Zimbabwe have emerged as one of two options being considered to host the Women’s T20 World Cup this year. The tournament, which is due to start on October 3 and was scheduled for Bangladesh, is likely to be moved after anti-government agitations prompted security concerns. The UAE is the other place being considered, after India ruled themselves out on Thursday. It is understood that a decision is expected to be made by the ICC board on Tuesday, August 20.Zimbabwe’s interest, confirmed to ESPNcricinfo, comes on the back of intentions to promote themselves as a destination for big cricket after successfully hosting the last two ODI World Cup Qualifiers (in 2018 and 2023). The country last hosted a World Cup in 2003, along with South Africa and Kenya.Since then, Zimbabwe spent several years isolated from major events, which included the Robert Mugabe regime cutting itself off from much of the world, hyperinflation, a self-imposed Test hiatus between 2005 and 2011, and the men’s team failing to qualify for two successive ODI World Cups and two of the last three T20 World Cups. The women’s team has never competed at a World Cup (neither have the UAE’s) and will not feature at this year’s event either, but Zimbabwe are eager to be neutral hosts of the tournament.Related

• Healy: 'Hard to fathom' T20 World Cup going ahead in Bangladesh

• Bangladesh to approach UN about keeping hosting rights for Women's T20 World Cup

• BCCI rejects ICC's offer to host Women's T20 World Cup

• Bangladesh turmoil: ICC mulls back-up options to host women's T20 World Cup

• Bangladesh in turmoil: how will cricket be impacted?

Zimbabwe will co-host the men’s Under-19 World Cup with Namibia in 2026 and the ODI World Cup with South Africa and Namibia in 2027. By then, the country will have two more international grounds with Zimbabwe Cricket and local government authorities working together to build multi-purpose facilities in Victoria Falls and Mutare.For now, Zimbabwe can offer Harare Sports Club (which also has newly installed floodlights) and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo as venues for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. These grounds also hosted all the televised matches in the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, with streaming games held at Takashinga Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club.The weather in Zimbabwe is expected to be a major selling point, with the country entering summer in October and minimal rain expected. India rejected the offer to host because the country will be experiencing the last of the monsoon. Sri Lanka is also understood to have fallen out of contention for weather-related reasons.Crucially, Zimbabwe will be able to generate fairly good crowds, including school children at venues, where the maximum capacity is 10,000. A concern with the UAE as a venue is the lack of spectators in stadiums that can seat over 20,000 people. Zimbabwe are also hopeful that the relatively lower cost of hosting a tournament in their country compared to the UAE will give them an advantage when the final decision is made.

Newcastle United are almost back in action.

It is less than a fortnight until the Magpies commence their pre-season schedule, making the 139-mile journey north to face Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, with 10,000 Geordies forecast to be travelling to Glasgow to support them at Parkhead.

After that, Eddie Howe’s team will travel to Asia for games against Arsenal in Kallang, the K League All-Stars in Suwon and then Tottenham in Seoul, before Espanyol and Atlético Madrid will visit St James’ Park for a weekend double-header in early August.

So, before their visit to Scotland, will the Toon Army have any new signings to cast their eye over?

Newcastle looking to bolster their squad

Newcastle are yet to make a signing this summer, but that could change in the coming days.

James Trafford is set to arrive from Burnley for £30m, thereby becoming the most-expensive English goalkeeper of all time.

Meantime, the Magpies have also stepped up their interest in Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, who is described as Howe’s top target, valued at £30m by la Dea.

A deal that could be finalised before either of those is, as reported by Dominic Scurr of the Shields Gazette, Anthony Elanga’s proposed £55m move from Nottingham Forest.

They state that the Magpies had a £45m bid rejected by Forest, told he was not for sale, but have since offered £10m more, which they describe as a ‘breakthrough’ in negotiations.

Thus, ‘confidence’ is growing that a deal will go through, making Elanga Newcastle’s second-most expensive signing of all time, behind only his compatriot Alexander Isak.

Claims followed from Craig Hope corroborating that report, with the journalist revealing on Sunday evening that an agreement is “close.”

Newcastle United’s most expensive signings
Players	Year	Selling club	Fee
Alexnader Isak	2022	Real Sociedad	£63m
Anthony Elanga	2025	Nottingham Forest	£55m*
Sandro Tonali	2023	AC Milan	£55m
Anthony Gordon	2023	Everton	£45m
Joelinton	2019	Hoffenheim	£40m
Harvey Barnes	2023	Leicester City	£38m
Sven Botman	2022	LOSC Lille	£35m
Bruno Guimarães	2022	Olympique Lyonnais	£33.5m
Tino Livramento	2023	Southampton	£32m
*subject to the deal being finalised.
All information courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table outlines, Joelinton is the only player Newcastle had ever signed for in excess of £30m prior to the PIF takeover and, for the longest time, Michael Owen’s ill-fated £16.8m from Real Madrid in 2005 remained their transfer record.

So, unlike Owen, why will Elanga be a success on Tyneside?

How Anthony Elanga improves Newcastle

Elanga’s performances for Forest last season earned widespread praise, with Statman Dave describing him as “electric”, while David Astill of Total Football Analysis outlined how the Sweden international has become masterful at utilising his pace, often dropping deep before bursting in behind.

Meantime, Ali Tweedale of Opta’s the Analyst is impressed by his two-footedness, labelling him ‘lightning-quick’, while documenting how he’s been able to find the end-product to match, considering only two players registered more assists than he did in the Premier League last season.

Elanga’s potential transfer to Newcastle is reminiscent of his namesake Anthony Gordon’s move from Everton in January 2023, arriving from a Premier League rival for big money.

So, let’s assess how Elanga at Forest compares to Gordon at Everton.

Elanga vs Gordon PL comparison
Statistics	Elanga at Forest	Gordon at Everton
Appearances	74	65
Minutes	4,944	3,911
Goals	11	7
Assists	20	3
All statistics below are on a per-90 basis.
Shots	1.5	1.3
Shots on target	0.9	1
Chances created	1.5	1
Take-on success %	40%	37.87%
Touches	42.1	49.5
Touches in the box	4.6	3.4
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and Squawka

As the table outlines, Elanga right now is vastly more experienced than Gordon was when he made the move to Newcastle, not to mention the Swede’s 39 Premier League appearances for Manchester United before joining Forest too.

Elanga has registered more goals and assists, as well as accumulated more shots and chances created, on top of completing a higher percentage of his take-ons. That said, the shared ability to take on a player and create something inside the area certainly makes them alike.

Across the last two seasons, Gordon scored 20 goals and registered 23 assists while the Toon’s latest target netted 11 and supplied 20 assists, certainly rubber-stamping their creative prowess.

Gordon has been largely outstanding since moving to St James’ Park and all available evidence suggests Elanga could have a similarly big impact, should he swap Nottingham for Newcastle.

Could be better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "insane" winger

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Angus Sinclair

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يستقبل نانت ضيفه رين الفرنسي في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة من بطولة الدوري الفرنسي موسم 2025-2026 على ملعب “لا البوجوار”.

ويحتل نانت المركز الرابع عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري الفرنسي برصيد ثلاث نقاط خلال أربع مباريات من فوز واحد وخسارة 3 مباريات وسجل الفريق هدف وأستقبلت شباكه 3 اهداف.

ويحتل رين المركز السادس برصيد 7 نقاط من انتصارين وتعادل واحد وهزيمة واحدة وسجل الفريق 5 أهداف واستقبلت شباكه 6 أهداف.

أقرأ أيضاً.. تقييم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وإيفرتون بـ الدوري الإنجليزي

وخسر نانت من باريس سان جيرمان في المباراة الافتتاحية للدوري الفرنسي بهدف نظيف، وخسر مرة أخرى ضد ستراسبورج بهدف،وحقق الفوز الوحيد ضد أوكسير بهدف، وعاد للهزيمة ضد نيس بهدف.

وقد أعلن لويس كاسترو مدرب نانت تشكيل فريقه والذي سيقوده المهاجم المصري مصطفى محمد والذي يلعب بشكل أساسي منذ بداية اللقاء. تشكيل نانت أمام رين في الدوري الفرنسي

 في حراسة المرمى: لوبيز

خط الدفاع: كوزا- تاتي – أوازيم- أميان

خط الوسط: موانجا – ليبنانت – ليروكس

خط الهجوم: أبلين – مصطفى محمد – بن حطاب

Wolverhampton Wanderers find themselves looking to build on a mixed campaign last term and are now in the picture to sign a highly-coveted striker, according to a report.

Wolverhampton Wanderers want to kick on after Jhon Arias arrival

Adding some much-needed flair after Matheus Cunha’s departure, Jhon Arias has joined Wolves from Fluminense and has explained that the success of his compatriots at Molineux helped to sell the idea of a move to the Premier League.

He stated: “It’s a project I believe in. They showed me the plans, and there are top players there – I don’t even need to mention André or João Gomes, who came from Flamengo.

“I believe in the squad and in the manager’s work. I know what they expect from me, and I’m ready to give 100%.”

Vitor Pereira has been a breath of fresh air since arriving in the West Midlands, though more reinforcements are needed to ensure the Old Gold can evade being dragged into a relegation scrap.

With that in mind, Almeria full-back Marc Pubill was picked to replace Wolves defender Nelson Semedo, with the latter set to depart to bring an end to a protracted goodbye for the Portugal international. However, the Spaniard has instead joined Atletico Madrid.

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Not to be deterred, Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia could also come in at Molineux after a bid was submitted for his signature, albeit they are competing with Real Madrid and Barcelona to sign the 19-year-old.

Either way, there is plenty of movement on incomings starting to occur at Wolves, which will please supporters after a slow start to the window.

Now, the Old Gold have turned their attention towards strengthening their forward line despite signing Jorgen Strand Larsen on a permanent deal.

Wolverhampton Wanderers fighting to sign Idrissa Gueye

According to L’Equipe, Wolves are one of a number of clubs in the mix for FC Metz striker Idrissa Gueye, who could be set to exit France only months after joining the Ligue 2 club from Génération Foot.

Intriguingly, up to ten clubs are keen on signing the 18-year-old. Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, West Ham United and Southampton are also among his admirers.

Idrissa Gueye at FC Metz – 2024/25 in all competitions

Appearances

20

Goals

5

Assists

1

Metz are keen to recoup a hefty fee of around £17 million for the teenager. Nevertheless, they will listen to offers that near the £13 million mark for the young striker.

Previously, Gueye has been likened to Olivier Giroud by his club’s director of football Frederic Arpinon. At the same time, comparisons to compatriot Sadio Mane have also come to the fore as his rise continues.

Admittedly, the Mbour-born man is likely to be a signing with the future in mind, but there is no harm in Wolves adding another layer of variety to their frontline ahead of another exciting season for all involved at Molineux.

Chelsea have a “new attacking priority” for manager Enzo Maresca as talks begin with his club, and it is believed the man in question is also very keen on joining.

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Maresca recently pinpointed the attack as his next main area of improvement, regardless of their near-£150 million triple deal for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, mainly due to Chelsea’s struggles against the low block last term (Simon Phillips).

It’s practically indisputable that Maresca’s side will come up against sides set up to defend that way time and time again next season.

Their lower-profile Premier League opponents are now perhaps even more wary of Chelsea’s attacking talent, following impressive Club World Cup and Conference League triumphs in the last few months, which sent a real statement of intent to the rest of England that they could challenge for the title next season.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Taking this into account, Chelsea are believed to be in the market for another central attacking midfielder, even amid their need to trim Maresca’s bloated squad after a recent settlement with UEFA (Kaveh Solhekol).

Chelsea held talks with Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze last week in their pursuit of more final-third creativity, but according to more recent reports, RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons is now moving ahead of him in the transfer target pecking order.

The Netherlands international is prepared to leave Leipzig this summer, despite only just joining the Germans on a permanent deal in January after one and a half seasons on loan, and super agent Ali Barat is expected to help Simons facilitate a move away.

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea are the most concrete option for him, and talks have already been held with the player’s representatives amid “serious” interest from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea open talks with RB Leipzig over signing Xavi Simons

Now, reporter Simon Phillips has a pretty encouraging update on the situation, sharing further news via his Substack.

Chelsea have now opened club-to-club talks with Leipzig, which happened on Monday this week, and the 22-year-old is apparently pretty eager to join Maresca’s side, who’ve already secured the player ‘buy-in’.

What’s more, despite reports to the contrary that he’s valued at around £65 million, BlueCo could actually end up striking a deal for Simons closer to the £40 million mark.

“SPTC sources are now hearing that Chelsea opened talks with RB Leipzig regarding signing Simons on Monday this week,” wrote Phillips.

“Talks on the player side have already happened and Chelsea have the player buy in. As we reported earlier this week, Simons is keen on joining Chelsea in more of our news that has since been backed up by other big sources out there now.

“Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, and now Chelsea are speaking to the Bundesliga to understand what sort of fee they will be looking for. We have not yet heard their asking price for Simons, but it is not expected to be as high as what has been reported out there at the moment, which is £65m. We expect it to be under £50m and perhaps even closer to £40m. Let’s see after these talks how much it will cost for Chelsea to sign Simons.”

Simons has been a revelation at Leipzig over the past two seasons – bagging 21 goals and 23 assists in total for them – and this form even prompted the club to make him their highest-ever paid player.

Unlike Eze (27), the former PSG starlet has more time on his side as well, with his age suiting BlueCo’s typical transfer policy down to the ground.

At long, long, long last, Arsenal have their striker. The Gunners have arguably needed one for the last two years, but after several months of searching, the answer has arrived.

On Saturday evening, they announced the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres who put pen to paper after signing for around £64m.

It ended a saga that became rather toxic, particularly at the Sporting end. Gyokeres reportedly told his former employers that he’d never play for the club again after a breakdown in relations.

The Swede felt that the Portuguese side had broken the agreement they had that he could be sold for a particular fee.

Anyway, the attacker has finally got away from Lisbon and will now call London his home, bringing with him an abundance of goals. He scored 54 times in 52 outings throughout 2024/25.

Had that move fallen through, then Andrea Berta did have other options.

Arsenal's striker options this summer

Before Berta decided to go all in on Gyokeres, Slovenian powerhouse Benjamin Sesko was widely thought to be Arsenal’s number one choice.

They’ve been looking at the RB Leipzig striker for the best part of 18 months but things unravelled over the summer of 2025.

Indeed, according to the Athletic, it looked for all the world as though Sesko would be their first choice this summer. In March, Jason Ayton, Edu’s interim successor, was going to head to Germany in a bid to make headway on a deal. But, towards the back end of that month, the dynamic changed after Berta’s arrival at Arsenal.

That trip to Germany was canned and Gyokeres’ name came into contention with Berta a big fan of the player. With support from the owners, the club decided to explore the conditions of both deals.

Unfortunately, Sesko’s salary expectations and associated commission meant that the cost of any deal was too high. Consequently, they focused on Gyokeres and here he is.

Via The Athletic, also considered this summer was Ollie Watkins but they had reservations over his age. Former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez was also on the agenda.

Indeed, the Atletico Madrid star’s name was discussed behind the scenes before they focused their attention on Gyokeres. That was probably a smart move considering some reports valued the Argentine at around £142m this year.

Still, he’d have been a remarkable signing had the club gone in that direction instead.

How Viktor Gyokeres compares to Julian Alvarez

While the Sesko move fell apart due to finances, the Gunners will be enormously content with the deal to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium.

Lavish fees have been spent in England this summer and you only need to look at the £79m fee Liverpool have paid for a project striker in Hugo Ekitike to know what Arsenal have got a better bargain here.

The Portuguese top-flight will have its doubters but the hierarchy in north London have paid just over £60m for a player who bagged 50 plus goals last season.

Even if he scores half that number in Arsenal colours this forthcoming campaign, he will have been a good signing. After all, Mikel Arteta’s men just need goals. For the first time since the 1923/24 campaign, no player in red and white scored double figures in the league. Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz endured lengthy injury spells but it makes for grim reading nonetheless.

There are some concerns surrounding the tactical fit of Gyokeres in this Arsenal team. We’re not attempting to bash this move, he’s a great signing, but despite the Swede’s power and height – he stands at 6 foot 2 – only around 12.5% of his shots came with his head and he didn’t score a single header in the league last term.

If Gyokeres finds a way to over 20 goals next season then few will care how they come but it does explain why Arsenal were looking at other options too, notably Alvarez.

Premier League-proven, the World Cup winner has been described as a “monster” by Argentine journalist Pablo Gonzalez and remarkably as “the best forward in the world” by reporter Roy Nemer.

His stock is incredibly high and his numbers in Spain last campaign demonstrate why. While Alvarez’s goalscoring record paled in comparison to Gyokeres, he did find the net on 29 occasions and at a higher level too. He also registered eight assists in all competitions.

While concerns surround Gyokeres’ ability to translate his form in Portugal to the Premier League, there will have no such doubts about Alvarez. He’s already dazzled for Manchester City at this level.

Alvarez vs Gyokeres since 2023/24 (league only)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Alvarez

Gyokeres

Goals

0.49

1.07

Assists

0.21

0.27

Shots

2.90

3.72

Pass success %

78%

72%

Key passes

1.88

1.81

Passes into penalty area

3.38

0.79

Progressive passes

3.40

1.87

Shot-creating actions

3.94

4.50

Progressive carries

2.50

3.89

Stats via FBRef.

In 2023/24, his final campaign under Pep Guardiola, the 25-year-old netted 19 goals and assisted 14, demonstrating that he is the complete package.

He’s also been there and done it all despite his age. He’s won the English top-flight on two occasions, he’s won the FA Cup, he’s won the Champions League, he’s won Copa America twice and of course, he’s got his hands on the World Cup trophy.

Despite being 25, Alvarez has quite the CV and there is no doubt that he’d have really taken Arsenal to the next level under Arteta’s wing.

Still, with Gyokeres, a 50-goal striker arriving through the door, few can complain when the club’s main problem last term was scoring goals.

Related He'd be better than Rodrygo: Arsenal "are looking" at signing £100m winger

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Arsenal haven’t enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the transfer window by any means, but deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard, who is in the process of completing his medical, mark astute business.

Furthermore, Martin Zubimendi is an Arsenal player in all but confirmation, with his metronomic midfield qualities sure to add some more Spanish flair to Mikel Arteta’s side.

But many Gunners fans are still hoping to see some attacking additions packaged into his talented team. A lack of incisiveness in the final third formed the crux of the club’s issues last season – that and a luckless injury record.

Well, despite the slow start, technical director Andrea Berta is beginning to take the Londoners’ forward search up a notch.

Arsenal seeking new forwards

Arsenal’s search for a new striker is ongoing. Berta has compiled a shortlist of four principal options, and we must now wait and see where a breakthrough might occur.

How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.

However, number nine isn’t the only area Arteta wants to reinforce. With Gabriel Martinelli attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League following a few seasons that have left something to be desired, sights have been set on an exciting replacement.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea could be looking to bank £60m for Noni Madueke’s summer sale, with Arsenal gearing up to advance their ongoing talks for the England international.

That has been followed up by journalist Fabrizio Romano, who outlined that personal terms have been agreed with the former PSV Eindhoven star, with club to club talks set to continue.

Madueke, 23, has been an important part of Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, and it’s thought that any deal for the versatile winger would not affect the north Londoners’ pursuit of Eberechi Eze.

Why Arsenal want Noni Madueke

Madueke, a one-time Tottenham Hotspur youth, joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a £29m fee. He’s since gone from strength to strength, with 16 of his 29 goal contributions since arriving coming throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His potential was recognised from his formative years. Described as a “mentality monster” by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, the English winger was singled out for his pace, potency and determination.

A remarkable blend of noted athleticism and versatility could even see Madueke prove an upgrade on Martinelli. Having been fielded on the left across a number of games for Chelsea last term, he impressed with his ability to take on and beat his man, owing to his electric-paced movements, largely.

Considered to be an ever-improving goalscorer with a myriad of physical weapons at his disposal, Madueke has been likened to Martinelli by data-driven site FBref, and he might even be performing at a higher level than the Brazilian talent.

Goals

0.31

0.31

Assists

0.13

0.16

Shots taken

3.54

2.16

Shot-creating actions

3.50

2.91

Pass completion

77.4%

71.4%

Progressive passes

3.05

2.04

Progressive carries

6.82

4.87

Successful take-ons

1.99

1.30

Ball recoveries

3.72

3.07

Touches (att pen)

8.15

7.15

Martinelli, 24, has faced plenty of criticism for his struggles to kick on in recent years, and when considering that Madueke outperformed him across most metrics last year, it’s clear to see that he’s not so indispensable as he once was.

He’s also been reported to have been considering taking his leave from the Emirates in recent weeks, so it might be worth bringing in a player like Madueke, who would be determined to fight for Arteta’s cause.

Dynamic and deadly on his day, Arteta’s coaching could see Madueke rise to the next level, covering Bukayo Saka on the right and challenging for a starting berth on the left.

On the basis of the evidence, the Gunners might secure a more complete and effective version of Martinelli by getting the deal done.

Eze will love him: £40m PL striker would now "love" to sign for Arsenal

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 3, 2025

Fast bowler set to depart Trent Bridge having played a role in six title-winning campaigns

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Sep-2024

Luke Fletcher was a stalwart at Notts for 17 seasons•Getty Images

Luke Fletcher, Nottinghamshire’s veteran seam bowler, is to leave the club at the end of the 2024 season after a 17-year career at Trent Bridge.Fletcher, who turns 36 on Wednesday, has taken 442 first-class wickets since making his Nottinghamshire debut in 2008, as well as 93 List A, and 108 T20 wickets. After working his way through the age-group system at Trent Bridge, he was released back to club cricket at Papplewick and Linby – and even worked on the gates at the club – before earning a consistent starting spot in 2009.He became a cult hero at Trent Bridge for his wholehearted approach to the game, and played a role in six title-winning campaigns, including their County Championship triumph in 2010 and two T20 Blast titles in 2017 and 2020.”For a local lad to represent this club is an honour, and I never could have expected the career I’ve had,” Fletcher said. “My overwhelming feeling now is how grateful I am for all the years I’ve spent with Notts and the memories I have made along the way.”A place is only as good as the people within it, and I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with so many great people, and creating relationships that I will cherish forever.”But it’s also everyone around the club – from the ticket office to the chefs, community teams, ground staff, dressing room attendants and so many more. I’ve been here for such a long time and it has all meant a great deal to me.”Whilst I am sad that my time at the club is done, I couldn’t be happier with everything I have achieved. Trent Bridge feels like home, it always has done, and it always will do.”Fletcher’s finest year at the club came in 2021, when he was named PCA County Championship Player of the Year after taking 66 wickets at an average of 14.9. That came four years after a career-threatening injury in 2017, when he was struck on the head by a Sam Hain drive in a T20 clash against Birmingham Bears – an incident from which he made a full recovery.He is one of only five men to have taken 100 T20 wickets for Nottinghamshire, while his eight fifties for the club include two career-best scores of 92.”Luke is a hugely popular character, and with good reason,” Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, said. “He has given his heart and soul to this club, forged so many friendships and played with a smile on his face.”It says a great deal that Stuart Broad – who played with some of the greatest players of his generation – deems Fletch one of ‘the best team-mates you could ever have’.”It means so much to him to have represented his home county for nearly two decades, and that loyalty has been reciprocated by members and supporters who show him great affection.”His stats and success deserve mention too – he has worked tremendously hard at his craft to be the best he can be, and that has paid dividends.”We wish him all the best wherever he goes, and whatever he does – he will always get a warm welcome and special reception at Trent Bridge.”

Nick Gubbins equalled his first-class best before Ethan Brookes scored a scintillating maiden Vitality County Championship century but couldn’t prevent a hefty Hampshire lead.Gubbins shone to reach 201 as Hampshire picked up maximum batting points in their improbable title charge, before Mohammad Abbas ran rampant to leave the visitors 61 for 5.Worcestershire’s Brookes and Gareth Roderick countered in a flurry of sweeps and high-quality batting to put on 196, with scores of 132 and 94 individually to confirm their side’s safety in Division One.But Liam Dawson claimed his fifth five-wicket haul of the summer to boast a 189-run first-innings lead, however Hampshire did not enforce the follow-on – instead closing the day on three without loss.Dawson and Gubbins began the day by setting a fifth-wicket partnership record for Hampshire against Worcestershire – beating the 209 between Jim Bailey and Neville Rogers in 1946.The stand reached 220 before Dawson advanced, swatted and skied Tom Taylor to Adam Hose, to begin a hair-raising 10-over spell where Hampshire attempted to reach 450, while losing regular wickets.Gubbins continued his reign and reached the second double-century of his career in 315 balls with a powerful strike through the leg side.But around him, Surrey loanee Amar Virdi took advantage of the aggression to pick up his first professional five-for since 2021.Tom Prest chipped to midwicket to give Taylor his fourth, before off-spinner Virdi got one to turn sharply to pin James Fuller, found Felix Organ slogging to deep midwicket and Kyle Abbott leg before when going back.It was left to Abbas to clip off his legs to the boundary to reach 450 and a fifth batting point before he left Gubbins unbeaten when he edged to second slip.Worcestershire’s response continued the wicket rush as Abbas produced one of his spells where he has the ball on a leash.Jake Libby was done between bat and pad to a ball that nipped in and took the top of the off stump, before Kashif Ali tried to cover his stumps but edged to first slip.The Pakistan international produced another teaser by holding one outside off stump for Rob Jones to nick off, before adding an Adam Hose lbw after lunch to leave Worcestershire 30 for 4.Dawson began his haul with a smart piece of field movement to switch Fletcha Middleton from short leg to short mid off, before some extra bounce saw Brett D’Oliveira glove one to the re-placed Middleton.Roderick had weathered the storm from his end and found a bullish Brookes keen to score quickly – his second time past fifty in 52 balls has he quickly zoomed ahead of his top-order partner’s scoring rate.With Dawson, and Felix Organ, in operation for much of the innings, Brookes took to sweeping to survive and score. He played 44 variations on the shot during his innings. It brought him 13 boundaries and 71 of his runs.His century came in 128 balls and was celebrated with great gusto on and off the field, as he and the increasingly attacking Roderick broke a 124-year record for the sixth wicket for the Pears versus Hampshire – eventually ending on 196.By getting to 250, tied with their three bowling points, Worcestershire secured their Division One status for another season.But that positivity melted into a sticky collapse – with the last five wickets falling for 16 runs.Roderick was leg before to Organ – who wrestled things back after an expensive opening few overs to only go at sixes in the face of jeers from spectators – before Dawson took over.Brookes died by the sweep when he picked out deep square, Logan van Beek and Virdi were lbw before the innings ended with Joe Leach pouched at slip.Without Roderick and Brookes’ stand, the next highest partnership was worth 31, and only D’Oliveira scored more than four runs.Hampshire’s didn’t make them go again, and Hampshire openers Middleton and Toby Albert went through six overs unscathed.

Manchester United continued their pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 campaign with a 2-1 win over Premier League rivals West Ham United in America on Saturday night.

Bruno Fernandes scored both of the team’s goals in a narrow win over the Hammers, scoring from the spot in the first half before delivering a fantastic finish in the second.

There was another outing for new signing Matheus Cunha, who played the opening 66 minutes of the game, but Bryan Mbeumo was not ready to don the shirt for the first time.

Whilst fans have had the chance to watch last season’s team, along with Cunha, ramp up their preparations to improve on last year’s dismal showing, there are a number of players who have not been part of the travelling party.

Ruben Amorim decided to leave several players at home for this tour and the Premier League summer series, as the club are looking to move on from them this summer.

One of the players in the ‘bomb squad’ is Brazilian forward Antony, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Real Betis in Spain.

Why Man Utd should sell Antony

It simply has not worked out for the left-footed dud in England and it appears to be the right time to allow him to move on from Old Trafford on a permanent basis, after a successful loan spell.

United reportedly agreed an £85m deal with Ajax to sign Antony in the summer of 2022 to bolster Erik ten Hag’s options at the top end of the pitch, but he has only mustered up 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the club to date.

The 25-year-old star has not offered enough in the final third to suggest that he has much of a future in English football, rarely scoring or creating goals in his three years in Manchester so far, which is why it could be the right move to cash in on him this summer.

It could also be a smart time to cash in on the winger because he is fresh off the back of a successful loan spell with Real Betis, which shows that he does have the quality to make an impact in other leagues in Europe.

Appearances

17

9

xG

2.87

1.41

Goals

5

4

Big chances created

8

5

Key passes per game

2.2

1.1

Assists

2

3

As you can see in the table above, the former Ajax star caught the eye with nine goals and 13 ‘big chances’ created in 26 appearances for the Spanish side, which may help United to attract interest from other clubs this summer.

Whilst it remains to be seen where Antony will end up by the conclusion of the summer transfer window, there is an even bigger United flop closing in on a move away.

Man Utd flop agrees personal terms on exit

According to the print edition of Corriere dello Sport (26/07/2025), as relayed by Tutto Mercato Web, Jadon Sancho has agreed personal terms with Italian giants Juventus.

The report claims that the England international, who is not part of the club’s pre-season tour, has verbally agreed to a five-year contract with the Old Lady, which would see him earn around £5.2m-per-season.

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

It states that Sancho is aware that his race is run at Manchester United and he is willing to drop his wage demands from the £8.7m-per-season he is said to earn at Old Trafford in order to seal a move to Italy.

However, the sticking point is currently the transfer fee. United want a fee of around £22m for the former Borussia Dortmund star, whilst Juventus are currently offering up to £17m.

This is a move that appears to be heading in the right direction, though, given that he has already agreed personal terms, which means that flop could be closing in on an exit from Old Trafford.

Why Sancho is even worse than Antony

Cashing in on Sancho would be a great move for United because he has flopped in Manchester and is currently even worse than Antony as a wide option.

The English forward joined from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £73m in the summer of 2021 and has scored 12 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils in the subsequent four years, which is as many as Antony has scored for the club in three years.

Sancho was not a part of Ten Hag’s plans at the start of last season and the Dutchman sent him out on loan to Chelsea for the 2025/26 campaign, but he struggled to offer consistent quality for the Blues.

Appearances

26

42

xG

4.28

2.60

Goals

9

5

Big chances created

13

11

Assists

5

8

Games per goal/assist

1.85

3.23

As you can see in the table above, Sancho only averaged a goal or an assist every 3.23 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last term, as Antony outperformed him during his five-month spell with Real Betis.

These statistics show that the Brazilian winger was far more effective during his loan spell away from Old Trafford, as he scored more goals and created more ‘big chances’ in 16 fewer appearances.

As Jamie Redknapp said in the clip above, Sancho simply does not do enough in the final third to produce goals and assists to help his team win matches.

The 25-year-old flop has scored 12 goals in four years at United and only managed five goals in 42 games on loan at Chelsea, which backs up the pundit’s point about his lack of output at the top end of the pitch.

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ByRobbie Walls Jul 26, 2025

Therefore, United should be delighted that Sancho has agreed personal terms with Juventus and is now closing in on an exit, with the finer details of the transfer fee just to be ironed out, because he is even worse than Antony, and possibly a bigger flop despite a smaller fee.