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The allrounder admits white-ball cricket has taken a backseat in the last 12 months but believes he can shine in the format

Andrew McGlashan15-Sep-2025Beau Webster is keen to push his credentials as a one-day cricketer ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup although concedes the white-ball formats have taken a backseat in recent times amid his rise to Test cricket.Webster will feature at the start of the One-Day Cup for Tasmania this week when they begin their campaign against New South Wales in Sydney on Tuesday before facing Victoria in Brisbane on Friday ahead of the Sheffield Shield early next month.Webster’s List A record with the bat is middling – an average of 30.31 and strike rate of 77.10 – with his only century coming back in 2017 for a Cricket Australia XI when they fielded a development side in the one-day competition.Related

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Having made 315 runs at 52.50 in the 2023-24 season he managed just 31 in three innings last summer, although impressed with the ball as he claimed 16 wickets at 9.56 including a career-best 6 for 17 against Western Australia at the WACA when the home side suffered an astonishing collapse of 8 for 1.”I’d love to play white-ball cricket for Australia,” Webster told ESPNcricinfo. “Probably more so one-day cricket than T20 at this stage. It just feels a bit like I haven’t played it for a long time.”The last 12 months I’ve been solely focused on red-ball cricket and that’s in county cricket, Shield cricket and Test cricket. It feels like I’ve hardly hit a white ball and the things that go along with training for white-ball is a lot different than they are for red-ball.”I feel like my red-ball game’s in a really good place and I’ve got my preparation down to a tee. I suppose that I haven’t really thought too much about it [white-ball cricket] but obviously if the opportunity came and they needed what I do, I’d absolutely jump at it and love to represent the country in the colours.”The next men’s 50-over tournament is the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia which will be held in October and November of that year. Webster’s brisk medium pace and batting strength against pace bowling could be suited to conditions in Southern Africa.Australia’s 50-over side is going through something of a transition, especially in the batting, following the retirements of Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell. Aaron Hardie struggled in the No. 7 role in his recent opportunities against South Africa. Webster’s Tasmania team-mate Mitchell Owen had been due to feature in the series before suffering concussion.”I hope I’m in the conversation if I can continue to score runs in the One-Day Cup for Tasmania and Test level”•AFP/Getty Images”I think if you’re scoring runs and taking wickets in Test cricket, you’re always going to be seen as an option,” Webster said. “If you’re doing it at that level…there are a lot of transferable skills across from Test cricket to one-day cricket. So I hope I’m in the conversation if I can continue to score runs in the One-Day Cup for Tasmania and Test level. I hope my name gets thrown around for a potential debut.”Webster plans to play most, if not all, of Tasmania’s cricket before the start of the Ashes – where he potentially faces a selection squeeze depending on how the team is balanced – although may have his bowling workload managed as the first part of the season progresses.”I think I’ll try and definitely play all four of them [the Shield matches] and try and get Tassie off to a good start and get us to the top end of the table,” he said. “Then the bowling side of things we just might have to manage a little bit if we end up bowling a little bit too much. Those last two games might be managed a little bit, but I’ll be at all four.”On the theme of white-ball cricket, Webster has moved home to defending champions Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL although if he is part of the Ashes series he may not feature until after the final Test and he’s realistic that it will be a challenge to get into the line-up.”I think it’s going to be a hard-fought top six to get into,” he said. “We’ve kept the majority of the list from the title-winning team there and everyone wants to bat at Bellerive. It’s a great place to bat and we’ve got some world-class batters in that XI. Hopefully I can be with the Ashes series for all five Tests and then come back to the Hurricanes and play a role if they need me.”

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the appointment of Brentford boss Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s immediate successor, just five days after the club announced chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to part company with the Australian.

Tottenham set to hire Thomas Frank as new manager after talks

The 51-year-old appears set to end his impressive tenure at Brentford in imminent fashion, after Levy earmarked Frank as the top candidate to replace Postecoglou.

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Unlike their infamously drawn-out hunt for a new manager in 2021, their search has ended pretty quickly, and Frank is now on the cusp of a switch to N17. Tottenham were in talks with Frank and Brentford over the last few days, with negotiations coming to a conclusion in a very swift fashion.

According to trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, Frank will become Tottenham’s new manager, with the Lilywhites paying his £10 million release clause and already finding an agreement on contract terms/backroom staff.

The tactician is perhaps a perfect fit, considering he’s proven to be efficient at operating on a limited budget, not to mention working with a data-driven recruitment model at Brentford, which is quite similar to Tottenham.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

However, there are some reservations over Frank’s lack of experience when it comes to managing high-profile clubs, competing in the Champions League or winning silverware – with some comparisons already made to Spurs’ failed appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo.

Time will tell whether the Dane’s appointment will prove the correct one, but attention is now turning to how Tottenham will tackle the transfer market under his watch.

Thomas Frank urging Daniel Levy to consider Eberechi Eze deal at Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, he’s already starting to have his say on Spurs’ summer recruitment drive, with Frank said to be a fan of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

It is believed Frank has already urged Levy to consider a Tottenham deal for Eze, if they cannot hijack Man United’s deal for Bryan Mbeumo, with the new head coach giving his green-light for them to move for the £100,000-per-week England international.

The former QPR star fired Palace to their first ever major trophy, scoring the winner against Man City in their 1-0 FA Cup final win at Wembley, adding to his 2024/2025 tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze’s contract is rumoured to contain a £68 million release clause, so Spurs know the price it would take to back Frank with the attacker’s signing, which would undoubtedly be a statement signing.

“This guy is an immense talent, there’s no doubt about that,” said ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown about Eze.

“He was released by Arsenal as a kid. I wonder if that will come back to haunt Arsenal here today? He said he cried for a week. He realised when it hits you really hard as a young man, you think, ‘Ok, I’m coming back from this.’ It proves that he’s made of really strong stuff.”

Sunderland now look set to sell an “excellent” player on the cheap in the summer transfer window, following a significant new update.

Sunderland prepare for Premier League amid Bellingham uncertainty

The Black Cats are preparing for life back in the Premier League, and while focus has been on new signings, trying to persuade Jobe Bellingham to stay put has also been at the top of their list of priorities.

The 19-year-old has been weighing up his future in recent weeks, with Sunderland no doubt hoping he will decide to stay on after Regis Le Bris’ side’s memorable playoff wins over Coventry and Sheffield United.

Despite this, it has always felt as though the teenage midfielder is still more likely move on, though, with the Borussia Dortmund seen as the likely destination.

Fabrizio Romano has often reported that Sunderland won’t allow him to leave for less than his £34m release clause, but now a new update has emerged regarding his future.

Bellingham set to leave on the cheap

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Bellingham has chosen to leave Sunderland for Dortmund, exiting for nearly £10m less than the Black Cats hoped and joining for £25m instead.

It is such a shame to see Bellingham depart the Stadium of Light this summer, considering what an exciting young talent he is, but it is no great surprise at the same time. The Sunderland ace has no doubt been told by his brother about the path through Dortmund to stardom, as he looks to emulate him and become a world class player over time.

Bellingham will be remembered as a key man in the Black Cats’ unforgettable promotion campaign, though, being hailed as “excellent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Hopefully, Sunderland can now use the funds received for Bellingham wisely, bringing in either one big-name addition or a couple of good players to bolster Le Bris’ squad.

Sunderland now looking "increasingly likely" to sign ex-PSG defender

Regis Le Bris wants to snap him up.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 3, 2025

Black Cats supporters are unlikely to wish any ill of the Englishman, with his exit feeling rather predictable, and it’s now a case of moving on without him, ensuring his departure doesn’t affect them too badly.

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is fresh off the back of another fine season at Selhurst Park, and his stance on leaving this summer has now come to light amid interest from a host of London rivals.

Eze on a Crystal Palace high after FA Cup winner against Man City

Oliver Glasner guided Palace to their first ever major trophy at the end of 2024/2025, with Eze scoring the winning goal as they overcame Premier League heavyweights Man City at Wembley to lift the FA Cup.

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ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

The ex-QPR star etched himself into club folklore with his deft one-touch finish from inside the penalty area, a side-footed volley which will live long in the memory of Palace supporters, and the Eagles are set to compete in Europe next year as a result.

He was a key man for Glasner throughout the last campaign – registering 25 goal contributions across 43 appearances in all competitions (14 goals, 11 assists) – and Eze’s presence undoubtedly played a major role in cementing the Austrian’s status as Palace’s most successful manager in recent memory.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish recently confirmed that Glasner will remain at Selhurst, at least until the end of his contract, which expires in 2026, as club chiefs work to negotiate an extension.

“He (Glasner) will stay here, for some period of time,” Parish told reporters at the FA Cup final (via The Athletic).

“What happens in the future, the summer transfer window, players, is for tomorrow, but he’ll be here next year and we’ll take it from there.

“Of course we want him to stay but things happen in football, clubs evolve and move on and I’d love him to stay but the club has to develop and show the ambition in terms of the things we have to do to move it forward for people to feel part of something. If that all aligns maybe it will.”

As Glasner prepares for his second full season at Palace, there is little doubt that he’d prefer to keep hold of his star players, especially Eze.

However, the England international’s contract does include a £68 million release clause, which allows clubs to bypass negotiations with Palace and head straight to the player himself to discuss personal terms.

Eberechi Eze's stance on Crystal Palace exit amid Arsenal and Tottenham interest

The final decision will rest with Palace’s star player, and the prospect of success at more traditionally-elite English sides is a worrying temptation.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Tottenham are expressing a serious interest, as are Man United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.

However, the outlet shares some good news for Palace, namely Eze’s stance when it comes to drawing the curtain on a glittering career in south London.

It is believed that Eze is reluctant to push for a Palace exit this summer and is currently content right where he is, so the 26-year-old is in no hurry to pack his bags, despite holding ambitions to compete and win more trophies.

It is ultimately the task of Glasner and Parish to convince Eze that they can build upon this year’s FA Cup win and provide the attacking midfielder with a platform to showcase his ability at the highest level, which is easier said than done considering Palace face losing other key players.

Star defender Marc Guehi is attracting interest from Tottenham again heading into the summer window, with his contract expiring in 2026, while mainstay left-back Tyrick Mitchell has attracted interest from Arsenal as his deal expires in 2027.

Glasgow Rangers ended their 2024/25 campaign in typically disappointing fashion when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday.

The Gers led 1-0 and 2-1 throughout the match but were pegged back both times and, ultimately, had to settle for a draw in what was Barry Ferguson’s last match in charge of the club.

The former Scotland international came in to take interim charge until the end of the season when Philippe Clement was relieved of his duties in February, and has not done a particularly impressive job as caretaker.

Ferguson ended his interim spell with just six wins in 15 matches in all competitions, including five draws and four defeats, and his team only kept two clean sheets in that time – most recently in the 4-0 win over Aberdeen.

These statistics do not suggest that the Scottish head coach is a suitable candidate to take the job on a full-time basis, and it has since been confirmed that he has left his post.

The Light Blues have already been linked with a host of other managers to land the job this summer, including Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti.

The latest on Davide Ancelotti to Rangers

It was recently reported in Spain that the Italian coach had decided to remain with his father, Carlo Ancelotti, and follow him into the Brazil national team job this summer.

The outlet claimed that Ancelotti was due to turn down a move to Rangers, and any other interested clubs, to work with the Brazil squad for at least another year, potentially with a view to working at the World Cup in 2026, before making a decision on his future.

However, the Daily Record have since stated that the Real Madrid assistant is still a contender for the Rangers job, but that he is not the only boss in the running for the role.

These reports are conflicting and make it hard to get a real gauge on how likely the Italian tactician is to be in the dugout at Ibrox when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.

As you can see in the graphic above, he has learned from one of the best to ever do it, as his father has won so many trophies at the very top level of European football. Carlo Ancelotti has won all five of Europe’s major leagues and won the Champions League five times, which speaks to his immense quality as a manager.

However, Davide Ancelotti is yet to prove himself as the main man coaching a team. He has not managed a team at first-team level and that makes him an unknown quantity, which is why the 49ers could be better off forgetting about him and swooping for a more experienced head coach this summer.

The other contenders for the Rangers job

The Daily Record recently reported that Ancelotti is not the only manager being considered by the 49ers and Kevin Thelwell, as they are also looking at several British coaches.

It was revealed that Sean Dyche, Gary O’Neil, and Russell Martin, all sacked by Premier League teams this season, are also being eyed up by the Scottish giants.

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Of those three managers, Martin is the only one who has experience of Scottish football. The former central defender and right-back had a short stint on loan at Ibrox in the 2017/18 campaign, and was a Scotland international, despite being born and raised in England.

He would be available on a free transfer should Rangers decide to make a move for him because Southampton parted ways with the manager earlier this year, which would also make him more attainable than Ancelotti, who is still in a job with his father.

With this in mind, Thelwell must pursue a deal to bring Martin back to Ibrox for a stint as a manager rather than a player ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as he could be an even better option than Ancelotti.

Why Rangers should appoint Russell Martin

As aforementioned, Ancelotti does not have any relevant first-team managerial experience that Rangers can look at to see a demonstrable style of play or how he would deal with a group of players as the main leader.

He has won trophies as an assistant to his father at Real Madrid but it would still be a gamble to appoint him as the next Gers manager, as his managerial quality is still unknown.

Martin, however, has plenty of experience as a manager or head coach in England thanks to his time with MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton, managing in League One, the Championship, and the Premier League.

As you can see in the graphic above, the former Scotland international has managed over 200 matches in English football, and enjoyed a fantastic overall record at Southampton, despite being sacked after struggling in the top-flight.

One of the big positives in Martin’s column is also that he has a demonstrable way of playing that could excite supporters and lead the club into the 49ers era in style.

Pass accuracy

87.7%

1st

Passes into the penalty area

594

1st

Progressive passes

2556

1st

Shot-creating actions

1255

1st

xG

79.8

2nd

Points per game

1.89

4th

As you can see in the table above, the former Southampton manager earned promotion from the Championship with a ball-dominant and attacking style at St. Mary’s in the 2023/24 campaign.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed that Martin’s style of play is a “joy to watch” and “successful”, which shows that the former Rangers defender has impressed one of the top managers in Europe with his work on the coaching pitch.

This shows that the former Scotland international has a demonstrably exciting style of play because he effectively coached his way of playing in the second tier to earn promotion with the Saints, and caught the eye of the Gunners boss.

Therefore, Martin could be an excellent option for the 49ers and Thelwell to consider in the coming weeks because he would come in with a track record of being able to deploy an exciting and dominant style when he has had the quality of players to do so.

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Several Rangers players wont be at the club next season after the 2-2 draw with Hibs.

ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

Therefore, Rangers should forget about Ancelotti, who has yet to prove himself in senior management, and appoint Martin to lead the Gers into the 49ers era.

Manchester City might win the FA Cup next week, but it won’t be a consolation for the dismal season they have endured in the Premier League and Champions League.

Knocked out of the latter by Real Madrid in February, City’s title challenge was effectively over by the turn of the year.

Pep Guardiola made key signings in January, although he will be keen on adding a few more players to his squad in the summer.

Could he be set to raid the Bundesliga once again?

Man City's search for a striker

As reported earlier this week by German news outlet Bild, City have now joined the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké this summer.

They signed Omar Marmoush in January from the same club and it appears as though they are looking to raid them once more.

Liverpool and Arsenal have been heavily linked with the Frenchman of late, but Guardiola looks ready to make his move.

Due to the clubs chasing him, Frankfurt have placed a price tag of €100m (£85m) on his head, which might deter a few potential bids.

City have made their fair share of signings from the German top flight over the years, but it was their capture of Edin Dzeko which set the club up for their first Premier League title.

Hugo Ekitike could be City’s next Edin Dzeko

Dzeko joined City midway through the 2010/11 campaign – following his own prolific stint in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg – and enjoyed a solid first few months, scoring six times for the club.

The 2011/12 season saw the Etihad side claim their first ever Premier League crown and Dzeko netted 19 times in all competitions under Roberto Mancini.

A pure out-and-out striker, the Bosnian ended his spell at the club by scoring 72 goals across 198 matches, a more than respectable outlay. That followed the 85 goals he had scored in just 142 games during his time in Germany.

A potential German import like Dzeko, Ekitike certainly has his own qualities in front of goal. That much is known. For Frankfurt this season, he has found the back of the net on 15 occasions in the Bundesliga.

Furthermore, he has also created 12 big chances and succeeds with 1.6 dribbles per game, indicating that he offers more than just a clinical nature in front of goal.

Metric

Bundesliga

Europa League

Goals

15

4

Assists

7

3

Big chances created

12

6

Shots per game

3.5

2.2

Total duels won per game

4.2

4.3

During the formative years of his career, many expected him to go on to achieve big things, with sections of the media believing he “could be the next Mbappe” after he was linked with a move to Newcastle in 2022.

The youngster might not have hit the highs of the current Real Madrid sensation, but optimism is there that his career has been revived at Frankfurt following a disappointing spell with PSG.

Compared to his peers in the Bundesliga, Ekitike ranks in the top 9% for total shots (3.82), assists (0.29), shot-creating actions (3.52) and successful take-ons (1.9) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

Not merely content with being a pure striker, the Frenchman offers plenty in the final third. While £85m might put City off, if they can bring this price down, a move could be on the cards.

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While Guardiola does already boast a Sergio Aguero-esque talisman in Erling Haaland, Ekitike could represent the perfect understudy – just as Dzeko was all those years ago.

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ByRoss Kilvington May 10, 2025

Newcastle United failed to make it back-to-back victories in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Gaining all three points would have seen Eddie Howe’s Magpies really lay down a marker when it comes to their top five aspirations, but this draw means the tussle between themselves, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest will only intensify more ahead of a thrilling May to follow.

On another day, however, the Tyneside outfit could have returned back home empty-handed, with more heroics from Alexander Isak thankfully bailing the visitors out.

Isak's heroics on the South Coast

It’s hardly a surprise now when Isak’s name flashes up as a goalscorer for the Toon, with the unerringly accurate Newcastle number 14 now up to 27 goals in all competitions after firing home a last-gasp penalty on the South Coast.

The spot-kick beating Bart Verbruggen also means Isak is now on a hefty 23 Premier League strikes, with this total being the most lethal tally a Newcastle player has managed in league action since Alan Shearer’s 22-goal haul during the 2003/04 campaign.

Amazingly, Howe’s men had actually had two penalties overturned via VAR before Isak’s was given, meaning it was crucial that the lethal Swede fired home with confidence, and he did just that to send the away masses into momentary delirium.

Away from his effort from the spot wrongfooting the Seagulls goalkeeper, it was somewhat of a quiet day at the office from Isak in open play, seen in the 25-year-old only registering two efforts on goal and 20 accurate passes, away from his last-gasp moment of quality.

But, any negatives from his overall game were quickly brushed under the carpet after the penalty trickled in.

Whereas, one of Isak’s attacking teammates might well find his starting spot is up for grabs after an entirely unmemorable performance against Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts.

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The 5/10 Newcastle star who could now be dropped

It’s clear when reading over the match numbers that there were a whole host of underperformers from Newcastle’s perspective.

Indeed, having posted two assists last weekend, Kieran Trippier was nowhere near his rampaging best down the right flank when squandering possession 15 times, whilst Joe Willock struggled too in an attacking capacity when making just 17 accurate passes, also booked for diving.

But, Jacob Murphy would be the biggest letdown for Howe, considering the usually electric number 23 has eight goals and 11 assists next to his name across 32 Premier League outings this season, but offered virtually nothing when bombing forward against the Seagulls.

This would result in Howe putting Murphy out of his misery on the 56th minute mark, with the Magpies boss clearly fed up by the fact the 30-year-old had registered just one effort on Verbruggen’s goal when still on the pitch, among other lacklustre numbers.

Minutes played

56

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

30

Accurate passes

17/22 (77%)

Accurate crosses

0/2

Accurate long balls

0/1

Shots

1

Successful dribbles

1/2

Total duels won

1/4

Frustratingly, Murphy would also tally up no accurate crosses, no accurate long balls and just one successful dribble when attempting to create an opening for the visitors, on top of also failing to be aggressive when needed when winning just one duel from four attempted.

Arguably, the 30-year-old’s replacement in Anthony Gordon offered more from his limited minutes on the Brighton turf, with one of the overturned penalties on the day coming about from the ex-Everton man’s burst of pace, alongside the lively attacker winning four of his own duels.

Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson would hand out a low 5/10 rating to the former Norwich City winger subsequently stating that his afternoon was defined by a number of promising crossing opportunities being ‘wasted.’

It could well be time for Howe to axe Murphy from his starting lineup to freshen up proceedings, therefore, with the Magpies boss hopeful that both Gordon and Harvey Barnes next to Isak can cause Chelsea all sorts of bother in a huge Premier League clash up next.

In-demand player would rather join Newcastle despite offer from Barcelona

The Magpies could land his signature…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 4, 2025

Arsenal have now joined the race for a Premier League forward who has “X-factor pace”, but they may have to pay at least £43m for his services, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new winger

After progressing past Real Madrid last week, the Gunners have a golden opportunity to win the Champions League for the first time, but Mikel Arteta’s side have been hampered in their Premier League title pursuit by a number of injury issues.

Bukayo Saka’s long-term absence arguably hit the north Londoners the hardest, with the inexperienced Ethan Nwaneri being given the nod at right-wing while the talisman was sidelined, underlining the need for Arteta to bolster his wide options this summer despite Nwaneri’s clear potential.

Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams appears to be among the main targets, with a bid for the Spanish winger now being formulated, while talks have also been held over a deal for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who could be available for a fee of just £25m.

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Mikel Arteta’s side have reached out to another player.

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Williams has been a long-term target for Arteta, given the level of his performances for club and country, while Cherki has been in remarkable form for Lyon this season, amassing 12 goals and 18 assists in all competitions.

However, with neither player proven in England, Arsenal are also monitoring a winger who has performed very well in the Premier League this season, namely Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, according to a report from Caught Offside.

Elanga has caught the eye for the Tricky Trees, meaning a whole host of Premier League clubs are also in the race for his signature, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and former employers Manchester United.

Forest haven’t put the winger up for sale, and they are considering offering him a contract extension, but there is a feeling they could be open to bids of at least €50m (£43m).

"Powerful" Elanga impressing for Europe-chasing Forest

Forest’s Champions League hopes have recently taken a hit, having lost their last two Premier League games, but they remain in a strong position to qualify for Europe next season, and the 22-year-old has been one of their most important players.

The Forest star has six goals and eight assists to his name in 32 Premier League outings, having predominantly featured at right-wing, although the Swede has often featured on the opposite side throughout his career, indicating he could push for Gabriel Martinelli’s starting spot.

The former Man United man has also impressed both Andy Reid and Jamie Redknapp this season, with the former particularly impressed by his “X-factor pace”.

Elanga’s displays for Forest indicate Man United made a mistake letting him leave, and with Arteta in need of more attacking depth next season, the Sweden international’s versatility could make him an ideal addition to the squad.

While they need points now, and are still involved in the FA Cup of course, Manchester City are starting to look to the future.

In the January transfer window, the Sky Blues invested heavily, recruiting youngsters Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico González and Juma Bah.

However, they already had plenty of young talent on their books, and one highly rated centre-forward deserves more of an opportunity amid an injury to Erling Haaland.

The latest on Erling Haaland's injury

As outlined by Jamie Braidwood of the Independent, Haaland suffered a rather nasty ankle injury during the FA Cup victory over Bournemouth a fortnight ago, stating that the Norwegian’s ‘left foot was caught under the challenge of Lewis Cook’.

Pep Guardiola later confirmed that Haaland will be sidelined for ‘five to seven weeks’, which would see him face a race against time to be fit for the FA Cup final, if Man City overcome Nottingham Forest in the semis in his absence.

Although, of course, Man City’s season does not finish there, with the Club World Cup commencing in June, set to face Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain and Juventus in the group stages.

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Nevertheless, in the meantime, the Citizens’ attack currently has a gigantic Haaland-shaped void that requires filling, both literally and metaphorically, albeit his deputy isn’t doing too badly.

Omar Marmoush's impact at Man City

After scoring 20 goals in 26 appearances during the first half of this season with Eintracht Frankfurt, Man City swooped in and signed Omar Marmoush for a reported fee of £63m in January, and his start to life at the Etihad has been impressive.

The Egyptian striker lashed home the Citizens’ equaliser during Saturday’s comeback victory over Crystal Palace, taking his tally to seven goals in sky blue already, six of which have come in the Premier League, all of those scored at the Etihad.

Marmoush’s hat-trick against Newcastle in February, timed at 13 minutes and 54 seconds, is the fourth-fastest by a Man City player in the Premier League, behind Sergio Agüero, Carlos Tevez and Raheem Sterling, according to Opta’s the Analyst.

Prior to his arrival, Ben McAleer of the Guardian believed Marmoush would be the ‘ideal addition’ for Guardiola’s team to make in January, and he’s certainly been proved right so far, but do Man City have another centre-forward champing at the bit, desperate to be given an opportunity?

Man City's highly-rated forgotten forward could replace Haaland

Last summer was largely a transfer window of inactivity at the Etihad, but they did snap up striker Divin Mubama from West Ham United, paying a reported compensation fee of £2m.

This could prove to be an absolute bargain, considering analyst Ben Mattinson is impressed by Mubama’s “obvious quality”, hailing him as a “serious player”, while Man City’s club correspondent Holly Percival praises his ‘relentless running, power, strength and impressive link-up play’.

So, who is Mubama?

Well, he joined West Ham United as a nine-year-old, most notably helping the Irons win the FA Youth Cup in 2023, scoring a hat-trick during the semi-final victory over Southampton, also bagging his first senior goal for the club during a 4-0 Europa Conference League victory over AEK Larnaca.

However, last summer, he decided to swap East London for East Manchester, so let’s assess his career statistics so far.

West Ham United

18

1

1

West Ham U21s

34

18

2

West Ham U18s

57

40

5

Manchester City

2

1

0

Man City U21s

9

8

4

As you may have noticed in the table, Mubama has scored for Man City’s first team this season, on target less than 20 minutes into his debut as the Sky Blues’ crushed Salford 8-0 in the FA Cup in January.

However, as also outlined in the table, Mubama has only been given one opportunity since then, despite being on fire at Premier League 2 level, scoring eight goals in eight games, thereby averaging a goal every 80 minutes.

Thus, Guardiola is going to have to give the 20-year-old some more opportunities, or he’ll surely seek more regular minutes elsewhere and while Haaland is sidelined, what better time to do it?

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Everton are free to build for next season due to David Moyes’ rescue mission since returning to Merseyside, and his side are now said to be lining up a move for a talented star from the continent, per reports.

Everton set to embark on new era that could produce big changes

The Toffees are in a position to call on a better sense of financial stability under the Friedkin Group’s ownership, which could pave the way for some exciting arrivals to make their way into the fold at Bramley Moore Dock.

Seemingly, Everton aren’t afraid to ruffle feathers and Ben Doak is a surprise target despite his obvious links with Liverpool. Internal talks have been held over a shock move that may cost £25 million to £30 million to complete, albeit Crystal Palace and Bournemouth also want to sign the Scotland international.

On the flip side, the Blues could be set to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer amid his contract standoff. Now, a departure for the Three Lions international is moving closer, as Ange Postecoglou’s side have already made advances to bring him to North London.

Moyes has done an incredible job at Goodison Park after coming into an environment where Everton weren’t safe from relegation by a long shot. Since his arrival, two losses in 11 matches have alleviated fears of the drop, and the Scot deserves plaudits for getting results with a group of players who may be cast aside this summer to make way for new reinforcements.

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Now, Everton are said to have made an approach for a talented defender that could be set to embark on a new challenge once the window opens.

Everton make approach for Feyenoord defender David Hancko

According to journalist Santi Auona on X, Everton have made an approach to sign Feyenoord defender David Hancko, who is also attracting interest from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A giants Juventus ahead of the summer.

Equating to an asking price of £29.7 million, Hancko has proved his worth this campaign across all competitions, registering four goals and four assists in 41 appearances.

Labelled “impressive” by Ben Mattinson, the Slovakia international has been a constant for Feyenoord on Eredivisie duty this term, winning 103 duels and making 117 recoveries in total.

Capable of featuring on the left-hand side in addition, Hancko could be a solid signing if Everton can manage to push a deal for his signature over the line, making this one to keep an eye on.