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Manchester United have now opened talks to sign an “incredible” star, who’s scored a whopping 147 career goals, and they are looking to get a deal done at the start of next year.

Man Utd looking to bring in another leader

In the wake of the 4-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night, Ruben Amorim praised Lisandro Martinez for his leadership capabilities, while also adding: “Mason Mount is always the same thing, training, talking, dealing with people around Carrington. That is not easy. So he is a very, very good player.”

However, the perceived lack of leaders in the squad has been criticised for quite some time, with Roy Keane calling into question whether Bruno Fernandes is a suitable captain after the 1-1 draw against Chelsea last season.

Following the emphatic win at Molineux, the Red Devils are up to sixth in the Premier League table, but they clearly aren’t the finished article just yet, having lost at home to 10-man Everton and drawn with a struggling West Ham United side in recent weeks.

If Man United are to start competing for the top honours once again, they may need to bring in players who are experienced at the top level, and they have now opened talks over a deal for Sergio Ramos, who is a free agent, following his departure from Monterrey.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states negotiations are in the early stages, with United expressing the ‘strongest’ interest in securing the former Real Madrid man’s signature, and they are looking to bring him in at the start of next year.

Several other unnamed clubs are in the race for the Spaniard’s signature, with his future set to be resolved in the next few weeks.

Amorim's priority target: Man Utd step up interest in "special" Madrid star

Man United are now in the race for a “special” player

By
Dominic Lund

2 days ago

"Incredible" Ramos knows what it takes to win

With Keane previously making it clear he is not entirely convinced by Fernandes as a captain, Man United could perhaps do with bringing in an experienced leader, who knows what it takes to win.

The 39-year-old certainly fits the bill in that regard, having become the first player to captain a team to three straight Champions League triumphs during his time with Real Madrid.

Mesut Özil has also made it clear just how highly he rates his former teammate, saying: “Sergio Ramos is the best defender I’ve ever played with. And the one with the most character. At that time I was still very young, but I already had a very strong mentality. It was incredible. It was clear that sooner or later he would lead Real Madrid to UCL glory.”

Not only is the 180-time Spain international a top-quality defender, but he also poses a threat at the other end of the pitch, having amassed a whopping 147 career goals for club and country.

That said, Ramos is now 39-years-old, and hasn’t played in Europe since a spell with Sevilla in the 2023-24 campaign, so there may be some doubts over whether he is still capable of making an impact at a club like Man United.

Everton had emerged as a surprise contender in the race to secure Manchester City’s Jack Grealish on a loan deal alongside West Ham and Napoli. However, a report from BBC indicates that Everton have taken a step back from any potential pursuit of the 29-year-old midfielder.

• Grealish set for Man City exit
• Everton were keen to sign him
• West Ham & Napoli are also in the race

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite initial optimism about making a statement move, Everton now appear to be distancing itself from negotiations with Manchester City. This development marks another setback in what has become a frustrating transfer window for Everton, as several potential deals continue to stall.

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• GOAL
  

  WHAT MOYES SAID

  Everton manager David Moyes, speaking during the club’s pre-season preparations in the United States, has expressed concern over the lack of meaningful progress in the transfer market. Addressing reporters ahead of their Premier League Summer Series clash against his former side, West Ham, Moyes admitted that efforts to bolster the squad with experienced players have so far fallen short.

  "The truth is we're not getting a lot of the deals over the line at the moment, that's a fact," he said. "We're desperate to get things moving on because we know time's running out."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Everton's interest in Grealish appears to be cooling, Napoli and West Ham remain very much in contention. Antonio Conte is understood to be an admirer of the England star and has already brought another former Manchester City player, Kevin De Bruyne, into his squad. The Italian giants, along with West Ham, are monitoring Grealish’s situation closely as City consider offloading the midfielder for a reported fee of around €45 million (£39m). Although City are open to a sale, a loan with a future purchase option remains a viable route for interested clubs.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Grealish, who currently earns approximately €10 million (£8.6m) annually, is reportedly willing to accept a reduced salary in order to secure regular football and a fresh start. This flexibility might still leave the door ajar for Everton should the club revisit the possibility later in the window.

The pitch in Multan is expected to play like it did in the first Test. But can West Indies prepare and execute better this time around?

Danyal Rasool24-Jan-2025

Big Picture

It is not difficult to know what’s coming this Test match. It is an easy one to analyse, a straightforward one to predict. West Indies will have prepared studiously for the challenge Pakistan will pose, and Pakistan, themselves, have made no secret they will double down on the nature of the surfaces they prepare. The wicket might begin to break up when the two captains head out for the toss. Whoever wins will bat first, and spin bowling will feature right from the outset.But forewarned is not necessarily forearmed. The challenge Pakistan pose with these surfaces that crackle in the winter heat is much easier to understand than to do anything about. The outcome of the game hinges on West Indies’ execution; any mistakes they made in terms of understanding what kind of pitch this was will have been ironed out.Kraigg Brathwaite threw the gauntlet down to his team at the end of the first Test, while encouraging them with the reminder they were ahead in the game at a few key stages, and there was significant room for improvement to offer them belief.Related

• Aaqib Javed says Pakistan's spinning pitches are here to stay

West Indies’ own spinners showed they could go toe to toe with Pakistan’s, and Jomel Warrican registered better figures than any of his Pakistani counterparts. In Kemar Roach, they possess the best fast bowler on either side, on the few occasions that one will be required. They even worked out how to make the sweep and reverse-sweep productive, if not necessarily risk-free. And they found runs with the lower order, an inveterate Achilles’ heel of Pakistan’s bowling, no matter the conditions.Aaqib Javed made an impassioned defence of the pitches Pakistan have begun preparing at home, but he knows he has not won everyone over yet. Concerns about what it means for the country’s Test batting and fast bowling linger, and the only thing – the main thing, in his view – his style has got going for it is simple; it wins Pakistan Test matches. Pakistan are aware they must continue getting these wins, because the moment results turn, that spring-loaded criticism is waiting to be unleashed.

Form guide

Pakistan: WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)West Indies: LLWLD

In the spotlight – Shan Masood and Alick Athanaze

Pakistan cricket brings with it short attention spans, and Shan Masood knows he will not have much of it for the next nine months. He has now been now been captain for just under the full WTC cycle, and this is Pakistan’s last Test in a disappointing year and a half of Test cricket. Reports about his position as Test captain being vulnerable have surfaced more than once, and with a new cycle beginning at the end of the year, Pakistan will likely reevaluate at some point. However, this game represents a chance to finish off strongly, and continue making his case. With the bat, there are possible signs of a patch of form with a hundred and a fifty in his last three innings, and while he has not been viewed as the reason for an upturn in Test results, victory here will mean he finishes the cycle off with four wins in his last six TestsAlick Athanaze compiled a fine fourth-innings half-century on a tough Multan surface•AFP/Getty Images

Alick Athanaze came into this series with runs against Bangladesh, and appears to have enjoyed batting in Pakistan more than most of his team-mates He scored 99 and 58* in the three-day game before the series in Islamabad, and was responsible for nearly half of his side’s runs in the fourth innings in Multan, becoming the only visiting batter to score a half-century. Praise for the Dominican’s technique has come from exalted quarters, with Brian Lara and Ian Bishop among his admirers, and if the visitors top six are to rise to the challenge their captain laid out for them, Athanaze is expected to have a significant role.

Team news

Pakistan have not yet named an XI, with Aqib Javed saying they would take a final look at the surface.Pakistan (likely XI): 1 Shan Masood (capt) 2 Muhammad Hurraira 3 Babar Azam 4 Kamran Ghulam 5 Saud Shakeel 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk) 7 Salman Agha 8 Noman Ali 9 Sajid Khan 10 Abrar Ahmed 11 Khurram ShahzadWest Indies, too, have yet to name a starting line-up. Jayden Seales misses out with a slightly niggle in his leg. Kemar Roach is available again alongside Amir Jangoo.West Indies: 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (capt) 2 Mikyle Louis 3 Keacy Carty 4 Alick Athanaze 5 Kavem Hodge 6 Justin Greaves 7 Tevin Imlach/Amir Jangoo (wk) 8 Gudakesh Motie 9 Kevin Sinclair 10 Jomel Warrican 11 Kemar Roach

Pitch and conditions

The pitch has been prepared in the same way as the one for the first Test was. Weather conditions have not changed in the week since, and it remains cold and dry. Any deviation from what happened in the first Test would be a surprise.

Stats and trivia

• None of the last 62 wickets Pakistan have taken in home Tests have come from a fast bowler
• Pakistan have not won back-to-back Test series since February 2021

Quotes“Of course we were right to prepare a spin pitch against West Indies. Their batters are not as proficient against spin when compared to fast bowling.”
“I’ve played on surfaces that spun from day one, but this was the first time I’ve seen such cracks on a pitch on day one.”

Liverpool have reportedly sent Ibrahima Konate a new contract offer amid Real Madrid transfer links.

• Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid
• Konate in final year of contract
• Reds offer new extension

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Liverpool have sent a new and improved offer to the centre-back after their initial proposal was knocked back by the 26-year-old. The Reds are keen to tie the Frenchman down to a new deal and avoid a repeat of the situation where Alexander-Arnold ran down his contract before joining Madrid.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool looked to be in panic stations earlier this year when key trio Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were in the last few months of their contracts. The latter two eventually penned two-year deals but academy product Alexander-Arnold ended his long stay with the club, much to the dismay of many fans. After selling backup centre-back Jarell Quansah, the Reds can't afford to lose Konate anytime soon, unless they strengthen in that position, but Madrid are not an easy club to refuse.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Former Sochaux star Konate joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig for a fee around £36 million ($49m) and has made 132 appearances for the club since, scoring five goals in the process. Following that Anfield switch, he has also been capped 23 times by his country.

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  As Liverpool wait to see if the 6ft 4in Konate responds positively to their reported contract offer, Arne Slot's team continue their pre-season campaign when they take on AC Milan on Saturday before rounding off the month against Yokohama FM next Wednesday.

We answer all your questions about the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE

Hemant Brar06-Feb-2025

When is Champions Trophy 2025 starting?

Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. The final will be played on March 9. Click here for the full schedule.

It has been a while since we had a Champions Trophy, right?

Yes, the previous edition was played in 2017, in England and Wales, where Pakistan beat India in the final. Here is the list of all previous winners.

Why has there been such a long gap?

Since its inception in 1998, the tournament was played every two years till 2009. After that, it was moved to a four-year cycle. India were supposed to host the 2021 edition but it was replaced with the T20 World Cup, which was ultimately played in the UAE.Related

• From BPL to Champions Trophy – Simmons wants 'that 50-over mentality' quickly

• England bank on familiar core for Champions Trophy acid test

• Batch of new quicks gives in-transition Bangladesh hope

• SA replace injured Nortje with Bosch for Champions Trophy

• Context is king as Pakistan and New Zealand open pre-Champions Trophy tri-series

So Pakistan are the hosts this time?

Yes, but there is more to it. Since India refused to travel to Pakistan, the PCB opted for a hybrid model with India’s matches to be held in Dubai. That decision was arrived at after a long impasse. The Pakistan leg will be played in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The National Stadium in Karachi and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore are undergoing significant upgrades and renovation, almost racing against time. Their readiness will be tested during the tri-series, involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, just before the Champions Trophy.

Where will the opening ceremony be held then?

The PCB will host an event in Lahore on February 16 to mark the start of the tournament. However, there will be no captains’ meet, or press conference, because of logistical reasons. This also ends the speculations about whether India captain Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan or not.

But why are India not going to Pakistan when everyone else is?

Because of political tension between the two countries. Even Indian match officials are not travelling to Pakistan. The last time India visited Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup, even though Pakistan have played several ICC tournaments in India since then, including the 2023 ODI World Cup. Before the Champions Trophy, the two boards and the ICC reached an agreement that till 2027, even Pakistan’s matches in an ICC tournament hosted in India would be played at a neutral venue.

When was the last time an ICC tournament was held in Pakistan?

For that, you will have to go all the way back to 1996, when Pakistan co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan were supposed to host the Champions Trophy in 2008. But due to security concerns, the tournament was eventually played in South Africa in 2009.

Are India playing Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025?

Yes, they are in the same group and will face each other on February 23, Sunday in Dubai. Unlike the World Cups, where India have a 15-1 head-to-head record, things have been much closer in the Champions Trophy, with Pakistan leading 3-2.Fakhar Zaman, centurion and Player of the Match in the final of the last Champions Trophy, has been recalled for this year’s edition•Getty Images

How many teams are participating in all?

Eight, the same as the 2017 edition. The only difference is that Afghanistan have qualified ahead of Sri Lanka this time. The teams are divided into two groups. Group A has India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and Group B South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan and England. You can find all the squads here.

How were the participants decided?

Being the hosts, Pakistan secured automatic qualification. The other seven teams were decided based on the 2023 ODI World Cup standings. Sri Lanka and Netherlands, who finished ninth and tenth, missed the cut.

What happened to West Indies?

Since West Indies had not qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup, they could not compete for the Champions Trophy either. It was the same case for Zimbabwe and Ireland, the other missing Full Members.

What is the format for the Champions Trophy?

Each team will play its fellow group members once. After that, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, with A1 playing B2 and B1 playing A2.If India qualify, they will play their semi-final in Dubai on March 4, irrespective of their position on the points table. Similarly, if Pakistan qualify, they will play their semi-final in Lahore on March 5.The final will be played on March 9 in Lahore, unless India make it till there. In that case, the venue will once again be Dubai.

What will happen if a match ends in a tie?

All tied matches throughout the tournament will be decided via the Super Over. If the Super Over is also tied, then subsequent Super Overs will be played until there is a winner.Joe Root is back in England’s ODI plans for the Champions Trophy•Getty Images

Is there a reserve day for the knockout matches?

Yes, the two semi-finals and the final have a reserve day. But every attempt will be made to finish the game on the scheduled day itself. If that is not possible, the match will resume on the reserve day from where it was stopped.In the knockout matches, the team batting second should have the opportunity to play at least 25 overs – as opposed to 20 in the group stage – for the result to be decided via the DLS method.

What happens if there is still a washout?

In case of a no result in the semi-finals, the team that finished higher in the group stage will proceed to the final. If the final is washed out, the trophy will be shared.

Has there ever been joint winners?

Yes, India and hosts Sri Lanka shared the trophy in 2002 after the final was washed out. There was a reserve day in place but, as per the playing conditions back then, the match was played afresh. On both days, Sri Lanka batted first and played their full 50 overs, but rain did not allow more than ten overs in the second innings on either occasion.

What are some of the key things I need to know about the teams?

Australia go into the tournament as ODI world champions but their captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and allrounder Mitchell Marsh have been ruled out with injuries. Also Marcus Stoinis has retired. Australia have until February 12 to name their replacements.South Africa will be without Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee (both injured). On the other hand, a fit-again Ibrahim Zadran is back for Afghanistan. Also keep an eye out for their mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar.India will hope Rohit and Virat Kohli come good after poor returns in Test cricket lately. Pakistan have recalled Fakhar Zaman, the Player of the Match in the final last time, and England have done the same with Joe Root, while Bangladesh have left out Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. New Zealand will play their first global tournament under Mitchell Santner.

Finally, where can I watch the games?

Depending on your location, you can watch the games as per the following.Afghanistan – Ariana TV
Australia – Prime Video
Bangladesh – Nagorik TV and T Sports
England – Sky Sports
India – Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar
New Zealand – Sky Sport
Pakistan – PTV, A Sports and tapmad
South Africa – SuperSport
Sri Lanka – Star Sports Network
UAE – Starz On
USA – Willow TV
As always, ESPNcricinfo will have full coverage, from scores, news and features to analysis and expert opinions.

Arsenal are going to sign a forward or two this summer, going by numerous reports over the last few months, and it is vital that new sporting director Andrea Berta gets these transfers right as the club look to win their first Premier League title in decades.

Arsenal targeting new striker and winger this summer

A lot of headlines recently have centered on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with Arsenal appearing to settle on the Slovenian as their priority striker target as things stand.

Fabrizio Romano says "deal is agreed" for "perfect" player to join Arsenal

Everything is in place for a move to be finalised.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 10, 2025

It was believed that Arsenal had been working on deals for both Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, before deciding which move would be better suited to the club (BBC), but it appears the former is now their preferred striker signing.

Fabrizio Romano shared news late last week that the north Londoners began advancing in talks for Sesko, with discussions underway between all parties.

RB Leipzig are said to be holding out for at least £70 million to sell Sesko, and Arsenal are expected to make their first official offer this week.

“I have a very good feeling on Sesko moving to Arsenal. Meetings have already taken place,” said Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg over the weekend.

“RB Leipzig are expecting the first offer from Arsenal for Benjamin Sesko next week. I am totally convinced Sesko will play for Arsenal next season.”

Alongside their pursuit of a new striker, Berta is believed to be targeting a new winger. Bukayo Saka’s long-term absence midway through 2024/2025 seriously hampered Arsenal last season, while uncertainty surrounds Leandro Trossard’s long-term future as he enters the final year of his contract.

Leroy Sane wants to join Arsenal after talks with Mikel Arteta

According to recent reports, £242,000-per-week Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is a genuine target for Mikel Arteta.

The Germany international was rumoured to be closing in on a new deal at Bayern, but despite reportedly agreeing terms, Sane hired a new representative in the form of super-agent Pini Zahavi to help negotiate an even better extension.

This has majorly stalled Sane’s agreement over fresh terms, allowing Premier League sides to swoop in and tempt the former Man City star with a return to England.

Christian Falk reported last week that Arsenal have held talks with Sane’s camp over a move to the Emirates, where’d be reunited with Arteta, and now CaughtOffside have provided a further update on the situation.

They now report that Sane wants to sign for Arsenal after holding talks with Arteta, and it is also believed that the 29-year-old has a “written offer” to join them on the table.

However, Galatasaray, Fenerbache and Bayern have all presented larger salary offers, so while Sane has a preference for N5, Arteta’s side will need to up their proposal.

“He (Sane) currently has four written offers,” said the unnamed CaughtOffside source.

“The highest is from Fenerbahce, followed by Bayern Munich contract extension, and then Galatasaray, and lastly Arsenal.

“His preference is Arsenal, but he wants them to offer more in wages. His first wish in making his decision is Champions League football, and that’s why he has not told Fenerbahce yes, because they play Champions League qualifiers.”