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Liam Delap was on course to join Manchester United this summer before the transfer to Old Trafford collapsed. Instead, the former Ipswich striker joined Chelsea, although he has since sustained an injury that has kept him out of action in recent weeks. According to reports, Delap's move to Manchester was '90 per cent done'.

Delap deal all but sealed

It was no secret that the Red Devils were on the hunt for a new striker last summer. They eventually landed on RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who joined for £74 million (€85m) to replace the outgoing Rasmus Hojlund. However, it has now been revealed that United were in the hunt to bring former Manchester City youth product Delap to the Theatre of Dreams, only for the deal to collapse in the final stages.

Delap had a £30m relegation release clause after failing to help Ipswich remain in the Premier League under Kieran McKenna, with a handful of top-flight clubs in the race to secure his signature. According to the Daily Mail, a move to United was as much as '90 per cent' completed. 

Eventually, the 22-year-old opted to join rivals Chelsea, where he has since made three appearances and is yet to score for his new side in the Premier League.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportChelsea project more exciting for England striker

Delap pulled on the famous blue shirt and immediately got his hands on silverware, winning the Club World Cup with his new side. It was instant justification for his decision, and it came after admitting the Chelsea project was one that excited him. 

Upon joining Enzo Maresca in west London, Delap hinted that a move elsewhere was on the cards. He said: "You never know if it is going to be the right decision but you've just got to go with your gut and hope it works out. You've got to take your time. I took a few days to speak to people and decide my future.

"I've got a good relationship with the manager," he said of Maresca. "I know how he plays. I've played in this system before. It's very similar now but with little tweaks. I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That's what excited me."

Lack of Europe moved the needle

After digging into the reasons why Delap did not end up at United, several reports claimed it was due to their lack of European football. The Red Devils were defeated by Tottenham in the Europa League final back in May, denying them the opportunity to play in the Champions League this term. 

On top of that, Delap revealed he spoke to close friend Cole Palmer, who he rose through the ranks with before following in his footsteps and swapping City for Chelsea. He added: "I asked him what I needed to ask him, he told me what I needed to know. But I don't like too much information. Ultimately it was my decision so I kind of just want my head to be clear."

Although there is no doubt that Delap would have been a smart signing for Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils so far seem to have pulled off a better deal by bringing Sesko in. Despite costing the club a significantly higher amount than the ex-Ipswich star would have demanded, Sesko is starting to find his rhythm in the Premier League. 

The Slovenian has made eight appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals. That is two more than Delap, who is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

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(C)Getty ImagesSour grapes or a lucky break?

Delap has now had two long-term injuries in his short career at the top level. During a loan spell with Hull, he missed 16 games after picking up a knee issue. He has already been sidelined for 14 Chelsea matches, despite only joining in the summer. United fans will claim they have done better business in recruiting a striker based on the lack of impact so far from Delap, but there is still plenty of time for the young forward to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. 

He is expected back by the end of 2025, when he can then start chasing down the 12 Premier League goals that he netted for Ipswich in 2024-25 that earned him a move to one of Europe's powerhouses.

Middlesex allrounder will lead team in four-day match against Zimbabwe at Grace Road

ESPNcricinfo staff13-May-2025Josh De Caires, the Middlesex spin-bowling allrounder, will lead a County Select XI in Leicester this week, with coaching support from England’s recuperating quick Mark Wood, as Zimbabwe warm up for next week’s one-off Test against England at Trent Bridge with a four-day tour game.De Caires, 23 – the son of former England captain Mike Atherton – has been named as captain in a 13-man squad that also features Warwickshire all-rounder Dan Mousley, who made his England white-ball debuts in the Caribbean last year, and Yorkshire legspinner Jafer Chohan, who was picked for the same tour but has yet to earn his first cap.The squad includes two other players with recent international captaincy experience. Essex allrounder Luc Benkenstein and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew – the younger brother of James, who was last week called into the Test squad – have both previously captained England Men Under-19s.Andrew Flintoff, the England Lions head coach, will oversee the team’s preparations, alongside a coaching team that includes Sarah Taylor, the former England women’s wicketkeeper, and Wood, who is on the comeback trail after a left knee operation.Speaking to Sky Sports last week, Wood flagged his involvement in both this match and the two England Lions games against India that follow, saying that he was looking into options for his post-playing career, “to see if I’m a natural, to see if I’m any good, and if I enjoy it”.Neil Kileen, whose son Mitch is also named in the squad, is another member of the coaching support team, alongside Mike Yardy and Neil McKenzie, the former South Africa batter. The match gets underway on Thursday, May 15.PCC Select XI squad: Josh De Caires (capt), Archie Bailey, Luc Benkenstein, Jafer Chohan, Ben Dawkins, Alex Green, Eddie Jack, Mitch Killeen, Ben Mayes, Seb Morgan, Dan Mousley, Thomas Rew, Jamal Richards.

Leeds United’s summer transfer window was focused on breaking the recent mould of newly promoted clubs being unable to survive in the Premier League.

On this front, they have made a stellar start, sitting comfortably mid-table, the same number of points away from 20th-place Wolves as they are 1st-place Liverpool. Despite the positive start, survival will still be difficult, and Leeds legend Lucas Radebe has recently spoken about the challenge that the club faces this season.

“I know Daniel Farke has a hard task with a lot of expectations from last season… If we can just survive this season, then hopefully we will get better as the years go by.”

New midfielders Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach are leading the way so far for league goal involvements, with both of them having registered a goal and an assist. While goals have come from all over the pitch, no one from the squad has yet to establish themselves as the consistent source.

It has now been revealed that Leeds could have brought in a prolific forward as they had the opportunity to re-sign a loanee who played an important role in their Championship promotion.

Leeds turned down opportunity to re-sign Solomon

Manor Solomon spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Leeds from his parent club Tottenham Hotspur. During his time at Elland Road, he registered 22 goal involvements in 39 League appearances, which were instrumental in seeing Farke’s side return to the Premier League.

It has now been revealed that Leeds had the chance to re-sign Solomon for a second consecutive loan spell during the summer transfer window but declined to do so.

This report comes from the BBC’s Adam Pope, who explained the 49ers’ decision.

Okafor, alongside free transfers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, were the main attacking reinforcements Farke received this summer, but given Solomon’s start to the season, the 49ers may be having some regrets about their decision.

Solomon's performances make Leeds rue decision

After Leeds decided not to bring Solomon back, the Israeli forward joined La Liga and Champions League side Villarreal on loan and has had a strong start to the season. For Villarreal and Israel, Solomon has registered two goals and three assists in just a few games for each.

In comparison, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha have three goals between them – at this stage in the season, Solomon is performing better than the three forwards they brought in combined.

Pope cited the injury record of Solomon as a contributing factor behind their choosing Okafor. Since the start of the 22/23 season, Solomon has missed 75 games for club and country through injury, whereas Okafor has only missed 40. The difference is Okafor cost £18 million.

At this point in time, it looks like Leeds made the wrong decision, but if Solomon gets injured or if the three new forwards start to find their feet, then the 49ers may feel vindicated.

Randal Kolo Muani is set to be in contention to make his Premier League debut for Tottenham Hotspur during Sunday's fixture against Aston Villa in north London, head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed. The French forward joined on loan from PSG on transfer deadline day but has been out injured since mid-September with a dead leg, meaning Spurs fans have yet to see what he can do for the club.

Kolo Muani could be in action for Spurs on Sunday

With both Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke out injured, Frank and Spurs have had to rely on Richarlison in front of goal thus far this season. The Brazilian has impressed with three goals and an assist in the Premier League, but it will be welcome news that Kolo Muani may now be set to return and offer renewed competition in the striker role.

The 26-year-old is well-known for being an impact substitute on France’s run to the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, almost scoring the winner in the final had it not been for a miraculous save by Emiliano Martinez.

Kolo Muani would soon move from Eintracht Frankfurt to PSG for a massive €90million (£78m/$105m), but it would not go to plan in the French capital as he scored just eight Ligue 1 goals for the club and was eventually shipped out on loan to Juventus in January 2025. After returning to form in Italy, the Old Lady battled for his signature again over the summer but lost out to Spurs – for whom he has only made a 13-minute Champions League cameo against Villarreal, before spending a month on the sidelines.

AdvertisementAFPKolo Muani 'getting better and better' – Frank

Frank said in his press conference on Friday: "Kolo Muani has trained for two weeks with the team, that's good. He looks better and better and is in contention for the squad on Sunday, so that's a positive.

“It's very important to have him fit and available. I think he looks better and better. I think it's also fair to say that he has trained two weeks with the team and when he came on the 1st of September – time flies! –  he still needed a bit to go up to the higher level. But it's not to say that he can't be involved tomorrow and maybe can play minutes. But I think it's fair to say that he needs a little bit of time to get up to a full level.”

Frank relishing challenging period of seven games in 22 days

“We love to play games,” said Frank. “Every footballer loves to play a game instead of training. Coaches, we like to train a little bit more sometimes, but in general, we love to play the games. We have a fantastic run of games ahead of us, starting with Villa on Sunday – a top team, top manager, Unai, I respect him a lot. I think what he's done in his career is amazing. What he created at Villa is fantastic in so many areas. I think they did well in the Champions League last season and almost qualified for the Champions League again, which is very impressive and I think they have a very strong team. So, yeah, looking forward to it.

“I think we all have an idea in our head what could be the strongest team with all the players available, but probably the reality is that you need to create the strongest possible team of the players you have available now. That is my task, that is my job and get the best out of that. So, it's nice to dream a little bit, but like with all dreams, it's not reality – reality is here, now, what kind of players we have available. That said, of course, I'd love some of them to be fit and available,” he added.

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Getty ImagesWhat comes next?

Kolo Muani will hope to get the chance to make his Premier League bow in Spurs' encounter with one of the division’s strongest sides in recent years in Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Sunday, a challenge he will no doubt relish.

The Villans have made a slow start to the season but Frank made sure to underline the quality possessed in Emery’s squad, who returned to form with four successive wins in all competitions before the international break.

“When I see them performing and their structure and the way they play, I see a lot of the same that I've seen from Unai Emery's Villa team in the last three seasons. I see a lot of the same strengths,” said Frank.

“They're very, very good in the build-up and in phase two and have fantastic structure. They're very composed and have fantastic players. We know in Rogers, doing fantastic, Ollie Watkins, Malen is starting to score goals, Onana in midfield, Kamara, I know Tielemans is injury, but that's a top team. The back four is very good as well. It's a team and you can see they're growing. I expect an unbelievable, tight game on Sunday that we're very positive about and that we will do everything to edge. We hope and I believe we can, but it will be a strong test on Sunday.”

Russell Martin accepted full responsibility after another dismal Rangers performance ended with a 1-1 draw at Falkirk, but it may not be enough to save his position at Ibrox.

When striker Bojan Miovski tapped in after 41 minutes, the travelling supporters again turned their ire on the Gers boss and there were repeated chants against the former Southampton manager before and after John McGlynn’s side deservedly levelled in the 73rd minute through substitute Henry Cartwright.

Afterwards Gers fans sat down to attempt to stop the team bus leaving but they were dispersed by police. Images showed that Martin was escorted out of another part of the stadium by security guards before reportedly leaving in a car.

The Ibrox side are in eighth place with one win in seven William Hill Premiership fixtures, 11 points behind leaders Hearts and nine behind Celtic and Martin, who described the chants as “character building”, was asked if he was getting enough from the players.

He said: “They’re giving us everything they’ve got. I think they’re really trying. So I have to take responsibility for it, not them.

“There’s been some really honest discussions with them in the dressing room, some frustration with them and each other, but ultimately I’m the one in charge of the team, so I have to accept responsibility. We haven’t had enough wins on days like today, so it’s been a frustrating period.”

Kris Boyd slams "embarrassing" thing Martin had Rangers do in Sturm Graz defeat

It was another night to forget.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 3, 2025

Martin conceded the backing of the Ibrox board is not infinite but remains confident that he can get it right.

He said: “I think it’s the same everywhere. Just this club is intensified and the scrutiny is much higher, the noise is much louder.

“So every draw we’ve had has felt like a defeat because of the stature of this club and what it means and what we have to try and fight for.

“So I can’t answer your question really, you’d have to ask the people above me.

“I feel that the players and the staff are really behind me. I felt really supported by everyone else above me as well, and I can’t dictate whether that changes or not.

“I have to just try and focus on winning football matches (and we can do that) because of what I see every day with the players, how invested they are in it, how hard they run.

“If I felt any differently, I would feel differently here. It probably wouldn’t hurt as much, but I know they’re really trying.”

Martin "on the brink" of Ibrox sack

And Ben Jacobs reports on Sunday evening that Martin “is on the brink of being sacked” the Gers board “expected to make an imminent decision”.

Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl are both “appreciated” in Glasgow’s South side having been on the shortlist before Martin took charge.

Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has opened up on his unexpected bond with Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Al-Nassr. The Spaniard praised the Portuguese icon’s humility, calling him “approachable” and obsessed with football, while recalling a touching late-night meeting soon after his arrival at the Saudi Pro League club in the summer transfer window.

Settling into Saudi life alongside CR7

When Martinez left Barcelona for Al-Nassr this summer, the move raised eyebrows across Europe. The Basque centre-back had been a reliable figure in Hansi Flick's title-winning side, helping Barca secure La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana trophies while reaching the Champions League semi-finals. Yet the allure of a new adventure and the chance to play alongside Ronaldo proved irresistible.

Although Barcelona didn’t receive a transfer fee, Martinez’s exit helped the Catalan club ease their wage burden by €14 million (£12m/$15m). At 34, he saw Al-Nassr as a fresh challenge both professionally and personally. The Spanish defender admitted that his introduction to life in Riyadh came with a surprise a warm welcome from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner himself.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRonaldo’s human side: humility behind the superstar

Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2023, has since become more than just the team’s star. For newcomers like Martinez, his presence defines the club’s culture: competitive, disciplined, and relentlessly ambitious. In his appearance on , Martinez revealed how the ex-Real Madrid forward went out of his way to make him feel at home. 

"It's one of the things that surprised me since I arrived," he said. "I didn't know him much, just from playing, and appearances can be deceiving. He waited for me at the hotel; it was a day off for them, and he was able to wait for me and greet me at night.

"I don't know what time it was, and he was there to greet me, to be with me, and to talk. He's very approachable and very competitive, which is good for us all. He lives football to the fullest. That's his passion, and here he continues doing what he did, and well, what he's been doing every year."

Al-Nassr’s winning culture and Ronaldo’s enduring hunger

Al-Nassr currently top the Saudi Pro League table with 12 points, and Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond the pitch. Having scored 98 goals in 111 appearances for the club, he remains central to their success, blending star power with an obsessive professionalism that pushes standards higher.

This season alone, the 40-year-old has already netted five goals in six starts across all competitions. His recent international break reinforced his dominance, with a brace against Hungary taking his tally to 143 goals for Portugal and 947 in total, edging closer to his dream of reaching 1,000 career goals.

For teammates like Martinez, training alongside the Portuguese international provides a masterclass in mentality. Every session reflects Ronaldo’s drive to improve, a mindset that has turned Al-Nassr into a serious continental force. Even off the pitch, his example sets the tone for the club’s ambitious project under the Saudi Pro League’s growing spotlight.

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GettyWhat lies ahead for Ronaldo and Martinez

With Ronaldo returning from international duty, the focus now shifts back to domestic competition. Al-Nassr face Al-Fateh this weekend as they look to maintain their position atop the table. Martinez, adapting quickly to his new surroundings, is expected to feature prominently in the backline, bringing European experience and composure.

For the Al-Nassr striker, the mission remains clear – to continue rewriting football history. Having signed a lucrative new deal reportedly worth €257m (£235m/$280m) this season, he stands as the highest-earning footballer on the planet, far ahead of Lionel Messi’s €119m (£109m/$130m). Yet, despite the staggering numbers, his motivation remains rooted in performance, not pay cheques.

As both veterans chase new milestones – Ronaldo eyeing his 1,000th goal and Martinez seeking stability after a dramatic summer, Al-Nassr’s blend of ambition and experience could define the Saudi Pro League’s next chapter. For now, one thing is certain: in Riyadh, CR7 still lives and breathes football like no one else.

The development came after eight BCB directors wrote to Bangladesh’s sports ministry seeking his removal

Mohammad Isam29-May-2025Faruque Ahmed is no longer the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president after the country’s sports ministry removed him as its representative on the BCB’s board of directors.The ministry issued a statement on Thursday evening after it received a no-confidence motion against Faruque signed by eight BCB directors.”In light of the no-confidence letter sent by eight BCB directors against Faruque Ahmed, and the report presented by the fact-finding committee about the BPL, his nomination as the representative of the National Sports Council (sports ministry) has been cancelled,” the statement from Bangladesh’s sports ministry said.Faruque was one of two directors nominated by the sport ministry to the BCB’s board of directors. He was made director on August 21 last year and elected BCB president the same day. His tenure lasted nine months and eight days.The directors who signed the no-confidence motion – though there is no room for one in the BCB constitution – were Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, Mahbubul Anam, Kazi Inam Ahmed, Fahim Sinha, Salahuddin Chowdhury, Iftikhar Rahman, Saifur Alam Swapan Chowdhury and Manjur Alam. Former Bangladesh captain Akram Khan was the only board director – apart from Faruque himself – who didn’t sign the letter.The directors accused Faruque of autocratic leadership and constitutional violations. They pointed towards clause 14-B of the BCB’s constitution, which requires approval of the board of directors when hiring or sacking coaches. Faruque, the letter said, dismissed Chandika Hathurusingha in October without informing the board of directors. They also claim Faruque didn’t perform due diligence when approving BPL franchises Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings in the 2024-25 season.”Capable professionals have been overlooked while loyalty and personal allegiance have been rewarded,” the letter read. “He is neither working for the development of Bangladesh cricket nor respecting the spirit of democratic governance.”One of the BCB directors told ESPNcricinfo that Faruque had ignored the rest of the board directors by delaying the formation of the new sub-committees. He said Faruque’s focus on running for the BCB elections later this year was another reason why they had lost confidence in him.Faruque said he was considering legal action after seeing the no-confidence letter signed by the directors. “I will speak to my lawyer about the letter. I might take legal action. There is no mention of no-confidence motion in the BCB constitution, so I don’t think it matters,” he told the Bengali daily . “I have seen the letter. They have accused me of wrongdoings that they have done themselves. I laughed out loud seeing the letter.”

Leeds could be facing the loss of one of their brightest talents as 16-year-old midfield prodigy Samuel Alker attracts interest from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. The England U17 international has impressed at U18 level, but with professional terms unsigned, top European clubs are circling, offering a tempting pathway to first-team football abroad.

Samuel Alker on the radar of top European clubs

Leeds' academy has produced countless talents, but Alker is making waves beyond Yorkshire. According to the Daily Mail, the 16-year-old attacking midfielder has become a mainstay at U18 level, known for his technical skill, vision, and creativity as a number 10. Already capped by England at youth level, Alker’s performances have caught the eye of scouts from Bundesliga clubs, Dortmund and Leverkusen, signaling potential challenges for the Whites in retaining him.

The youngster’s ability to dictate play, find space, and execute incisive passes has made him one of Leeds' most exciting prospects. While still only 16, Alker shows maturity beyond his years, prompting Bundesliga clubs to monitor his development closely, preparing for a possible move once he reaches eligibility at 18.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportContract talks and foreign interest in Alker

Leeds have moved quickly to secure their starlet, offering Alker professional terms. However, he has yet to sign, and with his 17th birthday not until March, European clubs are aware of a window to attract him abroad. Dortmund and Leverkusen are particularly alert, and have been drawn to his technical ability.

Alker’s statistical footprint is impressive for his age. During the 2024-25 season, he played six matches for Leeds U18, scoring one goal and providing two assists in approximately 343 minutes of football. His performances showed exceptional promise further highlighting his influence on the team. In the 2025-26 season, he has already shown strong contributions in limited minutes, with continued growing involvement in playmaking. Wearing primarily the number 10 shirt, Alker demonstrates excellent positional awareness, passing accuracy, and vision, often dictating the tempo of matches.

As an England U17 international, his performances on the youth stage have reinforced his status as one of the country’s most promising midfielders. Leeds now face the challenge of translating these performances into a contract that ensures he remains at Elland Road.

Can Alker get a first-team opportunity at Leeds?

Alker isn’t the only Leeds youth star making headlines. Harry Gray recently signed his first professional contract, continuing a family tradition at the club. Alker himself comes from a deep footballing lineage, with his grandfather Frank, great uncle Eddie, father Andy, and brother Archie all having ties to Leeds.

The challenge for these young players is the pathway to the senior team. Bundesliga clubs frequently offer earlier first-team exposure than is typical in the Premier League. Still, coach Daniel Farke could elevate Alker if an injury crisis hits. Such a move would provide a crucial confidence boost and fast-track his experience, especially since players like Gray have already featured for Leeds' senior side.

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AFPLeeds' immediate challenges and future hopes

While the club navigates Alker’s future, head coach Farke faces urgent squad issues ahead of the Premier League clash with West Ham. Ethan Ampadu and vice-captain Pascal Struijk are battling illness, while Noah Okafor and Wilfried Gnonto recover from an adductor injury and hernia surgery.

Alker’s progression and potential senior breakthrough remain central to Leeds' plans. With his contract still unsigned until 2027, the club must balance nurturing talent with defending against European suitors. For fans and staff alike, the hope is that Alker can develop into a first-team regular while remaining loyal to Leeds, maintaining the academy’s proud tradition of producing top-level footballers.

Chelsea have already turned their attention to recruitment matters ahead of 2026, and could be set to change their transfer strategy to complete an intriguing move.

Chelsea look to Cole Palmer alternatives after injury confirmation

Enzo Maresca and Chelsea will be relieved to see Premier League football return after the international break.

However, it isn’t all good news, with Maresca confirming that Cole Palmer faces six more weeks on the sidelines. The forward’s niggling groin injury has limited his ability to make an impact this term, and he now won’t be back until around December.

Addressing his situation, the Italian boss made it clear that despite the nature of his issue, surgery will remain off the table for now as he aims to recover before the festive period.

Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto also suffered fitness issues in the build up to their clash with Nottingham Forest earlier today, continuing a theme of injury concerns at Stamford Bridge that will force Maresca to shuffle his pack amid a busy fixture schedule.

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Chelsea may have found the latest superstar to emerge from Cobham academy.

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While not on their immediate radar, incoming transfers will become an important part of their long-term planning over the coming weeks, albeit it remains to be seen where Maresca feels his squad needs reinforcements most.

Reports suggest Chelsea are prioritising a centre-back in January, coming after Maresca publicly requested one in the summer window, and links continue to surround a potential new goalkeeper as well.

Interestingly, a new midfielder could be on the agenda too, and Chelsea could now be set to deviate from their transfer philosophy in an attempt to sign an experienced playmaker.

Dean Jones on Chelsea's potential move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Previously, FootballFanCast relayed news from Italy that Chelsea are pushing to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Al-Hilal in what could be a deviation from their usual transfer strategy of recruiting young players with potential.

Deemed to be earning around £418,000 per week in the Middle East, the Serbia international has regularly been linked with Premier League clubs over the last decade, and he may be available to return to Europe on a free transfer next summer.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s record at Al-Hilal

Appearances

102

Goals

30

Assists

26

Contract expires

30/06/2026

Delivering some clarity on his situation, Dean Jones suggests Chelsea could value Milinkovic-Savic’s leadership qualities, and this may lead the West Londoners to pursuing a deal that would be classed as out of the ordinary compared with their usual transfer activity.

Chelsea are renowned for going for players below a certain age, but Jones says more senior options “will be considered” moving forward.

Successful Chelsea teams of the past have been littered with experienced professionals capable of conjuring important moments, and it appears Maresca wants to lean into that long-held tradition should he get the chance next summer, which could be beneficial for everyone.

Lancashire struggle to 85 for 6 in 11-over innings before visitors themselves get ahead on DLS

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay07-Jun-2025Surrey gained revenge for last month’s County T20 Cup final defeat to Lancashire Thunder as they won a weather-shortened Vitality Blast clash at Emirates Old Trafford by two runs on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.In an 11-overs per side game, visiting spinners Kalea Moore and Tilly Corteen-Coleman struck twice apiece to restrict Lancashire to 85 for 6 following a 3.15pm start due to rain. Fi Morris top-scored with 29 off 25 balls for the home side.Surrey’s third successive win at the start of this competition was then confirmed as, when rain returned at 62 for 4 after eight overs of their chase, they were ahead of the DLS target.At Taunton late last month, Thunder won the first title of the new county-led era of women’s professional cricket thanks to a 32-run success. But Thunder are under early pressure in the Blast having now lost three from four so far.After a two-and-a-quarter-hour delay here, Surrey, who elected to bowl, made the perfect start as Moore’s offspin had Tilly Kesteven stumped by Kira Chathli off the first ball of the match on a used pitch.In that aforementioned County Cup final, Kesteven had been named player-of-the-match following a superb 77 off 60 balls, her maiden senior fifty.Ryana MacDonald-Gay trapped her England team-mate Seren Smale lbw in the next over – 10 for 2 – to leave Thunder up against it early on.They reached 24 for 2 after 3.2 overs of powerplay. Morris and captain Ellie Threlkeld united to steady Lancashire’s ship through a mix of power and invention. Threlkeld drilled Dani Gregory’s legspin down the ground for four and Morris scooped Phoebe Franklin’s seam to the long-leg fence.They shared 50 for the third wicket before Threlkeld was bowled pulling at Gregory for 24 in the eighth over amidst the late and unsuccessful scramble for runs.Moore and wicketkeeper Chathli combined again for another stumping, this time Ailsa Lister departing, and Lancashire were never able to cut loose.When Corteen-Coleman’s left-arm spin bowled Morris and Danni Collins in the 10th over, the hosts were 75 for 6.Surrey’s chase started positively as captain Bryony Smith twice clubbed Grace Johnson’s seam down the ground for boundaries in the second over, taking the score to 17 without loss.Either side of that, Danni Wyatt-Hodge twice pierced the gap at deep midwicket off Sophie Morris’s spin, and at 34 without loss after 20 balls of powerplay Surrey were motoring.The loss of three wickets in 10 balls changed that. Smith skewed Tara Norris’s left-arm seam to point shortly afterwards, ending a 38-run opening partnership with Wyatt-Hodge, before Grace Harris got a leading edge to cover later in the fifth over.When Wyatt-Hodge, on 25, hoisted Darcey Carter’s off-spin to long-on in the next, Surrey were 46 for 3. Australian legspinner Alana King, on debut, then bowled Chathli – 53 for 4 in the seventh.With the rain now falling and the DLS equation tightening up, Paige Scholfield hit Carter for six over wide long-off to seal the win given the umpires took the players off four balls later. She finished 16 not out off 14 balls.