Who replaces Jason Roy if he’s ruled out of the World Cup? A look at the contenders

George Dobell in Manchester17-Jun-2019Getty ImagesDawid Malan: He’s only played one ODI, but Malan is probably one of the two most likely replacements. He didn’t enjoy an especially good One-Day Cup (the domestic 50-over tournament) with just one half-century and an average of 34.60, but Malan has proved himself a batsman good enough to score a Test century and has a T20I average of 50 in five innings. But for an injury sustained in an ODI in Ireland, he may have been a strong contender for a place in the original World Cup squad.Ben Duckett: He has two half-centuries in three ODIs, but the most-recent one was in 2016. He enjoyed a brief return to international cricket earlier this summer when he was picked for the T20I against Pakistan in Cardiff, but endured a disappointing campaign in the One-Day Cup, passing 50 just once and averaging just 20.71. He’s at best an outsider at this stage.Joe Denly: He narrowly missed the initial squad of 15, after being in consideration as a spin-bowling allrounder. He has experience of opening the batting in ODIs, albeit in 2009. He’s had limited opportunities on his recall (he batted once at No. 5 and once at No. 7) but enjoyed an excellent 2018 season at the domestic level – averaging 70.28 with two centuries and two half-centuries – and is known to be something of a favourite of chief selector Ed Smith. Along with Malan, he is probably the most likely replacement.Ben Foakes: Made a match-winning half-century on his ODI debut in Dublin in May, but was dropped immediately afterwards as England’s first-choice players returned. He also topped Surrey’s batting averages (46.85) in this year’s One-Day Cup. His measured batting – he’s more Root than Roy – doesn’t necessarily suit the role England have available, however, and he is an outsider for this position.Alex Hales: With six ODI centuries, Hales would have been an obvious selection in normal circumstances and would have been expected to come into the team for Roy. But he is currently considered unavailable for selection after a testing positive for the use of a recreational drug again. Will there be a change of heart on that front?Joe Clarke: He’s considered unavailable for selection currently while the ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission investigates his involvement in a controversial WhatsApp group with some former teammates at Worcestershire. Averaged 42.50 in this year’s One-Day Cup and would have been a strong contender otherwise.Sam Billings: A dislocated shoulder – sustained in April – rules Billings out. Would have been a strong contender otherwise as he has both opened the batting and appeared in the middle-order. He is also an outstanding fielder.

Also, which bowlers have the most caught-and-bowled dismissals in each format?

Steven Lynch06-Aug-2019What is the most runs in an Ashes Test by a player who finished on the losing side? asked Connor Davidson from Australia
The Ashes record is held by the England opener Herbert Sutcliffe, who scored 303 runs – 176 and 127 – in a seven-day Test in Melbourne in 1924-25. Next comes Paul Collingwood, with 228 (206 and 22 not out) for England in Adelaide in 2006-07. The record for Australia is 219, by Stan McCabe (187 not out and 32) in Sydney during the Bodyline series in 1932-33.In all Tests, the table is headed by Brian Lara, who amassed 351 runs – 221 and 130 – against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2001-02, but his side still ended up losing by ten wickets. Lara actually scored 688 runs in that three-match series, but West Indies still managed to lose it 3-0.When was the last time England’s openers in an Ashes Test both came from the same county? asked Jamie Richardson from England
Before the Surrey pair of Rory Burns and Jason Roy at Edgbaston in 2019, the last time England fielded openers from the same county in the Ashes was at The Oval in 1989,when Graham Gooch went in first with his Essex team-mate John Stephenson, who was winning his only cap.The last time it happened in any Test for England was against West Indies at The Oval in 1995, when Michael Atherton opened with his Lancashire colleague Jason Gallian. In the second innings of the previous Test, at Trent Bridge, Atherton opened with another Lancastrian, John Crawley.England’s new-ball pair bowled Ireland out at Lord’s, with no one else needed. How often has this happened in the fourth innings of a Test? asked Arshad Zaidi from Norway
Rather surprisingly, perhaps, England’s feat at Lord’s – when Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes demolished Ireland for 38 – was only the third time the opening pair bowled unchanged in the fourth innings of a match, and won it. The other two instances were both in the 19th century: in Cape Town in 1898-99, Schofield Haigh and Albert Trott bowled South Africa out for 35, while at Lord’s in 1888, the Australians Charles Turner and Jack Ferris knocked England over for 62, in 47 four-ball overs.Chris Woakes took six wickets and Stuart Broad four to wipe Ireland out in the second innings for 38, only the third time opening bowlers have taken all the wickets in the fourth innings of a Test•Getty ImagesHas a country ever changed all 11 players in successive Tests in the same series? asked Mohammad Makfi from India
This has only happened once mid-series, back in the 1884-85 Ashes. After England won the first Test in Adelaide, the Australian XI demanded a half-share of the gate money for the remaining matches. This was refused – they might have got a better reception if they’d won! – and an entirely new side was selected for the second match, in Melbourne: not surprisingly, England won by ten wickets to go two up (they eventually took the series 3-2). Most of the “strikers” returned for the third Test, which Australia won.Something similar happened in 2009, when West Indies’ side for the first Test against Bangladesh in St Vincent showed 11 changes from the one which had taken on England at Chester-le-Street two months previously, as a result of a dispute between the players and the board – but that wasn’t the same series.Which bowlers have the most caught-and-bowled dismissals in each format? asked Nilanjan Banerjee from India
In Test cricket there’s a tie at the top: Muttiah Muralitharan and Anil Kumble both took 35 return catches. They are well clear of Shane Warne and Daniel Vettori, who are next with 21. Murali also leads the way in one-day internationals, with 34, five ahead of New Zealand’s Chris Harris. And in T20Is, the Afghanistan offspinner Mohammad Nabi has seven caught-and-bowleds, one more than Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez.Use our feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Six South African players to keep an eye on during their Test series against India in October

Liam Brickhill27-Sep-2019South Africa might still be carrying some baggage from their last Test series in India, which they lost 3-0, but within their ranks is a new generation of Test cricketers looking to fill the void left by the retirements of bona fide legends such as Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla. Time to meet the new school of South African Test cricketers.Zubayr Hamza pumps one into the stands•Getty ImagesZubayr HamzaHe became South Africa’s 100th Test cricketer since readmission when he debuted against Pakistan at the Wanderers in January. The 24 year-old had been a Test-batsman-in-waiting for a year leading up to that game, and when the chance finally came, he showed he could have what it takes at the top level with a punchy 41 against the quality of Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas and Shadab Khan.Hoping to channel Faf du Plessis’ calmness at the crease, as well as emulate Jacques Kallis’ technique and Virat Kohli’s passion, Hamza built himself as a batsman who could play any kind of game, whether it was scoring quickly or just staying at the wicket. A first-class average of over 50 suggests he is consistent too.He was a franchise cricketer by the time he was 21 and, having made significant strides over the last three years, has arrived in India with an idea of what it might take to succeed here. He introduced himself with a hundred against a Board President’s XI in a three-day game in Bengaluru last year and only narrowly missed out on another against India A in Alur.Anrich Nortje has shown that he is a wicket-taking option even when conditions don’t suit him•Getty ImagesAnrich NortjeHe burst on to the scene out of nowhere during last season’s Mzansi Super League, turning heads and smashing stumps with extreme pace, and such was his potential that it wasn’t too long before be he got an INR 20 lakh (R400,000) contract with Kolkata Knight Riders. Injuries robbed Nortje of the chance to play in the IPL, and the World Cup in England which followed, and had he been an overnight sensation, that might have been that. But his rise to the limelight had come after a long hard slog in domestic circuit.Having played much of his first-class cricket on the sluggish tracks of the Eastern Cape, Nortje has shown that he is a wicket-taking option even when conditions don’t suit him. His pace, consistently in the mid to high 140s, certainly helps, and last season only Simon Harmer took more wickets than he did for the Warriors in the domestic four-day competition. All these qualities helped him break into the ‘A’ side and, having been to India twice, he’ll hope he’s third-time lucky and wins his first Test cap over the coming weeks.Heinrich Klaasen drives during his innings of 48•Getty ImagesHeinrich KlaasenHe is hardly an unknown quantity in white-ball cricket – indeed, he has already introduced himself to various overseas audiences on the T20 circuit. Klaasen turned out for Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 IPL, and Royal Challengers Bangalore this year (albeit with very modest returns). Had it not been for an injury to Rudi Second, his pigeon-holing as a white-ball cricketer may well have continued, but the wicketkeeper batsman now has a chance to further his claims as South Africa’s next-in-line behind Quinton de Kock.While Klaasen has risen to prominence in the game’s shortest format, as a youngster, it was his form in first-class cricket that made heads turn. Klaasen averaged over 40 in his debut season, over 50 in his second, and over 65 in his third, forcing his way into contention as a franchise cricketer in 2016-17. Klaasen has shown that his white-ball skills are transferable to the longer formats, with a double-hundred to his name. Barring some misadventure, de Kock is likely to keep Klaasen on the bench, but his presence in the touring squad gives the South Africans a ready-made replacement should one be needed.Dane Piedt celebrates a wicket•Getty ImagesDane PiedtWhile Nortje was second only to Harmer for the Warriors, offspinner Piedt was second to no one last season, tearing through sides home and away to top the bowling charts with 54 dismissals. He also added a maiden first-class ton along the way, and very nearly lifted the trophy as captain of the Cape Cobras before the Lions beat them at the post.This also isn’t Piedt’s first Indian rodeo: he was understudy to Imran Tahir during South Africa’s last Test tour of India in 2015, playing in the fourth match at Feroz Shah Kotla (incidentally, that was also the last Test of Tahir’s career). Piedt’s last Test came just over three years ago, and while he has only played seven times for South Africa, the 29-year-old is a seasoned first-class cricketer, with 398 wickets in 110 matches. Should conditions warrant it, he will likely be the second spinner in South Africa’s line-up, alongside Keshav Maharaj.Theunis de Bruyn en route to his maiden Test century•AFPTheunis de BruynHe was one of the few batsmen to emerge from South Africa’s disastrous Test series in Sri Lanka last year with his reputation somewhat enhanced, sweeping his way to a maiden Test hundred on the last day of the series before a Rangana Herath six-for spun Sri Lanka to a 199-run win. De Bruyn credited his time in South Africa’s annual spin camps in India for that success and his proficiency on the sweep, and that is exactly the sort of experience he will need to combat the Indian spinners.De Bruyn will have got a handle on conditions during the recent ‘A’ tour, of which he was also a part, and is probably ahead of Hamza in the pecking order for South Africa’s No. 3 spot – indeed, he has made no secret of the fact that he wants to make that position his own. Grounded by his time in domestic cricket with the Titans, for whom he has emerged as a reliable batsman across formats, three Tests against India could be just the stepping stone de Bruyn needs to push his international career to the next level.Senuran MuthusamyAn allrounder who is rarely out of the game, he tallies stylish left-handed batting with more-than-capable left-arm spin. Muthusamy has opened the batting in first-class cricket, and it was in that position that he scored a career-best 181 for the Dolphins during the 2016-17 season, sharing in a mammoth 355-run stand with Vaughn van Jaarsveld. Still it is in the middle order that he has found a home, and he batted at No. 5 in both of the recent unofficial Tests between the A sides of South Africa and India.Though he admitted to being “overwhelmed” by his selection to the Test squad, Muthusamy is nothing if not prepared. He was part of South Africa’s spin camp in August. While his batting is usually his stronger suit, Muthusamy’s prowess with the ball is not to be dismissed: he took more wickets (21) for the Dolphins than Maharaj during last season’s four-day competition, including figures of 6 for 98.

Fielding has always been a grey area in cricket, but Australia’s emphasis on “creating energy in the ring” tells a story in itself

Sidharth Monga05-Jul-2019Fielding is one of cricket’s grey areas even in this age of data. It is debatable how much it matters, clearly being the least important of the four main skills, behind bowling, batting and wicketkeeping. Then there is no agreement on how to measure or assess fielding. It is mostly subjective, and on occasions good fielding – reaching but failing to catch a ball that another fielder would have struggled to get near – can count as a drop.Does fielding have an intangible effect on the energy you see in other skills? There are bowlers known to lose heart if catches keep getting dropped off them, especially at slip. Or do other skills have that intangible impact on the fielding? If bowlers are known to keep creating chances, fielders are less likely to lose energy at missing one catch. Some observers tend to look at fielding as an indicator of where a team is at, but then again if a team is good enough at the other three disciplines it can keep bouncing back from dropped catches.Aaron Finch, Australia’s captain, looks at it as a barometer himself. “It is not always the outcome,” Finch says. “It’s just about the intent, the intent with which you throw the ball, you attack the ball, cutting off ones in the circle. So it’s always been a big part of our DNA of how we play our best one-day cricket and it says a lot about the attitude that the team brings on that day. We know [that] when we are playing our best, we are in the ring, we are cutting off ones, we are making the opposition feel uncomfortable with our movement in the ring and angles that we are moving.”ALSO READ: Smith, Warner records will speak louder than ball-tampering episode – du PlessisCatches are not the only part of fielding when it comes to limited-overs cricket. Runs saved are important; they can at times create wickets if they combine well with good bowling. Ground fielding, how well you back throws up, how you anticipate balls, it all adds up. While arguments can continue over the importance of fielding, teams continue to talk about its importance, about how much pride they take in fielding well.Australia, for example, are proud they have made their way back to the top of the fielding ratings. It can be arguable if they really have, but it is not an outrageous claim by any stretch of imagination. Fielding has three complex components: catches, runs saved and run-outs. Run-outs are the most complex because they are the most prone to be considered as missed chances just because you got to the ball sooner. Also while there is a lot of practice involved in direct hits, a lot of luck goes in too.To look at ground fielding and catching more than run-outs won’t be amiss. According to ESPncricinfo’s data, Australia are not on top of either of these disciplines. That doesn’t mean they are not the best team, though, because those ahead of them on each count are not the same sides. Australia have saved 42 runs in the field (79 saved and 37 missed), and have taken 89.3% of their catches.Prepare yourself for a big surprise, if you haven’t followed this side closely, but West Indies have saved more runs in the field than Australia, and they have taken two catches – Sheldon Cottrell and Fabian Allen – that can possibly compete for being the grab of the tournament. England have saved five more runs than West Indies’ 51, but both these sides have also been less efficient than Australia when it comes to catching. The only team more efficient than Australia with their catching is India, who have dropped only two of the 37 chances that have come their way, but their ground fielding stands at a negative of 23. New Zealand have saved 41 runs but they have also dropped 18 out of 65 catches.

Fielding is great fun when you are doing it well. If you look around our group, we have got some of the best fielders in the worldAustralia captain Aaron Finch

Clearly Australia were not this tight in the year leading up to the tournament because Finch sounds chuffed with the turnaround. “We put a lot of emphasis on our fielding,” Finch says. “We pride ourselves on it. We work very hard on it. We are judged extremely hard from our coaches, JL [Justin Langer, head coach], Punter [Ricky Ponting, assistant coach], Hadds [Brad Haddin, fielding coach], on our fielding.”So we have always prided ourselves on it, and touch wood, it’s been very good in this tournament so far. There’s been a lot of work that’s gone into that over quite a long period of time. A lot of blood, sweat and tears in some fielding sessions that have happened over the last couple of months in particular.”Fielding is great fun when you are doing it well, and I think that is one thing. If you look around our group, we have got some of the best fielders in the world. Obviously Davey [Warner] is not throwing like he was a few years ago [because of a previous shoulder injury], but Maxie [Glenn Maxwell] is as good as anyone in the world, Smithy [Steven Smith] is right up there. Nathan Lyon is seriously as good as anyone. And when you have got a lot of guys that can field in a lot of different positions, I think that inner circle becomes really crucial, and we are able to create a lot of energy and a lot of indecision in the ring.”It can’t be denied what a joy it is to watch a smooth fielding unit where everyone knows their role and performs it perfectly: the keeper running in if a ball is hit to point, two fielders chasing that ball should a relay throw be needed, square leg behind the keeper to collect the over-throw, the ball reaching the bowler quickly and saving over-rate hassles. Whether it is the cause or the effect, it is that joy that sides are after.

Liverpool are now thought to be willing to sell a first-team member who has “delighted” Arne Slot in 2025 despite the manager’s admiration for the player.

Liverpool eyeing new signings to replace Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah

The Reds look set for a hectic transfer window this summer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all yet to pen contract extensions.

It looks likely that Alexander-Arnold will depart for Real Madrid, and there are question marks over Van Dijk and Salah respective futures. As a result, Liverpool have been on the search for potential replacements for the star trio.

Liverpool now racing Real Madrid for £42m "beast" who Jurgen Klopp loves

The Reds are interested in signing a new centre-back, who is also a target for the La Liga giants.

ByDominic Lund Apr 2, 2025

Slot has already held talks over a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong, whereas Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund may replace Van Dijk and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is identified as a replacement for Salah.

However, there could be more Anfield exits on the cards ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Liverpool open to selling one player in particular.

Liverpool ready to sell Harvey Elliott after £50m+ Newcastle offer

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool look ready to sell Harvey Elliott this summer, amid interest from Newcastle United.

It is believed that the Reds are ‘willing to cash in in order to bolster what is already a significant transfer kitty’, whereas Elliott himself ‘may have to accept he will need to find a new club if determined to be a regular starter’.

This comes after claims of a £50m+ offer being submitted by Newcastle for Elliott, and TEAMtalk suggest the Magpies and Eddie Howe are indeed keen. Slot admitted at the beginning of the year that he was “delighted” with the midfielder’s display from the bench back in January against Brentford.

“I was delighted by his performance when he came on. It’s so nice for me, for us as a team, that I have players that can impact the game on the bench as well.”

Games

140

Goals

14

Assists

16

Trophies

7

Slot praised Elliott again just last month, days after his winner at PSG by helping Liverpool defeat Southampton at Anfield.

“He came in 15 minutes before the end again and showed how important he is for this team and the others as well. He trains really, he does this and – I said it many times about Wata and I can say the same about Harvey – he hardly gets any playing time but he keeps on going and then when your moment comes, you can finally show your quality.

“And that is the biggest compliment I can give him, but also the biggest compliment is what he brings to the team is that he just keeps on going because I have experienced more than enough players who are in the same position as him or Wata and they start to do less and less and when you do play them you (journalists) probably don’t ask me why I don’t play them.”

However, despite Slot’s high thoughts on Elliott, it looks as if he could be on the way out of Anfield relatively soon going off the recent transfer update.

Chelsea have not held back in signing wingers over the last few years since Todd Boehly took over as owner of the club.

Last summer, they signed two from within the Premier League, bringing in Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United and Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Of course, in the prior transfers window, they brought in Cole Palmer and Rahemm Sterling, both from Manchester City and England international Noni Madueke, who signed from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. It has really been a point of focus for the Blues.

In the next transfer window, more wingers will join, namely 17-year-old wonderkid Estevao and Kendry Paez, who can also play as a number 10. Incredibly, the West Londoners are seemingly looking to add a world-class winger to their ranks, according to a recent report.

Chelsea target new winger

It is no secret that Real Madrid are blessed with an embarrassment of riches in forward areas. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are two of the best players in the world, as is Brazilian international Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

Well, according to reports from Spain, Chelsea are planning a summer move for the Los Blanocs number 11 and are hoping they can ‘to lure him away from Real Madrid’ with an enticing offer in the next few months.

This will not be a cheap deal for the West Londoners. They are willing to put a reported £103m on the table to complete what would be their third most expensive signing ever.

Chelsea are thought to be ‘confident that a substantial financial offer’ will be enough to convince Rodrygo and Real Madrid to complete the move.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing

Rodrygo’s quality is undeniable. The Brazilian is a key player for Los Blancos, alongside the likes of Mbappe, Vinivus and Jude Bellingham. Naturally a left winger, he can often be seen playing on the right-hand side, where he has excelled again this term.

Across all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in 2024/25, the 24-year-old has scored 13 times and grabbed ten assists in 45 appearances.

As good as the Brazilian has been, it is not his best year in the famous white shirt. Last term, he scored 18 times across competitions, registering nine assists along the way as Madrid won the Champions League once again.

If Chelsea do manage to get this deal over the line, then they could well sign a hybrid of Estevao and Vinicius. Firstly, the similarity between Rodrygo and Chelsea’s new winger Estevao are clear to see.

Both players are exciting young Brazilian talents who are full internationals for the five-time World Cup winners. Estevao has already played for Brazil four times, despite being just 17 years of age. Not only that, the par are both right wingers, although Rodrygo can, of course, play on the left, too.

However, there are also stylistic similarities between the 23-year-old and his Los Blanocs teammate Vinicius. The Real Madrid number seven has 19 goals and 14 assists in 43 appearances this term.

The pair are certainly similar players. Direct and tricky wingers with an eye for goal and plenty of flair. That is certainly reflected in the stats via FBref.

For example, Rodrygo averages 5.08 shot-creating actions and 5.23 progressive carries per 90 minutes compared to Vinicius’ 5.21 shot-creating actions and 6.78 progressive carries.

Goals and assists

0.56

0.78

Key passes

2.44

2.15

Progressive passes

5.28

3.37

shot-creating actions

5.08

5.21

Progressive carries

5.23

6.78

Rodrygo would be an astounding coup for Chelsea if they can bring him in over the summer. Not only is he versatile, able to play on the right wing or the opposite left flank, but he would add directness and flair in the final third.

There is no doubt that £103m is a lot of money. With that being said, for someone who is a “future icon” as football talent scout Jacek Kulig believes, it might well be worth it.

Chelsea can axe Nkunku for "the most inform youth striker in England"

Christopher Nkunku looks to be on his way out of Chelsea.

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 10, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have initiated contact over potentially appointing an “exciting” and “attacking” manager to replace Ange Postecoglou, with speculation continuing to mount in regard to the Spurs boss’ long-term future.

Ange Postecoglou makes admission over Spurs job

The 59-year-old is said to be facing a last chance to maintain his position in the dugout for next season, following a lacklustre Premier League campaign where Spurs find themselves 14th in the league after 16 top-flight defeats in total.

Tottenham hold talks with "top" £40m player who Arsenal have contacted too

The north London duo have both reached out.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 10, 2025

Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media outlets report that the Europa League will be crucial in saving Postecoglou’s job at Spurs, and failure to perform in the competition will more than likely result in a change of manager.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also believed to be Tottenham’s top managerial target if they decide to go in a different direction to the ex-Celtic gaffer, while Fulham’s Marco Silva, Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have all been linked in the last fortnight.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Lilywhites’ crucial Europa League quarter-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, Postecoglou admitted he’s aware of some sentiments that he could be sacked regardless of their European campaign.

“I came to this club with a clear purpose of rejuvenating a squad that was coming to the end of a cycle,” said Postecoglou on his future.

“I just think we’re in that position that the good stuff we may do is going to be turned into a glass half full rhetoric and from that perspective I don’t think that can be a driver in what we want to do. The lads are really keen to bring success to the club.

“I don’t think you’re going to win that argument of convincing people, well I think [someone] wrote that even if we win it, I’m gone anyway.

“That’s not having a go at you, that’s just saying the general sentiment of people.”

Tottenham are also reportedly interested in Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who’s just guided the Eagles to an FA Cup semi-final and has impressed with the job he’s done at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham make contact over Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner

Last week, it was claimed that Tottenham are real admirers of Glasner, who Red Bull’s head of Global Soccer, Jurgen Klopp, really likes and is targeting for RB Leipzig.

Now, Sport Bild have another update on the Austrian and Spurs’ interest.

It is believed Tottenham have made contact for Glasner, and they’re seen as serious threats to Leipzig’s prospects of hiring the 50-year-old, considering they can tempt the Austrian with a higher wage packet.

With an approach apparently made, supporters will be intrigued to see Palace chairman Steve Parish’s glowing endorsement of Glasner, who lavished the head coach with praise following his appointment last year.

“He has an outstanding record, and we believe he is the right manager to take the club forward at this pivotal stage,” said Parish last season.

“Wherever Oliver has gone so far in his managerial journey, success has been quick to follow, and we believe his ambition, as well as his exciting and attacking approach is the perfect fit for getting the most from our talented young squad in the remainder of this Premier League season and beyond.”

Taking this into account, and his solid managerial candidate, he could be a strong outside candidate to rival the likes of Iraola and Silva.

Ruben Amorim watched on as his Manchester United side failed to fire once again away to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, albeit with the Portuguese coach perhaps as culpable as anyone for those struggles in front of goal.

The 40-year-old had bizarrely opted not to start Rasmus Hojlund at centre-forward for the trip to the City Ground, despite the fact that the struggling Dane had finally ended a 21-game goal drought at Leicester City prior to the international break.

That move was all the more perplexing considering that his replacement, Joshua Zirkzee, had even admitted to TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand prior to the match that he isn’t an orthodox striker – a fact that was evident as the Dutchman failed to register a single touch in the opposition box in the first half.

To Amorim’s credit, the former Sporting CP boss recognised his mistake after introducing Hojlund at the break, although despite a few clever runs from the 22-year-old – as well as an effort that lashed into the side netting – the club’s number nine never truly looked like getting on the scoresheet.

With talk already rife regarding the potential signing of a new centre-forward this summer, namely Victor Osimhen, that need was heightened even further as Amorim was forced into chucking on Harry Maguire as an auxiliary striker in the closing stages as a last resort.

Harry Maguire's late cameo vs Forest

Having previously also deployed Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Crystal Palace in early February, the signs are there that the United boss isn’t fully invested in his striking options, a fact that Maguire’s impact certainly exposed.

After Zirkzee toiled and Hojlund also struggled to get into the game, United’s two best chances ultimately fell the way of the England international, as he made a nuisance of himself in the Forest box.

Looking like an old-fashioned number nine, the 32-year-old was unable to convert after heading Patrick Dorgu’s cross wide with the goal gaping, before coming even closer to snatching a draw at the death.

The 6 foot 4 centre-back brought the ball down and prodded it goalbound in the final knockings of stoppage time, only to see his last-gasp effort denied by opposite number, Murillo, on the line.

While those two openings perhaps came amid the mere chaos of throwing Maguire into the fray, it is telling that the experienced defender posed more of a threat in just under ten minutes than Zirkzee and Hojlund provided in 87 minutes prior to that.

Unless Amorim looks to mirror Mikel Arteta’s Mikel Merino experiment in even more extreme fashion – with the Spaniard now scoring five goals in eight games as Arsenal’s makeshift striker – then Maguire won’t be a short-term solution up top.

A permanent role change could be needed elsewhere, however, with regards to Bruno Fernandes.

Why Amorim needs to permanently change Fernandes' role

The Man Utd “genius” – as hailed by former boss Erik ten Hag – was shifted back into a number ten berth against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, having largely operated in a deep-lying role in recent weeks.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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On the evidence of his first-half display, the Portuguese playmaker seemingly appears better suited to being a permanent fixture of the midfield two, rather than operating in a more advanced role, having struggled to dictate proceedings in the opening 45.

While the 30-year-old did force a save from Matz Sels early on, after combining with Alejandro Garnacho, he largely found himself marked out of the game by opposition skipper, Ryan Yates, having been forced to then drop deeper anyway to try and get on the ball.

Fernandes’ stats vs Forest

Stat

Record

Touches

110

Pass accuracy

79%

Key passes

6

Shots on target

2

Shots off target

0

Big chances created

0

Successful dribbles

2/5

Duels won

7/17

Long balls completed

7/12

Possession lost

31x

Dribbled past

3x

Stats via Sofascore

It wasn’t until the half-time change, which saw Hojlund replace Manuel Ugarte, that Fernandes started to take control, a fact that was epitomised by his stunning switch to pick out the advancing Garnacho in behind.

In all, the £300k-per-week talisman registered six key passes on the night, with his creative quality in possession now looking better suited to that midfield berth, rather than as part of the forward line.

This isn’t a one-off either, with Fernandes having sparked a dramatic comeback against Everton back in February, after moving into the midfield two on the hour mark.

That has largely been his home since then, resulting in a run of form that saw the midfield maestro score against the likes of Fulham, Arsenal and Leicester, having also bagged a hat-trick in the Europa League against Real Sociedad.

To see the in-form star shining in that deeper berth is perhaps no surprise considering he has previously hinted at his desire to move “further back” as his career progresses, having also pointed to the win over the Toffees in April 2023, in which he lined up as a number six, as “one of the most complete games [he’s] played, at all levels”.

Interim boss Ralf Rangnick had even suggested prior to that that Fernandes was better suited away from an attacking midfield role, having stated in 2022:

Getting Fernandes closer to goal has largely looked the best solution to help reinvigorate the floundering attacking unit, yet with Mason Mount returning, and with Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo also in line to feature again this season, there are others perhaps better suited to that advanced berth.

As such, while the Maguire experiment may prove a short-lived change, the new United skipper must now enjoy a permanent switch to become one part of the first-choice midfield duo moving forward.

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Arsenal have made contact to sign a new forward who has actually been compared to Gunners ace Kai Havertz.

Arsenal looking to sign new forwards after Berta announcement

Andrea Berta was recently officially unveiled as the new sporting director at the Emirates Stadium, taking over after Edu Gaspar departed north London at the end of 2024. Talking after sealing a deal, Berta said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.

“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role.”

Arsenal: Berta tells Arteta to sign "powerful" forward likened to Aguero

He’s been compared to Man City’s all-time top goalscorer.

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One of his first tasks looks set to be to sign a new striker for Mikel Arteta‘s side, and there have been plenty of attacking names who have been linked with a move to the Gunners ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal look set to launch an “important” proposal to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, whereas Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko are also on the radar of Berta and co at the Emirates.

More than one forward could be required over the coming months after injuries to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Havertz, and an update has now emerged over a move to sign Mohamed Amoura, currently on loan at VfL Wolfsburg from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Arsenal make contact to sign Mohamed Amoura

According to reports in France, relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal have actually made first contact over a deal to sign Amoura.

It is unclear whether or not the Gunners have approached Amoura and his representatives, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or Wolfsburg, but Premier League rivals Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have done the same.

Wolfsburg have the option to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent basis at the end of the season for €14m plus €4m bonuses and then could then sell the Algeria international for up to €40m (£33.3m).

Amoura has been compared to Havertz, as per FBref, but is also known for his “exceptional” pace when being linked with a move to Wolves at the end of 2023.

Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid

Omar Marmoush

Man City

Kai Havertz

Arsenal

Charles De Ketelaere

Atalanta

Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid

However, 18 months later, Amoura has gone from strength to strength and could be playing Champions League and Premier League football with one of Arsenal, Forest or Liverpool going off this update.

Celtic are into the final stretch of their bid for the treble and could now be set to reignite an old flame on the market that would excite supporters, per reports.

Celtic ready to build for the future under Brendan Rodgers

The weekend is nearly here, and Brendan Rodgers knows his side can take a major step towards claiming their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title if they can see off Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon.

Should that happen, a victory for Aberdeen 24 hours later would put the final nail in Rangers’ coffin. Undoubtedly, the Bhoys haven’t been at their best in recent times, but their divisional rivals haven’t been able to hold a candle to them this season.

Finishing off the campaign with a flourish is now in their sights and may yield a domestic treble if St Johnstone and one of Heart of Midlothian or Aberdeen are both swept aside in the Scottish Cup.

Looking ahead to next term, Celtic have made their interest known in Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka and may look to strike a surprise deal for the Slovakia international despite having Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks.

Furthermore, Keith Wyness has claimed the Bhoys could make up to five summer signings as Rodgers puts his foot down ahead of his side’s involvement in Champions League qualifiers next term.

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Additions are expected to be widespread at Parkhead to supplement the inevitability of departures. Celtic have the power to sell assets for a considerable sum, so don’t be surprised if they reinvest in premium talent.

Heeding that advice, Rodgers and company are now reportedly plotting a move for a goalscorer who would generate major excitement among supporters.

Celtic set to reignite interest in Brondby's Mathias Kvistgaarden

Per The Daily Record, Celtic are expected to pursue a deal for Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden this summer after previously showing interest in the Denmark Under-21 international across recent windows.

Labelled “superb” by scout/analyst Jacek Kulig, the 22-year-old was subject to interest from the Hoops in January, which his current employers blocked and they have since placed a £13.5 million price-tag on his shoulders.

Mathias Kvistgaarden’s key statistics in 2024/25 – Danish Superliga

Appearances

21

Goals

13

Assists

4

Shots on target

25

Chances created

16

Completed dribbles

17

Non-penalty XG

9.98

Admired by Thomas Gravesen for his ‘skilled’ nature, as cited by the report, he has notched 17 goals and five assists across all competitions in 28 appearances this campaign.

Capable of playing through the middle or on the left flank, Kvistgaarden has the versatility needed to slot into Celtic’s front four with minimal fuss under Rodgers, who will want a degree of flexibility to work with heading into 2025/26.

Now, it remains to be seen if the Hoops can strike a deal for their long-term target amid further interest from the likes of Sporting and Eintracht Frankfurt in his services.