Labuschagne's stunning catch is one for the ages

Marnus Labuschagne pulled off an outrageous catch while playing for Glamorgan against Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast on Thursday.Fielding at long-on, he sprinted to his right and dived full-length, low to the ground to hold Ben Charlesworth’s lofted drive off legspinner Mason Crane.Labuschagne himself could barely believe he had taken the catch and sprinted off in celebration with his team-mates trying to catch him.The game itself turned into a thriller as well with Gloucestershire’s Josh Shaw hitting the last ball for six to clinch victory. Back in Australia, Labuschagne’s moment recalled memories of one that is part of cricket folklore: Adam Dale’s incredible catch in the deep during a one-day game against New South Wales at the Gabba in 1997.Related

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“I remember diving, and I still remember the stick [of the ball],” Dale recalled to on the 25-year anniversary of his catch. “It was a nice moment, but I do think I was out of position.”Labuschagne is known as an excellent fielder and has pulled off some superb run outs in both red and white-ball cricket.Earlier this week it was announced he would be Queensland captain next season, taking over from Usman Khawaja.

Better signing than Vardy: Leeds make move for "extraordinary" £13m CF

It seems like Leeds United will look to sign a new striker this summer, their first back in the Premier League after a two-season absence. There have already been strong links to two English top-flight stalwarts.

One of those is Callum Wilson, the Newcastle United striker who will leave on a free at the end of the season. The other is legendary Leicester City star Jamie Vardy, who will also depart the King Power Stadium at the end of the campaign when his contract expires.

Part of Leeds’ transfer policy at this stage of the summer, just days out from the transfer window opening, is clear: sign a striker. Well, perhaps their best option is actually a man whom they would have to buy, rather than sign on a free transfer.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for a striker

Leeds clearly want to sign a new centre-forward in the coming weeks, and if a player on a free transfer is not the answer, perhaps Kasper Dolberg is the man they will look to bring in from Belgian side Anderlecht.

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According to a reports – via website Voetbalkrant, the Whites hold a strong interest in signing Dolberg this summer. They are believed to have ‘reported to Brussels for Dolberg’, suggesting they have made an ‘approach’ for the Denmark international.

It is thought that Leeds ‘see the Dane as the ideal reinforcement for the attack’, and they seem like they will really push to sign him this summer.

Kasper Dolberg for Denmark.

However, the Yorkshire outfit ‘be able to meet Anderlecht’s demands’, which was reportedly a fee of £13m by Florian Plettenberg back in November 2024.

Why Dolberg would be a good signing

At 27 years of age, Dolberg is about to enter his prime, having been something of a journeyman, playing across Europe for the likes of Ajax and Sevilla. Now settled at Anderlecht, the Denmark international has had a strong season.

Kasper Dolberg

In 44 games across all competitions, the Ajax academy graduate has managed to find the back of the net 24 times and grab two assists, too. His season has been hampered somewhat by a couple of injury issues, too.

In the Jupiler Pro League, the top flight in Belgium, it has been a very successful individual campaign for the striker. He has 14 goals and an assist in 22 games, having played 1685 minutes. That gives him an average of 112 minutes per goal and assist. The highlight of that was surely a hat-trick against Cercle Brugge.

It will be interesting to see who Leeds decide to try and sign, if it comes down to Dolberg or the hugely experienced Vardy. The Whites’ reported target has now famously made 500 appearances for Leicester and reached 200 goals for the club at the weekend, his final home game.

It has been a strong season for Vardy in a Leicester shirt, despite what was a poor year for the Foxes. He managed nine goals and four assists in 35 Premier League games, impressive given his side’s form and the fact he is banging the goals in at 38 years of age.

Yet, it has been a season where Dolberg’s numbers in front of goal are actually better than Vardy’s, suggesting Leeds should in fact look to bring him in this summer. This is a signing the Yorkshire outfit need to get right, not least as he is an “extraordinary talent”, as hailed by John Steen Olsen.

Well, judging by some of the underlying numbers on FBref, perhaps the Dane should be the man Leeds go for. For example, he averages 0.75 goals and 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes compared to Vardy’s 0.29 goals per game and 0.35 goals per shot on target.

Goals

0.75

0.29

Goals per shot

0.18

0.14

Goals per shot on target

0.38

0.35

Expected goals

0.68xG

0.36xG

Goal-creating actions

2.15

1.5

Whatever Leeds decide to do will be fascinating, but for just £13m, perhaps Dolberg is the man they should sign. He has had a better season than Vardy, and the underlying numbers reinforce that. As Jurgen Klopp once said, he is a “fantastic” striker.

With age on his side too, it seems a signing that makes sense for Leeds. He could well be a striker who can find the back of the net enough to keep them in the Premier League.

Leeds considering swoop for "incredible" striker who'd be their new Wood

Leeds are reportedly considering a move for a star who could be Daniel Farke’s own Chris Wood.

ByDan Emery May 21, 2025

Arsenal: Berta now targeting £80m Premier League star as Rodrygo talks stall

Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is now targeting a marquee Premier League forward for Mikel Arteta, as his talks for Real Madrid star Rodrygo hit a snag.

Arsenal open talks for Rodrygo in chase for quality new winger

Last week, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg broke news that Arsenal had opened talks over a move for Rodrygo, with Berta in hot pursuit of a quality new winger who can provide them with even more goals and assists.

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1 ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025

Rodrygo shot to the “very top” of Berta’s list of transfer targets in that regard, but it is still seen as a pretty difficult deal to pull off for a multitude of reasons.

The 24-year-old, who’s bagged 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions over 50 total appearances this season, is also on around £202,000-per-week at Real. This would make Rodrygo one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players on a wage bill which is already pretty significant, with the Gunners’ annual payroll already totalling around £170 million.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

If you also factor in his £68 million rumoured price tag, a move for Rodrygo suddenly becomes a costly operation, and Arsenal need to set aside their summer funds carefully as they also target a prolific striker.

Taking all of this into account, it’s actually little surprise that negotiations are now stumbling, as reported by Plettenberg this week.

Arsenal eye Kaoru Mitoma as Rodrygo talks stall

Writing via X, the Sky journalist claims that Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma has now been identified as an alternative to the Real winger, with a move for Rodrygo proving complex as talks stall.

As Arsenal become faced with the very real possibility of having to give up on their “dream signing”, as per Plettenberg, Mitoma could prove to be a tempting option in place of Rodrygo.

The Japan star has scored 11 goals and bagged a further four assists in total throughout 24/25, enjoying yet another productive season at the Amex, but he won’t exactly be much cheaper than Rodrygo.

Kaoru Mitoma

Reports suggest Mitoma could cost as much as £80 million to prise away from the south coast, with Brighton known to be stern negotiators when it comes to selling their star players.

The 27-year-old won’t be a signing for the ultra-long-term either as he fast approaches his prime, so this is a move which Berta will need to consider very carefully.

Juventus line up new Randal Kolo Muani bid but still won't meet PSG's demands despite forward's desire to join Serie A side

Juventus are going to prepare a new proposal to ensure Randal Kolo Muani stays with them, but Paris Saint-Germain are against another loan deal.

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Juve intend to keep Kolo Muani next seasonWill prepare new proposal for the FrenchmanPSG want to permanent sale for a certain feeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Juventus are determined to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025-26 and are keen on retaining Kolo Muani for another season. claims that the Italian outfit will prepare a new proposal for the Frenchman — a loan deal for another year with a substantial fee with the obligation to buy next summer — which does not match the requirements of PSG.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Juve's new general manager Damien Comolli is working on a revised loan deal for Kolo Muani. Talks have been ongoing, with Juve aiming for a costly loan worth €10m including an obligation to buy should he meet certain criteria based on performances throughout the season. PSG, who paid €90m (£77m/$96m) for him in 2023, are reluctant to accept anything without guaranteed terms. However, the player’s desire to stay in Turin and PSG head coach Luis Enrique's lack of interest in his return could play in Juve’s favor as they seek to strengthen Igor Tudor’s attacking options.

DID YOU KNOW?

Last week, Gianluca Di Marzio reported that PSG wanted Juventus to pay €45m (£39m/$53m) if they wished to keep Kolo Muani. Les Parisiens have absolutely no desire of wasting more time before permanently offloading the 26-year-old. As such, the French international has been offered to a number of clubs across Europe in an attempt to drive up the price of the player.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?

Juve have already signed Jonathan David as a free agent on a five-year contract and have been keeping tabs on Victor Osimhen's situation at Napoli. It is likely that the Nigerian will complete a permanent move to Galatasaray. However, there is still hope for the Serie A giants. If they can successfully offload Dusan Vlahovic, who seems to have no suitors at the moment, then they could reignite their pursuit of the wantaway Napoli striker.

Siddarth Kaul signs for Northants on three-match deal

Fast bowler arrives at Wantage Road as replacement for Chris Tremain

ESPNcricinfo staff08-May-2024Siddarth Kaul, the India seamer, has been signed by Northamptonshire on a short-term deal that will cover their next three Vitality County Championship fixtures.Kaul, 33, played three T20Is and three ODIs in 2018, including two wicketless appearances against England at Trent Bridge and Lord’s, and most recently was in action for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy, claiming 15 wickets at 31.26 for the season.Overall, he has taken 286 first-class wickets at 26.44, including 16 five-wicket hauls, and joins Northants as a replacement for the Australian seamer, Chris Tremain, whose four-game spell has come to an end.”I’m very happy to be here to represent Northamptonshire and very excited to help the team win games and push for promotion,” Kaul said.”I’m confident that I will bring my positive mindset and experience to help my teammates win in any situation in the match.”Northants head coach, John Sadler, added: “Sid has a lot of experience with the ball, he’s played a lot of first-class cricket and is keen to make a big impact when he joins the squad.”He’s finished his domestic season over in India where he picked up some good form so hopefully he continues that on with us.”Kaul is available for selection immediately, and could feature in Northamptonsire’s next game against Gloucestershire, at Wantage Road on May 10.

No Pujara, no worry – Saurashtra batting ticks as a unit

There hasn’t been any one standout performer with the bat for the team, but they have still found the runs they needed

Hemant Brar23-Jan-2019Numbers can be misleading sometimes. Consider this: coming into the Ranji Trophy 2018-19 knockouts, Saurashtra had only one player among the top 40 run-scorers in the tournament. And their batsmen hit only five hundreds – the least among the eight teams to qualify for the quarter-finals.But dig deeper, and we find five Saurashtra batsmen with more than 400 runs – only Gujarat and Jharkhand had the same number.Perhaps that was the reason Saurashtra coach Sitanshu Kotak wasn’t too worried. It’s a team game and one individual may not win you matches. He pointed to Punjab and Shubman Gill. “For Punjab, their opener Shubman Gill was absolutely outstanding,” Kotak said ahead of his side’s quarter-final game against Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow. “But despite him scoring so heavily, they couldn’t qualify. Because their other batsmen weren’t as consistent. So I am not sure if you can say our batsmen failed.”With Cheteshwar Pujara available for only one league match because of his responsibilities with the Indian Test team, and Jaydev Shah retiring midway through the tournament, the responsibility fell on the shoulders of Sheldon Jackson in the main. And while, by the end of quarter-finals, Jackson had 692 runs from nine matches at 49.42, including a century and a seven half-centuries, it was more of a collective effort that steered Saurashtra forward.***Harvik Desai couldn’t sleep the whole night. He was unbeaten on 83 at stumps on day four of the game against UP. While his side still needed 177 to nail the highest-successful chase in Ranji Trophy history, his immediate concern was the next 17 runs. Prior to this, the 19-year-old had scored six half-centuries, but failed to get to three figures.Harvik Desai takes his stance against Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow•Ekana Cricket Media/ Randhir DevDesai, India’s wicketkeeper-batsman during their successful Under-19 World Cup campaign in New Zealand in 2018, was drafted into the side after regular opener Avi Barot picked up an injury just before the start of the tournament.Playing as a pure batsman, the youngster not only registered his maiden hundred as Saurashtra pulled off the record 372-run chase but also became the side’s leading scorer – 738 runs at 43.41 from nine games.While Pujara was playing a lead role in India’s historic series win in Australia, Vishvaraj Jadeja cashed in on the opportunity to bat at No. 3. In his debut match, the 20-year-old scored 97 against Maharashtra in Nasik, followed by a 71 against Mumbai in Mumbai and 105 not out against Vidarbha in Rajkot.So good was he that when Pujara returned to the side, they played Jadeja at No. 3 and Pujara at No. 4, adding depth to their batting.

Saurashtra’s collective batting effort in Ranji Trophy 2018-19
Player Inns Runs HS Ave 100/50
Harvik Desai 17 738 116 43.41 1/6
Sheldon Jackson 17 692 147 49.42 1/7
Snell Patel 17 561 91 33.00 0/4
Arpit Vasavada 15 455 120 30.33 1/2
Jaydev Shah 9 427 165 61.00 1/2

Outside of them, Snell Patel, Saurashtra’s wicketkeeper, chipped in with useful half-centuries at the top of the batting order, while Arpit Vasavada also made important contributions, including a hundred and two half-centuries.***Saurashtra’s batting collective peaked when they needed it the most – during their quarter-final game. Having conceded a first-innings lead of 177, Saurashtra were set a daunting target.Desai and Patel gave Saurashtra a 132-run opening stand, and Pujara and Jackson then scored unbeaten half-centuries to take the side home by six wickets. It was such a team effort that Pujara’s 67 not out was the fourth-best indivisual score of the innings.ALSO READ: Pujara made us believe we could win it – UnadkatDespite all this, what might be a concern for Saurashtra is that their batsmen have failed to convert their fifties into hundreds. Their main batsmen have 28 half-centuries among them but only six centuries.”If I look at our batting, I am a lot more satisfied because eight or nine players are scoring runs for me,” Kotak said. “The first six players are scoring runs, maybe not scoring hundreds, but scoring 450 in eight games when you have three result wickets, I think that’s pretty good.”On top of that, the lower order is contributing more or less in every game, so I am not sure if that’s a very consistent batting performance from the whole team or that’s a batting failure. We had some three result wickets, so that also doesn’t help at times. On those wickets, you don’t score 500. It’s more like a 350 kind of wicket.”He, however, conceded, “I still believe we could have had at least five more hundreds, instead of the 70s and 80s. Obviously we can always work on it, but all in all our batsmen have been absolutely fantastic.”As Saurashtra prepare to take on Karnataka in the semi-final in Bangalore, they will hope for more of the same.

Zé Rafael vê falta de eficiência e lamenta derrota do Palmeiras: 'Futebol é assim'

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet nacional: O Palmeiras foi derrotado pelo Bahia por 1 a 0 na noite desta quarta-feira (21), na Arena Fonte Nova, em Salvador, pela décima primeira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Thaciano, nos acréscimos, marcou pelo Tricolor de Aço. Na saída de campo após o confronto, o meia Zé Rafael lamentou a derrota sofrida, afirmando ‘falta de eficiência’ do Verdão, que acabou perdendo sua invencibilidade no Brasileirão com o resultado.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasTécnico do Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira será julgado pelo STJD por tomar o celular de jornalistaPalmeiras22/06/2023PalmeirasATUAÇÕES: Sem brilho individual ou coletivo, Palmeiras peca em finalizações e sai derrotado da BahiaPalmeiras21/06/2023PalmeirasBahia bate o Palmeiras, e resultado pode tirar o Verdão da vice-liderança do BrasileirãoPalmeiras21/06/2023

da bet7k: +Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

– Aqui sempre é jogo difícil, hoje faltou para nós eficiência. Tivemos as melhores chances no primeiro tempo e isso reflete, acabamos sofrendo o gol na única chance deles. O futebol é assim – disse Zé Rafael.

Com a derrota, o Palmeiras fica com 22 pontos na classificação, mas permanece na segunda posição, um ponto atrás do Botafogo, que ainda joga na rodada nesta quinta-feira (22), diante do Cuiabá, fora de casa.

continua após a publicidade

Caso o Flamengo vença sua partida, tomará a vice-liderança do Alviverde. Na próxima rodada, neste domingo (25), o Verdão recebe o Fogão no Allianz Parque, no que pode ser um duelo pela liderança.

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoPalmeirasZé Rafael

BCCI to release INR 1 crore for Aunshuman Gaekwad's cancer treatment

The decision came after Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil urged the board to help Gaekwad

PTI14-Jul-2024

File photo: Aunshuman Gaekwad, Kapil Dev and Shantha Rangaswamy after a CAC meeting•Annesha Ghosh/ESPNcricinfo

The BCCI has decided to release INR 1 crore for the treatment of former India batter Aunshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer at a medical facility in London.The BCCI’s decision came after Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil urged the board to help Gaekwad.”Mr Jay Shah has instructed the BCCI to release INR 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India’s veteran cricketer Mr Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer,” the BCCI apex council said in a statement.”Shah has also spoken to Mr Gaekwad’s family to take stock of the situation and extend support,” the statement continued. “The board stands by Gaekwad’s family in this hour of crisis and will do whatever is essential for Mr Gaekwad’s quick recovery.”The BCCI will continue to monitor Mr Gaekwad’s progress and is confident that he will come out of this phase strongly.”Gaekwad, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987. Later, he became a selector and then the coach of the national team.

Arsenal 'unable to comment' after former midfielder Thomas Partey is charged with rape

Arsenal are "unable to comment" after Thomas Partey was formally charged with multiple sexual offences. The Metropolitan Police have charged Partey with a total of six offences, five of them being rape and one of sexual assault. These charges are connected to allegations made by three different women.

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  • Partey charged with rape and assault
  • Will appear at Magistrates' Court next month
  • Arsenal decline to comment
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to investigators, two of the rape allegations involve one woman, while three others are tied to a second woman. The single charge of sexual assault relates to a third complainant. Police officials noted that the alleged incidents are believed to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. A police inquiry into the allegations began in February 2022, following the receipt of the first complaint.

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    WHAT ARSENAL SAID

    An Arsenal spokesperson told "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case."

    The situation has reignited concerns among parts of the club’s fanbase. The campaign group Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence has held regular demonstrations calling for stricter responses to serious allegations involving professional players. Although their protests have not specifically mentioned Partey, the group has long maintained that any player facing such serious allegations should be suspended until the matter is resolved in court.

  • WHAT HAS PARTEY'S LAWYERS SAID

    Partey has denied all accusations. In a statement shared by his legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, the Ghana international maintained his innocence and said he looks forward to the chance to clear his name in court.

    In a statement, Wiltshire said: "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."

  • Getty Image/ Goal AR

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, expressed his department’s continued support for the women who have come forward.

    "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward," he said. "We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing [email protected]".

Van der Gugten leads the line as Glamorgan take charge at Cardiff

Seamer claims four wickets alongside Douthwaite, as Ingram and Carlson build stand

ECB Reporters Network29-Aug-2024Timm van der Gugten was the pick of the Glamorgan bowling, grabbing the first four Leicestershire wickets to fall, while Dan Douthwaite also chipped in with four wickets to justify the decision to bowl first.Leicestershire fast bowler Chris Wright made his first-class return from a drugs ban to help his side to a batting bonus point, his side recovering to 251 all out on a hybrid pitch in Cardiff.Wright, who was banned for nine months but found not to be at fault after a banned substance was contained in a fruit supplement, combined with debutant Sam Wood and Tom Scriven as the last two wickets added 75 runs.Glamorgan lost both openers early in reply, but moved onto 114 for 2 at the close with Colin Ingram, 63 not out, and Kiran Carlson, 42 not out, putting on an unbroken partnership of 87 to put their side in the driving seat.After winning the toss and inserting Leicestershire in overcast and drizzly conditions, Glamorgan would have been hoping for an early breakthrough, which was delivered from a familiar source.Van der Gugten has been the spearhead of the Glamorgan attack this season and he delivered once again, taking all three wickets to fall before the lunch break with arrow-like accuracy.He bowled opener Rishi Patel for 7 with a delivery which clipped the top of off stump, then fellow opener Ian Holland played on with one which jagged back slightly when on 13.The Dutchman returned to have a spell just before lunch and added a third, this time LBW as captain Lewis Hill did not get far enough forward to depart for 25.Ned Leonard, on loan from Somerset, should have had a wicket when Indian star Ajinkya Rahane top-edged a pull shot, but deep midwicket Douthwaite was slow coming forward and ended up spilling the low chance.It was the ever-reliable van der Gugten who brought the downfall of Rahane, finding the outside edge after lunch and helped by a sharp catch at second slip by captain Sam Northeast.After looking good, England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed gave things away when he lifted a short ball from Douthwaite straight to Billy Root on the deep square leg boundary.Then out of the blue Australian Peter Handscomb went for 46, trying to dab Douthwaite down to third man but instead just feathering a catch to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke.Then New Zealander Fraser Sheat got into the act with his first wicket in county cricket, a rather tame dismissal of Liam Trevaskis who chipped the ball to mid-on.The tame-ness was copied by Louis Kimber who also chipped the ball in the air, aiming a leg side half volley at catcher Asa Tribe off the bowling of Douthwaite.That brought Sam Wood to make his debut in confident style as he and Scriven put on a half-century partnership, Wright and Wood doing the rest to reach the first batting bonus point.Glamorgan’s innings could not have got off to a worse start, captain Sam Northeast promoting himself to open and then departing first ball of the innings, caught behind by Handscomb from the bowling of Holland.The same bowler accounted for debutant Asa Tribe, who played on for 4. Ingram and Carlson saw out the rest of the day’s play to put Glamorgan in a strong position.

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