Martin could land dream 1st Rangers signing who's "very similar" to Raskin

Much will be made of what new Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin does in the transfer market this summer.

Plenty of the Ibrox faithful are writing him off already, but by making astute signings and winning on the pitch, he will be able to get everyone behind him.

The Light Blues have been linked with a few players in recent weeks. With investment coming from the 49ers, this summer marks a critical turning point for the club.

Dor Turgeman is a striker who the club have reportedly opened talks to sign, while former Wolves centre-back Conor Coady is also a rumoured target this summer.

Both would be solid signings and signify that the club mean business ahead of the 2025/26 season, no doubt about that.

The caveat being, however, that the Gers may have to sell a player or two in the process, especially with several prized assets attracting attention.

Hamza Igamane has been on the radar of Everton since late last year. Indeed, the Toffees even sent scouts to watch him perform against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.

Mohamed Diomande is another who the Premier League side are reportedly keen on signing this summer. The midfielder enjoyed a solid first full season at Ibrox and now clubs from down south are eyeing him up.

It is Nico Raskin who is attracting the most attention following a stunning campaign in Glasgow, however. Will Martin keep the midfielder for another season? Or might he be tempted to strike when the iron is hot and secure a magnificent profit on the Belgian?

Nico Raskin's 2024/25 season in numbers

Raskin won both the Rangers’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards and both were well deserved indeed.

Despite struggling with an injury through pre-season and having to wait until September to make his first appearance of the campaign, Raskin made up for lost time.

He began dominating games alongside Diomande at the heart of the pitch and was even made captain when James Tavernier was injured. He led the club to an impressive 3-0 Old Firm victory at the turn of the year, before scoring and assisting in the same fixture a few months later.

That 3-2 win was the Light Blues’ first at Parkhead since October 2020 and his leadership qualities were regularly on display.

In the top flight, the former Standard Liege starlet not only registered 14 goal contributions, but he also created nine big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game.

For someone typically known for his defensive output, these attacking statistics are certainly impressive. From a defensive point of view, the Belgian averaged 2.8 tackles per match, along with winning 6.6 total duels and recovering 5.6 balls per game in the Scottish Premiership.

Metric

Premiership

Europa League

Goals

4

1

Assists

10

1

Big chances created

9

1

Tackles per game

2.8

3.7

Total duels won per game

6.6

6.4

This combination of attacking dynamism and tenacity when looking to win the ball back established Raskin as the club’s bright spark last term.

His performances even led to a debut for Belgium and there is no doubt his future lies away from Scotland.

Nicolas Raskin

Should Martin cash in this summer, the Light Blues could well target someone who is in a similar mould as a player…

Rangers could land the dream midfield target

Brazilian midfielder Metinho has been eyed as a potential signing for the club this summer, as has former Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark.

Transfer Focus

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

As reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week, however, Rangers are battling several European clubs in the race to sign Colo Colo starlet Vicente Pizarro.

He won the Chilean Primera División in 2022 with his current club, and they are reportedly demanding a fee of around £4m to secure his services.

Given the fact Rangers could lose Diomande or Raskin this summer, signing another midfielder is high on Martin’s priority list.

Pizarro would be an ideal replacement for the Belgian starlet, as he has exuded similar qualities during his stint with Colo Colo.

Why Vicente Pizarro could be Rangers’ next Nico Raskin

Pizarro tends to operate as a defensive midfielder for his club, making 19 appearances during the current campaign.

While his attacking statistics may not be as impressive as the ones Raskin registered (four goal contributions in 19 matches), Pizarro has excelled in other areas, especially during the Copa Libertadores.

Indeed, when compared to his peers in South America’s most prestigious club competition, he ranks in the top 11% for passes attempted (66.41) per 90 and in the top 16% for pass completion percentage (88.2%).

Elsewhere, the midfielder even ranks in the top 5% for interceptions (2.18) and in the top 12% for clearances (2.62) per 90 in the competition this season.

These statistics suggest that he could be an excellent like-for-like Raskin replacement. Someone who would be able to slot in seamlessly next to Diomande when the 2025/26 campaign starts.

Pizarro was profiled by analyst and content creator, Kai Watson, amid the reported interest in him last month.

He was even dubbed “impressive” by Ben Mattinson last year following a performance for Colo Colo and it is clear that the midfielder would be an interesting signing.

He played 45 minutes for Chile against Argentina in the recent World Cup qualifier, although he couldn’t prevent his country suffering a 1-0 loss.

Given the fact he is already an established international player at the age of 22, it means Rangers could make a big statement of intent by signing him in the coming weeks.

He could turn out to be another player who the club bring in for a relatively small fee that will secure a massive profit in the coming years.

Much will depend on whether Raskin stays or goes this summer. Whatever happens, being linked with players such as Pizarro is only a good sign.

Thelwell now prioritising Rangers move to sign 20-goal ace who Martin loves

The Gers are ready to get their summer underway.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 7, 2025

Amorim's next Amad: Wilcox considering Man Utd bid for "special" £38m star

Manchester United’s business in the transfer market has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with many of their additions failing to make the grade in the Premier League.

Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example in the current squad, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023, but has struggled to make the desired impact.

The Dane has only scored four times in the league throughout 2024/25, leading to rumours over his long-term future at Old Trafford, with a return to Serie A on the cards this summer.

Rasmus Hojlund for Man Utd.

It’s crucial that the hierarchy back Ruben Amorim in the market over the coming months, but more importantly is that they hand him the right players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Matheus Cunha has been the first addition, but if the club are to have any chance of rising up the table next campaign, added reinforcements are needed to help the Brazilian within the final third.

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

A striker has been the priority of United so far this summer, especially after missing out on number one target Liam Delap to fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.

Since his move to Stamford Bridge, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been touted with a move to join the Red Devils.

Crystal Palace's Jean-PhilippeMatetacelebrates after the match

However, other forwards have also been on their radar, with Lyon winger Malick Fofana the latest player linked with a move to Old Trafford, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Their report states that Jason Wilcox is considering making a bid for the Belgian youngster, who registered 16 combined goals and assists across all competitions – costing in the region of £38m.

It also claims that Chelsea are firmly in the race for his signature, with Amorim’s side once again facing the prospect of a transfer battle with Enzo Maresca’s side for a player’s signature.

Why United’s £38m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Despite Hojlund’s failures within the final third this campaign, other players around him have managed to star, including Ivorian forward Amad Diallo.

The 22-year-old was seen as an outcast under former boss Erik ten Hag, but was handed the platform to impress after Amorim’s arrival in late November last year.

He’s since taken his career to the next level at Old Trafford, registering 19 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25, with his £36m transfer fee now looking somewhat of a bargain.

Amad even scored a hat-trick in the comeback win over Southampton and bagged the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, a feat that made him an instant hero among the fanbase.

Such a deal needs to be replicated going forward, with new target Fofana providing just that should he make a move to Manchester in the coming months.

Lyon's Malick Fofana

He possesses a similar skillset, with both being nimble left-footed forwards who can operate off either wing, potentially operating in a wing-back role in Amorim’s system if needed.

When comparing his stats to those of Amad from the recent campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.

Games played

29

26

Goals & assists

9

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

48%

36%

Progressive carries

6.3

5.1

Carries into final third

3.2

2.5

Take-on success

47%

46%

Crosses completed

4

1.9

Fouls won

2.1

1.3

Fofana, who’s been labelled “special” by journalist Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, demonstrating his clinical ability in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90, handing the side an added threat given his desire to get forward with the ball at his feet.

The Belgian’s trickery has made him a constant nuisance to opposition defenders, completing 47% of his attempted take-ons and winning more fouls per 90.

£38m in today’s market is a solid price for a 20-year-old star who could improve massively in the years ahead under Amorim’s guidance, offering the side a new star in attacking areas.

If he can replicate Amad’s success in the Premier League in the near future, it would be another bargain and an addition that could take the club back towards their former glory.

An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent

Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025

West Brom now very keen on "incredible" £45k-p/w player with UCL experience

West Bromwich Albion are now very keen on signing an “incredible” defender who has experience at the very highest level, according to a report.

Mason's arrival marks start of new era at the Hawthorns

West Brom’s 2024-25 campaign ultimately petered out, with Tony Mowbray being dismissed just three months after his arrival, having failed to build on the foundations laid by Carlos Corberan.

However, the appointment of former Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason marks the start of a new era for the Baggies, with reporter Steve Hermon claiming the board have made a “brave” decision by replacing Mowbray with a manager who has no Championship experience.

At just 33-years-old, Mason is certainly young for a manager, but the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler and Germany boss Julian Naglelsmann have proven that experience isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to being successful.

Contact made: West Brom considering move to sign "ruthless" new striker

Ryan Mason is wasting no time in looking to strengthen his new West Brom team.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 5, 2025

Despite a poor end to the 2024-25 campaign, Albion finished just four points adrift of the Championship play-off places, which suggests Mason may not need to ring the changes this summer, but he will certainly be looking to put his own stamp on the squad.

According to a report from The Athletic, West Brom are now showing strong interest in signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, who is attracting the attention of a number of second-tier sides after impressing on loan at Derby County.

Derby boss John Eustace has confirmed he would like to sign Phillips on a permanent basis, with the defender’s time at Anfield surely coming to an end, having not featured for the Reds in the Premier League since the 2022-23 campaign.

Derby County manager JohnEustace

"Incredible" Phillips impressed Klopp during Liverpool spell

Perhaps most memorably, the Bolton-born defender featured regularly for Liverpool during the 2020-21 season, at which point Jürgen Klopp was having to deal with an injury crisis.

Ultimately, the Reds managed to seal qualification for the Champions League despite the injury issues, and Klopp was left impressed by some of the £45k-a-week centre-back’s performances, particularly catching the eye during a 2-1 win against West Ham United.

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

Speaking after the match, Klopp said: “He’s a brilliant guy, smart guy, intelligent, everything. He’s not easy on the eye, he’s not Messi but who cares? In the air, he’s a monster! He was incredible.”

Since then, the 28-year-old has arguably gone on to find his level in the Championship, but he has continued to impress in the air, placing in the top 1% for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other defenders in similar leagues.

Phillips, who has seven Champions League appearances to his name, could be an excellent signing for West Brom this summer, and the hope will be that he is available on a permanent basis, having not been a part of Liverpool’s plans for a number of years.

Derby face Blackburn in race to sign midfielder with same agent as Forsyth

Derby County face Blackburn Rovers in the race to sign a versatile midfielder with the same agent as Craig Forsyth, according to a new report.

Forsyth signs new Derby contract as Eustace targets attackers

Earlier this week, Derby announced that experienced defender Forsyth has signed a new two-year contract to remain with the Rams. The left-back’s contract was set to expire at the end of this month, but John Eustace, who was a teammate of Forsyth’s during his playing career, has decided to keep the 36-year-old at the club until 2027.

Derby County now want "fantastic" Blackburn star loved by John Eustace

The Rams could strike in a headline deal…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 12, 2025

Forsyth played 39 times for the Rams in the Championship last season, as they avoided relegation to League One. In those appearances, the defender managed to score an impressive three goals and grab four assists. This latest contract will see Forsyth extend his football career to 20 years, and this contract will also see Derby support him in getting his coaching qualifications.

As Eustace decides to keep valuable experience in his defence, in a fan forum held at Pride Park, the Derby boss has revealed that signing new attackers is a priority for the club this summer, given their lack of goals last season.

Derby County manager JohnEustace

Eustace said, via BBC Sport: “I’d love to play a back four, some exciting attacking wingers and two good strikers.”

This comes as the Rams have agreed a deal with Luton Town to sign striker Carlton Morris, who is set to undergo his medical once he returns from holiday.

Derby face Blackburn in race to sign Russell

The arrivals at Pride Park don’t look to be stopping there, as according to Football League World, Derby are keen on signing midfielder Jon Russell from League One side Barnsley.

It isn’t just the Rams looking at the 24-year-old however; Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United and Stoke City are also keeping an eye on the player’s situation ahead of a potential move.

Russell, who is a former Chelsea academy graduate, has been with the Tykes since January 2023, when he joined from Huddersfield Town.

The Jamaica international has been a key contributor for Barnsley in his two full seasons at the club – he played 31 times during the 2023/24 League One season, as Barnsley reached the play-offs. He then bettered that last term, as he played 40 times in the league, scoring an impressive 11 goals, as well as grabbing two assists.

Apps

40

Starts

34

Goals

11

Chance conversion

19%

Assists

2

Touches per game

38.9

Key passes per game

0.8

Big chances created

4

Duels per game (won)

4.0 (50%)

This report doesn’t claim how much the League One side would want for Russell, but given his contract expires next summer, Barnsley may have to consider cashing in on the midfielder now, before he leaves for nothing.

In further good news for Derby, they may hold an advantage in this race, as Russell, who can play in a defensive role as well as an advanced role in midfield, has the same representatives, Two Touch Agency, as Derby defender Forsyth, who they have of course recently concluded positive talks with.

Warner leads Australia's charge after the Zampa-Cummins show

An impressive bowling performance set the stage and Australia were always well ahead amid the rain

Andrew Fidel Fernando21-Jun-2024Adam Zampa led the charge through Bangladesh’s middle overs, before Pat Cummins claimed a hat-trick at the death as Australia made a commanding start to the Super Eight.Outside of a 58-run second-wicket stand between Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh were unable to string together any dominant periods with the bat.Related

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The result was them stumbling to 140 for 8 from their 20 overs. Although the North Sound pitch was on the slower side, and assisted the spinners, this was always going to be difficult to defend.David Warner and Travis Head combined to blast 65 for Australia in the first 6.5 overs, and though Bangladesh’s spinners imposed themselves after that, Australia were always cruising. They were 28 runs ahead when showers interrupted play (there had been squalls blowing through all evening).Zampa halts BangladeshAt 57 for 1 at the end of the eighth over, and two set batters in, Bangladesh were in a reasonable position from which to raise the tempo a little. But they were up against one of the canniest middle-overs operators going. Zampa slid in a fast arm ball, that Litton failed to hit with his sweep shot, and wound up bowled.Later, Zampa also hit Shanto in front of the stumps with a fast legbreak, removing Bangladesh’s top scorer of the evening. All up, he collected figures of 2 for 24 from his four overs.Cummins’ hat trickThe last three overs were not fruitful for Bangladesh, who scored only 23 runs. Cummins’ wicket-taking was chiefly responsible for Australia controlling that period of the game.His first two wickets came from back-of-a-length deliveries outside off. Mahmudullah tried to pull one through midwicket and ended up bottom-edging the ball into his stumps. Mahedi Hasan tried to ramp it, but provided only a neat catch to deep third.Then, first ball of the final over, Cummins outwitted Towhid Hridoy by bowling a slower, length ball to the batter, who only scooped it over the shoulder to short fine leg.This was Australia’s fourth hat trick in this format, but only the second in a World Cup. The first was by Brett Lee in 2007, also against Bangladesh.Warner and Head race out of the blocksIt didn’t take long for Australia’s openers to impose themselves. Warner hit the second ball of the innings – bowled by Mahedi Hasan – for four with a reverse sweep. But it was in the fourth over, bowled by Taskin Ahmed, that they really got going, with both batters clubbing straight boundaries, before Head lifted a shortish delivery into the stands beyond cow corner. They plundered 59 in the powerplay.Though Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain claimed two wickets in his first two overs, Head and Warner had got Australia well ahead of the required rate.

All the Australia state squads for 2024-25

The men’s and women’s domestic lists for the upcoming season

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2024 CA = Cricket Australia contract | R = Rookie contractACTWomenAlisha Bates, Paris Bowdler, Zoe Cooke, Grace Dignam, Holly Ferling, Angie Genford, Amy Hunter, Carly Leeson, Grace Lyons, Katie Mack, Shivani Mehta, Chelsea Moscript, Anesu Mushangwe, Olivia Porter, Gabrielle Sutcliffe, Annie WikmanIn Zoe Cooke (Queensland), Anesu Mushangwe (South Australia), Shivani Mehta, Chelsea Moscript
Out Kayla Burton, Rebecca Carter, Chloe Rafferty, Jannatul SumonaNew South WalesMenCharlie Anderson (R), Sean Abbott (CA), Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins (CA), Joel Davies (R), Oliver Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hackney, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Josh Hazlewood (CA), Moises Henriques, Ryan Hicks (R), Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon (CA), Nic Maddinson, Blake Nikitaras, Jack Nisbet, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Will Salzmann (R), Tanveer Sangha, Lachlan Shaw (R), Steven Smith (CA), Mitchell Starc (CA), Chris Tremain, Adam Zampa (CA).In Nic Maddinson (Victoria), Josh Philippe (WA), Sam Konstas
Out Baxter Holt (WA), Blake MacDonald, Ross Pawson, Jason Sangha (South Australia), David WarnerWomenJade Allen, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Sarah Coyte, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Ashleigh Gardner (CA), Alyssa Healy (CA), Ebony Hoskin, Elsa Hunter, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Lauren Kua, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield (CA), Claire Moore, Kate Pelle, Tahlia WilsonIn Sienne Eve, Elsa Hunter, Lauren Kua, Kate Pelle
Out Georgia Adams, Saskia Horley, Isa MalgioglioQueenslandMenLachlan Aitken (R), Xavier Bartlett (CA), Max Bryant, Hugo Burdon, Jack Clayton, Liam Guthrie, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja (CA), Marnus Labuschagne (CA), Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Jimmy Pierson, Matthew Renshaw, Jem Ryan (R), Gurinder Sandhu, Jack Sinfield, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker (R), Connor Sully, Mitch Swepson, Bryce Street, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Tom Whitney (R), Jack WildermuthIn Angus Lovell, Lachlan Hearne, Callum Vidler, Lachlan Aitken, Jem Ryan, Tom Straker
Out Joe Burns, James Bazley, Blake Edwards, Aryan Jain, Matthew Kuhnemann (Tasmania), Will Prestwidge (Tasmania)Women Lily Bassingthwaighte, Bonnie Berry, Lucinda Burke, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris (CA), Nicola Hancock, Laura Harris, Kira Holmes, Jess Jonassen (CA),Charli Knott, Grace Parsons, Georgia Redmayne, Courtney Sippel, Georgia Voll, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla WrigleyIn Mikayla Wrigley, Lucinda Bourke, Lily Bassingthwaite, Lauren Winfield-Hill
Out Zoe Cooke (ACT), Mikayla Hinkley (WA), Ellie Johnston, Ruth Johnston (Tasmania)South AustraliaMenWes Agar, Kyle Brazell (R), Jordan Buckingham, Aidan Cahill (R), Alex Carey (CA contract), Harry Conway, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Travis Head (CA), Henry Hunt, Spencer Johnson, Thomas Kelly, Jake Lehmann, Harry Matthias (R), Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Nathan McSweeney, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Campbell Thompson (R), Henry ThorntonIn Mackenzie Harvey (Victoria), Conor McInerney, Jason Sangha (NSW), Campbell Thompson
Out Jake Carder, David Grant, Isaac Higgins, Kelvin SmithWomenHollie Armitage, Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown (CA), Emma de Broughe, Josie Dooley, Emmerson Filsell, Paris Hall, Eleanor Larosa, Tahlia McGrath (CA), Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Kate Peterson, Megan Schutt (CA), Courtney Webb, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella WilsonIn Hollie Armitage, Emmerson Filsell
Out Anesu Mushangwe (ACT), Sam BettsMatt Kuhnemann has moved to Tasmania in the search for more red-ball cricket•BCCITasmaniaMenGabe Bell, Iain Carlisle, Nick Davis (R), Jake Doran, Kieran Elliot, Jarrod Freeman, Bradley Hope, Caleb Jewell, Matt Kuhnemann, Raf MacMillan (R), Riley Meredith, Lawrence Neil-Smith, Aidan O’Connor (R), Mitch Owen, Will Prestwidge, Nivethan Radhakrishnan (R), Jordan Silk, Billy Stanlake, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Macalister WrightIn Matt Kuhnemann (Queensland), Will Prestwidge (Queensland), Kieran Elliot, Raf Macmillan
Out Sam Rainbird, Matthew Wade, Paddy DooleyWomenNicola Carey, Julia Cavanough, Maisy Gibson, Heather Graham (CA), Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Emma Manix-Geeves, Tabatha Saville, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Elyse Villani, Callie WilsonIn Ruth Johnston (Queensland)
Outs Sasha Moloney (Victoria), Clare ScottVictoriaMenAustin Anlezark (R), Liam Blackford, Scott Boland (CA), Dylan Brasher, Josh Brown, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon (R), Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Jai Lemire (R), Reiley Mark (R), Glenn Maxwell (CA), Cameron McClure, Jono Merlo, Todd Murphy (CA), Fergus O’Neill, Mitch Perry, Will Pucovski (TBC), Tom Rogers, Matt Short, Tyler Pearson (R), Peter Siddle, Will Sutherland, Douglas WarrenIn Josh Brown
Out Travis Dean, Matt Fotia, Nic Maddinson (NSW), Tom O’Donnell, Wil ParkerWomenSophie Day, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Poppy Gardner, Kim Garth (CA), Hasrat Gill, Ella Hayward, Olivia Henry, Milly Illingworth, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Sophie Molineux (CA), Sasha Moloney, Jasmine Nevins, Ellyse Perry (CA), Georgia Prestwidge, Sophie Reid, Annabel Sutherland (CA), Tayla Vlaeminck (CA), Georgia Wareham (CA)In Hasrat Gill, Sasha Moloney (Tasmania)
Out Rhiann O’Donnell, Samantha BatesWestern AustraliaMenCameron Bancroft, Mahli Beardman (R), Hilton Cartwright, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Keaton Critchell, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Cameron Green (CA), Sam Greer (R) Jayden Goodwin, Aaron Hardie (CA), Liam Haskett, Baxter Holt, Josh Inglis (CA), Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Mitchell Marsh (CA), Lance Morris (CA), Hamish McKenzie, Joel Paris, Corey Rocchiccioli, D’Arcy Short, Charlie Stobo, Ashton Turner, Josh Vernon (R), Corey Wasley (R), Sam Whiteman, Teague WyllieIn Keaton Critchell, Brody Couch (Victoria), Baxter Holt (NSW), Corey Wasley
Out Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Philippe (NSW), Marcus Stoinis, AJ TyeWomenChloe Ainsworth, Charis Bekker, Zoe Britcliffe, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Maddy Darke, Bhavi Devchand, Amy Edgar, Lisa Griffith, Mikayla Hinkley, Alana King (CA), Shay Manolini, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney (CA), Taneale Peschel, Chloe PiparoIn Bhavi Devchand, Mikayla Hinkley (Queensland), Shay Manolini
Out Ashley Day, Georgia Wyllie, Poppy Stockwell

Same agent as Downes: Southampton in "advanced" deal talks for "top" star

Southampton are now in advanced talks to sign an international striker who is represented by the same agency as midfielder Flynn Downes.

Southampton are expected to lose one or two key players over the coming months and therefore will have to enter the market to find replacements as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking under Will Still.

Done deal: Southampton have "agreed" £6.8m exit of "incredible" attacker

He has played his final game for the club.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025

Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be considered their most important player, as he managed to stand out last season in what was a diabolical campaign for the club. His performances for the Saints earned him a call-up to the England national team, and that has now earned him the attention of Portuguese giants FC Porto.

Southampton's TaylorHarwood-Bellislooks dejected as he applauds fans after the match

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Southampton have turned down a bid worth £19 million for Harwood-Bellis from Porto. Despite being under contract until 2028, the Saints are open to selling the defender in this transfer window, but they believe he is worth much more.

Southampton paid £15 million to sign the player from Manchester City last summer, so the likelihood is they’re going to want closer to double that price.

Southampton in advanced talks to sign £7m striker

But while Harwood-Bellis may eventually be on his way out of St Mary’s Stadium, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reports some good news – Southampton are closing in on the signing of Damion Downs from FC Köln.

The 20-year-old is considered to be a top target for Saints this summer, and they have submitted a bid worth €8 million, which is roughly £6.85 million, to the German side. Downs is currently away with the USA for the Gold Cup, so a deal for the forward is likely to be completed once that competition is finished.

Downs, who has earned two caps for the USA national team, has been at FC Köln since 2020, when he joined their under-17 team. The young forward worked his way through the age groups and was finally promoted to the first team during the 2023/24 season, where he played 10 Bundesliga games. Downs became even more of a regular last season, as he played 29 games, this time in Bundesliga 2, and scored an impressive ten goals in the process.

Apps

42

Goals

13

Assists

6

Downs has just one year remaining on his contract, and Saints will be hoping that can work to their advantage, as the German side are likely to want to sell the player before he leaves the club for nothing in 12 months.

They may hold another advantage in the race to sign Downs too, as the striker is represented by agency Wasserman, who also represent current Southampton midfielder Downes, perhaps smoothing negotiations when it comes to agreeing personal terms.

India hope Mohammed Shami will be ready for Tests against Bangladesh

Fast bowler is understood to have made considerable progress in his recovery after an ankle surgery

Shashank Kishore09-Aug-2024India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has made considerable progress in his recovery from an ankle injury that has sidelined him from cricket since the ODI World Cup last November. The hope is that he will be ready to play India’s home season, which begins with a Test series against Bangladesh in September.The selectors have been apprised of Shami’s progress and a decision on whether he should play at least one of the Duleep Trophy matches, beginning on September 5 in Anantapur, to prove his fitness will be taken soon.Shami is currently in his final stages of rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Last month, he had resumed bowling for the first time since his surgery and is understood to have slowly built up his bowling workload after being pain free.Related

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Embracing the unorthodox – South Asian teams are now fast-bowling powerhouses

What is the road ahead for Jadeja, Shami, Hardik and Rahul?

Prior to India’s departure for the tour of Sri Lanka in July, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed Shami had “started to bowl” and the first Test against Bangladesh starting on September 19 in Chennai “was always the goal” for his comeback.”We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back up,” Agarkar had said. “Shami has started to bowl which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal. I don’t know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that.”There are so many Tests coming. We will need some depth. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, these are the obvious ones. But there will be some conversation around it. Got a lot of first-class cricket coming up so we can build guys up like that.”Mohammed Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup•AFP/Getty ImagesLate last month in Kolkata, Shami had expressed hope of playing for Bengal first before returning to the national team, while he took part informally in a few motivational and fitness sessions for the state players.Even if Shami misses some or all of India’s home Tests – two against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand – he still has enough time to build his bowling rhythm for the tour of Australia, for which the team will depart shortly after the third Test against New Zealand ends on November 5. There is the Ranji Trophy beginning in October, following the BCCI’s decision to split the first-class competition into two halves to prevent matches being affected by weather disruptions, especially during winter in north India. India’s A team will also play two first-class games in Australia from October 31, giving Shami plenty of opportunities should he need them.The ankle injury, which came to light soon after the 2023 ODI World Cup, was initially believed to be not so severe. Shami had been included in India’s Test squad for the two-match series in South Africa in December-January subject to fitness. He was subsequently withdrawn from the tour.Shami went back to the NCA in the hope of recovering for the home Tests against England in February-March, but was advised surgery after he experienced continuous swelling on his right ankle, forcing him to miss the series and IPL 2024 for Gujarat Titans.Shami was a key player in India’s run to the final of the ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in just seven games at an average of 10.70 and strike rate of 12.20.

Bigger coup than Tierney: Rodgers keen to bring "magnificent" ace to Celtic

It has been a year of emotional homecomings at Celtic in 2025, with the Scottish champions having notably welcomed wing wizard, Jota, back into the fold in January, following a grim 18 months for the Portuguese sensation.

While the 26-year-old’s subsequent injury blow has somewhat overshadowed his £8m return, the hope will be that he can be revived under Brendan Rodgers next season, when he is fit and firing again.

The popular wideman has been a welcome addition back into Rodgers’ ranks, although it is Kieran Tierney’s Parkhead return that is arguably the greater story, with the Scotland star sealing a free transfer switch from Arsenal – six years on from his £25m exit from the Glasgow giants.

Although an injury-hit spell in north London has sparked doubts over whether the 27-year-old can flourish back at his boyhood club, his prior record for the Premiership outfit is more than enough reason for encouragement, having notably registered 37 assists in 170 games during his first spell on the books.

The sight of the rampaging full-back bombing up and down the left flank again in green and white will be a real delight, with Tierney seemingly desperate to be a success once again, having “sacrificed” financially in order to come back to Celtic, according to his manager.

A fit and in-form version of the Scotsman could then prove to be a significant acquisition for Rodgers and co this summer. That said, an even bigger coup could be on the cards…

Latest Celtic transfer news

With Nicolas Kuhn bringing an end to his year-and-a-half stint in Scottish football, in order to join Serie A side Como, the need for reinforcements in the forward ranks has only been heightened – not least with Kyogo Furuhashi having also departed in January.

With Swedish winger Benjamin Nygren already in the door, recent reports have suggested that the 23-year-old could be followed by Shin Yamada and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, albeit with other options still on the table.

Indeed, according to reports, Rodgers is keen on overseeing another high-profile reunion, this time with Tierney’s former teammate, Odsonne Edouard, with Celtic said to be ‘monitoring his situation closely’.

The Frenchman – who left Parkhead to join Crystal Palace on a £14m deal in 2021 – appears to be up for grabs this summer having been ‘put on the market’ by the Eagles, after spending the previous campaign on loan at Leicester City.

Transfer Focus

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

While that temporary stint proved desperately disappointing as the 27-year-old failed to score and made just six appearances for the Foxes, a move back to Glasgow might well be just the solution.

Why Celtic could seal a bigger coup than Tierney

Six months on from having allowed Kyogo to depart for Stade Rennais on a £10m deal, such a switch still has supporters scratching their heads, with the Japanese marksman having shunned the chance to enjoy Champions League knockout stage action, in favour of joining a struggling Ligue 1 side.

Now, the 30-year-old is in England’s second tier at Birmingham City.

As for Celtic, ample time has passed and a suitable replacement has still not been lined up, with Rodgers currently left with Adam Idah – who scored 20 goals last season – and Johnny Kenny as his only senior options through the middle.

It is for that reason that managing to bring Edouard back into the fold could be such an attractive prospect, with the Palace outcast having at one stage looked like the “best striker since Larsson” at Celtic Park, in the words of Martin O’Neill:

Also described as “magnificent” and an “unbelievable player” by former boss, Neil Lennon, Edouard dazzled following his switch from Paris Saint-Germain on an initial loan deal in the summer of 2017, before signing permanently a year later for £9m.

Former Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard

Over the next few years, the 6 foot 2 marksman chalked up 87 goals in just 179 games in all competitions for the Hoops, alongside providing a further 37 assists. For comparison, Kyogo racked up 85 goals and just 19 assists in 165 games for the club.

Such a record emphasises why Edouard would be a worthy investment this summer, even amid his recent woes, having still registered a respectable, albeit unspectacular return of 21 goals in 103 games at Selhurst Park.

Games (starts)

31 (28)

Goals

18

Minutes per goal

130min

Big chances missed

12

Goal conversion

16%

Assists

4

Big chances created

9

Key passes*

1.2

Pass accuracy*

80%

Like Tierney, a fresh start is needed for the striker, and if he can recapture the form he showcased during his first spell, then Rodgers would surely be on to a winner.

Yes, the signing of a cult hero like Tierney is a joyous sight, but it is the figures at the top end of the pitch who truly make the difference, with few having been quite so successful in a Celtic shirt in recent times as Edouard.

Wanyama 2.0: Celtic place "creative" £5m star at the top of their wishlist

Celtic could repeat their Victor Wanyama masterclass by signing this star from the Pro League.

ByDan Emery Jul 14, 2025

Ryan Kent 2.0: Rangers reach agreement to sign "creative" £5m star

Glasgow Rangers return to competitive action again on Wednesday night when they travel to Greece to take on Panathinaikos in the second leg of their second round Champions League qualifier.

The Light Blues head to Greece with a 2-0 lead on aggregate after they beat them at Ibrox last week in Russell Martin’s first official match in charge of the club.

Goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama in the second half wrapped up the win for the Gers, as both wingers cut inside from the left to fire the ball into the back of the net from distance.

It was a first chance for Ibrox supporters to watch Gassama in action after his move from English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, and he showed what he is about with his strike.

The French winger produced eight goals and one assist in all competitions for the Owls last season, which suggests that Rangers fans can expect him to provide more quality as a goalscorer this term.

However, the Light Blues may be in the market for further additions in the wide areas because they still lack creativity in those positions, as they look to find their new Ryan Kent.

Why Rangers need to find their next Ryan Kent

In the 2024/25 campaign, no Rangers attacking midfielder or winger provided more than five assists in the Scottish Premiership, and no player in any position racked up more than James Tavernier’s tally of seven assists.

This suggests that the Light Blues are in need of a winger who can consistently open up the opposition’s defence with passes and crosses to create high-quality chances for their teammates to find the back of the net.

The Gers did have a winger who had the quality to consistently provide assists from the flanks when they had Kent on their books between 2018 and 2023, particularly in his final few seasons at Ibrox.

22/23

44

3

10

21/22

46

3

19

20/21

52

13

14

19/20

33

8

4

18/19

43

6

9

As you can see in the table above, the English forward hit double figures for assists in his last three seasons with the club, and produced at least nine assists in four of his five years in Glasgow.

These statistics show that he was a consistent creative threat down the left wing for the Gers, although they also show that he was inconsistent as a goalscorer.

Rangers are now looking to add more creativity to their squad to improve the team, and a fresh report suggests that they are on the verge of landing their next version of Ryan Kent.

Rangers set to sign new winger

According to the Daily Record, the Premiership giants have agreed a deal with Go Ahead Eagles to sign winger Oliver Antman to bolster their squad.

The report claims that the Finland international is poised to become the latest addition to Martin’s team within the next 24 to 48 hours, with a possible debut to come against Motherwell in the Premiership on Saturday.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that a fee of around £5m has been mentioned for the 23-year-old right-sided attacker, who is now set to agree personal terms before completing a medical and officially signing for the club.

The Daily Record explains that the two teams have made progress on a deal for the forward in recent days, and a fee has now been agreed to bring the Finnish whiz to Ibrox this summer.

It now appears to be only the finer details, including a medical and media duties, that need to be finalised before the Gers can officially announce Antman as their new hero.

Why Oliver Antman could be the new Ryan Kent for Rangers

Rangers could finally have their new Ryan Kent in the building once they get this deal over the line in the coming hours or days, as he is an incredibly creative forward.

Antman is not a like-for-like in comparison to the English forward, because he predominantly plays on the right rather than the left, but they share the same creative qualities.

The Finland international, who assisted a goal for his country against Scotland last year, enjoyed a stunning season with Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie in the 2024/25 campaign, as he showcased his ability to create goals on a regular basis.

Like Kent, Antman struggled at times as a goalscorer. He only scored six goals from 6.99 xG in the Dutch top-flight, which shows that the winger was too wasteful in front of goal, but the £5m-rated star made up for that with his assists.

Starts

28

Goals

6

Key passes per game

1.6

Big chances created

16

xA

6.54

Assists

15

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old talent created a whopping 16 ‘big chances’ in 28 starts in the Eredivisie, which landed him 15 assists.

His tally of 15 assists in the league meant that he created more than double as many league goals for his side in comparison to Tavernier, who was the top creator for Rangers in the Premiership last term with seven.

This suggests that Antman, who was aptly described as a “creative” winger by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the potential to be a Kent-esque figure on the flank for Rangers due to his ability to consistently create ‘big chances’ for his teammates to find the back of the net.

Of course, the young attacker is unproven in the Premiership and needs to show that he can do it in Scottish football, but his form for Go Ahead Eagles shows that the potential is there for him to be an incredibly creative presence out wide for Martin.

He's as bad as Propper: £5m Rangers flop "edging closer" to an Ibrox exit

This Rangers flop who was as bad as Robin Propper is now closing in on an Ibrox exit.

ByDan Emery Jul 27, 2025

Hopefully, Rangers will wrap this deal up sooner rather than later and supporters will get the opportunity to see him in action for the first time on Saturday against Motherwell.