RB Leipzig's sporting director has hinted that Xavi Simons wants to join Chelsea but insists there is "no agreement" yet.
Simons wants Chelsea moveRB Leipzig man running out of timeClub chief says there's no deal yetFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Despite Simons reportedly being keen on Chelsea, and vice versa, the attacking midfielder played in Leipzig's 6-0 drubbing by Bayern Munich on Friday. For the time being, the Dutch international is set to stay at the Bundesliga outfit, but anything can happen – something Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer alluded to.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT RB LEIPZIG'S SPORTING DIRECTOR SAID
He told : "As of today (Friday), Xavi will stay with us. We’ve always said that we make all decisions based on sporting and financial considerations, and that’s why Xavi is our player and why he played today. The transfer market is still open. You never know what’ll happen. I can’t guarantee that 100%. Everyone knows about his ambitions. He’s also told us that. There have certainly been a few exchanges in recent weeks. As we saw today, Xavi was in the starting line-up. So, there has been no agreement yet. And that’s why it will remain that way for now."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Simons' Chelsea switch is reportedly contingent on the Blues being able to sell forward Christopher Nkunku this summer, but an exit for the Frenchman is proving difficult. The former Paris Saint-Germain man would be a quality addition for Enzo Maresca's team, although fitting him in may be a challenge, but there is no guarantee a transfer will happen.
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?
Time is running out for Chelsea to sign Simons before the transfer window shuts on September 1. The 22-year-old will hope to be in place at the Blues before their next Premier League fixture at home to London neighbours Fulham next Saturday.
Newcastle United have a decent number of English players in their squad at the moment such as Callum Wilson, Matt Targett, Kieran Trippier and Jonjo Shelvey among others.
Now that the summer transfer window is around the corner, it seems as though the Tyneside club are eyeing up another English talent to come in and strengthen their squad.
What’s the news?
According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Newcastle are “strongly interested” in signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.
The report claimed that Arsenal are also eyeing the Englishman, who is ‘likely to leave Goodison Park’ irrespective of whether or not the Toffees avoid relegation this season.
Back in January, it was reported that Everton had put a £60m price tag on their star striker.
Calvert-Lewin’s career so far
Everton signed the centre-forward from Sheffield United back in 2016 in a deal worth a reported £1.5m. Since then, the 25-year-old has gone on to make 187 appearances for the Merseyside club across all competitions.
In those six years, the England international has found the next 56 times and provided 17 assists along the way.
Labelled a “cold” player by former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti, the 2020/21 season showed what a capable striker Calvert-Lewin is at Premier League level.
With 46 shots on target in the league last term, only Harry Kane (47) had more, which goes to show how dangerous the Everton star can be when at his best.
He’d be fabulous for Howe
Newcastle supporters will be very much aware of what the Toffees hitman is capable of producing, as he has delivered more goal contributions against the Magpies than any other team he has faced in his career, with five goals scored and one assist provided in 10 appearances.
Taking into account how Newcastle have only racked up a shot-on-target percentage of 31% this season – the fifth-worst in the Premier League – adding a player like Calvert-Lewin could be just what they need to become a deadlier attacking team in the future.
With the 25-year-old having been described by Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness as a “fabulous” player with “a lot to like about him”, he could be the perfect summer signing for Eddie Howe amid his efforts to push the Toon as far up the league as possible.
In other news – Imagine him & Bruno: Howe must land NUFC swoop for £17.1m gem who “radiates calmness”
The Sri Lankan smashed a 22-ball fifty, but it wasn’t enough to take defending champions Knight Riders home in a chase of 161
The Report by Deivarayan Muthu11-Oct-2019 The last time Barbados Tridents made the CPL final, in 2015, Kieron Pollard was their captain. Four years later, Tridents, led by Jason Holder, toppled Pollard’s Trinbago Knight Riders in front of a raucous Trinidad crowd to set up a final clash with Guyana Amazon Warriors, who have won 11 of their 11 games in CPL 2019 so far.A torrential downpour had delayed the arrival of Tridents’ team bus, a floodlight tower experienced power failure, JP Duminy was forced to retire hurt in the first innings, but Tridents overcame the odds to end Knight Riders’ hopes of a three-peat.ALSO READ – Pollard: A mercenary and a legendAfter helping Tridents loot 43 off their last two overs to finish with 160 for 6, Ashley Nurse took 2 for 14 with the ball to send Knight Riders’ chase spiraling out of control. When Pollard was run out for 23 off 16 balls, the crowd fell silent and Tridents’ owners were celebrating. Knight Riders’ Sri Lankan recruit Seekkuge Prasanna, however, threatened a jailbreak with 22-ball half-century and dragged the chase to the last over.Knight Riders needed 14 off the final over and Prasanna was on a boundary-hitting spree, having launched slower-ball specialist Harry Gurney out of the ground. Left-arm seam-bowling allrounder Raymon Reifer, who had earlier hit an unbeaten 24 off 18 balls, pinned Prasanna in front with a dipping yorker to seal Knight Riders’ fate.Third-time unlucky Javon Searles drew an outside edge from Johnson Charles with the second ball of the match, but wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin dropped it. Searles then had the opener skying a loft in his second over, but neither Lendl Simmons nor Chris Jordan attempted the catch in the infield and reprieved him again. Charles then managed a mere eight runs off 15 balls from Sunil Narine and Khary Pierre before searching for a release against Ali Khan. Charles ventured another lofted hit, but the USA seamer hit a hard length and had him splicing a catch to mid-off.ALSO READ: Pierre: Trinbago Knight Riders’ master of thriftOh hello, Ashley Nurse! Before this game, Nurse had last bowled on September 22 in Tridents’ first home match of the season. He hadn’t quite fired with the bat either until Thursday. While other higher-profile names like Alex Hales and Shakib Al Hasan fell cheaply, Nurse punched 24 off nine balls at a strike-rate of 266.66.When Nurse entered to bat, Tridents were 112 for 6 in the 18th over and their coach Phil Simmons confirmed that Duminy would not return to bat because of a “hamstring twinge”.Nurse was up against the Barbados-born Jordan, who had conjured a double-wicket over earlier in the evening. But the onset of dew meant Jordan couldn’t grip the ball and dished out a beamer that was smoked for a six over the bowler’s head. Jordan then attempted a slower ball later in the over, but Nurse manufactured pace for himself and slugged it over midwicket for another six.He cracked another six in the last over of the innings, bowled by Ali Khan, to push Tridents to a competitive total along with Reifer.Seekkuge’s salvo Narine kickstarted Knight Riders’ chase with four fours off the first over, bowled by Shakib, but was tricked by Gurney’s slower cutter in the third. Lendl Simmons, the second-highest run-getter this season, had a rare failure, chipping a similar slower ball from Jason Holder to mid-on. USA’s legspin-bowling sensation Hayden Walsh Jr. and Nurse then carved up the middle order, leaving Knight Riders at 81 for 5 in the 12th over.
Seekkuge Prasanna! Take a bow! He takes the play of the day crown for this huge SIX!!! #CPL19 #BTvTKR #BiggestPartyInSport #CricketPlayedLouder pic.twitter.com/yD9bhcWrFD
— CPL T20 (@CPL) October 11, 2019
Pollard briefly gave his side hope by muscling Walsh Jr. for a brace of sixes down the ground, but a mix-up with Prasanna four overs later resulted in his dismissal. At this point, Knight Riders still needed 41 off 25 balls. Prasanna then went cray-cray, as did the Knight Riders fans. Guney was dumped onto the roof, and the ball bounced out of the Brian Lara Stadium. Walsh Jr. wasn’t spared either as Prasanna took him for back-to-back sixes. However, Reifer had the final say, ensuring we will have a new champion this season.
Alexander Isak released a bombshell statement taking an aim at Newcastle United after missing PFA awards night. Isak was named in the PFA's Premier League Team of the Season for 2024-25, however, he was not present in person in Manchester. Isak is determined to leave St. James' Park this summer to join Premier League champions Liverpool.
Isak named in Premier League TOTYMissed PFA awards nightReleased a statement against NewcastleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Isak released a long statement where he thanked the PFA for being included in their Premier League team of the season. He then took an aim at Newcastle and accused the club of 'breaking promises'.
IG:@alex_isak
AdvertisementWHAT ISAK SAID
In his statement posted on Instagram, Isak wrote: "I'm proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25. First and foremost, I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who have supported me along the way. I'm not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn't feel right to be there. I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors. The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Isak has been linked with a move away from Newcastle all through the summer and the striker is currently in a stand-off with the Magpies over a transfer to Liverpool, as the club are yet to sanction his sale, although the Swedish forward is determined to move to Anfield this summer. The 25-year-old has been banished from the first team and is training alone, and was also excluded from Eddie Howe's matchday squad in their season opener against Aston Villa last weekend.
WHAT NEXT FOR ISAK
After their first match of the season, manager Eddie Howe had urged the Magpies to resolve the Isak issue as early as possible. It now remains to be seen what steps the club take, following the public outburst by their star forward.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has just been handed a major boost in the hunt to sign Inter Milan star Stefan de Vrij this summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Conte eyes move…
The Italian, who is reportedly plotting a major overhaul at Spurs over the next transfer window, has allegedly targeted Inter’s central defensive ace as part of his summer plans for the Premier League side.
De Vrij was a mainstay in Conte’s 2020/2021 Scudetto-winning side with reports claiming that the 52-year-old wants to bring his former star to north London.
Indeed, Tottenham are firmly in the mix for de Vrij as his San Siro contract continues to run down.
Currently set to expire in 2023, the Dutchman is entering his final year at Inter, prompting clubs to sit up and take note – including Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paritici.
The Latest: Conte gifted boost…
According to Football Insider, an extremely promising update has now come to light, with Inter now willing to green-light his sale at well under half of his original price tag.
As per their ‘recruitment source’, the cash-strapped European heavyweights have told de Vrij he can leave for just £15 million.
That’s £25m less than what they were previously demanding at £40m, opening the door for Spurs and other interested clubs to snip the colossal defender at a bargain price.
The Verdict: Take advantage…
A centre-half is said to be one of Conte’s major priorities this summer and sealing de Vrij’s signing at such a meagre price would certainly go some way to appeasing the ex-Chelsea boss.
Lauded as a would-be ‘unbelievable signing’ by journalist Dean Jones, the 30-year-old proved his quality under Conte at Inter last season – making more clearances per 90 than any Inter player in Serie A (WhoScored).
He also completed a brilliant 93.8% of his passes out from the back, highlighting his composure and assurance as an elite, ball-playing defender who would seriously upgrade Tottenham’s backline.
While his age indicates he wouldn’t be too much of a long-term option, de Vrij could certainly plug gaps in the meantime, and for £15m Spurs have little to lose.
In other news: Source: Conte now green-lights exit for ‘perfect’ Spurs player who ‘100%’ wants to quit! Find out more here.
How ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball commentary recorded Ben Stokes’ match-winning stand of 76 with Jack Leach
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2019115.2 – Pattinson to Broad, OUT, pitched up, Broad is hit on the boot – given! But he reviews, did he get some bat on it? Doesn’t look like it on the first replay, but we’ll need UltraEdge – no, that’s clear, and Hawk-Eye has it smashing the base of off stump! Pattinson’s yorker rips through Broad and Australia are on the brink SCJ Broad lbw b Pattinson 0 (6m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00116.4 – Lyon to Stokes, SIX runs, shout of ‘catch!’ from Lyon… but Stokes has mowed it over long-off! There’s a man out there, but this was struck fine of him, lands it pretty much on the rope118.1 – Lyon to Stokes, SIX runs, goes down the ground again, clears long-off! Hazlewood leaps on the rope, but he can’t get near it… Six more!118.5 – Lyon to Stokes, SIX runs, Bloody Norah! He’s reverse-slog-swept this into the stands! Extraordinary from Stokes, smashing the cover off one over deep point! IncredibleBen Stokes reverse-pulls a six over cover•Getty Images120.3 – Cummins to Stokes, SIX runs, he gets the ramp away this time, into the stands at fine leg! Still ambitious, but he’s got the chops to pull it off! Stokes into the 90s and the crowd are going like Billy-oh again!121.1 – Hazlewood to Stokes, FOUR runs, short outside off, smoked through wide long-on! Rocks back and this to the boundary – hundred for Stokes, but he’s not interested. Work still to do, he nods his head and then returns to his crease121.2 – Hazlewood to Stokes, SIX runs, full toss, scooped over the ropes at deep square! You’ve got to be kidding me! Sails away and England are getting ever closer121.3 – Hazlewood to Stokes, SIX runs, goes again, soaring into the Western Terrace! Length delivery, he rocks back and smashes it to smithereens between two men parked on the boundary122.1 – Lyon to Stokes, no run, darted flat outside off and Stokes goes for the reverse-sweep… Paine appeals for caught behind, but the umpire isn’t interested. Kiddology122.2 – Lyon to Stokes, no run, goes for a big mow over the leg side, this spins out of the rough to slip122.3 – Lyon to Stokes, no run, slower, Stokes aims a little reverse-prod at it and misses123.1 – Cummins to Stokes, no run, dropped! Sliced to third man, Marcus Harris can’t hold it… The ball carried, he got his hands there, couldn’t cling on! Very similar to Simon Jones in 2005…123.2 – Cummins to Stokes, FOUR runs, short ball, cracked on the pull, through Warner’s dive on the rope! Was it catchable chance? Hard to tell, but it was travelling!123.3 – Cummins to Stokes, FOUR runs, smashed down the ground, Stokes is on the rampage, the target now in single figures! Hazlewood threw himself full length but couldn’t cut it off123.6 – Cummins to Leach, no run, pitched up, skids into the pads, appeal for lbw but looked leg side. Australia review, but it’s a desperate one, pitching well outside leg124.3 – Lyon to Stokes, SIX runs, tossed up, and he goes down town… Hanging in the air… There’s a man on the rope… Gets it over his head for six! Stokes wasn’t sure, it wasn’t out of the middle, he crouched, he watched – and then the crowd erupted!124.5 – Lyon to Stokes, no run, missed run out! Leach is charging down, he’s miles out of his ground as the throw comes in… but Lyon drops it! Can you believe it? Stokes reverse-swept, picked out backward point, but Leach was headlong down the pitch looking for a non-existent singleNathan Lyon misses the chance to run out Jack Leach with England needing two to win•Getty Images124.6 – Lyon to Stokes, no run, goes for the slog-sweep, hit on the pads, Wilson shakes his head! Lyon can’t believe it, Australia have no reviews! That looked a pretty good shout, pitching on middle and leg. Did it straighten enough?125.1 – Cummins to Leach, no run, slams down a bouncer, high over the batsman’s head125.2 – Cummins to Leach, no run, short and at the body, 85mph/137kph and Leach shovels it away, leg gully cleans up125.3 – Cummins to Leach, 1 run, round the wicket, banged into the ribs and Leach jabs it past short leg, they scamper through and SCORES ARE LEVEL! Leach’s first run, too125.4 – Cummins to Stokes, FOUR runs, there it is! Flayed through the covers, Stokes has completed the Miracle of Headingley Part II! Holy hand grenades, Stokes is a monster! He throws his arms wide and roars! England win by one wicket and the series is level in the most heart-stopping fashion imaginable!
When Liverpool announced the arrival of Hugo Ekitike earlier this week, it would have been easy to assume that the Reds had ended their search for a striker. But since then, there has been an almighty twist to the tale.
As reported by David Ornstein and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Alexander Isak now wants to leave Newcastle United this summer and explore options elsewhere. The Swede was sent home from the Magpies’ friendly against Celtic amid all the speculation, before being left out of their Asia tour courtesy of a ‘thigh injury’.
However, it has since emerged that Isak was left out of the tour after his request to leave St James’ Park ahead of next season. It’s an undeniable blow for the Magpies – their biggest yet in a summer full of disappointment – but Newcastle’s loss could quickly become Liverpool’s gain.
Liverpool informed Newcastle before signing Ekitike that they were willing to break their club record for the second time this summer to sign Isak in a £120m deal. And whilst that becomes more difficult after splashing out £69m to welcome their new French forward, fresh sales could yet leave Liverpool in dreamland.
With the potential to have both Isak and Ekitike at their disposal, AI assistant Grok has predicted and ranked the different formations that Liverpool could use to incorporate the two forwards.
3 4-4-2 (dual strikers)
The natural way to accommodate two talented strikers would be to play the trusty and reliable 4-4-2. The sytem would be a new one for Arne Slot, but could be one worth playing if he is to get the best out of Isak and Ekitike.
In this formation, Isak would likely take up the role of primary goalscorer whilst Ekitike takes up the job of chief creator. The latter’s task would be to drop slightly deeper into the No.10 role or even the false 9 role that Liverpool fans will know so well from Roberto Firmino’s time at the club and provide the link between midfield and attack.
Liverpool line-up 4-4-2.
Isak, meanwhile, would be asked to do the very thing that only Mohamed Salah did better than him in the Premier League last season and that’s score goals. The big questions here, though, would be whether Slot would be willing to sacrifice his numbers in midfield and just where he would find a place for Florian Wirtz.
2 4-2-3-1 (Ekitike as No.10)
There is, of course, another way around this. Liverpool could simply revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation – which they used at times last season to great success – and utilise Ekitike as a No.10. The former Frankfurt forward would then have Isak in front of him and likely Cody Gakpo and Salah beside him.
Liverpool in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Suddenly, Slot would have a scintilating front four all featuring at once. The last time that Liverpool had something close to such attacking quality were the few months prior to Philippe Coutinho’s exit when the Brazilian stood alongside Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino. Years later, however, Anfield could be about to see that front four eclipsed.
Alas, there are some downsides to the 4-2-3-1. Where would Wirtz slot in? Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign the German and for very good reason. There’s no disputing that he should be an instant starter. What’s more, there would be question marks over Ekitike’s ability to remain consistent as No.10 with such little experience in the role.
The Frenchman would be shoe-horned in more than anything and there’s certainly a better way for Slot to get the best out of every one of his stars if Liverpool sign Isak.
1 4-3-3 (Ekitike wide left)
Another option, and one that Slot is more familiar with, would be a 4-3-3 with Ekitike playing out wide. Forming a front three between Ekitike, Isak and Salah, the Reds would have their best trio since Mane, Firmino and Salah and one that would arguably be capable of putting up similar numbers.
Given that Luis Diaz could yet join Bayern Munich in a big-money deal this summer too, moving Ekitike into his left-wing spot would certainly make sense. There may be some concerns that the Frenchman lacks experience in the role, given that he played just 5% of his minutes at Eintracht Frankfurt on the wing, but he certainly has the creative talent.
Liverpool in a 4-3-3 system.
With 12 assists to his name last season, Ekitike could provide a similar threat to Cody Gakpo by cutting in from the left-hand side using his physical stature. Isak, meanwhile, would once again benefit from the No.9 role, whilst Wirtz could take his much-needed role in midfield.
In terms of familiarity and player roles, utilising a 4-3-3 looks like the best way that Slot would be able to take a squad full of stars to a second-consecutive Premier League title.
Kylian Mbappe could feature for France against the Netherlands despite a broken nose, as the Real Madrid superstar teased his imminent return.
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Mbappe suffered a broken nose against AustriaCould still play against the NetherlandsHowever, France have a few other injury concernsWHAT HAPPENED?
The forward had to undergo further tests on Wednesday on his broken nose to determine the real extent of his injury after Didier Deschamps revealed that he would have to undergo surgery. However, Mbappe was back for the Les Bleus' training session on Wednesday, according to although he did an individual routineMoreover, Mbappe himself and the official French national team posted on social media to tease that the 2018 World Cup winner might be available for the crucial match against the Dutch on Friday.
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Mbappe shared two pictures on Instagram with a caption that read: "Without risks there are no victories."
Meanwhile, the French national team also put out a tweet with an hourglass emoji and a picture of Mbappe sitting in the middle of the pitch.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to Theo Hernandez, the 26-year-old AC Milan left-back, missed Wednesday's training session due to muscle pain in his gluteal region. Hernandez has been training separately from the rest of the squad, focusing on his fitness by working on a bike. This development raises questions about his availability for France’s upcoming match against the Netherlands.
If he is unable to recover in time for the match against the Netherlands, Deschamps has a couple of options. Ferland Mendy, the Real Madrid left-back, is a likely candidate to step into the starting line-up. Additionally, Deschamps could consider Eduardo Camavinga, another Real Madrid player, who has been deployed at left-back on occasion despite being primarily a midfielder.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Hernandez is not the only player under an injury cloud. Reports from indicate that both William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, who played pivotal roles in France’s 1-0 victory over Austria, also missed training due to muscular pain. Saliba, 23, who earned his first major tournament start, has quickly become a crucial component of the French defence, partnering effectively with Upamecano. The absence of these two central defenders from training just days before a crucial match is a significant concern for Deschamps. In a piece of positive news for the French camp, veteran striker Olivier Giroud has returned to training after missing Tuesday’s session due to a minor injury.
Fell’s first red-ball ton since recovering from testicular cancer paves way for 78-run win
ECB Reporters Network18-Aug-2020Tom Fell surely possesses a unique perspective on playing cricket and it was a day for him to cherish deeply as his first red-ball hundred since beginning treatment for testicular cancer in 2015 helped his side to a second Bob Willis Trophy victory as Worcestershire beat Northamptonshire by 78 runs at Wantage Road.His unbeaten 110 allowed Worcestershire to declare on the final morning and set Northamptonshire 263 in 68 overs. It was easily defended as the hosts were bowled out for 184.Fell was a rising star at New Road and as 21-year-old in 2015 made 1127 first-class runs at 42. But the hundred he made against Middlesex that September was his last until now. Cancer cruelly halted his career progress but here was evidence that he still has much to give the game.It was a touching moment when he took his overnight 81 to a sixth first-class century, nudging his 205th delivery to long leg off Gareth Berg. There was visible emotion on the visitors’ balcony.And no doubt scenes of joy inside the dressing room after Worcestershire completed victory to keep up their challenge for a place in the Bob Willis Trophy final. After a poor 2019 in the County Championship, the Worcester boys are again happy in red-ball cricket.After Fell reached his hundred, the flare immediately went up and he and Ed Barnard launched 29 in two overs before the declaration came, Worcestershire no doubt mindful after running out of time against Glamorgan last week.The target offered hope for Northamptonshire and they began brightly. Ricardo Vasconcelos cut two boundaries, flicked another and beautifully drove Brett D’Oliveira for another four to leave an exciting finish in prospect.Tom Fell raises his bat for his hundred•Getty ImagesThe hosts were going very well at 48 without loss but it was quickly ruined by their latest collapse at they lost 3 for 7 in 10 balls.Both openers fell in identical fashion. But both decisions against Ben Curran, to Joe Leach for 17, and Vasconcelos, to Josh Tongue for 31, appeared to have some doubt with balls from right-arm over to left-handers that didn’t significantly straighten. There was only bemusement, though, as Alex Wakely played a back-foot block and somehow lobbed Tongue to mid-on.Charlie Thurston nicked behind a brisk Barnard away-swinger soon after. Richard Levi then tried to turn Dillon Pennington to leg and got a leading edge to point where Barnard to a good catch diving forward. Pennington struck again before tea as Saif Zaib wafted outside off and edged behind.With their top order having failed for a sixth consecutive innings, Northamptonshire went down swinging in the final session. Berg cut Leach for four but was bowled driving at Tongue. Adam Rossington pulled two boundaries and advanced at Leach to lift him over mid-on. He skewed another four over the slips cordon but eventually skied a catch to Cox off Leach.The fun continued as Nathan Buck struck three sixes – Leach over midwicket, Pennington and Barnard over long-on, the latter after a sashay down the wicket.Buck’s unbeaten 24 was the innings’ third-highest score and Northamptonshire took only four points from the game and have very little to show for their three matches so far. Good job they declared their intention to use the Bob Willis Trophy as a development competition before the season began.The late hitting did save them from consecutive defeats by a three-figure margin but as Barnard took out Jack White’s off stump to finish the game, it completed another disappointing week for a county who made much progress in 2019.
Liverpool have made some high-profile signings this summer as they look to defend their Premier League title and now appear close to completing another statement deal, according to Florian Plettenberg.
Liverpool still have plenty to spend this window
Despite spending big on Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong among others, Liverpool still have plenty of room to bring in reinforcements under Arne Slot and plan to have a strong end to the window after making significant early progress.
Addressing their financial reality, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has praised the Reds’ ‘Moneyball’ approach that has allowed them to flex their muscles on the market this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.
He stated: “Liverpool have been outside the top-10 spenders on player signings since 2019, but their model is a classic case of being smarter rather than bigger.
“Liverpool’s model has been to ignore the noise and only buy a player if they truly improve the squad. It’s a Moneyball, external, more analytical approach. Chief executive Michael Edwards does a brilliant job and he never buys players because of external pressure. He doesn’t get jittery when fans call for more signings.”
With that in mind, Liverpool have Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon on their radar if Real Madrid star Rodrygo is unattainable, providing evidence that they have several targets in the pipeline that could become the latest in a long line of high-value arrivals at Anfield.
£11m-a-year Brazilian star now "open" to move as Liverpool commence talks
Another boost for the Reds.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 18, 2025
Of course, departures such as Darwin Nunez potentially sealing a move to Napoli or an alternative destination alongside speculation over Luis Diaz will only create room for new additions, especially within their forward line.
Taking that into account, Liverpool are now on the verge of sealing a deal for one of Europe’s rising stars amid recent developments coming out of Anfield.
Sky Sports: Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool considered a "done deal"
Sky Sport journalist Plettenberg has now confirmed Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool have reached a “full agreement” over an impending Anfield transfer for striker Hugo Ekitike.
Now considered to be a “done deal” after the Bundesliga outfit accepted a bid of £82.3 million with add-ons included, the France Under-21 international is set for a medical at the Premier League champions and will sign a deal running until 2031.
Compared to Kylian Mbappe by Wesley Sneijder, Ekitike registered 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances last term as his side secured qualification for the Champions League.
Following Liverpool’s prolonged search for a number nine, Slot finally appears to have found his new striker and supporters will be waiting with anticipation in the hope that his medical concludes with no final hitches.