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English Football League pundit Don Goodman has shared his stance on rumours linking Haji Wright with Leeds United.

Coventry City have enjoyed a blistering start to the season, losing just one of their 14 opening games in the Championship. Under the guidance of Frank Lampard, Coventry are a well-drilled, intense side, one who have scored a staggering 39 goals in the second division already.

Wright, a striker who also plays for the American national team, has been integral to Coventry’s success. The forward has scored nine goals in all competitions, eight of which have come in 13 Championship appearances. Unsurprisingly, rumours over Wright’s future have started to circulate.

Premier League side Leeds United have been linked with a move for Wright, with Football Insider noting that the Whites would be ‘eager’ to complete a deal for the 27-year-old.

Goodman offers thoughts on Leeds interest in Wright

Speaking to Football League World, Goodman has played down suggestions Wright would turn down the advances of a Premier League side.

Leeds have picked up 11 points from their opening 10 matches in what is their first Premier League season since 2023. The Whites have, generally, looked like a solid, structured side in defence, though there are some question marks over their attack. Only Nottingham Forest and Wolves, who occupy two spots in the bottom three of the table, have scored fewer goals in the league (seven) than the Whites (nine).

Noah Okafor has enjoyed a promising start at Elland Road, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha’s physicality allows the Whites to play a brand of football incorporating long balls forward. It could be argued, though, that none of their attacking options are as reliable a goalscorer as Wright currently is.

Given Coventry’s own ongoing promotion push, it remains to be seen whether Wright, who has been dubbed a “dangerous” player by boss Frank Lampard, will depart the Sky Blues mid-season. As Goodman said, however, the allure of the English top flight may prove too enticing to ignore.

Leeds have new Okafor waiting in the wings

Leeds United are looking at a January move to sign PSV’s Ismael Saibari, who has been likened to Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.

FA look into Hannibal after alleged spit at Leeds fans

The Whites fell to a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Burnley last month and look set to battle the Clarets in a bid to avoid an immediate return to the Championship in 2026.

A major talking point from the loss at Turf Moor was around the actions of Hannibal, who was alleged to have spat at the travelling Leeds fans, something which was reported at the time by supporters.

Since then, it has been stated that the FA are looking into the allegations, and former referee Keith Hackett has suggested that if found guilty, Hannibal would be suspended for at least three games.

“The spitting allegation will be investigated by The FA, having entered the public domain. If proven, the player faces a suspension. It is classed as violent conduct and a minimum of three games.”

It remains to be seen what the FA’s conclusion will be, however, in the transfer market, Leeds are after an attacking midfielder similar to the Burnley man.

Leeds star has been "one of the best in the PL" but now he could be dropped

Daniel Farke could now be tempted to drop this Leeds United star, despite the past praise that has come his way.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 4, 2025 Leeds looking to sign PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari

According to reports from Leeds United News and journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are looking at a January deal for PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Saibari.

The Morocco international has played in holding, central and attacking midfield roles this season and has scored an impressive 10 goals in 16 games, two of which have come in the Champions League. Saibari also netted a hat-trick in a 3-2 win away to Feyenoord, with Bailey saying:

The 24-year-old looks like an ideal target for Leeds, who need more goals in the team, scoring the joint third fewest in the Premier League behind Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach have both found the back of the net, however, adding someone like Saibari could be a shrewd move.

James McAtee

Nottingham Forest

Hannibal Mejbri

Burnley

Jobe Bellingham

Borussia Dortmund

Gus Hamer

Sheffield United

Arne Engels

Celtic

He has been likened to some pretty talented youngsters, including Hannibal and Jobe Bellingham, and considering Saibari’s start to the season, a deal could help Leeds’ attempts to beat the drop.

Leeds star was "indispensable" to Farke, now he's as droppable as Aaronson

Mohamed Salah is in danger of “destroying his legacy” at Liverpool, says Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, with the Egyptian superstar aiming an explosive rant in the Reds’ direction. He has accused the Premier League giants of 'throwing him under the bus', with his exploits down the years deserving greater respect, but Rooney claims it is the Anfield icon who is acting out of order.

Legend status: Salah's remarkable record at Liverpool

Salah has earned legend status on Merseyside, with 250 goals recorded for Liverpool through 420 appearances. He has won two domestic titles and a Champions League crown with the Reds, collecting PFA Player of the Year and Golden Boot honours along the way.

A new two-year contract was signed during the summer of 2025, with that agreement set to take Salah to a decade of loyal service. Questions are now being asked of whether he will make it beyond January 2026.

After being benched for a third successive game, as he was left watching on as Liverpool squandered two more points in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Leeds, Salah admitted that his working relationship with Arne Slot has broken down. He has hinted at bidding farewell to Reds fans during a home date with Brighton on Saturday – before he heads off on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

AdvertisementAFPTarnishing his legacy: Rooney reacts to Salah rant

Rooney is among those to have been left stunned by the shocking episode, with the ex-England captain saying on his latest : “Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say 'you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable'. Take yourself off to Afcon and let everything calm down. If I was him there would be no way he would be in the team. It needs to be sorted out quickly either way.”

Rooney went on to say of Salah speaking out in public, with his comments dividing opinion among a fan base that have taken him to their hearts: “He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He's gone about it all wrong.”

Earn your spot: Salah told no position is guaranteed

Salah has claimed that he should not have to “go every day fighting for my position because I earned it”. Rooney believes no player should adopt that mentality, with every place having to be earned – especially at the very highest level.

He added on The Wayne Rooney Show: “Time catches up with all of us, and this season he hasn't looked as his best, at his sharpest. You want to see him roll his sleeves up and say 'ok then, I'll show you'.

“To have the arrogance to say he doesn't have to earn his place because he has already earned his place, you need to be at your best every week to try and stay in the team. If I was one of his team-mates, I wouldn't be happy at all with what he said because this is where Liverpool need him most. If anything, he has thrown Liverpool under the bus with his words.

“He's been absolutely incredible for Liverpool, but this was disrespectful to his team-mates, manager and fans. I would imagine he will be very quiet around the training ground and that will bring a negative energy in itself to the new players Arne has bedded in. I am sure over the next couple of years he will regret saying what he has.”

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GOAL Fighting fires: Another issue for Slot to contend with

Liverpool are reportedly considering leaving Salah out of their travelling squad for a Champions League clash with Serie A giants Inter on Tuesday. It could be that he is left at home to reflect on his actions and whether the matter could have been handled differently.

Slot will likely be quizzed on the issue at his pre-match press conference in Italy, with the Dutch tactician being left with another fire to fight after finding positive results hard to come by of late – with the reigning Premier League champions struggling for consistency as a collective.

Not every transfer has panned out the way they planned, but Chelsea have built themselves a brilliant squad over the last few years.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro wouldn’t look out of place in any other Premier League side.

Moreover, while it’s still early days, it looks like Enzo Maresca and Co have a genuine world-class superstar in the making with Estêvão.

The Brazilian has been incredible so far this season, so Chelsea fans should be delighted about reports linking them to someone who could end up being another Estêvão.

Chelsea target their next Estêvão

There has long been a lot of hype around Estêvão, so much so, in fact, that respected analyst Ben Mattinson labelled him a “future Ballon d’Or winner” a few months before Chelsea even signed him.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, there is still a long way to go until the teenager reaches that level, but he has already been sensational for the Blues this season.

For example, in 17 appearances, totalling 740 minutes, he has provided one assist and scored five goals, including a stunner against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise that the club are now interested in another young star, Assan Ouédraogo, who could potentially emulate the Brazilian.

Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany, Chelsea are one of a few clubs keen on signing the RB Leipzig gem.

Alongside the West Londoners, Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old, whose contract runs until 2029.

Unfortunately, there is no release clause in that deal, so the fee needed to sign the German could end up being rather significant, as much as £50m according to further reports out of Germany in the last few months.

Even so, given Ouédraogo’s ability and potential, this is a transfer Chelsea should pursue, especially as he could be another Estêvão.

Why Ouédraogo could be another Estêvão for Chelsea

So, the first thing to point out is that, yes, the two youngsters primarily play in different positions.

Ouédraogo has spent this season playing as a central and attacking midfielder, while Estêvão has spent most of this year on the right.

However, while the pair do not necessarily operate in the same areas of the pitch, both are highly rated youngsters who seem destined to reach the top of the game.

For example, while Chelsea fans are more than familiar with the Brazilian’s exploits so far this season, they likely don’t know that the German has been even more productive.

In 12 first-team appearances, totalling 561 minutes, the Leipzig gem has scored three goals and provided four assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 80.14 minutes.

Moreover, the Mülheim an der Ruhr-born prospect has already made quite the impression at the international level.

After blitzing his way up through the various youth levels, he was handed his first senior cap for Germany earlier this month, and instead of just coming on and focusing on not making a mistake, he scored.

Finally, on top of already producing goal involvements for fun, the £22k-per-week gem has some unreal underlying numbers to back up exactly why content creator Neal Gardner has described him as a “powerhouse.”

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for goals, assists, shots on target, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’s still early in his career, it’s hard to disagree with Mattinson’s assessment that Ouédraogo is a “beast ready to be unleashed” and therefore capable of being another Estêvão for Chelsea.

Chelsea have already signed another exciting star who's "just like Estevao"

Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become another Estevao for Enzo Maresca.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 26, 2025

The South Africa allrounder has played an important role with the ball as a final tussle for the knockouts looms

Firdose Moonda12-Oct-20244:48

Takeaways: Mlaba too quick, South Africa too good for stifled West Indies

The beats that bring out the best in players at this World Cup include Lady Gaga’s , which was the tonic that turned West Indies around after their opening defeat and inspired two big wins, Punjabi music in the Pakistan camp that even has the injured Diana Baig dancing and a proverbial mix-tape of Afrikaans music and Amapiano – a mix of house, electronic, jazz and soul – that keeps South Africa’s squad connected.”We have a team playlist that we put together and we ask girls to add their music in, so we have a lot of music that we listen to and learn what kind of music everyone likes,” Chloe Tryon told ESPNcricinfo in Dubai. “I absolutely love it. It’s so nice to have a diverse team and I feel like we get along really well. We’ve gelled really well as a group in the last couple of months.”Related

Kapp sets the tone before bowlers combine in SA's NRR-boosting win over Scotland

October 12 at the T20 World Cup: NZ, SA look to boost semi-final chances

South Africa’s team spirit has not gone unnoticed at this tournament and squad members are regularly asked what it means for them to represent the country that have been in the last two T20 World Cup finals (at the women’s 2023 and men’s 2024 tournament) but have never won the trophy. They are serial semi-finalists and on track to qualify for another knockout but need a big win over Bangladesh and to keep an eye on Tuesday’s match between West Indies and England to secure their spots, and then things will really get serious.Expectation always stalks South Africa and, more so, their senior players at big tournaments, as Tryon is finding out.She is one of five South Africans to play 100 T20Is – three of them are at this event – and is playing her seventh World Cup. But she has yet to fire, especially with the bat, and hopes the time for big-hitting finishers like herself, is still coming.”On these wickets, when you come in to bat, you need to take a couple of balls to get yourself in. And as finishers, we can say that it hasn’t been that easy,” she said. “But our batting coach [Baakier Abrahams] spoke to us about out making an impact whenever get in, so I’m still playing really positively.”Chloe Tryon’s main impact has been with the ball•ICC/Getty ImagesTryon has been dismissed for 2 in each of her two innings at the tournament so far but has looked as though she wanted to maximise the limited opportunities she’s had at the crease. Against England, she was in during the 16th over as South Africa looked to push towards 140. She was aggressive from the second ball she faced when she got forward to Sophie Ecclestone and then charged Charlie Dean off the fifth ball, missed and was bowled. Against Scotland, she was in the 18th over, with South Africa two away from 150 and pushing for a big score. She started playing her shots from ball one, hitting to midwicket, then long-off, then swinging and eventually skying one to long-on.The slowness of the surfaces and the amount of pace-off bowling has meant batters have had to be innovative about run-scoring. The sweep shot has been one way of doing that, as players have struggled to get another ball, and for Tryon, strike rotation is another option.”As a finisher, you kind of have to back yourself from ball one and look at the options. With the outfields quite big as well, running hard between the wickets is something we’ve been doing really well,” she said. “And I think it’s about being a lot more proactive at the crease. If I’m going to sweep first ball, I need to be really confident and have to back myself to do that.”For now, that has happened more from a bowling perspective for Tryon. She has found herself in a slightly different role of operating in the powerplay, and in the last two games before fellow left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. Both have been working with CSA’s spin-bowling coach Paul Adams – Mlaba on varying her pace, and Tryon with angling the ball in – using weighted balls to align themselves correctly. In Tryon’s case, it’s helped with her action and to make her more attacking.”As a spinner, you kind of have to get your hips over the front foot and when I first started, I was quite flat-footed and I’d fall to the side quite a bit,” she said. “So Paul spoke about that hip drive, going over the front leg and getting a really good motion into the ball. The more I started doing it, the more the motion felt really good and natural. And then obviously, there’s my variations. Paul has been helping me with getting it to angle in a lot more because on these wickets you can cramp the batter which I think is a good thing to do. It helps to have those options.”South Africa also have choice when it comes to the type of bowlers they want to use, including a reinvented Sune Luus. The former captain turned to offspin from legspin, after losing her confidence with the latter and identifying where South Africa had a gap. “I’m happy she took on the challenge of bowling offspin,” Tryon said. “It gives another option, especially with match-ups, whether it’s a left-hand batter or something like that.”South Africa have the chance to reach another semi-final•ICC/Getty ImagesWith 18-year old legspinner Seshnie Naidu on the bench, alongside two other seamers in Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi, South Africa have all their bases covered but have, so far, opted to go batting-heavy into games. They use to Nadine de Klerk at No. 8 which, in the absence of runs from Tryon, and to an extent Luus, has papered over most cracks.”We have a long batting line-up which is something we haven’t had for a really long time,” Tryon said. “Since the last World Cup, we’ve got a lot more depth with the bat, which is important.”The last World Cup was the home tournament where South Africa enjoyed a dream run to the final. Tryon was part of that squad and “happy that in my career, I could play a home tournament and be part of a team that did that.” She believes this group can repeat the feat and perhaps go further because despite a string of results that saw South Africa fail to win a series between the end of the last World Cup and their trip to Pakistan last month, she feels they have a collective spirit.”Whenever we walk out there, we want to do our best, for South Africa and for our family and our friends. We just want to go out there and make them proud and bring the nation together; pull them close together. We know sport brings a lot of people together, and we just want to do that.”As for the music Tryon’s personal choices include “a little bit of R&B and some hip-hop,” which she thinks “everyone likes a bit of,” and a glimpse at her Instagram also shows she’s got some singing skills. There’s a little of Beyonce from her time with the Mumbai Indians at the WPL and some Flo Rida from CSA’s annual awards. The South African national football and rugby teams are known to sing in the tunnel as motivation before they walk out onto the field. Do the women’s cricket team do the same?”We just sing on the bus,” Tryon said. “Just some good Adele songs.”And Tryon is not expecting anyone to go easy on her.

Well, the New York Yankees aren't done yet, and they've actually shot up in the latest odds to win the World Series after a thrilling Game 3 win in the ALDS on Tuesday night.

The Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays have played an offense-heavy series so far in the ALDS, with New York putting up nine runs in Game 3, rallying from a 6-1 deficit to extend the series in Game 4 on Wednesday night.

As a result, the Yankees have seen their World Series odds skyrocket, going from +1600 to +950 at DraftKings Sportsbook.

New York isn't the only team that made a major move in the odds on Tuesday night, as the Seattle Mariners (+390) stole Game 3 of the ALDS on the road against the Detroit Tigers. After those teams were +600 (Seattle) and +850 (Detroit) entering Game 3, Seattle has jumped up to second in the odds to win it all while Detroit has fallen back to +1700.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have a chance to sweep the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night, remain the clear favorite at +160 to win the World Series this season, but the American League matchups have a ton of intrigue ahead of Wednesday's Game 4 matchups.

Here's a look at the latest odds and some storylines to watch on Wednesday.

World Series Odds for Every Team in MLB Playoffs

• Los Angeles Dodgers: +160
• Seattle Mariners: +390
• Milwaukee Brewers: +450
• Toronto Blue Jays: +600
• New York Yankees: +950
• Detroit Tigers: +1700
• Philadelphia Phillies: +2500
• Chicago Cubs: +3500

Both the Dodgers and Brewers are up 2-0 and looking to close out their respective matchups on Wednesday night, so it makes sense that they're both shorter than 5/1 to win the World Series this season.

However, the American League seems to be totally up for grabs after New York and Seattle won on Tuesday. The Yankees have done this before — they came back from an 0-2 deficit in the ALDS in 2017 against the Cleveland Guardians — and things are setting up well for the Yanks in Game 4.

Not only did New York finally get something going on offense against the Toronto pitching staff, but it is favored (-186 on the moneyline) at DraftKings to win Game 4. The Yankeesh have wild card hero Cam Schlittler on the mound for his second postseason start while the Jays are expected to go with a bullpen game.

That's a major concern for Toronto since the team had to deploy several bullpen arms in a marathon game on Wednesday. Could the Yankees force a winner-take-all Game 5? Based on the latest odds, it seems like it.

Toronto fell from +475 to +600 to win the World Series after Game 3, a sign that oddsmakers expect this series to head back to Toronto for a decisive Game 5 on Friday night.

Meanwhile, Seattle is a sight underdogs in Game 4 against the Tigers with Casey Mize on the hill for Detroit against Seattle's Bryce Miller. While oddsmakers clearly expect Seattle to win this series (Detroit is now +1700 to win the World Series), a win by the Tigers on Wednesday could change things drastically if Detroit tries to come back with Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal in Game 5 on Friday.

There's no doubt that these World Series odds will shift on Wednesday night, so bettors may want to get a bet in on their team — especially if they're at a favorable price — before first pitch.

All the runners and riders in Group A of the county 50-over competition, which returns this week

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-Aug-2025The Metro Bank One-Day Cup returns this week, with Glamorgan defending the title they won at Trent Bridge in 2025. Here are the runners and riders in Group A:DerbyshireCaptain: Brooke Guest
2024 Position: Fourth (Group A)
2024 Most Runs: Harry Came (281)
2024 Most Wickets: Zak Chappell (17)
Why they can win the competition: Although Wayne Madsen, Aneurin Donald and Pat Brown are playing in The Hundred, Derbyshire could go deep into the competition if players like Chappell and Australian opener Caleb Jewell fire. The return from injury of all-rounder Luis Reece adds quality and experience while Ben Aitchison brings a cutting edge to the seam attack.Player to watch: Martin Andersson has played some significant innings in the Rothesay County Championship since he made the switch from Middlesex and with Madsen and Donald missing, this is a chance for him to play a leading role with the bat in the white-ball game. An outstanding fielder, his seam bowling will provide Guest with another option.Young gun: Joe Hawkins impressed on his step up to the first team in the County Championship at Northampton and the 18-year-old off-spinning all-rounder is expected to get further chances to show his potential in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. A recent call-up to the England Under-19 squad is a measure of his progress and this competition provides a platform for him to build on that.Final thought: The Falcons were expected to be a contender in the Vitality Blast but after a disappointing tournament, they now have another opportunity to show they are a better one-day side than those results suggest. On their day, they have the players to mount a strong challenge and the disappointment in the T20 format could be a motivating factor over the next few weeks.EssexCaptain: Tom Westley
2024 finish: Seventh (Group B)
2024 most runs: Robin Das (309)
2024 most wickets: Jamal Richards (15)Why they can win the competition: With only four players seconded to The Hundred – compared with six last year – Essex will in theory have a larger pool of players to pick from. However, their plans were disrupted when Indian pace bowler Khaleel Ahmed belatedly pulled out of his all-formats contract; Essex are busily trying to sign an overseas replacement for at least part of the competition.Player to watch: Robin Das top-scored last year, topped by an unbeaten century in a rare win at Trent Bridge. He has not built on that this season with only a couple of disappointing outings in both the Rothesay County Championship and Vitality Blast. If he finally rediscovers his form, it could reignite his career and lead to a memorable few weeks.Young gun: Though still only 20, Luc Benkenstein has been a mainstay of Essex’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup team since his 2021 debut. He made his mark the following year with 6-42 against Glamorgan, though barely bowled last season because of injury. Now a Blast regular, the leggie will boost the spin options as well as adding big-hitting cameos down the order.Final thought: Essex have won just seven of 24 One-Day Cup fixtures since they reached the semi-finals in 2021 – and four of 16 in the past two seasons – with some heavy defeats along the way. It is going to take a massive improvement in performance from essentially the same group of players, allied to some astute tactical acumen from captain Tom Westley, to turn around their white-ball fortunes after a torrid Blast campaign.Carlson raises the Metro Bank One-Day Cup for Glamorgan•Getty ImagesGlamorganCaptain: Kiran Carlson
2024 Position: Champions
2024 Most Runs: Colin Ingram (297)
2024 Most Wickets: Andy Gorvin & Dan Douthwaite (19)Why they can win the competition: As defending champions, the Metro Bank One-Day Cup has felt like a homecoming for Glamorgan, reaping their most success in recent years, winning in 2021 also. David Harrison will lead the team (Richard Dawson away with Welsh Fire) after he was interim head coach and assistant for their previous two success and can lean on a new exciting support staff including Ian Harvey who supported Dawson to success in this competition with Gloucestershire.Player to watch: Billy Root in a crucial stage in his career could have a more senior, important role to play. The 32-year-old in his final year contracted at Glamorgan has spent most of the season in the 2ndXI, often captaining, however came into his own with 296 runs in this tournament in 2024. With Mason Crane and Ben Kellaway selected in The Hundred, Root could be turned to with ball in hand also.Young gun: Jersey international Asa Tribe has shown significant signs of improvement from last year where he top scored with just 26 across six matches. A first red-ball century followed by an ever-present status in the Vitality Blast middle-order, Tribe’s influence on the Glamorgan side has come from nowhere. The 21-year-old with an ODI century on his record will look to play a big role at the top of the order this time around.Final thought: Glamorgan will be missing a key part of their team’s success in this competition of recent years – Colin Ingram. The 40-year-old South African taking up a first assistant coach role is still eligible but is expected to step back from playing for this competition. Despite the lack of a frontline spinner, Andy Gorvin and Dan Douthwaite were joint top wicket takers (with Ed Barnard) in 2024. Douthwaite will be missing early as a short-term injury replacement in The Hundred, but if they can replicate that success with the step up from younger squad members, there’s no reason why this side can’t go back-to-back.GloucestershireCaptain: Jack Taylor
2024 Position: Fifth (Group B)
2024 Most Runs: Miles Hammond (363)
2024 Most Wickets: Ajeet Singh Dale (13)Why they can win the competition: Less affected than most rivals by call-ups to The Hundred (only four), Gloucestershire proved themselves a one-day force by winning last season’s Vitality Blast. Despite making a nightmare start to that competition this summer, they reeled off four successive group wins at one stage, beating the likes of Hampshire and Essex.Player to watch: At the age of 32, Gloucestershire’s red-ball captain Cameron Bancroft boasts more than 3,000 runs in List A cricket at an average of over 40, with five hundreds, and will provide a wealth of experience at the top of the batting order. The Australia Test player has already produced innings of 163 and 176 in the Rothesay County Championship this season.Young gun: Seam bowler Aman Rao signed for Gloucestershire just before the start of the Vitality Blast and played in the first two group matches against Kent and Sussex. The 21-year-old Loughborough University student is sure to be given more opportunities in the Metro Bank One Day Cup and his height combined with an ability to swing the ball could see him make a significant impact.Final thought: With head coach Mark Alleyne involved in The Hundred, bowling coach Mark Thorburn takes charge for the second successive year and will be determined to make a better start that last season when the team lost their first two group matches before winning four of the next five and just failing to reach the knock-out stage.Fletcha Middleton in action for Hampshire•Getty ImagesHampshireCaptain: Nick Gubbins
2024 Position: Quarter-finals
2024 Most Runs: Ben Brown (286)
2024 Most Wickets: Brad Wheal (13)Why they can win the competition: Hampshire have been a force in 50-over cricket for a couple of generations, having only failed to qualify for the knockouts in one of the last six editions of the One-Day Cup. With largely the same set of players to pick from as 2024, Hampshire have experience at all ages. Scotland international Brandon McMullen’s arrival from August 13 knits the team together with bat and ball, while Indian sensation Tilak Varma will be around for the opening three fixtures.Player to watch: Eddie Jack might still only be 19, but he has certainly graduated from simply being a “young gun”. The tall and very quick fast bowler put Test players KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in his back pocket when playing for England Lions earlier in the summer, where Andrew Flintoff became a big fan. Expect him to be in the top wicket-taking reckoning.Young gun: Given his first professional deal to play in the competition, Ben Mayes comes with a gigantic reputation in age-group cricket. The 17-year-old batter is on England’s long-term radar with Under 19s and Professional County Club Select XI recognition this summer. Come for the wristy hockey-influenced boundaries, stay for the big scores. Fast bowler Manny Lumsden is also worth keeping an eye on.Final thought: Three successive progressions from the group stages, three heartbreaks in the knock-outs – with the last two inflicted by Leicestershire. Could this be the year they take the final leap to silverware? Former captain Jimmy Adams – a winner in two List A finals and now a highly-regarded coach – will step up to lead the side, with Adi Birrell leading Southern Brave Men in The Hundred. It may well be a good audition to taking the top job full-time when it next becomes vacant.LeicestershireCaptain: Peter Handscomb
2024 Position: Semi-finals
2024 Most Runs: Peter Handscomb (539)
2024 Most Wickets: Tom Scriven (18)Why they can win the competition: Winners in 2023 and semi-finalists last year, Leicestershire are a side brimming with confidence and no shortage of quality. Current man-of-the-moment Rehan Ahmed will be otherwise engaged, but overseas batting stars Peter Handscomb and Shan Masood and explosive opener Sol Budinger will compete for the spotlight in his absence. Why would they not fancy themselves for more 50-over glory?Player to watch: After a relatively modest contribution to the Foxes’ Vitality Blast campaign, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood will be keen to make his mark in this competition, playing a format in which he has enjoyed considerable success, averaging 52.48 with 15 hundreds. That could make the left-hander a dangerous opponent.Young gun: Josh Hull may be unavailable due to The Hundred, but Leicestershire can replace him with another 6ft 7ins fast bowler in Alex Green, who may still be growing at just 18 years old. Genuinely quick, Green took four wickets in three appearances in the competition last season and has further underlined his potential for England Under-19s against their India equivalents this summer.Final thought: The 2023 Metro Bank One-Day Cup Final will be forever remembered for wicketkeeper-batter Harry Swindells producing the match of his life, making a career-best 117 not out to rescue his side from 89 for six and set up an unlikely Foxes victory. It is a little poignant then, on the eve of this year’s tournament, that the Leicester-born player has had to announce his retirement from cricket at the age of just 26 because of a persistent finger injury.NottinghamshireCaptain: Haseeb Hameed
2024 Position: Fourth (Group B)
2024 Most Runs: Ben Slater (398)
2024 Most Wickets: Rob Lord (11)Why they can win the competition: The Outlaws lacked consistency last year but with confidence high after a good season with the red ball they have enough quality – especially in the batting – to mount a challenge, even if call-ups to The Hundred will test the depth of their bowling resources, with the likes of Rob Lord and James Hayes hoping for the opportunity to impress.Player to watch: Opener Ben Slater is a batter opponents always hope to see the back of early, given an apparent penchant for List A cricket. His 68 appearances in the format have yielded more than 3,000 runs at a remarkable average of 52.75. A career-best 164 in a win over Surrey at Guildford last year took his List A centuries tally to eight.Young gun: The outstanding batter in Nottinghamshire’s Second XI this season with close to 700 runs, 18-year-old right-hander Sam Seecharan is highly thought of at Trent Bridge and after making his senior debut in the last of the Outlaws’ Vitality Blast fixtures is likely to be given a chance to shine in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign.Final thought: The One-Day Cup sees Notts stalwart Paul Franks take on the role of head coach, with Peter Moores joining up with Trent Rockets for The Hundred. Franks – 20 years a Nottinghamshire player – has been assistant head coach since 2017, helping the county win the Blast (twice), the One-Day Cup and promotion to Division One in the Rothesay County Championship in that time. This is his first opportunity to lead the county to a senior title in his own right.Josh Blake struck a maiden List A century last season•Getty ImagesSurreyCaptain: Rory Burns
2024 Position: Eighth (Group B)
2024 Most Runs: Ryan Patel (363)
2024 Most Wickets: Cameron Steel (17)Why they can win the competition: It will be a tough ask given the absence of 15 leading players at The Hundred, but as in previous seasons Surrey will be approaching the Metro Bank One-Day Cup with a positive vision of the competition giving precious first-team experience to a raft of youngsters. There is still a hard core of senior players, too.Player to watch: Cameron Steel will be looking at this year’s competition as the perfect opportunity to showcase his proven all-round talents as a middle-order stroke-maker and leg-spinner with a knack of taking important wickets. A comparative lack of game time in Surrey’s Rothesay County Championship side this summer will only add to that desire.Young gun: Ollie Sykes has already been blooded in all formats, including making 11 appearances to date in the Vitality Blast. But it was in last year’s One-Day Cup, when the big-hitting 20-year-old left-hander made his first three starts in the competition, that he initially gave notice of his huge promise with 87 not out against Essex at Chelmsford.Final thought: With no overseas player available, Surrey will be relying on the international experience of skipper Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Ben Foakes and fast bowler Matt Fisher – plus the know-how of Steel and Ryan Patel – to steer a predominantly youthful line-up in which the performances of the likes of Sykes, Josh Blake, James Taylor and Yousef Majid will be carefully monitored.WorcestershireCaptain: Jake Libby
2024 Position: Quarter-final
2024 Most Runs: Jake Libby (526)
2024 Most Wickets: Jack Home (16)Why they can win: Worcestershire are blessed with the availability of many first-team regulars who are not affected by selection in The Hundred, meaning the majority of Alan Richardson’s first-choice eleven will be involved for the Rapids across the tournament. Skipper Jake Libby and mid-season signing Khurram Shahzad will look to show their quality and blend with some exciting youngsters to compete for silverware.Player to watch: Tom Taylor. Having registered the most wickets for Worcestershire so far this season, the right-arm seamer has been in stand-out form across all formats this summer for his side. The 30-year-old has made his name as a frugal opening bowler and will be looking to continue his consistent performances that have yielded him an impressive average of under 25 across both formats.Young gun: Henry Cullen. The exciting 22-year-old wicketkeeper featured during this year’s Vitality Blast having been on the radar for some time at Visit Worcestershire New Road. His eye-catching displays for the 2nd XI have forced an opening into the senior set-up, with this competition the perfect platform for the cultured and efficient young batter to show off his skills.Final thought: A promising end to the Vitality Blast campaign will offer supporters hope that the Rapids white-ball form can extend further into the summer, with the likes of Ethan Brookes central to any hopes of bettering last year’s encouraging quarter-final finish. Having lacked consistency throughout the summer, the exciting crop of youngsters will be looking to breakthrough and enjoy successful campaigns in a side more than capable of challenging deep into the tournament.

Brisbane Heat are staring down the barrel of the first winless season in WBBL history, after falling to a six-wicket defeat to Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval.After Heat managed 149 for 9 batting first on Sunday, Strikers chased it down with two balls to spare to keep their finals hopes firmly alive.Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with 49 off 45 balls in her last game before leaving for national duties, while opening partner Tammy Beaumont hit 64 from 40.The English opener was explosive, belting Nadine de Klerk over the midwicket and long-on ropes and also jumping down the deck and lifting Charlie Knott over long-off.And while Strikers almost looked like falling short in the chase when the equation got down to 14 from Knott’s final over, Ellie Johnston and Tahlia McGrath got them home.Related

• Rodrigues to miss rest of WBBL for Brisbane Heat

After a poor stretch, where they lost three games in a row, Strikers now sit fourth but could be overtaken by the Sydney Sixers later on Sunday.Heat now look all but certain to collect their first wooden spoon in the competition’s 11-season history.Runners-up in the past two campaigns, Heat’s only point this summer has come from a washed-out game against the Sixers on Friday.Making matters worse for Heat will be the fact they lost Nicola Hancock to a hamstring injury, after she was stumped on the final ball of their innings.Heat are already without captain Jess Jonassen (shoulder) and first-round draft pick Jemimah Rodrigues for the rest of the season.Heat’s innings never really got going, with de Klerk (25 from 13) and Hancock (22 from 8) the only batters to really fire.McGrath took 3 for 27 for Strikers, while Elanor Larosa and Amanda-Jade Wellington took two wickets each.

It’s nearly the season to be jolly for Newcastle United, but only if Eddie Howe finds a winning formula once again and transforms his side’s fortunes, currently slumped in 14th place in the Premier League.

The savvy coach will have sat on his thoughts over the past two weeks, well aware that this Magpies side need more than just a few tweaks to fire on all cylinders once again.

Perhaps a return to full fluency will be struck upon over the coming month, but Howe and technical director Ross Wilson may be in concert regarding the need for an external solution this winter, a late Christmas present welcomed after the new year, when the transfer window swings open.

Newcastle preparing for winter signing

Antoine Semenyo is a hot topic at the moment, with news filtering through this week that the Bournemouth talisman has a £65m release clause in his contract, which becomes active in January.

Newcastle had a vested interest in the Ghana international before signing Anthony Elanga for £55m this summer, and though the Toon are considering a new right-sided forward, there are other options that might come into play.

According to Caught Offside, West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen is believed to be looking to complete a move away from the east Londoners next summer, in the search for Champions League football.

Bowen, 28, has led the Hammers to meteoric heights over the past several years, but things have unravelled at the London Stadium since David Moyes’ departure.

Thus, Newcastle – who aren’t actively linked with the Englishman, as per the report – could strike for a player they have targeted in the past. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, though, and are willing to spend £60m on the England star.

Why Newcastle should sign Bowen

Bowen was at the heart of West Ham’s Premier League win over Newcastle this month, and he has recorded three goals and an assist across four matches for the out-of-form side.

Hailed in the past by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino for being in the “Salah club” on the right flank, Bowen certainly falls into the category of ‘goalscoring winger’, but his underlying creative qualities could make him the perfect dynamic force to complement Howe’s Tyneside attack.

Crucially, Bowen’s durability across so many years as an Iron leader has made him perfect for a move to a club like Newcastle. Moreover, he scored the winning goal in the 2022/23 Conference League final, the hero in a trophy-winning campaign for West Ham.

25/26

11

3 + 1

24/25

34

13 + 10

23/24

34

16 + 6

22/23

38

6 + 6

21/22

36

12 + 12

20/21

38

8 + 5

19/20

13

1 + 4

Bowen also ranks among the top 7% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, further emphasising the dynamism and breadth of his game. Salah-esque, alright, and evidence that

Bowen may not be quite so much of a protean threat as, say, Semenyo, but he has streamlined his output and this has seen him establish himself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League, sustaining that level across many years.

Nick Woltemade’s unique link-up ability and willingness to drop deep emphasises the gains that could be found in landing Bowen’s signature. If a chance to make this move does present itself, Newcastle must pounce.

With the 23-year-old Elanga yet to register a single goal contribution for Newcastle this season, and Semenyo yet to prove himself at the highest level, it might be that Bowen would be a fantastic addition to complement a young attacking workforce at St. James’ Park and steer Newcastle back on course across the second half of the season and beyond.

Bigger talent than Anderson: Newcastle have 'one of the world's best teens'

Newcastle’s academy has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 21, 2025

U.S. international Walker Zimmerman, a cornerstone of Nashville SC since its inaugural MLS season, is set to leave the club this winter when his contract expires, according to The Athletic. The two-time MLS Defender of the Year and team captain’s departure will close a six-year chapter in Nashville as he heads into free agency.

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  Club legend to depart?

  Zimmerman’s current deal runs through December 31, 2025, and has reported his status has been flagged as one of the key offseason decisions facing Nashville’s front office. With no extension announced, the outlet reported indicate Zimmerman will test the free-agent market rather than re-sign at the club’s current offer.

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• Departure signals transition for Nashville SC

  The loss of Zimmerman represents a major shift for Nashville SC’s defensive unit as they prepare for the 2026 MLS season. His consistent performances and accolades, including two MLS Defender of the Year awards, underscore the quality and influence he brought to the team. Nashville now face the challenge of filling the void left by one of MLS’s premier defenders.

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  Free agency opens new chapter for Zimmerman

  As Zimmerman enters free agency, speculation will mount regarding his next destination. His proven track record and leadership qualities make him a sought-after asset for MLS clubs and potentially overseas teams. At 32, Zimmerman still has several competitive years ahead. Zimmerman is also an established presence on the U.S. Men's National Team, having made 46 caps with the Americans. 

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  Looking ahead

  While the club prepares for life without Zimmerman, his legacy remains firmly entrenched in Nashville SC’s history. The defender’s contributions on and off the field have left an indelible mark, and the club will look to build on the foundation he helped lay as they continue their pursuit of success in MLS.