It has not been the easiest summer transfer window for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s side have constantly seen their first-choice targets across the pitch turn them down, or they have lost out to other clubs. Bryan Mbeumo’s proposed move to Manchester United is a prime example of that.

Well, the Magpies have lined up a deal for former Man United academy star Anthony Elanga as an alternative to the Brentford winger, with the Nottingham Forest man set for a medical before a proposed £55m move.

At the other end of the pitch, Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini is a clear target for the Tynesiders. However, the Italian is not the only defender Howe’s side are lining up this summer.

Newcastle’s new defensive target

It remains to be seen just how realistic a deal to sign Scalvini is for Newcastle this season. The Magpies were reportedly engaging in discussions with Atalanta over the weekend, as per reports.

Well, another centre-back that the North East giants are pursuing is Chelsea’s French international defender Axel Disasi. According to a report from RMC Sport, Newcastle are one of a few sides who ‘have begun talks’ for the former AS Monaco star.

They are thought to be ‘interested in the international’s profile’, and could look to do a deal in the region of £25m, the fee Chelsea want from the move.

However, they are not the only club in the race, with Spanish outfit Villareal the one side ‘particularly persistent’ ahead of the deal.

Why Disasi would be a good signing

The 2024/25 campaign was by no means an easy one for 27-year-old Disasi. He fell out of favour under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea and departed the club on a six-month loan deal in January, joining Aston Villa temporarily.

The centre-back, who was a part of France’s 2022 World Cup squad, made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Blues and the Villans last term. However, with just 852 Premier League minutes under his belt for both sides, he surely did not play the number of games he may have wanted.

Yet, the Frenchman did impress at Villa Park, despite the lack of football he played last term. Villans boss Unai Emery said in March that Disasi was a player “growing in confidence” the more he played. That came after a Player of the Match performance against Brentford away from home.

As football talent scout Jacek Kulig once said, he is a “dominant” player when at his best.

The Chelsea defender could be the perfect alternative to Scalvini, who also didn’t play in 2024/25. However, that was due to injury, with the 21-year-old first recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, before picking up a shoulder injury which essentially ended his season.

So, last season, the Italy star made just eight appearances. However, in 2023/24, a season in which Atalanta won the Europa League, Scalvini played 44 games. In the final, he played 45 minutes against a Bayer Leverkusen side who had, until that clash, gone invincible. He helped keep a clean sheet and steer his side to a 3-0 win.

With little football for both players last season, it is perhaps tough for the Magpies to judge who is best to sign. However, stats on FBref from the 2023/24 season can be used to help make a better call, with Disasi’s numbers stacking up well against his Italian counterpart.

For example, the Chelsea number two, who will surely leave Stamford Bridge this summer, averaged 3.9 progressive passes and 3.55 clearances per 90 minutes. In comparison, the Atalanta star averaged 4.1 progressive passes and 2.51 progressive passes each game.

Whilst there is no doubt that Scalvini would be a good addition for the Magpies, his injury record is a worry, and Disasi could prove to be the dream alternative. The 27-year-old brings experience, progression from the back and good reading of the game, as stats like ball recoveries show.

For just £25m, this could be the dream addition for Newcastle this summer, to enhance the quality they have at the back.

He'd be a dream with Scalvini: Newcastle very close to signing £30m star

As Newcastle United increase their interest in Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, the Magpies are also “very close” to sign a “world class” star.

By
Ben Gray

Jul 6, 2025

What a whirlwind 24 hours or so it has been for Newcastle United. On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that they received a huge approach from Liverpool for star striker Alexander Isak, which is said to be a ‘record bid’ from Fabrizio Romano.

That is something that could scupper their move for French striker Hugo Ekitike. The Magpies are believed to have bid £69m for the Eintracht Frankfurt star, also confirmed by Romano, but the German side rejected that offer. If Liverpool are priced out of a move for Isak, they could instead move for Ekitike.

The two clubs are certainly embroiled in one of the sagas of the summer so far, although perhaps Newcastle will turn their attention elsewhere completely.

The latest on Newcastle's transfer business

It will be fascinating to see who ends up where at the end of the Isak and Ekitike saga, with it looking increasingly likely that one will play for Liverpool next season. Thus, the Magpies may well switch their focus and look for an alternative centre-forward, regardless of what happens.

Transfer Focus

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

A recent report from Chronicle Live says that Eddie Howe’s side are ‘long-term admirers’ of RB Leipzig and Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko. Reading between the lines, perhaps a move for the 22-year-old will materialise.

However, there is a stumbling block, and that is the fact that he is ‘one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe’, as described in the report. Arsenal are one club linked with the striker, having reportedly been in talks over a £70m move for him back in June.

With the Gunners now set to sign Viktor Gyokeres instead, it remains to be seen if Sesko is still on their list.

How Sesko compares to Ekitike

There is no doubt that Sesko would move to St James’ Park with a fantastic reputation. Described as a “menace of a striker” by football scout Antonio Mango, the Slovenia international is well-regarded across European football.

The 2024/25 campaign was an impressive one for the Leipzig striker. In 45 appearances for the German side, he scored 21 goals and grabbed six assists along the way. His Bundesliga record of 13 goals and five assists is impressive for someone just 22 years of age.

When you think of a “menace” in front of goal, as Mango described the Leipzig number nine, a deadly centre-forward who can score plenty of types of goals may spring to mind.

Look at this strike in the Champions League last season, which really highlights what the scout means. That is a deadly finish.

There is certainly a case to be made that the striker is a bigger talent than Ekitike. The Frenchman impressed for Eintracht last term, with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for the Bundesliga outfit.

There is no doubt that the former PSG player is a superb striker and someone whose game is well-rounded, given the number of assists he gets. He also knows where the back of the net is, too, as the video showcases.

However, looking at some of the numbers on FBref, you can certainly make a case for the fact that the Leipzig striker is a bigger talent. Some of the key numbers for a striker certainly weigh in Sesko’s favour. It is also worth bearing in mind that, whilst Ekitike scored more goals last season, he did feature in more games.

For example, the 22-year-old Slovenia international averages 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes, compared to 0.32 goals per shot on target each game for the Frenchman. In terms of off-the-ball work, Sesko wins 2.65 aerial duels per game compared to Ekitike’s 1.82.

You can certainly form a strong argument which says Sesko is a way bigger talent than Ekitike, not least having already scored 93 club goals to date at senior level, from 214 games. The latter man, by contrast, has scored just 44 club goals from 136 games, despite being just over a year older than the Leipzig sensation.

Whilst the Magpies are in many ways stuck in limbo with their striker signing, perhaps the opportunity to sign Sesko could present itself this summer.

A £70m fee is expensive, but it is only the same fee that they bid for the Eintracht star, and would surely be enough to tempt Leipzig into a sale. The Newcastle striker saga, from here, will be fascinating, but Sesko is surely a strong option.

He'd be magic with Ekitike: Newcastle to hold talks to sign £40m star

Newcastle’s summer transfer window has roared into life.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 15, 2025

Germany bounced back from their disappointing World Cup qualifying loss to Slovakia by beating Northern Ireland 3-1, with Liverpool new boy Florian Wirtz grabbing the pick of the goals.

• Germany win 3-1 against Northern Ireland
• Wirtz scores brilliant free-kick to cap victory
• Rudiger struggles as Raum shows off genius

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  TELL ME MORE

  Germany suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their opening Group A game in Bratislava, but responded well to see off Northern Ireland on Sunday thanks to goals from Serge Gnabry, Nadiem Amiri and Wirtz.

  Julian Nagelsmann's side made a strong start to the game at RheinEnergieSTADION, with Serge Gnabry getting on the end of Nick Woltemade's through ball before chipping Bailey Peacock-Farrell to give the hosts an early lead. Germany continued to dominate the ball through the opening half hour, but Northern Ireland found a way back into the game after capitalising on Antonio Rudiger's sloppiness. Crystal Palace's Justin Devenny's corner kick found Isaac Price, who managed to get away from the Real Madrid defender and slot in a delightful equaliser on the volley to make it 1-1 heading into the half-time break.

  Germany continued to look out of sorts in the first 15 minutes of the second half, until Peacock-Farrell's misjudgement of a lovely David Raum's pass allowed Nadiem Amiri to nip in and score into an open net to put Nagelsmann's team back in front. Liverpool star Wirtz then rounded off a crucial victory for Germany with a perfectly struck free-kick from 20 yards out to give himself lift-off for the season and put his country back on track in World Cup qualifying.

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  THE MVP

  Wirtz has had a slow start to life at Liverpool after his big-money summer move from Bayer Leverkusen. As such, a return to the German national team came at the right time for the midfielder, who showed that class is permanent with his superb free-kick against Northern Ireland. Raum was the standout player for Germany on the night, though, as he provided a constant creative outlet on the left flank. It was his technical mastery and vision that opened up the game just when it looked like Northern Ireland might steal a result.

• Getty
  

  THE BIG LOSER

  Rudiger has also been struggling with form at the start of the new season, but failed to show his quality in Cologne despite coming up against a Northern Ireland lacking quality upfront. The Real Madrid star's complacency gave the visitors a route back into the game, and he picked up an early yellow card that prevented him from sticking to his usual aggressive style of play.

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  WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Nagelsmann and Germany will still know that they have to work on their tactical setup when they return to action in October for their next set of World Cup qualifiers. Germany will face Luxembourg before travelling to Northern Ireland for a return fixture.

Kurtis Patterson made his highest first-class score in two years on his return to the New South Wales side as he and Jack Edwards engineered a recovery against Queensland after the visiting quicks had caused early problems.NSW slumped to 59 for 5 during the morning session as the new ball nibbled around with 19-year Tom Straker, in his second first-class match, taking three early wickets. But Patterson, who had returned to a line-up missing a host of players on Australia duty after being dropped last season, and Edwards, himself making a comeback from injury, added 135 in 35 overs for the sixth wicket.”I probably haven’t said it publicly but I think I needed to be dropped when I was last year because frankly, I wasn’t batting well enough,” Patterson said. “I’d be lying if I said that thought never crossed my mind, whether I’d get another go back here. But thankfully I’ve kind of ticked all the boxes with [grade club] St George and got my opportunity.”However, NSW then lost 4 for 3 at the end of their innings and Queensland’s openers, Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw, were able to get through some testing new ball spells, including Josh Hazlewood’s first of the season to finishing unbeaten.Patterson played two Tests back in 2019 against Sri Lanka, scoring a century in the second and finishing with an average of 144, but fell out of contention shortly after and last season lost his place in the NSW side after being dumped as captain.He fought hard against the moving ball in the opening session before taking advantage of easier conditions in the afternoon and was in sight of his first century since 2022 when he was given caught behind off Angus Lovell although he seemed upset with the decision.Edwards, who missed the last round with a hamstring injury, played positively from the outset to wrestle back some initiative for NSW. Like Patterson, he did not appeared pleased with the caught-behind decision which ended his innings short of what would have been a third first-class century.That heralded a late collapse for NSW as Lovell and captain Mitchell Swepson cleaned up the lower order.The day had started in similar style for the home side with Blake Nikitaras falling in the opening over when he jabbed a full delivery from Liam Guthrie to third slip. Nic Maddinson tried to take the positive route but dragged on against Straker for 10 off six deliveries with Ollie Davies then falling to an excellent delivery which nipped off the seam to take off stump.Moises Henriques drove a wide delivery to point and Matthew Gilkes got a top edge to a short ball.Queensland’s attack did an excellent job in the absence of senior figures Michael Neser (Australia A) and Mark Steketee (injury).

It’s hardly been a summer transfer window to write home about for West Ham United supporters so far.

The main talking point still hanging in the air is the disappointing £55m sale of Mohammed Kudus to arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with the recent free transfer purchase of Kyle Walker-Peters from Southampton at least offering a slight ray of positivity amidst a gloomy window to date.

There will surely be a desire on the part of Graham Potter to push on with more signings, as the list of strikers being linked with a move to the London Stadium increases.

West Ham considering move for £26m forward

Indeed, it does appear as if the Irons are hunting down reinforcements up top.

Transfer Focus

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

One target in this department is FC Metz hotshot Idrissa Gueye, who is a far cry from the other name constantly circling in Callum Wilson – a player who has reportedly even agreed personal terms with the Hammers.

The 18-year-old hotshot is an up-and-coming talent in France, contrasted with the ageing 33-year-old now searching for a fresh club as a declining free agent.

West Ham might well meet in the middle, instead, with another centre-forward target in the form of Cagliari star Roberto Piccoli, with Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari taking to X recently to reveal that the Hammers are considering a move for the €30m (£26m) attacker.

He might well be a better option to go after than settling for the ex-AFC Bournemouth veteran, with Piccoli just fresh off a goal-laden season in Serie A, whilst Wilson faded into the background on Tyneside.

How Piccoli compares to Wilson

Wilson hadn’t always found himself stuck on the periphery at St James’ Park, however.

At one point in time, the Coventry-born marksman was Newcastle’s leading man – before Alexander Isak stormed onto the scene – with a hefty 35 of his Premier League collection of 88 strikes coming for the Toon.

Unfortunately for Wilson, only nine of those efforts have fallen across his last two seasons, and whilst the 33-year-old’s game has noticeably waned for Eddie Howe’s Magpies, Piccoli was coming into his own for his employers in Italy.

Last campaign, the Cagliari number 91 would play a key role in his lowly Serie A side beating the drop, with ten goals being powered home from 37 games.

Games played

37

Goals scored

10

Assists

1

Shots*

2.6

Big chances missed

26

Total duels won*

5.2

In a Hammers environment where he has the likes of Jarrod Bowen to bounce off, he could well live up to his “prolific” billing even more, as he was once labelled by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Of course, Piccoli isn’t the finished article – as seen in his glaring 26 big chances missed last season in Serie A action – but his aggressiveness to throw himself into duels, which saw him 5.2 duels on average across that same span, should stand him in good stead for the challenges ahead, away from just being viewed as a promising, centre-forward figure with room to grow and develop.

On the flip side, Wilson has been deep in the twilight of his playing days for some time now.

Worryingly, Jamie Carragher way back in 2023 had highlighted that the Premier League regular had just “not been the same” amid concerns about his sluggish displays for the Magpies. Wilson himself has even been critical of his drop-off in form, too, having noted the 2024/25 season as being “one of my worst.”

That has now culminated in him drawing consistent blanks, with West Ham far better placed to go after the services of Piccoli, over hoping that the 33-year-old reaches his peak again.

Perfect Paqueta replacement: West Ham target move for "exquisite" £34m star

With Lucas Paquetá likely to leave West Ham United this summer, the Irons are interested in sign an “exquisite” talent who once cost as much as £32m.

ByBen Gray Jul 30, 2025

Though he hasn’t come cheap, there’s no question that Everton manager David Moyes has pulled off an impressive signing in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

A strong and slick central midfielder, the 26-year-old joins the Toffees from Chelsea for an initial £24m fee, which may rise to £28m with add-ons.

Moyes is packaging his squad with quality after overseeing a resurgence on Merseyside, replacing the stricken Sean Dyche in January. Many have left, and arrivals are filtering through as Everton prepare for life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

More, it must be said, is needed. And the Friedkin Group are aiming to bid, with one of the Premier League’s most prominent stars in talks to sign this month.

Everton planning more moves

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed Everton are in talks with Manchester City to sign Jack Grealish on loan. The 29-year-old has been told he does not feature in Pep Guardiola’s plans, but his £300k-per-week wage poses a problem.

Grealish has become a bit-part player over the past two years, which is rueful for those of a Citizen persuasion, given he joined for a British-record £100m fee back in 2021.

Still, the 29-year-old is fleet-footed and inspiring, and would raise the creative bar at Everton.

But he’s not the only one. According to Football Insider, Everton are still pushing hard for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, despite having seen a second bid worth £40m rejected.

Football Insider’s report reveals Saints have commenced talks with West Bromwich Albion for Tom Fellows, which indicates a willingness to sign a replacement for their 19-year-old prodigy.

What Tyler Dibling would bring to Everton

Dibling has been named a “world-class talent” by Southampton’s academy manager, Andy Goldie, and though the south coast club endured a painful 2024/25 campaign, relegated from the Premier League with a whimper, he still shone brightly. ​​​​​​

Having notched four goals and three assists across all competitions, Dibling showed signs of clinical potential, ranked among the 19% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for pass completion and the top 13% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

His successful take-ons, in particular, indicate an athletic quality that could rival Grealish’s down the line, perhaps with both under Moyes’ wing.

Considered by retired pro Stuart Pearce to be cut from the same cloth as Grealish, some might feel it’s a case of one or the other, but given that Grealish plays off the left and the Saints youngster is more often placed on the right, the two could combine to add some newfound flair to Moyes’ Everton.

Right winger

13

1

0

Attacking midfield

7

1

2

Centre-forward

5

2

1

Right wing-back

1

0

0

Grealish is widely regarded as one of the most skilful midfielders the Premier League has witnessed in recent years, and in his final season at Aston Villa, he averaged a jaw-dropping 8.9 duels per game and won 64% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Though Iliman Ndiaye already holds down the fort imperiously on Everton’s left flank, there’s a sense at times that the all-inspiring Senegalese brings qualities to the table that few, if any, of his teammates can match.

In Grealish and Dibling, Everton would land two stars with a similar capacity to thrill and lift fans from their seats.

Whether the Blues manage to pull both deals off remains to be seen, but with Thierno Barry having replaced Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the front of the ship, such athletic playmakers could dynamise Moyes’ project.

Only time, as ever, will tell if Everton’s Director of Football, Angus Kinnear, can get the moves completed.

He’d be Gueye 2.0: Everton closing in on move for "exciting" £22m star

Everton are looking for plenty more new signings this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 7, 2025

كشف ياسر عسكر، المدير الرياضي لشركة Nile، عن تفاصيل حديثه مع ياسر إبراهيم لاعب فريق النادي الأهلي بعد مباراة حرس الحدود في الدوري.

وفاز النادي الأهلي على حرس الحدود، بنتيجة 3-2، ليحقق فوزه الثاني على التوالي في بطولة الدوري المصري ويرتقي إلى المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وشهدت نهاية المباراة فوز مروان عطية لاعب القلعة الحمراء بجائزة رجل مباراة الأهلي وحرس الحدود بعد انتهاء اللقاء.

طالع|مروان عطية يوجه رسالة لـ ياسر إبراهيم بعد اعتراضه على جائزة رجل مباراة الأهلي وحرس الحدود

وبعد المباراة، تحدث ياسر إبراهيم مع ياسر عسكر عن اختيار رجل المباراة، قائلًا: “بتخاروها على أساس إيه؟”، بعد تتويج مروان عطية بها.

وعلق ياسر عسكر على الأمر في مداخلة لبرنامج ملعب أون، على قناة أون سبورت: “والله في البداية، يمكن أي مباراة نحن نقدّم جائزة أفضل لاعب تقديرًا من الشركة للاعبين المتميزين في كل مباراة، وعلاقتنا بالجميع ممتازة”.

وتابع: “اليوم، وكعادتي، نزلت لأقدّم الجائزة، وكان الكابتن مروان حاضرًا، وكنت أستعد لتسليمها له، لكنني فوجئت بالكابتن ياسر إبراهيم يدفعني، ويضع يده عليّ، ثم قال بانفعال: أنت بتتصرف بناءً على إيه؟! إنتو كذا، وإنتو كذا، كانت لحظة صادمة، ولم أتوقع هذا التصرف إطلاقًا”.

وكشف: “الكابتن ياسر من الشخصيات التي أكنّ لها كل احترام وتقدير، وقد قابلته في مناسبات عديدة من قبل، إلا أنني فوجئت بانفعاله الشديد في تلك اللحظة، كان متعصبًا إلى درجة لم أكن أتوقعها منه، لم أردّ عليه إلا بكلمة واحدة فقط، قلت له بهدوء: “على فكرة، زميلك هو اللي خدها”.

وواصل: “اللاعب بعد المباراة ممكن يكون مشدودا، لكن ما لا يعجبني وضع يده علي، كنت أتمنى يكون في هدوء أكثر من ذلك، المنظومة الرياضية كلّها منظومة محترمة، وإحنا كشركة “نايل” راعي الدوري، نحب دائمًا نطوّر ونقدّم حاجات كويسة للرياضة المصرية”.

وأكمل: “الموقف فردي، لكن بشكل عام، الدوري المصري “دوري نايل” حاجة كبيرة، ونحن موجودين لنساهم في تطويره، ونحب مصرنا تبقى دائمًا كبيرة، أي موقف يحدث يكون مرئيا أمام الجميع، على مستوى العالم كله، وأنا شخصيًا أتأثر، ليس فقط بصفتي “ياسر عسكر” كشخص، أو كممثل لشركة “نايل”، ولكن لأن الصورة التي تظهر تكون أمام الناس جميعا، ولهذا أحرص دائمًا على أن يتم كل شيء في إطار من الاحترام والرقي، لأننا لا نرى بمعزل عن الآخرين”.

واختتم: “نحن موجودون داعمون ومساندون للرياضة المصرية، دورنا في النهاية أننا نسلّم الجائزة فقط، وليس لنا أي علاقة بأبعاد أخرى، وبأمانة، لازم نثمّن المجهود الكبير الذي تقوم به كل المنظومة من خلال رابطة الأندية المصرية، والشركة المتحدة، وحضراتكم في الإعلام، نحن فخورين بوجود إعلام يضاهي الإعلام العربي والعالمي”.

Tottenham are now targeting a Premier League star who’s rejected several attempts from his club to agree a contract extension, according to a fresh report, with the player also very keen to play in the Champions League.

Related Tottenham moving for £78m "crown jewel" signing after arrival of new investor

Spurs have fresh financial backing.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 30, 2025

Spurs have a few key areas of Thomas Frank’s squad they still wish to strengthen before deadline day on September 1.

After missing out on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in bizarre fashion, the north Londoners remain in pursuit of fresh attacking options to instill some much-needed creativity.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

According to some reports, Tottenham have held talks with intermediaries over an audacious move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, which would potentially require chairman Daniel Levy to shatter the club’s transfer record (AS).

A new number six is also possible, if Spurs make room in their squad by selling a midfielder (Alasdair Gold), with reliable media sources confirming that Bayern Munich and former Fulham star, Joao Palhinha, is on their list of targets.

Another area to look out for is at centre-half, despite Frank’s current abundance of defenders.

Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin and Luka Vuskovic are on Tottenham’s books right now, but the latter two may not be solid options to call upon ahead of the new season.

Vuskovic is still raw and could go out on loan again, as is the case with Ashley Phillips after he sealed a return to Stoke City, while Dragusin is still in recovery from a crushing ACL injury.

Tottenham were forced to utilise teenager Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-half amid their injury nightmare under Ange Postecoglou last season, and Frank will be very keen not to suffer the same fate as his predecessor.

Spurs are believed to remain contenders for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi as a result, coming after they had a mammoth £70m offer rejected for the Englishman in January, but he isn’t the only Premier League stalwart on Levy’s agenda.

Tottenham eye Brighton contract rebel Jan Paul van Hecke

According to Voetbal International and reporter Joost Blaauwhof, Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke is attracting interest from N17 too.

The Dutchman’s form last season prompted a call to the Netherlands international team, whilst also winning Brighton’s Player of the Season award following a stellar 2024/2025.

Brighton, for their part, are desperate to agree an extension and have made ‘several’ new deal offers. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were even prepared to table a record-breaking new contract by making van Hecke the highest-paid player in their history.

However, the 25-year-old has no interest in committing his future, and he’s firmly set his sights on a move away.

According to Voetbal, Tottenham are eyeing a move for van Hecke alongside Newcastle, with the former NAC Breda sensation dreaming of moving to a Champions League side.

Tony Bloom and co have priced van Hecke at around £43m, which could be seen as amazing value considering both his age and proven top-level experience. Just two years remain on the player’s current contract, though, so there is scope for Levy to even whittle down this price tag.

Rehan claims four wickets for England but late collapse leaves series hopes on the brink

Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Oct-2024 It is rare for a Test to have shifted as far back and forth as this third Test between Pakistan and England has in the space of two days. But a gutsy century from Saud Shakeel, and allround brilliance from Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, lifted the hosts from the gutter to the top of the mountains of Rawalpindi. A first home series win since 2021 is in view.Shakeel’s remarkable 134 from 223 deliveries – his fourth in Tests – dragged Pakistan to 344, boasting a vital first-innings lead of 77. That was ultimately achieved thanks to vital lower-order assistance from Noman Ali (45) and Sajid Khan (48 not out) in stands of 88 and 72 before they resumed their primary roles to run roughshod over England’s top-order once more, leaving them 24 for 3 at the close.The tourists will be wondering how the script has been flipped onto them so comprehensively. It seemed unthinkable when Shakeel arrived on Thursday evening at 46 for 3. Or when Rehan Ahmed’s pre-lunch spell of 3 for 24 from eight overs had the hosts reeling on 177 for 7, still 90 behind. The legspinner bagged No.11 Zahid Mahmood first-ball to finish with figures of 4 for 66 in his first appearance of the series.Resuming on 16 overnight, Shakeel brought old world-style and substance. There were just five boundaries during his vigil, the fourth of those a firm sweep in front of square which took him to 50 from 92 deliveries. His fifth and final one came 108 balls later. It was appropriate that he had the honour of taking Pakistan to 267, cancelling out England’s opening effort, with a comfortable single driven down the ground off the penultimate ball before tea.He was also the glue throughout, present in all four of Pakistan’s half-century stands in their first innings. While the 53 and 54 with Shan Masood and Mohammed Rizwan respectively had been about consolidation and rebuilding, the partnerships with Noman and Sajid set a new agenda. The former did his bit to achieve parity, the latter unfurled a heavy assault with four sixes among six boundaries, which included blasting off-spinner Shoaib Bashir out of the attack as his final over went for 19.England had gone into lunch in the ascendancy, using an extended opening session to reduce Pakistan to 187 for 7, with Rehan taking three of the four wickets to fall after the resumption from 73 for 3. That included trapping Rizwan and Salman Agha leg before in the space of nine deliveries, before bowling Aamer Jamal via a drag on off a googly.Shakeel was able to bat through the morning but could have been removed on 26 when Bashir – who dismissed Shan Masood – found a leading edge through to Jamie Smith, who was unable to claim a low catch. The ball ended up ricocheting off the wicketkeeper’s left shin, reflecting the difficulty of the chance due to a lack of bounce.Still 80 behind after lunch, Shakeel and the very capable Noman set about drawing level with England’s first innings. The latter was the main aggressor, clouting Rehan for six down the ground as the 20-year-old struggled to find the full length that had come so easily in an excellent eight-over spell before the first break.Saud Shakeel reached a fine century in partnership with Noman Ali•Getty ImagesPerhaps because there were two left-handers, Ben Stokes decided not to keep the legspinner on for the start of the session. When he did reintroduce Rehan, it was from the Media rather than the Pavilion End, where he had bowled all of his previous nine overs.The skipper’s frustration was compounded when Joe Root, brought on to bowl the 78th over, got his first delivery to spit out of the rough and take the shoulder of Noman’s bat when the left-hander was on 35. Stokes, fielding close in at first slip, got fingertips on the ball diving to his left. Noman had earlier corrected an LBW dismissal when on 10, with DRS confirming an inside-edge. It was the third decision umpire Sharfuddoula had overturned in this innings.The following over, Shakeel knocked another comfortable single into leg side to bring up his first hundred against England, and second at this venue. The celebrations from his batting partner and teammates in the home dressing room were far more animated than his, all too aware there was plenty of work to be done.Noman’s stay was ended by Bashir, getting the second new ball to skid into the pads of the No.9. But he found himself on the receiving end of Sajid’s acceleration at the start of the evening session, all while Shakeel was more than happy to hand the moustachioed whirlwind the strike. Even the blow Sajid wore on his chin that spilled blood on his shirt came from his blade, attempting to scoop Rehan over his shoulder.Shakeel’s stay was eventually capped at five hours and eight minutes, neither pulling nor defending a Gus Atkinson short delivery to sub-fielder Matthew Potts at midwicket. That Atkinson was not used sooner was another blight on Stokes’ captaincy after lunch, and it was odd that he did not turn to his own seam when Pakistan’s lower order were having their way with spin.When the innings was brought to a close by Rehan’s excellent googly into Mahmood’s stumps, a 5.20pm sunset suggested England did not have much to see out. But it was still enough time for a cascade of three wickets in 28 deliveries for just five runs.Ben Duckett, the most proactive player against spin, was trapped LBW on the back leg by Sajid, a decision the offie needed a DRS review to achieve. An arm ball from Noman then trapped Crawley – the fourth time the left-armer has pocketed the opener in as many innings – before Ollie Pope finished a dismal series with low hands offering a catch to slip, via a deflection from Rizwan’s gloves, for Noman’s second of the innings.The deficit is 53, and there is hope for England that Root and Harry Brook can make amends on day three. It was these two who combined for 454 in the first Test at Multan. But as all involved in Pakistan cricket will tell you, a lot can change in two weeks.

Six sixes in free-flowing counterattack allow England to post competitive 267 on turning deck

Vithushan Ehantharajah24-Oct-2024

The patio heaters, industrial-sized fans and rakes have worked their magic. But as Rawalpindi’s famed batting track produced 13 wickets on the opening day of this third and decisive Test, it was England who benefitted, first scrapping to 267 and then making that a workable total by reducing Pakistan to 73 for 3 by the close.On a pitch that had everyone guessing, Ben Stokes winning England’s first toss in eight attempts felt heaven-sent, especially as his opposite number Shan Masood admitted to trepidation as to how matters would play out underfoot. But it would have been a wasted miracle were it not been for a remarkable 89 from Jamie Smith, bagging a first half-century way from home, and driving a vital 107-run stand with Gus Atkinson (39) for the seventh wicket.Sajid Khan flourished once more, finishing with 6 for 128 from 29.2 overs for the third five-wicket haul of his career, and second in as many first-innings in this series. His early incisions and quick dismantling of the tail kept England in check as they dreamed of 300 following Smith and Atkinson’s rebuilding effort from 118 for 6.The initial foundations set by Ben Duckett’s accomplished 52 had collapsed on an uncertain surface displaying irregular bounce rather than excessive turn. A score of 56 for 0 became 98 for 5 in the space of 12.5 overs as the pitch started to play tricks, exacerbated once more by Sajid and left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who finished with 3 for 88.As expected after sharing all 20 English wickets in the second Test in Multan to square the series, the spin duo did the lion’s share of the bowling, sending down all but 11 of the 68.2 overs, including the first 42 unchanged. For only the second time in Test history – and first since 1882 – no pace bowler was used in the first innings of the match.England began reasonably enough, with a relatively untroubled 50 up in 12 overs. After a watchful start before Zak Crawley – playing in his 50th Test – he fell to Noman with a scuffed drive to backward point. Ollie Pope unfurled another skittish effort of 3 off 14 – trapped in front playing a desperate sweep – before Duckett (wearing one on his toes), Joe Root (trapped in front) and Harry Brook (bowled leg stump attempting to sweep) succumbed to deliveries that did not get up as expected.That England had something to work with, lunching on 110 for 5, was thanks largely to Duckett. While somewhat precarious, it was hard to label it outright as a problematic position, and in propelling that total to 242 for 8 by tea, Smith and Atkinson ensured England had a firm footing.By the time Sajid was eventually relieved of his mammoth first spell of 21 overs, he had removed Stokes, caught at slip, 11 balls into the second session, for his fourth wicket. He eventually returned to bring Noman’s opening salvo to an end after 23 overs.Sajid Khan salutes the crowd after his six-wicket haul•Getty Images

Atkinson joined Smith and set about an all-Surrey stand, acting as the straight man to the latter’s devastation, even if those roles only truly came to the fore at the end of their century stand. After a watchful start from both – Smith’s fifty took all of 94 deliveries – the final 39 runs to take their partnership to three figures took just 21 deliveries.It was a charge instigated by Atkinson, striking three fours in the last four balls off the 56th over, against the legspinner Zahid Mahmood who was was now in England’s sights as the bowler to target. That being said, Smith followed with successive boundaries off Sajid, albeit the second – his third six – pierced the hands of Saud Shakeel at long on.Had Shakeel been set back on the fence rather than a few feet in front, he might have ended the keeper-batter’s innings on 54. Alas, Sajid felt the brunt of that miss, taken for another two more boundaries by Smith in his next over – the first smeared over midwicket for six, the second lofted gloriously down the ground for a one-bounce four.The second took the value of the seventh wicket to 103 from just 159 deliveries. And though it would only reach 107 as Noman returned to take a catch off his own bowling as Atkinson bunted back a delivery that stuck in the pitch, Smith kept going, blasting two sixes down the ground off Zahid as he rounded on his second Test century. A third six at the end of the over was avoided thanks to exemplary work from Sajid, who took a boundary catch twice, but had to hurl the ball back in play for a second time to prevent the boundary.Alas, Smith would fall nine short, Zahid the beneficiary of a top-edged heave that was taken to end a remarkable knock and polish the legspinner’s figures, which would read 1 for 44 from 10 overs. It was Pakistan’s first wicket in 28 for a bowler other than Sajid and Noman, who combined for all 20 in second Test in Multan.Leach and Rehan Ahmed, recalled to the side for his first international appearance since February, resumed after the break but lasted just 32 deliveries, with Sajid dragging both out of the crease to claim his fifth and sixth wickets of the match, and his 15th in three innings since his recall in Multan.Naturally, Stokes opened with Leach, though he handed Atkinson the new ball at the other end for the first sight of pace, albeit for just a two-over spell. A leg bye in the second of that burst took Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub past their previous highest opening stand of 15. But having made it to 35, Bashir spun one into Shafique’s front pad for the first of three Pakistan wickets to fall for just 11 runs.An attempt to batten down the hatches through to stumps allowed England to squeeze. Leach pocketed Ayub, prodding to Root at midwicket – the middle of three catchers on the leg side – before Atkinson returned for a solitary over and profited from the low bounce to knock back the off stump of Kamran Ghulan, gone for three having marked his debut in Multan last week with a century.Masood will resume on day two with Shakeel, who was incorrectly given out on one when adjudged to have been caught by Stokes after Smith deflected the ball to his skipper at first slip when attempting a take down the leg side. It was the second of two clear errors from umpire Sharfuddoula overturned by DRS, having earlier raised the finger to Ayub at the start of the seventh over for a similarly mistaken call for a catch in the cordon.