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Bangladesh brushed aside Pakistan in a seven-wicket win in the first T20I in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s bowlers and fielders did the main damage when they bowled out Pakistan, for the first time in T20Is.Parvez Hossain Emon struck an unbeaten 56 in the chase, slamming five sixes and three fours in his 39-ball effort. It helped Bangladesh to complete the chase in 15.3 overs.Pakistan were already on the backfoot when they were put to bat. Taskin Ahmed took three wickets while the fielders effected three run-outs. Mustafizur Rahman bowled Bangladesh’s cheapest four-over spell in T20Is, conceding just six runs. It was an all-round bowling effort from the home side, though it got off to an iffy start.

Bangladesh get lucky

Pakistan’s batting collapse actually started after a dropped catch. Taskin spilled an easy chance at short fine leg after Fakhar had top edged a slog sweep in the first over. Taskin’s guilt was short lived as he removed Saim Ayub in the next over, caught at long leg.Bangladesh’s luck got better in the third over with Mohammad Haris, who struck a century in the last encounter between the two sides, depositing Mahedi Hasan’s long-hop into Shamim Hossain’s lap at deep midwicket. On hindsight it was a careless shot, targeting the longer of the two boundaries, with two men patrolling the fence.

Fakhar caught in run outs

Pakistan’s hard press despite the two early wickets backfired. Tanzim Hasan bowled a superb first over to Salman Agha, who finished up mistiming a scoop to wicketkeeper Litton Das. Bangladesh’s dot-ball pressure resulted in Mohammad Nawaz’s run-out in the eighth over, when Fakhar point-blank refused to take the risky single towards short midwicket. Fakhar was then run-out himself, when Khushdil Shah refused him a second run in the 12th over. Fakhar slipped in the middle of the pitch while turning, with Litton whipping off the bails.Fakhar Zaman top-scored for Pakistan with 44 off 34 balls•AFP/Getty Images

Fizz, Taskin close out innings

Mustafizur removed Khushdil who had struck a six and a four in his 17 off 23 balls. He could have had a wicket the next ball but captain Litton wasn’t convinced with the lbw appeal against Faheem Ashraf. Replays showed three reds.Mustafizur remained undeterred, finishing with figures of 2 for 6 from his four overs. It is the fewest runs conceded by a Bangladeshi bowler in a completed four-over spell in a T20I.Pakistan then lost three wickets in three balls in the final over. Taskin took two while there was a third run-out as the visitors were bowled out for 110.

Bangladesh shrug off early wickets

Bangladesh’s 111-run chase began poorly when Tanzid Hasan fell to a catch at mid-on in the first over. It gave left-arm fast bowler Salman Mirza his first wicket on T20I debut. He added a second when Khushdil took an excellent catch slip, off Litton’s thick outside edge.Pakistan’s use of Ayub to bowl the next over was perplexing but Bangladesh didn’t mind. Parvez launched him high into the midwicket stands for the first six, followed by Towhid Hridoy slamming him over long-on for another six. In the next over, Parvez blazed Mirza back over his head with a one-handed follow-through that looked gorgeous.

Parvez puts finishing touches

Pakistan didn’t help themselves when they dropped Hridoy on 12 and 30. In the sixth over, Abrar Ahmed couldn’t hold on to a tough chance at deep third, running in but spilling the chance. Then it was wicketkeeper Haris who dropped Hridoy off Abrar in the ninth over.Parvez was nonchalant at the other end. He pasted Abrar and Nawaz for two more sixes in the 11th and 12th overs, before Abbas Afridi removed Hridoy for 36. Jaker Ali struck two fours in his first four balls, before Parvez laid into Ashraf. He flat-batted one over mid-off before whipping his fifth six, which took him to his fifty. Parvez finished the over with another flat-batted strike, this time over mid-on.It left Bangladesh just six runs to win in the last six overs. Haris dropped Parvez again, on 55, before Jaker struck a superb pull shot to complete the win with 27 balls to spare.

Gloucestershire face uphill battle as Bancroft leads rearguard in second innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 23-Jun-2025Centuries from Wayne Madsen and Harry Came strengthened Derbyshire’s grip on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match with Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.Skipper Madsen hit 123 and Came 103, extending their overnight third-wicket stand to 206 as the visitors posted 398 in reply to Gloucestershire’s modest first-innings total of 187, a lead of 211. Todd Murphy was the most successful bowler with three for 120 on debut.The hosts hit back strongly after their opponents had been 301 for two at one stage and then made a better fist of their second innings, reaching 62 for one by the close, having reduced the deficit to 149. Cameron Bancroft was unbeaten on 32.Derbyshire began the day on 116 for two, still 71 behind, with Madsen 18 not out and Came unbeaten on 29. Gloucestershire hopes centred upon their new signing Murphy, but Madsen quickly set the tone by twice hitting the Australia Test off-spinner through the off side for back-foot fours.There was nothing Murphy nor any other bowler could do to prise apart the Derbyshire pair as Came was first to fifty off 86 balls. Madson soon followed to the same landmark off 82 deliveries before cutting a boundary off Zaman Akhter to take his side into the lead.By lunch that advantage had stretched to 55 runs, with the scoreboard reading 242 for two. The afternoon session saw Madsen reach three figures off 157 balls, with 11 fours, and Came replicate that achievement, having faced 180 deliveries and hit 12 fours and a six. Neither had looked in the least trouble on a benign pitch, highlighting how poorly Gloucestershire had batted on day one.It was a major surprise when Madsen’s dismissal, with the total on 301, caught off a top-edged reverse sweep to give Murphy his first Gloucestershire wicket, sparked a Derbyshire collapse that saw six more fall for just 55 runs. Brook Guest could make only two before being caught at short mid-wicket off seamer Ben Charlesworth, who quickly struck again by having Came caught behind cutting just before the second new ball became due.It was 319 for six when Anuj Dal was bowled by a ball from left-arm spinner Graeme van Buuren which turned to beat his forward defensive push, and 320 for seven when Alex Thomson was caught by wicketkeeper James Bracey down the leg side off Murphy.The Aussie struck again when Martin Andersson was snapped up at short-leg and the sorry procession continued as Ben Aitchison skied a catch to backward point off van Buuren. Derbyshire’s lead at that point was 169, but former Gloucestershire loanee Zak Chappell then frustrated his old teammates with some quality shots in a stand of 42 with first day bowling hero Jack Morley.The latter lofted van Buuren over wide long-on for six, while Chappell produced one of the shots of the day when clipping Ajeet Singh Dale through the leg side with a flourish for four to take the lead past 200. He and Morley were still together when a delayed tea was taken with Derbyshire 395 for nine.The final session saw Morley fall lbw to off-spinner Ollie Price attempting to sweep with Derbyshire just two runs short of a fourth batting point. Chappell remained unbeaten on 28 and Gloucestershire were left with 22 overs to bat in their second innings before stumps.They negotiated 11 before Morley added to his six first-day victims by pinning Joe Phillips lbw on the back foot for 14. But skipper Bancroft remained rock solid and will hope to lead his side back into the game tomorrow.

Barcelona’s preparations for El Clasico have taken a major blow as Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out with a fresh muscle injury sustained on international duty with Poland. The Catalan club are reportedly furious with the veteran striker for continuing to play despite feeling discomfort, a decision that has now sidelined him for up to a month.

Lewandowski injured during Poland duty

Barca’s worst fears were confirmed when Lewandowski returned from international duty with a torn muscle in his left thigh. The 37-year-old suffered the injury during Poland’s match against Lithuania, where he felt discomfort in the first half but chose to continue playing. Despite having already dealt with a similar issue earlier this season, the forward opted to finish the game, even after being bandaged at half-time. His decision has now proved costly, with the club ruling him out for at least four weeks, meaning he will miss the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBarca's frustration grows

Tensions have flared at the Catalan club over Lewandowski’s handling of the situation. According to , the club believes the striker should have immediately requested substitution rather than risk aggravating the injury. The report suggest that Hansi Flick and the medical staff are frustrated by the lack of caution shown by such an experienced player. An angry mood at the Barca camp was the prevailing sentiment, especially after Lewa went on to play the full 90 minutes and even scored Poland’s second goal.

FIFA trouble strikes again at Barca

This episode adds to Barcelona’s growing list of injury frustrations during international breaks. The international break has already impacted Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, while young stars like Lamine Yamal have previously missed matches after being overused by their national teams. Flick, who had earlier criticised Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and his staff for overplaying Yamal, now finds himself battling yet another fitness crisis, this time apparently caused by the player himself. The club’s medical department is also reportedly questioning how national team staff handled Lewa’s condition after he had only recently returned from a thigh strain sustained in pre-season.

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Getty/GOALFive matches missed, Clasico confirmed out

Lewandowski's latest setback will likely see him miss at least six key fixtures across La Liga and the Champions League, including crucial clashes against Girona, Olympiacos and El Clasico against Real Madrid. The Pole was expected to play a key role in the title race, but his absence leaves a void up front. With Torres is likely to lead the line in his absence, while Flick could also experiment with using Marcus Rashford centrally once Raphinha returns from injury. For Barca, the timing couldn’t be worse, especially with Lewandowski’s contract renewal discussions still ongoing.

The next month will be crucial for both Lewa’s recovery and Barca’s season. The club is optimistic he could return after the November international break, possibly in time for the fixture against Athletic Club. However, his recurring muscle problems raise serious questions about workload management and the striker’s long-term fitness. For now, Flick’s challenge is to find consistency without his star forward, and ensure the team stay competitive ahead of a defining stretch in both domestic and European competitions.

Amazingly, Leeds United’s record at this early stage in the Premier League season lines up well to their positive start out of the blocks under Marcelo Bielsa during the 2020/21 season.

Directly after sealing promotion up to the big-time, the much-loved South American would steer the Whites to an unbelievable ninth final position, having initially picked up two wins from his side’s opening five clashes in the league.

Daniel Farke already has two victories under his belt, too, with the 3-1 success away at Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out further mirroring Leeds sides of old when it came to the clinical nature of their first-half display.

Of course, there is still a long way to go, but the German will be hoping he can pull off a similarly high finish down the line.

Leeds will no doubt feel a boost knowing Ao Tanaka is also slowly but surely returning to full fitness, with the Japanese midfielder going down as an instant revelation in the Championship.

The shrewd capture of Tanaka

The Whites really did win in the summer transfer market before embarking on their promotion adventure, as the likes of Jayden Bogle and Joe Rodon joined to enhance the defence, while Manor Solomon added more quality up top on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Yet, snapping up the services of Tanaka for just £2.9m from Fortuna Düsseldorf managed to slip under the initial radar.

However, it’s safe to say that Tanaka is now a well-known and much-loved presence at Elland Road, with the silky 27-year-old going on to collect five goals and two assists last campaign on the way to Farke and Co. returning to the Premier League.

He made such a blistering impact to proceedings that Farke would even label him as “unbelievable” for what he can offer, with those glowing words backed up by his well-rounded game when averaging both a 90% pass accuracy last season, while also getting stuck in with 4.3 duels per second-tier clash, as per Sofascore.

Further noted as being “difficult to dislodge” from the starting XI by Paul Robinson last season, it is testament to Leeds’ collective strengths so far this campaign that they haven’t been derailed by Tanaka’s injury issues.

While Tanaka has been sidelined, another astute capture achieved this summer has stood out, with the cost-effective buy perhaps going down as Leeds’ best foray in the market since the £2.9m deal to bring the number 22 to English shores.

Leeds have made their best signing since Tanaka

After all, Leeds have managed to bolster their midfield positions this summer, away from solely relying on more of Tanaka’s magic up a division.

Indeed, Anton Stach is also in the running to be considered Leeds’ smartest purchase since landing the Japan international last year, with the versatile 26-year-old costing £20m and proving to be worth all that cash alone just based on this fierce free-kick being hammered home at Molineux.

Wth an assist also next to his name, it’s clear that Leeds have struck gold already with another standout buy from the Bundesliga.

Yet, it could well be argued that Gabriel Gudmundsson is actually a better buy than Stach, despite his electric start to life in West Yorkshire, with the arrival of the Swede making the Whites feel far more assured about their problematic left-back spot.

While Leeds did recruit well when making the step-up, it was a clear body blow when Junior Firpo exited the building this summer, with the former Whites hero amassing ten assists last season from the left-back position.

This left Farke and Co. in a considerable spot of bother as Sam Byram was now the only recognised option on the left. Thankfully, Leeds would seal a deal to bring Gudmundsson for just £10m to fill the Firpo-shaped hole, with this looking to be a worthwhile bargain already.

Gudmundsson – PL stats

Stat – per 90 mins*

Gudmundsson

Games played

5

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches*

63.2

Accurate passes*

31.6 (81%)

Ball recoveries*

3.6

Clearances*

3.8

Total duels won*

4.2

Stats by Sofascore

Minus his own-goal horror show away at Fulham, Gudmundsson has been a solid addition, with his calming influence on the ball different to that of a gung-ho Firpo, but more effective in the Premier League.

Moreover, with 4.2 duels won on average, he has more than helped Leeds to pick up those two invaluable victories, with three duels successfully won on the road at the Old Gold. He was arguably the club’s “best player” in that latest victory.

Heralded as a “fantastic” addition to the camp already by ex-Leeds defender Tony Dorigo, it could well be that the Malmo-born star goes on to be viewed as another Tanaka-like bargain, particularly if his efforts steer the Whites to immediate survival and, potentially, even more.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Dois jovens promissores estão chamando atenção no carioca sub-20. São eles, o meia João Pedro Murilo, do Vasco e o zagueiro Cleiton, do Flamengo.

João Pedro, ou JP como é conhecido, é volante de origem, mas que recentemente começou a utilizar a camisa 10 do Cruz-Maltino. Convocado pela primeira vez por Ramon Menezes em maio, para treinar com a Seleção Brasileira Sub-20 no período de preparação para o Mundial da mesma categoria, se destacou pelo sub-17 na temporada 2022 (40 jogos, 6 gols e 11 assistências) e disputou a Copa São Paulo de Futebol Junior com o Vasco nesta temporada, quando foi promovido ao sub-20. Nesta temporada, o meio-campista tem 10 jogos – nove como titular – e três assistências no sub-20.

O jogador vem de grandes conquistas pela base vascaína. Em 2021 venceu o Carioca sub-17, marcando dois gols na competição. Já em 2022, foi campeão da Copa Rio sub-17. O meia de 18 anos foi crucial para carimbar a vaga do time para a final. JP marcou seu primeiro gol pelo Vasco na partida de ida da semifinal do torneio, na vitória de 2 a 1 contra o Botafogo.

Já Cleiton, é mais conhecido da torcida rubro-negra. Já tendo atuado pelo time profissional desde o ano passado, o defensor reforça a base do clube sempre que necessário, para seguir com ritmo.

Constantemente elogiado pela comissão técnica, o zagueiro recebeu recentemente propostas para deixar o Flamengo, mas o clube não fechou negócio. A última vez que foi relacionado para o profissional foi contra o Ñublense-CHI, pela Copa Libertadores no dia 24 de maio. Pelo Campeonato Carioca sub-20, o zagueiro já deixou anotado três gols na competição.

A final do Campeonato Carioca sub-20 acontece nos dois próximos finais de semana. O jogo de ida será no sábado (8), às 10h, na Gávea. A volta está marcada para o dia 15, às 15h, em São Januário.

تحدث محمد عبد الواحد، المدرب المساعد في جهاز منتخب مصر، عن الأزمة التي نشبت بين لاعب الأهلي إمام عاشور وحسام حسن المدير الفني للفراعنة خلال الفترة الماضية.

وكانت العلاقة بين إمام عاشور وحسام حسن توترت خلال الآونة الأخيرة، وكشف مدرب منتخب مصر أن استبعاد إمام عاشور هو قرار انضباطي، قبل أن يعتذر لاعب الأهلي عقب نهاية الموسم الماضي للتوأم، لكن الإصابة هي التي منعت تواجد إمام في صفوف المنتخب في الفترة الأخيرة.

طالع | أخطأ مرتين وهذا شرط عودته.. حسام حسن يعلن سبب استبعاد إمام عاشور من منتخب مصر

إمام عاشور يغيب في الفترة الأخيرة عن صفوف فريقه الأهلي، بسبب إصابته بفيروس A، ويخوض مرحلة من التأهيل للتعافي، خلال الوقت الحالي.

وقال عبد الواحد خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت 2” لبرنامج “هاتريك”: “كانت توجد مشكلة صغيرة حدثث، وهو لم يأخذ رد الفعل السليم، فحدثت فجوة، وبالمناسبة الفترة التي لم يكن ينضم معنا فيها للمنتخب لم يكن مستواه الفني كما هو الحال الآن”.

وأضاف: “إمام عاشور كان يفتعل أشياء خارج الملعب تثير جمهور الزمالك، فكان غائبا عن التركيز، وليس في مستواه، هو لاعب كبير ونجم وهو عنصر أساسي معنا في المنتخب”.

وتابع: “قبل تعرضه للإصابة، اعتذر للكابتن إبراهيم، والجميع يعمل لمصلحة منتخب مصر، ولا توجد أي أغراض من أي شخص داخل جهاز المنتخب تجاه أي لاعب”.

وأكمل: “عندما تولينا المسؤولية، الجميع قال إن هناك خلافات ستحدث بين التوأم ومحمد صلاح، لكن لم يحدث أي شيء، محمد صلاح يقوم بدور رائع جدًا معنا كجهاز، ورائع مع كابتن حسام، ومساند لنا”.

وكان منتخب مصر اختتم مشواره في تصفيات كأس العالم بمواجهة غينيا بيساو في الجولة العاشرة والأخيرة من مباريات المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

واستطاع منتخب مصر تحقيق الفوز على غينيا بيساو، بنتيجة 1-0، ليؤكد صدارته للمجموعة في تصفيات كأس العالم برصيد 26 نقطة، علمًا بأنه حسم التأهل إلى كأس العالم منذ الجولة التاسعة بالفوز على جيبوتي 3-0.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 17th-placed Premier League finish last campaign showcases the job Thomas Frank has on his hands as he enters his first year in charge in North London.

He would’ve certainly faced an easier task had he had Harry Kane at his disposal, with the England international a player who is undoubtedly one of the best to ever ply his trade for the Lilywhites.

The 32-year-old rose through the ranks before making a huge impact on the first team, often being the man the supporters relied on for goals in crucial moments.

Kane ended up registering a total of 280 goals during his stint in the capital, the highest of any player in the club’s history, also slotting in at second place in the Premier League’s record books.

However, after his departure back in 2023, the club have ultimately failed to replace his goals, leaving Frank with such a task during his first window in charge.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new striker this summer

After the Dane’s appointment, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has been a player who has been hugely linked with a move to follow his former boss across the capital.

Such rumours are unsurprising given his tally of 19 league goals for the Bees last season, leading to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also interested in his signature this window.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muani another player they’re pursuing, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

He claims that the Lilywhites have already entered talks over a deal to land the French forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus.

Aouna also states that Frank’s side face competition from Manchester United for the 26-year-old’s signature this summer, but Daniel Levy is working hard to reach an agreement before the September 1st deadline.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Kane

Two players have mainly shared the responsibility of providing the goals at the top end of the pitch for Spurs since Kane’s departure – Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Both have endured their injury struggles over recent times, posting respectable tallies, but ultimately, there’s still huge room for improvement in such an area.

The Englishman, who cost a club-record £65m last summer, and the Brazilian managed to net a combined tally of 13 league goals, whilst Kane scored double that figure on his own last campaign.

Replacing the record goalscorer was always going to be a near-impossible task, but the current lack of goals from the centre-forwards on the books highlights the need for a new talisman this summer.

Kolo Muani would provide the new boss just that, having the opportunity to claim the starting role as his own should he move to North London during the off-season.

He’s previously been labelled as a similar player to Kane by FBref, managing to match or better the former Lilywhites in key areas throughout the recent campaign.

The Frenchman, who’s been dubbed “extremely dangerous” by compatriot Bixente Lizarazu, posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, evidently being more efficient with his chances in front of goal.

Games played

26

31

Goals & assists

12

35

Shot on target accuracy

48%

42%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Key passes made

1.4

1.3

Take-ons completed

1.5

0.8

Carries into opposition box

1.2

0.7

Aerials won

1.2

1

Kolo Muani also completed more key passes per 90, along with more take-ons achieved, highlighting his all-round talent with the ball at his feet, something which could hugely benefit Frank in his quest for success.

However, whilst he’s a technically gifted forward, the former Eintracht Frankfurt star also bettered Kane for aerials won per 90, potentially being the perfect fit for the Lilywhites’ current side.

All the aforementioned stats are undoubtedly important, but ultimately, the fans and manager will want him to provide the goods in front of goal throughout 2025/26.

His tally of 10 goals in just 22 loan appearances in Italy last season showcases that there is certainly a player there, with Frank able to land his own version of the record scorer if he can unlock such talents out of Kolo Muani.

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Chelsea are seen as a dream landing spot for one player who’s actively pushing to join Enzo Maresca’s side this summer, according to a new report on Wednesday.

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The west Londoners are showcasing major ambition in the transfer market yet again, as has been the ongoing theme since Clearlake Capital’s takeover from Roman Abramovich in 2022.

After sealing a triple deal worth £145 million for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro over the past few weeks, Maresca’s side are by no means done there, with reports suggesting they could still bring in multiple new attackers.

Much has been made of Chelsea’s serious spending, but going by the books, they’re in very good stead to invest even more cash into rejuvenating the squad.

Their often underrated status as an excellent selling club has yielded close to £130 million this window alone, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic, Mathis Amougou and João Félix all departing for pastures new so far.

Countless more fringe Chelsea players have been tipped to follow them as well, so BlueCo are likely to raise further funds from now until deadline day on September 1.

This, combined with their earnings from qualifying for the Champions League and £87.5m windfall from winning the Club World Cup, gives Chelsea the financial freedom to sign more players whilst sailing beneath the PSR threshold.

Whilst Chelsea are also forced to sell squad members after a settlement with UEFA for breaking FFP rules, they’re still in a very healthy position.

According to reports, their hefty cashflow will be partly reinvested into signing versatile Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

The Netherlands international is closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge, and barring any last-gasp surprises, it is expected to happen pretty shortly.

Now, TEAMtalk has shared some further background on the story as Chelsea attempt to finalise a deal.

Jorrel Hato "now personally trying to force" Chelsea transfer

According to the news outlet, Hato is “now personally trying to force” a transfer to Chelsea in an attempt to wrap up his London move in quick fashion.

The 19-year-old, who would reportedly join as both a centre-back and alternative option to Marc Cucurella, is “pushing hard” to join Chelsea after agreeing personal terms – so much so that Ajax have reduced his initial £43 million asking price.

Chelsea, for their part, are prepared to go higher than their original valuation of £35m – which is the main reason why both sides are now seriously nearing an agreement.

Despite his teenage status, Hato already possesses a wealth of top-level and even Champions League experience, having made over a century of first-team appearances for the Eredivisie giants.

The Dutchman’s eagerness to join Chelsea is also a very encouraging sign for both supporters and Maresca that he’s ready to battle for his place in the squad, potentially keeping the likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah firmly on their toes.

Aston Villa are now “ready to make a move” for a “special” £60m star, with Unai Emery believed to be a “big fan”, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed.

Aston Villa eyeing striker amid Watkins uncertainty

Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently revealed that Villa have held talks over selling Ollie Watkins to Manchester United, and with the Englishman keen on a move to Old Trafford, Emery may need to bring in a replacement this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani is on the shortlist as a potential heir to Watkins, while the Villans have also set their sights on Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, having made initial contact over a deal for the striker earlier this week.

There has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Jackson, with O’Rourke revealing that Emery is a huge admirer of his former player, and the Football Insider report states the ex-Villarreal man could jump at the move.

O’Rourke said: “Unai Emery remains a big fan of Nicolas Jackson, so it’s no surprise that Villa are in the market for him.

“We know Villa need reinforcements in attack – they still haven’t really replaced Jhon Duran – and Jackson’s future’s is up in the air at Chelsea as well.

“If he does become available before the end of the window, there’s no doubt that Aston Villa will be one of those clubs ready to make a move for him, because Unai Emery is a huge fan of his.”

The Chelsea forward is thought to be unsettled by the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park.

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Jackson could be "special" signing for Aston Villa

A deal for the Senegalese striker is unlikely to be cheap, with previous reports suggesting the Blues could hold out for £60m, but there are signs he could be an exciting signing for Villa this summer.

While the arrivals of Delap and Pedro suggest Enzo Maresca doesn’t fully trust the 24-year-old, he has maintained a solid goal and assist record since his arrival in the Premier League.

Journalist Rahman Osman was also left impressed by the improvements the Chelsea ace made to his game last season.

Jackson could be an exciting addition to Emery’s squad, but if possible, the manager should also hold onto Watkins, given that the England international has amassed a very impressive 87 goals and 42 assists in 223 games since arriving at Villa Park.

“We are not ashamed of talking about it – there is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma,” Thorpe’s elder daughter Kitty says

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Aug-2024 • Updated on 13-Aug-2024Former England batter Graham Thorpe died after being struck by a train at Esher railway station, Surrey, the opening of an inquest into his death on Tuesday has heard. On Monday, Thorpe’s family had confirmed the 55-year-old took his own life following a battle with depression and anxiety.Speaking on Tuesday at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking, coroner Simon Wickens said Thorpe had suffered “traumatic injuries” after being struck by a train on the morning of August 4. Wickens offered “sincere condolences” to Thorpe’s family and to “all those touched by his life and career”. A date for Thorpe’s full inquest will be fixed at a later time.The coroner had received a referral regarding the incident from British Transport Police (BTP). On August 5, a spokesperson for BTP issued the following statement: “Officers were called to Esher railway station at 8.26 am on 4 August to reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”The loss of Thorpe was felt by all throughout the world of cricket, with many former and current players paying their respects to the left-handed batter, who later went into coaching. The Surrey and England man represented his country 182 times, and scored 16 hundreds in 100 Test matches.Thorpe had not worked in cricket since he was removed from his role as one of England’s assistant coaches in the aftermath of their 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes. He was due to take over as Afghanistan’s head coach but never did after a previous attempt on his own life in May 2022. At the time, he was described as being “seriously ill” in hospital.Related

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“For the past couple of years, Graham had been suffering from major depression and anxiety,” Amanda, Thorpe’s wife, told the . “This led him to make a serious attempt on his life in May 2022, which resulted in a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit. Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe. We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work.”Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone. Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better. He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”She described Thorpe as “a free spirit” and said that he had been well enough to attend a dinner at The Oval in late 2022. “He had his own mind and his own way of going about things,” Amanda said. “My favourite memory of him is in Barbados, which he loved, enjoying a rum punch and listening to his favourite reggae after a swim… He was funny and he made us all laugh so much.”Thorpe’s elder daughter, Kitty, said, “We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma. We were trying to help him get better before and trying to protect him, which is why we said nothing. This is the time now to share the news, however horrible it is. We’ve wanted to be able to talk and share and we’d now like to raise awareness, too.”He had loved life and he loved us but he just couldn’t see a way out. It was heartbreaking to see how withdrawn he had become. He was not the same person. It was strange to see this person trapped in the body of dad. That’s why we’ve been so happy that the many reflections have been about his life before this illness took over. I’m glad that’s how everyone does remember him, rightly so, as the complete character he was.”