Michael Neser did his best to keep Queensland in the match but the home side lost a late wicket
AAP19-Feb-2025Opener Sam Fanning fell just short of a century but put Western Australia in a powerful position against Queensland on day two of their Sheffield Shield game.Fanning made 95 as WA posted 312 all out on Wednesday at The Gabba in reply to Queensland’s first innings of 147. At stumps, Queensland were 39 for 1 in their second innings, still 126 runs behind the visitors.Related
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Fanning was within reach of his maiden first-class century when he launched at an off-side drive at a Michael Neser delivery but chopped onto his stumps.The New Zealand-born left hander struck five fours and two sixes in his 229-ball knock and featured in two telling partnerships. He put on 108 with his opening partner Sam Whiteman, who was dismissed for 67 late on Tuesday. Fanning also combined with Jayden Goodwin for a 103-run partnership for the third wicket.Goodwin made 40 before missing an attempted sweep from legspinner Mitch Swepson. Goodwin’s dismissal triggered a slide of 5 for 27 as Queensland stalwart Neser ripped through the middle order.Neser finished with 4 for 34 from 21 overs. He had nightwatchman Corey Rocchiccioli caught at mid-off for 2 early on the second day’s play and later removed Fanning, Ashton Turner and Keaton Critchell, with fellow quick Xavier Bartlett dismissing Joel Curtis as WA lost five wickets in a 10-over span.WA allrounder Hilton Cartwright then rallied his side with a handy 48 not out, steering the visitors to a 165-run innings lead.WA then achieved a key breakthrough when Rocchiccioli snared his eighth wicket in the match. The offspinner, who claimed a career-best 7 for 52 in the first innings, removed Matt Renshaw for 10 in his first over of the innings.
اعتمد مجلس إدارة النادي الاهلي، برئاسة محمود الخطيب، خلال اجتماعه الذي جرى عصر اليوم بفرع الأهلي بالشيخ زايد، أسماء المرشحين في انتخابات مجلس الإدارة المقرر لها يومي 30 و31 أكتوبر الجاري، الذين تقدموا خلال المدة القانونية بأوراق ترشحهم، وتمت مراجعتها من اللجنة المشكلة من النادي وكذلك من الجهة الإدارية.
وكان محمود الخطيب، قد أعلن في وقت سابق عن خوض انتخابات الأهلي المقبلة، بعد تراجعه عن قراره بشأن عدم خوض الانتخابات لأسباب صحية، لكن عاد الخطيب وأعلن عن خوضه الماراثون الانتخابي رفقة قائمة كاملة.
طالع.. بسبب الخطيب.. انسحاب أحد المرشحين في انتخابات الأهلي
وتضم قائمة محمود الخطيب التي تخوض انتخابات الاهلي المقبلة ياسين منصور على مقعد النائب، وخالد مرتجي على مقعد أمين الصندوق، بالإضافة إلى كلا من طارق قنديل ومحمد الغزاوي وسيد عبد الحفيظ ومحمد الجارحي وأحمد حسام عوض وحازم هلال على مقعد عضوية مجلس الإدارة فوق السن، وكلا من رويدا هشام وإبراهيم العامري مقعد “تحت السن”.
وجاء المرشحون في انتخابات الأهلي المقبلة على النحو التالي:
محمود الخطيب “مقعد الرئيس”
ياسين منصور “مقعد النائب”
خالد مرتجي “مقعد أمانة الصندوق”
وللعضوية فوق السن: “طارق قنديل – محمد الغزاوي – محمد الدماطي – محمد الجارحي – سيد عبد الحفيظ – أحمد حسام عوض – حازم هلال – حسن طنطاوي – أحمد شريف – أحمد مجدي الحيوان”. وللعضوية تحت السن: “إبراهيم العامري – رويدا هشام”.
كما وجه المجلس الإدارة التنفيذية بضرورة اتخاذ كافة الإجراءات التي تيسر على أعضاء الجمعية العمومية الموقرة سهولة حضور اجتماع الجمعية، المقرر لها يومي 30 و31 أكتوبر الجاري لانتخاب مجلس الإدارة الجديد.
Sydney Thunder are one win away from their third WBBL grand final, after scratching home to a tense final-over victory against Melbourne Stars.After Hannah Darlington starred with the ball to keep the last-placed Stars to 108 for 9, she was forced to hit the winning runs late with two balls and four wickets to spare.The win means if Thunder beat the second-placed Melbourne Renegades in their final-round match on Saturday, they will finish first. That would automatically qualify them for the final on December 1, and giving them hosting rights as the top-ranked team.Related
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A loss to Renegades would likely mean they finish second or third, and have to go through at least one knockout match in order to reach the final.Wednesday’s result continued a horror season for Stars, who have won only two of eight matches and sit last on the ladder.But the match was not as easy as it first appeared it would be for Thunder on a difficult Drummoyne Oval wicket. They slumped to 15 for 3 in the third over of their chase with Marizanne Kapp bagging all three wickets to leave Thunder in serious troubleThunder then fell to 38 for 4 after eight overs, before Tahlia Wilson and Anika Learoyd steadied the ship. The pair got the equation down to 23 off 20 balls, before Wilson got too aggressive and was caught trying to take on Kim Garth on 33.Stars then had chances to run Learoyd out and have her caught on the boundary, but missed both and eight runs were eventually required off the last over. Learoyd hit the first ball for two and the next for four, before a single allowed Darlington to finish the job for the hosts.Darlington had earlier claimed figures of 3 for 26 from her four overs, with four of those runs coming from an overthrow. She cramped a cutting Meg Lanning and bowled her with a smart off-cutter for 12, and also had Kapp sky a ball to cover next over.Athapaththu was also miserly with her 2 for 12 from four overs and also produced a direct-hit run out in the field to remove Tess Flintoff. Ultimately that helped set up the win as Thunder close in on their first grand final since their 2020 title success.
Aston Villa have now reached a “verbal agreement” to sign a new player for Unai Emery after having a big-money “bid accepted”, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Aston Villa’s quiet summer so far
The Villans, Monchi and NSWE have been unusually quiet so far in the transfer window, bringing in four new players. Yasin Ozcan, Zepiqueno Redmond, Marco Bizot Brest and Modou Keba Cisse have been brought in from Kasimpasa, Feyenoord, Brest and LASK respectively.
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Ozcan has since been sent on loan to Anderlecht, and transfer activity looks set to increase between now and the September 1 deadline.
However, Emery has recently admitted that Villa “don’t have the same power economically” as some of their rivals at the top of the Premier League.
“We need to join some players in the level we want to achieve, but we don’t have the same power economically like seven other teams in the Premier League.
“We must be more intelligent and anticipate something. It is very exciting, the work for me and the club. We are really improving and meeting our objectives, but there is still work to do. We have to be demanding and intelligent.”
Despite Villa’s constant PSR concerns, they now look set to splash the cash on one particular target in their most expensive deal of the window.
Aston Villa have £30m+ "bid accepted" for Evann Guessand
Transfer expert Romano took to X on Monday to share a big transfer breakthrough out of Villa Park. He revealed that Aston Villa have reached a “verbal agreement” after having a “bid accepted” to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice.
Guessand now has permission to travel to the Midlands, with a medical and contract signing the next steps ahead of a €35m (£30.4m) transfer.
An Ivory Coast international, Guessand is primarily a centre-forward but can also play on either wing if required, so he’ll provide Emery with a versatile attacking option.
The 24-year-old is valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt, so although Villa are paying over that figure, they are getting a forward who has just enjoyed his best season in front of goal.
He netted 12 Ligue 1 goals and registered nine assists in 33 appearances, while also playing in the Europa League, scoring once.
The Athletic’s Alex Barker has called Guessand an “unpredictable” attacker who is a “real physical handful”, while adding that he is “capable of knocking the ball past opponents and overtaking them through pace”.
It looks as if Villa will soon have an exciting new forward on the Villa Park books, providing real competition to Ollie Watkins in the process.
Manchester United fans may be feeling a sense of disappointment after it was confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres would be joining Arsenal over a move to Old Trafford.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal had been reached between the Gunners and the 27-year-old for a fee in the region of £63.8m including add-ons.
Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly have wanted to secure a reunion between himself and the forward after enjoying a successful stint together at Sporting CP.
However, his loss is Mikel Arteta’s gain, with the Red Devils’ hierarchy needing to identify other targets to help strengthen the club’s frontline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Numerous players have previously been mentioned as possible targets, potentially needing to re-enter negotiations with multiple talents after missing out on Gyokeres’ signature.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
During the current transfer window, United have been touted with moves for a whole host of attacking stars who could change the club’s fortunes in front of goal.
The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins have all been discussed as possible targets, but as of yet, no deals have been agreed for any of the aforementioned trio.
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic
However, moves have been made elsewhere, including a deal for Benjamin Sesko after progress was made for his signature, according to TEAMtalk.
They claim that the Red Devils have already made contact with RB Leipzig over a move for the 22-year-old, who netted 21 goals for the German side across all competitions last season.
It also states that United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has pushed a move for the Slovenian international, who’s available for £67m, after missing out on a deal for Gyokeres’ signature.
Why United’s £67m target would be Amorim’s next Gyokeres
Given Gyokeres’ tally of 54 goals in his 52 appearances last season, it’s no surprise to see the Swede being a man in demand this window, having the tools to inject quality into any frontline.
Sporting Club's Viktor Gyokeres.
Having previously featured under Amorim before, a move to Old Trafford would’ve made sense for all parties, but ultimately, the club’s lack of Champions League football has cost them in their pursuit.
The prospect of facing the 27-year-old in the Premier League is certainly a frightening one for the Red Devils, undoubtedly highlighting the talisman they missed out on this summer.
However, the hierarchy shouldn’t be disheartened, desperately needing to back Amorim in his quest for success and pushing for other alternatives before the end of the window.
Sesko could prove to be the perfect alternative, being a younger option than Gyokeres, but also a just as effective striker given the stats produced by both last campaign.
When comparing their respective figures, the Leipzig talent managed to outperform him in various departments, handing the manager his next version of the impressive talisman.
Sesko, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by analyst Antonio Mango, may have been outscored, but did post the same goal per shot on target rate – highlighting he’s just as clinical with the opportunities that fall his way.
Games played
33
33
Goals & assists
18
46
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.4
Key passes made
1.1
0.5
Take-ons completed
52%
45%
Carries into final third
1.4
1.3
Aerials won
2.7
1.2
Aerial success rate
59%
50%
He also registered more key passes per 90 and completed more of the take-ons he attempted, subsequently able to get the ball into attacking areas and finish chances himself or provide others with the opportunities to improve their own tallies.
The Slovenian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials and more of the battles he contested – handing Amorim the focal point he craves at Old Trafford.
£67m may appear to be a steep fee for a player who’s never played in England, but it would be a shrewd investment given the stats produced and the potential he holds.
Missing out on Gyokeres would’ve been a bitter blow, but ultimately it could be a blessing in disguise if Sesko can build on his impressive form from the 2024/25 campaign.
Better deal than Mbeumo: Man Utd preparing bid for "superstar" £39m CF
Manchester United appear to be making another huge move within the transfer market.
Chelsea have managed to pull off some impressive business this summer and could now be about to repeat the trick as they look to bolster their forward line, according to a report.
Chelsea continue their pursuit of a striker after Delap deal
Liam Delap will be left to lead the line in Chelsea’s bid for the Club World Cup up until the semi-final, providing they manage to get there, after Nicolas Jackson’s straight red card against Flamengo on matchday two of the group stage.
Losing control at a crucial time, his reckless lunge has prompted some to question whether he has the discipline to feature as Enzo Maresca’s starting striker long-term or whether further intervention in the transfer market is needed at Stamford Bridge.
Former referee Keith Hackett has gone to the extreme of claiming Jackson should be banned for five matches at a minimum amid recent events stateside.
He stated: “There is no place in football for this type of challenge the reaction and speed of the issuing of a red card was a terrific piece of officiating. The referee’s prompt showing of the red card ensured that it reduced any possibility of a mass confrontation. This unacceptable action by the offender should result in a minimum five-match ban.”
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been on Chelsea’s radar and is joined by Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, who is enjoying an impressive spell on loan at Juventus.
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Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the West London-based giants have the financial capacity to power on with either pursuit without the need for any bargaining chips along the way.
Speaking of which, Chelsea could have an intriguing plan up their sleeve to land one of the Premier League’s most exciting marksmen.
Chelsea could use makeweight in pursuit of Joao Pedro
According to Si Phillips, Chelsea could offer Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in exchange for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro and there is a ‘strong chance’ BlueCo may use this mode of operation to try and acquire the Brazil international.
Despite only joining the club last summer, the £80,000 per week earner was predominantly used in the Europa Conference League, though he did manage 31 outings across all competitions, scoring four times and laying on three assists.
On the other hand, Pedro, who has previously been labelled “amazing” by Slaven Bilic, managed a respectable ten strikes and seven assists in 30 outings.
The opportunity to trade with the Seagulls may be edged along due to the likes of ex-Brighton employee Paul Winstanley. Former Watford man Pedro is also wanted by Newcastle, albeit they may opt to pivot towards Liverpool’s Diogo Jota in their own search for a number nine.
Chelsea would love a clear run at signing the forward, though it should be taken into account that their attempt to perform a part-exchange means Brighton aren’t willing to let him leave on the cheap and more work on this front may be required.
USA will want to take down another Full Member nation in what is likely to be their last game at the World Cup
Alan Gardner22-Jun-20241:23
Do England need Jacks for better balance?
Match detailsUSA vs England Barbados, June 23, 10.30am local timeBig picture – Can USA upset calculations?If this is the end of the road for USA’s memorable T20 World Cup 2024 journey – they could still squeak into the semi-finals, but the odds are very much against them – then what a stage on which to bow out, facing up to the defending champions with one last chance to cause an upset.England and USA have met at both football and rugby World Cups but this will be their first cricketing encounter of the modern age. Jos Buttler’s side have endured a choppy campaign so far, winning three and losing two to go with a no result in their opening match at Kensington Oval. But they return to Barbados knowing that a convincing performance will go a long way to ensuring their title defence continues into the knockouts.Related
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Victory will put them on four points, and a margin of more than ten runs (batting first) will ensure their net run-rate goes above that of South Africa, who then take on West Indies in the final Group 2 game later on Sunday.England’s cushion comes from their convincing win over the other co-hosts West Indies at the start of the Super Eight, and Buttler remained upbeat after his side lost a close game to South Africa in St Lucia. England have rarely been at their best over the last three weeks in the Caribbean but there have been signs that their game is coming together at the right time for a tilt at becoming the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup trophy.Before they get that far, they must avoid a mishap against a USA side that burned brightly at the start of the tournament but has looked to be running low on gas after three defeats in a row against Full Member oppositions. Their success has already put the names of Aaron Jones, Monank Patel and Saurabh Netravalkar in lights. If they can summon one final effort and become the latest former colony to put one over on the mother country, it will add another sprinkle of Hollywood stardust to cricket’s American adventure.Form guideUSA LLLWW England LWWWLLiam Livingstone nearly took England home against South Africa•ICC/Getty ImagesIn the spotlight – Aaron Jones and Liam LivingstoneAaron Jones’ six over midwicket to seal a rousing opening-night win over Canada was the shot that was heard around the World Cup. He followed up a career-defining 94 not out by helping secure the tie that eventually led to USA’s Super Over victory over Pakistan, but has found the going tougher since then, with scores of 11, 0 and 11. Taking on the captaincy, in the absence of the injured Monank, has added to his burden. But he has another chance to impress at a ground where he played in four first-class matches for Barbados during his time in West Indies’ domestic system.An innings of 33 off 17 balls in a losing cause might not sound much, but could it turn out to be the spark Liam Livingstone needed? Livingstone’s attempt to get England over the line against South Africa, helping to revive their chase while adding 78 for the fifth wicket alongside Harry Brook, was only the second time he has scored more than 30 in 22 T20 innings this year. His power when taking down Ottneil Baartman at the death was a reminder of what he can do, and suggested that he may be ready to repay England’s faith that he remains the answer in the finisher role.2:19
Stuart Law: ‘If we’re not winning, we’re learning’
Team news – England unlikely to make any changesUSA have been without Monank since their group-stage win over Pakistan, but head coach Stuart Law suggested he was close to returning from a shoulder injury. “He’s getting better, we’re constantly assessing him,” Law said after the defeat to West Indies on Friday. “Unfortunately, he nearly made it for this one. So, we’re constantly assessing it.”USA (probable): 1 Steven Taylor, 2 Andries Gous (wk), 3 Nitish Kumar, 4 Aaron Jones (capt), 5 Corey Anderson, 6 Shayan Jahangir, 7 Harmeet Singh, 8 Nosthush Kenjinge, 9 Shadley van Schalkwyk, 10 Ali Khan, 11 Saurabh NetravalkarEngland may be unchanged for the third match running, having apparently settled on Jonny Bairstow at No. 3 and Sam Curran as the extra bowling/left-hand batter option. Chris Jordan could replace Mark Wood to add further depth to the batting.England (probable): 1 Phil Salt, 2 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 3 Jonny Bairstow, 4 Moeen Ali, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Chris Jordan/Mark Wood, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid 11 Reece TopleyPitch and conditionsKensington Oval is one of only two venues at this World Cup to have seen a 200-plus score, but generally, the pitches have been on the tacky side. The forecast for Sunday has improved although there is still a chance of rainfall interrupting proceedings.Stats and trivia This will be the first meeting between England and USA with full international status in any format England have played 13 completed T20Is in Bridgetown, winning six (including the 2010 T20 World Cup final) and losing seven Sam Curran needs one more wicket to reach 50 in T20IsQuotes”We’ve just got to win the game. We haven’t played them before so it’ll be a good challenge and we’re looking forward to it. The games come thick and fast now so we’ve got to dust ourselves down and go again. We’ve had a great win against the West Indies, a great game today which was a shame not to win but we’re still in it and looking ahead to the next one.”
“I think every match we play, obviously, representing the country is important. So, we’ll definitely go hard against England and try to finish well. Obviously, we can’t advance to the next round. But as I say, I think every match you play for your country is important. So, we’re definitely going to try to win the game for sure.”
Manchester City have made an offer for an “insane” £50m star, who has now “said yes” to moving to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to a report.
Man City looking to overhaul their midfield options
With Kevin De Bruyne’s time at the Etihad Stadium coming to an end, Man City were always going to have to find a replacement for the attacking midfielder this summer, and Fabrizio Romano recently revealed two of the key names on the shortlist.
Despite Ilkay Gundogan closing out the campaign with a stunning bicycle kick against Fulham, there have also been suggestions that City could look to strengthen in a slightly deeper area of midfield this summer too.
Last week, it was revealed the Blues were planning to step up their pursuit of Tijjani Reijnders, who is valued at £50m by AC Milan, and there has now been an update on their pursuit of the central midfielder.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Man City have now submitted a “very good proposal” to sign Reijnders, following positive talks with AC Milan, and they are looking to seal the deal in the next few days.
The deal is “almost done” on the player’s side, as he has already “said yes” to moving to the Etihad Stadium this summer, and the final details are currently being clarified, with it looking like the deal could be wrapped up in the very near future.
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders.
"Insane" Reijnders could be fantastic signing for Man City
Pep Guardiola’s side are clearly looking to get the deal over the line as soon as possible, with the Club World Cup on the horizon, and it is no wonder they are so keen on the Milan star, considering how he has performed across some key attacking metrics this past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.29 (97th percentile)
Progressive carries
3.0 (96th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.01 (84th percentile)
Shot-creating actions
3.22 (80th percentile)
In light of his impressive performances for Milan, the Dutchman has also been lauded as “insane” by football scout Ben Mattinson, who believed he was among the best five midfielders in the world at one stage last season.
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As such, it is exciting news that a deal for Reijnders is seemingly edging closer to completion, and the Blues will be hoping to seal an agreement before their Club World Cup opener against Wydad Casablanca on June 18th.
Alexander Isak’s form in the 2024/25 campaign for Newcastle United has been sensational. Around a month ago, at the end of April, Jamie Carragher described the Swede as the “best striker in the Premier League right now”, and looking at the numbers, it is not hard to see why.
In 33 games in the English top flight, the striker has scored 23 goals and grabbed six assists. He has featured for 2,684 minutes in the Premier League, leaving him with an extraordinary average of one goal every 116 minutes.
With Isak’s superb form, it is no surprise Newcastle are looking to bolster his attack and bring him even more support in forward areas ahead of next term.
Newcastle’s latest attacking target
There might not be a more eye-catching signing to go along with Isak and winger Anthony Gordon in the Magpies’ attack than Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. It has been an impressive campaign for the Englishman, and he could well leave the Bundesliga this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to a report from former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, in conversation with Football Insider, Newcastle ‘are working on a move to sign’ the young winger this summer. Brown confirmed that the North Eastern side have ‘had scouts watching him this season’ and could now swoop in to sign him.
Surprisingly, although Gittens is a player with high potential, this is a deal that could come cheap.
A report from talkSPORT last month claimed he is valued at just £35m by Dortmund. However, they also link Chelsea to a move for the winger, meaning Newcastle might face strong competition.
Why Gittens would be a good signing
It has been a strong campaign for Gittens, despite a tough time of it as a team for Dortmund. Described by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley as “England’s best winger in 24/25”, the 20-year-old has certainly made a difference at times in that famous Black and Yellow shirt.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
In 48 games this season across all competitions, Gittens has managed to find the back of the net on 12 occasions and has also created five goals for his teammates. In total, 12 of those goal involvements have come in the Bundesliga.
However, if there was one game where Gittens really showed what he can do, it was away to Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage. The former Manchester City academy man impressed against the La Liga giants, executing an incisive counter-attack to give his side a 2-0 lead.
One thing that really stands out about Gittens is his ability with the ball at his feet. He is a fantastic ball carrier, deadly in one-vs-one scenarios and confident in taking a defender on and beating him in those situations.
In fact, the stats on FBref from the Bundesliga season show just how good he is when carrying the ball. For example, Gittens averages 5.73 progressive carries and 3.9 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, both of which rank him in the top 1% of wingers in the Bundesliga.
Take-ons attempted
8.67
99th
Take-ons completed
3.9
99th
Progressive carries
5.73
99th
Carries into final third
2.84
94th
Carries into penalty area
3.19
99th
Well, Newcastle will be hoping that Gittens can replicate Isak’s impact at St James’ Park. Just like the young England U21 star, Isak was formerly a Dortmund player, where he made 13 appearances but only scored once.
However, his impact in the North East has been colossal, proving that you can certainly make a fine transition from Germany to English football.
108 games and 62 goals later, he is, as Carragher said, one of the stars of the Premier League, and a far better player than he was at Dortmund all those years ago.
Newcastle would surely love for Gittens to replicate that sort of impact. He could well become the second coming of Isak, that is to say, a former Dortmund player who has a fantastic impact on the North Eastern club.
At just £35m, Gittens seems like a bargain, and this feels like a move Newcastle must do, to further elevate their attack.
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Celtic are finally Scottish Premiership champions and can celebrate their fantastic achievement for weeks to come, but their latest injury concern may have slightly dampened their spirits.
Celtic bask in the glory of being crowned Scottish Premiership champions
After weeks of closing in on a fourth successive league title, Celtic finally got the job done in style last weekend away to Dundee United, courtesy of a 5-0 victory at Tannadice. Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah’s doubles, coupled with an own goal from Ryan Strain, settled an emphatic scoreline before Brendan Rodgers and company were able to taste the celebratory champagne once again.
Brendan Rodgers
The Irishman is now the third most successful manager in Celtic history behind Willie Maley and Jock Stein. Come the summer, you would imagine he will be keen to build up ahead of steam for the Bhoys’ involvement in the final qualifying round before the Champions League league phase.
Surprisingly, Tayport Juniors goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu could join the Hoops if he impresses during a possible training stint at the club. Although he would likely be a developmental signing, there will be plenty of first-team-ready additions primed to enter the fold.
Stoke City winger Million Manhoef has emerged as a Celtic target and may be a popular candidate to shore up the wide areas, which are set to undergo surgery in light of Daizen Maeda’s sparkling form either on the flank or at centre-forward.
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Strength in depth will be needed to see off any threat from Rangers or elsewhere next term, while the Bhoys’ exploits in Europe are set to again come under the microscope once the summer has come and gone.
However, Rodgers may now have food for thought heading into 2025/26 following an injury setback surrounding one of his star assets, per reports.
Celtic star Jota set to be ruled out for several months
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic winger Jota will miss the rest of the season and possibly the start of next campaign due to a knee injury that left him on crutches in their title-clinching victory over Dundee United.
The outlet state that an initial diagnosis is set to rule him out for ‘several months’ following a painful clash that left the Portuguese star writhing around in pain shortly after his role in the Bhoys’ opening goal at Tannadice.
Jota’s record since returning to Celtic in January – all competitions
Appearances
16
Goals
5
Assists
2
Republic of Ireland forward Idah will likely lead the line in his absence, with Maeda being switched to his familiar left-sided berth to accommodate Kuhn on the right flank.
Nevertheless, Jota’s absence will come as a blow to Rodgers, especially with Celtic’s Scottish Cup final clash against Aberdeen now only a matter of weeks away.
Labelled “fantastic” by teammate Idah, the former Benfica star is a cult hero among supporters and adds a different dimension due to his quick thinking and footwork, but the Bhoys will need to find a way to manage without him over the coming weeks.