Sri Lanka made huge strides towards taking control of the Test on the second day, despite having lost their last four wickets for 63 runs in the morning.Asitha Fernando made the crucial breakthrough, removing form batter Abullah Shafique with the second ball of the innings, before the spinners went to work. Prabath Jayasuriya had Babar Azam playing on. Dhananjaya de Silva slipped a full delivery through Imam-ul-Haq’s defences. Mohammad Rizwan, Fawad Alam, and Mohammad Nawaz were out to Ramesh Mendis’ offspin.The end result is that although Pakistan kept Sri Lanka to a manageable 378 in the first innings, they’ve stumbled so badly, they are now fighting to stay alive in the Test. Agha Salman, playing his second Test, was the batter who fought hardest, hitting 62 off 126 balls, as wickets fell around him. His dismissal off what turned out to be the last ball of the day entrenched Sri Lanka’s dominant position, however.Things had begun so well for Pakistan. Naseem Shah blew Sri Lanka’s overnight pair away in the first half-hour of play. He first fired a vicious one at debutant Dunith Wellalage’s throat in the fourth over of the day, which the batter could only fend to second slip, as he tried to get out of the way. In Naseem’s next over, another bouncer accounted for Niroshan Dickwella, who tried to help the ball around the corner, and only managed to give an edge. Dickwella had got to his half-century shortly before, having begun the day on 42.Yasir Shah then took the last two wickets as Ramesh Mendis prevented an all-out lower-order folding, with his 35, during which he struck up a 20-run partnership with No. 10 Prabath Jayasuriya, and a 25-run last-wicket stand with Asitha. Still, 378 did not seem like a total that locked Pakistan out of the game.The Pakistan top order though, did not take advantage of the situation. Second ball of the innings, their form batter Shafique played a leaden-footed push at Asitha, whose length delivery took the inside edge and cannoned into middle and leg stump.Babar Azam was out next, also chopping on, pushing at a full Prabath Jayasuriya delivery that did not turn as much as expected, to be out for 16. Imam was also bowled, but this time the bat did not interfere. De Silva beat him in the air, and slipped the ball into middle.From there, it wasn’t quite a procession, but the wickets fell regularly. Mohammad Rizwan was lbw playing back to a quicker one from Ramesh. It looked plumb from the outset, but Rizwan burned one of his team’s reviews. Fawad Alam battled to 24 before he too played back to a sliding Ramesh delivery, that hit him in front. Fawad didn’t review.Mohammad Nawaz was out a little more than 10 overs later, when he edged Ramesh behind. But Pakistan’s best batter of the day was also out before the day’s end. Salman ground his way through the innings, not hitting a boundary in his first 67 balls. When he did hit out, he advanced to pound Jayasuriya over long on, before sweeping him for four behind deep square leg.Salman was more adventurous after that, particularly when he used his feet. He got to his maiden fifty off 93 balls, and was out off the last delivery of the day for 62, edging Jayasuriya to slip.Of Sri Lanka’s bowlers, Ramesh returned the best figures, taking 3 for 42. Pakistan had two bowlers on three wickets in their innings too – Yasir taking 3 for 80, and Naseem 3 for 58.It didn’t seem like a bowlers’ pitch on day two at Galle. And yet, 11 wickets fell.

He is believed to have gone for an MRI scan, with Shaheen Afridi already ruled out due to a knee injury

Shashank Kishore25-Aug-2022After Shaheen Shah Afridi’s withdrawal due to a knee injury, Pakistan have been dealt another scare ahead of their Asia Cup opener against India on August 28, with fast bowler Mohammad Wasim pulling up with back pain during training in Dubai.Wasim, who turned 21 on Thursday, complained of pain in his lower back during a bowling session at the ICC Academy. He is believed to have undergone an MRI scan. Wasim has been part of each of the team’s three training sessions since arriving in Dubai on Tuesday.ESPNcricinfo understands the scan is precautionary, with the PCB not wanting to risk a potential long-term injury, given the amount of cricket they are set to play leading into the T20 World Cup in Australia this October-November.Related

Shaheen Afridi ruled out of Asia Cup with knee injury

Asia Cup battles: Babar takes on Rashid, Kohli against Hasaranga

Akram: Pakistan can 'compete against India day-in and day-out'

After the Asia Cup, Pakistan are set to play England in seven T20Is at home, followed by a tri-series in New Zealand before they head to Australia. At the Asia Cup, they could possibly play five games in 12 days should they make the Super Four stage.Wasim has so far featured in 11 T20Is since his debut last July against West Indies. He has picked up 17 wickets at an average of 15.88 and an economy of 8.10. Wasim was particularly impressive in the home series against Australia this March, where he picked up five wickets in three ODIs as Pakistan overturned a 1-0 deficit to clinch the series.The injury scare could be a concern, given the team management is already grappling with Afridi’s absence from the tournament. Despite the injury, Afridi has been part of the travelling squad for four weeks, and is currently undergoing on-tour rehabilitation in the UAE as Pakistan look to have him fit for the T20 World Cup.Afridi has been working with fast-bowling consultant Shaun Tait. His absence had earlier led to Mohammad Hasnain getting a late call-up to join the Asia Cup squad. Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani and Naseem Shah are the other fast bowlers in the tour party.PCB strengthens support staff group for Asia Cup
Pakistan have added Umar Rashid as assistant to fast-bowling coach Tait for the Asia Cup following a recommendation from head coach Saqlain Mushtaq.Rashid, who has an impressive body of work at the National High Performance Centre, has worked with all the current crop of fast bowlers around the national set-up at the age-group levels.More recently, Rashid is credited to have helped Hasnain return to competitive cricket after being reported for a suspect action during the BBL in January. The flex in Hasnain’s elbow was found to be around 17-24 degrees, well above permissible levels.

Leeds United were not in action in the Championship this weekend as they prepare to take on promotion rivals Burnley at Turf Moor in a huge clash on Monday night.

It has been a good weekend of results for the Whites, however, as Sheffield United were hammered 3-0 by Hull at Bramall Lane and Sunderland conceded in stoppage time to draw 2-2 with Plymouth Argyle.

This means that the West Yorkshire outfit remain top of the Championship table and that will still be the case after Monday’s match, unless Burnley win by at least four goals.

The Whites beat Norwich City 2-0 in their last outing in the second tier, thanks to goals from Manor Solomon and Dan James, and will be hoping for a similarly convincing scoreline against the Clarets.

Despite the terrific position that Leeds are in at the moment in the Championship, Daniel Farke could still look to utilise the January transfer window before it slams shut in just over a week.

In fact, the club have a reported interest in signing a player from a Premier League side to come in and add to their options at the top end of the pitch.

Leeds chasing ambitious Premier League deal

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a swoop to sign Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion before the end of the window.

Transfer Focus

The report, firstly, explains how Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia, which could blow the Whites out of the running for the Argentina international, who previously worked with Farke at Carrow Road.

It then adds that the West Yorkshire outfit have also already missed out on the chance to sign central defender Andrew Omobamidele from Nottingham Forest, as the Ireland international has completed a move to Strasbourg on loan with an option to make the deal permanent.

TEAMtalk reports that the 49ers are, now, chasing an ‘ambitious’ deal to sign Ferguson from the Premier League side on loan, in the hope of not missing out on him in the same way that they look to have with Omobamidele and Buendia.

It is an ambitious attempt by Leeds because there is plenty of interest in the striker from teams in the top flight, with West Ham reportedly keen to sign the £100m-rated forward whilst Bournemouth and Arsenal are also said to be keen on the young marksman.

If the 49ers can convince Brighton to send the forward on loan to the Championship, perhaps with the incentive that he could drop down a level and score goals on a regular basis to boost his confidence in front of goal, then they could land a second impressive Premier League loanee, alongside Manor Solomon.

Manor Solomon's form for Leeds this season

The Tottenham Hotspur loanee joined the Whites in the summer to bolster Farke’s options on the left flank and made a slow start to life in Yorkshire, with a return of zero goals and one assist in his first eight appearances.

It was a difficult start for the Israel international and that may have been down to the fact that his last competitive appearance for Spurs was back in September 2023, which meant that he did not arrive at Elland Road with much match sharpness.

Since that less-than-impressive opening eight matches in the Championship, the 25-year-old dynamo has established himself as a star for the Whites and currently looks undroppable as part of the attacking unit for Farke.

Appearances

21

Starts

12

Goals

5

Big chances created

7

Assists

5

As you can see in the table above, Solomon has offered a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Whites in the second tier, with ten direct goal contributions in 12 starts.

Two of those goal involvements came in the win over Norwich in midweek, scoring after 30 seconds and assisting Dan James in the second half, and he will be hoping to add to his tally in Monday’s clash with Burnley.

Solomon has, therefore, been a successful Premier League loanee and Leeds could land another one by bringing in Ferguson, who could also thrive alongside the Spurs man.

Why Leeds should sign Evan Ferguson

The 20-year-old striker has failed to break into the starting line-up at Brighton and his recent injury issues may have played a big role in that. He has missed the last seven games with an ankle issue and was out between April and August with an ankle injury last year.

This means that it would be a gamble for Leeds to sign the Irish marksman this month because there is no guarantee that he will be able to overcome his injury issues to become a regular starter in the second half of the season.

However, Ferguson has the potential to be a “phenomenal”, as dubbed by teammate James Milner, player when he is fit and available, which could make the gamble worth it for the Whites.

As you can see in some of the clips above, the young gem can score goals at Premier League level and has an incredible knack for being in the right place at the right time.

The Irish ace has already scored 13 goals in 59 appearances in the top-flight, despite his age, and has more than made the most of the chances that have come his way.

22/23

5.67

6

+0.33

23/24

3.97

6

+2.03

24/25

0.66

1

+0.34

Total

10.29

13

+2.71

As you can see in the table above, Ferguson has consistently been a strong finisher for Brighton in the Premier League, outperforming his xG every season.

This could make him a particularly attractive target for Leeds given that they have scored 51 goals from 55.6 xG in the Championship, which suggests that they could benefit from having a clinical finisher in their squad.

Farke's next Buendia: Leeds lining up swoop for "sensational" EFL star

Leeds United have been linked with an interest in Emiliano Buendia during the January window.

1 ByDan Emery Jan 22, 2025

Solomon could also thrive with a ruthless finisher ahead of him in the team. He has only recorded five assists from seven ‘big chances’ created and Ferguson could boost the winger’s assist tally by making the most of the big chances that the forward can create on a regular basis.

Leeds could, then, have two Premier League loanees with the ability to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch, propelling the side to promotion.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally driving a move for a “magical” forward this month, according to a report.

Tottenham set to pursue a forward

Tottenham are eager to get a striker through the doors this month, with Postecoglou keen to bring in competition for Dominic Solanke, and they have now had contact over a potential move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.

Juventus attacking midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has also been offered to the Lilywhites, with the Italian’s agents trying to find him a new club, but the deal is yet to get the seal of approval from Postecoglou, which is stalling things.

A new winger could also make his way to N17 this winter, and Spurs are said to have made an offer of around €45m (£37m) for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte, who is currently out on loan at Leicester City.

Tottenham open talks over move for "excellent" £25m defender this month

Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his backline.

ByDominic Lund Jan 1, 2025

It is clear that Postecoglou feels he needs to bring in additional options in attacking areas this month, and it has now been revealed that the Aussie is looking to raid one of his former clubs.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Tottenham are one of a number of clubs considering a move for Celtic forward Nicolas Kuhn this month, having been impressed by his performances so far this season.

The Hoops are hoping to keep hold of Kuhn this January, with several Premier League clubs now circling, including Brentford, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, who are all looking at him closely.

However, the Scottish champions would find it difficult to turn down a big offer, meaning the 24-year-old could be on the move this month if any potential suitor is willing to stump up a considerable fee.

Kuhn flourishing at Celtic Park

The German is said to be attracting the interest of the manager of his national side, and for good reason, having established himself as one of Celtic’s most important players so far this season.

The winger, who is also capable of playing up front, has picked up 25 goal contributions in as many games in all competitions this term, with his league goal tally already the highest he’s achieved in his professional career.

Season

Appearances in the league

Goals

2019-20

16

2

2020-21

21

4

2021-22

27

3

2022-23

20

3

2023-24

16

2

2024-25

15

7

As such, there are clear signs that the Celtic star is now entering his prime, which could make him an attractive option for Spurs, but Brendan Rodgers will undoubtedly want to keep hold of him, having lauded him for his performance against Manchester City in pre-season.

“The moves for the goals were outstanding to play through City’s press and he was away. He finished his two goals really well and and his pass for the third goal was magical. He was very good.”

Given Celtic’s desire to keep him at Parkhead, it may be difficult to sign Kuhn this January, but he is showing all the signs that he is ready to make the step up to a big Premier League club.

With just over two weeks to go in the transfer market, Ruben Amorim is yet to make any new additions to his Manchester United squad to try and make his own mark after taking over in November.

There’s no question that new signings are needed if the side are to move in the right direction under the 39-year-old, especially considering their lowly Premier League standing of 12th after the first 21 outings.

Supporters have grown frustrated in recent months, understandably so given the previous success in the North West, especially considering the rise of the likes of Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth, who are battling it out for a European spot this season.

Many of the frustrations have been a result of the poor recruitment, with many of the players brought into the club failing to make the desired impact – numerous of which haven’t been worth the fees forked out for their services.

However, if the club are to invest in the near future, outgoings need to be made, with countless members of the first-team already being touted with departures from the Theatre of Dreams.

Man Utd’s potential attacking outgoings in January

Numerous players have been touted with a move away from Old Trafford, including £86m man Antony, who has been of interest from the likes of Real Betis and Olympiacos over the last few days.

The Brazilian isn’t the only one close to the exit door, with fellow attacker Alejandro Garnacho also attracting interest from Italian side Napoli, who look set to lose their own star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG.

The Argentine could well leave after previously dropping out of Amorim’s side completely, but the Red Devils would demand a fee in the region of £60m to offload the youngster this month.

Garnacho could be followed out of the door by Marcus Rashford, with the Englishman almost certain to depart his boyhood club after a fallout with the new manager which has seen him excluded from the 39-year-old’s plans.

Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and West Ham have all been mooted as potential destinations for the 27-year-old, whether that be on a temporary or permanent basis.

Should they lose all three of the aforementioned attackers, the side would be massively lacking in options within the final third, making it crucial that the hierarchy target replacements accordingly before the end of the window.

The player who would be an upgrade on Rashford

Out of the three players linked with a move from Old Trafford, a deal for Rashford would undoubtedly be a sad one for the supporters, especially after his long-standing affiliation with the football club.

The Englishman has made over 400 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring more than 130 goals, producing countless moments of magic during his time in the first team.

However, no player is bigger than the club, with trust needing to be put in the new manager to make his own impact on the squad to try and lead them back to their glory days.

A deal for the academy graduate could make room for Lille star Jonathan David to make a switch to Old Trafford as a result, handing Amorim with the added attacking reinforcements he’s desired recently.

The Canadian has been linked with a move to join the Red Devils this month, along with the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but could be an absolute bargain given his current contract situation.

David is out of contract in the summer, either opening the door to a pre-contract agreement to join in the summer, or moving for a minimal fee in this window.

Any move would hand Amorim an upgrade on Rashford, softening the blow of his potential departure away from the North West over the coming weeks.

Games played

17

15

Goals & assists

12

5

Shots on target

1

0.8

Pass accuracy

82%

74%

Take-on success

52%

23%

Aerials won

0.6

0.4

Fouls won

1.3

0.6

The Lille ace, who’s been dubbed a “superstar” by international teammate Jonathan Osario, has massively outscored the Englishman and also posted a higher shot-on-target rate, proving Amorim a clinical option in forward areas.

He’s also managed to complete more of his attempted take-ons, whilst achieving a higher pass completion rate, potentially being the perfect all-round option for United in attacking areas – ending their current dilemma over who should be the regular starter at the top end of the pitch.

All things considered, it would be a superb addition should the club land David before the end of the transfer window, possessing a lot of qualities that could massively improve the club’s fortunes in the years ahead.

However, given the competition for his signature, they would have to act quickly to land a talent who would be the perfect replacement for Rashford – and Garnacho – should the pair complete their own transfer.

INEOS ready bid to sign "big talent" who could be Man Utd's new Zlatan

Ruben Amorim appears to be wasting no time in making his mark on the Manchester United squad.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jan 16, 2025

19-year-old batter leads Hampshire to 396 at Beckenham as Kent slide to heavy defeat

ECB Reporters Network07-Aug-2022

Tom Prest slaps through the off side•Getty Images

Hampshire thrashed Kent Spitfires by 163 runs in the Royal London Cup at Beckenham, after a sensational 181 by Tom Prest.The 19-year-old creamed the Kent attack to every corner of the ground in an innings of 138 balls, which included seven sixes. Prest put on a stand of 207 with Nick Gubbins, who himself hit 117 from 107 balls, as the visitors posted 396 for 5 from their 50 overs, a club-record List A total.Hamid Qadri was the pick of Kent’s bowlers, but even his two wickets came at the cost of 71 balls and the Spitfires slumped from 45 without loss to 233 all out in a run chase that looked doomed as soon as wickets began to fall. Jack Campbell had Hampshire’s best figures with 4 for 44, while Alex Blake was Kent’s top scorer with 62.The word was that the wicket wasn’t a typical Beckenham road but Kent’s decision to field looked rash, as an attack that had to do without Grant Stewart, who was playing purely as a batter due to a heel injury, struggled to make any impression.Related

Saif Zaib upstages Feroze Khushi as Northants sneak home

Liam Norwell's yorker seals dramatic tie as Surrey, Warwickshire play out thriller

Steven Croft, Rob Jones set up Lancashire's comeback win

Umesh Yadav takes five before Stephen Eskinazi's 146 seals Middlesex win

Taylor leads Gloucestershire to derby win in Bristol

A healthy crowd of over around 1,800 saw Hampshire’s openers made 49 without loss before Nathan Gilchrist bowled Aneurin Donald for 21, but that was the hosts’ last success for over two hours, as Gubbins and Prest flayed the bowling.Gubbins cut Joey Evison for four to reach his 50, while Prest survived an early appeal for a catch after reverse-sweeping Qadri and reached his half-century by hitting George Linde for six over cow corner.Gubbins’ century arrived during a bruising over for allrounder Joey Evison that went for 17. Prest took five from the first two balls and Gubbins hit 12 from the remaining four.Prest glanced Gilchrist for two to reach three figures, but the stand was finally broken when Qadri took two wickets in the 38th over. Gubbins finally fell when he was caught by Gilchrist and the hosts’s hopes were fleetingly raised when Ben Brown was caught by sub fielder George Ealham for just 2.They quickly nosedived again as Toby Albert joined Prest and made a rapid 35 before he was lbw to Navdeep Saini.Prest drove Quinn for four to pass 150 and eventually perished in the 50th over when he holed out to Gilchrist and was caught on the boundary by Ealham.It said something about the way the innings had gone that the home fans were relieved Hampshire hadn’t reached 400 and Kent made a solid enough start to the chase, reaching 45 without loss before Ben Compton was caught by Fletcha Middleton off John Turner for 24.Campbell then quickly removed both Tawanda Muyeye and Ollie Robinson. The latter made 40 before he was caught behind and Robinson was caught by Scott Currie for 22.Felix Organ had Joey Evison caught for one by Ian Holland and when Prest then had George Linde caught by Holland for 3, Kent were 113 for 5 and fans were already starting to leave.They missed some fireworks from Blake, but he rapidly ran out of partners. Stewart offered some brief entertainment with 15 before he fell to a steepling catch by Donald off Organ.Blake smacked Prest for a six over long-off to reach 50 and stood his ground after a strong appeal for a catch off Organ, but then fell to a superb diving catch by Donald in the same over, the brilliance of which was nearly matched by Albert when sprinted to remove Qadri off Currie for seven.Campbell had Matt Quinn caught by Holland for eight and despite some late hitting by Gilchrist, who made his highest List A score of 33, the rout was completed when he swished Campbell to Gubbins.

Chelsea could swoop for one marquee striker “at any moment”, according to a reliable journalist, with Enzo Maresca’s side firmly on the hunt for a new number nine before January deadline day on February 3rd.

Chelsea shortlist new striker options amid Nkunku uncertainty

It was rumoured that Chelsea’s plan to bring in a centre-forward was more for the summer window than January, but amid the uncertainty surrounding Christopher Nkunku’s future, it is widely reported that the west Londoners are keen on one right now.

Related Chelsea offered loan deal for £135k-per-week Brazilian who Man City want

Enzo Maresca wants to bolster a key area of the squad.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jan 22, 2025

Nkunku is said to have agreed terms with Bayern Munich, and if Chelsea can agree a deal to sell him this month, then Maresca would lose an impactful back-up star who’s netted 13 goals across all competitions so far this term.

Bearing this in mind, Chelsea are targeting a host of potential centre-forward options who could come in to potentially replace the Frenchman. RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez are thought to be on their shortlist (Simon Phillips), so the search is well and truly on for Maresca’s perfect man.

Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures

Date

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (away)

February 22

Southampton (home)

February 25

Chelsea have reached out to the representatives of Vlahovic, according to reports in Italy. Maresca’s side have also made multiple approaches to Delap’s agent in the last few weeks, according to respected Stamford Bridge reporter Simon Phillips.

As per the same media source, Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is now a serious potential incoming.

Chelsea could move for Matheus Cunha "at any moment"

The versatile Molineux forward, who has starred in an array of attacking positions under both Gary O’Neil and Vitor Pereira this season, is attracting very real interest from Chelsea as they pursue a proven new striking option to complement Nicolas Jackson.

Cunha has been in the midst of a contract debacle, and reportedly agreed the financial aspects of a new deal, but both the Brazil international and his club hit a roadblock in talks when discussing the possibility of a relegation clause (Dean Jones).

Ben Jacobs writes that Wolves will demand around £80 million to sell him in this window, but that hasn’t stopped Maresca’s side from potentially rivaling Arsenal in the race for his signature.

Phillips, writing via his Substack, says Chelsea could move for Cunha “at any moment”, and he is “definitely one to watch” heading into the final stretch of January.

“My top source has said Matheus Cunha ‘is definitely one to watch’,” wrote the reporter.

“With Cunha, more and more noise is building that he will leave this month, and our source has said that Chelsea are in and around this situation and could move for Cunha at any moment. Although the same source believes that it’s most likely at the moment that he ends up at Arsenal, because they are the club trying and pushing the most right now.”

The 25-year-old has bagged 10 goals and four assists in all competitions for Wolves this season, and there is little denying he could be an excellent alternative to Jackson as Chelsea aim to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool are believed to be keen on completing the signing of a player who has been described as “one of Europe’s most pleasant surprises” this season.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds are being linked with plenty of potential new signings, with the club reportedly submitting a bid for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman was a target prior to joining the Champions League holders from Monaco in 2022, but it looks as though their interest hasn’t gone away.

Another possible midfield option for Liverpool is VfB Stuttgart ace Enzo Millot, who could be a cheaper alternative to the Madrid man. The 22-year-old has already developed into a key man for the Bundesliga side, bagging four goals and two assists in the league this season.

It could be that some current Reds players move on in the near future, however, with the club reportedly considering accepting a £60m offer for Darwin Nunez at the end of the season. The Uruguayan continues to flatter to deceive at Anfield, with his finishing and all-round game constantly under scrutiny, so it may make sense to cash in on him.

Should Nunez be moved on, a superior replacement will need to be found in Liverpool’s attack, with Lille star Jonathan David emerging as a rumoured target for the Merseysiders. The 24-year-old is enjoying another prolific season in France, scoring 11 goals in 16 Ligue 1 matches.

Liverpool plotting move for exciting 22 y/o

According to a new report from Football Insider, Liverpool are “plotting a move” for Feyenoord forward Anis Hadj Moussa, with the Reds watching him “closely” after an impressive start to life at his current club.

It is claimed that the 22-year-old “has been identified as a potential backup for Mohamed Salah”, with Federico Chiesa struggling to be a good option in that right-sided role, proving to be unavailable too often and, like Nunez, also in danger of being moved on.

Moussa could be an ideal long-term addition for Liverpool in the summer transfer window, initially coming in as a squad option behind Salah, assuming the Reds legend signs a new deal.

The three-cap Algeria international has scored six goals in the Eredivisie and Champions League combined this season, netting three times in the latter despite only starting twice. Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as “one of Europe’s most pleasant surprises” recently.

Planning for the future is vital for Liverpool, not allowing star players to grow old without finding a replacement, so snapping up Moussa at the end of the season would be shrewd business.

Liverpool submit bid to sign their best defensive midfielder since Fabinho

Liverpool have made a stunning bid for one of Europe’s standout midfielders.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 7, 2025

At 22, he is still a raw talent who is maturing as a footballer, but his performances this season are extremely promising, especially the impact he is having in the Champions League.

A tearful Katherine Brunt exited the Commonwealth Games without a medal to show for what had been – until their semi-final loss to India – an excellent tournament for England… and without knowing whether she will play international cricket again.Brunt, England’s 37-year-old seamer, had seen this event as her “one and only shot” at standing on a Games medal podium, but when India ended their hopes of contesting the gold-medal match, it seemed the host nation never recovered and they were thrashed by New Zealand in the bronze-medal playoff.Brunt had also said in the lead-up to the Games in Birmingham that she would see how she felt after the tournament before deciding whether to call time on her international career or play on to next year’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.Speaking immediately after Sunday’s loss to New Zealand at Edgbaston, tears rolling down her cheeks and her voice wavering, the emotions were too raw for Brunt to make any announcement on her future.Related

• Brunt: 'If I break after the Commonwealth Games, so be it'

• Brunt: 'I've considered retirement constantly' over 'most challenging year of my career'

• Brunt continues to marvel as her end-game looms

• Hayley Jensen, Sophie Devine help New Zealand bag bronze medal

“I don’t know,” Brunt said when asked if she had played her last game for England. “I need to reflect.”I’ve got to get up in two days and play the Hundred, which is savage, but that’s life, that’s sport, and I will. But yeah, I need to reflect on that bit and see where I’m at, what my next goal is.”Brunt described Sunday’s defeat, built on an excellent all-round bowling performance from New Zealand – led by Hayley Jensen and 18-year-old Fran Jonas – and an unbeaten half-century from captain Sophie Devine as one of the toughest of her career, which has been going for as long as Jonas has been alive.”Everything is heightened when you get to the end of your career,” Brunt said. “Everyone will experience it. Things seem to mean a bit more, other things seem to slip away a little bit further. As long as I can hold my head up high and know I gave it everything I’ve got.”Despite her vast experience – perhaps because of it – England’s Commonwealth Games campaign on home soil meant a huge amount to Brunt, who said the team wanted to win a medal for the host nation.”It felt like a lot,” she said. “You’re doing it for your country. Normally, playing international cricket, I play for England, it shouldn’t be any different but it did feel different. It felt like the actual whole country was behind us and we’re just sad we let them down.”We couldn’t quite do it. On a personal level, it was my one and only shot at that so obviously I’m taking it quite bad. I’m exhausted. I’ve given it everything I’ve got and I can live with that.”England fielded a side featuring two 17-year-olds in Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp plus 20-year-old Issy Wong and all three newcomers performed admirably. In fact, England enjoyed a strong campaign despite losing captain Heather Knight to a hip injury before the start.They went undefeated through the group stage, including a thumping seven-wicket win with 50 balls remaining against New Zealand, before the latter turned the tables to win by eight wickets with 49 balls to spare when the bronze medal was on the line.Heather Knight consoles Katherine Brunt after the defeat•Getty Images

But it was England’s semi-final defeat on Saturday to India, who were set to play Australia for the gold medal later on Sunday, that did the damage. That match was even more fraught for Brunt, who received an official reprimand and one demerit point for using an audible obscenity when she had a catch dropped off Deepti Sharma.Brunt admitted that England found it hard to recover from that defeat while conceding that New Zealand wouldn’t have had it easy trying to overcome their semi-final loss to Australia.As it happened, New Zealand were able to set aside their disappointment overnight and focus on the bronze medal as a major prize, rather than a consolation without feeling any pressure as hosts or title contenders.”We’re all gutted,” Brunt said. “We’re a lot better than that. Obviously we had a big knock with Heather – a huge head on her shoulders, loads of experience and plenty of runs in the bank. We took a big hit, but we tried our best for her and thought we’d done enough but that game against India was brutal, and in the end, they deserved it.”We’ve got lots of youth in our team and they won’t have been in games like that, against India or against New Zealand, and they won’t have experienced bowling or battling against the best players in the world. So there’s plenty of learnings to take from yesterday and today for them to grow and move forward.”

Ilkay Gundogan has weighed in on Manchester City's dip in form and pointed to a loss of "desire", that previously powered their dominance.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man City have not been their usual self
• FA Cup remains their only silverware hope
• Gundogan believes a lack of intensity has hurt them

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite clinching the Premier League title in four consecutive seasons and six of the last seven campaigns, Pep Guardiola’s side have found themselves struggling to maintain that standard in 2024–25. A difficult stretch in November and December saw them slide down the table, and they now sit sixth with just seven league matches remaining.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Every fixture has become crucial with the top five positions guaranteeing Champions League football next season. Gundogan, who captained City during their treble-winning campaign, has suggested that the lack of intensity and collective mentality might explain why the club is battling for a top-five finish rather than challenging for another Premier League title.

• WHAT GUNDOGAN SAID

  In a candid interview with Gundoğan shared his belief that City’s issues have not just been tactical or down to injuries but psychological as well. He feels that a fixation on systems and positional play may have come at the expense of foundational elements like hunger, aggression, and work rate.

  "I feel like in a lot of games from our side maybe we gave sometimes a bit too much importance to tactics and didn't really pay attention much on behaviour; behaviours of ourselves," Gundogan said.

  "Having that determination, that desire, aggressivity. Like simple things that are part of the game, but maybe sometimes you just think too much about positioning yourself or whatever. You might forget the other things that are kind of normal or that should be normal at least."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  City’s recent improvement in results has given fans hope of a strong finish. For Gundoğan, one moment that stood out was the FA Cup quarter-final comeback against Bournemouth in March, which City won 2-1 after falling behind early.

  "Honestly, in the last few games I see a certain change, especially that uncomfortable, very uncomfortable game against Bournemouth in the FA Cup," he said. "The way they play — aggressive, physically strong — and the way we behave there away at their place, especially after also conceding the first one, I think it was just unbelievable."