Adopted Tasmanian Tim Ward has his side into a promising position on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales, as three Blues juniors impressed against their old state.In his second game back in Tasmania’s team after being dropped last summer, Ward hit 91 at the SCG on Sunday, before falling late in the day when caught down the leg side.His runs came as Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Jordan Silk also hit half-centuries, giving Tasmania a chance to finally lay the foundation for their first Shield victory of the summer.Ward, Radhakrishnan and Silk never played a senior match for NSW in their career, but all were raised in Sydney and came through the Blues’ system before moving south. On Sunday, each had success on their return home, with Ward’s runs particularly timely.The 26-year-old was the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year in 2022, and part of the Australia A team in 2023 after a strong start to domestic cricket. But he fell out of form last summer, and found himself dropped late in the season after three consecutive ducks.Ward again began this season on the outer, before hitting 51 on return for Tasmania against Queensland in the last round. The No. 3 continued that form into Sunday, after Jackson Bird had Jake Weatherald edging to gully from a poor shot on the first ball of the match.Ward drove Sean Abbott for four early in the day, and later jumped down the deck to hit Adam Zampa for six over midwicket. But for the most part it was an innings of steady accumulation, before his 246-ball vigil was ended when he was caught behind off Abbott.Radhakrishnan’s runs also came after being recalled to the struggling Tasmania side. Playing in just his second first-class match, the 21-year-old who rose to prominence as an ambidextrous spinner, impressed with the bat for Tasmania in his 55.He cover-drove Jack Edwards for one four and hit him behind point for another in the same over, before using his feet to hit Green to the long-on rope. But he was out to the spinner four balls later, when trapped on the pads to one that went straight on.Silk then walked to the wicket and hit 74, before he too was caught behind off Abbott inside the last 20 overs of the day.Abbott finished the day with 2 for 55, after earlier having Radhakrishnan dropped twice in the slips and once by wicketkeeper Josh Philippe in the first session.

Matthews’ knock wasn’t enough as West Indies were eventually bowled out for 238 in big chase

Shashank Kishore24-Dec-2024The game witnessed two majestic hundreds, from Harleen Deol and Hayley Matthews. Where Deol had support of three other half-centurions in the Indian innings, Matthews had none. And that in a monumental chase of 359 was simply not good enough.The end result was another one-sided fare that gave India the ODI series with one match remaining, but it was also one where West Indies showed a lot more fight than they did two nights ago. They nearly batted out the 50 overs to take away something from a contest they never looked like bossing at any point.West Indies’ response to India’s 358 for 5 – their joint-highest ODI total – was circumspect. They batted out three maidens in the first seven overs, two of those to Renuka Singh, who had wrecked their top order with in-swing to finish with a five-for in the first ODI. It underlined West Indies’ approach for large parts of their innings – survival over flamboyance that they’re known for.As the innings progressed, it became evident how big the gulf was between Matthews and the rest of their batters, who hardly seemed to trust their defense and bat long enough against an Indian attack that boasted of some variety that will give them a welcome headache as they go forward in a World Cup year. Only Deandra Dottin can claim to have received a pearler that she had no answers to as Renuka ripped past her inside edge to flatten the stumps with a superb in-ducker.Mathews aside, the only other semblance of a fight from the West Indies came from wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle, who made 38 in a fifth-wicket stand that was worth 112. Matthews was brutal in her onslaught against India’s spinners, especially legspinner Priya Mishra whom she read from the hand and off the pitch. Against pace, she was quick to pounce on anything short or wide. Yet, it wasn’t until she had crossed 70 that she began to show off her full range of strokes, eventually getting to her seventh ODI hundred off 99 balls. But Matthews’ century only served to merely reduce the margin of defeat.Hayley Matthews celebrates her third ODI ton from her last six innings•BCCIThe story of the day, though, was Deol. Having been on crutches, recovering from a knee injury until five months ago, she repaid the faith the team management had in her by hitting a maiden international hundred from No.3. Dropped on 20 by Dottin at square leg, Deol made them pay. She built slowly to a half-century, reaching there in 62 balls, but shifted gears seamlessly in the end overs to raise her century off 98 balls.In Jemimah Rodrigues, she found an able ally as the pair put on a quick-fire 116-run stand off just 71 deliveries for the fourth wicket in a partnership where they attempted a shot every ball. Rodrigues was outstanding against spin, lofting inside-out over cover, paddling fired-in deliveries past short fine leg, or rocking back to pull. Along the way, she showed her versatility to accelerate as comfortably as she had built the innings. The reward was a half-century off 34 deliveries, before she was out attempting to hit out a waist-high full toss.Deol fed off that energy, in addition to the confidence from spending time at the crease. In all, India scored 184 in the last 20 overs, compared to the 160 they hit two nights ago. That they achieved this with Richa Ghosh contributing just an unbeaten 13 should give them much encouragement.Deol’s knock was preceded by a second straight century opening stand from Smriti Mandhana and rookie Pratika Rawal, who looked anything like the nervous version from her debut on Sunday. She came out looking to score quickly. There wasn’t much swing on offer, and Rawal impressed with her intent and strokeplay to set the base of India’s innings after they elected to bat.At the other end, Mandhana, who became the highest run-getter in women’s ODI this year, simply carried on from where she left off in the series opener. She displayed more than just traces of brute force in muscling spinners. Rawal was comfortably outscoring Mandhana until the eighth over, but it didn’t take long for the India vice-captain to catch up, before overtaking her to raise a 29th half-century and her second straight of the series off just 44 balls. One ball later, the opening pair raised their century stand.Rawal soon caught up to get to her maiden half-century but missed out on a great chance of converting it to a maiden international hundred, when she was out to a soft dismissal on 76. But in taking two wickets and sending down a few tight overs, and taking an excellent catch inside the ring, Rawal had a day neither she nor the team management will forget in a hurry, not even after having had a role in running out Mandhana, who instead of fuming gave her a pat of encouragement as she walked back.

While they’ve faced more than a few questions over the transfer policy in recent seasons, Chelsea have built a squad stacked with sensationally talented gems.

Enzo Maresca has some incredible players all throughout his squad now, but it’s still easy to point to his most important: Cole Palmer.

The Englishman has only been at the club for two seasons, but has already amassed an unreal haul of 43 goals and 29 assists in 98 games.

When fit, the former Manchester City gem is the first name on the teamsheet, and so fans should be delighted about reports linking Chelsea with someone who could be their new Palmer.

Chelsea chase their new Palmer

In a shock to nobody, Chelsea have had another busy summer when it comes to transfers this year.

Transfer Focus

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

On top of selling a host of players for a tidy profit, the Blues have made a number of exciting additions to Maresca’s Conference League-winning side.

The likes of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap should make the frontline far more potent, while Jorrel Hato looks like he could be one of the club’s star defenders in a few years.

Yet, with the window still open until Monday night, the West Londoners appear intent on adding more quality to the squad, and could be in with a chance of landing someone who may well be their new Palmer.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo.

More than that, though, the report has revealed that the Manchester United gem is now open to the idea of leaving Old Trafford after being left on the bench against Arsenal and Fulham.

While a price has not been mentioned in the report, other updates from this week revealed that the Red Devils could allow the Englishman to leave for just £45m.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea will be able to work out a deal for Mainoo in time, but if they do, they could be getting themselves their new Palmer.

Why Mainoo could be Chelsea's new Palmer

Now, while Palmer and Mainoo tend to play in different positions on the pitch, there are several other reasons why the latter could be seen as Chelsea’s new version of the former.

The first is the simple fact that, like the former City prospect, this potential transfer would see the United gem move from Manchester to West London after being deemed not good enough to play regular first-team football by his current manager.

Moreover, it would be another example of the Blues signing an academy graduate from one of the Manchester sides, and one that is widely considered to be tremendously exciting, even if Ruben Amorim does not seem to rate him.

On top of that, both midfielders are English, although instead of signing someone who was thriving in the youth setup, the Blues would be getting their hands on someone who has shone in the senior side this time.

However, perhaps the most important way in which Maresca could be getting his hands on another Palmer is that Mainoo could well develop into a world-beater at Stamford Bridge.

After all, even though he is still young and has been out of the Red Devils’ side since Amorin took over, the 20-year-old has already shown us that he could be something really quite special.

For example, FBref rank him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions stemming from his take-ons, the top 2% for tackles in the attacking third, the top 4% for carries into the penalty area, the top 5% for take-ons attempted, and more, all per 90.

SCA (Take-On)

0.38

Top 1%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.71

Top 2%

Carries into Penalty Area

0.65

Top 4%

Take-Ons Attempted

2.77

Top 5%

% of Dribblers Tackled

63.9%

Top 6%

Touches (Att Pen)

2.88

Top 8%

Successful Take-Ons

1.19

Top 10%

Progressive Passes Rec

3.42

Top 16%

Passes Completed (Short)

24.88

Top 19%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.27

Top 19%

What these numbers show is that, even though he’s still young and not getting the game time his talent warrants, he’s a sublime ball-carrier and someone who can help break up attacking high up the pitch.

In other words, he has the tools to be an elite all-action midfielder, and as teammate Rasmus Hojlund described him, looks to be a “generational talent.”

Ultimately, while it might be difficult, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Mainoo before the window shuts next week, as they could just land themselves another Palmer-esque gem.

Better deal than Lopez: Ornstein expects £50m "diamond" will join Chelsea

As Chelsea make a move to sign Fermín López from Barcelona, will the Blues also snap up a “diamond” attacker for £50m who is an even bigger talent?

ByBen Gray Aug 27, 2025

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao revealed he was close to signing for his boyhood dream club Benfica, but the move fell through after the club failed to keep their promise of sending a van to pick him up for training. The setback left Leao in tears and ultimately led him to join Benfica’s arch-rivals Sporting CP, where he would go on to make his senior debut before eventually leaving Portugal.

• Leao’s failed move to Benfica and Sporting career

  Portugese winger Leao had agreed to join Benfica’s academy but a failed promise from the club made him leave for their Lisbon rivals after just a few days. Leao spent seven seasons in various levels of Sporting’s academy before he was given his senior debut by then-coach Jorge Jesus in February 2018. The crown of the Portuguese winger's brief spell in the first team was his goal against Porto, which made him the youngest Sporting player to score in that fixture. Later that year, Leao terminated his contract with Sporting following a violent attack on players and staff at the club’s training ground.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Leao recalls his failed story to Benfica

  Speaking to Leao recounted how his dream move to Benfica left him in tears, saying: "Benfica wanted me to sign. My dad said yes; he's a Benfica fan too. I signed for Benfica, but since my dad didn't have a car at the time, I couldn't get to training. Benfica said, 'Don't worry, sign the contract and we'll have a van to take your son from school to training.

  "I waited for the van. The van never arrived. The second and third days were the same. A week went by and I started crying. I didn't even get to do a training session. That's when we decided to sign for Sporting."

  Leao then revealed current Benfica president Rui Costa met Leao’s father recently and apologised, adding: "A few months ago, my father met with Rui Costa, who is now president of Benfica, and they started laughing. 'I apologize for what happened to your son, for not having come to pick him up’."

• Leao's Milan career so far

  In 2019, Leao joined Italian giants AC Milan. After a slow start, scoring only six goals in his first season, he became pivotal in the 2021-22 campaign when Milan clinched the Scudetto. The winger contributed 11 goals and 10 assists, earning the Serie A MVP award. Despite transfer rumors linking him to Bayern Munich and Barcelona during the summer window, the 26-year-old committed his future to Milan, a decision praised by coach Massimiliano Allegri who hopes to make him the centrepiece of his project.

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  Recovering from injury and target for the season

  Leao will hope to recover from injury in time to help Milan mount a title challenge for their 20th Scudetto. In the meantime, the Rossoneri are preparing to face Lecce in the second round of the Coppa Italia.

كشف عماد النحاس، المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، عن بدلاء الفريق أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية، في المباراة التي تقام بينهما، اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويلعب الأهلي ضد كهرباء الإسماعيلية، في الجولة العاشرة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز، على ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب.

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الثالث في جدول ترتيب الدوري الممتاز برصيد 15 نقطة، حيث حقق المارد الأحمر الفوز في 4 مباريات من 8 مواجهات خاضها الفريق بينما تعادل في 6 مباريات وخسر لقاء وحيد.

طالع | تشكيل الأهلي أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في الدوري المصري.. عودة زيزو

بينما يحتل فريق كهرباء الإسماعيلية المركز الثامن عشر برصيد 8 نقاط، حيث لعب الفريق 8 مباريات، فاز في مباراتين وتعادل في مثلهما، وتلقى الفريق الخسارة في 4 مباريات.  بدلاء الأهلي اليوم أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في الدوري

مصطفى شوبير وعمر كمال عبد الواحد وأحمد عبد القادر ومحمد مجدي أفشة ومصطفى العش وأليو ديانج وطاهر محمد طاهر وحمزة عبد الكريم.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Athletico anunciou que o lateral-esquerdo Pedrinho e o volante Bryan García foram desligados do clube por conta da operação Penalidade Máxima.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSites de apostasCódigo de indicação KTO [auto_last_update format=”Y”]: use LNMAX no cadastroSites de apostas03/12/2025Futebol InternacionalManchester United x Wolverhampton: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pela Premier LeagueFutebol Internacional12/05/2023

Em reportagem do jornal O Globo, os nomes dos jogadores do Furacão apareceram em uma lista de apostadores. Apestar dos nomes citados, ambos não foram denunciados.

Inicialmente, a dupla foi afastada para que o clube pudesse apurar os fatos com mais cuidado. Após uma reunião da diretoria, a opção foi o desligamento e demissão por “justa causa”

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Confira a nota emitida pelo Athletico:

“Comunicamos que na data de hoje foram desligados os atletas Bryan García e Pedrinho. O Club não se manifestará mais a respeito, inclusive por meio de seus profissionais, por entender que a questão deve ser tratada pelas autoridades competentes.

A integridade e a ética são valores irrenunciáveis ao Club Athletico Paranaense. Mais que um esporte, o futebol é manifestação cultural do nosso povo. E por isso, entendemos ser dever de todos, principalmente daqueles que praticam e orbitam o futebol, preservar e proteger este patrimônio, combatendo duramente toda e qualquer conduta que ameace sua dignidade e credibilidade.”.

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He followed up an unbeaten half-century with two key outfield catches

AAP09-Jan-2025Glenn Maxwell’s heroics inspired the Melbourne Stars to a crucial 16-run upset of the ladder-leading Sydney Sixers at the MCG, keeping their slim BBL finals chances alive.On the same day his Test ambitions likely ended for good, Maxwell belted a game-high unbeaten 58 and took two important catches in the deep.Related

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Marcus Stoinis was out cheaply, but Stars’ captain claimed 2 for 30 in a valuable contribution with the ball.Ben Duckett appeared to have cost Stars dearly when he dropped countryman James Vince on 36. It was only two weeks ago Vince smashed an unbeaten century in a thumping Sixers win against Stars at the SCG on Boxing Day.But Maxwell made no mistake when he hung on to a high catch in the deep, leading to Vince departing for 53. The 36-year-old almost spilled the chance, too, and stayed on the ground for a long time in pure relief.Just two balls later, Maxwell was in the action again when he took a catch to dismiss Sixers captain Moises Henriques, sparking passionate, animated celebrations with Stoinis and other Stars players.James Vince scored a half-century but the Sixers fell away after his dismissal•Getty ImagesMaxwell was overlooked for Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka on Thursday, with selectors preferring younger options in the squad.Numerous replays were needed to decide on a return catch to Stars spinner Usama Mir, with Sixers allrounder Jack Edwards eventually given out by the TV umpire.Stuck in a deep hole at 64 for 4 at the halfway mark of their innings, Stars were rescued by an 88-run stand between Maxwell and Test hero Beau Webster.After a fairytale debut for Australia, Webster’s golden run continued when he was out off a no-ball and was called back, then was dropped by Vince.During Maxwell’s blazing 32-ball knock, he became the fifth player in BBL history to reach 3000 career runs, joining Chris Lynn, Aaron Finch, D’Arcy Short and Henriques.Play was stopped for about two minutes after a seagull was taken down by a powerful shot from Vince.After starting the season 0-5, Stars can still qualify for finals if they beat the Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes in their remaining two games and other results go their way.Sixers (4-2, one no-result) missed a golden opportunity to consolidate their position on top of the table ahead of a clash at the SCG on Saturday against Perth Scorchers.

He will be accompanied by Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahood, who is currently with the team in Cape Town

Danyal Rasool05-Jan-2025

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub will travel to London to have his ankle fracture treated. The PCB, who had earlier said he would stay with the team and fly back to Pakistan at the end of the Newlands Test match, has decided instead to send him to London for specialist treatment straightaway. He will be accompanied by Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahood, who is currently with the team in Cape Town.The PCB has in the past taken criticism for the manner in which player injuries have been handled, and are looking to draw a line under that chapter. In 2022, Shaheen Afridi, who also suffered an on-field injury, travelled with the team initially before ultimately being sent to London, though not before mounting criticism of the decision not to proceed with immediate treatment.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the quality of care he believed Ayub would get, saying he would be treated at the “best hospital in the world”.Related

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Saim Ayub in Champions Trophy fitness race after suffering ankle fracture

Ayub ruled out of Cape Town Test after suffering ankle injury

“Saim Ayub will be checked up by the sports ortho specialist doctors in England as an immediate appointment has been made by the PCB. All resources will be used for his treatment.”Ayub had to be stretchered off the pitch in just the seventh over of the match, when Ryan Rickelton edged a delivery through the slips, sending Ayub off on a chase to deep third alongside Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled it back in as Ayub stood poised to be the relay fielder, but lost his balance and twisted his ankle. He went down immediately and appeared in anguish holding the lower part of his leg as the physio rushed on.Despite prolonged treatment outside the boundary line, Ayub was unable to put any weight on his right ankle, and appeared to be in tears as he was placed on to a stretcher and taken off. He was later seen on crutches in the medical boot. The PCB later said he would be ruled out for six weeks, which puts him in a race against time to be fit for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.

As they prepare to step up their chase for Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United are now also reportedly keen to sign a talented midfielder who former star Michael Carrick labelled “terrific”.

Man Utd readying first Sesko offer

Despite missing out on European football last season, Manchester United have maintained their attraction this summer and have welcomed both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as a result. Both attacking additions had other options, but chose to hand Ruben Amorim two instant upgrades in his Old Trafford frontline.

It’s a decision which some may question, but one that Sesko could now follow. According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are now readying their first bid to sign the RB Leipzig star, who favours a move to the Red Devils over Newcastle United this summer.

Whilst many have suggested that United have simply won the bidding war to sign players such as Cunha and Mbeumo, Amorim has insisted that money has not been the deciding factor.

He told reporters: “Cunha and Bryan, they had different solutions [offers]. They had Champions League offers. And they wanted to come here. People that say that they come here because of the money… that is a lie. That I know for sure. So, I’m really happy with that.

“That is the key point. They have to want to come here. I think what we can do to the fans is that we want players who have proved [themselves] already.”

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1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 1, 2025

Even with Sesko potentially following suit, however, Manchester United’s business may not be done there. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve also set their sights on signing a midfield talent this summer.

Man Utd keen to sign Hayden Hackney

According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United are now keen to sign Hayden Hackney ahead of interest from Tottenham Hotspur this summer. The Middlesbrough midfielder is keen to leave the Teesside club and is willing to wait it out for the likes of Spurs and potentially United to come calling in a deal worth around £20m.

Of course, if the Red Devils want to know more about the England U21 star then they could turn towards Michael Carrick for answers. The former Old Trafford star worked with Hackney for three years at Middlesbrough and was often full of praise for the 23-year-old.

The former Boro boss told reporters after the midfielder signed a new contract at the club in 2022: “I think it’s the right thing, it’s fair from both sides,” said the head coach.

“Hayden has been terrific since I came and the couple of games before that he played really well. That’s kind of how it works, you get rewarded for your good work. He fully deserves it. He’s been a credit to himself and his family with the way he’s handled it.”

Thomas Frank has offered olive branch to Tottenham outcast Yves Bissouma following the Mali international's failed move out of the club in the summer transfer window. Bissouma, who has entered the final year of his contract, was strongly linked with a move away from Spurs but the midfielder failed to secure a transfer and stayed back in the Premier League.

Bissouma's move to Turkey collapsed

Bissouma was also very close to securing a move to Turkey earlier this month, but the move to Fenerbahce collapsed later as he picked up an injury. The midfielder barely featured during Spurs' pre-season, which led to his ouster from Thomas Frank's squad for the UEFA Super Cup. 

AdvertisementAFPFrank offers olive branch to Bissouma

Spurs boss Frank, however, is ready to reconcile his differences with the player as he claimed that Bissouma can still make it into his squad, provided he proves his worth in the training sessions. Speaking to reporters, the Tottenham coach said: "There are no hard feelings at all. Not before, not now, not at all. Train well and everyone has an opportunity."

Frank provides update on Bissouma's injury

On Bissouma's injury and recovery process, Frank added: "I think, to be fair, he has just started to run outside, so he is not part of the group. But everything I have seen when I’ve said hello to him and every day with the players, he seems good."

When further probed on when the Mail international can make it back to his team, the Spurs boss said: "That I actually don’t know. The players available now are the players I have available. Of course, I know [about his recovery] but that is further down the line."

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Getty Images SportWhen will Spurs play next?

Spurs will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they take on Brighton away from home.