Reports pertaining to Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak just won’t go away; for Newcastle United fans, this isn’t that dissimilar to an incessant fly tracking your ice cream on a hot summer’s day (much like this one).

The thing is, though, Isak’s going nowhere. Eddie Howe masterminded triumph in the Carabao Cup last season, also restoring the Magpies’ fluency and venom from 2022/23 and creating a stunning run of form through and beyond the new year, which ultimately sealed their place in next term’s Champions League.

Isak will play in the Premier League once again next season, and he will play on Tyneside. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed the Sweden striker “is going nowhere” after his 27-goal campaign, with PIF pricing him north of £150m.

He will need some more attacking support, however, and Newcastle are circling on their chosen target.

Newcastle open contacts for new forward

A number of talented forwards have been touted with a move to St James’ Park in recent weeks, namely Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. But, their efforts at improving the forward line do not stop there.

As per The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle are on the brink of opening talks with Brighton & Hove Albion as they look to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, who is valued at £60m.

Brighton are willing to sell Pedro, 23, after a training altercation in May with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, and Newcastle’s recent setbacks in trying to sign forwards such as Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo appear to have prompted them to accelerate their interest.

Indeed, with Chelsea also hot on the case, Howe won’t want to see this one slip through his fingers, especially when considering the partnership that could be forged with Isak.

Why Newcastle want Joao Pedro

Callum Wilson, 33, remains in negotiations with Newcastle for an extension on his current deal, scheduled to expire at the end of the month, but even if the veteran renews, injuries limited him to 18 Premier League appearances in 2024/25, with just two starts and not a single goal involvement.

Enter Pedro. The attacker is a man of style and dynamism, rhythmic on the ball and intelligent with his out-of-possession movement. Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has actually declared him “magical” when with the ball at his feet.

Sure, he has a volatile streak, but Howe would bang him into shape and the talent bespeaks a deserved place within the Toon squad, ranked among the top 1% of Premier League forwards last year for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Two years ago, Brighton signed Pedro from Championship side Watford in a deal just shy of £30m, and his Premier League performances over two years point toward a combativeness and creative core which would see him dovetail right into the United squad, playing off the left, behind Isak or covering him at number nine.

Matches (starts)

31 (19)

27 (23)

Goals

9

10

Assists

3

6

Shots (on target)*

2.4 (0.8)

1.7 (0.7)

Big chances missed

9

7

Pass completion

83%

75%

Big chances created

9

11

Key passes*

1.2

1.1

Dribbles*

1.4

1.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

0.9

Duels won*

5.6

4.9

Pedro can perform as an out-and-out striker, but his on-pitch approach, making a high number of forward passes and creating plenty of chances, suggests he could improve Newcastle’s supply line and ensure their talisman reaches an even loftier tally next year and beyond.

It might be needed. Even though Howe has guided Newcastle to silverware and back through the Champions League doorway, they only created 81 big chances, putting them eighth on that chart. The term before, United ranked joint-second with Manchester City (97 big chances created).

Make no mistake: here is a phenomenal player, one whose pedigree in England’s top flight has been verified over the past few years – and his best is yet to come.

Isak will remain at St. James’ Park, hopefully beyond just one season, and with Pedro added to the mix, he might just reach levels not yet achieved in black and white. Just imagine that.

Dream Mbeumo alternative: Newcastle keen to sign "unplayable" £55m winger

With Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on his way to Manchester United, have Newcastle identified a dream alternative described as “amazing”, worth £55m?

ByBen Gray Jun 15, 2025

Football is built on gossamer-fine margins, and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will know that his side came within a whisker of failing to restore their place in the Champions League.

The Toon might have lost to Everton at St. James’ Park on the final day of the Premier League season, but Aston Villa also lost at Old Trafford, thus securing Newcastle’s place among Europe’s elite once again, having also won the Carabao Cup in March.

United won’t be losing Alexander Isak to a rival this summer, but with Callum Wilson at the end of his contract, a new striker is among the biggest priorities for the Tynesiders.

Newcastle leading race for new striker

Howe reportedly wanted his striker addition to be Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, but he’s now set to join Chelsea for £30m.

However, PIF have found an alternative, and have even established the lead in the race.

Transfer Focus

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

As per Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Fiorentina’s Moise Kean may be on the move this summer, and Newcastle are said to be ‘very interested’ in signing him.

Kean, 25, has also been the subject of enquiries from Serie A champions Napoli, who are deliberating over whether to meet his €52m (about £44m) release clause, which will be active across the first two weeks of July.

Why Newcastle want Moise Kean

Kean flopped like a fish when last trying his skills on Premier League soil, only scoring twice across 32 games for Everton in England’s top flight.

However, he was young and Everton were turbulent. The Italy international re-joined Juventus from Goodison Park in a deal worth £25m (the same ballpark Everton initially paid). Now he is regarded as “the king of kings” for La Viola by those like reporter Mina Rzouki.

His rise has truly been something to behold, and if Kean can translate his sustained form over to Newcastle, he could become a force to be reckoned with, one who could even apply pressure on Isak.

Moise Kean – League Stats by Season (last 5 years)
Season	Apps	Goals	Assists
24/25 – Fiorentina	32	19	3
23/24 – Juventus	19	–	–
22/23 – Juventus	28	6	–
21/22 – Juventus	32	5	3
20/21 – PSG	26	13	–
20/21 – Everton	1	–	–
Stats via Transfermarkt

His stratospheric leap into rich form since moving to Florence has been a remarkable thing to witness, scoring 19 league goals last term, but it’s not Kean’s only weapon. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 12% of Serie A forwards this year for successful take-ons per 90.

There’s a power and purpose to his football that echoes Delap’s qualities, the English striker captivating so many suitors this season with his strength and confidence, hailed by Alan Shearer for being a “nuisance to play against.”

Kean, meanwhile, has been praised for his “scary” physical presence by reporter Carlo Garganese.

Newcastle must push hard to get this one done; across all competitions this season, Kean has posted 25 goals, even outscoring supposedly Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo, who has indeed opted to sign for the Red Devils, rejecting Newcastle and more in the process.

Brentford’s Mbeumo, while not a striker, has been one of English football’s finest goalscorers this year, bagging 20 goals from 42 matches.

It’s clear: Newcastle must secure Kean’s signature. After all, they are already in the lead and were willing to spend on Delap. Here is the perfect alternative.

Move over Delap: Newcastle teen is one of the "best prospects in the world"

Newcastle may find a new teenage superstar burst onto the scene next season.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 3, 2025

Chelsea are expected to part company with a host of senior players during the next summer transfer window, as BlueCo look to trim the wage bill and reduce Enzo Maresca’s bloasted squad.

Chelsea players who could be sold this summer

Some big names are currently surplus to requirements and haven’t been named in Chelsea’s squad for the Club World Cup.

"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go

Many are apparently surprised.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 12, 2025

This includes Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi, who are all facing the prospect of having to find new clubs this summer (The Athletic).

Sterling is back from a lacklustre stint at London rivals Arsenal on loan, while Felix also failed to impress during his temporary spell at AC Milan over the second half of 2024/2025.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chilwell is on around £200,000-per-week and has returned from his loan move to Crystal Palace, so Stamford Bridge chiefs will be keen to find him a new landing spot sooner rather than later.

Given their backlog of goalkeepers, and reports Chelsea could still sign Mike Maignan despite their failed June 10 deadline day move for the France international, uncertainty also surrounds the futures of Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic.

Djordje Petrovic wants to leave Chelsea as agent fields calls

According to journalist Simon Phillips, as he’s previously reported, both keepers are indeed up for sale, and Petrovic is now seeking to leave Chelsea in a bid to kickstart his career.

The Serbian enjoyed an impressive spell on loan at sister club Strasbourg last season, with many clubs now blowing up his agent’s phone as they attempt to enquire about his services.

“The club and Enzo Maresca do not believe he is good enough with his feet to be Chelsea number one, that’s it. And for that reason, he’s up for sale,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“And on Petrovic’s side, he is 25-years-old now and will turn 26 early in the winter. He does not want to play second fiddle, and he knows if he stays at Chelsea then there is no guarantee that he will be a regular starter. So he also wants to leave the club if he cannot be guaranteed this.

“So right now, both parties want the same thing and that is for Petrovic to move on this summer, and I’d be very surprised at this point if he’s not sold this summer. He has many clubs phoning his agent right now to ask about a move.”

A section of Chelsea supporters actually saw the deal for Maignan falling through as a blessing in disguise to hand Petrovic a route into the first team, but it appears Maresca doesn’t see a role for him at all due to a perceived lack of effective distribution in his game.

This is despite real praise from his manager at Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior, who called Petrovic a “world-class” shot-stopper.

“We have seen huge progress from Petro,” he said.

“He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day, and it is still paying off today.”

“The players are ready and raring to go in the multi-day format; to adjust to that is a different story,” India head coach says

Sruthi Ravindranath26-Jun-2024

Harmanpreet Kaur and Amol Muzumdar have had a good start as the captain-coach combo•PTI

India are going into the one-off Test against South Africa on the back of successive white-ball series sweeps – T20Is in Bangladesh and ODIs vs South Africa at home – but head coach Amol Muzumdar believes there’s scope for improvement in every department for the team.”We do have the momentum – we won in Bangladesh, we won against South Africa,” Muzumdar said two days out from the Test in Chennai. “They are different formats, but at the same time, we are trying to focus on every game as it comes. The demands [of playing a Test] are different. I think the team is up for it, and I think as far as improvement is concerned, I think all three departments – batting, bowling, and fielding, and fitness – four departments [can improve].”India last played a Test in December, beating Australia in Mumbai by eight wickets. That came on the back of another one-off Test at home, against England, which also India won. Also, most of the top players were also part of the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-day Trophy in Pune in March-April.Related

Sneh Rana: 'Test championship will be a big boost for women's cricket'

Laura Wolvaardt: 'Incorporate red-ball into domestic cricket or we must leave it'

India head into Chennai Test with an eye on 2025 Women's ODI World Cup

Wolvaardt on Tests: It's like last-minute studying for an exam

Beaumont, Devine, Wolvaardt on the case for women's Tests

The teams got only five days to prepare for the upcoming Test against South Africa following the conclusion of the ODIs on June 23, but Muzumdar feels the players are aware of the challenge of switching formats, considering red-ball cricket is part of their long-term plans.”In December, we played against England and Australia; we played back-to-back Tests,” he said. “We are aware that red-ball cricket will be a part of women’s cricket going forward, and hence I feel that the inter-zonal, which happened in March-April, was very critical. So that the players also get the message that it’s not just white-ball cricket or just T20s that we are focusing on. We are also focusing on the red-ball stuff, and I think they are aware and they are ready and raring to go in the multi-day format. To adjust to that is a different story.”Those are the demands of modern-day cricket. You know you cannot escape that as a team. So we try to cater to all the demands. It’s not easy, but at the same time it’s a challenge and we accept it as a challenge to adapt to different formats.”While the core of the team won’t change as India switch formats, the likes of Shubha Satheesh, Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Meghna Singh, who did not play the ODIs, will be coming in for the Test.”I think those four players are very important players. We did have a camp that happened at the NCA about 15 days back, and they were specifically given red-ball stuff to be done in the camp,” Muzumdar said. “So they’ve already had the workload. The workload has been shared to them, and also when they went back home, they were told a few things to do. Their weekly chart was organised and given to them. So they’re completely fresh and raring to go. Even when they’ve come here and [are] in the squad, we just had a practice session yesterday with those four players, and they look absolutely fine.”India won back-to-back Tests against England and Australia late last year•Getty Images

While the ODIs against South Africa were part of the Women’s Championships, Muzumdar said he wouldn’t mind a men’s style World Test Championship for women to add more context to the format. However, only four teams – Australia, England, India and South Africa – currently play Test cricket.”It’s not a bad idea to have Test Championships,” he said. “That’s something to look forward to, but that is for the board to decide. And if it happens, it’s even better for the game. Test cricket is always special. We like to keep it that way, that you know every game is important [regardless of the context] – whether it’s ODI, T20 or Test match. I know there is no Test Championship to look forward to, but at the same time, every game is important. We take part to win them.”Muzumdar also said that Shabnam Shakil, the 17-year-old uncapped medium-pacer, was brought into the side for all three formats so she could get a feel of the team culture. Shakil was part of the U-19 World Cup-winning India team last year, and also made an impression at WPL 2024 for Gujarat Giants, especially when she took 3 for 11 against Mumbai Indians.”She’s definitely a superb talent, and that’s the reason she is here,” he said. “We’ve made a conscious decision of including her in the team so that she gets a feel of the dressing room, and also the atmosphere and the culture that we’re building. She gets a first-hand experience to that. She’s definitely a good talent, and we will hear more about her in the future.”

Manchester City’s spending spree is only just getting started.

On Monday, the Sky Blues unveiled Rayan Aït-Nouri as their first summer signing, arriving for a reported £31m from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Algerian international left-back eligible to debut in the Citizens’ Club World Cup opener against Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia next Wednesday.

Meantime, widespread reports suggest that Tijjani Reijnders will arrive from AC Milan for £46.3m, with more signings on the way too, so could a high-profile Man City stalwart be on his way out, possibly to a Premier League rival, to make way for these new recruits?

What Rayan Cherki will bring to Manchester City

David Ornstein of The Athletic reported last week that Manchester City had ‘reached an agreement’ with Olympique Lyonnais over the signing of Rayan Cherki, agreeing to pay around £34m.

Rob Dawson and Julien Laurens of ESPN claimed that Man City were hoping to finalise the deal in time for Cherki to feature during the Club World Cup group stages, with that move having now been confirmed by the club ahead of the deadline.

In terms of what City’s latest arrival will bring to the Etihad, Stuart James and Tom Williams of the Athletic believe that the 21-year-old possesses a mesmeric ‘capacity to enthral’, labelling him ‘precociously talented’ and citing former Lyon manager Fabio Grosso, who asserted that “god has given him incredible qualities”.

Those traits were notably on show during Lyon’s gripping Europa League quarter-final tie with Manchester United earlier this year, with the youngster scoring a last-gasp equaliser in the first leg, prior to also netting a stunning, driven effort from range in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.

Described as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, the fleet-footed genius looks destined to be a star under Guardiola’s watch over the coming years.

And so, with such a high-quality midfield talent on his way to the Etihad, could a current Man City star be forced out?

The Man City star destined to depart

As noted by Mark Critchley and Ben Burrows of The Athletic, Jack Grealish has been left out of Manchester City’s squad for this summer’s Club World Cup, thereby not set to travel to the United States, suggesting he is highly likely to leave the club this summer.

Back in December, Richard Jolly of the Independent outlined how, during his four years at the club, Grealish had gone from ‘one of the most exciting attacking players in world football’ to now a player ‘who is neither exciting nor attacking’.

The table below highlights the England international’s decrease in importance.

Appearances

39

50

36

32

Starts

31

41

26

16

Matches an unused sub

11

5

12

15

Minutes

2,730

3,487

2,114

1,521

Goals

6

5

3

3

Assists

4

11

3

5

England caps

11

9

4

3

As the table notes, Grealish was an integral player for Man City during his first two seasons, but the last two he has been nothing more than a peripheral figure.

David O’Brien believes he was “exceptional” during his early years at Man City, but Alex Brotherton of BBC Sport notes that now ‘is the right time to move on’ as he seeks to save his career.

The fact he was an unused substitute in the FA Cup Final, a match they lost 1-0 to Manchester City, is widely considered to be the final nail in the coffin – as too is the arrival of another playmaker in Cherki.

For instance, Cherki racked up 32 goals and assists in all competitions in 2024/25 at Lyon, including 19 goals and assists in league action. Grealish – as noted in the table – was only able to record eight goals and assists, only two of which came in the Premier League. A move away now appears an inevitability.

Indeed, reports in Spain suggest that Newcastle United ‘have set their sights’ on signing him, looking to lodge a bid that would comprise an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy of around £67m.

Ben Jacobs of Talk Sport also claims that both Tottenham and Everton ‘hold a genuine’ interest in signing Grealish too, with Gillian Kasirye of Total Football Analysis documenting how his ‘exceptional ball-carrying ability’ would make him perfect for Spurs.

Thus, Grealish’s Man City exit is likely to be one of the stories of the summer but, regardless of where he ends up, he has surely played his last game in sky blue, with Cherki a readymade, exciting replacement.

Man City now lining up surprise move to sign £35,000-p/w Chelsea goalkeeper

Man City have set their sights on signing a goalkeeper who is way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 9, 2025

Manchester United’s hunt for new attacking options this summer has been ongoing before the window even opened, with the department in desperate need of investment.

Matheus Cunha may have been the first forward to move to Old Trafford during the off-season, but his £62.5m transfer isn’t expected to be the last ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The club’s tally of 44 goals in their 38 matches highlights the need for added reinforcements in such an area, but any signings would likely cost a pretty penny.

Rasmus Hojlund appears to be allowed to leave this summer with Napoli and Inter Milan circulating, but it’s unclear how much the Dane could command after scoring just four goals in their league last season.

Any funds generated will likely help Ruben Amorim in his quest to land new attacking talent, with numerous players already touted with a summer switch to Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Roony Bardghji is a player who has emerged on United’s shortlist over recent days, but they appear to have missed out on the Swedish youngster after a deal was agreed between Copenhagen and Spanish giants Barcelona.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is another name mentioned with a switch to Old Trafford this summer, but the Frenchman is seen as a backup option to other targets despite netting 14 Premier League goals this season.

However, the same can’t be said for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo, with a deal seemingly heading in the right direction, according to talkSPORT’s latest update.

They claim that the Red Devils have made a second offer in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old, who scored 20 league goals for Brentford throughout 2024/25.

It also states that talks have accelerated with the attacker, who’s already agreed personal terms over a move to join Amorim’s side, but it doesn’t mention if the latest offer is expected to be accepted.

Why United’s £60m target would be a better signing than Nkunku

Despite the latest bid to sign Mbeumo this window, United have entered the race to sign Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku, looking as one of the main sides in the running for his signature.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils have approached the 27-year-old’s representatives over a move to join the club after starting just nine league games this season.

The player himself is said to be keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge, after failing to nail down a regular starting role following his £52m move to the Blues two years ago.

Nkunku is a versatile option, being able to operate in either the number ten position or as a centre forward, potentially handing Amorim the depth he craves in attacking areas.

However, it’s unclear how much Enzo Maresca’s side would demand for his signature, with Mbeumo a massively better option when comparing their respective figures from 2024/25.

The Brentford star has massively outperformed the French talent in numerous key areas, highlighting why he’d be a better choice for the Red Devils in the coming weeks.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, has massively outscored Nkunku and registered a higher goal per shot on target rate, subsequently demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.

How Mbeumo compares to Nkunku in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Mbeumo

Nkunku

Games played

38

27

Goals & assists

27

5

Shot on target accuracy

45%

44%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

Progressive carries

3.4

1.6

Progressive passes

3.7

2.4

Key passes

1.9

1.3

Take-on success

47%

37%

Carries into final third

1.8

1.5

Stats via FBref

He’s also registered more progressive passes and more key passes per 90, having the creative ability to provide the other talents around him with added opportunities – undoubtedly aiding Amorim’s quest for the added threat he’s been hunting for.

The Cameroonian’s dominance is further reflected in his take-on success and carries into the final third, able to get himself into key areas which has bolstered his respective tallies.

Whilst £60m may appear to be a hefty investment in a player who’s off the back of one impressive season, the chance to play alongside more top-level talents will certainly help him sustain such success.

Nkunku would provide an experienced option within the final third, but if the club have to choose one option between the pair, it’s evident that Mbeumo would be the option to improve the club’s chances of success in the future.

Related A better move than Ekitike: Man Utd preparing bid for "top-class" £44m ST

Manchester United appear top be making more moves for a striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2025

The investigators looking into allegations of racist behaviour in Scottish cricket have denied they “exonerated” anyone after referrals that have so far led to a series of “learnings” but no disciplinary action against alleged perpetrators.Two legal firms, Harper Macleod LLP and Bishop Lloyd Jackson Solicitors, and the race inclusion charity Sporting Equals have been investigating over 50 referrals – individual complaints of alleged racist behaviour – over the last year, stemming from the independent review in July 2022 that found Cricket Scotland to be institutionally racist.On Friday, the team issued its first public statement. Although no individuals were mentioned, it was in response to John Blain’s statement earlier in the week, in which the former Yorkshire and Scotland fast bowler said he had been cleared of allegations of racist behaviour earlier this year. Blain called for a “full and transparent inquiry” into those running cricket in the country.Related

• Cricket Scotland under renewed fire after alleged racism cover-up

• Cricket Scotland board resigns before publication of 'devastating' racism report

• Cricket Scotland revealed to be institutionally racist in damning independent report

• Former Cricket Scotland chair attacks 'fatally flawed' racism report

• John Blain calls for Cricket Scotland inquiry after being cleared of racist behaviour

Blain said the investigation’s findings “fully exonerate me” and also made public a letter from Cricket Scotland’s interim CEO Pete Fitzboydon from January, informing him that the allegations against him were “unfounded” but requesting that he kept that information confidential to allow time for the complainers to be informed of the outcomes. Cricket Scotland’s subsequent “delay and prevarication” in going public, Blain said, forced him to release his statement, five months after receiving the letter.In its response, however, the investigating team insisted that its role had not been to “make findings of fact, nor to pronounce guilt, nor to exonerate or pronounce as innocent any person against whom allegations had been made”. As a consequence, it was stated that they had neither “exonerated” any individual in any of their reports, nor reported “in any way to the Board of Cricket Scotland to suggest that an individual was “exonerated” or equivalent”.Instead, the investigating team insisted its role was to identify “learning lessons”, of which, it said, there have been over 250 across 51 referrals so far. Cricket Scotland has been making some of these learnings public on its website, as and when batches of referrals have concluded over the last year.The investigators, having engaged with over 170 people and witnesses so far, acknowledged the difficulties in looking into these complaints, some of which were from nearly two decades ago. The nature of allegations of discrimination – “having to consider competing accounts” – made it “universally a complex task”.That no disciplinary proceedings had taken place so far, the investigators said, did not diminish the allegations but only served to illustrate the difficulties involved in such investigations; including issues of a lack of governance and processes; the historic nature of some breaches; incidents that were outside Cricket Scotland’s jurisdiction; and some cases in which disciplinary action had already been taken.Any action stemming from the referrals, the investigators made clear, was for Cricket Scotland to take.John Blain, during his playing days in at the 2007 World Cup•Getty Images

The 2022 “Changing the Boundaries” report, which led to the Cricket Scotland board resigning en masse, has come under criticism from, among others, Tony Brian, a former board chairman. Brian has repeatedly raised concerns about how the review was conducted and its findings, calling it “fatally flawed” and demanding a government inquiry into how it was put together. Brian was chair from 2015 to 2022, a period during which some of the allegations made by former players Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh – whose testimonies led to the review – took place.But the investigation team unequivocally backed the report, saying that its own investigations “echoed” findings in “Changing the Boundaries”.”Evidence of poor governance, poor and/or absent policies and procedures to handle complaints of racism, inappropriate and/or a lack of support for whistleblowers and/or complainers, and failings in the delivery of appropriate diversity, equity and inclusion policies were all evident to the Investigation Team. These factors all unquestionably contributed to the subsequent number and breadth of complaints made, where race was spoken to as a factor in the allegations made.”The investigators urged the game’s stakeholders to acknowledge the recommendations the report had made, as well as its own recommended learnings, and to acknowledge that the game had been exclusionary for too many people who faced “unacceptable behaviours” and had no recourse to complain about it.The resurfacing of tensions around the investigations comes as the national men’s team prepares to take on Australia in St Lucia in the T20 World Cup with progression to the Super Eight stage in their own hands. Anything other than a defeat on Sunday evening will see Scotland through, even if England succeed in beating Namibia on Saturday.But the fact that the investigators felt compelled to issue a public statement will only add more pressure on Cricket Scotland, who were also criticised last week by Haq and Sheikh for their role in the events that led to Blain’s statement. It will also increase scrutiny over its January communication to Blain who was told by Fitzboydon: “As advised, these allegations have not been founded, and there is not any case to answer, and so this matter is now considered closed.”In response to Blain’s earlier statement, the board had said it would “continue to respect that independent process [of investigations], with the welfare of all involved as a priority, in order that we can reach a conclusion that enables our sport to move forward with unity.”Further comment, the board said, would come at the end of the investigative process.

The India quick says the bowlers had to be smart to prevent “the wind to come into play” in St Lucia

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-20241:20

Arshdeep: We are now used to windy conditions

If Rohit Sharma, the Player of the Match for his 41-ball 92 in India’s 24-run win over Australia in T20 World Cup 2024, had to “open up all sides of the field” to counter the breeze in Gros Islet, Arshdeep Singh said the bowlers had to prevent “the wind to come into play” to not let the Australia batters take advantage of it. Arshdeep finished with 3 for 37, removing David Warner in the first over and then getting the wickets of big-hitters Tim David and Matthew Wade in the death overs.”As a player and as a team, our motto is to adapt as well as we can to the conditions,” Arshdeep said after the match. “As for the wind factor, when we bowled from the end opposite to the pavilion, we got a lot of swing. From the other end, bowling against the wind… the batters were going to use the wind since the ball was travelling. So we had to look for defensive options there and not allow the wind to come into play.”Josh Hazlewood, the most economical bowler of the day with 1 for 14 from four overs, said that 180 or thereabouts would have been a par score in those conditions; India ended with 25 more than that. Rohit was the main reason for that, but Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 16 balls) and later Hardik Pandya (27* off 17) contributed to the cause too.Related

Boom will always shake the room

Rohit transformation steers India towards date with destiny

Rohit had to 'open up all sides of the field' to counter breeze

Stats – Rohit rewrites record books with whirlwind 41-ball 92

“From one end, it was very hard for the bowlers to even pitch the ball, and the ball was flying to the boundary,” Arshdeep said. “So having the cushion of extra 15-20 runs always helps, gives you the extra freedom of going for wickets.”With his three wickets, Arshdeep reached the top of the pile for the tournament, joint with Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi. But he was quick to accept that a lot of his success was down to Jasprit Bumrah being Jasprit Bumrah at the other end, who dismissed Head in the 17th over to put India ahead.”I guess a lot of credit goes to Jassi because he puts a lot of pressure on the batters – he gives, what, three or four runs in an over – so batters are coming hard against me, and I just have to try and bowl my best ball and there are a lot of chances of getting wickets there,” Arshdeep said. “On the other end they see the runs are not coming and the asking rate is going high, so they take more risks against me. [There’s a] chance always of getting a wicket there. So a lot of credit for my wickets goes to Jassi .”Head took the lead in Australia’a chase by slamming 76 in 43 balls, with a spot in the semi-finals at stake. At the start of the 14th over, when Australia were 128 for 2, Kuldeep Yadav got rid of Glenn Maxwell, and Axar Patel removed Marcus Stoinis in the next over, and Australia were suddenly 135 for 4 with 71 to get in just under six overs.”The thought [process] was clear. Our batters also batted on the same wicket, and early on it was easy to score runs, the ball was coming on nicely. But afterwards, it became tough to hit boundaries,” Arshdeep said. “We knew if we took a couple of wickets, it will be tough for the new batters coming in to hit boundaries at will. That was the plan. A couple of nice overs from the spinners in the middle overs helped us.”

Continuing a frantic summer transfer window, Manchester United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a former Premier League midfielder in a shock swap deal which would involve Antony.

Man Utd on the verge of Mbeumo agreement

After the Premier League fixture release handed them the toughest start on paper, some around Old Trafford may already be dreading Manchester United’s return to domestic action in August. Ruben Amorim is unlikely to be among those, however. The Red Devils boss has instantly been backed by INEOS this summer and after already welcoming Matheus Cunha, he is reportedly closing in on welcoming Bryan Mbeumo.

In an instant, Mbeumo and Cunha should transform Manchester United’s blunt frontline which has featured the struggling Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the last 12 months.

Combined last season, Hojlund and Zirkzee managed just seven Premier League goals. Mbeumo alone, meanwhile, reached the 20-goal mark whilst Cunha scored as many as 15 for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

INEOS may not be done there, however. The transfer rumours are still coming thick and fast amid reports that Emiliano Martinez is waiting on Manchester United to make their offer to complete a shock summer move.

The new McTominay: Man Utd moving to sign "one of the best CMs in Serie A"

Manchester United have a player in their sights who could replicate Scott McTominay’s success.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 19, 2025

In similar fashion to Cunha and Mbeumo, Martinez would be an instant upgrade on Andre Onana this summer. The World Cup winner has played a crucial role in Aston Villa’s recent rise under Unai Emery, but could now be set to leave amid their PSR problems.

Signing Martinez is not the only blow that United could hand Aston Villa, though. The Red Devils have also now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a former Villa Park fan favourite this summer.

Man Utd offered Douglas Luiz swap deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Douglas Luiz in a shock swap deal for want-away winger Antony. Former Juventus director of football Cristiano Guintoli, who has now left his role, reportedly explored the deal in what would have killed two birds with one stone for INEOS this summer.

Now that Guintoli is no longer at the Italian club, the big question will be whether Juventus are still keen to take a look at such a deal. There’s no denying that Luiz desperately needs a fresh start following a tough first year in Turin, as is the case with Antony at Manchester United, which means that the deal should certainly still make sense for all parties.

Whilst Antony enjoyed quite the revival at Real Betis, the Brazilian remains a player who is likely for the exit door at Old Trafford and United should take full advantage of his rejuvenated form to either cash in or sign Luiz.

It wasn’t so long ago that the Aston Villa sporting director, Monchi, was praising Luiz as a “strong player” and even after a tough year at Juventus, the midfielder remains a player who would improve Manchester United’s midfield.

Celtic are in the market to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch during the summer transfer window, having already added defender Kieran Tierney to the group.

The Hoops are reportedly closing in on the signing of Sweden international Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland to add to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking arsenal.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the left-footed star, who usually plays on the right wing, scored 15 goals in 30 matches in the Danish Superliga for his club.

This suggests that the 23-year-old forward could provide a good goal threat for Rodgers on the right flank next season, if he can adapt to Scottish Premiership football.

Celtic keen to sign another winger

Nygren may not be the only wide option added to the Hoops squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September, though, as they are also eyeing a left-sided attacker.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Celtic remain interested in a deal to sign Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha ahead of next season.

The reporter claims that the deal has slowed down in recent weeks, but that all parties, including Royal Antwerp and the Belgian dynamo, are keen for the 24-year-old forward to sign for the Hoops before the window closes.

Tavolieri adds that the Pro League side are demanding a fee in the region of £5m for their star winger, and it is now down to the Scottish giants to stump up the cash to get this deal done.

Why Balikwisha would be as exciting as Nygren for Celtic

If the Scottish giants can wrap up a move for the Belgian wing wizard in the coming days or weeks then he would be a signing that would be as exciting as the pending addition of Nygren.

As aforementioned, the Swedish star is an exciting purchase for the Hoops because of the potential he has to deliver goals on a regular basis from the right wing for Celtic.

Balikwisha, meanwhile, is a winger who carries a dual threat on the left flank as someone who can both score and create goals at a fairly impressive rate, albeit he is coming off the back of an injury-laden year that restricted him to just 12 starts in the Belgian top-flight.

The Royal Antwerp star had scored seven goals and provided five assists in 33 outings in the division during the 2023/24 campaign, before a disrupted season this term.

Starts

12

28

Goals

4

15

Assists

3

2

Goals*

0.31

0.53

xA*

0.22

0.21

Assists*

0.23

0.07

Chances created

1.99

1.62

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian star’s performances in limited minutes this season suggest that he has the potential to offer more to the team as a creator than Nygren does.

Balikwisha, who was described as “creative” by analyst Will Glavin, can consistently create high-quality opportunities to assist his teammates, whilst still offering a threat as a goalscorer.

Therefore, Celtic could have a good balance on the flanks as they would have Nygren to provide a huge goal threat and Balikwisha to be the main creator, whilst both players can also chip in with assists and goals respectively.

This means that both wide players are exciting in their own right, as they offer quality in different departments, and that is why Hoops fans should be excited by the prospect of both stars ending up at Parkhead this summer.

Bigger blow than Kyogo: UCL club in talks to sign "breathtaking" Celtic ace

Celtic are in talks with a European team over a deal for one of their star players.

ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025