Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign a “special” £25 million international winger, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest in contact to sign new striker after Jesus

The Reds have made two signings so far this summer, both of whom arrived from Brazilian side Botafogo. But given the club are looking to go deep into the UEFA Conference League as well as achieve further success in the Premier League, then Nuno Espirito Santo will be wanting more arrivals before the Premier League season gets underway.

Nottingham Forest among frontrunners for £20m+ Elanga replacement after talks

The Reds are progressing in talks to sign a player who will replace the departed Anthony Elanga.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

Igor Jesus, who is a striker, is one of the two players to arrive at the City Ground this summer, and he will join Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Emmanuel Dennis as the contracted forwards at Forest, but the latter could be free to leave the club given he has fallen down the pecking order. Meanwhile, Awoniyi’s return to action is unknown, and therefore, Forest are in the market for another centre-forward.

According to recent reports abroad, Forest have made contact with Inter Milan over the signing of Mehdi Taremi. Fulham and Turkish outfit Besiktas were already in the race to sign Taremi, but the Reds have now added his name to the list, with all three teams making contact with Inter but are now waiting for the striker to decide his next move. He could cost any side as much as £6.8 million.

Nottingham Forest join Everton in race to sign "special" £25m winger

As well as looking at new forward options, the Reds are also looking at who could replace Anthony Elanga, and according to The Express, Forest have registered their interest in signing Ben Doak from Liverpool.

Unfortunately for Forest, they are not the only team from the Premier League interested in the winger, as Doak is a “leading target” for Everton, as they have made an enquiry, but the likes of Bournemouth and Crystal Palace have also submitted enquiries about signing Doak.

It goes on to add that Doak, who has earned six caps for Scotland to date, would be open to leaving Anfield this summer, after returning from his loan spell at Middlesbrough. The 19-year-old is out of contract next summer, and therefore, Liverpool could be open to letting Doak leave, should they receive an offer worth £25 million.

This is despite the fact he has played just 10 times for the Premier League champions, but Liverpool will see his loan spell at Boro as a productive campaign, as he scored three goals in 24 league games.

Apps

24

Starts

21

Goals

3

xG

4.40

Shots per game

1.1

Goal conversion

11%

Assists

7

xAG

4.52

Big chances created

7

Key passes

1.9

Successful dribbles

1.5 (40%)

Doak is a player who is admired by a lot of clubs, and it may not come as much of a surprise, given former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp labelled Doak “special”. Klopp said: “Special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers, really, this kind of dribbling, this kind of straight-forward bravery, all these kinds of things.”

“There’s an opportunity for innovation and it makes the game fairer,” Ashwin argues

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2024

R Ashwin: “Games are tighter, an extra player is getting to play”•Getty Images

R Ashwin believes the Impact Player rule has brought in a strategic element into the IPL that will go away if the rule is scrapped.There has been a lot of criticism of the rule from several quarters, including from Rohit Sharma, who isn’t a “big fan”. The big criticism is that it prevents allrounders from developing. And also that teams have started scoring bigger because of the cushion of an additional batter (if that’s the team’s choice).”Why I think the Impact Player rule is not so bad is because it gives a little more value for strategy,” Ashwin said on Kris Srikkanth’s YouTube show Cheeky Cheeka. “The other side of that argument is it doesn’t encourage allrounders. But no one is stopping them.Related

Shah on Impact Player: 'Not permanent, not saying that it will go'

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“In this generation, they don’t do it [batters bowling and vice-versa]. It’s not like they’re discouraged because of the Impact Player rule. Look at Venkatesh Iyer, he’s currently rocking for Lancashire. There’s an opportunity for innovation and it makes the game fairer.”Ashwin cited an example from Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024 to underline his stance. “Sunrisers [Hyderabad] brought in Shahbaz Ahmed as an Impact Player [vs Rajasthan Royals, after hitting 175 for 9 batting first]; he went on to become a match-winner [with 3 for 23].”When dew has the potential to make games one-sided, teams bowling second get an extra option as a counter. If you’re batting second, you can tactically make a substitution by offloading the extra bowler for a batter.”Games are tighter, an extra player is getting to play. Barring Kolkata or Mumbai, where scores skyrocketed, they haven’t been a drastic change elsewhere. Like at Punjab Kings’ home venue [Mullanpur], they were all 160-170 games.”Ashwin argued that a number of players had moved up the ranks, even into the national team, as a result of the rule. “Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube most importantly, Dhruv Jurel… If not for the Impact Player rule, he may have never gotten the chance. So the emergence of a lot of players has happened. I’m not saying that’s the only way for players to emerge, but it’s not so bad.”Elsewhere, there’s a mega auction coming up. The Right to Match (RTM) hasn’t been used at IPL auctions since 2018, but the IPL is still deliberating on the retention rules for the auction and the reintroducing RTMs is one of the things on the table.Ashwin doesn’t want it, not in its current form.”If a franchise has released a player because they don’t see him in their top four or five, then what gives them the right to jump in during an auction,” Ashwin argued. “You give the option to the player asking if he wants to be right to matched. There should be a contract binding the two parties, which says he can be RTMed only if the price is X amount and leave that pre-determined amount to be decided by the player.” Zaheer ‘all for’ Impact Player Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan, too, threw his weight behind the Impact Player rule, stating that it could “improve Indian cricket as a whole”.”There has been a debate around the impact sub rule. I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it,” Zaheer said at a media interaction shortly after being unveiled as Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor.”It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see this in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them.”That opportunity goes a long way with improving Indian cricket on the whole. The time spent in match time, it’s something you cannot beat. That’s the biggest plus. As far as allrounders are concerned, right now there is no space for a half an allrounder because of the Impact (rule). But if you are a genuine allrounder, (then) no one can stop you. There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball.”

With Anthony Elanga already on the way, Newcastle United are now reportedly “keen” to beat Chelsea in the race to sign a talented striker who would be an instant upgrade on Callum Wilson.

Newcastle still in the market for a striker

After confirming Wilson’s decision to leave the club at the end of his contract, Newcastle are still on the hunt for another striker to provide competition for Alexander Isak and William Osula.

The veteran forward confirmed the news of his departure, taking to social media to say: “To all you Magpies, it’s time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years at the Toon.

“Thank you for everything. We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights. I am so proud to have worn the iconic number 9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it.

“Scoring at the Gallowgate end really is as special as they say. All good things come to an end, but there’s no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my families hearts.”

As one striker leaves, however, another could be on his way this summer. Those at St James’ Park have instantly turned towards Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, according to reports, and there’s no doubt that he would round off an excellent list of attacking options at Eddie Howe’s disposal.

As impressive as Wissa is, though, he’s not the only name on the Magpies’ radar, and they may well turn towards an even better alternative ahead of next season.

Newcastle now "keen" to sign Ekitike – Romano

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are now “keen” to sign Hugo Ekitike ahead of Chelsea this summer.

The talented Frenchman has attracted plenty of interest in recent months, including from Saudi Arabia and Liverpool, but those at St James’ Park will be hoping to make their biggest statement yet by winning the race for his signature.

The deal won’t come cheap given that previous reports have claimed that Frankfurt will demand as much as €100m (£85m) to sell their star striker this summer, but Ekitike could prove to be worth that hefty fee.

Better than Elanga: Newcastle ready to accelerate move for £40m "menace"

Newcastle are looking to add further depth out wide

6 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 10, 2025

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward was described as “strong” by analyst Ben Mattinson last season as he rounded off a fantastic season with 22 goals in all competitions. And now, it should come as no surprise that a hectic race is forming for his signature.

أعلن نادي إستريلا أمادورا البرتغالي عن تقديم شكوى رسمية ضد الزمالك بسبب جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، شيكو بانزا، الذي انضم في الصيف الماضي.

وانتقل بانزا إلى الزمالك وشارك في أكثر من لقاء في بداية الدوري المصري ولكن سرعان ما تم استبعاده من القائمة التي تتواجد في المباريات بسبب عدم التزامه.

لكن المشكلة الحالية خارج الملعب، حيث أمهل نادي أمادورا سابقًا الزمالك حتى اليوم الخميس حتى سداد قيمة القسط الأول.

اقرأ أيضًا | يانيك فيريرا: تحدثت مع لاعب الزمالك بسبب العصبية.. ونحتاج لتطوير شيء واحد

وقال أندريه سيلفا المتحدث الرسمي لنادي إستريلا أمادورا البرتغالي في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “الزمالك لم يرد أبدًا على اتصالاتنا بشأن قسط شيكو بانزا الأول”.

وأضاف: “اليوم، قدمنا شكوى ضد الزمالك أمام الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، فيفا، من أجل الحصول على حقوقنا من تلك الصفقة”.

وكان نادي أوليكساندرا الأوكراني قد قدم شكوى ضد الزمالك قبل أيام بسبب قيمة القسط الأول في صفقة، خوان ألفينا، وهو أمر مشابه لما حدث مع شيكو بانزا.

South Africa’s Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma has added his voice to the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA)’s calls for an end to the gender-based discrimination, which excludes women in Afghanistan from playing sport and in others areas of public life.Speaking ahead of South Africa’s departure to the UAE, where they will play Afghanistan in three ODIs next week, Bavuma said that South Africans, whose own system of legalised race-based segregation ended 30 years ago, are in a unique position to relate to those who are suffering human-rights abuses. Thus, Bavuma reiterated the call for women’s rights to be respected.”I look at it in my personal capacity. It’s obviously something that is quite strong within my own values,” he said. “I support the idea of inclusivity and caring for women. We want everyone to have a fair chance within society, and we know that that is something that is relevant to us as a country in South Africa. I’m fully behind the sentiments that are expressed by SACA.”Related

• SA reaffirms support for women's cricket ahead of Afghanistan series

• ICC mulls setting aside slice of Afg revenue to fund women players

• No bilateral cricket with Afg till there's 'a level of progress' – CA chief

On Thursday, SACA issued a statement which both recognised Cricket South Africa (CSA)’s right to seek out fixtures – such as these against Afghanistan – and also asked CSA to “utilise the leverage available to it through this series to highlight that these rights for Afghanistan’s women’s players must be protected and respected”.CSA have not commented on whether there are plans to make any statements or gestures in support of Afghan women, but continue to discuss the issue of women’s cricket in Afghanistan through the ICC. Both white-ball coach Rob Walter, who on Monday said he had no part in deciding whether to play Afghanistan or not, and Bavuma have opted to leave the issue of whether to engage Afghanistan on the field with CSA.”I think I’ve got to respect the fact that there are people in positions who have that responsibility to speak more eloquently and articulate a little bit more of it,” Bavuma said. “In my own personal capacity, I definitely support the stance and the sentiments expressed by SACA. And I can understand where Rob as well is coming from in that we are selected to do a job in the cricketing field. And I think a lot of our energy will generally be dedicated to that at least.”The Afghanistan Cricket Board contracted 25 female players in 2020 but the Taliban takeover a year later left women in the lurch•Afghanistan Cricket Board

So far, the only board that has actively pulled out of competition against Afghanistan is Australia, while the ECB has also indicated it will not schedule series against Afghanistan. Both Australia and England continue to play Afghanistan at ICC tournaments. South Africa have never played against Afghanistan outside of a World Cup – in either ODIs or T20Is.With this being their first bilateral series, it is also the first time the South Africa team and CSA have had to consider the ethics of playing against Afghanistan, who have not had a women’s team since becoming Full Members in 2017, although they contracted 25 women players in 2020. Since then, with the Taliban takeover in 2021, all hopes of a women’s team have deteriorated as women have been eroded from society with little to no access to healthcare and education, among other things.Apart from South Africa’s shared history of legalised discrimination with Afghanistan, the country also has an epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV). This year, the World Population Review rated South Africa and Brazil as the two most dangerous countries for women. In response, there have been various initiatives against GBV, including in cricket. The national women’s team has an annual black day, where they swap their usual green-and-gold kit for black outfits, to raise awareness about the plight of GBV.Two weeks ago, national rugby captain, Siya Kolisi, had this to say after the Springboks beat the All Blacks in Johannesburg: “It’s 30 years of freedom; I want to say congratulations to South Africans. But we still know there are many people who are still not free. Hopefully, the next celebration we celebrate is the women who are free of gender-based violence.”

Celtic look set to lose one of their top talents within the next week or so as Nicolas Kuhn is closing in on a permanent exit from the Scottish Premiership champions.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that the club have agreed a fee of around £16.5m with Italian side Como for the left-footed sensation.

The journalist adds that the former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich youth prospect has already agreed to sign a long-term contract with the Serie A outfit this summer.

Kuhn has reportedly turned down a potential return to Leipzig, who were interested in signing him, and has a medical scheduled with Como for next week, which suggests that an official confirmation is not imminently expected.

It does appear, though, that it is only a matter of time before Celtic confirm that the German winger will not be playing for the club next season, which will come as a blow to Brendan Rodgers.

Why selling Nicolas Kuhn is a blow for Celtic

Whilst the Hoops are set to rake in a significant sum of money for the 25-year-old talent, it is always a blow when a high-quality player moves on, and that is what he is.

The 2024/25 campaign was his first full season in Glasgow, having joined from Rapid Vienna in the January transfer window last year, and he really hit his stride on the right flank.

Kuhn ended the season with a return of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he provided quality in the final third on a regular basis for Rodgers.

The left-footed magician’s form in the Premiership, as Celtic won the league title, was particularly impressive, as the forward showcased his ability to both score and create goals.

24/25 Premiership	Nicolas Kuhn per 90	Percentile rank vs wingers
xG	0.46	Top 10%
Goals	0.62	Top 8%
Shots on target	1.30	Top 14%
xA	0.34	Top 10%
Assists	0.43	Top 10%
Chances created	2.49	Top 12%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn ranked very highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics, which shows that he scored and created goals at an exceptional rate.

These statistics illustrate why it will be a big blow for Rodgers when this sale goes through, because he is losing a player who has proven that he can make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch for Celtic.

The Hoops have, of course, already signed Benjamin Nygren on a permanent deal to bolster their options on the flanks, but he does not have the creative quality to fully replace what Kuhn offered.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the Sweden international only managed a return of two assists in 30 Superliga appearances, to go with his impressive haul of 15 goals.

Therefore, Celtic may need to dip into the market to sign another wide option who can provide creativity as well as a goal threat, now that Kuhn appears to be on his way out of the club.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that the Scottish giants are interested in Stoke City forward Million Manhoef, who is valued at £10m by the Championship side, and they should now reignite that interest.

Why Celtic should sign Million Manhoef

The Premiership champions could brilliantly replace Kuhn ahead of the 2025/26 campaign by pushing ahead with a swoop for the Netherlands U21 international, as he would arrive with a similar profile.

Like the German star, the Stoke attacker is a diminutive left-footed right winger who has the quality to both score and create goals in equal measure, as evidenced by his form for the English side last season.

He has not delivered the kind of numbers that Kuhn managed for Celtic yet, as he has not had the chance to play in a team that is as dominant domestically as the Hoops are, which means that there would be a degree of risk.

However, Rodgers can afford to take more of a risk with a player like Manhoef because the club have already brought in Nygren to potentially play on the right wing and, as aforementioned, his haul of 15 goals last season suggests that he could be a good option.

The Stoke star ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of five goals and five assists in 28 Championship starts, but it is his underlying numbers behind those headline statistics that are even more promising for Celtic.

24/25 Championship	Million Manhoef	Percentile rank vs wingers
xG	7.74	Top 9%
Goals	5	Top 21%
Shots on target	26	Top 9%
xA	4.83	Top 14%
Chances created	52	Top 9%
Assists	5	Top 20%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Manhoef excelled at getting into goalscoring positions and at creating chances for his teammates, ranking highly among his positional peers, but was not clinical enough with his finishing.

Pundit David Prutton claimed it would be a “tremendous” move for Manhoef to sign for Celtic, and these statistics suggest that the potential is there for it to be a tremendous move for all parties.

The Dutch wizard, who only recorded five assists from 12 ‘big chances’ created in the Championship, could thrive in a team that dominates games week-in-week-out, as Celtic do.

He has been playing for a midtable team, in Stoke, who do not challenge at the top end of the division in the second tier in England, which suggests that he has not had the opportunity to play in a side that is consistently on the front foot.

It'd be Ryan Christie 2.0: Euro club open talks to sign £2m Celtic ace

A European team are interested in a deal to sign a star from Celtic this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 3, 2025

Therefore, Celtic could brilliantly replace Kuhn by gambling on a swoop for Manhoef, who appears to have the potential to explode as a scorer and a creator of goals in a better team than the one he is currently playing in.

It’s truly unthinkable where Manchester United would be without Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese international undoubtedly the shining light in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 30-year-old managed to register a total of 37 combined goals and assists throughout the most recent season – by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad.

The £47m paid for his signature back in 2020 now appears to be a bargain, racking up just shy of 300 appearances for the club and hopefully many more in the club’s quest to return to their former glory.

However, if he is to lead the side to any success during Ruben Amorim’s reign, the hierarchy need to back the 40-year-old in his quest within the transfer market.

Whilst Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already arrived at Old Trafford, further additions are also expected to help the side rise up the Premier League table.

Man United close in on midfield agreement

Douglas Luiz has been a player on United’s shortlist for a sustained period, but it appears they could be handed a boost in their pursuit of the Juventus star.

The midfielder’s agent has already travelled to England for talks with various sides, with the Red Devils interested along with Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Everton.

Transfer Focus

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

However, he’s not the only midfielder in their sights, with Valencia star Javi Guerra another target during the current window, according to El Chiringuito.

They claim that Amorim’s side are “very close to reaching an agreement” this summer, with a £25m fee mooted for the youngster’s signature.

The report also states that his current side have tried to tie the Spaniard down to a new contract, but he wants a move to a bigger club during the off-season.

Why United’s latest target would take Bruno to the next level

Bruno’s impressive tally of combined goals and assists last season certainly saved United from a disastrous Premier League finish, but upon reflection, his efforts were even more remarkable than they originally appeared.

The Portuguese international often featured in a slightly deeper role, forcing him to operate in a somewhat unnatural position which should’ve restricted his efforts within attacking areas.

There’s no denying that the experienced talent is better in a more attacking role, subsequently able to have more of an impact within the final third – which will improve their goalscoring record.

However, any move for Guerra could enable him to do just that, with the Spaniard able to fill the void in the middle of the park and push Fernandes further forward.

Offering depth is one thing, but he has all the tools to make an impact within Amorim’s side, but also has the potential to improve further in the years ahead, given his tender age.

When delving into his stats from LaLiga last season, the Valencia talent showcased his skillset, potentially being a bargain given his £25m asking price.

Guerra, who’s been labelled “special” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to register 4.8 progressive passes and 4.2 passes into the final third per 90 – having the ability to provide Bruno with the added chances he needs in the final third.

Games played

36

Goals & assists

6

Progressive passes

4.8

Passes into final third

4.2

Take-ons attempted

2.7

Carries into final third

1.5

Tackles won

1.7

He also attempted 2.7 take-ons per 90, along with 1.5 carries into the final third – showcasing his ability to get the ball into the opposition’s defensive third.

Out of possession, the youngster had also won 1.7 tackles per 90, winning 46% of the tackles he entered, having the ball-winning capability that could make him the perfect deep-lying option.

If the Spaniard can transfer his skillset over to England with him, it would be one of the bargains of the summer window, massively bolstering the options at Amorim’s disposal.

Such an arrival would hand Bruno the licence to build on his success in 2024/25, with his talents subsequently pushing the side up the table next campaign.

More important than Mbeumo: Man Utd have tabled bid to sign £40m star

Manchester United appear to be continuing their work in the market after landing Bryan Mbeumo.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 23, 2025

New Zealand’s lower middle order put up a fight, but couldn’t avoid an innings defeat

Andrew Fidel Fernando29-Sep-2024

Nishan Peiris struck early on the fourth morning•AP

New Zealand battled on day four, with overnight batters Glenn Phillips, and Tom Blundell completing half centuries, before Mitchell Santner struck 67, batting partly in the company of the tail. But this fight only served to throw into relief their abysmal 88 in the first innings, rather than provide any serious hope of avoiding even an innings defeat.In the end, having played out 40.4 overs on day four, they lost their final wicket – Santner – still 154 runs behind Sri Lanka. The hosts had only batted once.For Sri Lanka, it was their third Test win in a row. With four matches to go in their World Test Championship cycle, they are now in the hunt for one of those final two spots, though they must hope for other results to go their way too, to have a better chance.Sri Lanka will be buoyed too by the six-wicket haul achieved by debutant offspinner Nishan Peiris, even if he was expensive as New Zealand’s batters went hard at him. He finished with figures of 9 for 203 in the match, having taken 6 for 170 in the second dig.Peiris dismissed each of the three half-centurions on day four. Blundell was out on the third over of the morning, when he missed a reverse sweep (he was trying his second one in a row, having nailed the first for four), and been struck in front of the stumps. Later, Phillips attempted to launch Peiris over the straight boundary, but found Dimuth Karunaratne at long on. After lunch, Peiris had Santner stumped when the batter had allowed his back foot to slide out of the crease – the last New Zealand wicket to fall.In between, Prabath Jayasuriya had bowled both Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel, the latter with a vicious one that leapt back at Ajaz from the rough. He himself finished with 9 for 181 from the game.Phillips and Santner were New Zealand’s best day four batters, however. Phillips’ main strategy was to get on the back foot as often as possible, and play off the surface. This frequently worked – allowing him to pounce on even slightly short deliveries, while forcing bowlers to go fuller to him, presenting scoring opportunities down the ground. He completed his fifty off 66 balls, and would go on to be involved in a 64-run seventh-wicket stand with Santner, to follow the 95-run stand he’d shared with Blundell.Santner, meanwhile, was not quite as proactive as Phillips, but found the offside productive. Occasionally, he would dance down the track and look to hit Peiris in particular down the ground. He collected two sixes and a four this way, and completed his half century soon after lunch, off the 97th ball he faced. He was out off the third delivery Sri Lanka bowled with their second new ball.

Bates will replace Danni Wyatt-Hodge for the last three games of the tournament plus finals if Hobart qualify

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2024New Zealand batter Suzie Bates will play for Hobart Hurricanes for the first time in the WBBL after being signed as an overseas replacement player for the back end of the tournament.Bates, 37, has played 100 WBBL matches representing Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers across eight seasons. The all-time leading women’s T20I run-scorer was not selected at this year’s WBBL draft.But with England’s players set to be withdrawn from the back end of the WBBL due to a tour of South Africa, Bates has been signed by Hurricanes as a replacement for Danni Wyatt-Hodge. England’s T20 players are expected in South Africa on November 17 which would see Wyatt-Hodge miss the last three games of the WBBL plus the finals if Hurricanes qualify.Related

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Hurricanes general manager Salliann Beams was thrilled to add Bates to the squad alongside Chloe Tryon and Lizelle Lee.”Bringing Suzie into our WBBL squad just made sense as soon as we saw she was not selected in the draft, we thought she would be the perfect replacement for Danni once we knew her availability,” Beams said.”She provides more than 130 games of T20I cricket [167] and will give us an experienced operator when we lose someone of Danni’s ability in our line-up.”Hobert Hurricanes WBBL squad:Suzie Bates (overseas), Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee (overseas), Hayley Silver-Holmes, Tabatha Saville, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Chloe Tryon (overseas), Elyse Villani, Callie Wilson, Danni Wyatt-Hodge (overseas)

West Ham United fans will be hoping Graham Potter finds his groove in the Hammers’ hot seat this coming Premier League season, after experiencing an underwhelming start to life in East London.

Potter won’t want another blunder damaging his managerial CV, akin to his Chelsea misfire, with only five victories coming his way last season from 19 games.

He will be nervous about what lies ahead, therefore, especially as he grows accustomed to not having Mohammed Kudus at his disposal, with the ex-Irons star costing London rivals Tottenham Hotspur £55m to snap up.

Still, there’s plenty of time for West Ham to make a splash in the transfer market with some of their own exhilarating signings, as a new £35m ace emerges on their radar.

West Ham weighing up £35m transfer

In all fairness, away from the disappointment of Kudus leaving, West Ham have made some impressive signings here and there.

Indeed, Jean Clair-Todibo has now made his Hammers move permanent this summer, alongside both El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters joining in quick succession to further bolster Potter’s options at the back.

Now, the task at hand will be to improve the attack at the London Stadium in the wake of Kudus upping and leaving, with reports now suggesting West Ham are weighing up a £35m move for Manchester City outcast James McAtee.

The Telegraph has stated that this is City’s asking price amid interest also coming from Nottingham Forest, but the Hammers and the Tricky Trees, who are pushing to seal his signature, would much rather do a deal around the £20m-25m price range instead.

Potter’s side might just have to bite the bullet if Pep Guardiola’s outfit isn’t willing to budge, with McAtee perhaps going down as a bigger talent to obtain than Harvey Elliott, who has also consistently been talked about as another West Ham target this summer.

How McAtee could be a bigger talent than Elliott

Both midfielders in question are at a crossroads in their careers, having been talked up as shining, homegrown talents once upon a time, only to now find themselves stuck on the periphery.

Between them last season, both McAtee and Elliott would only start a meagre five Premier League clashes, with a fresh move to the London Stadium just the switch the ex-Sheffield United loanee needs to show off his class on a more consistent basis.

Despite such limited opportunities, McAtee still managed to chip in with a high seven goals in all competitions, with three of those efforts coming his way in the bread and butter of the top-flight, on top of also managing to break his initial City duck in the illustrious Champions League.

Elliott falls just behind McAtee in his regard, with a slightly lesser five strikes managed on his end, with the hope now that the 22-year-old can come in and fill Kudus’ hole effectively, having displayed more of a flexibility across his fledgling career to date than his Reds counterpart has shown off.

McAtee’s career numbers by position

Position played

Games

Goals

Assists

AM

68

24

14

CM

47

26

14

RM

12

4

3

CF

8

3

3

RW

6

3

1

SS

4

0

1

LM

2

0

0

LW

1

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

McAtee could well morph into a new Kudus-like figure for Potter on his arrival, with the Salford-born talent an adaptable presence.

Indeed, he can line up as a number ten, as a right winger, or as a left winger, much like the Ghanaian, as seen in his impressive 38 goal contributions from the central number ten slot, on top of his equally high 40 goal-and-assist count as a traditional central midfielder, further highlighting his malleable nature.

On the contrary, the Liverpool number 19 has amassed just 12 goals and assists himself as an out-and-out number ten, with plenty more to frighteningly come from McAtee if he’s handed consistent minutes in East London.

The “incredible” number 87, as he’s been labelled previously by Guardiola, will be champing at the bit to be a leading man for a Premier League side – after also just lifting the Euros with the England U21s alongside Elliott – with West Ham perhaps gifting him that opportunity very shortly if £35m is coughed up.

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Posts ByBen Gray Jul 18, 2025