The question remains for those of a Leeds United persuasion – can Joel Piroe cut it in the Premier League?

The hope will be that the Dutchman can replicate the heroics of Patrick Bamford in 2020/21, with the Englishman notably firing in 17 top-flight goals under Marcelo Bielsa, having netted 16 times during the club’s promotion push the year prior.

In the case of Piroe, the former Swansea City man ended the most recent campaign with 19 goals to his name, having hit 14 Championship goals the previous season, with that coming despite not being a “natural number nine”, as per pundit Clinton Morrison.

Whether or not the Dutchman can thrive amid the step up remains to be seen, although what is evident – as Morrison pointed to – is that further reinforcements will be needed, particularly if young Mateo Joseph is to depart.

Having seen the last six promoted sides slip straight back into the second tier, Daniel Farke and co will need Premier League-proven options to avoid a similar fate, with the search for new faces seemingly already underway.

Latest on Leeds's search for a striker

Report back in May indicated that a surprise target had emerged in the form of Everton’s Beto, with the former Udinese man ending 2024/25 with eight league goals to his name, after netting just three times the previous season.

Elsewhere, there have also been suggestions that Farke could look to secure a bargain deal for departing Leicester City hero, Jamie Vardy, with the 38-year-old looking for a new home amid his expiring contract.

That duo don’t appear to be the only Premier League options that the Yorkshire side are considering, however, with The Athletic’s Beren Cross outlining that the club are also showing an interest in Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.

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 Cross, Leeds are said to have made enquiries about signing the Brazilian, with club sources said to have ‘acknowledged’ that interest, albeit while hinting that there are more likely candidates to arrive at Elland Road this summer.

Even so, with just a year left to run on his existing deal at Craven Cottage – with the option of a 12-month extension – the 24-year-old would represent a viable option, with Newcastle United also in the running for his signature.

While perhaps not the glamour name that supporters will be craving, it’s worth noting that there is an element of Erling Haaland about Muniz…

How Muniz compares to Erling Haaland

In another universe, perhaps the Manchester City man would have been plying his trade in Yorkshire, with the club having famously made an attempt to sign the Leeds-born sensation back in 2017.

Unfortunately, Leeds have had to witness the Norwegian go on to shine elsewhere, notably firing in 121 goals in just 142 games at the Etihad, after previously netting 86 times in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund.

Muniz, it must be said, doesn’t come close to reaching those levels, although – as per FBref – the Fulham star is said to be a stylistically and statistically similar player to Haaland, among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues – as well as in the Premier League.

Indeed, the top two most similar players to Muniz in the top-flight in 2024/25 were Beto and Haaland, with there evidently a particular type of striker that Farke and his recruitment team are chasing.

That likeness between Muniz and Haaland, in particular, is notably evidenced by just how clinical they are in front of goal, with the former ranking in the top 3% of top-flight strikers for non-penalty goals per 90, having scored eight goals last season from just eight starts. The Man City man, meanwhile, ranks in the top 8% in that regard.

Jack Hinshelwood

0.28

Chris Wood

0.26

Jorgen Strand Larsen

0.26

Richarlison

0.24

Jhon Duran

0.23

James Maddison

0.23

Marc Cucurella

0.21

Yoane Wissa

0.21

Rodrigo Muniz

0.21

Equally too is that much-needed single-minded or perhaps selfish streak that both possess, with Muniz ranking in the top 10% for total shots per 90, while his prolific counterpart ranks in top 12% for that same metric.

With the one-time Middlesbrough loanee also ranking in the top 10% for aerial duels, it showcases just what an imposing focal point he is, much like the 6 foot 4 Haaland, having rightly been lauded as a “handful” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Also hailed by Mattinson for his “seriously impressive” 2023/24 season, in which he scored nine league goals from only 18 starts, Muniz could be the clinical figure that Leeds are in need of, with a more consistent run of games the only thing that has perhaps held him back in west London.

A reported £50m asking price might be a significant stumbling block, although if Leeds are looking to find their own version of the machine-like Haaland, then Muniz could well be the man.

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2 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

Openers overturn the deficit as Nottinghamshire set themselves for final-day push

ECB Reporters Network25-Jun-2024

Haseeb Hameed hits down the ground•Getty Images

Nottinghamshire 360 and 177 for 1 (Hameed 91, Slater 70*) lead Somerset 470 (Abell 111, Pretorius 95*, Pennington 5-96) by 67 runsSouth African all-rounder Migael Pretorius added an unbeaten 95 to his four first-innings wickets to help Somerset carve out a 110-run first innings lead on day three at Trent Bridge – yet with Nottinghamshire 177 for one in their second innings at the close, Craig Overton’s team have a lot to do if they are to take home a third Vitality County Championship win of the season.Pretorius, who spent part of last season with Durham, hammered six sixes and eight fours in a 71-ball assault to ensure that the efforts of Tom Abell and Tom Lammonby on day two were not wasted.Somerset had suffered a mid-innings stumble from 315 for four to 356 for eight and were still in arrears until Pretorius and Jack Leach (37) put on 79 in rapid time, the 29-year-old Pretorius missing out on a second career hundred only because he ran out of partners.Nottinghamshire fast bowler Dillon Pennington took five for 96, raising his tally for the season to 29 with his first five-wicket haul since moving from Worcester to Trent Bridge in the winter. Leg spinner Calvin Harrison’s reward for bowling 39 overs in the heat was figures of three for 173.Yet the wicket of Haseeb Hameed, bowled by captain Overton for 91, is Somerset’s only second-innings success so far from 58 overs of toil after the Nottinghamshire skipper had shared a 172-run opening partnership with Ben Slater, who finished on 70 not out in the company of nightwatchman Olly Stone.Earlier in the day, Abell could add only six to his unbeaten 105 on Monday before he misread a ball from Harrison that trapped him leg before. A glancing blow on the helmet facing fast bowler Stone had hardly helped his cause.His dismissal sparked a flurry of wickets. New batter Kasey Aldridge lasted only seven deliveries before being brilliantly caught at second slip by Harrison off Pennington, who found some extra bounce in his next over to frustrate James Rew, caught behind for 49.At 325 for seven in the 99th over, the sides were level on points, yet the next 11 overs saw Somerset surge ahead thanks largely to Pretorious, whose aggressive hitting brought him a 32-ball half-century.Pretorius hammered six over midwicket off Pennington and cleared the rope three times off Harrison, who was hit down the ground for another maximum by Leach. Back-to-back fours off Pennington from the England man raised the 400-mark in the 107th over.Pennington had Overton (20 from 13 balls) leg before and Harrison dismissed Leach via an edge behind soon after lunch, but Nottinghamshire missed out on a third bowling point. Not only that, they were powerless to stem the flow of runs from Pretorious.He launched one enormous slog-sweep off Harrison that achieved the not inconsiderable feat of clearing the Smith-Cooper Stand before driving Pennington for his sixth six – and could count himself mightily unfortunate to be left stranded when last man Jake Ball, who faced just five balls and contributed not a single run to a 35-run partnership, was leg before to give Pennington his five-for.Somerset were in a commanding position, in theory at least. Yet they would almost certainly have to bowl Nottinghamshire out for a second time if that position were to become a platform for a win, which looked potentially to be a tall order on an increasingly docile pitch.Thereafter, little happened to challenge that assessment. Dusty footmarks offered something for Leach to work with bowling from the Radcliffe Road End. The left-arm spinner was in action as early as the eighth over as openers Hameed and Slater set about negotiating the 26 overs up to tea but fashioned only one real chance in that period, the left-hander Slater put down by Overton at slip on 27.It allowed the pair to reach the interval with 72 runs knocked off the deficit, a platform from which their partnership became the biggest opening stand of the season for Nottinghamshire when it passed 81. Both completed half-centuries soon afterwards, the captain from 101 balls, Slater from 107.The final session similarly brought no rewards until the last 20 minutes of the day when Overton, bringing himself back for one last burst of pace, with Rew standing up to the stumps, bowled Hameed nine short of a century to break the partnership on 172.

Manchester United’s transfer activity this summer could define Ruben Amorim’s tenure in charge at Old Trafford, subsequently needing to make a quick start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The 40-year-old is set to have a bumper budget to spend to improve his squad this window, with the hierarchy set to back him in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

It’s evident after the Red Devils’ 15th-placed Premier League finish this season that an overhaul is needed, with key work already commencing during the transfer window.

The departures of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all been confirmed, freeing up needed money on the wage bill to allow for new investments.

It remains to be seen how much money Amorim will have at his disposal, but it appears as though he’s set to spend big in his hunt for success at the Theatre of Dreams.

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

Work has rapidly been done within United’s attacking department, with PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos being a name mentioned over a move to join the Red Devils, with the French side open to his departure.

They’ve also made progress on a deal for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, with talks being held with the Serie A outfit over a potential deal for the Serbian international.

However, despite the work being conducted elsewhere, the club appear to be extremely close to landing a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

He’s reported that Amorim’s side are on the verge of signing the 25-year-old attacker after they made their latest bid in the region of £60m earlier this week.

Crook also confirms that talks are progressing nicely between the two clubs, with only minor details needing to be ironed out before a deal is agreed.

Why Mbeumo would be a better signing than Cunha for United

Earlier this summer, Matheus Cunha completed his move to join United after being firmly on their radar for many months after his success at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian joined in a £62.5m deal after registering 15 goals and six assists for Vitor Pereira’s side in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His versatility, being able to operate in an attacking midfield role or centre forward role, makes him an excellent fit for Amorim’s system, hopefully being a player who can catapult them to future success.

Cunha’s experience in England could prove to be vital in their ambitions next campaign, but he will need added reinforcements within the final third if the Red Devils are to take a step in the right direction.

However, he could be about to land just that in a move for Mbeumo in the coming days, with the Cameroonian showcasing his talents in England’s top-flight this season.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from this season, the Brentford star has massively outperformed Cunha in various key areas – highlighting why he would be a better addition.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered more goals and achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, demonstrating his clinical ability within the final third.

Games played

38

33

Goals & assists

27

21

Shot on target accuracy

43%

40%

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

47%

44%

Carries into final third

2

1.4

Crosses completed

5.3

4.9

Aerials won

32%

31%

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst posting more carries into the box per 90, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

The Cameroonian’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more crosses and winning more aerials per 90, handing Amorim an all-round dangerous option in attacking areas.

Should the deal be completed in the coming days, it would certainly improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal, something which he’s greatly craved as of late.

The prospect of Mbeumo and Cunha linking up together is certainly an exciting one, handing the club the platform to build on ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

He's perfect for Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £35m star for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make a move for another young gem this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

England suffer a 68-run loss in Guyana as India avenge 2022 defeat, also at the semi-final stage

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024Jos Buttler, England’s captain, admitted his team had been comprehensively outplayed in their 68-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final in Guyana, but insisted his decision to bowl first after winning the toss had not been a significant factor in the result.After handing over first use of a spin-friendly surface that was liable to get slower and lower as the day went by, Buttler conceded that India’s total of 171 for 7 – thanks to 57 from 39 balls from his counterpart Rohit Sharma, ably backed up by Suryakumar Yadav’s 47 from 36 – was “20-25 runs too many”.In reply, England were rattled out for 103 in exactly 100 deliveries, with Axar Patel striking the key blow with his first ball of the match, in the fourth over of the powerplay, as Buttler top-edged a reverse-sweep to the keeper to depart for 23 from 15.Related

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Thereafter, Axar struck with the first ball of each of his next two overs to remove Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali on his way to Player-of-the-Match-winning figures of 3 for 23, before Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wristspin ripped through an exposed middle-order to finish with 3 for 19.”They certainly outplayed us,” Buttler said at the post-match presentation. “I think maybe we let them get 20-25 runs too many. That was a challenging surface that they played well on. But they outplayed us and fully deserved the win.”Morning rain delayed the start of play by more than an hour, and returned to cause a further lengthy interlude midway through India’s innings, and England opted to stick to the same seam-heavy line-up that had carried them through the Super Eight, with Reece Topley and Chris Jordan both retained ahead of an extra spinner in Tom Hartley, as well as Ben Duckett’s prowess against the turning ball.In the final analysis, however, it was England’s chosen spinners, Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid who proved the most potent weapons, as they conceded a combined total of 49 runs in their eight overs (6.13 rpo), compared to 12 overs for 120 (10 rpo) from the four quicks.

“With everything that’s happened throughout the whole tournament, we’re really proud of everyone’s efforts to be here”Jos Buttler

Moeen Ali, however, was overlooked, possibly as a consequence of the damp conditions early in India’s innings. Not only did Buttler admit he had erred in ignoring Moeen, he also admitted that the eventual impact of Rashid and Livingstone had caused him to fear what India’s potent spin attack could achieve on the same surface.”Obviously, they’ve got some fantastic spinners,” Buttler said. “Our two guys bowled well, but in hindsight, I should have brought Moeen [on] in that innings, with the way that the spin was playing.”Obviously with the rain around in those conditions, I probably didn’t think it was going to change that much,” he added. “And I actually don’t think it really did. I thought they out-bowled us. They had an above-par score. So I don’t think necessarily the toss was the difference between the teams.”The result was every bit as comprehensive as England’s ten-wicket victory had been at the same stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Adelaide, after which Buttler’s men went on to become the first men’s team to hold both 50- and 20-over world titles at the same time.1:33

Dasgupta: Axar a standout performer from game one

Both those trophies have now been prised from England’s grasp, and while a semi-final exit is a significantly better defence than the team managed in the 50-over World Cup last year, England still exit the tournament after losing three of their four matches against major opponents.Their early loss to Australia left them needing favours to progress from the group stage, while their narrow defeat to South Africa in St Lucia condemned them to the tougher semi-final draw, where India were waiting to avenge that Adelaide result with what Rohit pointedly described as a “satisfying” performance.”Two years on, in different conditions, it’s very different,” Buttler said, when asked to reflect on his team’s changed fortunes. “Credit to India, they played a really good game of cricket and they deserve the win.”With everything that’s happened throughout the whole tournament, we’re really proud of everyone’s efforts to be here,” he added, recalling their fraught progression from Group 2, when only a late break in the clouds in Antigua had allowed them to take the field in a must-win match against Namibia.”You can only play who’s put in front of you. We’ve had lots of adversity throughout the competition. We’ve stuck together well as a group, and played some really good cricket in patches but came up short when we needed it most.”

Manchester United have held talks with the entourage of a “world-class” striker, who is now keen to seal a move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on new striker

Man United have already signed Matheus Cunha, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains of interest, but there is clearly a determination to bring in a new out-and-out centre-forward this summer, with an approach being made for Viktor Gyokeres.

That is according to Sky Sports, with United now said to be exploring the conditions of a potential deal, given that manager Ruben Amorim is a “big fan” of his former player.

Reports from elsewhere have suggested the Red Devils are preparing a bid for Gyokeres, but it remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, considering European football will not be on offer next season.

The Sweden international is not the only option on the shortlist either, with Man United also holding talks with the entourage of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to a report from The Boot Room.

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1

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Osimhen is said to be determined to seal a move to the Premier League this summer, having rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League, and Amorim’s side engaged in discussions to bring the Nigerian to Old Trafford last month.

The centre-forward has no future with his current club, meaning he is expected to move on this summer, with Liverpool also in the race for his signature. The 26-year-old is protected by a relatively hefty £63m release clause, however, Napoli could accept an offer in excess of £50m.

"World-class" Osimhen could be real coup for Man Utd

The former Galatasaray loanee’s track record speaks for itself, having scored goals wherever he’s been over the past few seasons, most recently leading his side to the Turkish Super Lig title with a phenomenal return.

Season	League appearances	Goals
2020-21	24	10
2021-22	27	14
2022-23	32	26
2023-24	25	15
2024-25	30	26

The Lagos-born striker has been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Matt Barlow, and he picked up six goals and two assists in the Europa League last season, indicating that he has a lot left to give in Europe, so it is little wonder he turned down a move to Saudi Arabia.

Rasmus Hojlund has recently suggested he is going nowhere this summer, saying: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.”

However, with the Dane scoring just four Premier League goals last season, it would make sense to bring in an upgrade this summer, and Osimhen has proven he could be exactly that.

Aston Villa fans will be concerned about the amount of outgoings currently being talked about at Villa Park.

Indeed, every passing day seems to throw up another rumoured casualty from the West Midlands giants, with Ollie Watkins the next high-profile name to be linked with an exit as Arsenal show an interest in the lethal Premier League goal machine again.

Emiliano Martinez’s name is also in this constant conversation, with a move to Manchester United reportedly lined up.

But why is this all happening? Well, Unai Emery’s men are trying to balance the books by whatever means necessary to comply with stringent PSR rules.

Aston Villa chasing £30m signing

Martinez and Watkins aren’t the only key members of the Villa squad who could depart the Midlands this summer with Arsenal also allegedly eyeing Morgan Rogers.

If the England international does exit, presumably for a colossal fee, they would need a replacement.

Well, according to reports from Spain, via Sport Witness, Villa are continuing to hunt the signature of Real Betis starlet Jesus Rodriguez this summer.

It is stated that several clubs are looking at the teenage sensation, with Cesc Fabregas’ Como said to be accelerating their efforts to tempt the Spanish hotshot to Italy, alongside Monchi also powering ahead with Villa’s own advances.

Betis are reportedly willing to sanction a move for Rodriguez to leave when he returns from international action with Spain U21s at the ongoing Euros tournament, with a £30m price-tag also above his head if he does seek out a new home shortly.

Villa could well have that amount in the bank if a major sale is signed off on, with this going down as a worthwhile investment if Rodriguez can instantly acclimatise to his new environment.

Already, the Seville-born attacker has made waves in the senior picture at Betis, as seen in this coolly tucked away chance in European action.

How Rodriguez could become Emery's next Rogers

Much like Emery managed with a once wide-eyed Rogers, Rodriguez could soon be transformed into a far more impressive forward player under the ex-Arsenal manager’s expert guidance.

After all, Rogers was only two years older than Rodriguez is now when he was first handed a senior shot at Villa, having cost £15m to obtain from Middlesbrough.

Now, Rogers is spoken about as a player worth around £100m, and for good reason too when you consider his whirlwind rise at Villa Park from promising youngster plucked out of the EFL, to one of the key first names on Emery’s teamsheet.

Rogers wasn’t an overnight success, however, with only four goal contributions coming his way from his first 16 Villa first-team outings. But, the rest is history now for the “unstoppable” attacker, as Jamie Carragher glowingly labelled him last season, with a spellbinding 29 goal contributions next to his name during his second campaign at Emery’s men.

Rodriguez will hope he can be turned into a similar superstar under the Spaniard’s tutelage, with the 19-year-old already being described as “explosive” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, even as he’s still navigating the fledgling stages of his career.

Rodriguez’s G/A numbers for Betis

Age bracket

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

First team

32

3

2

Betis B

36

9

3

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Everything is pointing in the direction of the Betis number 36 going on to live up to his hype, with Rodriguez ahead of Rogers’ development already by showing immense flashes of his quality at the very peak of Spanish football.

To add context, when Rogers was only 19 years of age himself, he was attempting to cut his teeth in the Championship with AFC Bournemouth, while Rodriguez is already confidently scoring in the Conference League.

Patience will need to be exercised on the ends of the Villans like they offered up to a growing Rogers, but with their depleted numbers down the left wing clear for all to see, Rodriguez might be immediately chucked into the deep-end, with a hope he doesn’t sink under all the pressure and instead excels.

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Newcastle United are “keeping a close eye” on a Premier League star this summer amid rival interest from Everton, with the player expected to leave his current club.

Newcastle pushing for attacking signings

The Magpies felt overly reliant on the goals of Alexander Isak at times last season, highlighting the need to bring in attacking reinforcements before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has been mentioned as an eye-catching option, with the former Manchester United youngster impressing at the City Ground last term, helping them seal a surprise return to European football.

Meanwhile, Celtic wide man Nicolas Kuhn is considered an alternative option to the Swede, should Newcastle miss out on him. The Hoops star bagged 13 goals and nine assists for the Scottish giants last season, but it also heavily linked with RB Leipzig.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has also been linked with a summer move to the Magpies, although the Serb would surely only come in if Isak departs, which is something many supporters will be dreading. Liverpool’s interest isn’t completely going away, but an enormous fee would be needed to prise him away.

Newcastle monitoring Premier League winner

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown claimed that Newcastle are “keeping a close eye” on Manchester City ace Jack Grealish.

“Newcastle are still keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish. There’s been a lot of talk about Everton, but I think they’re still very much in the mix. Of course, they’re not the only club interested because everybody knows about Jack’s qualities and what he can bring to the side when he’s at his best. The thing is for Newcastle, they have a lot of areas of the team where they want to improve.

“I don’t think Grealish is at the top of their list of priorities, but that’s a risk because somebody else might jump in quickly and get it done. If the opportunity comes up they’re going to be one of the clubs in for him. For now, they’ll look elsewhere but from what I hear they’re keeping a close eye on the situation. His main aim is playing regular football, he’d like to play in the Champions League but if he’s not going to be starting I expect him to look elswhere. It’s an interesting one to watch, that’s for sure.”

Grealish may have enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at City after joining for £100m on £300k-a-week from Aston Villa in 2021, but there is a feeling that he underperformed there, and that he needs to get his career back on track.

The Englishman turns 30 this year, so signing him would be a gamble by Newcastle, but he has the natural talent and maverick style to be a hit for a few years at St James’ Park.

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Grealish may relish being given more attacking freedom by Eddie Howe, compared to arguably the more tactically rigid Pep Guardiola, and he has registered four assists against the Magpies in the past, never losing to them in seven appearances.

It could make more sense to signing a younger wide option instead, considering the City man may simply have peaked as a player at this point, but it is easy to see him enjoying a new challenge, having been called a “good leader” by Guardiola in the past.

Kraigg Brathwaite says that West Indies’ stunning victory over Australia in Brisbane is “history” as his team turns its attention to Wednesday’s first Test against England at Lord’s. However, he hopes that the confidence gleaned from that performance in January will help lift an inexperienced line-up as they prepare for another tough test of their mettle.Going into the second Test of that Australia tour in January, West Indies were given next to no hope of competing at a venue where the hosts had lost just once in 34 Tests dating back to 1988, especially after an emphatic ten-wicket defeat in the series opener at Adelaide.However, with battling half-centuries from Kavem Hodge, Joshua da Silva and Kevin Sinclair, allied to key second-innings runs from the likes of Alick Athanaze and Kirk McKenzie, the match was captured in extraordinary circumstances, as Shamar Joseph’s second-innings figures of 7 for 68 in 11.5 overs blew away Australia’s middle and lower order for a famous eight-run win.Related

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Six months later, the challenge is no less stiff, as West Indies head to another country where they haven’t landed a series win since their region’s heyday in 1988. In their entire squad, only three players – Brathwaite himself, plus Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph – have prior experience of playing at Lord’s, but the captain believes from what he witnessed in Australia that his team can overcome the odds once again.”It was a big positive for us to get a win, because it shows that we could we could get the job done,” Brathwaite said. “Obviously the key for us as a group is to do it consistently.”We could take a lot of stuff from that game as batsmen, because we had some important partnerships. Then the bowlers were outstanding. Shamar was the star. But pretty much all the bowlers put in a very good effort, and we caught well as well.”But it’s history, it’s gone. We got to look forward to this, then the other Test matches in this series, but it at least gives a start that we could get the job done. We’ve just got to believe in ourselves.”Shamar Joseph prepares to bowl in the nets•Getty Images

Brathwaite confirmed his XI on the eve of the Test, with his new opening partner Mikyle Louis set to make history as the first player in West Indies’ history from the island of St Kitts. The middle-order is scarcely any more experienced, with No.3-5, McKenzie, Athanaze, and Hodge, boasting a combined tally of nine caps and 453 runs between them.Nevertheless, having each played a key part in the Brisbane triumph, Brathwaite is confident that they, and the rest of the rookies in his line-up, are ready to learn on the job.”I think they’re young and exciting,” he said. “Kirk McKenzie got a few fifties in Australia, which was good, Hodge got a nice 80 (71) as well, and Alick got some confidence to show he can do it consistently. The more games they play, the better. They have a lot of talent and we are fully 100% behind them.”The experience of Brathwaite at the top of the order, however, will be crucial, just as it was when his painstaking century in Barbados set West Indies on their way to a hard-fought 1-0 win in the spring of 2022, a result that has now extended their unbeaten home series record against England to 20 years and counting.England’s Bazball mentality means that Ben Stokes’ team will not be seeking to emulate Brathwaite’s innings of 160 from 489 balls in that Bridgetown encounter, but the man himself said he would not allow his proven methods to be hurried by his opponents’ approach.”My general style is taking my time, and that’s me,” he said. “All the batters must bat their game, and back their plan. That’s what we will do, we focus on ourselves. Making sure we fight is very important. But every batter has a different style and one thing we urge is for guys to have their plans and back yourself.Mikyle Louis will make his Test debut, as the first West Indies player from St Kitts•Getty Images

“It’s a young group, especially the batsmen, they have a lot of time to learn because obviously playing Test cricket it takes a while to really understand. You’re always learning on the job, but it’s a very decent team, for sure.”In his last appearance at Lord’s in 2017, Brathwaite entered the history books when he became James Anderson’s 500th Test wicket, courtesy of a massive inswinger that set Anderson on his way to his career-best figures of 7 for 42. And though he played down his own recollection of the moment – “I remember the ball, I don’t think about it too much” – Brathwaite acknowledged the skills that his opponent had brought to bear in the course of their previous encounters.”Obviously he’s a legend of the game, he’s very consistent,” Brathwaite said. “He hits a line and length, then could determine whether it goes in or out, and that was obviously a skill in itself. Facing him in England is a good challenge, you’ve really got to be on it. But once you come out on the positive side by getting runs, it really gives you a lot of confidence.”In terms of the lessons he would pass onto his team-mates before Anderson’s Test farewell, Brathwaite said: “You’ve got a couple of split seconds to decide. You’ve really got to trust your eyes. Obviously, it’s not 90 miles an hour, so you have a bit more time to see it, but I would say trust your defence, whether you’re going to attack or defend the ball, fully believe in yourself, and stay as still as possible. That’s very important.”My advice to all the younger boys in the group, like Mikyle making his debut, is don’t just expect to play for West Indies, expect to be the first to score 30 hundreds. You got to think big, you know. Don’t think too small.”We have our plans, so believe in your plan. And enjoy it as well. Because it’s always a great series playing here in England. And we truly look forward to it.”

In a few months, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur will walk onto the grass and align to sing the Champions League tune. They will compete among Europe’s elite, and they will be determined to wade deep into the competition.

With Ange Postecoglou’s injury-ravaged side languishing so pitifully low in the Premier League, triumph in the Europa League became not so much a goal as a means of survival, a way of stopping the rot that had crept over a dusty trophy cabinet for so many years.

The Australian coach is now immortal, his brazen comments at the start of the 2024/25 campaign now a most incredible declaration of faith in his title-winning pedigree.

But change was needed, and change has been enforced. While Spurs are pushing ahead with the signing of West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus after seeing an initial £50m offer rejected (positive talks are continuing and the player wants the move), defensive additions are surely needed after such a leaky year.

The latest on Tottenham's defensive situation

Tottenham were pretty awful at the rear last season. While injuries played a big part in the drama, Postecoglou should have done better with curbing his side’s fragilities.

Premier League 24/25 – Most Goals Conceded

#

Club

Final Pos.

Goals Conceded

16.

Tottenham

17th

65

17.

Wolves

16th

69

18.

Leicester

18th

80

19.

Ipswich

19th

82

20.

Southampton

20th

86

Data via Transfermarkt

Cristian Romero has spent portions of the past two campaigns sidelined through injury, but he’s still one of the best centre-backs in the world, and Atletico Madrid’s efforts to sign the 27-year-old for around £60m are concerning to say the least.

Frank wants to keep the Argentina titan at Spurs, but money talks, and no mistake.

Should he leave, a replacement will certainly be required. And as per Caught Offside, Tottenham have joined Man United and Newcastle United in lining up a move for Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, who is available this summer for around €60m (£51m).

In fact, the outlet believe that this incipient transfer saga could develop in the coming weeks, with clubs preparing to open dialogues with the Serie A side.

Scalvini, 22, also has suitors in Italy, so Spurs will want to be swift in their bid.

Why Giorgio Scalvini could replace Cristian Romero

Curiously, when Tottenham Hotspur signed Romero, they signed him from Atalanta for £42m. Now, Daniel Levy and his suited coterie are in for another talented defender hailing from Bergamo.

For sure, Scalvini isn’t the finished article, and some would harbour reservations following a frustrating 2024/25 campaign that was utterly wrecked by injury issues, leaving him with only eight appearances across all competitions and four starts in the league.

However, he had previously enjoyed a lightning-fast start to life in his homeland, capped by Italy as a teenager and heralded by journalist Noah Murray for having the ‘potential to become one of the best centre-backs on the planet’.

Romero’s excellence is defined by his athleticism, tenacity and technical ability. He’s the real deal, all right, with a slight madness about him that is true for all the best central defenders.

Scalvini has a certain ill temperment about him too, picking up three yellow cards in Serie A. This isn’t inherently a good thing, of course, but it does illustrate a battle-hardened determination that Frank will need to set things straight in Spurs’ backline.

Moreover, when looking at how Romero ranks up against Scalvini (with the latter’s metrics drawn from the 2023/24 campaign due to the shallow pool from last term), you can see that Tottenham might hit the jackpot in signing the young star.

League Comparison – Romero vs Scalvini

Stats (per 90)

Romero (24/25)

Scalvini (23/24)

Goals + assists

0.06

0.14

Touches

87.52

65.94

Pass completion

89.5%

81.3%

Progressive passes

4.51

4.10

Shot-creating actions

1.27

1.52

Progressive carries

0.76

1.06

Successful take-ons

0.06

0.53

Ball recoveries

5.72

5.77

Tackles + interceptions

3.56

3.96

Clearances

3.62

2.51

Aerial duels (%)

2.61 (60%)

2.82 (67%)

Data via FBref

Make no mistake, this is a “top-class” young player, as has been noted by talent scout Jacek Kulig. Scalvini’s total of 107 appearances for his side’s senior side since breaking from the academy is an impressive thing indeed, especially when considering that the 21-year-old featured so nominally last year.

He would need time and patience and high-level coaching to become a superstar at Tottenham, but Frank has definitely earned his stripes tactically and is a more composed and structured manager than Postecoglou, with his Brentford sides always rooted in sound defensive principles.

He would big boots to step into, but Scalvini wouldn’t be replacing a player of fixed position at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Let’s explain: as brilliant as Romero is, he has only started 18 Premier League matches in 2024/25. In fact, the Argentine has only started in excess of 30 top-flight games once across his four years on English soil.

With Kevin Danso’s loan move shaped into a permanent role for the Lilywhites, Frank could score a blinder in bringing Scalvini over, a player whose quality is so high that he has been priced at a rather lofty £51m despite having featured so nominally last year. A final reminder that this dynamic defender is only 21.

If Tottenham can sell Romero, bring Scalvini over and still manage to turn a profit, there’s every chance that this club could go from strength to strength next season.

There is a lot of work to be completed, but with Prem-proven attacking quality hopefully arriving in the mould of Kudus, and Scalvini, one of the most exciting young centre-backs in the world being targeted, last year’s clinched silverware truly might prove to be the bedrock of a sustained success for Tottenham.

Related Frank's own Saka: Spurs preparing huge bid for "sensational" £85m star

Tottenham Hotspur could be moving closer to landing another player this summer.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 7, 2025

Thomas Frank will be entering the biggest season of his managerial career in 2025/26, as he looks to take Tottenham Hotspur to the next level after his appointment this summer.

The Dane spent seven years in charge of Brentford across the capital, but he’s now been tasked with the challenge of leading the Lilywhites back to the top end of the Premier League.

Whilst he’s constantly thrived during his stint with the Bees, the expectations of the fanbase of Spurs will bring added pressure to him in his quest for success in North London.

The Europa League success back in May will only heighten the need for added trophies in the years ahead, with the fanbase wanting to reach the next level under Frank’s guidance.

Undoubtedly, he will want to make his own mark on the side, needing funds to make additions to land the players he craves, with numerous players already on their radar.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Attackers have been the main focus for Frank in recent weeks, with numerous forwards already touted with a move to join Spurs during the current window.

Antoine Semenyo, Rodrygo and Xavi Simons have all been touted with big-money moves to join the Lilywhites, as the hierarchy look to back the Dane in his quest for success.

However, none of the aforementioned stars have been close to a move, but the same can’t be said for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, who’s emerged as a key target.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that positive talks have commenced over a deal to sign the 24-year-old winger this summer, with the player himself wanting a move to join the club.

However, any deal could prove to be an expensive one, with the Ghanaian currently having a £85m release clause within his contract at the London Stadium.

Why Kudus would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs

In their quest for added attacking reinforcements, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs this summer, but not for the first time in his career.

He’s been a player firmly on their radar over the past couple of years, but no deal has ever been agreed for his services, however, that could change this summer.

The 27-year-old currently has a £68m release clause in his contract, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season.

However, it appears as though they will face stiff competition from North London rivals Arsenal, after they made contact with his representatives over a move to the Emirates.

The Spurs fanbase shouldn’t worry, with a move for Kudus being a better addition, having the tools to become a key player in Frank’s ambitions of taking the side to the next level.

When comparing the player’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the West Ham star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting the talent he possesses.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Joel Bortey, has registered a higher shot on target rate, demonstrating his accuracy within the final third.

Games played

32

34

Goals & assists

8

16

Shot on target accuracy

28%

27%

Pass accuracy

84%

74%

Take-ons completed

3.2

2.3

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Carries into opposition box

1.5

0.7

Fouls won

2.2

1.7

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with more carries into the opposition penalty areas, showcasing his desire to get the ball forward at any given opportunity.

The Ghanaian has also won more fouls per 90 and completed more of the passes he’s attempted, offering a real nuisance to the opposition’s backline – something which has been desperately missing in North London.

It’s unclear if Spurs will negotiate a deal for the winger this summer, but it’s evident that he could provide Frank with the tools to thrive in his first season in charge.

Eze will remain as a key target no doubt, but it’s clear that Kudus is a better option in attacking areas, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue a move for his signature.

More exciting than Semenyo: Spurs in talks to sign "generational" £85m star

The brilliant attacker could be just what Spurs need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 1, 2025