As Manchester United look to balance their books this summer amid early incomings, Al-Nassr could now reportedly offer INEOS their biggest payday of the window in pursuit of an attacking ace.

Man Utd readying summer clear-out

With Matheus Cunha already signed and Bryan Mbeumo reportedly likely to follow suit, Manchester United will have little choice but to clear some room in Ruben Amorim’s squad.

In what feels like a never-ending cycle, the Red Devils must rebuild once again and, in doing so, show the door to any unwanted stars in a ruthless summer plan.

Among those heading for the exit door is likely to be Rasmus Hojlund. The struggling striker has never truly made his mark at Old Trafford, despite costing an eye-watering £72m in 2023. Now, two years on, Inter Milan have reportedly come calling for his signature in a deal that could eventually cost around £38m.

Whether Hojlund, himself, accepts a summer departure may be another question, though. The young forward told Danish media when questioned about his Manchester United future this week: “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.

“I know I can’t get much out of reading things. I know what the facts are, and that is that I have a contract with Manchester United until 2030. I expect to play there, so I’m just getting ready for some summer vacation and then hopefully a good pre-season.”

Man Utd submit bid for once-£57m ex-Man City ace who’s desperate for move

He won six Premier League titles at Manchester City.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 7, 2025

Whilst Hojlund is keen to stay put, however, the same can’t be said for another struggling Man United star, who could yet hand the Red Devils an impressive financial boost on his way out.

Al Nassr now eyeing Garnacho swoop

One player who has looked almost certain to be heading for the exit door ever since Amorim arrived is Alejandro Garnacho. In Amorim’s first Manchester derby, the Argentine found himself dropped alongside Marcus Rashford. The latter soon left on loan and went on to thrive at Aston Villa. Garnacho, however, stayed put but things have not become better in recent months.

Now, according to The Mirror, Al-Nassr could hand INEOS their biggest payday of the summer by signing Garnacho. The Saudi giants have been pursuing a move to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool, but may turn towards the £50,000-a-week winger if the Premier League champions remain reluctant to sell their South American star.

If that does prove to be the case, Amorim may well be glad to see the back of the winger after Garnacho publicly disagreed with his decision to start Mason Mount in his place in the Europa League final.

Since then, Amorim has reportedly told the young winger to find a new club in front of the rest of his teammates in a public dressing down. Unless anything dramatic happens at this stage, Garnacho’s exit is one that would be best for all parties.

All the statistical highlights from Pakistan’s highest successful chase against hosts South Africa

Sampath Bandarupalli02-Apr-2021274 Target chased by Pakistan in the first ODI in Centurion, their highest successful chase against South Africa in South Africa in this format. Pakistan’s previous highest chase against the home team in South Africa was 267 in Port Elizabeth during their 2018-19 tour. The 274 chase is also Pakistan’s second-highest in the country and their third-biggest against the hosts.Related

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6 Instances of Pakistan winning an ODI on the last ball while chasing. Only South Africa – in seven instances overall – have won more ODI chases on the final ball than Pakistan. The latest win was the first of its kind for Pakistan since April 2005 in Ahmedabad, where they defeated India while chasing 316.The Centurion ODI was only the third instance of South Africa losing an ODI on the final ball. Their other such defeats came in 2000 and 2001 respectively, against Zimbabwe and West Indies.76 Innings required by Babar Azam to score his 13th century in ODIs, the fastest to this feat in men’s cricket. Australia women’s captain Meg Lanning, too, took 76 innings to reach her 13th ODI hundred. Hashim Amla was the previous quickest to 13 tons in men’s ODIs, needing 83 innings.ESPNcricinfo Ltd2 Centuries as captain in ODI cricket for Babar. The 26-year-old scored 125 against Zimbabwe in his previous innings, making him the first Pakistan captain with successive ODI tons. Babar’s 103 is also the highest individual score by a Pakistan captain in a successful ODI chase.177 Partnership runs for the second wicket between Imam-ul-Haq and Babar, the second-highest for Pakistan against South Africa in ODI cricket. The highest is 257 between Saleem Elahi and Abdul Razzaq in 2002, also for the second wicket.1 Player with more centuries while chasing in ODIs for Pakistan than Babar. The hundred against South Africa on Friday was his fourth across 40 ODI chases. Saeed Anwar leads the list with ten centuries from 105 chases in ODIs.0 Players older than Rassie van der Dussen (32 years and 54 days) at the time of their maiden ODI century for South Africa. Mike Rindel was the previous oldest player to a maiden ODI ton for South Africa as he was 31 years and 337 days old when he scored 106 in 1995, also against Pakistan. Former allrounder Shaun Pollock was 33 years and 325 days of age during his maiden ODI ton in 2007, but he was representing Africa XI in that game.

da premier bet： On their re-entry to the Premier League, Leeds United will know that their defence will have to be much firmer than when they last struggled in the top division.

da brwin： Relegation at the close of the dismal 2022/23 season saw the Whites give up a league-worst tally of 78 strikes, with their respectable haul of 48 goals scored completely pushed to one side by their constant dire displays at the back.

Daniel Farke must be worried that his side will be equally as porous on their return to the top-flight, with Udinese centre-back brute Jaka Bijol now reportedly closing in on a deal to join the growing Elland Road ranks.

However, Leeds might not be done there with standout defensive additions, with a fresh report now linking the newly promoted side to a Premier League-ready left-back.

Leeds interested in move for £5m defender

Responding to the news that Junior Firpo won’t stick it out at Leeds, with the full-back heading in the direction of Real Betis, Farke and Co could now win a new left-back.

Well, according to Football Insider, they have revealed that Aston Villa figure Alex Moreno is now interested in the prospect of signing for Leeds.

While the player is seemingly keen, the Whites should be too, particularly because he’d tick plenty of boxes as they hunt down a cheap replacement for the departing Firpo.

It has been widely reported that Moreno could be available for around the £5m ballpark this summer, with Real Betis, Real Sociedad, and Sunderland all also keen on the 32-year-old, according to Football Insider.

This is a signing Leeds must persist with because Moreno could be an even better buy than Bijol walking through the door in terms of bolstering their defensive numbers, alongside the ageing full-back also being a major threat in attack like Firpo.

Why Moreno could be a better signing than Bijol

Whilst it’s paramount that Leeds find a suitable Firpo replacement, it’s arguably not the most pressing concern that the Whites hunt down plenty of new centre-backs.

After all, Farke already has Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon at his disposal in this position, with the imposing trio just fresh off collecting a combined clean sheet total of 55 during last season’s whirlwind promotion success.

Of course, there’s no harm in adding Bijol to the building, considering the intimidating Slovenian just shone in a top-five European league, notably winning a high 4.8 duels per game, but Leeds only have a waning Sam Byram to call upon in the left-back spot as Firpo heads for the exit door.

Therefore, snapping up Moreno for only £5m feels like a no-brainer move to make and could perhaps be seen as a more urgent deal to get over the line than Bijol’s due to Leeds’ depleted options otherwise.

Moreno’s Premier League stats

Games played

55

Goals scored

2

Assists

4

Big chances created

5

Wins

27

Goals conceded

46

Clean sheets

7

Tackle success %

67%

Stats from the Premier League

Whilst Moreno hasn’t always been the most stable defensive option in the top-flight with only seven clean sheets collected from 55 appearances to date, he has consistently shown off his class in attack to be a fitting stand-in for the loss of Firpo, with six goal contributions also picked up.

The ex-Barcelona defender did amass a far heftier 14 goal contributions last season, but the Dominican Republic international had struggled in the big time previously, with a lesser four goal contributions tallied up from 43 overall clashes.

Therefore, it could be deemed vital that Leeds seal a deal for the “pure class” left-back soon, as he was once glowing labelled by journalist Lee Clarke.

On the contrary, whilst Bijol would definitely boost Farke’s men in the heart of defence, they are already strong here. Whereas, Moreno would really enhance the Whites’ options on the left channel in the wake of Firpo’s expected exit.

Related Ampadu 2.0: Leeds ready to pay up for “tremendous” £1.2m star

Leeds United could be about to sign their next Ethan Ampadu with this summer purchase.

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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has opened talks to sign a “commanding” defender, who’s now a top defensive target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new centre-back amid Saliba concerns

The Gunners’ centre-back partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba has received widespread acclaim over the past few seasons, with Jamie Carragher saying: “As a partnership, him and Gabriel is as good as anything in the Premier League.

“I think Saliba is the better player but Gabriel is the better leader, and Saliba needs to bring that to his game if he wants to get to the levels we talk about with Virgil van Dijk.

“Saliba needs Gabriel. Since Gabriel has come out of the team, that’s not the same Saliba I’m watching.”

Best ST since Auba: Arsenal agree personal terms for £67m "monster"

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 31, 2025

It has recently been revealed the Brazilian defender is now in advanced talks over a new deal to remain at the Emirates Stadium, but with Real Madrid expressing an interest in Saliba, it could be a wise idea to bring in a new centre-back this summer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, that is exactly what the north Londoners are planning to do, having now moved ahead of Manchester United in the race for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

Such is Arsenal’s level of interest in Leoni, he has now been identified as one of their top defensive targets for the summer transfer window, with sporting director Berta leading talks over a deal to bring the 18-year-old to north London.

Juventus and Inter Milan are also in the race for the teenager, who joined Parma in a deal amounting to €8m (£7m) last summer, which has proven to be a savvy investment, given that he has emerged as a key player for the Italian side.

"Commanding" Leoni impressing for Parma

At the start of the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, the centre-back found game time difficult to come by, but he managed to establish himself as a key player during the second half of the season, which is an impressive feat at such a young age.

Football scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the Italian defender, describing his aerial dominance and duel prowess as “commanding”, while also stating the youngster is “destined” to play for a top club.

Leoni is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, but his emergence as a first-team player at such a young age can only be a good sign, and the Parma ace could be a solid addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

That said, there are a number of other interesting young defenders on the shortlist for Arsenal, and Arteta may even decide against bringing in a new centre-back, given that Gabriel and Saliba are arguably almost undroppable when fit.

Target	Current club	Potential cost
Jorrel Hato	Ajax	£40m
Nathan Collins	Brentford	£23m
Cristhian Mosquera	Valencia	£17m

Manchester United are among the frontrunners for an “extraordinary” striker, who is now certain to leave his club for around £59m this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd making progress in Mbeumo pursuit

Ruben Amorim’s rebuild is already underway, having completed the signing of Matheus Cunha, but the manager is clearly very unhappy with his attacking options, as Man United are making moves to bring in at least one more forward.

Indeed, there has recently been a positive development in United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, with it being revealed the Brentford star wants to move to Old Trafford this summer, despite interest from Arsenal, and talks are set to be opened soon.

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A deal for Mbeumo will not be cheap, with the Bees thought to be holding out for a fee of £60m, and with the Red Devils missing out on the Champions League, it is unclear whether they will be able to spend big this summer without making some major sales.

However, Bruno Fernandes has now confirmed he has no plans to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, which would’ve generated a significant amount of income.

Although Fernandes is set to stay, and progress is being made in the pursuit of Mbeumo, the Red Devils remain keen on bringing in an out-and-out striker this summer, and they are now among the frontrunners for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

That is according to a report from Portugal (via Man Utd News), which states United are ‘in the first line’ for Gyokeres, alongside Arsenal and Napoli, with the striker certain to leave the Portuguese club for a fee of around £59m this summer.

"Extraordinary" Gyokeres could be statement signing for Man Utd

United being among the frontrunners for the Sweden international, despite having no European football on offer next season, speaks volumes about the size of the club, and there are signs he could be a statement signing.

Amorim knows the Swedish striker well from their time working together in Portugal, and he maintained a stellar goal record across the 2024-25 campaign, leading Sporting CP to Liga Portugal glory in the process.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Liga Portugal

33

39

8

Champions League

8

6

0

Taca de Portugal

7

5

3

Allianz Cup

3

4

0

Supertaca

1

0

2

Sporting boss Rui Borges has also singled out the 27-year-old for high praise, saying: “There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team.”

The only concern over the signing of Gyokeres will be the fact he is yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s biggest leagues, and 19 of his goals came from the penalty spot, but he still found the back of the net 35 times from open play.

Bayern Munich have reportedly withdrawn their interest from Stuttgart sensation Nick Woltemade after seeing their first two bids rejected.

• Bayern step away from Woltemade transfer
• Bavarians fail to land another top target
• Stuttgart remain firm on their asking price

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern are experiencing a difficult summer when it comes to their transfer market activity, with yet another top transfer target seeming to have slipped out of their grasp. After failing to sign the likes of Nico Williams, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola, reports that Bavarians have now withdrawn their interest from Stuttgart's Woltemade.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report reveals that Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and sporting director Max Eberl have "suspended negotiations for the time being", which indicates that while they might have indefinitely stopped the pursuit of Woltemade, they could return for his signature later in the window. Stuttgart have come out as pretty tough negotiators during talks between the two clubs, having sent a fiery email demanding Bayern to stop all communication with the 23-year-old striker. Die Schwaben have already rejected two bids, with the second bid worth €55 million (£47m/$64m) including bonuses.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  further claims that Stuttgart are prepared to turn down a potential third bid worth €60m (£52m/$70m), remaining firm on their stance to entertain offers of at least €65m (£56m/$76m). Chairman Alexander Wehrle recently saidthat he is confident of Woltemade staying at the MHP Arena next season.

  "Nick Woltemade will play football for us next year," he said. "And if something extraordinary should happen, we're professional enough to discuss things at the table. But as I said: I assume he'll play football for us next year."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WOLTEMADE & BAYERN?

  Woltemade is expected to attend Stuttgart's pre-season training camp between July 28 to August 2, while Bayern will hope that they can catch a break by successfully capturing Luis Diaz from Liverpool, with an eye on Lyon sensation Malick Fofana.

حلل رينيه مولينستين، مدرب نادي مانشستر يونايتد السابق، تراجع مستوى محمد صلاح مع ليفربول خلال هذا الموسم، موضحًا أن الدولي المصري تأثر برحيل أحد اللاعبين عن صفوف الريدز هذا الصيف.

وغادر عن صفوف ليفربول العديد من اللاعبين ومن بين أبرزهم هذا العام هو ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، والذي رحل عن الريدز منضمًا إلى ريال مدريد مقابل 10 ملايين يورو.

كما رحل عن ليفربول عدد من اللاعبين الآخرين من بينهم داروين نونيز، والذي انضم إلى صفوف الهلال مقابل 58 مليون يورو.

ويرى مولينستين في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ديلي ميرور”، أن محمد صلاح قد تأثر حقًا برحيل أرنولد إلى ريال مدريد، مشيرًا إلى أن النجم المصري لم ينسجم مع الصفقات الجديدة بعد.

وقال مولينستين: “أعتقد أن رحيل ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد قد يكون عاملاً في أداء ليفربول، حيث غالبًا ما يبني اللاعبون شراكات وعلاقات في الملعب ويعرفون غريزيًا أين يمررون الكرة، أعتقد أن هذا الفهم بالغ الأهمية”.

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وأضاف: ”فلوريان فيرتز لاعب آخر لا يزال يستعيد مستواه، لم يبدأ أساسيًا ضد مانشستر يونايتد لكنه قدم أداءً جيدًا عند دخوله بشكل أساسي أمس، يحتاج خط الهجوم إلى التناغم، كودي جاكبو الذي قدم أداءً جيدًا يوم الأحد ضد مانشستر يونايتد لا يزال يلعب بشكل جيد، لكن محمد صلاح بدا غير مستعد”.

وأوضح: “كان هذا غريبًا بعض الشيء خاصةً أن محمد صلاح سجل مؤخرًا هدفًا لمصر في تصفيات كأس العالم مساهمًا في وصولها إلى النهائيات، وهو إنجاز كبير، مع ذلك كانت هناك لحظات يوم الأحد ضد مانشستر يونايتد لم يظهر فيها على حالته الطبيعية، مثل التسديدة التي وضعها بجانب القائم”.

وأردف: “من الناحية الفنية، كان الأمر مجرد سوء فهم فعادةً ما كان يعدل جسده ويضع الكرة في الزاوية البعيدة”.

وتابع: “صلاح لاعب ذو خبرة، برأيي لا ينبغي أن نرهقه كثيرًا، كما قلت مع آرنولد علينا فقط أن ندعم صلاح، في العام الماضي وجدوا دورًا دفاعيًا جيدًا لصلاح مع منحه حرية التمركز في مواقع معينة يمكن لليفربول من خلالها شن هجمات مرتدة سريعة”.

واختتم: ”لقد نفذوا هذا ببراعة، أعتقد أن الأمر يعود إلى تأقلم العديد من اللاعبين الشباب الجدد وصلاح يمر بفترة سيئة حاليًا، لكنه سيتحسن، لن يصبح لاعبًا سيئًا بين عشية وضحاها”.

Chelsea are maintaining their transfer plans for the summer window, despite no longer being able to add to their Club World Cup squad till much later this month.

Chelsea prioritising new attackers for Enzo Maresca

If Enzo Maresca becomes desperate to reinforce his squad again during this summer’s tournament, which kicks off in three days, the Blues will have a unique registration window open from June 27 to July 3 – so missing out on key targets before Tuesday’s 7pm deadline wasn’t exactly the end of the world.

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Many are apparently surprised.

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Chelsea attempted to complete deals for both AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens, but haggling on price saw the west Londoners fail to seal either of their signatures in time.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea walked away from the deal for Maignan after deciding not to meet Milan’s reported £25 million valuation, and they also saw three deadline day bids rejected for Gittens as Dortmund continued to demand more money.

Following these botched deals, reliable journalist Simon Phillips reports that Chelsea are prioritising new attackers for the rest of the window, with BlueCo keen to add a new left winger, versatile attacking midfielder and another striker after Liam Delap.

“For the rest of the window, it is attackers that is the priority. SPTC sources have confirmed that Chelsea want to sign a new left-winger, a versatile attacking midfielder, and another new striker. The Hugo Ekitiké story is far from dead,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“One source continues to mention both Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze to me as real ones to watch. There’s a lot of noise around both players right now and remember, Chelsea reached out to Rogers agent earlier this week. If Chelsea cannot land Ekitike, expect another new striker to be targeted. Enzo Maresca wants his attack improved and has asked for all the above positions.”

Phillips also states that Gittens remains on the radar of Chelsea despite their tough negotiations with Dortmund on Tuesday.

Jamie Gittens wants to join Chelsea and is convinced it'll happen

According to fellow journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for TBR, the 20-year-old is equally keen for this move to happen, regardless of the deadline day failure.

It is believed that Gittens is “especially” convinced that his move to Chelsea will eventually happen, and he still wants to join the west Londoners after holding positive talks with Maresca’s side.

Discussions over a move for the £55 million winger will apparently continue once the transfer window reopens on June 16, and Gittens could be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad after scoring 12 goals and assisting five others in 48 appearances last season.

“He’s a very important player for us,” said ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Şahin.

“Jamie himself wants to take the next step, and we want him to take that step. Now he’s scoring goals and playing more mature football. It’s not news to me that he’s incredible one-on-one and is a very good finisher.”

The former Pakistan coach expects the top six to score heavily, but is concerned by the inexperience in the pace department

Mickey Arthur17-Nov-2019Be positive in attack and defenceThe key to having success with the bat in Australia is committing to your defence and attack. If you get caught in between you get yourself into trouble. The challenge is different simply because of the bounce. The wickets in Australia are very good if you get yourself in and commit to your decisions, but there is the extra bounce which keeps the bowlers interested all the time. That’s why good balance and committed footwork is the key. I think Pakistan are getting better in these conditions. It might sound strange because we lost so badly to South Africa last year but the wickets there went up and down. On the consistent wickets I’m backing Pakistan to bat very well.Babar Azam plays straight•Associated PressAzhar Ali and Asad Shafiq are vital, but watch Babar AzamThe two senior batsmen had very good tours last time. Azhar got a double and Asad got a 140 [137] in Brisbane chasing. They are very good players, their games have developed in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years, and I do think it’s a very solid top six now. I’m thinking of a top six along the lines of Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood – who played really well in South Africa – the experience of Azhar, who plays well off the back foot, then Babar Azam, followed by Haris Sohail and Shafiq. I just think Babar is an unbelievable batsman. His record would tell you that white-ball cricket he has conquered, red-ball cricket not yet. But he’s just an incredible batsman and it won’t be long before he scores in all formats, without a doubt. Those guys have now developed their games to be able to play very well in Australia. I think they’ll get enough runs in that top six.Keep the scoreboard movingYou’ve got to be looking to score in Australia all the time. You’ve got to have a mindset about how you are going to score, rather than a mindset of how you are going to survive, because if you are looking to just survive you’ll get tentative and if you get tentative in Australia you’ll get found out. Australia will use that, they’ll look to strike with the new ball and then they’ll look to build pressure as the ball gets older, then [Nathan] Lyon comes into the equation. Pakistan have got to keep looking to score because that’s their best way to counter Australia.Mohammad Abbas celebrates after making the early breakthrough•Getty ImagesInexperience in the attack a concernIt surprised me that so much inexperience was picked. In Mohammad Abbas you’ve got a very, very good new-ball bowler. Abbas can strike for you and dry up runs, so he gives you that balance. Shaheen Afridi is going to be an incredible bowler. He’s coming off dengue fever so he hasn’t bowled that much but he is the future, he’s going to be very good. Then it will be who they bowl with those guys – you’ve got Imran Khan, and the youngsters – so that third seamer will be vital. I think Naseem Shah and Muhammad Musa will be very good bowlers, without a doubt, and the tour is really good for their development, but the thing that worries me is the ability to get six balls in the right area and you need to have that ability in Australia: strike with the new ball then go into a holding pattern. You’ve got to be able to be very consistent with your line and length so it will be interesting to see if they can get that balance right with their attack.Pitch the ball upYour lengths are going to be fuller rather than shorter. You are using the short-pitched ball, the bouncer, as your surprise delivery, your change up, but in Australia you are always in the game because of the bounce if you can get the batsman driving. It’s a case of not getting carried away, hitting your areas. Too often we see guys coming to Australia with the pace and bounce, they get cut and pulled, and suddenly you look at the scoreboard, Australia have got off to a flyer and you are trying to pull the game back. You have to have that ability to build pressure. They’ll have to do that for long periods of time. I used to coin the phrase that it’s okay to be boring if it leads to a positive result, and they have to be able to do that.Yasir Shah looks on after delivering the ball•Getty ImagesThe Yasir factorYasir Shah didn’t have a good tour of Australia last time. The legspinners don’t get much turn but they get bounce, particularly at the Gabba, and Shane Warne always said the Gabba was his favorite ground to bowl spin on because of the bounce. Nathan Lyon will say the same thing. Yasir Shah has to deliver in those Tests in both a striking role and a holding role for Pakistan. On the last tour I just think the Australians took him on. They realised that if they could take Yasir on then it means the seamers would have to bowl more overs which would tire them out quicker. It could be an option not to play Yasir, Imran Khan is experienced but then you but then you are going down to playing one of your young seamers. If they get it wrong, the Australia batsmen will come hard at them and they’ll bleed quickly. It will be very interesting to see the balance of the side because they don’t have an allrounder. The spin-bowling allrounder was Shadab Khan and we tried to develop Faheem Ashraf as well, although his batting hasn’t gone to the level in should be. With those guys you could have had Mohammad Rizwan at No. 6. It made the side look a lot more balanced and was a positive side. It was the attacking option and that’s the balance I liked with Pakistan.Haris Sohail takes a catch at first slip to dismiss Shaun Marsh•Getty ImagesDon’t slip upThe catching is particularly important behind the wicket – slips and the gully. A lot of chances go in that area so they’ll have to be on the money. I know that [fielding coach] Grant Bradburn works unbelievably hard and I know they will have put the time in. It’s just up the players to hold onto those chances. You have to keep attacking, but you can do that with in-out fields. You could keep an extra catcher but drop your backward point onto the boundary. The dilemma is that lot of runs go to third man in Australia in Test cricket, but that means holding one less catcher so it’s a balance. With the new ball you want the catchers in, you want to be as attacking as you can. But when the ball gets older you want to be able to squeeze and build some pressure so hanging onto your catches, being alert in the field, looking for run-outs, saving the one, that’s what it all comes down to. Fielding is an attitude. If your attitude is right when you go out to field you’ll field well but, again, the key, and I know Grant works so hard on it, will be in the slips. They will get chances in Australia and need to hang onto them.So can they win?Getting 20 wickets is the key, it is everywhere. Pakistan, I think, will get enough runs. They have a very solid top six. It’s going to be the ability to bowl Australia out twice that will be tested. But the likes of Abbas and Afridi, I have no doubt with. Yasir Shah is a quality bowler, I hope that he steps up the challenge, but it will be the other seamers and how they adapt which will be the biggest question mark.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a forward this summer and have now made a formal approach to land a striker who models his game after one of the best forwards in the world, according to a report.

Tottenham Hotspur's hunt for attacking reinforcements

Thomas Frank has already tied up deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel since walking through the door in N17. However, you get the impression there is plenty more to come given they will be playing Champions League football next term.

Looking to provide strength in depth across the front four positions, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo are prominent Tottenham targets, while West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has also been mentioned in dispatches.

With a managerial change coming into play, Daniel Levy has outlined that he has full faith in new boss Frank to deliver success after carrying out a rigorous search for Ange Postecoglou’s successor.

He explained: “Whenever you have a new coach, it’s always a fresh start. [They] always have different ideas but we want to build on the success of winning a trophy last season.

“One of the things that stood out to me with Thomas was that he is clearly highly intelligent, a great communicator, super human being plus all the technical aspects which are obviously important.”

Tottenham now want to sign "combative" £20m La Liga ace ahead of Man Utd

The Lilywhites could have an instant advantage.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025

Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel could also be on Spurs’ radar after an excellent start to the Club World Cup, signalling that eyes and ears will be on all potential markets from the Lilywhites this summer to extract a fair rate of value for money.

Fundamentally, bolstering the offensive areas will give Frank the depth required to progress his side, so it won’t come as any surprise to hear Merentiel isn’t the only South American star the club is seeking to add.

Tottenham launch formal approach for Ian Subiabre

According to reports in his homeland via Sport Witness, Tottenham have launched a formal approach for River Plate’s Ian Subiabre to ascertain details about his current situation.

Chelsea previously had a meeting with his agent, Claudio Caniggia, though they eventually baulked due to his release clause that is mooted to amount to around £22.4 million.

Ian Subiabre at River Plate – how has the youngster fared since breaking through?

Appearances

16

Goals

1

Assists

0

Mainly used as a substitute, Spurs haven’t been deterred and could look to make an offer that includes a future sell-on percentage for the Argentina Under-20 international, who has scored three times in six matches at that youth rank.

Describing Julian Alvarez as a player he models his game on, it remains to be seen whether his release clause will be met or if a transfer fee would be structured via alternative means.

River may entertain bids after the Club World Cup and haven’t ruled out a departure in this case, meaning Spurs could well add another talented youngster to the ranks.