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A new transfer update has now emerged regarding Leeds United’s attempts to complete the signing of a former Elland Road loanee in 2026.

The Whites head to Brighton on Saturday afternoon, looking to build on the 2-1 Premier League win at home to West Ham last time around. Leeds are primed to try and pick up a positive result at the Amex Stadium, with Daniel Farke confirming that there are no injury problems in his squad ahead of the game.

“It is way better. I have nothing to report, nothing to complain about. No illnesses, no injuries, so everyone is training, we have a proper group and everyone is available, proper competition. A situation I prefer much more.

“Sadly it is not a guarantee that you will also be successful in the game, sometimes after a tough week you can also be successful like we were last week, but overall it is a much better situation compared to last week, so no question marks today.”

While Leeds are performing well back in the Premier League, the opportunity to make new signings in the January transfer window shouldn’t be sniffed at, and they have been linked with a move for Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley recently, who spent a spell on loan at Elland Road back in 2013.

New Ross Barkley to Leeds transfer update

Speaking to Leeds United News, journalist Graeme Bailey played down the idea of Leeds re-signing Barkley in January, with Villa considering him an important squad figure.

It is easy to see why Leeds would like to bring in the high-earning £60,000-a-week Barkley, with the 31-year-old such a talented and experienced player, and one who could still be harbouring faints hopes of being selected for England’s World Cup squad next summer.

The midfielder has proven himself in the Premier League for many years, making 287 appearances and bagging 71 goal contributions – 37 goals and 34 assists – while Andros Townsend has waxed lyrical over his ability after playing with him at Luton Town.

“Honestly, they’ve been some of the best midfield performances I’ve seen in my career. It’s just unbelievable – the calmness, the ability to get the ball off the back four and knock it past some of the world’s best midfielders without a care in the world.”

Leeds now lining up January approach for Carvalho, could be ideal for Farke

The Whites are looking to strengthen their squad this winter, amid concerns about a lack of attacking firepower.

ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

For now, it looks like Leeds will have to look elsewhere for potential midfielder additions, but if the chance arises for them to sign Barkley, they should go for it, even if it is a loan move in January.

Aaronson 2.0: Phil Hay saw no way back for Leeds flop, now he's "ruthless"

They say a week is a long time in politics, but it’s even longer in football, and Chelsea are a great example.

Just seven days ago, it would be fair to say that there were some questions over Enzo Maresca’s squad, as, although they had just beaten Benfica 1-0, the victory was hardly convincing.

Moreover, the Blues had lost 3-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion and 2-1 to Manchester United in their previous two Premier League games.

However, any genuine concerns over the direction of the club were quickly dispelled with a sensational 2-1 win over Liverpool thanks to a late Estevao goal.

It was the ideal way for the Brazilian to introduce himself to the wider league, although while he does seem destined for greatness, Chelsea once had a homegrown superstar in the making, whom they let go for nothing.

Why Estevao could be an international superstar for Chelsea

Despite still being just 18 years old, the expectations surrounding Estevao are sky-high, to the point where respected analyst Ben Mattinson has claimed that he is a “future Ballon d’Or winner.”

That might sound like an absurd thing to say about someone so young, but the incredibly exciting wonderkid already has an impressive amount of first-team football under his belt.

For example, before making his way to Stamford Bridge this summer, the Franca-born gem racked up a brilliant tally of 27 goals and 15 assists in 83 appearances for Palmeiras.

Appearances

83

Minutes

5610′

Goals

27

Assists

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

133.57′

Additionally, he has already won seven senior caps for the Brazilian national team, scoring his first goal in a 3-0 win over Chile in September.

Back in England, the left-footed prospect has continued to make progress. While he scored his first competitive goal for the Blues and grabbed the headlines in the process against Liverpool, he has also made quite an impression in his other games.

For example, on his first start, against West Ham United, it was his unreal close control and technique that allowed him to get past the Hammers’ backline and provide an assist for Joao Pedro.

In all, Estevao looks like he will be a world-class star for Chelsea, but so long as he stays out on the right, he’ll be in, compared to another former Blues gem, someone the club lost for free.

Chelsea's former Estevao

As with every other big club in the game, Chelsea have lost several outrageously talented youngsters over the years, from Jamal Musiala to Declan Rice and potentially even Rio Ngumoha.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, in this instance, the player in question is someone who could be rivalling Estevao for the title of best winger in the world a few years from now: Michael Olise.

The incredible Bayern Munich joined the West Londoners’ academy set-up in 2009 but ended up leaving in 2016, which, according to former Blues youth coach Sean Conlon, was a “mutual decision.”

The dynamic attacker would then travel to Manchester City before joining Reading’s academy, where he’d go on to make his senior debut and, after an impressive 20/21, in which he produced 19 goal involvements in 46 games, catch the eye of Crystal Palace, who paid £8m to sign him.

Over the next three years, the tremendously exciting Frenchman would make 90 appearances for the South Londoners, scoring 16 goals and providing 25 assists, and was lauded as “one of the best talents in the world” by former manager Oliver Glasner.

The former Cobham gem made his big-money move to Bayern last summer, and since moving to Germany, he has been on another level entirely.

For example, in his first campaign with FC Hollywood, the 23-year-old phenom scored 20 goals and provided 23 assists in just 53 appearances.

So far this season, instead of taking a slight step backwards following an outrageous first campaign in Germany, he appears to have become even more effective.

In just ten appearances across all competitions, the ten-capped superstar has scored five goals and provided six assists.

Ultimately, Chelsea have a future world-beater in Estevao, but they’d be an even better team had they kept hold of Olise all those years ago.

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The Blues midfielder scored a stunning goal as his side went on to defeat Liverpool.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 6, 2025

Aston Villa have endured a challenging start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, but signs of improvement are beginning to emerge under Unai Emery.

Narrow victories over Fulham and Burnley have lifted confidence at Villa Park, though the side currently sits in the bottom half of the table, highlighting the inconsistency that has defined their opening months.

Looking ahead, Villa face a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, a side renowned for their possession control, quick transitions, and high-intensity pressing.

Emery’s challenge is clear: to compete effectively, Aston Villa need midfield steel capable of breaking up opposition play while enabling progression into attack.

This balance between defensive solidity and attacking support will be key to exploiting space and sustaining pressure.

Two players who could provide that blend are the legendary Mousa Dembélé, whose career embodies technical control and forward drive, and Villa’s own hero, whose physical presence offers a defensive and transitional anchor.

Why Mousa Dembele is the Premier League's midfield benchmark

Though retired, Mousa Dembele’s career offers a perfect reference point for the type of midfield steel Villa require.

The Belgian midfielder, during his seven-year tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, combined exceptional technical skill with immense physicality.

Known for his ability to retain possession under pressure, progress the ball through crowded midfield areas, and link defence with attack seamlessly, Dembélé became a pivotal figure in the Premier League.

Across over 250 Premier League appearances for Spurs, Dembele excelled in key metrics such as progressive carries, progressive passes, and successful take-ons under pressure.

He also contributed defensively, intercepting passes, breaking up opposition attacks, and maintaining possession in critical areas.

His playing style allowed creative teammates the freedom to operate higher up the pitch while giving managers confidence that the midfield remained stable and balanced.

For Villa, Dembele’s blueprint is instructive.

In matches like Sunday’s clash at Spurs, they will need players who can control possession in central areas, dictate tempo, and facilitate progression into attack.

Emery’s side requires someone capable of shielding the back line while providing outlets for forwards like Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.

Villa’s ability to press effectively, transition quickly, and retain control under pressure depends on such a midfield figure – combining technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and physical resilience.

Aston Villa's own Dembele must start

Amadou Onana, standing at 6 foot 5 and described as a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, brings the kind of physical presence Villa need to complement technical midfielders and provide defensive reassurance.

Signed from Everton in July 2024 for a reported £50m, Onana has made 37 appearances for Villa as of October 2025, contributing six goals since his arrival.

While he has not yet been directly involved in assists or goals this season, his impact is felt in his ability to dominate central areas, win duels, and break opposition lines, all critical for progression into attack.

Onana’s style suits Emery’s requirement for midfield steel, with now the time for him to potentially replace young Lamare Bogarde in the centre of the park.

His height and strength give Villa an aerial advantage, particularly against teams like Spurs that rely on intricate passing and late runs into the box.

Goals

3

Shots

19

Progressive Carries

31

Progressive Passes

83

Shot-Creating Actions

34

Onana’s composure on the ball allows Villa to control possession in congested areas and drive attacking transitions effectively, ensuring he is the perfect replacement for Bogarde on Sunday.

He has demonstrated versatility, capable of operating as a deep-lying pivot, a box-to-box presence, or in more advanced positions to link defence with forward play.

This physical presence, combined with his technical ability, ensures Villa can both absorb pressure and initiate attacks.

Onana’s defensive contribution is evident: he averages multiple interceptions and recoveries per game, shielding the back line and providing a platform for players like McGinn to operate higher up the field.

His presence allows Emery to balance creativity and discipline, ensuring Villa do not sacrifice stability for forward momentum.

Against a Spurs midfield comprising experienced players like Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr and Bentancur, Onana’s ability to retain possession, control central areas, and facilitate progression into attack will be vital.

When paired with energetic, technically proficient teammates, he offers the backbone Villa needed to challenge for points and sustain pressing intensity over 90 minutes.

By blending the technical control and forward progression exemplified by Dembele with Onana’s physical presence and defensive discipline, Aston Villa are better equipped to handle the challenges of the Premier League’s top sides.

Forget Rogers: Aston Villa's "explosive" star looks like another Grealish

One new signing is emerging as Aston Villa’s next Grealish-type creator under Unai Emery

ByWill Miller Oct 17, 2025

Everton have come on leaps and bounds since David Moyes returned to the helm in January after so many years away.

However, there are plenty of wrinkles that still need ironing out, with Tuesday evening’s Carabao Cup defeat at Molineux illustrating that fact. The Toffees have gone 30 years without silverware, and Wolverhampton Wanderers handed them their fourth third-round defeat in the competition in five years.

One point from six available in recent Premier League outings, a point against Aston Villa at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and then defeat at Anfield, emphasise the task on Moyes’ hands if he wishes to restore the Merseysiders to their one-time standing and consistency during his first term at the club, but he has the tools to achieve this.

After all, Everton signed Jack Grealish from Manchester City on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season, didn’t they?

The Jack Grealish effect

Grealish was at a crossroads this summer, having fallen by the wayside at Man City, sinking further and further into the fringes across the second half of his time at the illustrious outfit.

Everton and Moyes offered him a lifeline, and he has taken it with both hands, already registering four assists in the Premier League and being crowned the division’s Player of the Month for August.

Everton lacked fluency and drive in attack last season, and they needed a more passionate approach this year.

But Grealish wears his passion on his sleeves, and he’s built upon a skillset of flair and guile and sparkle. Pep Guardiola once hailed the Three Lions star for his “aggressive” nature on the pitch, but this wasn’t always on show at City.

Now, though, the 30-year-old has restored his bite down the left flank, not just creating but getting stuck in too, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged 7.2 duels per game so far.

Grealish is a sensation, but whether he is the finest forward in Everton’s ranks is a debatable thing when Iliman Ndiaye also plies his craft under Moyes’ wing.

Moyes has hit the jackpot on Iliman Ndiaye

Ndiaye has been a revelation at Everton, signed for just £15m in July 2024. Only spending one term in France with Marseille, the Senegalese winger struggled to get going after previously starring in the Championship with Sheffield United, where his performances earned many plaudits.

And he picked up where he left off in England, hailed for his “dynamite” quality when on the ball by Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp.

Across all competitions last term, Ndiaye scored 11 goals for the Toffees, more than any of his teammates.

He hasn’t quite settled into his finest form this season, but Ndiaye has still been fantastic under Moyes’ wing, scoring twice and assisting once.

When collating his match data with Grealish’s over these opening weeks of the campaign, it becomes all the more clear that Grealish has some fierce internal competition as he plays his way toward contention for the Player of the Year and indeed steers Everton to heights unscaled in many recent years.

Jack Grealish vs Iliman Ndiaye (2024/25)

Match Stats (* per game)

Grealish

Ndiaye

Matches (starts)

5 (4)

5 (5)

Goals

0

2

Assists

4

1

Touches*

49.4

44.0

Shots (on target)*

1.4 (0.4)

0.8 (0.6)

Accurate passes*

23.6 (86%)

18.0 (80%)

Key passes*

3.0

1.4

Dribbles*

1.6

3.4

Ball recoveries*

4.2

6.8

Tackles*

1.8

2.4

Duels won*

7.2

8.2

Data via Sofascore

As you can see, most of the effusive noise might be directed toward Grealish so far this term, but Ndiaye is on a level with the England international, and he’s five years younger besides.

Both are electric and pacy players, and there’s a neat balance in Grealish’s playmaking emphasis and Ndiaye’s more direct approach.

It’s also worth noting that the former Marseille man is earning just £45k per week at Everton, and while a bumper pay rise is sure to be on technical director Angus Kinnear’s radar, it’s an illustration of the shrewd business completed in reeling him over. Farhad Moshiri’s dysfunctional reign was characterised by many bungled deals, but credit must be paid for the addition of Ndiaye.

Grealish, meanwhile, is one of the best-paid players in the Premier League, and though he’s playing like it across the opening weeks of his Everton career, Ndiaye is quite the wide forward himself – and he’s permanently on the Toffees books besides.

In any case, both superstars are more than happy to be playing their football on Merseyside, beaming grins clear for all to see.

While Everton have hit the jackpot with the addition of Grealish, it’s important to remember that he is only a loanee. A permanent stay down the line isn’t out of the question, but it will present a new financial obstacle for Kinnear and co.

Ndiaye is already on the books, of course, and he just keeps on going from strength to strength, potent in the final third but also a willing defender, a crisp passer and a breakneck runner.

Data-driven platform FBref underscore all this. Across the past year, the African talent ranks among the top 17% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for pass completion, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 9% for tackles per 90.

Watch him continue to improve. Here is a talisman. Here is a player who can match Moyes’ ambitions over the coming years.

Everton must only resist any inevitable efforts from interested parties, and while a price tag is unknown, it’s clear that the Toffees would demand a stratospheric sum for their star.

Related Moyes must ruthlessly drop Beto to unleash Everton's “serious” talent

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Posts ByWill Miller Sep 27, 2025

Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier was included in Sarina Wiegman's latest England squad on Tuesday. But while there is a gaping long-term hole in the centre of the Lionesses' defence after Millie Bright's international retirement, Wiegman is still insistent on using Le Tissier in a different position, much to the annoyance of her club's social media team.

Wiegman: Le Tissier's first position is right-back

Bright's decision to end her international career, combined with Leah Williamson's current injury absence, means there is a void that need filling in England's defensive ranks. Left-sided Alex Greenwood is the most senior available centre-back in the squad ahead of upcoming 'homecoming' friendlies against Brazil and Australia, but the right-sided position is up for grabs. Yet, despite Le Tissier's outstanding club form for Manchester United, Wiegman is still reluctant to consider her, primarily viewing the Guernsey-born star as a right-back instead of a central defender.

The boss reiterated that stance when speaking to the press after the October squad was named.

"She plays centre-back every single game and has good performances, but for us her first position is still as a right full-back. But we also know she can play centre-back," Wiegman reasoned, a response that served to raise more than a few eyebrows.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWiegman's view on Le Tissier 'baffling'

Last season, the defence that Le Tissier led from the right-sided centre-back role kept 13 clean sheets in 22 WSL goals and conceded just 10 times through the first 20 league fixtures. Her efforts were rewarded with a place in 2024-25 PFA Team of the Year, next to Bright. So far in 2025-26, United have the joint meanest defence in the WSL (three goals conceded in six games) alongside Chelsea. It's also already been seven clean sheets from 11 games across all competitions.

Women's football reporter for Tom Garry expressed confusion on X with regard to Wiegman's comments: "Given that Maya Le Tissier has made 72 consecutive starts at centre-back for Manchester United, this idea that full-back is her 'first position' doesn't really make sense to me."

Kathryn Batte noted a prominent former player's similar struggles to convince Wiegman to use her in her favoured position: "Rachel Daly had a fine England career playing mostly in a position that was not her first choice and I admire Maya Le Tissier for just getting on with it. If she doesn't get a chance at CB in friendlies and when there's injuries I’m not sure if she ever will (under Wiegman)."

Influential fan podcaster Conner Roberts said: "Sarina is clearly an exceptional coach but this reasoning always baffles me…this notion that she's a right-back doesn't [hold] water to me either because Sarina doesn't use Maya as the back up right-back to Lucy Bronze, it's been Niamh Charles who comes on."

Man Utd hit back with tweet

Manchester United's social media team sought to remind everyone the position in which Le Tissier has thrived since joining the club in the summer of 2022. She had primarily played as a right-back for former side Brighton & Hove Albion, but was immediately utilised in the centre of defence by manager Marc Skinner, who has since made her Red Devils captain, upon moving to Manchester.

A pointed X post from the team's official account read: "Maya Le Tissier has started 104 games for United. 103 of them have been at centre-back."

The one outlier was a Women's League Cup group stage clash with Durham in October 2022, when Aissatou Tounkara lined up in the centre of defence next to Millie Turner, leaving Le Tissier to plug a gap caused by usual right-back Ona Batlle suffering a concussion earlier that month.

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Getty Images SportA future England 'stalwart'

Skinner was responsible for permanently repurposing Le Tissier from right-back to centre-back. He was asked about her form after Manchester United won their Women's Champions League opener against Norway's Valerenga recently.

He noted that it wasn't his place to say whether she ought to be a starting centre-back for England, but his enormous admiration for the 23-year-old shone through regardless.

"She is [at the top of her game] and has been for a long time. I know the next question is going to be should she start for England, I'm not here to answer that question, but I start her for a reason – because she’s an incredible footballer and such a driven personality as well," Skinner said.

"When she gets an opportunity, should Sarina see fit for that, she'll be an incredible England stalwart and somebody that will give the country pride."

With a deal agreed to sign goalkeeper John Victor, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly leading the race to sign another South American star for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nottingham Forest agree Victor deal

Espirito Santo requested a goalkeeper and it looks as though he’s set to get one in the form of Victor this week. According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign the Brazilian from Botafogo, who is set to get the Premier League move that he’s been after since West Ham United ditched their attempts to secure his signature.

Espirito Santo also requested full-back cover and has also seen that demand met by those at the City Ground, who have welcomed Nicolo Savona from Juventus.

Speaking for the first time since becoming the latest to arrive in the Midlands, the defender said: “I am very excited to be here. It is a new experience for me as a person and a player. It is such a historic club, and the move is a dream come true. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at the City Ground, and I will give my all for the shirt.”

Medical booked: Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign "phenomenal" Brazilian

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By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 30, 2025

Whether Victor and Savona are enough to satisfy Espirito Santo will be the big question. Talks between the Forest boss and Marinakis are reportedly scheduled this weekend in what should give those at the City Ground a strong indication of where Espirito Santo’s immediate future lies.

With the deadline fast-approaching, meanwhile, reports suggest that the Tricky Trees are targeting yet another South American star.

Nottingham Forest leading Cuiabano race

According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are not leading the race to sign Cuiabano from Botafogo. Forest have, of course, already welcomed Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha from the Brazilian club, whilst an agreement has also been reached for Victor. Now, they could sensationally sign a fourth player from the club.

Full of praise for all three potential Forest stars, analyst Ben Mattinson described Cuiabano as “powerful” and “pacy” when links first emerged that the Tricky Trees had him in their sights. Now, in a late move, they could finally get their man.

Like Savona, the Brazilian would also satisfy Espirito Santo’s demand for cover at full-back just as the window is coming to a close. At just 22 years old, there’s still plenty of room for improvement in the Midlands too, and European football should ensure that he receives the game time needed to enjoy that improvement.

Nottingham Forest have now submitted a formal £25m+ offer for an “elite” midfielder, who has already struck an agreement on personal terms, according to a report.

Forest stepping up midfielder pursuit after Europa League verdict

The Tricky Trees have controversially been admitted to next season’s Europa League, as a result of issues surrounding multi-club ownership at Crystal Palace, with Eagles chairman Steve Parish putting out a strong statement after the verdict.

Parish said: “The decision by Uefa and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless. It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power.”

Parish has previously suggested that Forest are to blame for Palace’s demotion, but Evangelos Marinakis is unlikely to care too much, given that his side are now set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season.

Consequently, Nottingham Forest may now also be better-placed to attract some exciting new players, and a new midfielder is of particular interest, with Manchester City’s James McAtee emerging as a major target.

Not only are Nuno Espirito Santo’s side eager to sign an attacking midfielder, but they are also looking to bring in a player capable of operating in a deeper role, with it recently being revealed they are in active talks over a deal for AC Milan’s Yunus Musah.

There has now been a new update on Forest’s pursuit of Musah, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they have now tabled an official offer of £25.9m including bonuses, which is close to the Italian club’s asking price.

A dream for McAtee: Nottingham Forest plot swoop for "explosive" £40m star

The promising talent would be an excellent signing for Nottingham Forest.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 12, 2025

Milan are looking to hold out for just over £30m, which means the two clubs aren’t too far apart, and should a fee be agreed, personal terms could be a formality, as an agreement in principle has already been reached on a deal until 2030.

With a move to Napoli now off the cards, the midfielder is open to a move to the Premier League, and the Tricky Trees could even slightly increase their bid to get a deal over the line.

"Elite" Musah could excel at the City Ground

The 47-cap USA star clearly has all the attributes of a top midfielder, having received very high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig for his performances at international level.

Still only 22-years-old, the New-York born midfielder already has plenty of experience at the top level, making 80 appearances for AC Milan, while also featuring seven times in the Champions League last season.

With Forest set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season, Nuno could do with bringing in players who have experience in big matches, and Musah certainly fits the bill.

The captains event is tentatively scheduled around February 16 or 17 in Karachi

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Jan-2025

Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam at the captains’ photoshoot ahead of the 2023 World Cup in India•AFP/Getty Images

There is no clear answer to whether India captain Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan for the ICC’s official captains call to ring in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The captains event, which as per practice happens in the host country, is tentatively scheduled around February 16 or 17 in Karachi, but the BCCI is yet to get any official communication on it from the ICC.”It [Rohit travelling to Pakistan] has not yet been discussed. It is not on the agenda yet,” Devjit Saikia, the BCCI’s newly-appointed secretary, told ESPNcricinfo.It could not be confirmed whether the BCCI would need the Indian government’s permission for Rohit to travel to Pakistan.Related

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Hybrid model agreed for Champions Trophy and ICC events from 2024-27

Due to the climate of political tension between the two countries, India and Pakistan have played no bilateral series since 2012, but continue to meet at ICC tournaments. While Pakistan have travelled to India for ICC tournaments in this period, India have not played any international cricket in Pakistan since 2008.With the BCCI insisting that India would not travel to Pakistan for their matches, the ICC in co-ordination with the PCB, the tournament hosts, decided upon a hybrid model for ICC events until 2027, with Dubai named as the host of India’s Champions Trophy games.While there is no recent precedent for an India player visiting Pakistan in an official capacity, there is one involving BCCI officials. In 2023, Roger Binny and Rajiv Shukla, the BCCI’s president and vice-president, travelled to Lahore for an official PCB dinner during the Asia Cup, after being invited by the then PCB chair Zaka Ashraf.It is understood that the PCB has requested the ICC to ensure that, as per standard practice, all teams and captains are available for the Champions Trophy photoshoot, opening ceremony and other pre-tournament engagements. The ICC, it is understood, is still finalising logistics and travel dates for teams.Incidentally, the ICC did not organise a captains event ahead of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup which was co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. With teams playing warm-up matches in several countries, the ICC instead opted to do the official launch via a lighting projection show that featured all 20 captains beamed onto the Rockefeller Centre building in New York City. It is understood that like in the 2024 T20 World Cup, teams will have the option of playing up to two warm-up matches each depending on their arrival time for the Champions Trophy.Saikia: ‘BCCI will follow every uniform-related ICC rule’Saikia, meanwhile, has clarified that India will adhere to the dress code set by the ICC for the Champions Trophy, responding to media speculation that the BCCI had objected to the host nation’s name on their jersey. Player jerseys during ICC events usually include the tournament logo with the name of the tournament, host country and year below it.”BCCI will follow every uniform-related ICC rule during Champions Trophy,” Saikia told . “Whatever the other teams will do regarding the logo and dress code, we are going to follow in true letter and spirit.”

Liverpool are continuing to build a squad capable of fighting on all fronts this season and have now turned their attention to a defender who models himself on Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.

Liverpool set for return to action in FA Community Shield clash

After a summer that has yielded several statement signings at Anfield, Liverpool return to competitive action this weekend against Crystal Palace as they aim to win the FA Community Shield.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Arne Slot has confirmed the Reds won’t underestimate Crystal Palace as both sides take part in the curtain-raiser ahead of this season’s Premier League.

He stated: “It’s nice if you can start the season by winning something. We have a chance at the beginning of the season. We face a difficult Crystal Palace side. They have shown how hard it is to win a one-off game with them.

“Counter-attacks, set-pieces, long-balls to Mateta and individual quality of their forwards. Bilbao, AC Milan and Yokohama already gave us good competition (in pre-season). Palace hit the ground running again, it is still the same team. A good challenge for us to start the season.”

With Darwin Nunez heading for Al-Hilal, Liverpool are also expected to submit another bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, potentially lifting their attacking output into a different paradigm if they can force Eddie Howe into a sale.

Leeds racing to sign £35m Liverpool target who is "definitely" world-class

The Whites are battling it out for a world-class player, who has been made available by his current club.

ByDominic Lund Aug 7, 2025

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is also on the Reds’ radar, offering scope for a landmark end to a window that has already seen Slot raise the floor of his squad with additions such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

Now, they could add to their defensive ranks with a signing that has previously expressed his admiration for their club captain.

Liverpool continue to push for Giovanni Leoni

According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Liverpool are courting Parma defender Giovanni Leoni and he is said to be “one to watch” on the market, though their focus still remains firmly on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Other Italian clubs could come to the table for the 18-year-old and he may indeed remain at his current employers, but the Reds indeed have him on their list and they are believed to be “closely monitoring” his situation.

Citing his biggest influences, Leoni has admitted he models his game on Virgil van Dijk, which would be something that could endear himself to supporters.

Last term, the Rome-born man registered a solitary effort in 17 Serie A appearances, though his arrival at Anfield would very much be deemed as a long-term project.

Big picture: A rich SA flavour to the CPL final

After having had to wait 11 years for a maiden CPL trophy, Guyana Amazon Warriors are now just one step away from winning back-to-back titles. Imran Tahir was targeted when he was appointed Amazon Warriors’ captain last season at 44 – Tahir said “everyone was sending jokes” about it – and having been retained as captain this year, he will be looking to lead Amazon Warriors to glory once again, in front of their home fans, in Providence.At 45, Tahir became the first overseas bowler to 100 wickets in the CPL and continues to rock the league with his variations and celebrations. He had joined Amazon Warriors in 2018 and has remained with the side for seven seasons, which is quite rare in the cutthroat world of franchise T20 cricket. Midway through this season, Tahir suffered an injury, but he recovered to forge a potent partnership with Gudakesh Motie, the local left-arm fingerspinner, and Moeen Ali, the English offspinner. The trio has been hard to get away, especially on the spin-friendly surfaces in Providence.Amazon Warriors have also loaded their side with spin-hitters like Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope and Moeen. After not playing a single game in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Hetmyer has reminded the world of his T20 pedigree, hitting 391 runs in 12 innings at an average of 43.44 and strike rate of 187.98 in this CPL heading into the final.Since the start of CPL 2023, Amazon Warriors have lost just four games at home, with two of those losses coming at the hands of St Lucia Kings, including the Qualifier 1 earlier this week. Despite losing tosses and losing key personnel – like Heinrich Klaasen even before the start of the tournament – Kings have remained a formidable force under Faf du Plessis, who, like Tahir, is a familiar face at the CPL.At 40, du Plessis is still going strong. This is his most prolific CPL in terms of runs – 384 runs in 11 innings at an average of 38.40 and strike rate of 148.83 – and if it culminates in a title, it could potentially raise his stocks ahead of the IPL retention deadline and player auction. Du Plessis’ stint in CPL 2023 was cut short by a tennis-elbow injury, but he has worked his way around that this season, dovetailing well with Johnson Charles, who has reinvented himself as a 360-degree batter.Related

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While this is the St Lucia franchise’s third CPL final, this will be du Plessis’ first – he had suffered an injury before the title clash in 2021, when they lost to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. However, he is used to the pressure that a final brings, having been part of Chennai Super Kings for a number of years in the IPL.Kings’ coach Daren Sammy also has some unfinished business: in his last match as CPL captain, he lost to Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2020 final. Can he and du Plessis upstage Amazon Warriors at their home ground and lead Kings to their first CPL title?

Form guide

Guyana Amazon Warriors WLWWW (last five T20s, most recent first)
St Lucia Kings WLWWWImran Tahir and Moeen Ali have produced vital breakthroughs for Guyana Amazon Warriors•CPL T20 via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Moeen Ali and Alzarri Joseph

Just over three months after in England’s T20 World Cup semi-final defeat to India in Providence, Moeen Ali is now on the verge of winning a title, in his first CPL stint, at the venue. He has bagged 14 wickets in nine innings at an average of 11.35 and an economy rate of less than five. With the bat, he has floated up and down the order and in the qualifier 2, he scored an unbeaten 44 to put Amazon Warriors in the final.In another spin-dominated CPL, Alzarri Joseph is the most successful fast bowler with 15 wickets in 11 innings. His ability to hit hard lengths and generate extra bounce have served him well, and on potentially slow surfaces in Guyana, he could take the conditions out of the equation and provide a point of difference to Kings’ attack. Du Plessis, too, trusts Alzarri to bowl the tough overs, having also worked with him at the SA20 (Joburg Super Kings) and IPL (Royal Challengers Bengaluru).

Team news: Who will open the batting for GAW?

Since the start of CPL 2023, Amazon Warriors have used 14 openers with only Rahmanullah Guraz and Saim Ayub, who has missed this season for national duty, getting more than five innings each at the top. It remains to be seen if Moeen will open alongside Gurbaz again in the final on Sunday. Amazon Warriors will also have to make a choice between the fingerspin of Kevin Sinclair and the pace of Shamar Joseph.Guyana Amazon Warriors (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Moeen Ali, 3 Shai Hope (wk), 4 Shimron Hetmyer, 5 Romario Shepherd, 6 Keemo Paul, 7 Dwaine Pretorius, 8 Raymon Reiffer, 9 Kevin Sinclair/Shamar Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Imran Tahir (capt)Will Kings stick with Johann Jeremiah, who had made his CPL debut in Qualifier 1, or will they go back to Shadrack Descarte?St Lucia Kings (probable): 1 Faf du Plessis (capt), 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Roston Chase, 4 Ackeem Auguste, 5 Tim Seifert (wk), 6 David Wiese, 7 Johann Jeremiah/Shadrack Descarte, 8 Matthew Forde, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Khary Pierre, 11 Noor Ahmad

Pitch and conditions: Spin to win?

Though the Providence pitch used for the last two games against Kings saw the ball come on to the bat better, the venue has traditionally rolled out slow tracks. Rain had interrupted Amazon Warriors’ chase in the first qualifier and though rain has been forecast for Sunday morning as well, the forecast is more promising for the evening. Dew could be a factor later in the night.Shimron Hetmyer has been in terrific six-hitting form in CPL 2024•CPL T20/Getty Images

Stats and trivia

• The team batting first has won seven of the ten games Providence has hosted so far this season.
• Hetmyer and Charles have hit 31 sixes each in CPL 2024. Only Nicholas Pooran (35) has smashed more sixes than them this season.
• Noor Ahmad has dominated right-hand batters in this tournament, taking 16 wickets against them in ten innings. While he has managed just three wickets against left-hand batters, he has tied them down, conceding at just 5.34 an over.

Quotes

“We gelled well together last year, and we knew we had to work hard to win the competition. Coming back and defending the title is a bigger challenge.”
“I feel like we’ve adapted well wherever we’ve played, bar two games at home where he were a little bit slow on reacting to those conditions.”