Continuing their hunt for reinforcements, Leeds United reportedly submitted an offer to sign a midfield gem before he handed them a swift response in negotiations.
Leeds gearing up for Premier League return
It’s been two seasons in waiting, but Leeds’ Premier League return is almost underway at long last. Daniel Farke’s side will square off against Everton in the first Monday Night Football of the season, in which they’ll hope to make an instant statement.
None of the last six promoted sides have survived at the first time of asking in the Premier League, but Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley will be desperate to bring an end to what is a concerning trend.
The 49ers would have been well aware of that statistic this summer too, and have backed Farke with a number of arrivals as a result. Even after welcoming as many as seven fresh faces, however, the American owners could have more lined up for those at Elland Road.
Among those who could yet arrive is Liverpool’s Ben Doak. The speedy winger looks likely to be on the move this summer, either on loan or in a permanent deal, and Leeds could take full advantage.
Whilst the young Scotland international won’t come cheap, he is the type of player worth splashing out on. After impressing many around Middlesbrough during his loan spell, before injury cut things short, Doak is ready to leave his mark on the Premier League at just 19 years old.
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Meanwhile, as recent reports revealed, in another reality the teenage star could have had the chance to join a former Liverpool teammate in Yorkshire this summer.
Leeds made Bobby Clark offer
As reported by The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, Leeds made an offer to sign Bobby Clark from Red Bull Salzburg, only for the former Liverpool man to favour a loan move to Championship side Derby County over a bit-part role with a Premier League side.
Clark is back in England to “prove people wrong” after a frustrating year at Salzburg. The 20-year-old midfielder initially joined the Austrian club and former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders for around £10m last summer, but soon saw Lijnders sacked and his own game time limited – making an exit inevitable just one year on.
Bobby Clark
Still a player full of potential, nonetheless, it wasn’t so long ago that Clark was earning impressive praise from ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who told reporters after a 6-1 win over Slavia Prague: “Controlling a football game, with all the excitement inside that he definitely still has, is fantastic. Bobby, it’s really nice to see the boys develop and flourish, to be honest.”
It’s a talent that Leeds have ultimately missed out on this time around and they must simply go again in the transfer market. With just under a month remaining until the window slams shut, the Whites still have work to do.
Hobart Hurricanes bounced back from their record low in the opening game with a clinical display
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff21-Dec-2024A breakout BBL century from Hobart Hurricanes opener Mitch Owen powered the home side to a commanding win over powerhouse Perth Scorchers.Just two days after being embarrassed by the Melbourne Renegades, when they posted the lowest score (74) in their history, Hurricanes downed the Scorchers by eight wickets with four balls to spare.Related
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Owen and West Indies star Shai Hope feasted on a star-studded bowling attack with a 101-run stand to set up their first win against Scorchers in Hobart since January 1, 2013.Scorchers took the game into the final over with Hurricanes still needing seven runs to win, but Owen secured his century with a boundary off Lance Morris to make a certainty of the result.In 14 previous T20 games, Owen had managed a total of just 89 runs at an average of 12.71, with a highest score of 28. But the 23-year-old delivered a coming-of-age innings, bringing up his ton from 63 balls.Owen’s knock consisted of nine boundaries and five sixes, including one shot that went out of the stadium.Scorchers left out veteran seamer Andrew Tye, but still had an impressive bowling attack of Jhye Richardson, Morris, Jason Behrendorff, Ashton Agar and Cooper Connolly.
Six and out in his first #BBL14 match; Four and out in his second
Not the best of starts for Finn Allen https://t.co/y78vUW4C27 pic.twitter.com/CyLNJs5aIU
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 21, 2024
Hurricanes became the sixth team batting second in seven games during this BBL to win.Opening bowler Riley Meredith was outstanding for Hurricanes, picking up 3 for 27, as well as being involved in a key run-out of Josh Inglis.Australian Test squad member Inglis was powering towards 50, but was caught in a mix-up between the wickets with captain Ashton Turner.Hurricanes were excellent in the field with Ben McDermott taking a fantastic catch behind the stumps to remove Finn Allen second ball and Billy Stanlake somehow clutching a swirling chance running back from short third to stop Connolly in his tracks.Captain Nathan Ellis and the experienced Chris Jordan were exceptional at the death as Scorchers managed just 27 off their last five overs.Hurricanes (1-1) will have a six-day break before they play Strikers at the Adelaide Oval on Friday night, while Scorchers (1-1) face Renegades in Melbourne on Monday.
Wrexham's difficult start to life in the Championship continued, as they lost 3-1 at home to Queens Park Rangers. The Londoners took the spoils thanks to a Conor Coady own goal, a thunderous strike from recently recruited striker Richard Kone, and a smart breakway finish by Rumran Burrell. The Red Dragons third loss of the season came in front of co-owner Ryan Reynolds.
Getty Images SportWrexham beaten again
The Red Dragons shaded the opening quarter of the game, dominating possession without creating a tangible chance. Matty James probably saw the clearest look at goal, firing wide after Ryan Longman's effort at the culmination of a free-flowing move was blocked by a QPR defender.
Steadily, the visitors grew into the game. Arthur Okwonkwo was twice called upon to deny Japanese winger Koki Saito. The ex-Arsenal keeper looked helpless in the 34th minute however, as Wrexham failed to clear their area allowing Rumran Burrell to turn the ball goalwards. His effort rebounded off Okwonkwo and onto Connor Coady, with the ball bizarrely trickling over the goal line to give the visitors the lead.
Wrexham's misery was compounded just five minutes later. Summer signing Richard Kone proved his worth to his new employers. Turning smartly outside the Red Dragons box and powering a strike into the top right corner of the net to double the visitors lead.
Again, Wrexham looked the brighter side to open the second half with Kieffer Moore forcing a save out of Paul Nardi in the Hoops net in the 47th minute.
Ryan Hardie was given the hook on the hour mark, shortly after wasting a gilt-edge chance after breaking clear of the last line of Rangers' defence on the break. The Scottish striker dithered, waiting for support when surely he should have shot, allowing Liam Morrison to recover and block a tame effort. Hardie's replacement Sam Smith wasted little time in impacting the game, drawing a double save out of Nardi just minutes after entering the fray.
Wrexham finally got their breakthrough in the 67th minute. An in-swinging Lewis O'Brien corner from the right-hand side was met by the mountainous Moore at the front stick. His glancing header was the perfect touch to convert the dangerous dead-ball delivery.
Just as it looked the Red Dragons were dragging themselves back into the game, the visitors landed another sucker punch. A heave forward into Wrexham's half allowed Burrell to steam onto the ball, leaving a flailing Coady in his wake en route to clipping a smart finish past an onrushing Okwonkwo.
Karamoko Dembele should have made it four when he again got behind the Wrexham defence. His brilliant chipped effort left Okwonkwo stranded but ultimately struck the woodwork. It was another shot against the bow of a Wrexham defence that looked exposed and lacking in the requisite pace in the second tier. Having conceded 10 goals in their five games since returning to the Championship, Phil Parkinson has urgent work to do if the Red Dragons intend on making a splash in the Championship this season. Meanwhile, QPR can celebrate their first away points of the young season.
AdvertisementMVP: Kone provides moment of magic for Queens Park Rangers
Kone has proven to be an instant hit in west London, bagging his third goal of the season in style. The Ivorian has made the step up from League One to the Championship look easy.
Getty Images SportBiggest loser: Wrexham's Coady exposed for pace
It was a difficult day for the ex-Wolves captain. Not only did he bundle the ball into his own net, he looked desperately short of pace as Burrell breezed past him for the visitors' third. Wrexham's leaky defence needs more from the veteran.
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What comes next for Wrexham?
The Red Dragons face a tricky assignment next weekend, as they travel to Carrow Road to face 7th placed Norwich. With just four points from their opening five games, perhaps it's time for the ambitious ownership group to accept a period of 'consolidation' is in the club's immediate future.
Rahane misses ton but Mumbai dominate, while Tamil Nadu could get lucky
Shashank Kishore31-Jan-2025Kohli’s short stay It lasted all of 15 deliveries in which he made six. Virat Kohli was beaten twice outside off, once to a full delivery that left him late and then a length ball that he jabbed and missed.He brought out a delightful straight drive in the next over, but was out off the very next delivery when Himanshu Sangwan, a Railways ticket collector at New Delhi Railway Station during the off-season, sent his off stump cartwheeling. Soon, Sangwan became a reel sensation for a superb nip-backer that sneaked through Kohli’s big gap between bat and pad.A strong crowd of around 15,000 who made a beeline for the exit, missed a quality knock from Ayush Badoni. The captain’s 77-ball 99 helped Delhi open up a 93-run lead against Railways, with three first-innings wickets remaining.Pujara 99, Saurashtra on course The stars have aligned perfectly for Saurashtra. They needed two outright with bonus points, both games were at home in Rajkot on turners; they beat Delhi last week inside three days with Ravindra Jadeja taking 12 wickets.Related
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Rahane, Pujara near tons; Tamil Nadu's season on the line
This week, they didn’t need Ravindra’s bowling because the other Jadeja (Dharmendrasinh), was among the wickets (four of them) as Assam were made to follow-on. That Saurashtra were in a position to enforce the follow-on was because of a solid batting performance in the first innings.Their 474 was set up by Cheteshwar Pujara, who was out for 99 early on day two having added four to his overnight score. Assam’s only source of resistance was Riyan Parag, who top-scored with 51 on his return to top-flight cricket from a shoulder injury.Kuldeep made to toil Returning to competitive cricket after three months following a surgery for sports hernia, Kuldeep Yadav sent down 31 overs to pick up three wickets, but Uttar Pradesh were sent on a leather hunt. Double tons from Harsh Gawli and Shubham Sharma helped Madhya Pradesh post an imposting 670 for 7 declared. From a qualification standpoint, this game doesn’t hold much significance since with both teams are out of the knockouts race.Rahane 96 in mammoth Mumbai total Ajinkya Rahane’s quest to convert his maiden first-class fifty this Ranji season into a century met disappointment as he was out for 96 against Meghalaya, but Mumbai opened up a 585-run lead.Meghalaya were 27 for 2 at stumps, giving Mumbai a sight of seven full points that will take them to 29 points and help them seal a quarter-final berth. Coming into the final round, they needed a favour from Jammu & Kashmir, and they’ve helped them along the way by pocketing not just a first-innings lead against Baroda but also opening up the possibility of an outright win.Jalaj continues to shine Earlier this season, Jalaj Saxena – the Kerala allrounder – completed the double of 6000 first-class runs and 400 wickets. In the final round of matches, he picked up a five-for in each innings, both on Friday, as Kerala trounced Bihar by an innings to secure a quarter-final berth.Jalaj took his wickets tally in the tournament to 421, the seventh-best. This was the 10th time he picked up 10 wickets or more in a first-class game. Bihar lasted a combined 64.2 overs across both innings in which they made make 64 and 118 in response to Kerala’s 351 fuelled by Salman Nizar’s 150.TN stutter but knockouts chances burn bright They need 97 and have only five wickets in hand against Jharkhand, but a scenario has emerged wherein Tamil Nadu can qualify for the knockouts despite a defeat. That’s because Chandigarh – who won three successive games outright in the first half – have now conceded the first-innings lead to Chhattisgarh in a game they needed to win with a bonus point. Tamil Nadu’s hopes of pulling off the chase are pinned on Vijay Shankar, who is unbeaten on 33.
Tottenham Hotspur have now directly contacted a “fantastic” defender’s club, in order to assess the possibility of a potential deal, according to a report.
Spurs looking to bolster full-back options despite Spence renewal
Tottenham are relatively well-stocked in the full-back department, given that Thomas Frank has Destiny Udogie at his disposal at left-back and Pedro Porro on the opposite flank, while Djed Spence is capable of playing on either side.
Despite a rocky start to his career at Spurs, Spence has now done enough to earn a new long-term contract, and the full-back has admitted he is delighted to extend his stay in north London.
That said, given that Spence has predominantly featured on the left in recent times, Frank may want to bring in another full-back to provide competition for Porro on the right, and Manchester City’s Rico Lewis was recently identified as a potential option.
Last week, intermediaries made contact with the Lilywhites over a potential deal, and Frank’s side have now stepped up their interest, having made direct contact with Man City.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Tottenham have now submitted an enquiry to City about Lewis, but there could be fierce competition for the full-back’s signature, with a number of rival Premier League clubs also keen.
Indeed, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have all made approaches for the 20-year-old, with the Tricky Trees even submitting an offer worth €30m (£26m), which was knocked back by the Blues.
That said, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible, with Pep Guardiola keen to keep hold of the youngster, while also recently saying: “I think he’s going to stay, I think. He told me that. But, I said, maybe tomorrow, after tomorrow, it’ll change.”
"Fantastic" Lewis could challenge for Porro's starting spot
Once lauded as “fantastic” by Guardiola, the English starlet has managed to repay his manager’s faith in him by establishing himself as an important player for City, making 28 appearances in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign.
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During that time, the Bury-born defender has also showcased his versatility, featuring at left-back and even in central midfield, although right-back is the five-time England international’s favoured position.
As such, Lewis would most likely be brought in as a direct competitor to Porro, and he could have the potential to usurp the Spaniard on a long-term basis, considering Pep has stated the City ace is “one of the best” players he has trained.
That said, it could be difficult for the full-back to displace the 25-year-old in the Tottenham starting XI, given that Porro has outperformed him in both an attacking and defensive sense over the past year.
Karim Adeyemi scored the winner in Borussia Dortmund's 1-0 victory against Wolfsburg, but it was his act of fair play that earned him public praise from referee Daniel Siebert. The official lauded the forward for stopping a clear attacking opportunity to allow an opponent to receive treatment, calling it a rare moment of sportsmanship in professional football.
Adeyemi hailed for his act of fair play
Referee Siebert has singled out Dortmund's Adeyemi for special praise following a significant act of sportsmanship in his side's 1-0 Bundesliga win over Wolfsburg. Adeyemi, who also scored the game's only goal, was lauded for halting a promising attack after an opponent went down injured.
AdvertisementAFPAdeyemi grabs headlines in more ways than one
Adeyemi was the decisive figure at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday, scoring a powerful strike in the 20th minute to secure all three points for his team in a tightly contested match. However, it was an off-the-ball incident in the first half that drew acclaim. The German international gained possession on the right wing but chose to kick the ball out of play after Wolfsburg's Patrick Wimmer sustained an injury, sacrificing a clear attacking opportunity for his side.
'Not common in professional football' – What Siebert said
Speaking to after the match, referee Siebert highlighted the rarity of the gesture and explained the situation.
"I'd like to take advantage of this opportunity because it's not common in professional football to have such a great fair play move," Siebert said. "Normally, as a player, you could have taken advantage of the opportunity and run towards the goal – and then you would have had a numerical advantage. But he realized why he had won the ball, voluntarily kicked it out of bounds, and said he didn't want to profit from his opponent's injury."
Siebert confirmed the action would be positively mentioned in his official report, adding: "I think that's great. We'll definitely note and praise it in the report. We'd love to see more of this, dear professionals!"
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The bigger picture for Dortmund
The victory was crucial for Dortmund, who controlled the match with 56 per cent possession and registered four shots on target to Wolfsburg's zero. The result keeps Edin Terzic's side in second place in the Bundesliga table with 10 points, ensuring they remain unbeaten after four matches and stay just two points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. The defeat leaves Wolfsburg in 12th position.
Everton’s summer transfer window has been defined by a need to strengthen both in attack and defence.
After the addition of Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, attention has now turned to shoring up the back line.
The Toffees were caught short in their opening Premier League defeat away at Leeds, with James Garner deputising at left-back in Vitaliy Mykolenko’s absence.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury further compounds the situation, leaving manager David Moyes eager to explore options that could reinforce the defensive spine of his team.
To complement a backline that conceded only 44 times last season, the joint fourth-best defensive record in the league, Everton must identify players capable of adding both experience and quality at the back.
Against this backdrop, Everton have begun exploring defensive reinforcements who could address immediate gaps while providing long-term stability.
Everton hold talks over Manchester City defender
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have entered exploratory talks regarding a move for Manchester City defender, Nathan Ake.
Described as an “exceptional guy” by Pep Guardiola, the 30-year-old is being considered as a potential addition to help strengthen a defence that Moyes is keen to build on.
Manchester City's Nathan Ake
Manchester City are reportedly open to selling the player, largely because of the depth of their squad and recent acquisitions in defence, including Rayan Ait Nouri.
Guardiola’s known preference for a smaller squad makes a move more feasible, though any transfer is likely to require a substantial fee, with City valuing the player in the £30-35m range.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
While a loan deal with an obligation-to-buy clause could be considered, Everton cannot pursue that route due to rules that prevent them from taking two players on loan from the same club in one window, as they have already signed Grealish.
The defender is reportedly eager for consistent first-team football and is understood to prefer a club competing in European competitions, which could complicate negotiations, especially considering Newcastle hold an interest.
However, Everton are determined to find a solution before the window closes.
What Nathan Ake can bring to Everton
Ake offers versatility because he is capable of playing at both centre-back and left-back and brings extensive Premier League experience.
Since joining City from Bournemouth for £41m in 2020, he has been a reliable squad player, regularly competing with the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol for minutes.
Last season, he featured 29 times in the league, showcasing his composure on the ball and technical reliability.
According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion rate at 94.4% and the 95th percentile for progressive passes per 90 minutes, with 6.17 per match.
His progressive carries per 90 also place him in the 90th percentile, highlighting an ability to advance the ball effectively from deep positions.
Despite these attributes, the player is less remarkable in traditional defensive metrics, ranking in the bottom 20 percentiles for tackles, blocks, interceptions, and dribblers tackled.
However, at City, his role has often been more focused on ball progression and positional play than on direct defensive duels, suggesting that under Moyes, who may deploy him with different responsibilities, he could adapt and improve in these areas.
Everton’s acquisition of Grealish on loan from Manchester City has added creativity to the squad, but the limitations of the forward are clear.
At 29, he has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, missing 17 games over the past two campaigns.
In 2023/24, Grealish played just 721 minutes, starting only seven matches and making 13 substitute appearances, per Transfermarkt.
His output last season was modest, with a single goal and one assist, though his quality on the ball and ability to create chances has never been in doubt.
Thomas Tuchel has emphasised that consistent first-team football is vital for Grealish if he has plans to play at the World Cup next year.
By contrast, Ake could provide a more immediate and reliable impact in a key area of need. The contrast between these two summer moves underlines Everton’s evolving priorities.
With the squad already strengthened in attack by the likes of Grealish and Thierno Barry, the remaining requirement is to ensure defensive stability.
Injuries to Branthwaite and Mykolenko have exposed the need for experienced and adaptable players who can seamlessly slot into multiple positions. The City defender’s Premier League experience, technical quality, and leadership make him a more impactful addition relative to the immediate threat posed by injuries.
His presence could allow Moyes to maintain balance across the pitch, protect the defensive line, and build a platform from which the team can attack more confidently.
While City value him at £30-35m, the investment is aligned with the type of secure, experienced reinforcement that Everton require.
In comparison, Grealish’s loan structure provides creative options but comes with limitations on continuity and availability, particularly if injuries recur.
For a manager focused on building a resilient and balanced squad capable of competing across a demanding Premier League season, the addition of a versatile centre-back offers more tangible returns than an attacking loan.
Everton’s interest in the Manchester City defender reflects a pragmatic approach to squad building.
By prioritising defensive reinforcement over additional offensive firepower, Moyes is targeting the most pressing weakness in his side.
The player’s Premier League experience, positional versatility, and technical skill offer a solution that addresses immediate needs while providing scope for adaptation and growth.
Romano: Everton leading race to sign £40m star with same agent as Barry
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While Grealish brings flair and creativity, it is the defender’s ability to strengthen Everton’s spine that could have the most decisive impact on the club’s 2025/26 campaign.
Hugo Ekitike claims to feel no pressure from his £79 million ($107m) transfer fee at Liverpool, with the French forward saying “I don’t care” when asked about the price tag hanging around his neck. The 23-year-old has made a bright start to life at Anfield and remains convinced that he made the right choice in joining the reigning Premier League champions.
Liverpool also snapped up Isak
Ekitike was linked with several clubs, including Newcastle United, before making his way to Merseyside. Liverpool dug deep in order to get a deal done with Eintracht Frankfurt. The Reds went on to spend a further £125m ($169m) on Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALEkitike's record: Goals for Liverpool
Ekitike now faces fierce competition for places and added expectation after registering four goals through seven appearances for Liverpool. He is taking everything in his stride, telling when asked about how much he cost: “I don't care. I'm just focused on the game. Outside, everyone can talk about the transfer price. It is what it is. Football has changed.”
Ekitike ignores huge Liverpool price tag
He went on to say of choosing Liverpool, with Isak arriving from Newcastle a matter of weeks later: “It was my choice, it's what I wanted. Because I had more of a feeling coming here and I knew it was the right time and the right place for me. I wanted to get back to the top level and come back this time better equipped, more ready in all aspects. And I don't think I made a mistake.”
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GettyImpact at Anfield is no surprise
Ekitike has previously spent time with Paris Saint-Germain, but hit just four goals for them through 33 appearances. His impact at Liverpool has surprised some, but not the man himself. He added: “Obviously, seen from the outside, it can be shocking, but it doesn't shock me. I was in a dynamic where I was also making stats last year and I'm in a good team that seems good to me. I want to be a player who has consistency.”
Watson says the 19-year old’s adaptability to different conditions and India’s plans would be a “good test of his evolution”
Andrew McGlashan02-Jan-20252:11
Clarke: ‘Freakish’ debut for Konstas
Sam Konstas’ mentor Shane Watson has admitted the 19-year-old’s audacious start to Test cricket took even him by surprise, both in terms of the strokeplay and the way he carried himself in the field and with the crowd.Konstas scored 60 off 65 balls on the opening morning at the MCG, regularly scooping Jasprit Bumrah, and had a run-in with Virat Kohli who was fined for a shoulder barge. Later in the game he embraced the crowd when fielding on the boundary and was a vocal presence under the helmet, clearly getting under the skin of Yashasvi Jaiswal during the second innings.”I understood what his game plan was, what plan A was anyway,” Watson said as part of the ICC Champions Trophy tour at the SCG. “So when plan B sort of kicked in quite quickly, within a couple of overs, that was a little surprising. But the one thing that we’ve always talked about is trusting his gut.”Related
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While Watson was aware of the range of strokes Konstas had in his locker, even if showing them so early in Test was unexpected, he admitted the character shown in the field was not something he had seen before.”My experience of dealing and working with Sam has been a very quiet, reserved personality,” he said. “[He’s] a very deep thinker and certainly not an extrovert. But obviously what we saw in the Test match is that he absolutely is a showman. And he certainly rose to the occasion, as in he wasn’t overawed.”I know through my experience of debuting…you just put a lot of pressure on yourself because it’s your dream to be able to represent your country, wear the baggy green. But for Sam, it’s superhuman in a way that he sort of just didn’t have any of that at all. You can see it wasn’t put on. That’s just obviously who he is. And again, I hadn’t seen that side of him. It just shows that he’s built for this stage where most people it takes a bit of time to warm up to sort of get into that. Whereas Sam, he obviously just thrives on that.”Konstas has continued to enjoy the trappings of being a Test cricketer since arriving with the squad in Sydney, having photographs with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon during the annual New Year’s Day gathering at Kirribilli House. He also spent time chatting with Kohli, who his brothers took the opportunity to get a photograph with.Albanese joked about his role in Konstas’ rapid rise to the Test side after the century he scored against the Indians in Canberra. “Of course, he got his break in the Prime Minister’s XI [game],” Albanese said. “I’m claiming some of the credit, which is about my only contribution to national cricket.”Shane Watson on Konstas: ‘He’s certainly got all the gears and all the skills to be able to make adjustments’•Getty ImagesOn Friday, Konstas will become the youngest Australia men’s player to feature in a Test at his home ground of the SCG followed by the prospect of two Tests in vastly different conditions in Sri Lanka. India had already adjusted their tactics by the second innings in Melbourne where Konstas was kept quiet before being bowled by an inducker from Bumrah.”Look it’s going to be a different challenge for him now,” Watson said. “Because he’s shown what his plan B is. And we already saw in that second innings the field positions certainly changed. It’s going to be a good test of his evolution. To be able to continue to work through how he can take the game on against the best bowlers in the world. But he’s certainly got all the gears and all the skills to be able to make those adjustments quickly.”He is technically very correct and waits for loose balls. But he’s also got the other gears to be able to hit the ball down the ground. But when they do have third man fine and fine leg fine, the ramp shot is probably out. But you know what? I thought the ramp shot wasn’t going to come out in the first couple of overs, and it did. Sam will just trust what he feels and go with it. And that’s something very special that he taps into.”Australia captain Pat Cummins said there had been no instructions given to Konstas about how to go about his innings and believed he would be able to adjust to different scenarios.”Think he showed how adaptable he can be,” Cummins said. “That takes a lot of skill first of all, but we always encourage our players just to read the moment, play it how they see fit. For Sam he sensed the moment was to attack and put pressure back on the bowlers and he did that, it might be different this week; it might be ‘I’m going to play a slow game and kind of score runs that way’. Our message is always just to back yourself, have really clear plans and back your decision making.”
Nottingham Forest have now agreed a late deal to sign an “incredible” defender, with his medical currently ongoing, it has been revealed.
Tricky Trees keen on new defender after West Ham disaster
Last time out, Nuno suffered his worst home defeat since taking over as Forest manager, with West Ham United emerging as shock 3-0 winners at The City Ground, and the manager was left extremely disappointed with his side’s performance.
Nuno said: “It’s not the best day to speak. We have to address what is happening. The job now is more about the team, I’m worried about the team because it was shocking.”
The 51-year-old has made it clear he wants to deepen his squad throughout the summer transfer window, and he was left disgruntled by the fact deals have been left to the latter stages of the transfer window.
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspiritoSanto before the match
It appears as though Nuno’s wish has now been granted, with the Tricky Trees advancing in talks to sign S.C. Braga’s Roger Fernandes, while they are also closing in on a deal for RC Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa.
Given the manner of the defeat against West Ham, however, Nottingham Forest now want to get another defender through the door, and they have agreed a deal to sign Atletico Madrid full-back Javi Galan.
That is according to a report from The Athletic, which states Galan is currently undergoing a medical in Madrid ahead of completing a move to The City Ground, which will be for an undisclosed fee.
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The left-back is set to sign a three-year contract with the Tricky Trees, which includes the option of an extra 12 months, with the £54k-a-week defender set to arrive alongside fellow full-back Nicolo Savona, who recently arrived from Juventus.
"Incredible" Galan should be solid signing for Forest
One of the main reasons Nuno has been keen to get more players through the door is because his side are set to embark on a European campaign, which will mean an increase in the number of fixtures.
The Forest boss said: “So we have ahead of us the Premier League, Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup. You know how many games this means for us. This is the respect that we have to show to our squad. Help them.”
As such, it would make sense to get more players with European experience through the door, and the Atletico defender made six appearances in the Champions League last season.
Not only that, but the 30-year-old has also impressed domestically, being lauded as “incredible” by journalist Pascual Ruiz Arnal after impressing against Real Madrid in the 2024-25 campaign.
Galan’s experience means he should be a solid signing for Nottingham Forest, and it will be music to Nuno’s ears that the deal is now edging towards completion.