Plus: the father and son who carried their bats, and the most stumpings in internationals

Steven Lynch02-Feb-2016AB de Villiers bagged a pair in the final Test against England – but South Africa still won. How many times has a captain got a pair but won anyway? asked Edward Howard from England

Against England in Centurion, AB de Villiers became only the 21st man to bag a pair in a Test match in which he was captain, the second from South Africa after Louis Tancred against England at The Oval in 1912. There have been four instances by Australia and West Indies captains, three by Pakistan, two by England, New Zealand and India, and one by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Of those, de Villiers was only the fourth to end up on the winning side, after Joe Darling (Australia v England in Sheffield in 1902), Nasser Hussain (England v West Indies at The Oval in 2000) and Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka v Pakistan in Faisalabad in 2004-05).Who scored two Test centuries, completing both of them with the No. 11 at the other end? asked Marcus Porter from England

This cool-headed batsman was Peter Willey, who made two hundreds in his 26 Tests for England between 1976 and 1986. Both centuries came against West Indies, the champion team of the time. The first came at The Oval in 1980: Willey had only 24 when last man Bob Willis joined him at the crease at 92 for 9, but they more than doubled the score in adding 117 – and Ian Botham delayed his declaration until Willey reached 100, from 203 balls in nearly four hours. Eight months later, in the first Test ever played in Antigua, Willey had 69 when No. 11 Graham Dilley came in. Dilley made only 2, but survived for more than an hour, in which time Willey moved to 102 not out, his highest Test score.Does Mahendra Singh Dhoni now hold the record for the most stumpings in international cricket? asked Melissa Gomes from Denmark

When MS Dhoni stumped James Faulkner in the second T20 against Australia in Melbourne last week, it was his 140th such dismissal in all internationals (38 in Tests, 89 in ODIs and 13 in T20Is). That put him one in front of Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara: Dhoni had equalled the old record with his 139th stumping, Glenn Maxwell, earlier in that same innings in Melbourne. Another Sri Lankan, Romesh Kaluwitharana, is the only other wicketkeeper with more than 100 international stumpings – he made 101. Moin Khan is next with 93, while Adam Gilchrist had 92.Mudassar Nazar followed his father in carrying his bat for a century in a Test for Pakistan•PA PhotosThere are only two instances of a team total exceeding 1000 runs in a first-class match. Is it true that Don Bradman figured in both those innings? asked Alex Nweke from Zimbabwe

The two four-figure totals in first-class cricket were both amassed by Victoria in the 1920s: they made 1059 against Tasmania in Melbourne in 1922-23, then trumped that with 1107 against New South Wales at the MCG in 1926-27.
Don Bradman didn’t actually play in either match – he didn’t make his debut for New South Wales until 1927-28 – but one man did: Bill Ponsford made 429 for Victoria in the first game, the record first-class score at the time, and added 352 in the second one. The prolific Ponsford improved his record to 437 against Queensland in Melbourne in 1927-28. That stood as the highest first-class score for two seasons, until Bradman punished the long-suffering Queenslanders for 452 not out for NSW in Sydney in 1929-30.Is Ashish Nehra the oldest Indian player to figure in a T20 international? asked Sunit Kumar from the UAE

Ashish Nehra was 36 years 267 days old when he played against Australia in Sydney last weekend – which makes him the second-oldest Indian to appear in a T20I. Nehra will have to keep going for another couple of years to take the record, which is currently held by Rahul Dravid. He was 38 years 232 days old when he made his one and only appearance in a T20I – having already announced his retirement from the format – against England at Old Trafford in 2011. Dravid is only 16th on the overall list, which is headed by the UAE’s 43-year-old captain Mohammad Tauqir, against Netherlands in Edinburgh in 2015.Is there any case of a father and son carrying their bat in Tests? asked David Ferrier from Norway

There’s only one instance of this. Playing in what was only Pakistan’s second official Test match, against India in Lucknow in 1952-53, Nazar Mohammad scored an undefeated 124 of the total of 331, to set up a decisive lead: Pakistan, who had lost the first Test badly, went on to the victory that levelled their inaugural series. Just over 30 years later, his son Mudassar Nazar carried his bat for 152 in Pakistan’s innings of 323 against India in Lahore in 1982-83.Send in your questions using our feedback form.

Manchester City have certainly meant business during the current January transfer window, making three signings over the last few weeks.

Pep Guardiola may be going through the worst run of form during his 16-year managerial career, but it looks as though he is planning ahead for the future with regard to his new arrivals.

While the Premier League title may be out of reach this term, the Spaniard signed a new two-year extension late last year, signalling his intent to get the club back to where they belong.

There is just over a week left of the transfer window, but will City make another signing in that time?

It is no coincidence that City’s form has dropped off a cliff since Rodri suffered his season ending injury back in September. Will the club seek to sign a player who could turn out be to a younger version of the Spanish gem?

Manchester City's search for a midfielder

So far, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov have all arrived in Manchester this month, bolstering Guardiola’s attacking and defensive options.

Transfer Focus

Two areas that needed some reinforcements have now been strengthened. Will City’s midfield be next?

According to reports in Spain, City are showing interest in midfielder Mikel Jauregizar, who plays for Athletic Bilbao.

Having scoured the transfer markets for midfield candidates, it appears as though Guardiola has found his man and is prepared to launch an opening bid of €25m (£21m) to secure his signature.

The report does on to say that any deal will likely take place in the summer, but having a plan in place will see another young talent arrive at the Etihad.

Douglas Luiz has also been targeted by City as a potential signing, but Juventus don’t want to sell which means any move would only be temporary between now and the end of the season.

Jauregizar has all the qualities in his armoury to become Rodri 2.0 for Guardiola in Manchester, that’s for sure.

Rodri’s Manchester City statistics

In the summer of 2019, having just won their second Premier League title in a row, City broke their club record by spending £62.8m to sign Rodri from Atlético Madrid.

“Rodri has proven himself as a hugely talented, young midfielder,” said director of football Txiki Begiristain. “He has as all the attributes we are looking for.”

The midfielder has since proved to be one of Guardiola’s finest signings of his career.

Across his first three seasons, Rodri missed just 12 Premier League matches, but the 2022/23 campaign saw the midfielder establish himself as one of the best in the world.

The Etihad side won the treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League that term, but Rodri conducted the orchestra.

Across the league campaign, the Spaniard averaged a 91% pass success rate, while creating nine big chances, making 1.9 tackles and winning an impressive 59% of his total duels per match.

If this season proved Rodri belonged among the best players in the world, his 2023/24 displays proved he wasn’t a one-season wonder.

He helped his club win another league title, before starring for Spain at Euro 2024, as his nation won every game to win their fourth continental crown.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

50

9

14

2022/23

56

4

7

2021/22

46

7

2

2020/21

53

2

5

2019/20

52

4

2

The 28-year-old subsequently won the Ballon d’Or for playing a key role in the success of his club and country.

His injury this season has hampered the club’s chances of winning five league titles in a row. By signing Jauregizar – whether in the summer or this month – the Manchester side could be bringing an ideal long-term heir to Rodri. That’s a certainty.

Why Mikel Jauregizar could be Rodri 2.0

Like Rodri, Jauregizar emerged from a Spanish side’s youth system as a talented young midfielder with plenty to prove.

The 21-year-old made his senior debut for Bilbao last season, having featured 23 times for the youth team. He showed vast potential to succeed in the club’s top flight.

This season, the youngster has missed just three La Liga matches. During his time on the pitch, he averages 2.1 tackles per game, along with losing possession just 7.5 times per game while winning 50% of his ground duels.

The Spaniard is certainly raw, but his potential is vast, and there is no reason why he can’t be a success in the Premier League.

When compared to his positional peers in La Liga, the Bilbao starlet ranks in the top 3% for tackles (3.1) per 90, the top 21% for ball recoveries (5.67) per 90 and in the top 15% for goal-creating actions (0.44) per 90, proving he is effective whether or not his team have the ball.

Moving to City could be the ideal place for Jauregizar to develop, especially considering he can learn from Rodri, which would allow him to become a better player.

Amid the links to the player, writer David Walker praised the youngster, saying: “Athletic Bilbao’s young talent Mikel Jauregizar has also been mentioned as a possibility. City are very active in the transfer market this month – which is great – but the key position, that of DM. and future cover for Rodri, is the one glaring omission thus far.”

Unfortunately, as much as the City faithful would like him to stay, Rodri won’t be around forever. This means signing a player who could develop into his heir will be Guardiola’s next major priority.

If he can strike a deal to sign the current Bilbao star, especially for a measly £21m, then it could be a wise move in the transfer market.

City may not be at the level that has been demonstrated over the previous few years, but with the club’s business in the transfer market recently, they could return to their former glories next season.

Adding Jauregizar to his ranks, Guardiola will be set on returning City to the summit of English football.

Man City have hit gold on "huge talent" who is worth way more than Marmoush

Man City have hit the jackpot on a certain player who is bouncing back into form.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jan 25, 2025

Todd Boehly has certainly backed up his ambitions since taking over Chelsea in May 2022, signing players left, right and centre for the first-team and academy teams.

The American has dropped over £1.2bn on new additions in his near three-year spell in West London, providing Enzo Maresca with all the ammunition needed to be a success in the Premier League.

Undoubtedly, such erratic dealings have seen former managers struggle, but the Italian has walked into life at Stamford Bridge with ease, ultimately creating a settled side for league and cup.

Such a layout won’t favour every player, with numerous having to settle for either minutes off the bench or, at worst, struggling to gain any first-team action at all given the huge number of players currently on the books.

One player has fallen into such a category, with the Blues star almost certain for a move away from the Bridge this month, leading to interest from one European outfit.

Chelsea star wanted by Bundesliga giants

According to Sky Germany journalist Patrick Berger, Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is a target for Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund this month, with a potential loan with an option to buy mooted.

The 21-year-old joined the Blues from Aston Villa back in 2022 for a reported £20m, but his time in the capital has been limited to say the least, finding himself on the fringes of the first team squad as a result.

He’s only featured for a combined 131 minutes in all competitions during 2024/25, starting just one game in the Europa Conference League – with Chukwuemeka pushing for a move come the end of January.

Berger claimed that Dortmund boss Nuri Şahin is a “big fan” of the Englishman, following in the footsteps of Ian Maatsen, who joined the German side on loan this time last year.

However, should the £100k-per-week earner move permanently to Signal Iduna Park, it may be a huge mistake on the part of Maresca to allow him to leave, potentially replicating the mistake made in allowing a former talent to depart and move to Germany.

Why Chukwuemeka could be a De Bruyne repeat for Chelsea

Attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne joined Chelsea way back in January 2012 for a reported £6.7m, before re-joining Belgian side Genk on loan for the remainder of the season.

He would subsequently spend the following campaign on loan at German outfit Werder Bremen, impressing during his temporary stint, registering ten goals and nine assists in just 34 appearances.

Such form catapulted him into the Blues first-team, but after just nine appearances in the first half of the 2013/14 season, he joined Wolfsburg on a permanent basis for around £16.7m – banking a £10m deal profit, but a decade on, the deal looks to be a huge mistake.

De Bruyne starred with increased game time, notching 20 goals and 35 assists – ultimately leading to a £54m transfer back to England to join Manchester City in 2015 – a move that has since allowed him to become one of Europe’s leading playmakers.

2015/16

41

16

13

2016/17

49

7

20

2017/18

52

12

21

2018/19

32

6

10

2019/20

48

16

22

2020/21

40

10

18

2021/22

45

19

14

2022/23

49

10

28

2023/24

26

6

17

2024/25

18

2

3

Total:

400

104

166

The now 33-year-old has since scored over 100 times and registered over 150 assists under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, helping the Citizens win five consecutive Premier League titles – something that could have happened to the Blues had they kept hold of the Belgian.

Fast-forward over a decade, Chelsea are faced with a similar prospect in the form of Chukwuemeka who, like De Bruyne, may well be heading to Germany after restricted game time at the Bridge.

The 21-year-old, who’s previously been dubbed a “superstar” talent by scout Jacek Kulig, has never really been given a lengthy run in the side, especially under Maresca, to prove what he’s capable of.

Undoubtedly, given his tender age, he’s in serious need of regular match action to reach the potential he arrived with upon his move, possibly making a loan deal a better option than a permanent one.

Should it be a permanent transfer, Dortmund would be getting themselves yet another top English prospect – potentially following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham – with Chelsea’s loss undoubtedly their gain.

Dream Nkunku replacement: Chelsea make enquiry to sign £80m PL star

Maresca can finally axe Nkunku by acquiring a well-suited “maverick” for his Chelsea side

ByConnor Holden Jan 12, 2025

Fast bowler claims England made all the running at Edgbaston and will come harder at Lord’s

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-2023Ollie Robinson has stepped up his war of words with Australia’s cricket establishment by claiming it is the visitors who will have to change their ways to keep up with England’s Bazballers in the second Test at Lord’s, despite Australia having taken the series lead with their two-wicket win at Edgbaston this week.Writing in his new column for Wisden.com, Robinson said he was surprised by Australia’s unwillingness “to go toe-to-toe with us”, adding that Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, had told the team in his post-match address that they had made all the running in the game and that “it feels like we’ve won, lads”.”He just said, “Lads, I’m immensely proud of the efforts that you’ve put in, we’ve made the game what it was,” Robinson related. “We were so close to pulling off an unbelievable victory. We played all the cricket in the game. If it wasn’t for us, the Australians wouldn’t have even had a chance to win.”Robinson added: “We’re trying to create memories and be that team that everyone still speaks about in 20-30 years’ time. We’ve entertained the world, and we’ve put the Aussies on the back foot. For him to say that after a loss is quite significant for us.”Robinson’s comments come after his run-in with Usman Khawaja during the Edgbaston Test, in which he had told him “f**k off, you f***ing prick” after bowling him for 141 in the first innings, before James Anderson had to pull him away from another confrontation during his second-innings 65.Those incidents, and Robinson’s mid-match remark that he “doesn’t care” what people think of his on-field attitude, drew an angry retort from Australia’s former opening bat, Matthew Hayden, who described him as a “forgettable cricketer”, and suggested that his opinions were not in keeping with his talents.Related

• James Anderson: Edgbaston pitch was 'like kryptonite for me'

• Switch Hit: Australia win Edg-Baz-ton thriller

• Will Australia bring in Starc for Boland at Lord's?

• Forget the frivolous narrative, Bazball is a hard-nosed, winning strategy

• Ponting: If Robinson hasn't learned already … then he's a slow learner

“He’s a fast bowler that is bowling 124kph nude nuts and he’s got a mouth from the south,” Hayden told SEN Radio in Australia. “Someone like him, you can just go, ‘Brother, I’m coming at ya’. Davey Warner can do that, right. He can just say, ‘You’re bowling 120′.”Hayden’s former captain, Ricky Ponting – whom Robinson had referenced as an example of a previous Ashes sledger – also took aim at his comments.”This England cricket team hasn’t played against Australia, and they’ll find out pretty quickly what playing Ashes cricket and playing against a good Australian cricket team is all about,” Ponting said on an ICC podcast. “And if Robinson hasn’t learned that already after last week, then he’s a slow learner.”On the Khawaja incident, Robinson told Wisden.com: “I didn’t realise the Ussie send-off was such a big thing until I got off the pitch to find my phone blowing up with mates texting me and it all going off.””I just got caught up in the moment,” he added. “I was desperate for a wicket; I hadn’t bowled that well in the first innings. Obviously Ussie was the big wicket, he was playing beautifully. It was nothing against Ussie, it was just one of those things, I got caught up in the moment and let myself go.”It was certainly an interesting week for me, taking Broady’s mantle as Australia’s public enemy number one!” Robinson added, referencing a tweet from Fox Cricket that described him as the “No.1 villain”.Broad – whose refusal to walk in the Trent Bridge Test in 2013 was the major flashpoint of that year’s Ashes action – responded to the same tweet, saying: “No1 Villain?! I can’t have lost that tag already can I?! Disappointing.”Looking ahead to next week’s second Test at Lord’s, Robinson added that England “know what’s at stake” but promised that “you’re going to see us come harder and harder” in their bid to turn around the scoreline and win the Ashes for the first time since 2015.”It’s not just the game and the result on the line, but also the faith that we’re asking the English public to have in us for playing in this new way,” he added. “I have faith in this team that, even if we went 2-0 down, we could still win 3-2, because of the style of cricket that we’re playing.”

Manchester United’s need for a new striker has become even more evident after the last few outings, none more so than the meeting with Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday evening.

Although the Red Devils managed to get through on penalties in the clash at the Emirates, their lack of threat in the final third was notable, only managing to register four shots on target in 120 minutes of football.

Rasmus Hojlund was the man chosen to lead the line but failed to register a single effort on goal, also losing 100% of his duels, before being replaced in the 80th minute.

The Dane has now failed to score a single goal in seven matches across all competitions, undoubtedly contributing to the club’s lowly tally of just 23 goals in the first 20 matches of the Premier League campaign.

His subsequent run could see the hierarchy delve into the transfer market to try and improve the current situation, including one player who could prove to be a bargain down the line.

Man Utd target move for £30m star this January

According to one Spanish outlet, United have been credited with an interest in landing Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder before the end of the January window.

The 19-year-old only joined the Portuguese side in September but has wasted no time in impressing, scoring seven times in 23 appearances since his move.

The report states that the Liga Portugal side don’t want to lose the youngster, but could entertain offers in the region of €35m (£30m), potentially opening the door to a move to Old Trafford.

It would be a surprise to see Ruben Amorim raid his former club after his comments upon taking the reins at United, but Harder could provide an option in the short and long term in forward areas.

He would also provide an upgrade on another player who’s been touted with a move to the club in recent days, with the hierarchy needing to chase the Dane over a move for a big-money talent.

How Harder compares to Kolo Muani

PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani has been a name constantly touted with a move to join United this month, but the Old Trafford side face serious competition from the likes of Juventus and Spurs for his signature.

The Frenchman, who cost the Parisians £76m in the summer of 2023, has only started two Ligue 1 outings during the ongoing campaign, opening the door for a potential exit.

Amorim’s side have constantly been linked, but given the recent rumours over a move for youngster Harder, the club should put their focus into a move for the Sporting ace, who would be a better fit, whilst also having the potential to improve further.

Games played

19

10

Goals & assists

10

3

Progressive carries

2.1

2

Progressive passes

1.7

1.2

Shots taken

4.6

3.8

Carries into the final third

1.7

1

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.2

The Danish international, who’s already been dubbed “the new Gyokeres” by one analyst, has outscored the PSG man, whilst also averaging a higher goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in the final third.

Harder has also managed more progressive carries and passes per 90 in 2024/25, having the all-round attributes to star as a superb leading talisman for Amorim for many years to come.

£30m may seem like a hefty sum for a player who’s in the very early stages of his professional career, but his talent is there for all to see, already outperforming one of France’s leading attackers.

It would be a shrewd investment for the present and the future, handing the new boss with all of the tools to build on his impressive start to life as manager in Manchester.

Huge upgrade on Zirkzee: Man Utd actively chasing £50m "future superstar"

Man Utd need to back Ruben Amorim in the transfer market this month.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 14, 2025

After conceding three goals during their latest Premier League defeat, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery knows what position needs bolstered during the winter transfer window.

With Tyrone Mings and Diego Carlos both turning 32 by the end of the season, bringing in another centre-back is top of the manager’s wish list heading into January.

Recent reports indicate that Emery has already set his sights on bringing in a new signing…

Aston Villa's transfer search

As reported by Caught Offside earlier this week, PSG defender Milan Skriniar is set to be put up for sale by the French club next month, with 11 clubs battling it out to secure his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

A price tag of €35m (£29m) has been set for the player, but this figure could be reduced to around €25m (£21m) as per the report.

European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Real Madrid, AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in Skriniar, meaning Villa face some stiff competition.

If they managed to pull off the signing, the Slovakian would be an ideal upgrade for Carlos, no doubt about that.

Milan Skriniar can be an upgrade on Diego Carlos

Carlos has started just 13 games throughout the 2024/25 campaign, failing to really impress during his time on the pitch.

In the Premier League, the Brazilian has lost possession 7.2 times per game, while winning only 45% of his ground duels along with committing one foul per game.

Emery needs some quality in this area and a move for Skriniar could see Carlos moved on in January and this would be the best move for all parties.

The Slovak centre-back has spent the previous seven seasons playing for two of the biggest teams in Europe – Inter Milan and PSG.

Winner of both the French and Italian domestic leagues along with a handful of cups, Skriniar has that winning mentality that Emery requires to lead his defence.

During Euro 2020, Swedish player Albin Ekdal heaped praise on the defender before the clash between the two nations, lauding him as “one of the best in the world”:

This season hasn’t been the most productive, however, making just five appearances in all competitions, slipping down the pecking order in the French capital.

Despite this limited game time, Skriniar has shone on the field. Not only has he won 61% of his total duels contested, but the centre-back has lost possession just 3.6 times per game while averaging a 97% pass success rate in Ligue 1.

Imagine how impressive he could be if he was given a regular starting berth in Emery’s Villa side. Especially considering his solid displays for the French side, despite playing just five games.

A fee of £21m may turn into a wonderful bargain. That’s a certainty.

McGinn 2.0: Aston Villa battling PL rivals for "underrated" £50m maestro

Aston Villa are eyeing up a move for a La Liga midfielder…

By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 28, 2024

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

Chelsea shortlist new striker options amid Nkunku uncertainty

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

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

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

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jan 22, 2025

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

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

Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures

Date

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (away)

February 22

Southampton (home)

February 25

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

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

Chelsea could move for Matheus Cunha "at any moment"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exiled Wrexham striker Paul Mullin posted an emotional five-word message on Instagram after his side took a giant leap towards another promotion.

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Wrexham beat Blackpool 2-1Inch closer to third straight promotionMullin sends five word messageFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mullin has not played a single minute for Wrexham since January but despite being left out of the squad, he still rejoiced in the Welsh side's crucial 2-1 win at Blackpool as they went back into League One's automatic promotion spots. The 30-year-old said it was a "great result" for the Red Dragons, while reflecting on their promotion from League Two in an emotional post.

AdvertisementWHAT MULLIN SAID

Mullin, who led Wrexham two back-to-back promotions, wrote in an Instagram story: "Great result from the boys!"

In another post, he posted a photo from last season and added: "Time flies… feels like yesterday".

InstagramInstagramTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Mullin has gone from being the main man at Wrexham to someone who can't even get in matchday squads under manager Phil Parkinson. January signing Sam Smith, veterans Jay Rodriguez and Steven Fletcher, and Jack Marriott are all ahead of him in the pecking order as the Welsh outfit inch closer to a third-straight promotion. While many may not want to admit it, Mullin's time with the club could be drawing to a close.

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Wrexham, who sit second in League One with a two-point lead over Wycombe Wanderers in third, can secure promotion to the Championship this weekend if they beat fourth-placed Charlton Athletic and Wycombe fail to win at Leyton Orient.

اتخذ الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك بقيادة البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، قرارا جديدا بشأن تدريبات الفريق غداً الأربعاء، خلال المعسكر الحالي المقامة بالعاصمة الإدارية، استعداداً للموسم الجديد.

وقرر الجهاز الفني خوض التدريبات على فترتين، ستقتصر الفترة الصباحية على خوض تدريبات في صالة الجيمانيزيوم لتجهيز اللاعبين بدنياً للمرحلة المقبلة، في حين ستشهد الفترة المسائية التركيز على الجوانب الفنية.

طالع| مران الزمالك | يانيك فيريرا يتوجه بطلب للاعبين وتدريبات بدنية لرفع معدلات اللياقة

وكان فريق الزمالك انتظم في معسكر مغلق بالعاصمة الإدارية، ظهر اليوم الثلاثاء، في إطار المرحلة الثانية من فترة الإعداد للموسم الجديد.

ومن المقرر أن يستمر المعسكر حتى يوم 27 يوليو الجاري، على أن يتخلله خوض عدد من المباريات الودية، لتجهيز اللاعبين للموسم الجديد.

تجدر الإشارة إلى أن الزمالك أتم التعاقد مع 4 صفقات جديدة في الميركاتو الصيفي الحالي، وهم عمرو ناصر من فاركو والحارس المهدي سليمان والأنجولي شيكو بانزا، وأحمد شريف.  

da bwin： Glasgow Rangers still have a bit of time left before the January transfer window officially slams shut if they want to make any further additions to their first-team squad.

da bet vitoria： The Light Blues have already confirmed, on deadline day, that they have reached an agreement with Lyall Cameron to sign him at the end of his contract with Dundee in the summer.

His deal with the Scottish Premiership side expires at the end of the season and the young central midfielder will link-up with his new teammates at Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Whilst the main focus from supporters may be on the players who could be arriving at Ibrox before the end of the window, Rangers have also been handed a big boost by keeping hold of their star players.

Rangers star set to stay at Ibrox

According to Italian journalist Fabio Marsiglia, Romania international attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi is set to remain a Rangers player beyond the end of the current transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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His contract at Ibrox is due to expire in the summer and Serie A outfit Genoa were reportedly keen to snap him up ‘immediately’ to bolster their squad.

However, Margsiglia, speaking to Ibrox News, has revealed that the Italian team has moved on to another target. The reporter said: “I don’t think Hagi can arrive today because Genoa is closing with Milan for Hugo Cuenca, a 2005-born attacking midfielder or winger.”

This suggests that the midfielder is going to remain a Rangers player until, at least, the end of the season and that should come as a massive boost for Philippe Clement and his team.

Why keeping Ianis Hagi is a massive boost

The manager, the players, and the supporters should be delighted that Genoa are not swooping in to sign the midfield star today because he is a crucial player for the Gers.

It was only yesterday, on Sunday, that Hagi provided a timely reminder of the quality that he can provide on the pitch for Rangers, scoring twice in the 4-0 win over Ross County.

The £21k-per-week star, who was once described as an “absolute dream” to work with by Steven Gerrard, has starred in the Scottish Premiership for the Light Blues this season.

Hagi was not initially included in the squad for the Europa League, which he can now be registered for ahead of the play-offs, and that allowed him to focus fully on thriving in domestic action.

24/25 Premiership

Ianis Hagi

Starts

12

Goals

3

Big chances created

5

Key passes per game

2.1

Assists

5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old magician has made a big impact at the top end of the pitch with eight direct goal contributions in 12 starts.

These statistics, and his aforementioned performance on Sunday, show that Hagi is an important player for Clement and that is why keeping hold of him beyond deadline day is a huge boost for the club and one that should be celebrated heading into the second half of the season.

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Posts ByDan Emery Feb 2, 2025