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Everton have already been linked with a number of players this summer as Frank Lampard sets out to improve the squad following a disappointing Premier League season, and now a reliable source has revealed a new potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees have joined the race to sign Montpellier winger Stephy Mavididi.

The Italian journalist tweeted: “Stephy Mavididi could leave Montpellier this summer. Many clubs have approached his agents including West Ham, Brighton, Southampton, Everton and OM. Deal still at early stages but there are good chances for Mavididi to make his move in the coming weeks.”

Mavididi would be a huge coup for Everton

Everton are in desperate need of improvement after they narrowly avoided their first-ever Premier League relegation with a win in the penultimate game of the season, so supporters will be excited that the club is working to identify players who can add depth and quality to the squad.

Mavididi has been a consistent attacking threat for Montpellier in Ligue 1 this season, scoring eight goals, delivering three assists and creating four big chances for his team over his 30 league appearances.

For comparison, only Richarlison hit more than five league goals for Everton in 2021/22, so Mavididi could give Lampard’s side much greater potency judging by his goal return in the French top flight.

The former Arsenal loanee has received high praise from his idol Thierry Henry in recent months, with the Gunners legend saying of the 24-year-old on commentary for Amazon (via The Score): “What I’ve always liked about Stephy Mavididi is that he’s a hard-working player who closes (opponents) down.

“He’s always in the right place. What was missing was finishing — whether to give the ball or to score — but now he’s brought that to his game.”

With that in mind, the £20m-valued ace could be a great prospective addition to the squad at Goodison Park. As above, he is renowned as a hard-working forward who is capable of delivering plenty of goalscoring opportunities from centre-forward or out wide.

However, Farhad Moshiri will need to act fast if he does want to secure Mavididi’s signature this summer, as the 24-year-old has a number of clubs interested in making a move for him. If the Everton chief can pull it off, it has the makings of a real coup for the Toffees.

AND in other news – No-brainer: Moshiri must seal bargain Everton swoop for “very strong” £73k-p/w leader

Aston Villa’s transfer business is currently in full swing, although there is still perhaps a nagging feeling that they are missing something, with the void vacated by former skipper Jack Grealish last summer having yet to be adequately filled.

The boyhood Villa man had proved instrumental in dragging the former European champions out of the second tier in 2019, before again stealing the limelight to help maintain their Premier League status the following season, netting a vital, final-day strike to ensure the club’s safety.

Another decisive season followed in the 2020/21 campaign as he bagged 16 goal contributions under then-boss Dean Smith, despite a lengthy absence that essentially put paid to any hopes of European qualification for the Midlands outfit.

Having held firm for so long, unwilling to part ways with their prized asset, a British record, £100m offer from Manchester City ultimately proved too good to ignore, with the Englishman becoming just another special talent in a squad full to the brim with quality.

Perhaps he misses his talismanic role at Villa Park, having somewhat blended into the background at the Etihad, although the 26-year-old’s decision has already resulted in silverware, as Pep Guardiola’s claimed a fourth league title in five seasons with a dramatic last day triumph against, ironically, Villa.

Jubilant scenes ensued for City – and in particular, Grealish – while Steven Gerrard’s side were left reflecting on a campaign that had ended with a whimper, the club languishing in 14th place despite spending over £100m throughout the campaign.

In the absence of their former leading man, there is no question that the club have faltered, with even the statement loan signing of Philippe Coutinho in January – a move which has since become permanent – failing to inspire too great a response, despite an early flurry of goals from the Brazilian upon his arrival.

Gerrard’s men, it would seem, are simply in need of a figurehead – a man to produce something from nothing when they need it most. Step forward, Gareth Bale.

That is the view of pundit Tony Cascarino, who suggested that the Villans may be a suitable destination for the Welshman, as reported by Birmingham Live, with the one-time Southampton man having only just confirmed his expected departure from Real Madrid after almost a decade in the Spanish capital.

It has proved a largely toxic last few years or so for the 102-cap international with Los Blancos, with the winger proving a “controversial” figure in Madrid, in the words of one journalist, for his desire to put his country over his club, a fact only heightened with that infamous ‘Wales.Golf.Madrid’ banner.

Despite that bitter and long overdue ending, the former Tottenham man has provided a good return on the La Liga side’s initial £85.3m investment, scoring 106 goals and providing 67 assists in 258 games across all competitions, winning three league titles and a staggering five Champions Leagues in that time.

The last of those European triumphs came last weekend as Carlo Ancelotti’s side ran out 1-0 winners over Liverpool in Paris, although Bale was, as expected, simply a bystander to proceedings, having largely been overlooked for selection in the most recent campaign.

That lack of game time may be a concern to Gerrard and co, although as he proved on international duty back in March, the £528k-per-week gem still has the ability to grab the game by the scruff of the neck even when not fully fit, netting twice in a vital 2-1 win over Austria in Cardiff – the winger an undoubted “legend” for his country, according to manager Robert Page.

Any doubters should also look to his form during the 2020/21 season following his return to Spurs, when he scored a remarkable 16 goals in just 20 games for the club in all competitions, 11 of those strikes coming in the league.

He may well not be what he was, although at just 32 he is still young enough to make an impact for any side, with Villa in need of someone with such game-winning nous and vast experience at the highest level, while he provides the added bonus of being available on a free.

The hole left by Grealish remains, NSWE should turn to Bale to fill it.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Journalist Giovanni Albanese of La Gazzetta dello Sport has now made a teasing Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The Lowdown: Conte overhaul begins…

It has quite simply been a massive week at Spurs in so many ways.

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After manager Antonio Conte guided them to a top-four Premier League finish, securing the riches of Champions League football, it was then announced by ENIC that Spurs have been handed a £150 million equity increase.

This financial windfall will be used to back Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici in the summer window (The Telegraph), and what’s more, it is widely reported that the north Londoners are already closing in on both Fraser Forster (Southampton) and Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan).

The Latest: Albanese makes teasing McKennie claim…

Writing on Twitter, Italian reporter Albanese has now teased a Paratici bid for McKennie – imploring supporters to ‘stay tuned’.

He explained:

“Paratici could also bid for McKennie : stay tuned!”

The Verdict: Promising update?

The 23-year-old has been a star at international level for the USA in recent times with reporter Chris Smith of 90min absolutely raving over the midfield gem.

McKennie, as per the MLS football expert, is a ‘supremely underrated’ attacking threat and ‘pressing machine’ who has it what it takes to be a ‘truly elite midfielder’ (Twitter).

Reports have suggested that the Serie A starlet is valued at around £25 million, and given his age, we believe that could be a fair price to pay for someone so highly rated on the international stage with bags of potential.

Depending on the offer Paratici puts on the table, it will be interesting to see whether Spurs can back Conte with the move.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’ – Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out more here.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard could well be the deciding factor in the club’s move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider hinted that the chance to work under the former Liverpool captain could be too good to turn down for the 26-year-old.

Asked about the Englishman’s future, O’Rourke stated how Gerrard’s presence in the dugout could be to Villa’s advantage: “I think the chance to maybe work under a top midfielder, like Gerrard was, might appeal to Kalvin Phillips.

“He might think it would help improve his own game. There will be lots that Villa would be hoping might appeal to Phillips if it does come down to a race for his signature.”

Recent reports suggested that the Midlands side – alongside Newcastle United – have emerged as frontrunners in the race for his signature, albeit with the 19-cap international also reportedly a ‘top target’ for Manchester City.

Any deal is not likely to come cheap for any of those sides, however, with reports that it could take as much as £60m to prise him from Elland Road, with Jesse Marsch leading the club to safety ending any hopes of a securing him for a potentially reduced fee.

Gerrard will love him

While that assessment would suggest that Phillips is keen to work under the Premier League legend, the reverse could also be true, with Gerrard potentially relishing the chance to add the £45m-rated man to his side.

The Villa Park outfit have already added Marseille youngster Boubacar Kamara to their midfield ranks, although a further addition could be on the cards, with the Leeds man offering the flexibility to play in a holding role but also in a more aggressive, number eight role as he has done for his country.

Dubbed the “best modern midfielder” by legendary coach Fabio Capello, the £38k-per-week monster set the world alight for the Three Lions at Euro 2020, forging an immense partnership with West Ham’s Declan Rice.

Although injury has since halted his progress, he still recorded some notable statistics for his current side in the 2021/22 campaign, averaging 1.2 interceptions and 2.7 tackles per game in his 20 league outings.

He has also impressed compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 4% for blocks, the top 3% for tackles and the top 2% for pressures made, illustrating his workman-like quality in the centre of the park.

It is no real surprise then to see the clamour for his services this summer, although it remains to be seen whether he will be able to forego his emotional attachment to his current side.

That being said, the prospect to work under Gerrard may just be the carrot that he needs in order to make a departure.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Leeds United have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to secure Premier League survival.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Leeds Live, Frank Lampard revealed that he will be able to call upon each of Michael Keane and Donny van de Beek – both of whom missed the 3-2 defeat against Brentford last weekend due to injury – for Everton’s fixture against Crystal Palace on Thursday evening.

The 43-year-old also revealed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ben Godfrey will be available for selection at Goodison Park, however, the former Chelsea boss claimed that it is currently unclear as to whether Godfrey will be fit enough to feature from the off.

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Concerning the current state of his squad, Lampard said: “Ben may be in the squad and that more a testament to him as he’s striving to get fit. He is in the squad but I will make a decision on whether he is involved at all. Michael Keane has recovered and Donny van de Beek will also be in the squad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fine too.”

Supporters will be gutted

With Leeds’ hopes of securing survival on the final day of the season – something which FiveThirtyEight predict there is currently a 40% chance of – being severely dented should Everton pick up all three points against Palace tomorrow evening, the news that Lampard looks set to have all of Keane, Van de Beek, Calvert-Lewin and Godfrey available is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful gutted.

Indeed, according to SofaScore data, Keane, Calvert-Lewin and Godfrey currently rank as the Toffees’ fifth, ninth and 14th-best performers in the top flight of English football, while Van de Beek proved during his time at Ajax – scoring 41 goals and registering 34 assists over 175 appearances in the Netherlands – that he is a talent who can always provide a moment of inspiration for his team.

As such, the news that the quartet all look as if they will play some sort of role on Thursday night is undoubtedly awful news for the Whites’ survival hopes this season – as an Everton win, coupled with a Burnley victory over Aston Villa tomorrow evening, would all but represent the final nail in the coffin for Jesse Marsch and his side this term.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “incredible” £40m target, he’s “one to keep an eye on”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has now been dealt a big blow as Etihad Stadium ‘sources’ share a major exit development.

The Lowdown: Eastlands overhaul?

The signing of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland, coupled with phenomenal results against the likes of Newcastle and Wolves, have made this week one to remember for Blues.

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Putting the heartbreak of that Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid well and truly behind them, Guardiola’s side have displayed the mentality of real champions and exactly why they’re currently Premier League front-runners.

Still well and truly in a dogfight with arch rivals Liverpool for the domestic crown, that hasn’t stopped City officials from planning for the 2022/2023 campaign.

After Haaland, links have emerged to an array of head-turning new targets, not least Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong and even Man United outcast Paul Pogba.

Some of Guardiola’s first-team stars could also be on their way out of Eastlands this summer, perhaps most notably the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling who are all out of contract in 2023 as things stand.

The Latest: Guardiola dealt Sterling blow…

90min, sharing an update on the latter man from their ‘City sources’, claim Sterling is ready to quit the Sky Blues and will now ‘inform the club’ that he ‘wants to join Barcelona this summer’.

This comes as a big blow for Guardiola who is ‘hugely keen’ to see the England international put pen to paper on fresh terms after re-instating him into the first team.

The Verdict: Bad news?

Sterling is a player who has polarised sections of the fanbase at times with some absolutely stunning performances also followed by questionable moments.

That being said, there is little doubt that the 27-year-old is a truly phenomenal player and crucial asset for Guardiola when at his very best level.

His 2019/2020 season, where he finished as City’s top goal-scorer in all competitions with over 30, is testament to this – not to mention the fact he’s just nine away from a century of top flight strikes for the club.

Scoring 131 and assisting 94 others in total since signing from Liverpool in 2015, his ability has drawn admiration from players in and outside the club.

Former Man City starlet Tosin Adarabioyo, for example, called Sterling a ‘beast’ amid his fantastic run of form for England at the Euros last year.

Indeed, when taking all of this into account, losing the Three Lions ace would be a blow for Guardiola.

In other news: Man City enter pole position to sign ‘one of the best players in the world’ after Haaland! Find out more here.

There is a three-way battle for a confirmed spot in the women’s final

Sampath Bandarupalli21-Aug-2023ESPNcricinfo LtdMen’s tournament
Oval Invincibles – Wins 5, Points 11
Oval Invincibles stand on the top of the table, leading second-placed Manchester Originals by two points. However, Originals have a better net-run-rate (NRR) than Invincibles. If Invincibles register a win against the Trent Rockets on Monday, they will directly qualify for the final.However, a defeat would mean they would rely on a favour from Southern Brave to defeat Originals, who would climb to the top via NRR if they won.Manchester Originals – Wins 4, Points 9
Manchester Originals have a chance of qualifying for the final directly if they beat Southern Brave in the last match, as long as Trent Rockets do them a favour by defeating Oval Invincibles on Monday. Despite being close to a direct final qualification, Originals are not yet confirmed of their play-off berth as they could fall as low as fifth if results go against them.Though Originals have the best NRR among the eight teams in the men’s competition, they could finish below Southern Brave if they lose to them by a margin of around 42 runs. If that happens, Rockets will also finish ahead of the Originals on NRR irrespective of their win margin against Invincibles.Though Welsh Fire are behind Originals on NRR by more than 100 runs, they can also move ahead of Originals – if Brave defeat Originals by 42 runs and Fire win against the Northern Superchargers by around 62 runs.If Rockets beat Invincibles on Monday, Originals have to make sure they don’t lose by more than 41 runs to Brave and hope Welsh Fire can’t catch them on the NRR. And if Rockets lose on Monday, Originals will be confirmed to finish in the top three if they can ensure their losing margin against Brave is less than 42 runs.A win on Monday night would do wonders for Rockets’ play-off chances•ECB/Getty ImagesTrent Rockets – Wins 3, Points 7
Trent Rockets will more or less seal their place in the playoffs with a win against Invincibles on Monday. However, there is a chance they could miss out despite finishing with nine points – but they could qualify for playoffs even with a loss against Invincibles. For that to happen, they need Southern Brave, Welsh Fire and London Spirit to lose their last matches.Rockets must ensure they don’t lose by more than 45 runs, as any margin higher than that would push them below Brave’s current NRR. And in case Rockets lose by 75 runs to Invincibles, they will need the following results:
a. Brave lose to Originals by at least 31 runs.
b. Welsh Fire to lose by at least 13 runs against Superchargers. But Superchargers shouldn’t win by more than 43 runs.At the same time, the Rockets could still miss out on a top-three finish, despite a modest win by 15 runs. The following results, if they occur, could see the Rockets miss out on playoffs even after a 15-run win:
a. Brave to beat Originals by 58 runs, Originals do not lose by more than 26 runs.
b. Fire beat Superchargers by 79 runsSouthern Brave – Wins 3, Points 7
Southern Brave, the 2021 champions, could miss out on the playoffs for the second straight season if they lose to Originals in their last league match. Although, just a win might not be enough for Brave as they would need to win by at least 42 runs against Originals to move past them on NRR. Trent Rockets are likely to finish ahead of Brave if they win against Invincibles, while Welsh Fire could also catch up with a big win.Scenarios for Brave if they win:
1. Brave, Rockets and Fire win: Brave’s margin of win against Originals should be either 43 runs higher than Rockets’ win margin against Invincibles or within 17 runs of Welsh Fire’s margin against Superchargers.
2. Brave win by less than 42 runs: Rockets should lose to Invincibles, and Brave’s win margin should not be less than 16 runs of Fire’s margin against Superchargers.Brave, in fact, could end up in the play-offs even with a defeat – but that requires Rockets to suffer a big defeat as they are currently about 40 runs ahead of Brave on NRR. They would also need London Spirit and Welsh Fire to lose their respective matches, and at the same time, Northern Superchargers should defeat Fire by a handsome margin which could see them overhauling Brave’s NRR. If Brave lose by 20 runs to Originals, the only way Superchargers can go ahead is with a win as big as 50 runs.Welsh Fire kept their play-off hopes alive on Sunday night•Getty ImagesWelsh Fire – Wins 3, Points 7
Welsh Fire have won three of their seven completed matches this year, the same they won across the first two seasons combined. But they would need more than just a win in their last match to be assured of a place in the play-offs. They are currently 60 runs behind on NRR of Trent Rockets and about 19 runs behind Brave, the other two teams likely to end up with nine points.If the Rockets win, then Welsh Fire’s win margin against Superchargers must be beyond 60 runs. If the Rockets lose, then Welsh’s fate relies on the margin in the Originals-Brave match.A loss for Welsh Fire could make things complicated for them with already a poor NRR. In addition to Rockets and Brave’s defeats, Fire would also need London Spirit to lose as they could finish with eight points. Fire would also face a potential threat from their opponent of the last game Northern Superchargers, who will end with seven points but have a poorer NRR.London Spirit and Northern Superchargers are relying on other results working in their favour•Getty ImagesLondon Spirit – Wins 3, Points 6
London Spirit, unlike the remaining teams in contention, won’t have the NRR headache. All they need to qualify is for Rockets, Brave and Fire to lose their last matches and finish with seven points. If that happens, Spirit, who face Phoenix in the final league match, must win to seal the third place.Northern Superchargers – Wins 2, Points 5
Four consecutive defeats pushed Superchargers to seventh in the points table and left a heavy dent in their NRR. However, they still have an outside chance of making it to the play-offs. For that to happen, they would need to defeat Welsh Fire in their last league match and expect the results in all three other matches to work their way – Rockets, Brave and Spirit to lose.That would still not be enough for Superchargers due to their NRR, as they would need nearly 115 runs to cover between them and Trent Rockets, who have the best NRR of the teams likely to finish with seven points. If the Superchargers win by 75 runs against Fire after the Rockets suffer a 40-run defeat to Invincibles, they will end up with the best NRR among the teams with 7 points and finish third.ESPNcricinfo LtdWomen’s tournament
Southern Brave (12 points) are best placed for the direct route to the final, as a win against Manchester Originals (11 points) in their last league match would be enough for them. However, they can earn it even with a narrow defeat against Originals if Superchargers also secure a close win against Welsh Fire (10 points) on Tuesday.Brave and Superchargers are separated by more than 20 runs on NRR ahead of the last round of the league phase. Welsh Fire would need to beat Superchargers and hope Brave lose against Originals on Wednesday to finish as the table-topper.Brave will be in a must-win situation on Wednesday if Fire defeat Superchargers, or Superchargers beat Fire by about 22 runs, or with around 16 balls to spare.

This season has started about as poorly as it could have for West Ham United.

As things stand, the East Londoners are stuck in the Premier League relegation zone, and while Nuno Espírito Santo earned a point in his first game, he’s overseen three losses since.

However, there is a chance for the Hammers to steady the ship at home to Newcastle United this weekend, in a game that’ll see Lucas Paqueta take one of his closest friends in Bruno Guimaraes.

West Ham would love a player of his quality in their side, and while that is a pipe dream, they might have the next best thing.

Paqueta & Guimarães' relationship

Speaking ahead of the game, Paqueta did the usual of telling the West Ham website that the team are “all ready for a big battle,” but he also went on to explain his relationship with Guimarães.

Chalkboard

He revealed that the two of them are “like brothers” and that, thanks to their time on and off the pitch together, they are “best friends.”

It’s not all that surprising that the pair are so close, as on top of representing Brazil, they also spent time playing for Lyon.

In fact, between the 20/21 and 21/22 seasons, the duo made 42 appearances for the French side, in which they combined for one goal, but maintained a healthy average of 2.00 points per game.

On the international front, the duo have played 24 matches with both of them on the pitch, in which they’ve combined for two goals.

However, with 13 wins, six draws and five losses in those games, they’ve only averaged 1.88 points together.

You can only imagine how much better West Ham would be if Bruno were starting just behind Paqueta.

However, while that is a dream, the club might have found their own version of the Toon star who could end up forming a similar relationship with Paqueta.

Paqueta's new Guimarães

While there are some talented midfielders in West Ham’s squad, like Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa, it’s Mateus Fernandes who could end up being Paqueta’s new Guimarães.

Now, while he isn’t Brazilian, there are a few reasons why he fits the bill, with the first being that, like the Newcastle star, he is more than comfortable playing in central midfield.

Therefore, while he can play in the ten, he’d be just as happy to sit that bit deeper and allow the Hammers’ Brazilian maestro to remain as the most attacking midfielder.

However, the most concrete reason why the “exceptional” former Southampton star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, could become the new Guimarães is that he was one of the most similar players to him last season.

Yes, according to FBref, the Toon ace was the ninth most similar midfielder to the Irons’ summer signing in the entire Premier League last season.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.12

0.12

Shots

1.30

1.24

Shots on Target

0.43

0.36

Expected Assists

0.11

0.15

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.19

0.17

Switches

0.31

0.39

Shots Blocked

0.25

0.28

Interceptions

0.87

0.80

Aerial Duels Won

0.46

0.50

To gain a better understanding of how such a conclusion was reached, it’s worth examining some of the underlying numbers that led to the pair ranking so closely.

In this instance, these include specific attacking metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals, shots, shots on target, crosses into the penalty area, switches, and more, all per 90 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, given that they are both central midfielders, they also rank closely for more defensive metrics, such as interceptions, aerial duels won, and shots blocked per 90.

Now, with all that said, it would be foolish to expect the former Saints ace to match the performances of the Newcastle star, but the fact that they are so similar, and he’s six years younger, is certainly encouraging.

Ultimately, it may take some time for them to build a proper understanding, but so long as Nuno plays them both, there is every chance Paqueta could develop a similar understanding with Fernandes that he has with Guimarães.

How Jarrod Bowen really feels about leaving West Ham after £53m Tottenham claim

The England winger is reportedly attracting interest from north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 31, 2025

Rockets still in with an outside chance of a top three finish after convincing victory over Welsh Fire

ECB Media24-Aug-2025Trent Rockets 145 for 6 (Sciver-Brunt 39, Davies 3-26) beat Welsh Fire 122 for 9 (Dunkley 26, King 3-17) by 23 runs Trent Rockets produced a clinical all-round performance to overcome Welsh Fire by 23 runs at Sophia Gardens and keep themselves in the mix for progression to the Eliminator.Aussie all-rounder Ash Gardner starred with bat and ball, hitting 36 from 26 and taking 2 for 28 with her off-breaks, as the Rockets claimed a victory which leaves them four points behind third-placed Manchester Originals with one game still to play. They will need to win their final group match against Birmingham Phoenix on Wednesday and hope other results go their way to secure a top-three finish.Bryony Smith (38 from 27) laid the foundations for the Rockets’ 145 for 6, the opener hitting Freya Davies for three boundaries in the second set and then finding the ropes from three consecutive Jess Jonassen deliveries in the fifth.Hayley Matthews was next in Smith’s sights, the Bajan off-spinner dispatched over mid-off for four and then swatted for six, but Davies (3-26) ended her entertaining knock when a top edge flew to Georgia Elwiss at short third.A third-wicket stand of 67 from 45 balls between Nat Sciver-Brunt (38 from 26) and Gardner built on Smith’s good work, the England skipper stroking five fours while Gardner showed off her powerful strokeplay with three maximums.Jonassen broke the partnership when she trapped Sciver-Brunt lbw and Gardner fell six balls later, nicking off to a surprise bouncer from Matthews, but a bright cameo from Heather Graham, who hit two boundaries in her unbeaten 13, took the visitors to a competitive total.In reply, Tammy Beaumont’s lean trot continued when she was bowled by Alexa Stonehouse for 5 before Sophia Dunkley (26 from 23) and Matthews (18 from 12) moved the Fire on to 57 for 1. But when Gardner took the key wicket of Matthews, bowled by a nicely flighted delivery, the hosts lost their momentum.Aussie leg-spinner Alana King turned the screw, returning figures of 3 for 17, while Gardner made another telling intervention when she had the dangerous Dunkley caught and bowled.The Fire eventually subsided to 122 for 9 from their 100 deliveries, their sixth defeat of a disappointing season.Gardner, the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “I think that was probably our first well-rounded performance. I think we did all three disciplines really well. Obviously we need to keep winning and for others results to go our way but we’re just trying to control what we can, and that’s winning games of cricket.”I was happy with parts of my innings. There were a few dot balls in there where I was trying to hit it too hard but the wicket was quite tricky at times when the bowlers took pace off the ball, and when the quicks bashed a length it was tough to find the boundary. But if I had a ball in my zone, I tried to clear the fence.”

With their striker troubles not going away anytime soon, Everton are now reportedly serious about making a January move to sign a big-money star in January.

Moyes has say on Beto after Man City miss

It was far from a disastrous summer for The Friedkin Group. In fact, it was actually fairly positive. They signed Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibling among others in an impressive spending spree. Yet, one problem persists. Everton need a consistent, clinical striker.

The Toffees thought they got that in Thierno Barry in the summer, but the former Villarreal man is yet to make his mark and may need at least a season to find his feet in English football. As a result, David Moyes has been forced to turn towards Beto, who has scored just one Premier League goal in eight appearances so far this season.

The towering forward struggled once again last weekend as Everton were made to pay for not taking their chances by a clinical Man City and Erling Haaland. As the best striker in the world dominated at one end, Beto failed to impress at the other in a glaring contrast.

It’s something that Everton must look to solve when January arrives and Moyes will know that more than most.

The experienced manager had his say on Beto’s missed chances against Man City, saying: “I think the one he doesn’t get to, he should get to. The one that was given offside was onside, I think, and ultimately we get a VAR decision if it goes in. The first chance – we’re studs away from getting a goal.”

Not Keane: Moyes can fix Branthwaite blow by unleashing Everton "revelation"

Everton’s star centre-back has suffered a complication in his injury recovery.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 21, 2025

It seems as though Friedkin are also aware of the Toffees’ striker troubles, with those at the Hill Dickinson now reportedly serious about signing a big-money star.

Everton now serious about Ivan Toney move

According to Football Insider, Everton are now seriously interested in signing Ivan Toney in the January transfer window. The Al-Ahli forward reportedly believes that a return to the Premier League is his best chance to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup and particularly wants to work under Moyes.

Toney’s camp reportedly favour a move to Merseyside rather than West Ham United, handing Everton a major advantage ahead of the winter window. The deal, even if on loan, is unlikely to come cheap, however.

The 29-year-old earns a staggering £22m-a-year in the Saudi Pro League, which would instantly make him Everton’s highest earner by more than £10m. It simply looks like an impossible deal unless Al-Ahli pay a percentage of the forward’s wages in a loan deal or Toney takes a pay-cut in a permanent switch.

Hailed as “intelligent” by former manager Thomas Frank, Toney is the type of player who could solve Everton’s striker problem. Whether they can find a way past his big-money salary is another question entirely, though. If the forward wants a World Cup place then he may have to compromise in January.