Leeds United have placed a big emphasis on improving the defensive areas of their squad during the summer transfer window ahead of the Premier League opener against Everton.

Daniel Farke has added Lucas Perri, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach to improve the strength of the team out of possession.

The Whites have also brought in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the centre-forward position to compete for a starting spot as the number nine, but they have yet to bolster their options out wide since Manor Solomon returned to Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds closing in on deal for defender

Despite the need for more attacking players before the end of the summer transfer window, the Championship champions are now looking to bring in another defensive option.

Transfer Focus

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

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club are closing in on a deal to sign Leicester City’s versatile full-back James Justin on a permanent transfer.

The report claims that the former England international is set to cost a fee of around £6m, with Leeds looking to beat Everton to his signature this summer.

It adds that Justin believes that he can come in and earn a starting spot straight away, either at left-back or right-back, which does not suggest that this is a signing with purely depth in mind.

Why this is bad news for Sam Byram

Sam Byram put pen to paper on a new one-year contract earlier this summer to play a back-up role as a versatile full-back who can play on the right or the left.

Jayden Bogle and Gudmundsson are the first-choice options at right-back and left-back, respectively, and the experienced Englishman is the current back-up in both positions.

This is why the arrival of Justin on a permanent deal from Leicester would be bad news for the Leeds academy graduate, because the Foxes star would, essentially, take his place in the pecking order.

Justin, like Byram, can play at right-back or left-back with ease and will provide strong competition in both positions, possibly being the first-choice replacement for Gudmundsson or Bogle, instead of the former Norwich man.

As you can see in the table above, Justin offered more to his team defensively and in possession than Byram at league level last season, whilst playing in the Premier League.

These statistics, and the respective leagues that they were produced in, suggest that Leeds would be improving the quality of their options in both full-back positions by splashing £6m on the Foxes star to be a Byram upgrade, in a way.

Justin, who was described as an “adventurous” full-back by pundit Tony Cascarino, is a proven Premier League performer with the experience to hit the ground running at Elland Road, which also means that he will not need much time to adapt to the division.

Therefore, this could be bad news for Byram because he could be instantly dropped down the pecking order to, essentially, third-choice full-back on the right and the left, as the Leicester man can play both sides.

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Whilst it appears to be bad news for Byram and his prospects for the 2025/26 campaign, it does appear to be an upgrade and a good piece of business for Leeds, who look set to sign an experienced, strong, and versatile Premier League-level full-back to bolster their squad.

Jose Mourinho has warned Chelsea he will not be feeling sentimental when he attempts to lead Benfica to victory on his highly-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge. The Special One heads back to his old stomping ground on Tuesday evening when the Portuguese giants lock horns with Enzo Maresca’s Blues in the latest round of Champions League fixtures.

Mourinho enjoyed two trophy-laden spells as Chelsea manager

Mourinho established himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever managers across two successful periods with Chelsea. In his first spell at the club, the 62-year-old led the west Londoners to six major honours between 2004 and 2007, including two league titles and one FA Cup. And after spells with Inter and Real Madrid, Mourinho made an emotional return to Chelsea in 2013, guiding them to another league title before departing in 2015.

AdvertisementAFPSpecial One plans to keep his emotions in check on Tuesday

However while he acknowledges that Chelsea will always be “home”, Mourinho is planning to keep his emotions in check when he returns to the Stamford Bridge touchline with Benfica.

Speaking to the media ahead of the match on Tuesday, Mourinho said: "I am feeling home. I already played here with Spurs, Manchester United and Inter. But I am not a Blue now. I am Red. And I want to win. I am expecting two teams wanting to win. Chelsea will only play for a victory, especially after losing the first game [against Bayern Munich]. We will have to defend well to win the game. Our tactical approach is to try and win the game.

"We have Chelsea, Real Madrid and Newcastle in this competition [the Champions League]. All these games are hard. So tomorrow we have to chase the points. Our Champions League fixtures are harder than Chelsea's games.”

Mourinho is confident he will not be jeered by Chelsea fans

And despite his presence in the opposing dugout, Mourinho is confident his trophy-laden spells at Chelsea will ensure he will not be jeered by supporters, adding: "I don't think Chelsea fans will boo me. At least when I am on the street they ask me for selfies and pictures.”

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Special One gives cheeky response when asked about Palmer's absence

One man who will miss Mourinho’s return to Chelsea will be Cole Palmer as the Blues forward spends a short period on the sidelines in an attempt to overcome the groin injury which has plagued his 2025-26 season so far. And when asked what he thought about Palmer’s planned absence ahead of his return with Benfica, Mourinho issued a cheeky response.

In quotes carried by Portuguese outlet Mourinho said following Benfica’s 2-1 Primeira Liga victory over Gil Vicente on Friday: “I'm happy [Palmer will be missing]. My Chelsea team was a winning machine, with a big investment, but a lot of ambition. Then they seemed to lose some direction, and it was tough for those who love the club. Enzo Maresca [Chelsea manager] arrived, and the puzzle is being completed piece by piece, and they won the Conference League. Now I think they have a good, good team, and if Cole Palmer isn't a problem for Chelsea [through injury], that's a big problem for me. If [Heorhiy] Sudakov or [Vangelis] Pavlidis don't play, that's a big problem for me.”

Manchester United’s academy has played a key role in their success over the years, as seen by their infamous Class of 92, with such a crop of players helping the Red Devils reach new heights.

The quintet played a huge role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s success at Old Trafford, but it’s safe to say the players who have made the jump in recent times have failed to reach such levels.

Marcus Rashford may have racked up over 100 goals during his time in the first time, but his attitude has led to his demise, resulting in various loan spells away from his boyhood outfit.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, before linking up with LaLiga champions Barcelona on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

However, he’s not the only academy star who has seen his future come into question over recent months, with another player close to the exit door in recent days.

Kobbie Mainoo’s potential exit from United this summer

After his dream 2023/24 campaign, which saw an FA Cup final goal and a late strike against rivals Liverpool – no United fan would have imagined how Kobbie Mainoo’s time at the club would transpire.

The 20-year-old only made 25 Premier League appearances last season, 19 of which were from a starting role, with Ruben Amorim favouring other options in the midfield department.

He’s only featured in 45 minutes of league action so far this campaign, leading to the player himself coming out and stating he wanted a move away from Old Trafford before the recent transfer deadline.

Any move would’ve only been a temporary switch away from the Red Devils, but the club refused to let him leave, which has resulted in the player needing to fight for his place in the starting eleven.

Despite the window closing, the youngster’s future still remains up in the air, with another former academy graduate slipping through their clutches a couple of years ago.

The £500k United star who could’ve been the dream Mainoo replacement

Despite the success of the aforementioned talents, numerous United youngsters have struggled to make their own impact on the first team – subsequently having to leave the club to make a name for themselves.

James Garner is just one example, leaving the Red Devils to join Everton back in the summer of 2022, before going on to nail his place in their starting eleven in recent seasons.

He’s racked up just shy of 88 appearances for the Toffees – scoring three times, including in the opening game at their new stadium against Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Englishman isn’t alone in that deportment, with midfielder Maxi Oyedele unable to break into the first-team, despite joining the Red Devils at the age of just eight.

He spent 11 years within the academy ranks, having multiple loan spells with the likes of Forest Green Rovers and Altrincham – but it wasn’t enough to catapult him into the senior side.

The board took the decision to permanently offload him last summer, allowing the 20-year-old to join Polish side Legia Warsaw – for a measly fee of just £500k.

Such a move allowed the midfielder, who’s been labelled “fantastic” by Bruno Fernandes, to make 24 appearances last campaign – five of which came in the Europa Conference League.

Games played

16

Minutes played

985

Pass accuracy

86%

Dribble success

69%

Tackles won

1.9

Duels won

5.9

Aerials won

1.1

Interceptions made

1.6

As a result of his impressive underlying stats, he secured a move to French side Strasbourg this summer, with the Ligue 1 outfit paying £5.2m for his signature.

If Oyedele continues his development in France, it would be no surprise to see him join Chelsea in the near future – especially given his current side are also owned by the same group as Enzo Maresca’s outfit.

The decision to sell him could prove to be a mistake in the years ahead, especially given the recent struggles at Old Trafford, which have been endured during the Amorim reign.

Given Mainoo’s current situation, he could leave the Red Devils in the years ahead – subsequently leaving a huge hole in the heart of the side and one that Oyedele could’ve filled had he remained at the club.

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تأهل الفريق الأول لكرة اليد رجال بالنادي الاهلي، لربع نهائي بطولة إفريقيا للأندية أبطال الدوري، بالعلامة الكاملة، بعدما فاز على البوليس الرواندي، بنتيجة 55 – 20، في المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين اليوم الخميس، بختام مرحلة المجموعات من البطولة الإفريقية.

وأقيمت المباراة داخل صالة محمد الخامس، وقدم الأهلي مباراة مميزة واصل خلالها مستواه الجيد منذ بداية البطولة، ونجح في إنهاء الشوط الأول متقدمًا بنتيجة 31 – 10، قبل أن يواصل هيمنته على أحداث المباراة في الشوط الثاني ويفوز بنتيجة 55 – 20.

طالع.. رسمياً | مدرب يد الأهلي يرحل عن القلعة الحمراء إلى فرنسا

بهذا الفوز تأهل الأهلي لربع النهائي بالعلامة الكاملة، بعدما حقق 4 انتصارات متتالية على ميكيلي 70 الإثيوبي بنتيجة كبيرة 41 – 11، وعلى ريد ستار الإيفواري بنتيجة 29- 12، وعلى شبيبة كينشاسا الكونغولي الديمقراطي بنتيجة 29 – 19، واليوم على البوليس الرواندي بنتيجة 55 – 20.

وتضم بعثة رجال يد الأهلي المشاركة في بطولة إفريقيا بالمغرب كلًا من: إبراهيم المصري وعبد العزيز إيهاب وعمر خالد “كاستيلو” ومحسن رمضان وسيف هاني “فوكس” وياسر سيف وعمر سامي ونبيل شريف ومحمد مجدي ومحمد عماد “أوكا” ومعاذ عزب وأحمد عوض الله ومحمد صلاح ومحمد هشام”مودي” والتشيكي ستانيسلاڤ كاسباريك والبولندي توماش جيوبالا وحراس المرمى عبد الرحمن حميد ومحمد إبراهيم وعبد الرحمن طه.

ويضم الجهاز الفني لرجال يد الأهلي كلًا من وياسر لبيب رئيس جهاز كرة اليد، وديفيد ديفيز مديرًا فنيًا، وهاني النجدي مدير الفريق، ومحمد إبراهيم مدربًا عامًا، ومحمد أبو زيد إداري الفريق، وڤينيو لوسيرت مدرب الحراس، ومصطفى ناجي طبيب الفريق، وعمرو محمد إخصائي لياقة طبية، وعبد الله حسن إخصائي إصابات.

For the sides, it offers the opportunity for match practice in conditions where most of the Champions Trophy will be held

Danyal Rasool07-Feb-2025Big picture: Opportunity for precious game time in PakistanA triangular ODI series is something of a curiosity that belongs in a museum more than it does in 2025. Pakistan last hosted one in 2004, and there have been none in the ODI format anywhere since 2019. When this particular series was announced not long ago, it stood out – it is the only ODI tri series in the current FTP.Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa will play a truncated version of the classic tri-series, with just one round of matches followed by a final. The schedule was likely squeezed by the SA20 at one end and the Champions Trophy at the other, and it is that upcoming ICC event – the first hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades – which gives the series context.While South Africa’s squad is weakened by player commitments at the SA20 and injuries, Pakistan and New Zealand, who take each other on in the opener, have pretty much full-strength sides. Both have named near-identical squads for this series and the Champions Trophy, and had two practice sessions at the rebuilt Gaddafi Stadium, which will officially be inaugurated on Friday, on the eve of the first game.Related

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For each side, it offers the opportunity for precious match practice in conditions where the Champions Trophy will be held in the main (with India’s matches in Dubai). Pakistan and New Zealand will also open the marquee tournament, though that game will take place in Karachi and not Lahore. Both have played exactly nine ODIs each since the end of the 2023 World Cup, and all in very different conditions to this. While Pakistan won each of their three recent ODI series, New Zealand fell short in the one they played in the subcontinent, a 2-0 reversal against Sri Lanka.However, it’s not as if they are short of match practice in this country. Since December 2022, they have played two Tests, eight ODIs and ten T20Is in Pakistan across four series. On most of those occasions, though, multiple factors meant New Zealand sent in weakened squads, with larger context to build up to. This time, however, there is a multi-team trophy on the line, all while preparing for the second-biggest title in ODI cricket.It offers the visitors a chance to trial what appears a healthy balance between seam and spin in Pakistan. Captain Mitchell Santner will have Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips for slow bowling company, while they also have a battery of fast bowlers – no fewer than six – in their tri-series squad.Pakistan appear to have shown their hand slightly more, with just one full-time spinner alongside Salman Ali Agha, their most plausible part-time spin option. There is a bit of tinkering required at the top, where it appears Fakhar Zaman, back in from the cold, will open with Babar Azam, an experiment the PCB are testing ahead of the Champions Trophy. With this their only game before the deadline to make changes to the squad on February 11, there is more riding on it for them than just the eventual outcome of the contest.Form guidePakistan WWWWW
New Zealand LWWLLBabar Azam is expected to be called upon to open the batting to provide stability up top•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesIn the spotlight: Babar Azam and Lockie FergusonBabar Azam is always in the spotlight, but things are different this time. With Saim Ayub’s injury and Abdullah Shafique’s loss of form, ESPNcricinfo understands Pakistan’s former captain is expected to be called upon to open the batting to provide stability up top. He has, with polarising effect, performed this role in T20 cricket for several years, and more recently stood in as Test opener in Cape Town, scoring a half-century in each innings. In ODIs, however, all but 14 of his innings have come at three, and as he looks to navigate his way out of a difficult run of form, a change of position in his most prolific format will guarantee all eyes on him.Lockie Ferguson has not played ODI cricket since the tail-end of 2023, but with Pakistan also naming four seamers in their squad, this may be a series where express pace is a factor. Fresh off a respectable showing in the ILT20, where he places among the top-ten wicket-takers, the 33-year-old Ferguson is the oldest fast bowler across all three sides this tri-series, but also the quickest. Against a makeshift Pakistan opening pair and, in Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, middle-order players more accomplished against spin than high pace, Ferguson’s extra heat presents a locus of vulnerability for Pakistan, and a point of difference for New Zealand.Team news: Saim Ayub is out of actionAyub, recovering from an ankle injury, is out of the series and the Champions Trophy. Pakistan are expected to open with Fakhar and Babar, with three premier seam bowlers and Abrar Ahmed as lone frontline spinner. The middle order will see some rotation over the series.Pakistan (likely) 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Babar Azam, 3 Kamran Ghulam, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), 5 Tayyab Tahir/Saud Shakeel, 6 Salman Agha, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Shaheen Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar AhmedNew Zealand have two opportunities to work out their best side here before the deadline for the Champions Trophy squads shuts. The conditions would suggest three fast bowlers at a minimum. With all of New Zealand’s spinners also handy batters, balance of the side is not much of an issue.New Zealand (possible) 1 Devon Conway, 2 Will Young, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Kane Williamson, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 7 Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Lockie Ferguson, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Will O’RourkeThe Gaddafi Stadium has been renovated ahead of the Champions Trophy•Danyal RasoolPitch and conditionsThis is a bit of a mystery, with the entire ground rebuilt recently. Historically, though, the Gaddafi has produced flat batting surfaces and reward for extra pace in ODI cricket. Overhead conditions are likely to be more overcast than sunny, with temperatures dipping in the evening, but no rain is expected.Stats and trivia Babar has only opened twice in ODI cricket, in a bilateral series against England in 2015. He scored 26 runs across his two innings Ferguson is one wicket away from becoming the 19th New Zealander to 100 ODI wickets Pakistan last hosted an ODI tri-series in 2004, featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. It was called the Paktel Cup, after a telecommunications company that no longer exists. Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the final thenQuotes”You have to look at what the pitch, opposition and conditions are like before you finalise a team. This time around, even the Gaddafi Stadium is new to us.”
“We’ve seen [Tim] Southee and [Trent] Boult do it for a long time for us and do an extremely good job. We’ve got some new guys coming through alongside the experience of Matt Henry, and some good fast bowling stocks.”

Indian investment also not expected to shift BCCI stance on India’s male cricketers participating

Vithushan Ehantharajah13-Feb-2025

Despite the fact IPL owners make up half of the new investors in the Hundred, the ECB does not expect India’s male cricketers to be made available for the tournament, nor does it anticipate issues with players from Pakistan taking part in England’s flagship competition.On Thursday, the ECB confirmed it had entered into exclusivity agreements with eight partners to secure private investment in each of the Hundred’s teams, with a total valuation of just over £975 million. Those investors now enter an eight-week negotiation period with the eight host counties. Among them are RPSG Group (owners of Lucknow Super Giants), Sun TV Network Limited (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Reliance Industries Limited (Mumbai Indians) and GMR Group (co-owners of Delhi Capitals), who were successful with bids for Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave, respectively.While the ECB has got its wish with a variety of prospective new owners, there is a strong feeling that bringing on high-profile IPL investment will open up the lucrative Indian market. However, the ECB hierarchy do not believe these new connections will soften the BCCI stance on barring India’s active male players from participating in foreign T20 leagues. While many have graced county cricket, none have appeared in the men’s Hundred or the T20 Blast.Related

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“In terms of the India TV market, the overseas market is very important for us,” ECB chief executive, Richard Gould, said. “The fact that we have got such a wide-ranging set of investors from around the globe will, I believe, help us to add extra value to our overseas broadcast rights.”In terms of availability to Indian players, that is not priced in with our plans. The BCCI’s position has been very clear. At some point we’d love to see Indian players come and play in England. We currently see them obviously in bilaterals and actually quite a lot in county cricket. But that’s not something that we have predetermined through this process.”Gould also stated the ECB will ensure opportunities for Pakistan’s cricketers won’t be limited by the IPL influence on the Hundred. Given the tensions between India and Pakistan, no player representing Pakistan has taken part in the IPL since the inaugural season in 2008.The BCCI has never handed down an edict on the matter, but teams have operated accordingly, and not just in India. The first three seasons of the SA20, for instance, where all six teams are associated with IPL franchises, has not had any representative from Pakistan. There remains little if any Pakistan representation in IPL-owned teams at both the ILT20 and Major League Cricket (MLC). By contrast, the Hundred has relied heavily on Pakistani talent for overseas slots in a bid to uphold its “best versus best” tagline.”We’re aware of that in other regions,” Gould said of the playing restrictions encountered by cricketers from Pakistan, “but that won’t be happening here.”The ECB does hope working with IPL owners more directly will, in time, give the Hundred a dedicated window. Previous editions of The Hundred have coincided with MLC and the CPL, resulting in a conflict around talent acquisition. Though the MLC will finish before the Hundred this year, there is a two-week crossover with the CPL.With three of the eight Hundred investors involved in the MLC – Reliance (MI New York), GMR (Seattle Orcas) and Welsh Fire’s prospective 50% co-owner Sanjay Govil (Washington Freedom) – and former Professional Cricketers’ Association commercial director Johnny Grave in place as the league’s CEO, there is scope for more joined-up thinking around competition windows going forward.”One of the advantages that we have with our set is that there’s a connection there with majority of the other cricket leagues around the world,” Vikram Banerjee, who oversaw the Hundred sale as the ECB’s director of business operations, said. “And for all of those [T20] leagues around the world, it makes little sense for any of us to clash if we can avoid it.”So we are now on the same side, if you like, and we can have sensible conversations going forward. For the MLC, that includes that we obviously know the new CEO there pretty well.”But for us it’s about ensuring that we can make a Hundred of real success in our window by getting the best players, and clashes make that hard. So we’ll do our best to avoid it. And I think all the people coming in understand that.”

A Nottingham Forest player is now desperate to leave, after owner Evangelos Marinakis cost him a dream move, it has been revealed.

Marinakis causing a stir in the transfer market

On the whole, Forest’s summer transfer window is likely to be viewed as a success, given that they managed to strengthen their squad considerably ahead of their Europa League campaign, while also managing to tie Morgan Gibbs-White down to a new contract.

That is despite the fact Tottenham Hotspur had agreed a £60m deal to sign the England international, with Marinakis ultimately convincing the 25-year-old to renew his deal, before saying: “We are very happy about it. We share the same dreams and he is a talented player. He loves Nottingham Forest and has become a legend already.

“It didn’t take long to reach an agreement with Morgan – it was a very short conversation full of passion and love for the club. All of our supporters should know that this guy loves the club.”

However, a different player isn’t quite as happy to have remained at The City Ground, according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states Jota Silva is now desperate to quit, after a move to Sporting CP collapsed at the last minute.

Jota is now exploring a move to a club from Saudi Arabia or Turkey, given that their transfer windows remain open, and a pundit has blamed Marinakis for the Sporting deal failing to go through.

Speaking on CNN Portugal, journalist Bruno Andrade said: “There are many people you could blame, but especially Marinakis. He delayed the negotiations until the very last minute. In my view, the main reason was that he tried to push for a permanent deal in the final days. He eventually compromised for a loan with a purchase option, but by then he was already annoyed.”

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Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 1, 2025 Forest should cash-in on Jota in post-deadline deal

It is clear to see why the Portuguese winger is frustrated by the deal collapsing, given that joining Sporting CP was regarded as a dream move, but it is good news that he could be keen on a move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia.

There is no reason for Nuno to keep hold of a wantaway player, particularly one who has fallen down the pecking order at The City Ground, with the two-time Portugal international appearing for just 11 minutes so far this season.

The 26-year-old, who is thought to have cost around £6m, was also largely utilised as a substitute in the 2024-25 campaign, so it would make sense for Forest to cash-in, having secured the signings of Dilane Bakwa, Dan Ndoye and Omari Hutchinson this summer.

Having once been described as a “maverick” by former scout Mick Brown, Jota clearly has talent, but a move to Sporting CP would’ve made sense for all parties, given Bakwa’s deadline day arrival, so it is frustrating that a deal did not transpire.

From the moment his clutch batting memorably lifted Perth Scorchers to the BBL title almost exactly two years ago, Cooper Connolly quickly became a fan favourite and there was plenty of intrigue over the potential of this promising left-arm spinning allrounder.But even his legion of admirers out west could not have foreshadowed his rise to Test cricket would be so swift. After just four first-class matches, the 21-year-old Connolly became Australia’s 471st men’s cricketer after he replaced offspinner Todd Murphy in Australia’s XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became Australia’s fourth debutant in as many Tests.With his emotional parents standing nearby, Connolly, 21, was presented with his baggy green cap by former Test batter and fellow Western Australian Simon Katich.Related

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His selection for this Test had been murmured in recent days with expectations that the surface used for this match would be notably dry and especially favourable to spin.Connolly’s selection has raised some eyebrows given he is wicketless from 96 deliveries in his first-class career so far. But all three of his Shield matches have been at the pace-friendly WACA ground, while he bowled only six overs against India A in Mackay in early November which was his last first-class match.Albeit a different format, but Connolly did take six wickets in the recent BBL season – where he was named player of the tournament after scoring the most runs in the league stage – highlighted by a strong performance against Sydney Thunder in favourable spinning conditions at the Showgrounds.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

If the surface for the second Test does spin sharply, Connolly could prove dangerous and provides another left-arm spinning option alongside Matthew Kuhnemann, who had so much success in the series opener.”From what I’ve seen in the nets he bowls some really good balls,” stand-in captain Steven Smith said on Wednesday. “He was pretty consistent when he was bowling in Dubai and in the nets here.”That’s kind of all you’ve got to do in these conditions, just try and bowl as many good balls in a good area and let the conditions take over.”Connolly’s inclusion also underlines bolder selections from Australia’s hierarchy who have shown a willingness to experiment ever since picking 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test against India.Cooper Connolly receives his debut cap from Simon Katich•Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

With Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final secured, Connolly edged veteran Glenn Maxwell for a spot on the Sri Lanka tour having made his T20I and ODI debuts in the backend of last year. Undoubtedly, selectors have an eye towards the future – Australia’s next tour of India is just two years away – but they will insist his selection in the second Test is a decision based on specific conditions.At this stage of his fledgling career, Connolly is certainly a much stronger batter and adds significant depth to Australia’s order at No. 8. He has already scored three half-centuries from his six first-class innings, starting with 90 off 115 balls on debut at No. 7 in last year’s Shield final between WA and Tasmania.It was an elegant knock on a tricky WACA surface that instantly drew comparisons to former WA great Shaun Marsh. But given his all-round skills and X-factor ability, with an uncanny knack of hitting the most mesmerising shots, Connolly has been likened to Maxwell and Travis Head.”It’s pretty cool to be honest. You dream of it as a kid watching them smack it around,” he told ESPNcricinfo last December about the comparisons to Maxwell and Head. “I feel proud of myself… it’s a dream to put on a baggy green.”

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.

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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.

Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou took aim at his side's defending despite being on the receiving end of a refereeing decision he described as an "absolute howler" in their 1-0 defeat against Sunderland on Saturday. The Australian is still searching for his first win since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground, having lost three of his opening five matches in charge.

• Forest fume as Dominguez receives yellow card for simulation

  Forest were left fuming when referee Tony Harrington booked midfielder Nico Dominguez for simulation following a coming together with Sunderland’s Trai Hume. And from the resulting free-kick, defender Omar Alderete was able to steal a march on the Forest backline before heading home what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

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• Postecoglou criticises Forest's defending as well as the officials

  However, while criticising a "whole range of decisions" from the officials, Postecoglou was adamant that his Forest players should have defended the set piece better, saying after the game: "It was a really poor goal we conceded, albeit after a poor decision, I thought, from the official. But it was a really poor goal and we had plenty of time to rectify that.

  "It was a whole range of decisions from the officials, from awarding and then some holding in the box. But I still think we were way too lax in our determination to keep the ball out of the net. I just thought it was a really disappointing goal to concede."

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  Postecoglou has his say on whether he thought Dominguez dived

  When asked whether he thought Dominguez had dived when challenging Hume for the ball, Postecoglou added: "I just thought play on, play on. But that's the referee's decision. There's nothing to say to him (Dominguez). I didn't think there was anything in it. Irrespective, even if the referee has made an absolute howler, we can still deal with the free kick better. We have to park that to one side. What we did after that is more of a concern to me than the decision."

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• Forest are now winless in Postecoglou's first five games in charge

  The result means Postecoglou is now winless in his first five games since taking over the Forest helm on September 9. The former Tottenham head coach oversaw back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Swansea City in the Premier League and Carabao Cup respectively, before a 1-1 league draw with Burnley ensured Forest picked up their first point under his tutelage. Forest also drew 2-2 with Real Betis in their Europa League opener on Thursday, before suffering defeat against Sunderland in what was Postecoglou’s first home match as manager.