

If reports are to be believed, the Blues are looking to add more attacking talents to their squad this summer.

Chelsea targeting another teen superstar

One of the most highly sought-after players in world football right now seems to be 17-year-old attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono. The River Plate star has caught the eye during his short career so far, and is now wanted by a multitude of clubs.

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According to a report from Clarin, via Sport Witness, Chelsea are one of the sides hoping to bring him into the club this summer, continuing their trend of raiding the South American market.

Fellow Premier League side Manchester United are also showing strong interest, and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be considering a move.

Mastantuono has a reported release clause of £38m, and a move will likely happen when he turns 18 in the middle of August. River are reportedly looking to renew his contract, which could alter his release clause.

Why Mastantuono would be a good signing

Should the Blues manage to bring Mastantuono to the club, it would be another exciting young talent they have managed to add to their ranks. He has impressed in his short professional career for River, and has also been recognised by Argentina at under-20 level.

In 13 games in 2025 so far for the Argentine giants, he already has four goals and two assists to his name. He has featured for 997 minutes, and is currently averaging a goal involvement every 166 minutes, which is impressive for someone as inexperienced as he is.

The other standout thing to note about Mastantuono is his versatility. The River number 30, who is left-footed, can play as a right winger or a number ten, which is certainly something Maresca could lean upon at times.

Football analyst Ben Mattinson described the youngster as someone in the “Palmer mould”. However, he even goes on to make the claim that he is “he best of the lot”, suggesting Mastantono is someone to really get excited about.

Well, Chelsea fans have two young South American talents they can watch in action before too long. The Blues also signed Estevao Willian almost one year ago from Palmeiras, who will join the club for £29m this summer.

He has seven goals and one assist in all competitions in 2025, having featured in 23 matches for the Brazilian giants. Like Mastantuono, he is a hybrid between a winger and a number ten, able to play both positions.

Well, the pair could become a force to be reckoned with in a Chelsea shirt, over the next few seasons. The stats on FBref show just how good they are, and as a duo, they could become unstoppable.

One of the stats that sticks out is their creative passing numbers. Mastantuono averages 2.59 key passes and 5.47 shot-creating actions each game, with Estevao averaging 2.36 key passes and 4.03 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

Goals and assists

0.49

0.42

Key passes

2.59

2.36

Shot-creating actions

5.47

4.03

Carries into final third

3.33

3.33

Ball recoveries

3.33

4.44

There is no doubt that Mastantuono is an exciting talent. Not only do Europe’s biggest clubs want to sign him, but he is putting up excellent numbers in a River shirt already, and has some impressive underlying stats.

If this is a deal Chelsea manage to do, he could be a fantastic addition, and form a deadly partnership with Estevao at Stamford Bridge.

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Everton are “working” on a potential deal for an “outstanding” defender in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Moyes eyeing new signings for Everton

The Toffees continue to be linked with possible new signings this summer, with Greece and Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis emerging as an exciting option to make David Moyes’ side more of an attacking force.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season, scoring a combined 21 goals in the Champions League and Primeira Liga, registering seven assists across those competitions.

Meanwhile, Everton have also been linked with a shock move for Liverpool winger Ben Doak at the end of the season, which would send shockwaves across Merseyside.

The Scot is on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough and there is no guarantee that he has a long-term future at Anfield, which could lead to Everton pouncing for one of their rivals’ most exciting young players.

Whether the Reds would allow him to join their arch-rivals is up for debate, though.

Everton want to sign "outstanding" left-back

Speaking to Everton News, Bailey said that Everton want to sign Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin at the end of the season, with other Black Cats players also mentioned:

“They are one of the teams who are looking at Dennis Cirkin, the left-back at Sunderland. We know Crystal Palace and Tottenham like him.

“Obviously, Everton are looking at Sunderland with Anthony Patterson, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil. The Championship is a division which David Moyes knows very well.

“Cirkin is someone on their list, and they are doing work on the full-back position, I know that.”

Cirkin may be a Championship player, but he could be a great addition for Everton, having been such a consistent performer for Sunderland over an extended period.

Prior to this weekend’s action, the 23-year-old has scored three goals and bagged two assists in the league this season, highlighting the quality he can provide from left-back, which is five times the amount of goal contributions Vitalii Mykolenko had managed in the Premier League (zero goals and one assist).

Stat

Cirkin

Mykolenko

Appearances

34

29

Starts

29

29

Minutes played

2632

2544

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

1

Clearances per game

2.6

4

Tackles per game

2.5

1.8

Aerial duel wins per game

1.2

1.5

Cirkin is a player with plenty of admirers, including former striker Sam Parkin, who has described him as an “outstanding” footballer, saying:

“I think he has been one of the most outstanding players in the division this season. When you watch him live, he is a very good athlete. I think he gets up and down; it is eye-catching, the way he moves with the ball, but his decision-making on the ball and his ability on the ball have been top-class this season.”

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At 23, Cirkin still has lots to offer, and the lure of the Premier League could be great if Sunderland fail to earn promotion, so Everton should be looking at him as an excellent option.

The India left-arm spinner has worked hard on channelling her aggression positively, and is now eyeing a T20 World Cup spot

Srinidhi Ramanujam05-May-2024Radha Yadav is a much calmer person these days. She admits she used to lose her rhythm because of her aggression earlier. But in the last year or so, the left-arm spinner has worked hard on channelling this aggression in a manner that yields good outcomes. This shift was visible in her performances in WPL 2024 which led to her earning a recall to the India squad for the tour of Bangladesh, five months ahead of the T20 World Cup.She has looked more assured than ever and has been “really enjoying” her game in Sylhet, where the five-match T20I series is being played. Three games in – all of which India have won – she has six wickets at an economy of 5 and an average of 10 to be the leading wicket-taker.”It’s quite similar to India, we get turn on this wicket – really, really enjoying [myself],” Radha said after India won the third T20I to take the series with two games to play. “We are really happy in the change room. The management has given us certain roles to follow, and we are doing it properly. Feeling happy.”Related

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Having found her way back to the India team after last playing an international game in February 2023, Radha has become a vital cog in the spin attack that also has Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil – the uncapped S Asha and another left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque are waiting for their chance.In two of the three matches, Radha has provided crucial breakthroughs, including two double-wicket overs. After 1 for 19 in the opening game, Radha starred with 3 for 19 in the second. In that game, the Bangladesh batters had started with good intent, keeping the scorecard moving despite losing two wickets in the powerplay. Radha then trapped captain Nigar Sultana and Fahima Khatun lbw in successive deliveries to leave Bangladesh four down by the end of the tenth over. This triggered a collapse as Bangladesh were bowled out for 119.In the third T20I, she once again dismissed Sultana and Shorifa Khatun in the space of three balls in the penultimate over to return 2 for 22 as Bangladesh posted a below-par 117.

“I try to stay calm, and I am generally very aggressive. Because of the aggression, I used to lose my rhythm at times. So, now I try to be calm with a smiling face”Radha Yadav

Radha became a regular in the India XI after making her T20I debut in 2018. However, there was a period of lull. From the start of 2022 till the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa, she played a total of 27 games and took just 16 wickets at an economy rate of 6.84. At the last T20 World Cup, she picked up three wickets in four games at an average of 30.33.The lean run stretched to WPL 2023 where she played for Delhi Capitals. While Capitals were largely unaffected by her performances – or the lack of them – as they finished runners-up, Radha was one of the few players to have fallen short. She lacked control and accuracy, getting just four wickets in nine games with an economy rate of 7.20.With Patil and Ishaque then getting into the India team, Radha moved down the pecking order. Away from the limelight, Radha streamlined her approach and focussed on staying calm in the heat of a cricket match.Radha was someone who tried to bowl at the stumps, but has now started to bowl wider lines too. She is also slower through the air at times, taking pace off to deprive the batters runs. Against Bangladesh, she has bowled 39 of her 72 balls outside off stump, though the ones that got her wickets were largely at the stumps.Radha Yadav was a very different bowler in WPL 2024•BCCIThe shift was on evidence in WPL 2024, where she bowled 79 of her 150 deliveries outside off stump and picked up five out of her ten wickets when pitching the ball away from the batters. With this, Radha also ended WPL 2024 as the fourth-highest wicket-taker as Capitals again finished runners-upRadha has learnt to use her aggression positively.During WPL 2024, she had revealed in a post-match chat with Jemimah Rodrigues that she used to search for “Virat Kohli aggression videos” on YouTube to keep herself pumped up.”I try to stay calm, and I am generally very aggressive. Because of the aggression, I used to lose my rhythm at times,” she explained. “So now, I try to be calm with a smiling face.”Since the start of 2019, Radha is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is, behind Deepti. She has worked her way out of a period of lull, and the new, improved version could work very well for India come the T20 World Cup in a few months’ time.