The three wickets were spread across two overs in the death overs
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins starred with a hat-trick against Bangladesh in the Super Eight game of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Antigua.It was the first hat-trick of this World Cup and the seventh overall in the tournament’s history.Cummins became the second Australian after Brett Lee to achieve this feat in the Men’s T20 World Cup. Curtis Campher (who took four in four balls), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kagiso Rabada, Karthik Meiyappan and Josh Little are the other bowlers to have completed hat-tricks at the event.ESPNcricinfo LtdHowever, Cummins later admitted he had forgotten about the hat-trick chance. “I didn’t know I was on a hat-trick,” he said. “I did the previous over, saw it come up on the screen, and by the time the next over came around had totally forgot about it. Think Stoinis ran in from the deep [and] was cheering and everyone’s like, oh yeah. So, nice one.”After a wicketless first spell, Cummins claimed his hat-trick across overs 18 and 20. On the fifth ball of the 18th over, he induced an inside edge with a short-of-a-length delivery to rattle Mahmudullah’s stumps. The next delivery was also a back-of-a-length ball from outside the off stump which Mahedi Hasan tried to upper-cut, but holed out to Adam Zampa at deep third.When Cummins came on to bowl the final over of the innings, he started with a slower one from outside off against set batter Towhid Hridoy, who scooped the delivery to short fine leg. The hat-trick had Hridoy departing for a 28-ball 40 while it was the sixth time that Mahmudullah was a victim in a hat-trick in international cricket.Cummins’ three wickets and Zampa’s 2 for 24 helped Australia restrict Bangladesh to 140 for 8. Australia were on the charge in their chase led by David Warner’s half-century before rain interrupted the game and Australia were eventually declared winners by 28 runs by DLS method.
Florian Wirtz’s medical is scheduled for Friday, and Liverpool supporters are surely now confident that they will get their man.
Despite all the noise regarding obscene transfer fees, Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz will sign for an initial £100m fee, with a further £16m achievable through add-ons.
Florian Wirtz
No doubt, Arne Slot can’t wait to bring the German playmaker into his team, adding some truly world-class quality to ensure the Premier League champions stand a great chance of defending their belt.
Of course, Liverpool need a new centre-forward to dance to the creative tune Wirtz will play from number ten. Darwin Nunez’s time on Merseyside is at an end, reported interest from Serie A rising.
Multiple names have been bandied about, but Hugo Ekitike’s has held the most weight over the past several weeks.
The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool
Liverpool need a striker, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike has been billed the perfect fit, not just a budding goalscorer of a high class but also a dynamic and rounded player whose strength lies in his elegance and flair.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The 22-year-old completed his first full season in Germany last year, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions.
But with a deft touch, selfless link-up play and intelligent off-the-ball movements all front and centre of Ekitike’s skillset, there’s little question that he has a “very complete offensive range”, as noted by one French reporter.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has also dubbed Ekitike “one of the best strikers out there”, but he’s not the best. That particular player lingers elusively out of reach for all who might want him this summer, but Liverpool haven’t given up hope.
Liverpool still in for Ekitike alternative
As per the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle, Liverpool are still huge admirers of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and are attentive to his situation.
Even though The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed the 25-year-old would not be moving this summer after qualifying for the Champions League, Liverpool chiefs are looking to raise funds through the sales of existing players, and the summer is still young.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
For their part, Newcastle categorically don’t want to sell. Isak is the cream of Eddie Howe’s crop and has been valued at more than £150m.
Why Alexander Isak would be perfect
Isak is one of the best players in the Premier League, with analyst Raj Chohan even declaring him “the best striker in the world” after his extraordinary 2024/25 campaign.
Newcastle signed the marksman from Real Sociedad three years ago in what remains a club-record £63m move, but Isak has shaken away the injury issues of seasons past to have enjoyed his finest year yet, bagging 27 goals and six assists over 42 matches in all competitions.
In the Premier League, his 23-goal return was surpassed only by that man Mohamed Salah, and with Isak missing only 18 big chances and creating 11 golden opportunities for his teammates, as per Sofascore, he’d help Liverpool’s Egyptian star and the rest in creating a layered attacking game next year.
Isak’s goalscoring is second-to-none, sure, but that’s not why Liverpool have a vested interest. Instead, it’s the player’s underlying quality, so rounded and technically impressive.
His physicality and robustness (when swerving the injury front) have established the rangy forward to become one of the best in the world, with his goal against Liverpool at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup in March underscoring his value.
Maybe that was the game that convinced FSG of this star’s prowess, for rumours of his potential cross-country summer switch have persisted ever since.
It’s hardly surprising. Liverpool clearly want a certain type of centre-forward, with FBref’s data-driven model revealing Ekitike to be one of Isak’s most statistically comparable players.
Let’s have a look at how they match up.
Goals scored
0.75
0.53
Assists
0.20
0.28
Shots taken
3.10
4.00
Shot-creating actions
3.00
3.55
Touches (att pen)
6.17
6.88
Progressive passes
2.87
1.86
Progressive carries
2.71
3.27
Successful take-ons
1.37
1.83
Ball recoveries
1.80
3.06
Tackles + interceptions
0.49
0.81
What’s interesting is that Ekitike is a bit more active in his ball carrying and in his recoveries, but he also unleashes strikes on goal with greater regularity, with xG (expected goals) tally reaching 0.76 per 90.
Isak’s xG tally, conversely, amounted only to 0.66 per 90, which basically means he scored more frequently than he should have from the chances he found himself at the centre of.
Ultimately, we’re not going to see both players under Slot’s wing, but one of them should suffice. Given Ekitike’s stylistic similarities to Isak, though, you could argue that he’s little more than an imitation of the Swede, pastiching his style of play but not to the same effect.
Ekitike and Isak
The 6 foot 3 star has a wealth of experience as a top striker in the Premier League, so it’s understandable that Liverpool would have to pay a premium.
Would the £150m mark be too much for the Reds? It’s likely, but then such a figure is potentially overinflated. Wirtz, it must be said, was touted at €150m (£127m), right up into Liverpool announced themselves the finances involved in a deal that leaves the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal with bigger outlays on single-player transfers at this stage.
To fork out what would likely reach the £100m ballpark once again in the same transfer window would be a big ask of FSG, but the American owners have established a self-sustainable model that has bred illustrious success, and with the right player sales, this might just be one to keep an eye on.
Their new Mo Salah: Liverpool favourites to sign "incredible" £84m striker
Liverpool are planning to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer market.
When it comes to transfers, Arsenal are set to be one of the more active Premier League sides over the coming months, with Mikel Arteta even admitting that the club will undergo a “big” window of recruitment.
Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer signings
A lot of groundwork has already been laid on Arsenal’s summer deals by sporting director Andrea Berta, not to mention his boardroom predecessors Edu and Jason Ayto.
Arsenal back off with Liverpool now favourites to sign "dream" striker
Arne Slot’s side are in pole position right now.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 6, 2025
Predating Berta’s arrival at the Emirates, Arsenal entered advanced talks to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad as far back as January, and the Gunners are now hoping to finalise the Spain international’s capture despite very mixed messages.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Members of the media are convinced that Arsenal are set to sign Zubimendi, while Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay and the player himself have publicly tried to pour cold water over an imminent move to N5.
Arsenal will be mindful that the 26-year-old publicly rejected a move to Liverpool at the last minute in 2024, and supporters will also be erring on the side of caution when it comes to celebrating Zubimendi’s capture, at least until he’s pictured hoisting the red shirt aloft.
In any case, they’ve worked extensively on his transfer, not to mention a potential move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenia international is one of Arsenal’s top striker targets alongside Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, but as things stand, it appears Berta is prioritising a deal for the former.
Fabrizio Romano shared news on Friday that Arsenal are advancing for Sesko, but cautions fans that it still isn’t on the verge of being done just yet.
With critics eager to see Berta sign a much-needed striker this summer, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has shared another update on their pursuit of Sesko.
Benjamin Sesko keen to join Arsenal with talks ongoing
According to the reliable reporter, Sesko is keen to join Arsenal, and the north Londoners are currently in very positive talks with his representatives.
Arteta’s side are moving forward with conviction when it comes to agreeing personal terms, but Berta will also have to dig deep into the Arsenal coffers to get this one over line.
Called an “underrated” striker by members of the press, Sesko bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, which is a fairly modest return, but the club’s repeated attempts to sign him in the last 12 months show what a big fan Arteta must be of the player.
At this stage, Arsenal may as well just go all in and finally acquire the 22-year-old’s signature.
As outlined by Rob Tanner of The Athletic, the Toffees currently have ten first-team players out of contract, which is more than any other Premier League club, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Idrissa Gana Gueye and captain Séamus Coleman, to name but a few.
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates their third goal, an own goal scored by Tottenham Hotspur's Archie Gray
So, as they move into their brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, there’s going to be plenty of work for David Moyes and the back room staff to do in the transfer window, but could a current member of the squad step up and come to the fore?
The latest on Abdoulaye Doucouré's Everton future
As was widely reported this week, Abdoulaye Doucouré will leave Everton this summer as a free agent, following the expiration of his contract, stating that he is “sad to leave” and that he “will be forever a Blue”.
After scoring the winner at Nottingham Forest last month, the Mali international mimed answering the phone and signing a contract, overtly stating his desire to stay, but his five-year association with the Toffees will come to an end, with Sunday’s trip to Newcastle set to be his 166th and final appearance for the club.
Given that Doucouré has started 31 of Everton’s 37 Premier League matches to date this season, one of the five he missed being due to a red card picked up after full time of the Merseyside derby celebrations, he will be a tough man to replace.
Doucoure
But do the Toffees already have a young star coming through ready to do just that?
Everton's next midfield stalwart
Cast your mind back to last summer when, as outlined by Gabriele Marcotti of ESPN, certain Premier League clubs, namely Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Everton, were swapping players on the cusp of the 30 June deadline, thereby avoiding breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.
One such deal saw Villa sign Lewis Dobbin for a reported £10m from Everton, while Tim Iroegbunam went in the opposite direction, costing the Toffees a reported £9m.
Tim Iroegbunam for Everton
The majority of the players involved in these conspicuous deals had no impact at the club they joined, as the table below outlines.
Lewis Dobbin*
Aston Villa
Zero
Omari Kellyman
Chelsea
Zero
Odysseas Vlachodimos
Newcastle
1
Samuel Iling-Junior*
Aston Villa
Zero
Enzo Barrenechea*
Aston Villa
Zero
*spent the season out on loan
Iroegbunam, in truth, made only 21 appearances for Everton this season, totalling a mere 676 minutes, so could feature on this list for sure, but this was largely due to a foot injury suffered against Newcastle in October, keeping him on the sidelines until February, having started each of the Blues’ first four matches of the campaign beforehand.
His only start under Moyes came when Arsenal visited Goodison in April, but the 21-year-old is highly-rated, with Steven Gerrard, when he was at Aston Villa, saying that Iroegbunam possesses “all the attributes to be a top Premier League player” in the future.
Meantime, Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic praised the youngster’s ‘sharp counter-pressing’, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout outlined how he ‘regularly roams forward in attack’, while boasting ‘defensive awareness, speed and tackling ability’, making him an excellent all-round midfielder.
These all sound like similar characteristics to Doucouré, so let’s assess how the duo compare.
Appearances
32
27
Minutes
2,563
722
Goals
3
Zero
Assists
2
1
Shots
1.09
0.61
Completed passes
26
20
Pass completion %
80.2%
77.9%
Interceptions
0.3
0.9
Clearances
0.6
0.6
% of ground duels won
53%
50%
% of aerial duels won
37%
50%
Tackles
1.5
1.6
% of dribblers tackled
32.6%
56.3%
Ball recoveries
5
8
Touches
41
43
Average Sofascore Rating
6.77
6.55
Note: Statistics are Premier League only
Of course, Iroegbunam’s lack of Premier League minutes does mean only a small sample size can be analysed, but his statistics are still impressive.
The table outlines that Doucouré is more of a goal threat, but that Iroegbunam is a better out-of-possession midfielder, boasting superior numbers when it comes to ball recoveries, interceptions, clearances, tackles and aerial duels.
These are all qualities Moyes would look for in a midfield player and, while Patrick Boyland of the Athletic believes Iroegbunam is still ‘adapting’ to a new style of play, the stats suggest he could become a key figure for the Toffees next season.
Forget Angel Gomes & Doucoure: Moyes must unleash exciting Everton teen
Everton won’t need to delve into the market to land a replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure, given one player already at the club.
Rangers are now “definitely” targeting an “unbelievable” manager as a potential alternative to Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Gers' new manager pursuit rumbles on
The Gers have been without a permanent manager since the end of February, at which point Philippe Clement was dismissed, and they are yet to find a successor to Barry Ferguson, who has been the interim boss since the Belgian’s departure.
However, it appears as though the 49ers are now stepping up their pursuit, with Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti recently emerging as a major target, having submitted an offer to lure the Italian away from the European heavyweights.
Ancelotti is not the only target in the frame, however, with Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl still under consideration, while there have also been whispers that Steven Gerrard could be in line for a return to Ibrox.
Sky Sports: Rangers considering move for "ultra-positive" 3-4-2-1 manager
The Gers have set their sights on a “great man manager” to replace Barry Ferguson this summer.
ByDominic Lund May 13, 2025
In an interview with Football Insider, Brown has now revealed that Gerrard is under consideration to replace Ferguson in the Rangers dugout, while also stating he can envisage the 44-year-old returning to his former club.
The former scout said: “I’m always a little bit concerned when players or managers go back. But Gerrard is very well thought-of in Glasgow and he’s very well-connected in the game.
StevenGerrard
“That will give Rangers a boost, like we saw the first time he was there, in the transfer market which could be key for them when the window opens.
“I can see Gerrard going back, he’s definitely one of the targets, but they need a clear direction and clear path to go and improve.”
"Unbelievable" Gerrard is proven at Ibrox
Brown may be correct to have reservations about the Liverpool legend returning to Ibrox, especially considering his managerial career hasn’t kicked on since leaving the Gers, being sacked by Aston Villa before failing to pull up any trees with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
However, the Englishman, who likes to utilise a 4-3-3 formation, knows what it takes to win the Scottish Premiership title, having led Rangers to glory in the 2020-21 campaign, picking up 102 points and going the entire league season undefeated.
In that sense, a move for the ex-Liverpool man could make sense ahead of Ancelotti, given that the 35-year-old is yet to prove himself in the hot-seat, having only been assistant manager to his father, Carlo, during spells with Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Madrid.
However, the way in which Gerrard left the Scottish side the first time around left a bitter taste, so it may also be a wise idea for the 49ers to get the new era underway by appointing a totally new manager.
Birmingham City ended up coasting to the League One title in style with five straight victories to close out the season seeing the Blues end on a record-breaking 111 points.
This was the first honour added to the St. Andrew’s trophy cabinet since Birmingham’s dramatic League Cup win over Arsenal in 2011, but the Tom Wagner-backed Blues will be hungry for more successes of this kind when heading up to the Championship.
Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner.
Back-to-back promotions will be the dream goal for Chris Davies’ men upon their re-entry into the tricky division, with some new statement signings needed to boost their chances of immediately feeling at home in the EFL’s elite league.
One of those major buys could be Che Adams, with the hectic rumour mill suggesting Birmingham are keen on snapping up their former star to add even more firepower to their ranks.
Former Birmingham striker Che Adams.
Birmingham's hunt for Che Adams
Late last month, Football Insider broke the news that Davies and Co were eyeing up a spectacular move to tempt Adams back to the West Midlands club.
They further stated that Birmingham were looking to add the 28-year-old back to their roster in order to possess a Championship ready goal machine, with Adams boasting 49 career goals in the difficult division.
But, both Jay Stansfield and Alfie May arguably deserve a crack at the level after firing home the goals to seal promotion for their side.
Moreover, Birmingham could seal a better and more worthwhile purchase than landing Adams by signing an EFL star who might make the likes of Stansfield and May even more prolific.
Birmingham eyeing a more exciting signing than Adams
Luring Adams back to St. Andrew’s won’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, considering he once joined former employers Southampton for a reported £15m.
On the other hand, snapping up the services of Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku could be a lot cheaper, with a compensatory fee needing to be agreed between both the Blues and Posh as the Ghanaian ace’s contract is now expired in Cambridgeshire.
Whilst Adams’ impressive goal record might well justify whatever bumper fee Torino want, Poku would come in and offer far more than just goals for Davies’ men, with the excellent delivery in the video above proving the 23-year-old’s calmness under pressure to pick out an inch-perfect pass for a teammate.
Of course, Poku’s blistering game does also focus in on his ability to fire home strikes, considering he bagged a potent 12 league goals last season for Darren Ferguson’s men.
But, he can also be unselfish and creative marauding through the centre or down the right channel, meaning the likes of Stansfield and May could have chances galore put on a plate for them if the 5 foot 10 star does finally join.
On top of that, it’s not also guaranteed that Adams would return to the Blues and be an instant rip-roaring success, considering he fired home just 12 goals during his first two seasons at the level when last donning a Birmingham strip.
Games played
27
37
44
Goals scored
12
19
16
Assists
8
3
8
Touches*
46.3
29.0
21.9
Shots*
2.4
2.7
1.6
Scoring frequency
172 mins
142 mins
148 mins
Accurate passes*
20.3 (80%)
8.1 (69%)
10.9 (79%)
Big chances missed
3
13
13
Big chances created
9
6
7
Whereas, looking at the table above, it appears that Poku, Stansfield and May could become a terrifying trio for Championship defences to contain, with the “top drawer” talent – as he’s been lauded by Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony – chomping at the bit to prove himself as an attacking force in the far tougher league.
Also, reunions often just don’t go to plan either. Whereas, if Poku’s League One numbers are anything to go by, he could be the exact fresh blood Birmingham need to become an more formidable outfit stepping back up a division.
Birmingham closing in on signing their next Iwata for Davies
Birmingham City could soon snap up their next Tomoki Iwata with this summer purchase.
Nottingham Forest are still in the hunt for a European place and look to be showing the same ambition in the transfer market as they circle for a talented defender, according to a report.
Nottingham Forest hopeful of statement summer window
Form has dipped at the City Ground over the last few weeks, and some supporters could be forgiven for getting a little twitchy over the Tricky Trees’ chances of Champions League qualification.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo has remained stoic in the face of Premier League rivals’ momentum, and there is still belief that a special ending could be in store for the Nottingham Forest faithful.
Regardless of how the rest of the campaign goes, there is optimism that an exciting summer window could be on the cards to help bridge the gap further after a valiant effort this term.
Showing their ambition, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is on Forest’s radar amid his £30 million relegation release clause, which has also attracted the eyes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
James McAtee could join his former Manchester City teammate after enduring a frustrating campaign at the Etihad Stadium that has resulted in limited minutes for the England Under-21 international.
Marinakis pushing: £25m+ Nottingham Forest target now keen to complete move
Marinakis could get his man…
ByTom Cunningham May 7, 2025
While the market is becoming increasingly globalised, proven Premier League operators appear to be the type of profile Nottingham Forest want to attract to enrich their playing squad.
There is also the carrot of arrivals from their own division potentially being homegrown, which is a vital component when it comes to meeting UEFA registration rules.
With that in mind, Nottingham Forest have now spotted another opportunity to try to land a Premier League star who could be on the move this summer.
According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are now closely pursuing Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, who is also on the radar of Newcastle United this summer.
The Reds are said to value the England international at £29.7 million and could look to cash in on his services should they add another body to their rearguard during the off-season.
Pass accuracy
91.9%
Tackles won
8
Duels won
19
Aerial duels won
6
Recoveries
16
Interceptions
6
Labelled “absolutely brilliant” by journalist David Lynch, Quansah has made 24 appearances across all competitions this season, becoming a reliable contributor on Liverpool’s journey to claiming the Premier League title.
Nevertheless, he hasn’t been in the limelight as much as he would’ve hoped, which has left the door ajar for a potential exit to put himself in with a chance of regular minutes in 2025/26.
The 2026 World Cup isn’t too far in the distance, potentially amplifying urgency from his own perspective to make sure he is noticed by Thomas Tuchel in the lead-up to the finals.
Nottingham Forest are in a brilliant position to offer him that pathway. Now, it is about whether they can fend off competition from elsewhere for his signature.
BlueCo have now decided to make one “special” ace a Chelsea player next season, with the club already triggering a clause in his contract.
Chelsea set for tough Champions League run as race heats up
Just four points separate seventh from third in the Premier League table, so Enzo Maresca’s side are involved in a tense battle to qualify for Europe’s most prestigious competition alongside Aston Villa, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Man City.
Chelsea hold internal talks over re-signing star who Mourinho sold for £17m
The ‘special one’ elected to part company.
3 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025
Chelsea scraped the west London derby bragging rights at Fulham by the skin of their teeth on Easter Sunday, courtesy of a dramatic 93rd-minute strike from Pedro Neto, and their remaining fixtures are far from straight forward.
After hosting David Moyes’ rejuvenated Everton on Saturday, Chelsea face off against Liverpool, Newcastle and Man United in the space of a fortnight – with these crucial clashes set to make or break Maresca’s first season in charge as they also try to win the Europa Conference League.
Everton (home)
April 26th
Liverpool (home)
May 4th
Newcastle (away)
May 11th
Man United (home)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)
May 25th
Speaking to Premier League productions this week, pundit Alan Shearer sent a warning to Chelsea, claiming Maresca, without doubt, has the hardest run of games out of any Champions League qualification contending side.
“Looking at the fixtures, there’s no doubt in my mind that Chelsea have the toughest run-in,” said Shearer (via The Mirror).
“The league might be done for Liverpool. Obviously, Newcastle is a huge one. And that last game against Nottingham Forest, they could be playing for everything, who gets a Champions League place. So that for me is the toughest run-in.”
This set of fixtures has also been tipped to serve as an audition for £100,000-per-week winger Jadon Sancho, who is currently at Stamford Bridge on loan with an obligation to buy from Man United.
While Sancho’s stay is obligatory on paper, reports in the last few months have claimed that Chelsea can cancel the move by paying a penalty fee of £5 million.
Sancho is said to have already agreed terms on a permanent Chelsea move, but it appears the club do have an option not to make his stay indefinite.
Chelsea decide to keep Jadon Sancho after clause triggered
The £25 million obligation is dependent on Maresca’s side finishing above 15th, which is now mathematically guaranteed, and the clause has been triggered as a result.
That is according to CaughtOffside, who also share an update on Chelsea’s stance about using the £5 million fee to get out of buying the 25-year-old.
Jadon Sancho for Chelsea
The outlet claims that Chelsea have decided to keep Sancho at Stamford Bridge next season, and have no plans to pay the penalty, as his form has improved in recent weeks and those within the club view him as a “smart investment”.
Blues insiders also think the £25 million will prove great value for money, and if they do decide to sell the Englishman in future, Sancho could end up being worth more than that.
Chelsea are “happy” to pay the full amount for Sancho, following Maresca’s claim that the ex-Borussia Dortmund starlet is a “special” player.
“As I’ve said before, for sure he is going to help us. We really believe that he is a special player,” said Maresca about Sancho.
“But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious.”
Whilst their search for a new manager is one that will steal the biggest headlines this summer, Rangers have also now reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League contract rebel.
Rangers still searching for Clement replacement
After a disastrous campaign in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers and incoming new owners 49ers Enterprises must get things right this summer. The last thing they need is to be back to square one this time next year if their first managerial appointment goes wrong. It’s not a job which lacks potential suitors though, handing Rangers several opportunities.
Not just McCausland: £3.4m flop must never start for Rangers again
Rangers will need to move a few players on this summer to raise funds.
ByRoss Kilvington Apr 14, 2025
Whilst names such as Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho have been mentioned as of late, however, it’s Sean Dyche who Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes can turn things around at Ibrox.
In a chat with Football FanCast, the former striker said: “Sean Dyche would be an interesting one for me. His teams have always been very very competitive but particularly his Everton side, it’s always a struggle and a fight. I’d like to see him in a team that are expected to win every week. I think he would enjoy that as much as anything, I really do.
Everton manager Sean Dyche
“So, it’s a well-sought after job and there will be no shortage of people going for it. Mourinho was obviously there recently and he is somebody who certainly a lot of Rangers fans would take to and appreciate but I just think the most important thing is they’ve gotta get it right.”
Meanwhile, as that search continues, those at Ibrox have also kept one eye on an all-important summer transfer window. Again, it’s one that the 49ers must get right and, again, several targets are already reportedly emerging – including a young Premier League contract rebel who could arrive at a bargain price.
Rangers chasing Derry deal
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are now chasing a bargain deal to sign Jesse Derry after the 17-year-old rejected the chance to sign a professional contract at Crystal Palace.
Sparking interest from around Europe, Derry is reportedly open to a move abroad and could yet get the chance to complete a move to Ibrox or to their Old Firm rivals Celtic this summer. Whilst clubs will have to pay a compensation fee, the price of that deal should be far cheaper than it would have been had the winger penned a professional deal at Selhurst Park.
Given his goalscoring exploits at youth level this season too, there’s no doubt that the Eagles will be losing a rising star. Derry has scored as many as nine goals in eight U18 Premier League games this season and may only continue that record if he joins Rangers.
Financially speaking, meanwhile, welcoming a player who’s on the rise rather than a more established name would also make perfect sense for Rangers. Developing future stars before selling them on for profit is something that would bring the Gers success on and off the pitch.
Chelsea have now submitted an opening bid of £64m for an “incredible” striker, but they are set to face fierce competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Blues ramping up striker pursuit
The Blues looked toothless in front of goal yesterday afternoon, drawing 0-0 away at Brentford, with Christopher Nkunku once again failing to deliver at striker, having scored just three Premier League goals all season.
The performance at the Gtech Community Stadium underlined the need for Enzo Maresca to bring in a top striker in the summer transfer window, and the west Londoners have been ramping up their pursuit over the past few weeks.
There has been a positive update on the move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian now setting his sights on a move to Stamford Bridge, while Maresca’s side are also plotting an approach for Lille striker Jonathan David, who is set to be available on a free transfer.
Chelsea now interested in signing £43m Inter Milan star alongside Thuram
The Blues have identified a new target ahead of the summer transfer window…
ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025
A number of Europe’s top strikers are on the shortlist, including Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and a report from Spain has now revealed Chelsea have made their first move for the Swedish striker, submitting a €75m (£64m) bid for his services.
However, there may be fierce competition for Gyokeres’ signature, with Manchester United also submitting an offer of the same value, while recent reports have also detailed the Sporting star could be keen on a move to Arsenal following talks with sporting director Andrea Berta.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
The Blues believe the forward will be able to adapt to life in the Premier League quickly, which is why they are willing to make a huge offer, and his goal record in Portugal this season indicates he could make an instant impact in Maresca’s side.
"Incredible" Gyokeres impressing in Portugal
The 26-year-old has been in simply sensational form for Sporting this season, amassing 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, showcasing that he is ready for a big move to one of Europe’s top clubs.
Not only that, but the Sweden international, who has been lauded as “incredible”, ranks highly across a number of other key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Shot-creating actions
3.85 (95th percentile)
Progressive carries
4.29 (96th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.18 (83rd percentile)
Touches (Att pen)
6.07 (86th percentile)
With Nkunku potentially in line to leave this summer, and Nicolas Jackson now without a goal in his last 10 Premier League games, it is clear the Blues will need to bring in a top striker this summer.
Gyokeres’ goal record indicates he could be one of the best options on the market, so it is exciting news that Chelsea have now made the first move by submitting an opening bid.