Chelsea’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens seems to have hit a bit of a roadblock. The Blues were ideally looking to bring the winger in ahead of the Club World Cup, in which they will face LAFC in their first game. However, with the deadline at 7pm on Tuesday, it was not to be for the Blues.

They already lost out on a deal for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano. That means that, after the Gittens deal was not completed in team, striker Liam Delap and defender Mamadou Sarr are the only new players to have arrived ahead of the competition in the USA.

Whatever happens with Gittens in the long run, he might not be the only winger that switches to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea’s Gittens alternatives

It was confirmed by Romano that the West London outfit want to sign Gittens ‘even if it’s later this summer’, explaining there is ‘no rush’ with the move. That suggests it is an independent move to their pursuit of another Premier League winger.

Transfer Focus

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

This time in conversation with DAZN, Romano suggested that the Blues may still pursue a move for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. He explained that the Argentina international is ‘appreciated’ by the higher-ups at Stamford Bridge.

They might not be the only side in contention to sign Garnacho this summer. Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former United boss Erik ten Hag, ‘called’ for the winger according to Romano, but he explained the player wants to stay in the Premier League.

As for a fee, it was reported by TEAMTalk at the end of last week that the Red Devils would expect at least £50m for Garnacho.

Why Garnacho would be a good signing

Despite a tough season at times for Garnacho, there is no doubt he is an exciting talent, described as a “special” player by football statistician Statman Dave. He ended the campaign in strong fashion, too.

The 20-year-old, who has already won three major trophies for club and country, ended 2024/25 with 21 goals and assists to his name in all competitions. He managed that tally in 58 games for United.

In the Premier League, the former Atletico Madrid academy player struggled for consistency. He scored six goals and assisted twice in 36 games. Almost half of those goal involvements, including this stunning strike away to Brentford, came at the end of the season, where Garnacho grabbed four in nine appearances.

Perhaps Garnacho could actually be considered a bigger talent than Chelsea’s other target, Gittens. Make no mistake about it, the England under-21 international is an exciting player. He managed 12 goals and five assists in 48 games for Dortmund last season.

That is, of course, fewer than the numbers Garnacho put up. With that being said, it is worth remembering that the Red Devils’ number 17 played ten more games, although he was far more productive.

On top of that, Garnacho’s contribution to silverware for United has been imperative to their success. He scored in an FA Cup final against Manchester City in 2023/24, showing a relentless nature to press City and then pounce on an error at the back.

There are also standout statistics on FBref which suggest Garnacho is an even bigger talent than Gittens. For example, in all competitions last season, the United winger averaged 1.68 key passes and 5.8 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to the Dortmund star’s 1.07 key passes and 5.53 progressive carries each game.

Goals and assists

0.53

0.49

Key passes

1.68

1.07

Progressive passes

2.22

2.13

Progressive carries

5.8

5.53

Ball recoveries

3.95

3.71

Whilst Gittens would be a strong addition to the Chelsea squad, Garnacho is perhaps a far bigger talent. The 20-year-old has three major trophies to his name, all of which he has contributed to, and the underlying numbers show just how deadly he can be.

£50m could be a bargain for Chelsea, if they decide to pursue a move for a player who can add a whole new dimension to their attack.

Their new Joe Cole: Chelsea have now been offered £70m "superstar"

Chelsea are looking for signings to bolster their attack

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 10, 2025

Efforts from Matt Short, D’Arcy Short and Jamie Overton were not enough for Strikers in the 215 chase

Tristan Lavalette27-Dec-2024Ben McDermott powered Hobart Hurricanes to the highest total of the BBL season with a belligerent half-century to overwhelm a slumping Adelaide Strikers.Hurricanes had contributions through their batting order after being sent in on a typically flat Adelaide Oval surface. McDermott’s 68 off 34 balls, including five sixes, provided the finishing touches in the death overs to lift Hurricanes to a massive total.Strikers were on track in their chase of 215 after skipper Matthew Short and D’Arcy Short smashed 76 runs within seven overs, but regular wickets proved costly as Hurricanes claimed an 11-run victory.Related

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The result leaves Strikers at a shaky 1-3 record, while Hurricanes have won consecutive games after being routed for 74 by Melbourne Renegades in their season-opener.

McDermott and David fire after Owen’s early dismissal

After his rapid century against Perth Scorchers, all eyes were on Mitch Owen who promptly smashed the spin of Matt Short for a boundary through cover on the second ball of the innings.Owen went for broke on every delivery but it proved his downfall as he holed out to long-on in an anti-climactic finish.While Caleb Jewell struggled with his rhythm, Shai Hope followed Owen’s blueprint and swung hard. He gave himself plenty of room by moving around the crease and trusted the surface’s true bounce.Hope made a breezy 37 off 22 but couldn’t kick on as Hurricanes struggled to ignite in the middle overs until Tim David arrived at the crease in the 14th over.David came in at an opportune time amid the power surge as he eyed finding top form having tailed off in recent times, including a second-ball duck against Renegades.David can sometimes overhit early in his innings, but he gave himself time to settle in. It wasn’t long before David was in full flight as he rattled quick Henry Thornton with a full-blooded pull shot that sailed into the terraces.David couldn’t make it through to the end after his whirlwind 33 off 14 balls ended when quick Liam Scott cleaned him up with a full delivery.McDermott had been starved of the strike but made up for lost time with a succession of mighty blows. He was inventive against spinners Lloyd Pope and Cameron Boyce with reverse sweeps and he also used his feet effectively.McDermott, standing still at the crease and watching the ball closely, was in the zone as he lifted Hurricanes well past 200.

Overton executes superbly

Allrounder Jamie Overton has been Strikers’ standout performer so far this season with healthy bat and ball contributions. Once again he starred with the ball after finishing with a very respectable 2 for 27 from his four overs.On an unforgiving surface for bowlers, Overton bent his back and extracted bite. He claimed the wickets of Hope and Nikhil Chaudhary with short deliveries that beat them for pace.Strikers’ attack had no answer for Hurricanes in the backend except for Overton, who in the penultimate over bowled a succession of canny slower fuller deliveries to concede just eight runs.Overton’s execution under pressure was a feature in a superb performance.Matt Short hit a quick half-century•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Ellis steps up in key moments

Hurricanes were nervous with Matt Short rediscovering his best form. But skipper Nathan Ellis stepped up with a terrific catch to dismiss Short after sprinting from extra cover to hang on after an initial fumble.Ellis made another important contribution when he bowled brilliantly in the 14th over amid the power surge. He bowled accurate full deliveries in trademark style to tie up Alex Ross and Ollie Pope and ensure Strikers fell well behind on the required run rate.David also made a significant impact with a brilliant diving catch at mid-on to dismiss Ross and he celebrated with gusto.

Skipper finds form but it’s not enough

Strikers were faced with a daunting chase, but they have mowed down similar scores before at home.They needed Matt Short to fire having only scored 31 runs from three innings this season on the back of struggles in the white-ball series against Pakistan.He looked nervous early and was hit on the pads by speedster Riley Meredith, but survived. Short made his move with consecutive sixes off quick Billy Stanlake in the second over, but he was soon overtaken by his opening partner D’Arcy Short as they smashed 49 runs in the powerplay.They kept going for it and clearing boundaries until D’Arcy Short top-edged Stanlake to deep square leg after a brisk 41 off 22 balls. Following a cameo from Chris Lynn, the pressure fell on Short who notched the second fastest BBL half-century of his career off 27 balls.But Short fell shortly afterwards and Strikers’ chase ran out of puff despite late hitting from Overton. Strikers’ season hangs in the balance ahead of a pivotal clash against Scorchers in their traditional New Year’s Eve home fixture.

da winzada777： Glasgow Rangers have officially made their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.

da blaze casino： Right-back Max Aarons joins on a season-long loan deal, and the dynamic Englishman will certainly add some competition for James Tavernier.

The Ibrox faithful will be hoping that Russell Martin has several more announcements to make over the coming weeks, especially with the Champions League second round qualifying matches against Panathinaikos just weeks away.

Building a team capable of making it through to the next stage is Martin’s priority, especially with the financial rewards on offer if the Gers qualify for the lucrative group stages.

Buying new players could well depend on the club’s ability to sell a few of their prized assets this summer.

Indeed, Hamza Igamane potentially looks like he could be on the move. According to the Daily Mail, the striker has reportedly agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 side Lille, although no offer has been made.

The Light Blues only signed the player last summer, but it now looks as though Martin is aiming to rake in a solid profit, as Rangers could hold out for a fee in the region of £15m.

He isn’t the only centre-forward who looks set to leave. Cyriel Dessers might well be on his way this summer also. The Nigerian international has been a polarising figure during his two years in Glasgow, but will the club miss him?

Cyriel Dessers’ Rangers record

Just a few weeks ago, it looked as though Greek side AEK Athens were set to secure a move for Dessers. After days of negotiating over a transfer fee, however, this move looks like it could perhaps be in jeopardy.

Cyriel Dessers’ Premiership stats for Rangers

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

16

18

Assists

4

2

Big chances created

8

2

Big chances missed

27

21

Goal conversion percentage

16%

22%

Via Sofascore

Now it appears that Feyenoord are looking to hijack a move for the Gers frontman after they failed to land a couple of their main targets.

Much will depend on whether the Dutch side can offer a fee that the Glasgow outfit are happy with, as this is why the deal with AEK Athens has broken down.

Dessers cost the club around £4.5m in the summer of 2023 and Martin is looking to recoup the majority, if not all, of that outlay.

Across his two seasons in Scotland, the 30-year-old has netted a more than respectable tally of 51 goals across 109 games. This works out as a goal every 2.1 games.

Despite this stellar record in front of goal, Dessers often takes two or three chances to eventually find the back of the net in matches.

Indeed, during the 2023/24 Premiership campaign, the former Feyenoord striker missed a staggering 27 big chances across his 35 matches.

Last season, this figure dropped to missing 21 big chances, but having someone who is far more clinical in the opposition penalty area, as well as being able to link up well with those behind him, is Martin’s priority.

Moving on Dessers could be a smart piece of business by the new manager, especially considering who he is lining up as his potential replacement…

Latest on Rangers' search for a new striker

With Igamane looking likely to depart Ibrox, alongside Dessers, it is evident that the club need another centre-forward or two ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.

Israeli player Dor Turgeman has been on the club’s wish list for a while, but it remains to be seen whether Martin makes his move for the striker.

According to TEAMtalk, the Light Blues are now exploring a move for Croatian striker Matija Frigan, who is keen to make the move to Scotland, as per the report.

Martin will have to spend around £6.5m to sign the Westerlo player this summer, but if he can move on Igamane and Dessers for roughly £20m, he will have money to spend.

The club will be hoping a deal can be sealed before the crucial games against Panathinaikos, especially if Martin is lacking in firepower before then.

Frigan has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Gers. There is no doubt about that.

Why Rangers must sign Matija Frigan

The 22-year-old is yet to hit his peak and a move to Rangers would give him the platform to get even better, especially by playing European football.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Across 41 games for the Belgian side last term, Frigan scored 14 goals and grabbed four assists in all competitions.

In the Belgian Pro League, the 22-year-old recorded 2.2 shots per game, while also creating six big chances and finishing the season with a goal conversion percentage of 14% for Westerlo.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauded the Croatian as a “complete forward” two years ago, even stating that he was similar in style to Ciro Immobile.

As such, signing a player with his talent is surely a key priority for the manager, especially considering he has plenty of room to grow.

Although Dessers may have scored more goals last season, the fact that Frigan is eight years younger, meaning he is a crucial long-term prospect.

Last term, Frigan missed just 12 big chances, compared to Dessers’ 21, while he averaged more touches (22 vs 18.8) and successful dribbles (0.7 vs 0.3) per game in their respective domestic leagues.

If Martin is able to sell the Nigerian player for the same price which Rangers bought him for, then it would be a wonderful piece of business by the new boss.

Frigan – who was also hailed as an “interesting youngster” by Jacek Kulig – has the potential to go from strength to strength by making a move to Glasgow.

Funds shouldn’t be an issue, as the report states the Light Blues may be willing to structure a deal so they will pay a lower fee initially, adding on potential add-ons to make the move more attractive.

With Aarons arriving in Glasgow, the supporters will be looking forward to more arrivals over the coming weeks.

Could Frigan be the next big summer signing? Only time will tell.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Dec 26, 2024

Liverpool are looking to close their negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz, but sporting director Richard Hughes still needs to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

Still, this is a bank-breaking transfer we’re talking about, one which could seal Liverpool’s place among Europe’s elite for many years to come. After all, former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes has claimed Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world” after his exploits in his homeland over the past few years.

Is £113m (or maybe even a bit more), perhaps a little steep? Maybe it is, but that shouldn’t detract from Liverpool hitting the jackpot with such an influential signing, especially since the wide defensive flanks have already been addressed.

Liverpool haven’t yet completed a deal for Milos Kerkez, but the Bournemouth left-back is expected to leave the Vitality Stadium and move to Merseyside in the coming weeks, more i’s and t’s with that one.

Kerkez will prove an upgrade on Andy Robertson, 31, but he won’t reunite with Dean Huijsen, who was pursued by Liverpool but ultimately signed for Real Madrid after they activated his £50m release clause.

Still, Liverpool need a centre-back.

Why Liverpool need a centre-back

In May 2021, Liverpool signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36m, sealing a much-needed central defensive recruit. Liverpool have not signed another centre-half since.

This is, in large part, because skipper Virgil van Dijk has been such an indomitable force over the years, one of the chief architects behind Jurgen Klopp’s ascent to greatness in the Anfield hot seat.

Van Dijk and Konate should make the chief partnership once again next season, but a player such as Huijsen could have been the perfect understudy to develop his craft over the coming years and become a superstar under Arne Slot’s wing.

Given that Van Dijk turns 34 next month and has just two more seasons at the club, it would be prudent to find and foster a new rising talent now, especially since the £50m-rated Jarell Quansah has been mooted for a summer sale.

And though Huijsen’s out of reach, Liverpool have entered a race for a young defender who might be even better than the Spain international.

Liverpool enter race for new CB

As per Portuguese outlet A Bola – as translated by Sport Witness – Liverpool have joined the race for Ousmane Diomande, with Sporting Lisbon warming to the idea of cashing in on the defender.

Portuguese sources believe an official approach could come from one of the 21-year-old’s suitors in the coming days, with Liverpool joined by Crystal Palace and Manchester United in having the most concrete interest, ahead of Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Sporting would let their young star leave if their €60m (£50m) price tag is met, meaning Liverpool may have the financial advantage over the Eagles, especially since they were already willing to fork out such a sum for Huijsen.

Why Liverpool want Ousmane Diomande

Diomande is still young, but he’s already built up a wealth of experience in Portugal, featuring 101 times for the Portuguese club after leaving Danish side Midtjylland in January 2023.

Having been singled out for his “incredibly complete” skill set by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Diomande is the real deal, all right, and might actually prove an even better signing for Liverpool than Huijsen would have been.

So slick and stylish on the ball, he’s the archetypal defender, to be sure, but also a powerful and steely defensive force.

League Stats 24/25 – Dean Huijsen vs Ousmane Diomande
Stats (* per game)	Huijsen	Diomande
Matches (starts)	32 (26)	31 (29)
Goals	3	1
Assists	2	0
Touches*	63.9	77.1
Pass completion	84%	94%
Key passes*	0.5	0.3
Ball recoveries*	3.3	4.5
Tackles + interceptions*	2.7	2.2
Clearances*	6.1	2.6
Ground duels (won)*	3.6 (56%)	4.3 (60%)
Data via Sofascore

Though advocates of Huijsen’s journey would point toward Diomande playing in a division of lower overall quality, it’s clear he’s a naturally crisper central defender, still retaining a degree of creativity and proving more accurate in his combative ventures, especially in the duel.

He demonstrated he can throw down with the best of them on the biggest stage too. As per FBref, Diomande ranked among the top 15% of centre-backs in the Champions League last season for pass completion and for successful take-ons per 90.

Such performances actually led the data-driven site to draw Arsenal’s William Saliba as his most comparable player, and given analyst Ben Mattinson has cottoned on to the likeness, hailing the Ivorian as “a hybrid between Gabriel [Magalhaes] and Saliba”, the importance of Liverpool putting together an official offer is only underscored.

He’s been performing at a high level for several years now, and consistently at that. With distinguishable physicality, speed and technical skill, the 6 foot 3 star has what it takes to become a superstar in the coming years, having been a regular feature in Sporting’s senior squad as they’ve clinched back-to-back Liga Portugal titles and indeed caught the eye while doing it.

With Arsenal’s central defensive pairing one of the finest on the continent, instrumental in conceding the fewest goals across the past two Premier League campaigns, Liverpool could strike gold in bagging themselves a player carrying similar properties.

Diomande could perhaps offer more from an attacking standpoint, but when you’re picking at offensive flaws when trying to identify the chinks in a young centre-backs game, it’s clear that he’s doing something right.

Better than Gyokeres: Liverpool dream of signing "the best ST in the world"

Liverpool plan on signing a new centre-forward in the transfer market this summer.

1

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Angus Sinclair

Jun 7, 2025

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stressed once again that “whatever happens must be on the basis of equality”

Danyal Rasool30-Nov-2024

India and Pakistan last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup•Getty Images

A day after a virtual ICC board meeting concluded without finalising the venue for the Champions Trophy in 2025, a final decision remains elusive. The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was in Dubai today, and while he took in Pakistan’s Under-19 victory over India, there was greater intrigue over whether the PCB, the BCCI and the ICC have been able to come to an arrangement over next year’s tournament.As he did in the early hours of Thursday morning, Naqvi did not categorically rule out a hybrid model for the hosting of the tournament, something he has done in the past. “We will do whatever’s best for cricket,” he told reporters in Dubai. “If we adopt any other formula [except hosting the tournament in Pakistan], it will be done on the basis of equality. The most important thing for Pakistan is its respect; everything else is secondary.”Once more, Naqvi repeated what he stated multiple times at the Gaddafi Stadium earlier in the week. “A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens must be on the basis of equality.”Related

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Champions Trophy: PCB promises to do 'what's best for Pakistan cricket'

What form such an arrangement might look like, remains uncertain. Sources told ESPNcricinfo Pakistan are looking for an equitable solution across a three-year period where any arrangement made for the Champions Trophy is replicated for tournaments held in IndiaNaqvi’s repeated comments around “equality” have raised speculation that the PCB will seek to earn some concessions should they acquiesce to a hybrid model in any form. That could entail an agreement to have India play their matches outside Pakistan, but a decision that any future tournaments India hosts will offer provisions for Pakistan to play their matches outside India. There is also the possibility of some financial recompense for the PCB in addition to such an arrangement, though Naqvi did say earlier this week that decisions would not be based on money.ESPNcricinfo understands a decision should be reached in the next couple of days, though Naqvi’s comments suggest there remain significant loose ends to be tied up. In all likelihood, any proposal will have to be run past the governments of both India and Pakistan before it is presented to the ICC for approval; India was refused permission to travel to Pakistan by the Indian government and the PCB has said repeatedly, as a result, that any action they take will have to be approved by their government.”We need to settle this once and for all,” Naqvi said. “And whatever happens must see everyone treated equally. Any agreement will not be just for the Champions Trophy, but for the long term.”The tournament is due to begin in less than 90 days, on February 19. Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are the venues scheduled to host the games, though if a hybrid option is chosen, that will involve another venue outside Pakistan. The UAE, where Naqvi met ECB officials earlier today, is the frontrunner in such a scenario.

Rohit and Kohli faced net bowlers on spin-friendly surfaces as India begin their run of ten Tests with two against Bangladesh next week

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Sep-20242:57

Takeaways: No Shami, Sarfaraz gets retained

India’s preparation for the long Test season ahead began on Friday with some new faces saying hello and some old ones saying, miss me? Virat Kohli is back on the red-ball grind for the first time in nearly nine months. Rishabh Pant looks ready to pick up where his Test career left off two years ago. And Gautam Gambhir was there overseeing it all as the team gears up to face Bangladesh (two Tests in September), New Zealand (three Tests in October) and Australia (five Tests in November-January).India’s Test squad arrived in Chennai on Thursday and took to training in batches. The captain Rohit Sharma addressed them in a huddle and was one of the first to get out there and take a hit. He was joined by Kohli as the two of them faced a series of net bowlers on specially prepared pitches at either end of the square in the MA Chidambaram Stadium.Related

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One had a black-soil base, with so many footmarks around the full and good length area that it almost looked scorched. The other had a red-soil base and it bore marks of selective watering; the short and good length area was pristine but everything fuller than that was roughed up. The centre wicket, though, was cordoned off and it seemed to contain a fair bit of grass. In previous years, India have tried to simulate fast-bowler friendly conditions in home Test matches to prepare for significant away tours.Rohit and Kohli worked alongside their top-order team-mates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who will be coming into the new season with plenty of confidence after coming-of-age performances against England earlier this year. All four of them alternated between the two nets and were fed a diet rich in left-arm spin. Tamil Nadu’s Ajith Ram and M Siddharth kept wheeling away in an attempt to mirror threat that Shakib Al Hasan will pose in the coming weeks. Varun Chakravarthy was there too, and so was Himanshu Singh, a 21-year-old offspinner from Mumbai who seems to have borrowed R Ashwin’s bowling action.

Snapshots from #TeamIndia's training session in Chennai ahead of the 1st Test against Bangladesh.#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/nqg94A73ju

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 13, 2024