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Manchester United are in the market for new talent and could look to beat Real Madrid to a signing that could revolutionise their engine room under Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd preparing for trip to Anfield

Renewed optimism is in the air at Old Trafford after a victory over Sunderland before the international break showed a degree of competence that hasn’t always been present this season.

Nevertheless, Manchester United travel to Anfield on Sunday as the Premier League gets back underway, which will be a stern test of character for a group that needs to start putting points on the board.

Delving into Amorim’s side, it is clear that midfield is one area that could be improved once the January transfer window opens. However, BBC reporter Simon Stone doesn’t believe Red Devils target Carlos Baleba will arrive at Old Trafford in January.

He explained: “No, I don’t. (believe Baleba will join Man Utd in January). Why would Brighton sell halfway through the season? It wouldn’t really make sense and unless someone leaves, who would be left out to accommodate them?

“I think Casemiro has done OK. It is more how effective Bruno Fernandes is being. I just don’t see a world where Fernandes is left out and there are too many ‘number 10s’ already.”

Arsenal and Man Utd lead clubs looking to sign "exciting" French defender

The Gunners could be set to do battle with their Premier League rivals for the signature of a versatile defender.

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 13, 2025

While Sekou Kone continues to impress at Carrington and could be one option, there is still room for another figure to enrich the Red Devils centrally as they bid to find their way back to being one of the elite sides in English football.

Now, they could be set to compete with Real Madrid to secure a midfielder who is becoming one of Europe’s most in-demand players due to his performances.

Man Utd looking to beat Real Madrid to Adam Wharton

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are looking to beat Real Madrid to sign Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and could offer £60 million to acquire the England international.

With uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro’s future at the club, the Red Devils are willing to act swiftly to thwart the La Liga giants, who see the former Blackburn Rovers man as an ideal replacement for Toni Kroos.

Capable of breaking up play and building the game in equal measure, Wharton has registered a solitary assist in ten appearances across all competitions this term, helping Crystal Palace’s early charge for European football.

Oliver Glasner won’t want to lose his prize asset, who was dubbed “incredible” by Eberechi Eze. However, Manchester United are prepared to act before other clubs can snare their pursuit of the Three Lions star.

Bringing new blood into the squad is something Amorim will hope can reignite the Red Devils’ fortunes, albeit recruiting Wharton will be easier said than done.

Southampton have sacked manager Will Still after just 16 games in charge, with the Championship promotion hopefuls languishing in 21st place. The 33-year-old managed only four wins during a torrid start to life back in England, and Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Preston proved to be his final match in charge as the Saints turn to interim boss Tonda Eckert.

Still fired just months into Saints job

Southampton have confirmed the departure of Still just five months after his appointment, bringing a swift end to his brief and turbulent spell at St. Mary’s. The 33-year-old, who joined the club from Lens in May, managed only four wins from 16 matches across all competitions, including just two victories in the Championship. A 2-0 defeat to Preston on Saturday, which was their fifth straight match without a win, proved to be the breaking point for the Saints' hierarchy.

Still had been tasked with guiding Southampton back to the Premier League following last season’s relegation, but instead finds himself leaving with the team perilously close to dropping further down the English football ladder. The south coast side currently sit 21st in the Championship table, three points above the relegation zone and 16 behind early leaders Coventry. Despite a dramatic 3-2 win over Wrexham on the opening day, results quickly soured, with the Saints struggling to find consistency or a clear identity under the young manager.

The club confirmed that assistant coaches Ruben Martinez, Clement Lemaitre, and Carl Martin have also left their roles alongside Still. Under-21s boss Tonda Eckert has been placed in interim charge and will lead the team into Wednesday night’s clash with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. Eckert, who is highly regarded within the club, is also being considered as a potential candidate for the permanent position as Southampton’s search for a new manager begins immediately.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportStill labelled 'a great person' in Southampton's parting message

Southampton’s decision to part ways with Still was confirmed in an official club statement released on Sunday evening. "Southampton Football Club can confirm that we have this evening parted ways with Men’s First Team Manager Will Still," the statement began, before confirming that "Ruben Martinez, Clement Lemaitre and Carl Martin have also left their positions at the club." It was also announced that "Men’s Under-21s Head Coach Tonda Eckert will take charge of the team on an interim basis."

Group Technical Director Johannes Spors paid tribute to Still and his coaching team, acknowledging their commitment despite poor results. "Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results," said Spors. "Ultimately, that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked. By making a change now, we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table."

Spors concluded his statement by thanking the departing staff for their contributions. "I would like to thank Will, Ruben, Clement and Carl for their efforts and wish them well for the future."

Still's appointment had initially created excitement at Southampton

Still’s appointment in May had generated considerable excitement among supporters, with the Belgian-born coach returning to manage in England after gaining recognition for his impressive work in France. He was hired on a three-year deal to replace Ivan Juric, whose departure followed Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League with seven games to spare. Still’s reputation as a progressive and detail-oriented manager made him an attractive candidate, particularly after strong spells at Reims and Lens, where his tactical approach earned widespread praise.

The club have not won at home since that opening victory against Wrexham and have looked increasingly vulnerable defensively, conceding 11 goals in their last five matches. Saturday’s loss to Preston followed a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers, a side that had been in the relegation zone before kick-off – results that ultimately sealed Still’s fate.

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Getty Images SportSaints' U21 boss Eckert assumes interim duties

Eckert will now assume control of first-team duties on an interim basis, starting with Wednesday’s trip to QPR, as the club launches its search for a new permanent manager. Eckert’s reputation for developing young players and his familiarity with Southampton’s academy setup could make him a serious contender if results improve in the short term. The Saints, however, are expected to explore external options, with the board eager to find an experienced figure capable of steadying the ship.

Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly looking to leave Manchester United in January after falling out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim. Having made just three Premier League appearances so far this season, the striker is now attracting interest from two Serie A clubs as he aims to boost his chances of making the Netherlands’ squad for the 2026 World Cup by exiting Old Trafford.

Zirkzee has reportedly become frustrated by bit-part United role

In a report from Italian newspaper , Zirkzee has reportedly become frustrated at being used sparingly by United head coach Amorim this season. All three of the 24-year-old’s league appearances have come from the bench, while he was also a substitute in the Red Devils’ penalty shootout defeat against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup in August. Zirkzee equally endured a difficult debut season at United following his move from Serie A side Bologna in 2024, scoring just three league goals in 32 appearances as the club finished 15th under Amorim – their worst-ever Premier League finish.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportStriker wants to boost chances of making Netherlands' World Cup squad

And the report claims Zirkzee is now planning to leave United in January in order to give himself a better chance of making a Netherlands squad which is on course to book its place at next summer's World Cup. The forward, who has six caps for the Oranje, was not included in manager Ronald Koeman’s squad which recorded back-to-back victories over Malta and Finland in their recent World Cup qualifiers. The Dutch currently sit top of Group G on 16 points, three ahead of second-placed Poland, having won five and drawn one of their six fixtures.

Zirkzee attracting interest from Serie A duo Roma and Como

Having caught United's attention in Italy, Zirkzee is reportedly drawing interest back in Serie A from Roma and Como. While Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is believed to be a firm admirer of Zirkzee, having wanted to sign him for Atalanta before the forward opted to join United, the capital club would only be able to make a loan offer when the January transfer window opens. Cesc Fabregas’ Como, however, would be able to make a permanent offer to sign Zirkzee, though unlike Roma – who are competing in this season’s Europa League – they are unable to offer European football.

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Getty Images SportAmorim criticised by former Arsenal and Chelsea man Petit

It remains to be seen whether Zirkzee can force his way into the United starting eleven before January. Amorim’s men – who currently sit 10th in the Premier League table – return to action when they travel to fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday, 19 October. The Red Devils were victorious in their last outing, defeating Sunderland 2-0 on home soil in what was a good response to losing 3-1 at Brentford in their previous league fixture.

However, despite the victory over Sunderland, Amorim has been criticised by former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit as United prepare to lock horns with Liverpool this weekend. Having been questioned all season over his insistence on United lining up in his favoured 3-4-3 setup, despite winning just three of their seven league games in the formation, Amorim hit back by claiming the system is not the reason behind his side’s stuttering start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Everton have approached the 2025/26 season with a clear strategy, blending summer acquisitions with tactical continuity.

The Toffees began the campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Elland Road but bounced back strongly with a 2-0 home win against Brighton, followed by a 3-2 victory at Molineux.

This start has provided early optimism for supporters, especially given the major changes in the squad over the summer.

David Moyes oversaw the departure of several key figures, including Ashley Young, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which opened opportunities for new arrivals.

The club welcomed a mixture of youth and experience, signing Thierno Barry from Villareal, Jack Grealish from Manchester City, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, and Tyler Dibling from Southampton.

Grealish, in particular, has made an immediate impact, registering four assists so far, demonstrating that Everton’s summer business could already be paying dividends.

Amid these high-profile arrivals, one player quietly making waves is Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye, whose early-season form has been vital for the Toffees’ attacking strategy.

Ndiaye’s start to the season

Ndiaye, 25, joined Everton in 2024 from Marseille and has quickly emerged as a versatile attacking threat.

Primarily deployed as a left-winger, Ndiaye is also capable of playing as a centre-forward or attacking midfielder.

Last season, he contributed nine goals in 33 Premier League appearances, demonstrating an impressive mix of goal-scoring and creative play.

This season, Ndiaye has continued that trend, scoring against Brighton at home and Wolves away.

In the match against Wolves, he recorded 51 touches, completed 22 of 33 passes (70% accuracy), and registered two key passes, as per Sofascore, contributing significantly to Everton’s attacking rhythm.

His 2024/25 metrics underline his all-round impact: nine goal involvements, 3.19 progressive carries per 90, 3.07 progressive passes per 90, and a pass completion rate of 81.8%, as per FBref.

Ndiaye also averaged 0.56 shots on target per 90 with a 42.9% shot-on-target accuracy, generated 2.41 shot-creating actions per 90, and completed 47.6% of take-ons successfully.

These statistics highlight Ndiaye’s dual role as both a goal-scoring outlet and a creative link in the midfield, a player capable of influencing matches in multiple ways.

His versatility is particularly valuable given the club’s summer signings, which have intensified competition for attacking positions.

Ndiaye’s ability to adapt to multiple roles will be critical as Everton seek to maintain consistency and compete effectively in the Premier League.

How Dwight McNeil's value compares to Ndiaye

While Ndiaye has made an encouraging start, the arrivals of Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, and Dibling inevitably impact other squad members, particularly Dwight McNeil.

McNeil, also 25, joined Everton from Burnley in 2022, while last season, he made 21 league appearances, scoring four goals and registering eight assists, highlighting his ability to contribute both offensively and creatively.

However, McNeil’s game time is likely to be restricted this season due to the new signings.

In the first three league fixtures, he has made only a single appearance, a significant reduction compared to his prior role under Sean Dyche, where he was pivotal in helping Everton maintain their Premier League status.

Despite this, journalist Joe Thomas described him as “magic,” reflecting his vision, creativity, and ability to influence the game in key moments.

Statistically, McNeil’s 2024/25 season showcased his overall contribution.

Matches Played

21

Goals

4

Assists

6

Progressive Carries

38

Progressive Passes

69

Shot-Creating Actions

72

According to FBref, he registered 2.50 progressive carries per 90, 4.53 progressive passes per 90, a 74.5% pass completion rate, 0.66 shots on target per 90, a 40% shot-on-target accuracy, and a 53.3% successful take-on rate.

These figures illustrate his ability to link play, drive forward from wide areas, and create scoring opportunities for teammates.

While his minutes may be limited in the short term, McNeil remains a valuable asset who can impact matches off the bench or step into the starting lineup when rotation is required. That said, he is no longer a guaranteed starter.

Ndiaye’s early-season form, meanwhile, demonstrates his growing importance to the team, contributing goals, assists, and creative influence. Interestingly, however, it is actually McNeil who is deemed to be the more valuable asset (£22m vs £19m), as per Transfermarkt.

With Moyes’ new-look side taking shape though, it may well be McNeil who falls victim of this wave of exciting incomings.

Everton sold "world-class" talent who's now playing like Grealish & Gordon

Everton could have used a player of Grealish and Gordon quality in their new-look team…

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 4, 2025

Paul Pogba’s much-awaited return to football is finally getting close. Ahead Monaco's Champions League clash against Manchester City, manager Adi Hutter has revealed the midfielder could make his debut for the club after the international break. It has been over two years since the Frenchman last played a senior match.

• Pogba nearing return to football after two years

  The Frenchman last played in September 2023 for Juventus before being hit with a doping ban. His suspension was cut from four years to 18 months in October 2024, and after leaving Juventus later that year, he signed for Monaco on a free transfer in the summer. The 32-year-old has been training regularly with his teammates since July, but has not yet been considered match fit. The Ligue 1 club had mapped out a three-month programme when he joined in June, aiming for a return in early October, but it appears he will have to wait a bit longer for his first game back.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Pogba’s possible debut date revealed

  Speaking before Monaco’s Champions League game against City, Hutter revealed that the Frenchman could possibly make his debut after the international break. 

  “We maybe expected him to be in the squad against Nice, but we may need to wait until Angers…. we hope that, after the international break, he can play,” said the Monaco manager.  

  Earlier, the Austrian coach had made it clear he would not rush the Frenchman back, emphasising that he wants to ease him in properly.

• A chance for redemption for World Cup winner

  The 2018 World Cup winner’s career has been hit hard by controversies. His highly publicised and strained relationship with then-United manager Jose Mourinho put him in the wrong spotlight early on in his career. Off the pitch, Pogba was dragged into many controversies, the latest was his four-year doping ban in 2023 after testing positive for testosterone, a punishment later reduced to 18 months on appeal. Now, at Monaco, Pogba has a rare chance to turn the page.

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• AFP
  

  What's next for Monaco?

  Monaco are fourth in Ligue 1 with four wins and two losses, but suffered a 4-1 defeat to Club Brugge in their Champions League opener. With injuries to captain Denis Zakaria and Ansu Fati, Pogba’s return after the break could be a major boost for Hutter’s side. 

  He is expected to miss Sunday's game against Nice, but the October 18 clash against Angers could see him back on the field.

The allrounder could come into contention for the semi-final in Dubai where India have played all their games

Andrew McGlashan02-Mar-20252:06

Should India stick with four spinners for the semi-final?

Cooper Connolly has been called into Australia’s Champions Trophy squad after Matt Short was ruled out through injury as they prepare for what could be a trial by spin in their semi-final against India.Short picked up a quad injury against Afghanistan and would not have had time to recover for the knockout matches.Connolly, the 21-year-old left-hand batter and left-arm spinner, has been a traveling reserve with the squad so will be available immediately. He has played just three ODIs but could come straight into selection consideration given Australia have lost Short’s offspin.Related

Favourites India enter Australia's territory in semi-final

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India to face Australia in Dubai semi-final; NZ to meet SA in Lahore semi-final

Varun takes five as India top group and set up Australia showdown

If the selectors opt for a like-for-like switch of opening batters then Jake Fraser-McGurk is the spare batter while if they wanted another specialist spin bowler they could consider rejigging the balance of the attack and including Tanveer Sangha.Fraser-McGurk, who himself was a replacement for Mitchell Marsh, has struggled in his seven ODIs to date with 98 runs at 14.00, looking vulnerable when the new ball moves, but the selectors still see him as a player who can take on the powerplay.If Fraser-McGurk isn’t the route taken by the selectors it will require someone from the middle order moving up to the top to fill Short’s role, potentially the in-form Josh Inglis.Australia learnt their opponents for the semi-final will be India in Dubai on Tuesday when New Zealand were beaten in the final group game.Both Group B sides who qualified – Australia and South Africa – traveled to Dubai so that the team who faced India would have time to prepare. South Africa will now head straight back to Lahore for their semi-final against New Zealand.”We’ve obviously had a bit of a hectic schedule, playing a couple of games in Pakistan, back and forth in between cities, but I think with the nature of this tournament,” legspinner Adam Zampa said.In the selection frame: Cooper Connolly could feature against India•Getty ImagesZampa shapes as a pivotal figure for Australia in the semi-final at a ground that has aided the spinners. Against New Zealand, India used 37.3 overs of spin with Varun Chakravarthy taking 5 for 42 although there had also been some early assistance for the quicks as Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson troubled India’s top order.Australia were troubled by Sri Lanka’s spinners in their two ODIs in Colombo prior to the Champions Trophy.”It changes a little bit,” Zampa said of the conditions between Pakistan and Dubai. “Potentially slower lower wickets, so there might be an opportunity to create a few more chances, we’ll see.”Zampa added he felt there was room for improvement in his own bowling after returns of 2 for 64 against England and 2 for 48 against Afghanistan.”Personally, I don’t think I’m bowling quite at my best, but I like to think the beauty about me is when I’m not quite at my best and not feeling that great out there is my ability to still contribute and take those big wickets,” he said.”I’m obviously working on some stuff at the moment to hopefully get back to my best, but as I said, the ability to still do a job for the team and get those big wickets is still there, which to me is really important.”The last time Australia faced India in an ODI was the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. If they win this time they will return to Lahore for the final otherwise it will be staged in Dubai.

Newcastle United drew a blank against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, unable to find a breakthrough despite Ezri Konsa being shown a red card for dragging Anthony Gordon to the turf after the hour mark when through on goal.

It’s a tired storyline at this point (we apologise), but there was an Alexander Isak-shaped absence at the front of Eddie Howe’s system, with the Sweden striker on strike as he pushes to secure a move to Liverpool before the September 1st transfer deadline.

Gordon deputised as Newcastle’s number nine, something he has done multiple times in the past, but lacked cutting edge, albeit covering much ground, with Sofascore recording the Three Lions star clocked 9.9km across the contest.

There’s much to look forward to for those of a Magpies persuasion this season, even with the acknowledgement that the summer transfer window has drained the water from the crest of a wave the club rode from the 2024/25 season.

But Gordon is not an out-and-out striker; his best qualities lie elsewhere. For that reason, it’s crucial that Howe solves this quandary in the next two weeks.

Newcastle's ongoing transfer plans

Newcastle have been frustrated in their bid to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who had removed himself from first-team training in the hopes of signing for the St. James’ Park side. It offers a stark parallel to Isak’s situation.

The noise around a potential move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson seems to have been drowned out in recent days, although rumours are mounting regarding a deal for Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos, who already has two goals for Luis Enrique’s side this season.

With Callum Wilson having left the club at the end of his contract last term, it’s clear that signings are still needed up front – even if Isak ends up staying – else the Tynesiders could be blighted in their pursuit of more glory under Howe’s wing.

However, Newcastle aren’t only looking at the front of the ship. In fact, the club have held talks with one of their Premier League rivals as they weigh up a move for a rising talent at the other end of the field.

Newcastle in talks to sign Premier League prospect

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are among the growing list of clubs to have made an enquiry to Manchester City regarding the potential transfer of Rico Lewis.

Lewis, 20, has already been the subject of a formal approach from Nottingham Forest this month, which is believed to have totalled €30m (£26m).

Transfer Focus

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A versatile and technically gifted player, Lewis is held in high regard by Pep Guardiola and his staff, who would like to keep him on the books.

Why Newcastle want to sign Rico Lewis

Newcastle look to have succeeded in their efforts to rebuff summer interest in Tino Livramento, mainly from Manchester City, but that doesn’t mean they are against signing someone from Pep Guardiola’s brood.

Lewis is a top talent, with Guardiola even remarking back in 2023 that the England U21 international is “one of the best I’ve ever trained by far.”

A trophy-rich start to life as a professional has seen Lewis, who has featured 95 times for the senior side, foster his natural qualities at the highest level, but it’s unlikely he’ll earn the minutes he craves across the coming years if he remains at the Etihad Stadium.

However, at Newcastle, he could become a superstar; after all, journalist Antonio Mango has remarked in the past that he’s “born to play football.”

Lewis – Senior Career (all comps)

Season

Apps

Minutes

25/26

1

66′

24/25

44

3,160′

23/24

27

1,608′

22/23

23

1,428′

Data via Transfermarkt

With greater responsibility handed to him by Howe, the ball-playing defender, who is versatile and has played a number of fixtures as a midfielder, could become Newcastle’s next version of Gordon, who joined from Everton in January 2023 but had previously been a member of Liverpool’s academy, discarded before making gains through his formative years.

Against Aston Villa, Newcastle showed themselves to be organised and structured in defence, persistent and tenacious in the press, eager to spark a swift transition. Blunt? Sure, but United remain one of the best-coached teams in the league, with enough talent to surge past the perfunctory opinions of a drop-off after a testing window.

Did Newcastle not struggle for the best market last summer? How did that go? Howe knows what he’s doing, all right, and if he signs a youngster like Lewis, also praised for his “exceptional” ability by Guardiola, he could will and guide him toward stardom, as he did with Gordon.

Gordon, indeed, claimed Newcastle’s Player of the Year award after the 2023/24 campaign, notching 22 goal contributions across the Premier League campaign and leading journalist Henry Winter to note he’s a winger who is “thrilling to watch” and “scares defenders.”

Gordon has been such an important part of Newcastle’s rise over the past few years, and he stood up and took centre-stage in the absence of Isak on Saturday, underscoring his commitment to the cause.

In Lewis, Howe could land his next protege, one who shares his countryman’s tactical fluidity and is rooted in his completeness of style, with Sofascore noting that he completed 91% of his passes in the Premier League while also winning 59% of his ground duels, which is highly impressive for a young talent regularly pitted against the division’s finest wingers.

There’s plenty of competition for his signature, but then that was the case with Gordon too, and Lewis would be wise to recognise the shrewdness in joining Howe’s system, with the manager proficient in growing uncut gems into sparkling stars.

Related An Elanga repeat: Newcastle are "going to sign" £35m star in coming days

Newcastle United fans would be over the moon with this £35m signing.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Aug 17, 2025

Ben Stokes has revealed he did not enter the IPL mega auction to strip back his playing commitments as he attempts to prolong the twilight of his career.Stokes was a notable omission from the list of 52 Englishmen signed up for the mega auction in Jeddah for the 2025 competition. It means England’s Test captain would not be allowed to play in the IPL until 2026, by which time he would be 35. Under the new regulations introduced by franchise owners – and ratified by the BCCI – players who have previously appeared in the league but did not register for the mega auction would be unable to register for the subsequent mini-auction.History suggests the allrounder would have fetched a hefty deal. Stokes has previously earned lucrative million-pound deals with Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).Related

• Stokes finds his peace in home comforts after 'hardest trip' to Pakistan

• 'We're quite similar thinkers' – Salt happy to work with RCB think tank

• IPL 2025: How the ten teams stack up after the mega auction

“[There is] just so much cricket,” Stokes told in Christchurch ahead of England’s first Test against New Zealand. “There’s no hiding behind the fact that I’m at the back-end of my career. I obviously want to play as long as I possibly can. Looking after my body and looking after myself as much as I can is key to that.”England’s Test side face a legacy-defining 2025 with a five-match Test series at home to India before the Ashes at the end of the year. And with Brendon McCullum assuming control of the limited-overs teams, Stokes could well return to the ODI set-up for the Champions Trophy in February. All of this on top of a stint with MI Cape Town in the SA20 at the start of the year.Having spent most of the last 12 months rehabbing his left knee after surgery and recovering from a torn right hamstring, Stokes, centrally contracted to the ECB until October 2026, admitted it was time to start listening to his body for the good of what remains of his international career.”[It is about] prioritising games and when I do play – obviously I’m in South Africa this year – so it’s about looking at what I’ve got ahead and making the decision that I think is right for me to be able to prolong my career as long as possible. I want to wear this England shirt for as long as I can.”Stokes had opted out of the 2024 edition of the IPL to manage his workloads after a gruelling Test series in India. Under the new regulations, if he had put his name in the 2025 auction and then pulled out of the tournament (after being bought by a team), that would also earn him a two-year ban, unless he could provide an injury sheet from the ECB which proved he had withdrawn for legitimate medical reasons rather than simply wanting a rest.By not entering the auction altogether, Stokes has also helped the ECB, who found themselves in an awkward situation last week when they had to budge late to allow Jofra Archer to enter the auction despite initially blocking the move. Archer, whose central contract runs until October 2025, was bought by RR for £1.2m (US$1.49 million approx.).

Paris Saint-Germain are seeking to extend Bradley Barcola's contract with the club until 2030 and hope to reach an agreement in the coming months.

Barcola's contract set to expire in 2028PSG seek to extend contract by two yearsBayern Munich have shown interestFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After playing a key role in PSG's Ligue 1 and Champions League success last season, the club fought off interest from Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer to ensure he remains a key part of Luis Enrique's project in the French capital. The Parisians don't want to be caught off-guard by offers from other clubs and have thus started negotiations with the player's representatives in hopes of reaching an agreement in the coming months. PSG aim to tie the player to a deal that runs until 2030.  

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 23-year-old played 34 Ligue 1 games in the 2024-25 season, in which he scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists. Despite strong performances, he was occasionally benched in big matches, with starters like Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue preferred. This season, Barcola has started all four of PSG's matches and with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue out injured, he will be even more important over the coming weeks.

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PSG condemned the French Football Federation following the injuries to Dembele and Doue sustained during international duty. Both players were sidelined with significant muscle injuries just before key club fixtures. The club expressed frustration over what it described as a "total lack of consultation" from the federation regarding player fitness and scheduling, accusing them of jeopardising PSG’s Champions League and Ligue 1 campaigns.

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AFPWHAT'S NEXT FOR BARCOLA?

PSG's offense is now down to three main attackers – Goncalo Ramos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Barcola. The latter will hope to impress in his team-mates' absence to boost his chances of a starting XI spot at next year's World Cup.

Yorkshire preserved their hopes of Metro Bank One Day Cup qualification by ending Warwickshire’s unbeaten record with a six-wicket win at Rugby School.The win was set up by George Hill’s 6 for 28, the seventh-best List A figures for Yorkshire, which restricted the home side to 242 for 9. Only Rob Yates (72) ventured beyond the cameo stage as Warwickshire came in around 40 under par.Yorkshire then reached 246 for 4 with 33 balls remaining after Harry Duke launched their reply with a vibrant 60 off 51 balls and the chase was seen to a comfortable conclusion by William Luxton – who hit his first senior hundred – and Matthew Revis (51 not out). It was a highly impressive chase in light of the loss of their two leading run-scorers in this year’s tournament: captain Shan Masood (international duty) and James Wharton (ankle injury).Yorkshire’s campaign remains alive ahead of their final group game at Glamorgan next Wednesday while Warwickshire’s defeat was a missed opportunity but they remain strongly-placed in the Group B table ahead of their last match, against Nottinghamshire at Rugby.Yorkshire chose to bowl and imposed early pressure, particularly through Ben Coad and Hill, the latter striking early blows in a spell of 6-1-17-3. Ed Barnard’s middle stump was rattled by a lovely ball before Will Rhodes pulled to midwicket.Hamza Shaikh lifted Hill for an audacious six over midwicket but the bowler’s revenge arrived two balls later with an lbw decision. Burgess became the fourth batter to fall between 10 and 15 when he swept Dom Bess to deep midwicket.Sustained support at last arrived for Yates from Chris Benjamin (38) in a stand of 56 in 11 overs before both perished slogging. Yates, having passed 50 for the tenth time in 30 List A innings, sought six off Revis but found only deep midwicket. Benjamin’s swipe at Hill found only thin air.Hill hit the stumps for a third and fourth time when he castled Jake Lintott and Kai Smith and though the tail nurdled 30, the total still appeared inadequate.Yorkshire’s reply was robustly launched by Duke after debutant Yash Vagadia flicked Olly Hannon-Dalby to short midwicket in the fourth over. The 22-year-old has struggled for fluency of late but raced to a 44-ball half-century, including nine fours.Warwickshire hit back with three wickets in six overs. Duke top-edged a sweep at Lintott, Finlay Bean pulled Tazeem Ali’s second ball to deep midwicket and Jonathan Tattersall edged Lintott to slip.Luxton and Matt Revis steadied the innings and then advanced it to victory in composed fashion in an unbroken partnership of 129 in 25 overs, Luxton posting his maiden List A ton with a six off Yates on the threshold of victory.