All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester City are headed to the Club World Cup and expect to bring in a proven Premier League operator to strengthen their ranks before the tournament commences, according to David Ornstein.

Manchester City close to landing double midfield deal

With Kevin De Bruyne moving on to a new challenge elsewhere, Manchester City have wasted no time in finding a replacement for the Belgian icon and look set to wrap up a double deal in midfield before they jet out to the United States.

Pep Guardiola is closing in on AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon star Rayan Cherki. The latter is set to arrive for a fee of £34 million after Florian Wirtz opted to move from Bayer Leverkusen to reigning champions Liverpool.

In the case of Reijnders, the final details of a transfer worth £50 million involving the Netherlands international are being ironed out before he officially links up with his new teammates at the Etihad Stadium.

Legendary defensive midfielder Rodri is also back after injury, creating a new-look engine room to take the Premier League by storm next term as the Citizens aim to reclaim the title.

Cementing what he wants his midfield to look like after a period of instability, Guardiola is also set to offer Rodri a new Manchester City contract to stave off interest from heavyweights Real Madrid – that could be worth £300,000 per week.

Man City now in contact for £29m DM who is Switzerland's "greatest talent"

City have stepped up their pursuit of a new midfielder, who just won a Player of the Season award.

ByDominic Lund May 28, 2025

Pressing on in their hunt for reinforcements, City are now closing in on another addition elsewhere on the pitch to equip themselves ahead of their Club World Cup endeavours.

Man City expect to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers

Taking to social media platform X, reputable journalist Ornstein has reported all parties involved – from both clubs to the player’s camp – ‘expect’ a deal to be done that would see Rayan Ait-Nouri arrive at the Etihad Stadium from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There is still work to be done before a final agreement can be reached, but they appear to be in pole position to land their main left-back target relatively quickly.

Labelled “incredible” by Gary O’Neil, Ait-Nouri has registered five goals and seven assists in 41 appearances across all competition for Wolves this campaign.

Creating 24 chances on Premier League duty this term, the Algeria international provided a regular threat in forward areas for the Old Gold as they managed to secure their top-flight status.

Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have both shouldered the left-back burden at Manchester City, though bringing in a natural in that position could gift Guardiola the added bonus of being able to move one of them to a central role once all paperwork is completed.

Deemed to be worth around £51 million on the market, signing Ait-Nouri appears to be a shrewd addition by the Citizens ahead of the new campaign.

Liverpool did a great job of fending off competition from rivals to win the Premier League title last term and could now look to repeat the trick on the transfer market.

Liverpool chase more arrivals after Florian Wirtz confirmation

Arne Slot has brought success since arriving at Anfield and looks to have made ann early play in the transfer market as his side aim to stay at the top of the English pyramid.

Jeremie Frimpong has already arrived and Florian Wirtz is set to soon officially become a Liverpool player once the formalities from his move are ticked off, so who could be next on the summer conveyor belt?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez could be next in line at Anfield, claiming his trademark ‘Here We Go’ statement is imminent regarding the Hungary international.

He stated: “I maintain my position, Milos Kerkez will be a Liverpool player. In this case, there are some small details to clarify with Bournemouth, but I maintain my position. I see Milos Kerkez going to Liverpool this summer.

“Then they still have to close these details. This is why, in this case, there is still no here we go, but it’s coming. I have told you several times, here we go soon. Here we go, it’s coming.”

Huijsen 2.0: Liverpool holding final talks to sign "revelation" after Wirtz

Liverpool’s hectic start to the summer transfer window only looks set to continue – and we aren’t even halfway through June

1 ByRobbie Walls Jun 12, 2025

Not resting on their laurels, Liverpool appear to have several priority positions ready to strengthen and money is expected to be spent in the pursuit of further silverware.

Achieving a steady stream of success both domestically and in Europe will be difficult, but the Reds now have a top defender lined up to further their chances of staying at the summit.

Liverpool ready to beat competition to sign Goncalo Inacio

According to A Bola, Liverpool are ready to move for Sporting Clube de Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio, even if Manchester United ad Newcastle United will provide stiff competition for his signature.

Labelled “complete” by scout Jacek Kulig, it is mooted that he will cost in excess of £51 million. However, the reigning Portuguese champions may be willing to sell the Portugal international for less despite his recent part in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph.

Five similar players to Goncalo Inacio (FBRef)

Olivier Boscagli

PSV Eindhoven

Leo Ortiz

Flamengo

Ryan Flamingo

PSV Eindhoven

Nehuen Perez

Porto

David Hancko

Feyenoord

Enjoying a superb campaign, Inacio registered an impressive six goals and three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last term featuring for the most part in central defence.

Ibrahima Konate has yet to sign a new deal at Liverpool and could be available to sign a pre-contract elsewhere in January, paving the way for the Reds to court potential replacements.

Liverpool have shown already this window that they have an elite talent radar, and Inacio arriving at the club would certainly fit the bill as another striking addition.

The last time Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, they had a summer transfer window to remember, landing numerous players who went on to star at Elland Road.

Additions such as Raphinha, Rodrigo and Robin Koch all moved to the club that summer, all playing a crucial role in their ability to take the top-flight by storm under Marcelo Bielsa.

Daniel Farke has the chance to replicate such success this window, looking to add depth and quality to the squad after their title-winning campaign in the Championship throughout 2024/25.

The hierarchy have already wasted no time in making new signings, as Lukas Nmecha has already arrived at Elland Road, with a deal for Jaka Bijol set to be announced after completing his medical.

There’s no denying that further reinforcements are needed to hand the Whites the best chance of making the step-up and being competitive in England’s top flight.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions

Over the last couple of days, striker Vladyslav Vanat has emerged as a potential option for Leeds, offering a clinical outlet for the side after netting 17 goals for Dynamo Kyiv this season.

He’s not the only player on their radar this window, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz being a surprise option for Farke, with a loan to buy offer mooted ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, moves have been made elsewhere, which has seen Wolves star Hugo Bueno become a key target on their radar, according to Spanish outlet Marca via Sport Witness.

The report claims that he’s set to return from his loan spell at Feyenoord this summer, with the West Midlands outfit evaluating what to do with the Spaniard after the Whites’ interest.

It also states that Farke’s side will face competition from the Dutch side who want to sign him permanently, handing the club and the player a huge decision to make in the coming weeks.

Why Leeds’ latest target would be the perfect Firpo replacement

Junior Firpo has set the Championship alight this campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch in the club’s success and ability to claim promotion.

The Dominican international featured in 32 league matches this season, registering 14 combined goals and assists, a simply staggering tally for a left-back.

However, winning the time with the Whites appears to be his final contribution for the club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the month.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he had agreed a three-year deal with Spanish side Real Betis, looking certain to return to his former side after a six-year absence.

The supporters shouldn’t worry about his pending departure, with Bueno offering a superb option for Farke, outperforming the Dominican in numerous key areas.

The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs, has managed more progressive carries and key passes per 90, highlighting the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered more crosses, handing the talents ahead of him with the chance to improve their own tallies in the final third.

Games played

20

32

Goals & assists

3

14

Progressive carries

4.6

2.2

Pass accuracy

86%

80%

Key passes made

1.7

1.66

Take-on success

52%

38%

Crosses completed

3.7

2.1

Tackles won

1.2

1.1

Blocks made

0.9

0.8

Defensively, he’s also starred, making more tackles per 90, alongside more blocks made – offering an added defensive presence to Farke’s side in the Premier League.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Bueno would set the hierarchy back this window, but given the interest from elsewhere, it’s crucial they work quickly to avoid missing out.

Losing Firpo would be a bitter blow given his form this season, but it’s clear that the Wolves star has more talent and huge potential to improve given his tender age.

He could be Raphinha 2.0: Leeds eyeing "one of the best CMs in the world"

Leeds United are interested in a deal to land a world-class midfielder.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 19, 2025

A washout would suit India just fine, sealing their semi-finals spot, but not so for Australia

Karthik Krishnaswamy23-Jun-20241:49

Finch: Head vs Bumrah will be a great battle

Match detailsAustralia vs India
St Lucia, June 24, 10.30am local timeBig picture: Rain threat in St LuciaThis episode of Australia-India was always going to be spicy, because, well, it’s Australia-India, and because November 19 and all that. But now, after the events of June 22, there’s even more riding on it. Group 1 of the Super Eight in T20 World Cup 2024 is now thrillingly open.This isn’t a must-win game for either team, but Australia will be on wafer-thin ice if they lose. And while India’s net run rate gives them a decent safety net, there is still a chance they could lose out on a semi-finals slot.It’s Australia-India, then, and the stakes are as high as they could possibly be. What more could a cricket fan ask for? Well, there’s one thing: the weather forecast in St Lucia isn’t hugely encouraging.A washout would suit India just fine, sealing their semi-finals spot, but for Australia the difference between two points and one could be humongous. They are well aware of this, having been haunted by this difference in a global tournament not that long ago.Form guideAustralia LWWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
India WWWWWIn the spotlight – Marsh and ArshdeepThis hasn’t been the best of World Cups for Mitchell Marsh, with six innings bringing him just 88 runs at an average of 17.60 and a strike rate of 111.39. Conditions in the West Indies haven’t always been conducive to the Australia captain’s brand of hit-through-the-line strokeplay, but a return to St Lucia, the highest-scoring venue of this tournament, could help him find his way back into form.Arshdeep Singh is India’s highest wicket-taker in this World Cup with 12 strikes at the rate of one every 10 balls, but he’s also been their only regular bowler with an economy rate north of 7. He’s looked hugely impressive when the ball has swung, but he’s also looked inconsistent with his lengths at other times, which he will want to guard against on Monday given the opposition and the likely conditions.Team news: Starc in or out?Australia played the extra spinner against Afghanistan, bringing in Ashton Agar and leaving out Mitchell Starc. They could yet continue with that combination – Agar featured in their one previous game in St Lucia, against Scotland – particularly with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not too fond of facing left-arm spin in the powerplay, but given the nature of this contest, will they continue to leave out one of their most tried-and-tested match-winners?Australia (probable): 1 Travis Head, 2 David Warner, 3 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Tim David, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc/Ashton Agar, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood.It seems unlikely India will tinker with their 3-3 bowling combination (with Hardik Pandya as one of their three seamers), but their two left-arm orthodox spinners may come under a bit of pressure if either Travis Head or David Warner bats into the middle overs.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rishabh Pant (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.Pitch and conditions: Pace on, runs onSt Lucia has been the most batting-friendly venue of this T20 World Cup in terms of both scoring rate (8.92) and average (28.76). Fast bowlers have struggled to keep the runs down here, going at a worst-in-the-competition 9.42, but spinners have done relatively better, returning a better economy rate here (7.91) than in both Dallas and Antigua.There is a good chance of rain in St Lucia, though, with forecasts predicting showers through Monday morning with the weather clearing up roughly between 10am and 4pm.Stats and trivia India have a 3-2 edge over Australia in their T20 World Cup meetings so far. The last time they clashed in this tournament, however, was back in 2016. Virat Kohli (4103) and Rohit Sharma (4073) are separated by just 30 runs on top of India’s run-scoring leaderboard in T20Is. If they both feature, Agar and Arshdeep will play their 50th T20Is. Agar made his T20I debut in March 2016, while Arshdeep made his in July 2022. New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi (51) is the only player from a Full Member team to play more T20Is than Arshdeep since his debut. Australia could find a way to bowl spin to Kohli and Rohit in the powerplay even if they leave Agar out. Offspinners have bowled effectively to them in the powerplay so far at this World Cup, with Mohammad Nabi and Mahedi Hasan getting through quiet overs. Kohli has scored nine off 12 balls against offspin in the powerplay so far, and Rohit nine off eight. Glenn Maxwell, then, could be a useful option. Quotes”We have a lot of belief in our group. We are a very good cricket team. Yes, tonight we had an off night but I guess there’s also a positive in the fact that in 36 hours we go again. It’s a big game, it will be against India, obviously, and it’s a must-win game. I think if you look back at the short history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our guys, so the boys will certainly be up and about for it.”
“In T20s, I don’t believe you need to get fifties and hundreds. How you can put pressure on the opposition is what matters. All the batters were trying to do that from the word go. That’s how we want to play and encourage ourselves to go forward. Yes, you need to understand the conditions as well, but we have a lot of experience in the squad, and we back them to use that experience on the field.”

How are Newcastle United going to fare next season? Around the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, the skyrocketing ascent under Eddie Howe’s wing had been stunted by a disappointing transfer window, following failure to qualify for European football.

But United marched back into the Champions League despite the setbacks, finishing fifth in the Premier League. Moreover, Howe led his team to glory, to the Carabao Cup.

Now, the focus is on building, particularly towards a move for Anthony Elanga.

Newcastle in talks for new forward

Elanga has been the subject of a rejected £45m offer, Newcastle’s second in as many summers, and while Nottingham Forest don’t want to play ball, redoubled efforts might just seal the Sweden star’s signature.

Such a player is duly needed. Miguel Almiron’s winter flight over the pond has left Jacob Murphy somewhat isolated on the right. Elanga will add athletic quality and widen the dimensions of Howe’s frontline. So could Joao Pedro.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, as per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle remain intent on signing Brighton & Hove Albion star Pedro, who is anticipated to leave the AMEX this summer.

Saying that, Tony Bloom isn’t likely to budge on his £60m valuation, the 23-year-old being one of the most talented rising stars in the Premier League, and eyed by Chelsea besides.

However, Newcastle have been engaged in productive talks with the south coasters and could move to the advanced stages soon. Previously, the Toon have been regarded as favourites for Pedro.

What Joao Pedro would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle plan to open contract talks with Alexander Isak as interest mounts in the world-class striker’s services. United’s £200m price tag, frustratingly, hasn’t dissuaded Liverpool and the like from keeping on Isak’s trail.

But the nine is not expected to be going anywhere this year, and Pedro would arrive offering competition and the prospect of a new attacking combination from his shadow or out on the left.

The Brazilian forward, who joined Brighton from Watford for around £30m two years ago, has symmetrically posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches.

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

11

1

Right winger

5

0

0

Principally a central player, Pedro is swift and purposeful on the ball, endowed with some of that Seleção style too, hailed by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard for his “magical” ability on the ball.

Elanga, too, is good on the ball, but he’s also absolutely rapid – the third fastest player in the league as it happens – and he could use his pace to latch onto the technical range that Pedro expands his team’s capacity with.

The fastest & slowest players in the Premier League (2024/25)

As per FBref, the Seagulls star ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90.

He also created 11 big chances in the Premier League last year, as per Sofascore, and averaged 1.1 dribbles and just shy of five duels per game.

Over at the City Ground, Elanga has coined himself “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”, and no doubt would marry such rapidity with an increased potency in Howe’s system, having impressed with six goals and 11 assists for Forest last year.

If Newcastle can strengthen their ranks with both of these Prem-proven stars, there’s no question that Howe will have the tools to fashion even greater success next year and beyond.

Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

Newcastle plan to make a series of attacking signings this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 25, 2025

Manchester City won’t be taking the Club World Cup trophy home with them after all, after a dramatic 4-3 loss to Al-Hilal in the pre-season tournament.

Pep Guardiola and Co.’s defensive frailties were clear for all to see when watching the back-and-forth knockout tie in Orlando, with the Citizens registering a bumper 30 shots in total, only to be undone in extra-time by Simone Inzaghi’s never-say-die side.

With the tournament now out of the way, City can press on with even more signings away from previously landing Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri in quick succession, as the rumour mill begins to kick back into life.

Man City's transfer latest

It has been somewhat quiet on the transfer front from City’s point of view after landing all those high-profile names in quickfire fashion, with the main hot topic centring on Kevin De Bruyne finding a new club to call his home in Napoli, alongside Oscar Bobb reportedly being looked at by Serie A giants Juventus.

However, a new development seems to suggest City will be busy with another fresh incoming very soon.

Indeed, Football Insider’s Mick Brown has now revealed that City will accelerate a move for Newcastle United star Tino Livramento to join the Etihad ranks, with the Magpies defender now done with his England U21 international duties at the Euros.

Scouts had even been sent on City’s end to watch Livramento in action at the tournament as Guardiola’s men try and hunt down a long-term right-back replacement for Kyle Walker.

After lifting the Euros trophy, the in-the-spotlight 22-year-old’s summer could become even better if he seals a switch to the sky blue half of Manchester shortly, with Livramento’s attacking qualities playing out from defence in the Premier League potentially making him a perfect candidate to be Guardiola’s next João Cancelo.

Why Livramento can be Pep's next Cancelo

Cancelo was once a regular mainstay of the City XI, but in Orlando, he was having the last laugh over his ex-employers when contributing with an assist for Al-Hilal to down the Citizens 4-3.

Irrespective of this memorable contribution souring his relationship with his former side even more, the Portuguese full-back was a firm fan favourite previously, with nine goals and 22 assists coming his way from 154 appearances at the Etihad.

Three Premier League titles would even be lifted by the long-standing City servant before a move to Al-Hilal opened up, with Guardiola never fully recovering from Cancelo’s exit, arguably, having had to now force Matheus Nunes into an uncomfortable position down the right-hand side when he’s far more suited to a central midfield role.

This is where Livramento could well come to the rescue in offering the Spaniard a more reliable, attack-oriented option down the right resembling Cancelo at this peak, with their similarities not just ending there.

Livramento

RB

87

1

6

Livramento

LB

19

0

1

Cancelo

RB

247

13

44

Cancelo

LB

114

6

20

Much like the one-time Champions League winner, the promising 22-year-old can also comfortably slot into any side in the left-back spot away from just the right, as seen in his 19 career games lining up on the opposing channel.

The London-born defender is some way off hitting Cancelo’s elite level when you consider the table further, but with Ait-Nouri already making that left channel look his own at the Club World Cup – with two key passes registered from his 119 touches versus Al-Hilal – Guardiola would surely drop Livramento into any upcoming City team selections on the right.

Having also amassed 14 goal contributions further up the pitch in the right midfield position, this could really go down as a golden deal much like when Cancelo first entered the building, with Toon content creator Kendall Rowan once referring to the youngster as a “superstar.”

City clearly requires even more fresh blood after a reality check loss to Al-Hilal, with their next major buy perhaps coming in the form of snapping up Livramento for a substantial £60m.

Man City believe "excellent" £50k-p/w ace wants to join, bid being prepared

The Citizens are feeling confident.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 28, 2025

Trudy Lindblade on the challenges of steering the Scottish game in face of racism and misogyny crises

Melinda Farrell01-Aug-2024At Forthill cricket ground, near Dundee, as Scotland were securing victory over Namibia in a CWC League 2 ODI, a cheerful and energetic Australian woman could be seen doing the rounds, chatting with locals in between cheering on Richie Berrington’s team. There was no indication, as she smiled and shook hands, that she has taken on perhaps international cricket’s most difficult job.In August 2023, Trudy Lindblade was overseeing the world’s biggest-ever cycling event in Glasgow. As CEO of the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships, she oversaw world titles being contested in 13 different disciplines.Two months later, Lindblade signed on as CEO of Cricket Scotland, an organisation still suffering the devastating fallout from the 2022 independent investigation that found it to be institutionally racist, making headlines around the world. As a result of the “Changing the Boundaries” report, Cricket Scotland has been operating under “special measures”, effectively overseen by the government sports body, Sport Scotland. Soon after Lindblade stepped in as interim CEO Pete Fitzboyden’s replacement in early 2024, Cricket Scotland released its internal McKinney Report revealing a culture of sexism and misogyny within the game.Related

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Cricket Scotland facing new crisis as independent report slams sexist culture

A carousel of board members had come and gone in the previous two-and-a-half years. Lindblade herself is the fifth CEO to take charge in that time. Which begs the question: why would a successful senior female administrator align herself with an organisation seemingly mired in ‘isms’ and struggling to restore its damaged reputation off the field?”I knew this role would be tough because I’d been watching and observing some of the media that was coming through while I was doing the Cycling World Championships,” Lindblade told ESPNcricinfo. “But when you’re in it, it’s much more complex and more difficult than you can possibly imagine. That said, I’m determined to find a way through this for everyone. I’ve delivered hard projects before, worked in difficult environments before. This is certainly the most difficult environment I’ve worked within. But I can see the opportunity and it is worth it to get through to the other side. That’s the message that I want to send because I want people to work on that opportunity with me. I really believe it’s there if we get everybody pulling in the same direction.”In the five months since she became CEO, further delicate and complex situations – both legally and on a human level – have emerged. As Scotland impressed on the field at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, former Scotland seamer John Blain – who was named in separate investigations into racism at Cricket Scotland and Yorkshire – released a letter he’d received from Fitzboyden in January, claiming it exonerated him of all charges. Cricket Scotland has since clarified that the letter amounted only to an inability to proceed further on the allegations against him. Blaine subsequently threatened legal action as things became messy, claimING Lindblane had phoned him and confirmed the contents of Fitzboyden’s letter in the early weeks of her tenure.Lindblane acknowledged she did speak to Blain but refused to go into detail about this, or any other cases that were part of the referrals investigative process after the initial report came out. But she stressed that Cricket Scotland is open to and engaged in ongoing dialogue and mediation for both complainants and those accused.

“We have a new board, new leadership and we’ve been through two of the most difficult years a sporting organisation can go through. When we’re ready and equipped, Full Membership should be on our agenda. But we need to have all our building blocks in place”

Then, ahead of Scotland’s Cricket World Cup League 2 home fixtures against Namibia and Oman, Hamza Tahir announced his retirement from international cricket, publicly detailing numerous racism-related grievances and also threatening legal action.While Blain’s case was part of the “Changing the Boundaries” review, which concluded during the Men’s T20 World Cup, Tahir’s complaints are currently being investigated through Cricket Scotland’s new policies and procedures, also announced in June.”We’d like to have the conversations with Hamza directly,” Lindblade said. “And I understand it’s within his right to do what he wishes to do, but I would have liked it to have been through this investigation and then he could determine whether he wished to make a public statement after it’s concluded, as opposed to whilst we’re in the process.”The cases of Blain and Tahir illustrate the delicacy and complexity of the task at hand. Lindblade’s biggest challenge is charting a path forward for cricket in Scotland while also dealing justly with the problems of the recent and distant past. She acknowledges there will be ongoing hurt and anger as well as dissatisfaction with outcomes. But she is hopeful a process of mediation will go some way to resolving cases from the “Changing the Boundaries” investigation, the majority of which did not result in further disciplinary action (and instead led to a number of learnings Cricket Scotland says it either has or will take on).She is drawing on more than 25 years of administration experience that started at the Carlton Australian Football Club in Melbourne, followed by stints in public affairs and events delivery at Cricket Australia’s predecessor, the ACB.She was in charge of the events department at the 2007 Men’s World Cup in the Caribbean and the first World T20 in South Africa that followed before switching focus to cycling.Scotland worried the established nations at the 2024 T20 World Cup•ICC/Getty ImagesThat one of Lindblade’s first tasks in her current role was to deal with the McKinney Report’s finding of systemic sexism and misogyny is somewhat ironic. She says she was shocked to discover the report was coming but not its conclusions.”As a female leader working in mainly male sports you observe lots of different things,” she said. “That’s why I probably wasn’t surprised. But I wouldn’t say that specifically about Cricket Scotland. We are just one part of a bigger society that has to consider these issues.”I’m a fairly strong character. I just get on with things and move forward. I’ve been really fortunate to work for terrific leaders and male leaders that have given me incredible opportunities. However, outside of that, yes, there probably have been times where getting my career started was made particularly difficult because I was looking to get into a male dominated sport.”There are a small number of female CEOs among the Associate Members and, through the support of ICC Europe, we have a female leadership group that gets together on a regular basis. I think that’s really terrific that there are more women starting to take on senior leadership roles within cricket federations. We’d like to see that replicated not just across Associate Members, but into Full Members and other areas. We can do it. We might sometimes have maybe a more empathetic way, we might do things a bit differently, but that’s because we’re individuals. Doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female. We all have our own way in which we lead people.”Six months into Lindblade’s tenure, Cricket Scotland is poised to release a four-year strategy. Unsurprisingly, given the events of the past two years, women and girls – as well as equality in general – are front and centre, along with ensuring CS becomes a trusted and effective governing body. The strategy has been a year in the making, stemming from a consultation process begun under Fitzboyden, and refined under Lindblane.Those hoping to see Scotland push for Full Membership and Test status will be disappointed. The strategy calls for sustainable success on the pitch and, while not ruling out a future tilt, Lindblade says the organisation first needs to put its house in order.”We have a new board, we have new leadership, and we have been through two of the most difficult years a sporting organisation can go through. When we’re ready and equipped, that Full Membership should always be on our agenda. But we need to have all our building blocks in place so that if and when we do get to that point, we can do it and do it well. There’s a lot of things that have to happen before that though, both from a governance point of view but also on the field. We want to be playing more cricket, both men and women, against the best countries in the world.”A men’s T20 International series at home to Australia in September is a promising start. And, aside from their performance at the Men’s T20 World Cup, Scotland have appeared in this year’s Men’s Under-19s World Cup and qualified for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, suggesting talent pathways are improving depth. Lindblade is hopeful the steps taken by Cricket Scotland will see the special measures imposed by Sports Scotland lifted, although there is no specific timeframe. But there is still a long way to go before the game can move forward unencumbered by the past.”The strategy is not going to solve everything we’ve been through, and I don’t think anyone would expect that. But it does provide us a path forward and a focus, not just for Cricket Scotland, but for everyone within Scottish cricket. It’s going to take a long time because of the hurt, the unhappiness, for everyone who’s been impacted by what’s happened. But we need to move forward and have that self-awareness of what people are feeling and why and that’s really important.”This is about uniting communities and people through cricket. It’s to make Scottish cricket better every day. It’s a really big moment for Scottish cricket and for Cricket Scotland. And it’s really exciting.”

Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam gave Bangladesh the early advantage, but the fourth-wicket pair from the hosts dragged Pakistan back

Karthik Krishnaswamy21-Aug-2024Stumps Bangladesh won what could be an important toss and made excellent use of the new ball in favourable conditions to take out three early wickets, but half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel ensured Pakistan ended a truncated first day on an even keel.The fourth-wicket pair put on an enterprising 98 to rescue Pakistan from 16 for 3, and when bad light brought play to a close, the home side were breathing a lot better at 158 for 4. Ayub, playing just his second Test, rode out a difficult early period against the new ball before blossoming to score his maiden half-century. Shakeel, promoted to vice-captaincy, continued his impressive rise in the Pakistan cap by becoming their joint-quickest batter to 1000 Test runs, getting there in his 20th innings to match Saeed Ahmed, who got there in 1959.Both Ayub and, in particular, Shakeel, brought a proactive approach to handling Bangladesh’s seamers, often shuffling out of their crease to disturb their lengths and narrow the extent of movement they were able to generate.ESPNcricinfo LtdBy stumps, Bangladesh had broken the partnership between the two left-handers, with Hasan Mahmud coaxing Ayub to drive at a ball angled across him that wasn’t quite full enough for the shot. It was his second wicket and similar in conception to his first: relentless good lengths forcing the batter into a risk against a rare, seemingly driveable ball.This was Bangladesh’s only success of a 20-over post-tea session, as Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to stumps with an unbroken partnership of 44 for the fifth wicket.With their partnerships, Ayub, Shakeel and Rizwan may have exposed one structural shortcoming in Bangladesh’s attack. Unlike Pakistan, who went into this Test match with four frontline seamers, Bangladesh picked three seamers and two spin-bowling allrounders.The offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, introduced at the start of the 14th over with two left-handers at the crease, bore the brunt of a calculated counterattack, conceding 24 in four overs. He didn’t bowl badly, but with no real help for the spinners this early in the contest, Ayub and Shakeel went after him, using their full reach to sweep him clinically off a good length.It took until the 39th over for Bangladesh to call on their second spinner, and Pakistan were just as ruthless against Shakib Al Hasan, with Rizwan sweeping him for back-to-back fours in his first over. Together, the two spinners conceded 36 in six overs.The express quick Nahid Rana, picked ahead of the more experienced Khaled Ahmed, was expensive too; on a pitch that rewarded old-fashioned line and length, Bangladesh used him as an enforcer, and it didn’t quite come off on the day, as he went for 48 in 10 overs.Shoriful Islam celebrates with Hasan Mahmud after getting rid of Babar Azam•PCBThe other two quicks, however, enjoyed a productive day, particularly with the new ball. Shoriful Islam and Mahmud hammered away on a good length in conditions where the ball swung, seamed and occasionally lifted off damp areas on the pitch. Both beat the bat regularly in the early overs, and Bangladesh didn’t have to wait long before the breakthrough came.It came via a wide outswinger from Mahmud, not quite a half-volley, that Abdullah Shafique chased after being kept to just two runs off his first 13 balls. His drive turned into an aerial slice, and Zakir Hasan grabbed it spectacularly, throwing himself full-length to his right at gully.The left-armer Shoriful tested both Ayub and Pakistan captain Shan Masood with his line in the fifth-stump channel, mostly swinging the ball away from the left-handers but getting the odd one to nip in off the pitch. One of these nip-backers sent back Masood, though in contentious circumstances. Masood pushed forward to defend – bat and pad fairly close together – and the ball kissed one or both on its way to keeper Litton Das, who appealed vociferously for caught-behind. Though he wasn’t given out on the field, Bangladesh had their man ruled out on review, with TV umpire Michael Gough ruling that a spike on Ultra-Edge was evidence of ball on bat, though there seemed to be a chance that it had missed the inside edge and brushed the flap of the pad instead.Having had that bit of fortune going their way, Bangladesh had another soon after, when Babar Azam fell for a duck to an innocuous delivery, tickling an off-target inswinger from Shoriful down the leg side, into the left glove of an acrobatically diving Litton.

Leeds United have moved to add Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha, and Gabriel Gudmundsson to their squad ahead of the Premier League season so far.

Since winning the Championship title in the 2024/25 campaign, the Whites have placed a clear emphasis on improving their options across the backline, as three of their four signings are defenders.

Daniel Farke now has plenty of quality to pick from when it comes to selecting his starting back four for the opening clash with Everton in the top-flight next month.

However, the West Yorkshire outfit have not made many moves to bolster their attacking arsenal, beyond extending Dan James’ contract and signing Nmecha.

Leeds swooped to sign the former Germany international on a free transfer from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, after his contract with his former club expired at the end of June.

However, the former Manchester City academy talent, whose brother Felix currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, may not have arrived at Elland Road as a frontline option to lead the attack for Farke in the Premier League next season.

Why Lukas Nmecha may not start for Leeds

Leeds, it should go without saying, will need to find plenty of goals from within their team next term to ensure that they are not relegated back down to the Championship at the first time of asking.

The Whites may not find a regular source of goals in the number nine position from Nmecha, though, if they were to select him as a starter week-in-week-out.

Last season, the 26-year-old attacker only scored three goals in 20 games in all competitions for Wolfsburg, which does not suggest that he is set to arrive in West Yorkshire as the Premier League number nine that they need.

Nmecha has also failed to score more than four goals in a season in all competitions since the 2021/22 campaign, and has only scored more than eight league goals in a season in the Pro League in Belgium.

24/25 (Wolfsburg)

8

20

3

23/24 (Wolfsburg)

39

4

2

22/23 (Wolfsburg)

17

18

4

21/22 (Wolfsburg)

9

31

10

20/21 (Anderlecht)

0

37

18

19/20 (Wolfsburg + Middlesbrough)

4

25

0

18/19 (Preston North End)

0

41

4

As you can see in the table above, the former Cityzens youngster has struggled for goals and fitness throughout his career in England and Germany, with the 2020/21 campaign standing out as an anomaly.

Nmecha was a highly rated talent at the time, as shown by Jacek Kulig’s post, but he has failed to kick on, which is why he is unlikely to be a starter for Leeds next season.

Leeds have held talks with English forward

The Whites are said to be interested in a proven Premier League performer who could come in as a big upgrade on Nmecha for Farke, though, this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Championship champions have held talks with free agent centre-forward Callum Wilson over a possible move to Elland Road.

Speaking to The Boot Room, the reporter said: “Leeds aren’t panicking, they’re letting the market come to them. They’re one of the teams that’s held talks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and they’ve talked to Callum Wilson at various points this summer too.”

These comments from Bailey show that the former Newcastle United attacker, who left the Magpies at the start of this month, is one of a number of options on their striker shortlist.

If they do decide to go ahead with a swoop for the experienced marksman, though, then Farke could have a huge upgrade on Nmecha on his hands.

Why Callum Wilson is an upgrade on Lukas Nmecha

Wilson is a proven Premier League player who would come in with almost a guarantee of goals if given enough opportunities to showcase his quality in the final third.

A mixture of injuries and the generational talent that is Alexander Isak prevented him from getting those opportunities last season, as he ended the 2024/25 campaign with two starts and zero goals in the top-flight.

24/25

2

0

23/24

9

9

22/23

21

18

21/22

16

8

20/21

23

12

19/20

32

8

18/19

29

14

17/18

23

8

16/17

16

6

15/16

9

5

However, as you can see in the table above, Wilson has scored goals at an impressive rate when given starts on a regular basis throughout his Premier League career with Bournemouth and Newcastle.

These statistics show that the striker has scored more than four league goals in nine separate top-flight seasons, whilst Nmecha has only managed that feat twice, including one season in the Pro League in Belgium.

Wilson, who was once dubbed “clinical” by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, has been there and done it and proven that he can score goals on a regular basis in the Premier League, which is a huge plus in his column when Leeds decide to make a final call on who they want to pursue as their starting number nine.

He would arrive as a huge upgrade on Nmecha, given the vast gulf between their respective goal returns at the top level throughout their careers, on top of the fact that he has done it in England and the German gem has not.

However, the elephant in the room is that the English striker has a worrying injury history that may make the Whites think twice about bringing him to Elland Road, even on a free transfer.

He has missed 57 matches through injury since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, which means that Leeds would not be able to confidently expect him to be available week-in-week-out to be a regular starter.

49ers could land Leeds' brand new Raphinha by signing £27m striker

Leeds United could seriously bolster their survival bid by signing this star this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 13, 2025

If Wilson can overcome his injury woes to be a regular in the team, there is no doubt that he would be a huge upgrade on Nmecha. However, the injuries are a real concern and may cause the club to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a new number nine.

Fifties from Qasim Akram and Sahibzada Farhan led Dolphins’ spirited attempt in the chase but it wasn’t enough

Danyal Rasool14-Sep-2024A century for Usman Khan and five wickets by Mohammad Hasnain inspired Panthers to their first win of the Champions One-Day Cup, beating Dolphins by 50 runs. A team batting effort that also saw quickfire half-centuries from Haider Ali and Shadab Khan helped them to 328, the third consecutive time in this competition the first innings saw a score in excess of 325. Qasim Akram’s 65 and a half-century from Sahibzada Farhan led Dolphins to the most spirited attempt at a chase in this competition, but Hasnain ripping through the middle order meant they always looked a bit shy of the target.Batting conditions have been easier in the first innings in Faisalabad thus far, and after being stung looking to chase in the opening game, Shadab had no hesitation batting first this time. His side wobbled in the early stages when Mir Hamza prised out both openers for single figures, but Usman and Haider’s 103-run fifth-wicket partnership steered the ship back on course towards the huge first-innings total that has become characteristic of this season. Once again, the bowlers were unable to stem the flow of runs in the death overs, and though legspinner Usman Qadir did take three wickets in the final over, much of the damage had already been done.Dolphins started brightly with a 68-run stand between openers Mohammad Hurraira and Farhan, but the legspin of Usama Mir and Shadab found a way of breaking through. Mir coaxed edges out of Farhan and Mohammad Akhlaq, and Shadab removed Hurraira, who had sped along with three fours and as many sixes in a 30-ball 39.It was the Hasnain show thereafter. With his trademark high pace, he kept chipping away at the middle order, a couple of sixes off the final two balls of his spell souring figures that were far more impressive than the 5 for 74 may register on the scorecard. It wasn’t until he cleaned up Qasim and Faheem Ashraf in the 42nd and 44th overs that the game irrevocably swung his side’s way, with the five-for he registered just reward for his efforts.