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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has discovered when he could welcome back a highly-rated player who’s suffered an injury blow.

Arsenal edge past Olympiacos with West Ham up next

The Gunners edged past Greek Super League champions Olympiacos in midweek thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, with Arsenal maintaining their 100 per cent start in Europe.

Martinelli opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a simple tap in after Viktor Gyökeres’ shot struck the post and rolled kindly into the Brazilian’s path. However, while you might’ve expected the floodgates to open thereafter, it ended up being a tense evening for Arteta’s side — who squandered numerous opportunities to extend their lead.

Martin Odegaard

8.1

Myles Lewis-Skelly

7.9

David Raya

7.6

Mikel Merino

7.4

Chiquinho

7.4

via WhoScored

David Raya was also forced into a spectacular one-handed save to deny an equaliser from ex-Wolves forward Daniel Podence. The Portuguese winger caught a low cross perfectly on the volley from eight yards, only for Raya to instinctively fling himself to his left and divert the ball over the crossbar with an outstretched hand.

Leandro Trossard and captain Martin Odegaard, who was praised for his excellent display against Olympiacos, also missed chances to double Arsenal’s advantage before Saka finally put the game beyond doubt in added time.

Arteta initially rested Saka for tonight, perhaps in an effort to manage his fitness with the England international coming back from a hamstring problem, but his late inclusion turned out to be vital.

We’re certain to see much more of Saka given summer signing Noni Madueke is out for several weeks with a knee injury, giving Arteta precious few alternatives, with the forward joining Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie on the treatment table.

Arteta was also dealt a scare when Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off for Cristhian Mosquera, receiving treatment on the pitch, but Arsenal’s boss has since given a reassuring update.

With Arteta appearing hopeful that Gabriel will be available for Arsenal’s crunch Premier League clash against Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham this weekend, their last match before the international break, things are a bit more uncertain with Hincapie.

The Ecuador international suffered an injury blow to his groin recently and has been unable to feature — playing just one minute since joining the club on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.

Hincapie is still waiting to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal, with a timeline on the defender’s return to action now emerging.

Piero Hincapie targeting October return for Arsenal

According to insider ‘HandOfArsenal’ on X, the 23-year-old is hoping to return to the fold this month, if all goes to plan, though a specific date hasn’t been specified just yet.

The versatile defender is currently on a season-long trial at the Emirates, as he looks to show sporting director Andrea Berta that Arsenal should trigger the £45 million buy option in his contract.

Hincapie was a regular under Xabi Alonso during Leverkusen’s historic 2024 double-winning season, where they went the entire domestic campaign unbeaten, and was among the club’s key starters last season — making 45 appearances in all competitions.

The South American, dubbed an “absolute beast” by members of the media, played at centre-back, left-back and even left-midfield on two occasions last term — and it will be interesting to see how he fits into Arteta’s plans moving forward.

Arsenal already have a stacked defence and Mosquera has been particularly impressive as a new recruit, so Hincapie is facing a battle to get in the side.

MatériaMais Notícias

Estêvão, joia da base do Palmeiras de apenas 16 anos, é mais um jovem do Verdão cobiçado por gigantes da Europa. Andre Cury, empresário do jogador, revelou que altas propostas já foram feitas pelo atacante e ainda o comparou a Messi, afirmando que há características em comum entre o craque argentino e a joia alviverde.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol InternacionalArthur Cabral, ex-Ceará e Palmeiras, deixa a Fiorentina e acerta com o BenficaFutebol Internacional07/08/2023PalmeirasJoão Martins recebe punição do STJD por fala sobre o ‘sistema’ e vai desfalcar o PalmeirasPalmeiras07/08/2023PalmeirasTorcida do Palmeiras prepara corredor alviverde para decisão contra o GaloPalmeiras07/08/2023

+ O erro que o Palmeiras não pode repetir se quiser passar pelo Atlético-MG

– Sim (pode sair), já há ofertas. Muito alto, aliás, mas não estamos falando desse assunto porque ele ainda é muito jovem. Ele tem 16 anos, categoria 2007. Acho que depois do Mundial Sub-17 ele vai fechar com alguém. Talvez Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City… com um dos grandes se fará (uma negociação). Ele vai ser um grande jogador – disse Andre Cury, em entrevista ao diário AS, da Espanha.

– Ele é muito parecido com Leo (Messi). Ele tem força nas bolas paradas, também é canhoto. É muito parecido. Fisicamente não porque é mais alto, é negro, mas há coisas que lembram o Messi.

continua após a publicidade

O jovem, apelidado de “Messinho”, atua pelo time sub-20 e assinou o seu primeiro contrato profissional com o Verdão em abril, quando completou 16 anos. O agente revelou que Estêvão chegou a ser oferecido ao Atlético de Madrid-ESP, mas a negociação pelo o que ele chamou de “Bola de Ouro” não avançou.

– Nesse jogo que essa pessoa foi, o Estevão jogava na categoria dele, no sub-15, mas não podia jogar na categoria dele porque fez quatro gols, três bolas acertaram a trave… Com esse jogo essa pessoa ficou maluca, mas desapareceu. Ele voltou para Madrid e nunca mais ligou. O que vou fazer? Não vou ligar de novo para ser recusado. Ofereci a Bola de Ouro ao Atlético de Madrid e eles me ignoraram. Eles vão lá, olham, gostam e nada – concluiu o empresário.

continua após a publicidade

+ João Martins recebe punição do STJD por fala sobre o ‘sistema’ e vai desfalcar o Palmeiras

Estêvão está no Palmeiras desde 2021. O atacante foi integrado à equipe sub-17 com apenas 15 anos e acabou se destacando. Com isso, foi promovido para o sub-20, categoria em que conquistou a Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, a Copinha, de 2023. O seu contrato profissional tem vínculo de três anos.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

It was a mixed transfer window at West Ham United in the end, but things could have been so much different had they signed the attacking target that they set their sights on.

West Ham's transfer window in review

To say it was a slow start for the Hammers would be an understatement. It looked as though they were going to stand still entirely at one stage, opting to welcome just Callum Wilson and El Hadji Malick Diouf, until they finally returned to the transfer market late on and signed the likes of Mateus Fernandes.

West Ham's "unbelievable" star was their OG Fernandes, then Moyes sold him

The dynamic ace was a brilliant player for West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 6, 2025

It could be that late flurry that sparks a much-needed turnaround under Graham Potter. Before their 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest before the international break, the Hammers had lost all three of their first games, and had conceded 11 goals in the process. Pressure, as a result, was increasing on Potter.

The former Brighton manager would have breathed a greater sight of relief than anyone else involved at the City Ground, but West Ham must now kick on when they return to action.

Only time will tell whether late deals for Fernandes, Igor Julio and Soungoutou Magassa are enough to turn things around permanently at West Ham and save their transfer window, but Potter can no longer say that he wasn’t backed.

Up next for the Hammers after the international break is the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby. The Lilywhites have looked much-improved under Thomas Frank, although West Ham are no strangers to defeating their rivals and will be hoping to pick up where they left off against Forest.

It is, of course, the type of game that Aleksandar Mitrovic would have thrived in, but West Ham can thank one reason why he’s not lining up for Potter’s side after the summer transfer window.

West Ham made late Mitrovic offer

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, West Ham made a late offer to sign Mitrovic after he was granted an exit from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Alongside Leeds United, the Hammers were pushing to welcome the forward back to the Premier League to solve their attacking problems.

Ultimately, however, he opted against returning to English football as he didn’t want to tarnish the relationship that he has with Fulham, having spent five years at the West London club.

Once dubbed “outstanding” by Fulham boss Marco Silva, there’s no doubt that Mitrovic would have been an instant upgrade on West Ham’s current options.

Everton laboured their way to defeat on the opening day of the Premier League season, losing at Elland Road to newly-promoted Leeds United.

Contentious penalty or not, David Moyes will be frustrated with his outfit’s lack of coherence and bite in the final third, especially after a drab opening half.

Might a few more signings be in order? Perhaps so. But Everton are “on it”, as Moyes says himself, and further than a week of transfer window terrain stretches in front of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which awaits further fresh faces.

Marquee man Jack Grealish has been welcomed to the fold, with raw striker Thierno Barry, 22, also touted for big things.

But more is needed.

Everton's late-stage transfer targets

Everton desperately need a right-back, and a right-sided forward too. Lyon’s Malick Fofana, a versatile winger, has been touted as a player of interest.

However, Everton would be remiss not to consider other areas too, with depth, or a lack thereof, appearing a glaring concern at the moment.

That’s why one notable Everton insider has revealed that Everton are working on a deal to sign Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, perhaps in response to Jarrad Branthwaite’s recent hamstring injury.

Everton have a good relationship with the Etihad Stadium side and have already completed a loan deal for Grealish this summer. They must now use this line of communication to complete a shrewd swoop for the experienced Ake.

Why Everton want Nathan Ake

Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko missed the season opener with a fitness problem, heightening the need for reinforcements. Ake, who operates across the backline, would be a fantastic addition in this regard, covering and challenging the established starters.

A dynamic defender, Ake has been hailed for his “incredible” efforts in a City shirt by Pep Guardiola, having played 145 times for the club, scoring ten goals, since joining from Bournemouth five years ago in a £41m package.

However, his match action dried up last year, in part because of injuries, and with Guardiola’s recent comments regarding a desire for a slimmer squad, the Toffees must pounce on the 30-year-old Dutchman, in doing so, replicating what might turn out to be fantastic business for Grealish.

Ake’s Man City Career (PL only)
Season	Apps (starts)	Minutes
25/26	0 (0)	0′
24/25	10 (8)	683′
23/24	29 (24)	2,044′
22/23	26 (22)	1,877′
21/22	14 (10)	920′
20/21	10 (9)	797′
Data via Transfermarkt

Grealish was in a similar boat as a Citizen, having been pushed toward the periphery over the past couple of years in Manchester, consequently missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, a decision that polarised England’s football community.

At Everton, he has the chance to shine once again, and showed flashes of his quality on a dour evening in Leeds on Monday night, taking some smooth touches and fizzing a dangerous delivery into the penalty area across his second-half cameo.

That crossing ability could play to Ake’s strengths. The Netherlands defender is renowned for his aerial ability and would add a dimension to Everton’s threat from set-pieces.

Moreover, he would add depth to Moyes’ build-up play, with a passing game fit for a transitional approach. Data from FBref reveals Ake ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90.

If Everton pull this off, they will be repeating a move for Grealish that holds so much promise. Adding such talents to his team, Moyes is demonstrating a tactical acuity that suggests he wants to widen the scope of Everton’s potential. He might just succeed by completing a deal for Ake.

Moyes' own Lukaku: Everton still chasing move for £51m "game changer"

Everton are still in the market for new players this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 21, 2025

يعتقد آلان شيرر نجم نيوكاسل يونايتد السابق أن آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول لا يثق تماماً باللاعب جيريمي فريمبونج حتى الآن، موجهًا دعمه لـ محمد صلاح لاستعادة مستواه المعهود.

وكان ريال مدريد قد أنفق 10 ملايين جنيه إسترليني لإلغاء عقد تريست ألكسندر أرنولد مع ليفربول لكي يشارك في كأس العالم للأندية، وتعاقد ليفربول مع جيريمي فريمبونج من بايرليفركوزن لزيادة المنافسة على هذا المركز مع كونور برادلي.

وقال شيرر في تصريحات نشرتها “ليفربول إيكو” البريطانية: “سيعود صلاح لقمة مستواه ويبدأ بتسجيل الأهداف وسننظر جميعاً للوراء ونتساءل عن سبب كل هذه الضجة”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ميرفي يفسر سر تراجع أداء محمد صلاح مع ليفربول: إذا حدث هذا الأمر سيكون سخيفًا

وأضاف :”إنه يجسد ما يحدث في ليفربول حالياً من حيث تأثره بالتوازن، وليفربول وسلوت لم يجدا التوازن بعد مع الصفقات الجديدة”.

وواصل: “لا يثق سلوت بجيريمي فريمبونج حتى الآن في مركز الظهير الأيمن كما لا يثق في كونور برادلي لذلك أشرك دومينيك سوبوسلاي في مركزه”.

وتابع: “كان جو جوميز على مقاعد البدلاء ووضع جرافنبيرخ في مركز قلب الدفاع وأعتقد أنه لا توازن في التشكيل حالياً، ولا يقتصر الأمر على صلاح بل يشمل الجهتين اليسرى واليمنى”.

وأكمل عن سلوت: “سلوت مدرب رائع والأمر مسألة وقت قبل أن يبدأ ليفربول العمل بجدية، الآن الوقت المناسب للأندية الأخرى لمحاولة تعزيز فارق النقاط، قبل ستة أيام كان آرسنال متأخر بخمس نقاط عن ليفربول”.

واختتم شيرر: “بعد مباراتين، أصبحوا متقدمين بنقطة واحدة والأمور قابلة للتطور بسرعة وليفربول سيتحسن وكذلك صلاح”.

 

Tottenham Hotspur are in for a season of change throughout 2025/26, after Thomas Frank was appointed following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal earlier this summer.

The Aussie was brutally dismissed during the off-season after winning the Europa League, subsequently ending their 17-year drought without any form of silverware.

However, it was the club’s 17th-placed Premier League finish that saw his time in North London come to an end, with Daniel Levy wanting the club to become serial winners in the near future.

The new manager will want to put his own stamp on the first-team squad, as demonstrated by the additions of Mohammed Kudus and João Palhinha already this summer.

Despite the work already being conducted in the window, the Dane evidently wants further reinforcements to make his first year at the helm a positive one.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

Eberechi Eze has once again emerged on Spurs’ radar over recent days, after previously being a target before their failed move for Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Lilywhites have entered talks with the player’s representatives over a move to North London, but face competition from rivals Arsenal to complete a deal for his signature.

However, he’s not the only attacking midfielder in their sights this window, with Como star Nico Paz a player who could join the Lilywhites, according to The Athletic.

Their report claims that Frank’s side are huge admirers of the 20-year-old, who registered 14 combined goals and assists across all competitions last campaign.

It also states that Real Madrid could yet trigger a buy-back option after selling him last summer, with a £60m asking price being mooted for the Argentine’s signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Savinho

Alongside Spurs’ hunt for a new number ten, they’ve also made moves to land a new left-winger after Heung-min Son’s £20m move to join LAFC in recent weeks.

Manchester City star Savinho has been mentioned as a potential option for the Lilywhites, even entering direct talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a deal for the Brazilian.

Whilst they’re currently holding out for £60m to part ways with the 21-year-old, it’s been reported that the player himself has already given the green light over a move to North London.

However, Frank already has numerous options at his disposal in such an area, with Richarlison, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert all capable of filling the void left by the South Korean.

Savinho’s tally of 14 combined goals and assists last season would undoubtedly provide an added threat to the side in attacking areas, but a move for Paz would be a much better addition this summer.

James Maddison’s injury has left a huge hole in the middle of the side, but any move for the Como youngster would offer an immediate and long-term option to Frank’s first-team squad.

When comparing his stats to those of the Brazilian from the recent season, Paz managed to outperform the attacker, further showcasing why he’d be a better addition this summer.

Games played

35

29

Goals & assists

14

9

Progressive passes

5.5

3.4

Pass accuracy

81%

80%

Passes into final third

3.9

0.9

Take-on success

51%

46%

Goals per shot on target

0.2

0.1

Aerials won

57%

33%

Paz, who’s been labelled a “magician” by one analyst, posted a higher tally of goals and assists last campaign, whilst also registering a better goal per shot on target rate – offering the Lilywhites a more potent threat in front of goal.

He also achieved a higher pass accuracy, whilst completing more passes into the final third, with such tools making him a more creative option – subsequently producing another threat with the ball at his feet in the attacking third.

Such all-round dominance over the City star is further highlighted in the take-on success and aerial ability, subsequently being the perfect all-round option in and out of possession.

Whilst £60m may be a steep fee for a young talent with one year’s experience in senior football under his belt, it could prove to be an excellent piece of business if he can build on his early success.

Whilst Savinho would also be a great addition, the hierarchy should be prioritising a move for the former Real Madrid youngster between now and the end of the summer window.

Better signing than Rodrygo: £60m star is ready to join Spurs alongside Eze

Tottenham Hotspur have received the green light over a deal to land a top-level talent this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 12, 2025

There’s no denying that West Ham United look a little light with the 2025/26 Premier League season just two weeks away, even after the defensive acquisitions of Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadj Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.

Mohammed Kudus has not yet been replaced after completing a controversial £55m switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and Crysencio Summerville remains injured after sustaining a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the final 18 games of the term.

However, Lucas Paqueta’s absolution from wrongdoing in a two-year-long spot-fixing case marks a galvanising lift and potentially the catalyst for change. A turning point.

However, the Irons still need more, and no mistake. Paqueta is a high-level playmaker, but he could with a foil, someone to shoulder his burden at times.

And Potter has got the perfect young star in his sights.

West Ham lining up more attacking quality

Skipper Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s offensive linchpin, but he needs some help in the final third after a rather uninspiring 2024/25 as a collective.

Goalscoring quality remains a pressing issue, but United averaged just 1.53 goal-creating actions per 90 last term, as per FBref, which surpassed only the three relegated sides.

As such, Potter may look to complete a move for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who is anticipated to leave Anfield this summer, having been limited for playing time under Arne Slot.

Football Insider report that the Hammers are ready to make their move, pushing ahead with plans to sign the £50m-rated midfielder.

Elliott, 22, has held talks with a number of suitors, and West Ham are joined by Newcastle United and Tottenham, among others, in their intrigue.

Why West Ham want Harvey Elliott

Though Elliott struggled for match action at Liverpool last season, he still managed to showcase his ability on numerous occasions, notably scoring in three successive Champions League fixtures.

A diminutive and versatile midfielder, Elliott’s technical ability on the ball serves as the staple of his skill set, with one-time Liverpool U18s head coach Neil Critchley praising his ability to create “magic” through his passing.

As per FBref, the England U21 international ranked last season among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goal involvements, passes attempted and progressive passes, as well as the top 15% for goal-creating actions per 90.

Thus, Elliott’s potential to become a special player for a team like West Ham is underscored, and he could even rekindle the finest form of Bowen, who still wrapped up the latest campaign with a respectable haul of 13 goals and ten assists in the Premier League.

Elliott came up trumps through the 2023/24 campaign, providing plenty of creative support as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool struggled against a slew of unfortunate injuries.

24/25

28

5

3

23/24

53

4

14

22/23

46

5

2

21/22

11

1

0

*20/21

1

0

1

19/20

8

0

1

He has the tenacity and winning mentality, inculcated in him through his years on Merseyside, to combine with Bowen, who is a spirit-lifting star in his own right.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino once said that Bowen is “direct and he’s a bit like Salah” when discussing the complete forwards’ fast rise at the London Stadium, and this only strengthens the case for him being a dream partner for Elliott.

Landing Elliott would be a statement signing, all right, and perhaps what West Ham need to hit their stride and return to the forefront next season.

Potter's new Bissouma: West Ham accelerate move for "outstanding" £20m star

West Ham want to sign at least one midfielder this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 1, 2025

Warwickshire dropped to third but scheduling issues mean they will host the semi-final against Worcestershire

ECB Reporters Network14-Aug-2024

Jack Haynes hits inside-out over wide mid-off•PA Images/Getty

Nottinghamshire ended their inconsistent Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign on a high with a 12-run (DLS) victory over Warwickshire at Rugby School.Warwickshire still qualify for the quarter-finals – they will face Worcestershire at Edgbaston on Friday – but need to reboot after ending the group stage with successive defeats.The home side was bowled out for 182 in 46.3 overs, only Ed Barnard reaching 30 against an impressive attack led by Robert Lord (3 for 24) and Liam Patterson-White (3 for 26).Nottinghamshire’s reply was heavily rain-affected and closed on 135 for five after 28 overs, chasing a DLS target of 173 in 38. They were in trouble at 62 for 5 but were lifted ahead of the equation by a composed unbroken stand of 73 from Jack Haynes and Tom Moores.The defeat dropped Warwickshire to third in the final Group B table but they will still host Worcestershire (who finished second in Group A) because New Road will be hosting England Lions vs Sri Lanka on Friday.Nottinghamshire chose to bowl at a home batting unit deprived of Rob Yates and Hamza Shaikh by England Lions duty. Those two were missed as no Warwickshire batter lasted 50 balls.Zen Malik, on his debut, soon edged James Hayes to wicketkeeper Moores. Barnard and Will Rhodes took the score to 45 for one before the fall of the former, lbw to a fine delivery from Lord, sent the innings into decline.Rhodes was run out by a direct hit from the boundary by Haynes. Michael Burgess pushed forward down the wrong line to Patterson-White and was bowled.Chris Benjamin and Kai Smith added 30 but both fell in Matthew Montgomery’s first over, each caught at deep mid-wicket. When Patterson-White trapped Theo Wylie lbw through an ill-judged reverse sweep, three wickets had fallen for one run in seven balls.Michael Booth edged Patterson-White to second slip as Warwickshire dipped to 141 for 8 before Jake Lintott and Tazeem Ali added 41 in 11 overs to give their side something to bowl at. Lintott hit the only six of the innings, over long on off Montgomery, before skying Lord to extra cover.Embarking on a target of 183 in 48 overs, Nottinghamshire lost early wickets in thickening drizzle. Freddie McCann chipped Barnard to mid-wicket, Ben Slater edged Booth behind and Haseeb Hameed was adjudged caught at gully off Lintott when the ball apparently bounced before being scooped up by Smith. That wicket, quickly followed by Montgomery edging Lintott behind, tilted the DLS equation Warwickshire’s way.After an hour-long rain break at 56 for 4 (12.5 overs) changed the target to 173 from 38, Lintott quickly struck again when a full-length ball trapped Sam King lbw, but Haynes and Moores batted sensibly in poor light and drizzle. Haynes reached a 64-ball half-century and nudged his side calmly into control before the rain thickened up and off came the players once and for all.

Manchester City are preparing for another tilt at the Premier League title and could now be set to fight some of Europe’s heavyweights to sign a premium talent, according to a report.

In surprise fashion, the Blues suffered an early exit from the Club World Cup after a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the last 16 and all focus at the Etihad Stadium will now revolve around potential incomings and outgoings.

Addressing what squad changes could occur in the aftermath of the tournament, Daily Mail’s correspondent Jack Gaughan believes up to eight players could leave Manchester City to make way for reinforcements under Pep Guardiola.

He stated: “I think there could be as many as eight going if you include Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips.

“They’ve got to get rid of four foreign players because of the homegrown problems they’ve got in the Champions League. If they don’t, Guardiola is going to have to leave people out of the squad and he doesn’t like doing that.”

Of course, a large part of why there are plenty who are now at risk of leaving the club is due to their spate of arrivals between January and the summer, but who else could join Manchester City if all goes to plan?

Pep's fed up: Man City boss requests signing of £65m star to replace Ederson

Pep Guardiola wants to sign an “incredible” goalkeeper to replace Ederson this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jul 3, 2025

Amid doubts over Ederson’s future, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is wanted by Guardiola in what would be a landmark change of the guard between the sticks.

However, it appears that Manchester City aren’t just looking to strengthen for the immediate term and a young midfielder has now crept onto their radar after some impressive recent displays.

Manchester City keen to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit

According to Manchester City News, Manchester City are one of many clubs keen on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit after his breakthrough campaign that has led to the Netherlands Under-19 international claiming the UEFA Under-19 European Championship player of the tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United provide domestic competition for his signature, while Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Marseille are keeping close tabs on the continent.

Kees Smit in the Eredivisie – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

23

Successful dribbles

10

Touches in opposition box

40

Duels won

53

Recoveries

59

Journalist Graeme Bailey added some context to the situation, stating: “Kees Smit is a player, a real player I am being told and Manchester City know all about him. Will he leave this summer? That is the question but I think there is a real chance and City do like him – one to keep an eye on.”

Last campaign, Smit registered an impressive tally of ten goals and seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions, combining his exploits with Alkmaar’s senior side and second string.

While still in the infancy of his career, the Heiloo-born man is a talent on an upward trajectory and Manchester City will hope to convince him that the Etihad is the best place to continue his development.

Unbeaten half-century lacks support as Sunrisers fall short in 18-over chase

ECB Reporters Network15-Jun-2024

Grace Scrivens was in the runs for Sunrisers•Getty Images

South East Stars 153 for 4 (Redmayne 38*, E Jones 36) beat Sunrisers 111 for 5 (Scrivens 62*) by 19 runs – DLSGrace Scrivens’ stylish half-century proved in vain as Sunrisers slipped to a 19-run defeat under the DLS method to finals day-bound SE Stars in a game reduced to 18 overs aside at The Oval.The England A captain in New Zealand last winter struck 62 not out off 48 balls with a six and eight fours, but with only Jo Gardner (23 from 16) offering meaningful support, the visitors were 111 for 5 and behind the clock in the chase for 154 when the rain drove the players off with 13 balls remaining. Dani Gregory took 2 for 21 while Tilly Corteen-Coleman (1 for 14) kept up her remarkable record of taking a wicket with her first ball.Earlier, Stars’ impressive score of 153 for 4 was built around Australian debutant Georgia Redmayne’s patient 38, the fireworks being provided by Emma Jones (36 from 23), Phoebe Franklin (23 from 21) and Bryony Smith (21 from 11). Mady Villiers was the pick of the Sunrisers attack with 2 for 23.Morning and afternoon rain delayed the start until 3:50pm, but Smith made up for lost time after losing the toss and being put into bat, plundering four boundaries from one Eva Gray over, the pick a back-foot drive creamed through extra-cover.Smith fell in the next over bowled by Villiers, the spinner luring her down the track to be stumped by Amara Carr, who then caught England opener Sophia Dunkley, holding onto a skied top edge.Franklin though picked up the baton, a delightful square cut and a bludgeon over the head of mid-on among her four fours. Villiers cut the innings off in its prime when Franklin hoisted one into the hands of Gray at cow corner but that was the cue for Jones to unleash her power.The all-rounder hit two mighty sixes, the first at long-on where Jo Gardner got fingertips to it but could only parry the ball over the rope. No such doubt about the second blow however which sailed five rows back into the seats at deep square.Left-hander Redmayne was content to play second fiddle in a stand of 57 and when Jones departed to a catch on the fence, the Aussie gave the stage to Alice Davidson-Richards, who smote a six and a four in reaching 16 off 6.Chasing 154 for an unlikely win, Sunrisers were soon in tatters. They lost Villiers without a run on the board, Jones in the action with a catch on the fence from the bowling of Stonehouse.Lissy Macleod then top edged one from Ryana MacDonald-Gay into the hand of keeper Redmayne and when Corteen-Coleman produced her latest party trick to trap Carr lbw for a duck the visitors were 19 for 3.Skipper Scrivens, who’d watched the carnage from the other end, responded with the first six of the reply, before being given a life by Aylish Cranstone, who spilt a regulation chance at point from the bowling of Jones. By then though Gregory had struck twice in three balls to remove Amu Surenkuma and Flo Miller.Scrivens continued to hit boldly, reaching 50 in 41 balls and Gardner too cleared the ropes but the task was just beyond them.