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Liverpool just need to win in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon to move into first place for the first time this season, the sticking point being that that contest is against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The Reds have been excellent this season having fallen by the wayside last year, and Jurgen Klopp could now establish a lead against the seemingly indomitable force that is Pep Guardiola's City.

The hosts have not lost on home territory against Liverpool in the English top flight since November 2015, which was mere weeks into Klopp's tenure, but the match tomorrow afternoon will be compelling, and either side could prevail.

Long-term absentees Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Andy Robertson all remain sidelined for the visitors, but Liverpool will be galvanised by a host of players' return to fitness this week.

With multiple players not back in contention, Football FanCast predicts the Liverpool line-up at the Etihad, with four changes expected from the side that powered past Brentford…

1 GK – Alisson Becker

There's no doubt that Alisson will start between the sticks for the toughest fixture of the Premier League season. What is there to say? He's slick and progressive, commanding and vigilant; the Brazilian is arguably the best shot-stopper in world football. His performance may well shape the narrative.

2 RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

The 2022/23 season was not enjoyable for Liverpool and especially so for Trent Alexander-Arnold, though it did initiate his tactical tweak as an inverted, hybrid midfielder in possession.

The England international's defensive skills will be tested against Jeremy Doku, one of the division's most frightening dribblers, but his creativity could unlock City's defence in a flash.

3 CB – Joe Gomez

Joe Gomez's redemption arc has been joyful. The 26-year-old was not doing very well last year and was even branded as "finished" by podcaster Graeme Kelly after a shocking performance against Southampton in the season finale.

Related Liverpool could bully Haaland by unleashing £85k-p/w "nightmare"

Jurgen Klopp’s side face the onerous Lunchtime trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City tomorrow.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 24, 2023

Versatile and reliable this term, Gomez has been used across a range of roles and will be integral in stuffing Erling Haaland's attempts on goal, boasting pace and physicality to stifle the Norwegian.

4 CB – Virgil van Dijk

They said he was past his sell-by date… Virgil van Dijk has rekindled his former imperiousness since donning the captain's armband in the summer and has been proclaimed to be "back to his brilliant best" by The Athletic's James Pearce.

Virgil van Dijk: PL Stats 23/24

Statistics (per game)

#

Apps

10

Assists

2

Clean sheets

3

Pass completion

92%

Key passes

0.6

Tackles

1.3

Ball recoveries

4.7

Clearances

5.3

Total duels won

6.6 (80%)

*Sourced via WhoScored

As the graph portrays, he's been superlative, and this rich vein of form could be City's undoing. True, he will possibly be faced against his toughest test as skipper, but the Dutchman will be confident that he can inspire a positive result.

5 LB – Kostas Tsimikas

With Robertson stuck in the medical room, Kostas Tsimikas will start his fourth Premier League match from five possible fixtures.

The Greek ace has been under fire this season but did bag two assists last time out against the Bees. That pinpoint creativity would be nice tomorrow.

6 DM – Alexis Mac Allister

When Liverpool signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m in the summer, it was universally agreed to be a bargain.

The Argentine 2022 World Cup winner has been deployed in the unnatural holding midfield position this season as Liverpool don't actually have a starring No. 6.

He'll play there against City, and the red half of Merseyside will hope that this immensely talented phenom will produce a good performance.

7 CM – Dominik Szoboszlai

Signed from RB Leipzig for £60m in the summer, Dominik Szoboszlai has won the hearts of the Liverpool faithful. All-encompassing in his midfield work; creative, ambitious, unflinching, tenacious, inspiring. He has it all.

Recharging the Anfield side's midfield after such a lifeless year was daunting, but the Hungary captain has been sensational, having completed 88% of his passes in the Premier League and averaged 2.3 key passes, 1.2 tackles and a whopping 7.3 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

8 CM – Curtis Jones

Ryan Gravenberch may well be fit again but Klopp will probably opt for the industrious Curtis Jones in the centre of the park, with the homegrown star having last played in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur in September, where he was contentiously sent off.

Remarking to have been "flying" this season prior to that dismissal – which has been over for several weeks; Jones has been injured of late – by Pearce, Jones ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref.

His supreme crispness in possession will be paramount tomorrow, with Manchester City not too shabby with their ability to retain possession and suffocate opposition.

9 RW – Mohamed Salah

If Liverpool secure the goods, then you wouldn't bet against Mohamed Salah playing a key part, with the 31-year-old Egyptian having posted ten goals and four assists from just 12 matches in the Premier League this season.

One of the division's greatest-ever players, Salah has scored six goals from his past eight league encounters against the Citizens, could he be the catalyst on a momentous, season-defining afternoon for his club?

10 LW – Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz's Liverpool career has been marred by injury and the recent high-profile family situation, but he is an incredible player and will likely receive the nod ahead of the "lethal" Diogo Jota on the left wing, as the Portuguese was called by writer Leanne Prescott.

The 5 foot 10 Jota has scored eight goals across all competitions this season but does not boast the raw pace and power of his Colombian counterpart, who can stretch and frazzle the hosts down the left channel.

Hardik Pandya was stretchered off the field for an “acute lower back injury” during play against Pakistan on Wednesday in Dubai. He clutched his back during his followthrough in the 18th over of Pakistan’s innings before lying motionless. Initially suspected to be a case of cramps because of dehydration, he was taken off on a stretcher on physio Patrick Farhart’s advice. Pandya had bowled 4.5 overs for 24 runs uuntil that point. Ambati Rayudu was summoned to bowl the one remaining delivery.”Hardik Pandya has an acute lower back injury. He is able to stand at the moment and the medical team is assessing him now,” a BCCI official confirmed.While a proper medical bulletin is awaited, it left India with the prospect of having to employ a sixth proper bowler in Kedar Jadhav, who is also returning to full fitness from a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for almost the entire IPL season and India’s England tour that followed.Pandya’s potential injury could be the latest in a long list of concerns for the Indian team management. As things stand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has just returned to full fitness from a back injury that flared up during the IPL. After having missed the England tour, he returned to competitive cricket during the quadrangular series for India A late last month. India’s first-choice Test wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha is also recuperating from a shoulder injury that could keep him out of action for at least another four months.Pandya has played in 44 matches across formats for India over the last 12 months, with only Rohit Sharma having played more with 46 games. Pandya’s recent workload has been among the heaviest for any Indian player on this tour – he played a full IPL season, and missed only one game across formats on India’s tour of England, which ended just over a week before Wednesday’s game against Pakistan.If Pandya’s injury is deemed serious enough for him to miss the remainder of the Asia Cup, India may struggle to find a like-for-like replacement. The closest contender currently is Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Shankar, who was picked in Pandya’s place for the Nidahas Trophy earlier this year. But he is just coming off a left hamstring injury that forced him to miss the quadrangular series for India A last month. He has, however, been picked to captain Tamil Nadu for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic 50-over competition.

After a solid start, West Ham United have struggled for form as of late with defeats against Everton and Brentford summing up a month to forget for David Moyes’ side. Their initial form means that they’re still clear of any relegation troubles, but the Hammers will want to get back on track as soon as possible to ensure that remains the case.

The defeat on Saturday will have left Moyes the most frustrated, given that his side took a 2-1 lead before capitulating and ending the day on the wrong end of a 3-2 loss. On a run to forget, one particular pundit has delivered his verdict on the managerial situation at the club.

David Moyes contract latest

As things stand, Moyes’ contract is set to come to an end next summer when West Ham may well be looking to start a new chapter in their history, with reports suggesting that West Ham have put contract talks with Moyes on hold until later in the season. If this is to be it for the Scot at the London Stadium, then he will undoubtedly receive the farewell of a hero, as when Moyes came in, survival and mid-table comforts were the expectations.

Years later, he has more than exceeded those by winning a European trophy and overseeing Europa League qualification.

With plenty of credit in the bank, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that Moyes should be offered a new contract at West Ham. After hearing the recent update, the former Aston Villa striker told Football Insider:

“I think they have to give him a new contract. It’s disgraceful if they don’t. He’s just won them their first trophy in many years, they’re in and around the top seven fighting – I don’t see why he wouldn’t get a new deal.

“The West Ham fans were complaining at the start of the season, but then they picked up and they look like a good team. I think they have to give him a new deal. With what he’s done for the club, it’s huge, he deserves one.”

The ball could yet be in Moyes’ court when it comes to renewing his current West Ham deal. The veteran manager has built the Hammers into a side capable of not only staying up but a side looking to challenge for the European places in the Premier League. Now in a position to welcome talents as impressive as Mohammed Kudus, too, Moyes could be leaving the club at arguably the highest point of their recent history.

If West Ham fail to negotiate a new deal or decide against one with their current boss, then they will be left with no choice but to go on the hunt for someone to lead a new era at the club. As things stand, it remains to be seen just who that new appointment could be, with a lot left to change until the end of the current campaign. For now, West Ham may just be focused on ensuring that Moyes continues his job over the coming months.

Leeds United’s form in the Championship has been nothing short of exemplary, with Daniel Farke’s side now in pole position to secure promotion come the end of the season.

The German has built a side that has dominated many sides in the division, as demonstrated by their current unbeaten run which now stretches back to the start of December.

He’s made some shrewd additions to help him in his quest, including Joel Piroe who’s so often provided the goods at the top end of the pitch for the Whites.

The Dutchman cost £10m from Swansea City in the summer of 2023, taking the role of the club’s leading talisman this campaign, notching 14 goals and six assists in his 33 league outings.

Piroe has been aided in his attempts within the final third by one player who has taken the second tier by storm since his summer arrival in Yorkshire.

Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds in 2024/25

£3.5m is such a cheap fee in the modern game with mammoth fees constantly touted for various players all around the world as clubs look to strengthen in the transfer market.

Ao Tanaka joined the Whites for the aforementioned fee in the summer, looking to provide depth in the midfield department of Farke’s squad.

However, the Japanese star has exceeded beyond anyone’s wildest imagination, cementing his place within the starting lineup on a consistent basis, starting 25 times in 2024/25 to date.

Despite his deep-lying role, he’s popped up with some key moments in the final third, notching two assists and two goals – including a superb strike against Hull City back in January.

However, despite his stellar form at Elland Road over the last couple of months, he’s still valued lower than one player who’s struggled in parts despite the club’s current league standing.

The Leeds player who’s worth over 3x more than Tanaka

With promotion potentially on the cards, the club’s hierarchy may be keeping a distant eye on the summer transfer window and the business they might conduct should they return to the Premier League.

Farke has already built a squad capable of winning games in the second tier, but ultimately, additions and departures will be needed to achieve survival in the top-flight – something which many sides have struggled with in the last couple of years.

Illan Meslier could be one player who could find it difficult to maintain his starting role, often producing a catalogue of errors that have cost the Whites at various points of the campaign.

The Frenchman made a huge blunder against Sunderland in the final minute of the clash, costing Farke’s side two points – before also making multiple mistakes against Hull City, resulting in yet another draw.

He’s still managed to keep 20 clean sheets – the second-most in the division – but his mistakes have still cost them at times this year, something which could prove to be unforgivable should they achieve promotion.

Illan Meslier’s stats for Leeds in the Championship (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	33
Clean sheets	20
Goals conceded	20
Saves made	1.5
Goals prevented	-0.15
Pass accuracy	78%
Errors leading to goals	2
Stats via FotMob

Meslier, who’s been dubbed “inconsistent” by one analyst, has undoubtedly had his critics but has still seen an increase in market value on the £5m fee forked out for his signature multiple years ago.

The 24-year-old is now valued at £13m by Football Transfers, a figure that is over three times more than current star Tanaka who’s only valued at £3.5m – the same as the fee paid for his services six months ago.

Given the rise and his inconsistency so far under Farke, the German could be tempted into cashing in on Meslier over the summer, using the funds to land a more experienced goalkeeping option.

It would undoubtedly be a move that would divide opinions among the fanbase, but should he repeat any mistakes if the club were to get promoted, it could cost the Whites dearly – undoing all the hard work done by Farke since his appointment.

£25m star in the making: Leeds have already hit gold with "monster" talent

Leeds United have conducted fantastic business in the transfer market over the last few months.

By
Ethan Lamb

Feb 19, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have made inroads to bring in a new teenage addition following recent developments at Hotspur Way, according to reports.

Latest Tottenham news…

Spurs overcame a tough test on Saturday against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, running out 1-0 victors over the Premier League newcomers thanks to a smart finish from defender Micky van de Ven. Despite being reduced to ten men due to Yves Bissouma's sending off on the stroke of half-time for a second bookable offence, Tottenham rallied against a dogged opponent to dig out an excellent three points, something which delighted boss Ange Postecoglou in his post-match press conference.

Cited by Football London, Postecoglou stated: "I thought the lads handled it really well (Bissouma red card). They stayed calm and composed. They gave up a couple of chances but for the most part, kept them away from our goal. We were always a threat going the other way. As you said, in the end just the sheer will and effort of them to make sure we won, not just the starters but the guys coming on, it was a great collective effort."

In other news, Football Insider report that Tottenham are set to be one of several competitors for the signature of Al-Ittihad winger Jota in the January transfer window. The outlet claim that Jota could be targeted owing to long-term injuries sustained by Spurs duo Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic, which could breed a reunion between the Portuguese attacker and his former manager Postecoglou, who brought him to Celtic in 2021.

Tottenham also have belief that they could win the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher if he doesn't put pen to paper on a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham transfer news – teenager on trial

Tottenham signings since Ange Postecoglou's arrival

Player

Previous club

Fee

Brennan Johnson

Nottingham Forest

£47.5 million

Guglielmo Vicario

Empoli

£17.2 million

Dejan Kulusevski (deal made permanent)

Juventus

£25.9 million

Micky van de Ven

Wolfsburg

£43.5 million

Pedro Porro (deal made permanent)

Sporting Clube de Portugal

£39 million

Manor Solomon

Shakhtar Donetsk

Free agent

Alejo Veliz

Rosario Central

Undisclosed

Ashley Phillips

Blackburn Rovers

£2 million

James Maddison

Leicester City

£40 million

All fees courtesy of Sky Sports News

Reliable journalist Alan Nixon provided a Tottenham transfer update on Patreon, claiming Spurs are looking to sign Norwich City's teenage goalkeeper Dylan Thompson and have taken him on trial at Hotspur Way. Tottenham appear to be keen on signing the youngster and would be happy to pay a compensation fee for his services, with movement on a potential deal possibly happening in the near future.

Securing the arrival of young talent could be key to long-term planning processes in north London as the Lilywhites aim to challenge at the top end of the English pyramid for the coming years. Northern Ireland-born England youth international striker Jamie Donley has already been in and around the first-team squad at Tottenham this term and it remains to be seen who else could enter the fold over the course of the coming months, with a move for Thompson one to watch over the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur's start to the season has been nothing short of exceptional, with the doom and gloom that previously surrounded the club having been well and truly expunged by the upbeat and all-action philosophy that Ange Postecoglou has brought.

Although fans are likely aware that such form will not last forever, there are actually things on the horizon that are set to strengthen the Lilywhites rather than dent their feel-good factor. One of those is the return of Rodrigo Bentancur.

When will Rodrigo Bentancur be fit?

As one of the few stars of last campaign, Bentancur's injury came at a terrible time for Antonio Conte, who was seemingly losing his patience with each passing game week.

So, to see one of his key acquisitions struck down for the foreseeable future must have been supremely frustrating for the 54-year-old, who would be sacked just one month later.

Fast-forward from the innocuous challenge that led to the rupture of his ACL, and the Uruguay international still remains out of action today, but with his return date set at around November.

Should Postecoglou manage to maintain their form until then, welcoming back the former Juventus maestro could provide that extra firepower and energy from the engine room to truly take their season to the next level.

After all, the Australian had noted: "He’s definitely keen. And it’ll be great to get him back because his contribution when he first came to the club was outstanding. In many respects he’ll be like another new signing for us, which is great, but we won’t rush it."

Joining alongside Dejan Kulusevski for just £20m, the 26-year-old only really seemed to hit his stride during the 2022/23 term, with his five goals and two assists proving vital across his 18 Premier League appearances.

Despite missing a huge chunk of the campaign, his tally was only bettered by Harry Kane and Heung-min Son from within the Spurs squad, with Statman Dave highlighting one "monster" of a performance back in September 2022.

As such, his 7.21 average rating made him their second-highest-rated player, further buoyed by his 85% pass accuracy, 0.6 key passes and 2.5 tackles per game, via Sofascore. The hope will be that his return to the side could prove pivotal in maintaining their impressive form, with his relationship with James Maddison sure to be key.

How good is James Maddison?

The former Leicester City star has taken to life in north London with ease after his £40m move, swiftly becoming one of Postecoglou's most important figures.

With two goals and two assists in just four games, he is deservedly their highest-rated player in the league, and as such has earned praise from pundit Joe Cole: "The more I think about it he could be the best signing of the summer. I am so excited for him, especially the way Ange plays."

Given the former Celtic tactician has often operated with two number eights within his system, who help to both spearhead the press and uphold their attack, perhaps Bentancur's return could see him take this spot alongside Maddison as the perfect combination both physically and technically.

Highest-rated players in Premier League	Average Rating
Rodri (Manchester City)	8.20
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)	8.10
James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)	8.07
Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)	7.95
Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)	7.85

All stats via Sofascore

After all, clearly his defensive credentials are at the necessary level, and his 6 foot 2 frame helps to make him a unique profile compared to the silky 26-year-old magician.

The only downside would be to push Pape Sarr out of the starting side, who too has enjoyed a fine start to the term.

However, at 20 years old, he still has plenty of growing to do despite having posted a 7.40 average rating in the league, upheld by one goal, one assist, one key pass and 4.3 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

At the very least it will be an enthralling watch to see who comes out on top in the battle for this midfield spot, if the Senegalese star is to maintain his form until Bentancur's return.

If Leeds United want to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, then they're not exactly going about it in the best way, winning just once in five Championship games.

They were left without a win once more last time out, too, as newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday came away with a well-earned point at Elland Road, having drawn 0-0.

The pressure will only continue to build on Daniel Farke, who was backed enough in the summer transfer window for those in charge at the Yorkshire club to be demanding better results.

Ethan Ampadu failed to hide his frustration with two particular teammates in the stalemate with Sheffield Wednesday, as revealed by Graham Smyth.

What did Graham Smyth say?

Speaking after the result, Smyth told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Ampadu was an animated figure. He was dishing out words of wisdom to Piroe, gesturing for Rutter to run in behind to give him an option, growing frustrated with the lack of passing opportunities at times.”

With that said, Farke's problem is arguably clear for all to see, with his Leeds side lacking an out and out playmaker, leading to a disconnect between Ampadu, Archie Gray and the forward players.

Joel Piroe, although a goalscorer by trade, is one who will only improve with more time to build connections with his new teammates. As soon as the former Swansea City man builds a partnership with the likes of Ampadu, Leeds may well start firing on all cylinders.

The forward has, of course, already got one goal to his name for the Yorkshire club, scoring on his debut in their 4-3 victory over Ipswich Town, while he also has a rate of roughly one assist for every five goals he scores throughout his career.

Meanwhile, Georginio Rutter may need even more time than his new teammate. Since making the move to Leeds in January, the 21-year-old has struggled to make an impact, and has just one goal in five league appearances this season.

Farke will be desperately hoping to see both of his forwards find their form – with Piroe in particular the potential superstar playing just off of Rutter – and start firing Leeds towards promotion form.

How has Ethan Ampadu performed this season?

So far this season, Ampadu has been one of the few positives for Leeds, and is a player who will undoubtedly be at the centre of any good form that Farke's side potentially build in the coming weeks.

According to FBref, the midfielder is in the 98th percentile for blocks by players in his position, with an impressive two made per 90. Meanwhile, the Welshman is also in the 75th percentile for passes attempted, the 70th percentile for pass completion rate and 71st for tackles per 90. In a struggling side, Ampadu has done anything but struggle.

From Leeds' perspective, they'll just be hoping that others start following Ampadu's lead, resulting in a much-needed change in form.

After the conclusion of the international break, they square off against Millwall in what will be another tough test for Farke's side to potentially overcome.

The last thing they need is another game without three points. And, with that, Ampadu, at the very least, will need to continue his standout form.

Bangladesh’s four seniormost cricketers came to the fore to deliver them a 163-run win – their biggest in ODIs – over Sri Lanka in Mirpur

The Report by Mohammad Isam19-Jan-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAFP

Bangladesh’s four seniormost cricketers came to the fore to deliver them a 163-run win – their biggest in ODIs – over Sri Lanka in Mirpur.It was a wretched performance from Sri Lanka all around. In the face of a daunting Bangladesh total of 320 for 7, their batsmen lasted just 32.2 overs. And their bowlers hardly tested Bangladesh’s line-up.Each of Bangladesh’s batting core came good. Tamim Iqbal made 84 off 102 balls. Shakib struck an aggressive 67 at more than a run a ball. And Mushfiqur Rahim blasted 62. All of that meant Bangladesh managed good partnerships through their innings. Their first three pairs, involving Tamim, Anamul Haque, Shakib and Mushfiqur, each strung together 50-plus partnerships, only the second time that their first four batsmen have made such a productive start.Tamim and Anamul began by putting on 71 for the first wicket, before Shakib joined Tamim for a 99-run stand. It laid a solid foundation as a 300-plus total looked imminent very early.It wasn’t all smooth sailing, however. Anamul survived three chances – two catches and a stumping – on his way to 35. Tamim was slow off his blocks, but opened up after notching up a second successive fifty. Tamim took a particular liking to the short stuff dished out at him. Not even getting struck on the helmet twice could deter him. In all, he struck seven fours and two straight sixes, both off successive Gunaratne deliveries.Shakib was more forthcoming against the short ball, hammering boundaries through midwicket and square-leg. He was equally effective in pinching the singles with well-timed pull shots.Mushfiqur made sure to keep up the good work during his 57-run third-wicket stand with Shakib. After Shakib’s dismissal, he kept Bangladesh ticking with a 42-ball half-century that pushed the total towards the 300 mark.Cameos from Mahmudullah and Sabbir Rahman capped off a strong batting performance, although Sri Lanka reined in the home team with three quick wickets in the last five overs. The penultimate over from Thisara Perera was especially impressive, with Perera consistently finding the lengths he was looking for. But Sabbir and Mohammad Saifuddin made up for some of the lost ground in a 19-run last over that had Lakmal giving away three fours and a six.Sri Lanka had no such flourish when they replied. Mashrafe Mortaza shut out any chances of a brisk start in a fine opening spell. Kusal Perera fell in the third over, and by the end of the first Powerplay, they had lost both their openers and only three fours had come off the bat.Mashrafe, who bowled a first spell of eight overs, had Tharanga caught at mid-off before sending back Kusal Mendis in similar fashion in the 14th over.Dickwella, who came in for the injured Angelo Mathews, was bowled by Mustafizur Rahman in the 19th over, before Shakib’s brilliance on the field sent Sri Lanka plummeting further – a direct hit from mid-off catching Dinesh Chandimal short of his crease in the 25th over.Shakib removed Gunaratne and Wanindu Hasaranga off successive balls in the next over. Thisara Perera unleashed a burst that was all-too-short, lashing Shakib for two fours and as many sixes in the 30th over, but fell later in the same over, caught at long-off attempting another ambitious stroke.Rubel Hossain ended the procession with wickets in successive overs as Sri Lanka folded in the 33rd over. He finished with two wickets, as did Mashrafe, while Shakib took three wickets to go with his 67.

ScorecardBen Stokes drills the ball through the off side•Getty Images

Ben Stokes made his first significant impact during his stint with Canterbury as he struck a powerful 93 off 47 balls in the Super Smash against Otago.Stokes pummelled seven sixes and six fours before falling in the final over of the innings, after powering Canterbury over 200, searching for another six and the chance of a century.It followed scores of 2, 34 and 0 in his three Ford Trophy appearances since arriving in New Zealand at the start of December after he was granted a No Objection Certificate by the ECB despite being unavailable for England selection.”You could use a number of words to describe that, but that’s what world-class is,” Andrew Ellis, the Canterbury captain, told . “He showed that in the temperament of the innings, it shows experience. It’s a match-winning innings.”Stokes then claimed the wicket of Rob Nicol as Otago folded to 83 all out. Legspinner Todd Astle, who is in the New Zealand one-day squad to face West Indies later this month, cleaned up the innings with 3 for 18.

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui may look to add another forward to his offensive options as he is not 'satisfied' with what he has in the final third at present, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Why would Julen Lopetegui want a new forward at Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Wolves are a little short in the final third following the departure of veteran striker Raul Jimenez, who recently joined Fulham for a fee in the region of £5 million, as per BBC Sport.

The Mexico international was a fan favourite at Molineux and notched 57 goals in 166 games for the Old Gold across five seasons at the West Midlands-based outfit.

Diego Costa also left the building earlier this window after spending a solitary campaign at Wolves last term, leaving Matheus Cunha, Sasa Kalajdzic, Hwang hee-chan and Fabio Silva as their remaining central striking options.

Southampton striker Che Adams has been linked with a move to Wolves amid competition from Everton and Bournemouth, with his current employers reportedly open to letting him leave the South Coast for a suitable fee, as per Football Insider.

Journalist Damian Iribarren has claimed that Tigre loanee Marco Retegui could also be an option for Wolves this summer and they have made contact with the Italy international, who is also wanted by Serie A side Genoa.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones has indicated that Wolves could enter the market to sign another striker between now and the close of play.

Jones stated: "I believe Wolves still have an eye on signing another forward, I do not think Lopetegui is satisfied at what he has at his disposal so someone else will also come in, even if that moment arrives after the season has begun. Kalajdzic and Cunha definitely have potential to level up this Wolves team but can they totally rely on it? Probably not."

What now for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Wolves will continue to battle against the stringency imposed on them by Financial Fair Play regulations, which has severely limited their power to spend money in this window to add quality reinforcements, as per Telegraph Sport.

Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty and goalkeeper Tom King have joined the Old Gold on free transfers, though it remains to be seen who else could join them at Molineux in the coming weeks, as per Transfermarkt.

Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos is a target for both Wolves and West Ham United this summer following his consistent displays in Germany, as per The Sun. Napoli are keen on the Greek international and could turn to the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for Kim Min-jae.

Arsenal would also stand to benefit from any prospective Mavropanos move as they inserted a sell-on clause into the agreement that took him to Stuttgart back in 2022, as per LondonWorld.

Aaron Cresswell had been the subject of discussions between Wolves and West Ham United over a potential switch, though that now looks to be on ice after both sides failed to come to an agreement on a fee for the former England full-back, according to The Daily Mail.