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Nicole Faltum will go from the T20I tour of New Zealand to leading the Australia A 50-over side

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Mar-2025

Heather Graham, Nicole Faltum and Charli Knott will captain Australia A in a multi-format series against England A from late March.The series includes three T20s, three one-day games and a four-day match with all the games being played in Sydney.Graham will lead the Australia A T20 side while Faltum, who has been called up for the T20I tour of New Zealand starting March 21, will captain the one-dayers and Queensland allrounder Knott will take charge of the four-day contest from April 12-15 at Cricket Central.Australia A vs England A fixtures

26 March: First T20, Hurstville Oval

28 March: Second T20, Hurstville Oval

30 March: Third T20, Hurstville Oval

2 April: First 50-over match, Cricket Central, Sydney

4 April: Second 50-over match, Cricket Central, Sydney

7 April: Third 50-over match, Cricket Central, Sydney

12-15 April: Four-day match, Cricket Central, Sydney

The England A matches will be preceded by the second running of the Green vs Gold fixture where two groups of Australian players face each other in a three-day game which will be held in Canberra from March 12-14. The concept was introduced last year and Georgia Voll scored a double century.Faltum will captain the Green side while Gold will be led by Knott.”These series make up a crucial part of the elite player pathway, providing some our best and most promising domestic players with additional development opportunities and the chance to show selectors what they can do against strong international opposition,” national selector Shawn Flegler said.”The National Selection Panel is always looking to the future as we’ve seen in recent years with Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield transitioning into the Australian team with great success, so this is a great opportunity to get a look at a wide range of players.”We’ve included some fresh faces across the squads and are excited to see the likes of Grace Dignam, Elsa Hunter, Gabby Sutcliffe, Sianna Ginger and Rhys McKenna in action.”With a one-day World Cup in India this year and a T20 World Cup next year, the ‘A’ series in particular, will allow us to have a good look at players we think could push for selection.”The visit of England A comes after the senior side was whitewashed 16-0 in the Ashes earlier in the season.Australia A squads vs England AT20s
Lauren Cheatle, Hannah Darlington, Sophie Day, Amy Edgar, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Heather Graham (capt), Charli Knott, Anika Learoyd, Rhys McKenna, Madeline Penna, Amy Smith, Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson50-overs
Lauren Cheatle, Hannah Darlington, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum (capt), Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Nicola Hancock, Ella Hayward, Charli Knott, Anika Learoyd, Amy Smith, Georgia Voll, Courtney Webb, Tahlia WilsonFour-day
Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Nicola Hancock, Ella Hayward, Charli Knott (capt), Anika Learoyd, Lilly Mills, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia WilsonAustralia Green v Gold SquadsGreen
Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Grace Dignam, Nicole Faltum (capt), Sianna Ginger, Ella Hayward, Elsa Hunter, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Georgia Prestwidge, Gabby Sutcliffe, Rachel Trenaman, Amanda-Jade WellingtonGold
Maitlan Brown, Hannah Darlington, Sophie Day, Emma de Broughe, Amy Edgar, Tess Flintoff, Nicola Hancock, Charli Knott (capt), Anika Learoyd, Bridget Patterson, Amy Smith, Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson

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 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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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

He has been one of Everton’s top targets all summer.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 21, 2025

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.

Crystal Palace could sign an “extraordinary” Champions League player as part of a swap deal involving Eberechi Eze, according to a report.

Eze could be heading for Crystal Palace exit door

Eze’s future at Selhurst Park is now in major doubt, amid widespread interest from rival Premier League clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur recently stepping up their interest in the attacking midfielder.

With the 27-year-old eager to join Thomas Frank’s side, a move could be on the cards, but Spurs are far from the only potential suitors, as the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal have also been named as interested parties.

Of the aforementioned clubs, the Gunners’ interest appears to be the most advanced, and there have recently been suggestions that Mikel Arteta’s side could be closing in on a deal, having allegedly agreed a total package worth £55m.

However, there is also a possibility that a deal of a different nature could be agreed, according to a report from Football Transfers, which states Crystal Palace have identified Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi.

Guehi has now received an official approach from Man United, while the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have previously been named as potential suitors, which means the Palace captain could be on his way out this summer.

As such, Kiwior could be used as a makeweight in Arsenal’s deal to sign Eze, with Arteta personally keen to take the England international to the Emirates Stadium.

"Extraordinary" Kiwior could be solid Guehi replacement

It will, of course, be very difficult for the Eagles to replace their captain, but there are signs that the Poland international, who is valued at over £30m, could be a solid option, having impressed for the Gunners in recent times.

Indeed, with Arteta short on options in defence at the back end of last season, the 25-year-old was given the nod at centre-back, and he received high praise from the Arsenal boss for his performances in the Champions League.

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Arteta said: “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much throughout many months, and suddenly he’s been thrown into the most difficult context, at the highest level, playing against the best opponents, when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it, and I think he’s been exceptional.”

Having also been dubbed “extraordinary” by Robert Lewandowski, Kiwior clearly has the talent to be a success at Selhurst Park, but it would be disappointing if he is signed as part of a swap deal for Eze, as Palace should do everything to keep hold of their talisman.

Arsenal are currently working to tie up a few key summer deals for Mikel Arteta, as the Gunners also prepare to kick off their pre-season tour of Asia against AC Milan on Wednesday.

After announcing the signing of England international winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for an initial £48.5 million, rising to £52 million with add-ons (Sky Sports), defender Cristhian Mosquera is poised to follow soon.

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Arsenal reached an agreement with Valencia to sign the 21-year-old some time ago, and reports suggest he’s undergone a successful medical in north London (Tribuna Deportiva Valencia).

However, sources from both sides are refusing to disclose the reason for Mosquera’s announcement delay (Tribuna Deportiva Valencia), and they’ll likely delay unveiling his capture until after their tour of the Far East.

Arteta’s side are in the market for a central attacking midfielder too, with both Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and now RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons among Arsenal’s chiefs targets for the role.

Bolstering that area of the squad and bringing in someone to complement captain Martin Odegaard will immediately be prioritised once they finally seal a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal reached an agreement in principle with Sporting over the signing of Gyokeres midway through July, for a total fee of around £64 million including add-ons (The Athletic), but it is taking some time to fully finalise his transfer to N5.

The final round of negotiations has reportedly centered around the conditions of those add-ons and bonuses involved, which could take the fee up to £69 million (The Guardian), with Gyokeres’ agent even agreeing to waive his fee to make this move happen.

Viktor Gyokeres has "chosen to go to Arsenal" with Man Utd rejected

The hold-up has prompted reports that Man United could mount a late hijack for the 27-year-old, and Fabrizio Romano even confirmed this morning that intermediaries have invited the Red Devils to make a bid of their own.

Now, journalist Duncan Castles has told The Transfers Podcast that Sporting are unhappy with Gyokeres’ conduct, informing the striker last week that he’s in breach of contract for refusing to train.

His lawyers defended against this by accusing Sporting of going back on their gentlemen’s agreement that Gyokeres could leave Sporting for a certain fee. So, there is a legal dispute apparently going on in the background, and the sense is now that Rui Borges’ side are attempting to make his exit as difficult as possible.

In some good news for Arteta, though, Gyokeres has “chosen to go to Arsenal” and will continue forcing through a move to north London, with United facing a brutal knockback if they decide to enter the race.

“There was a story in Portugal over the weekend that Manchester United had come in and gone over the top of Arsenal’s offer and that Sporting were very close to agreeing a transfer fee with Manchester United for Gyokeres,” said Castles.

“I’m told by sources at Manchester United that that’s not true, and also by people close to Gyokeres that it’s absolutely not true, and even if it were true, Gyokeres would not go to Manchester United. He has chosen to go to Arsenal, and he will continue to force that move.”

Gyokeres bagged 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting last season, leading the line in their charge for a first domestic double in around 20 years, but his memorable spell in Portugal isn’t about to end smoothly.

Shamar Joseph could return to the scene of his triumphant start to Test cricket after nominating for the BBL while India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is among the first group of players confirmed for the WBBL draft.Initial batches of ten names for both the BBL and WBBL were released on Monday after nominations closed ahead of the drafts which will take place on September 1. New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson is among them having opted out of a central contract and could join Finn Allen in the tournament after his signing with Perth Scorchers was confirmed.England captain Heather Knight has nominated alongside left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone who is currently the No. 1-ranked bowler in both ODIs and T20Is. However, England players won’t be available for the entire tournament due to a tour of South Africa from late November.Related

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Players being included in the nominations list also confirm that they have not been signed under the pre-draft mechanism but 14 of the 20 are eligible for retention by their teams. That includes South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt who has been part of back-to-back titles with Adelaide Strikers. Harmanpreet can also be retained by Melbourne Renegades. From India, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma have also been confirmed in the draft.Other notable retention options include Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), James Vince (Sydney Sixers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars) and Shabnim Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes). Although Danni Wyatt withdrew from last season’s WBBL, she is eligible for retention by Perth Scorchers having originally been signed in the draft.Schedule clashes will again be a key issue in the BBL. West Indies have a Test series starting against Pakistan starting on January 16 and after his Gabba heroics Joseph said he would always be available for Tests although his current availability is stated as full including finals. Meanwhile Vince and Hales are among those who have deals in the ILT20 which will start on January 11. Overton was also retained in the ILT20 but is currently down as having full BBL availability.Players are drafted in either Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze categories and clubs must select at least two during the draft. Those signed under pre-draft agreements are allocated a pick that matches their salary band. The gaps in the pre-draft signings are expected to be fill in the coming days.The WBBL runs from October 27 to December 1 and the BBL from December 15 to January 27.

BBL nominations

(retention eligibility in brackets)Laurie Evans (Perth Scorchers), Lockie Ferguson, Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), Shamar Joseph, Shadab Khan, Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars), Jason Roy, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Melbourne Renegades), James Vince (Sydney Sixers)

WBBL nominations

(retention eligibility in brackets)Suzie Bates (Sydney Sixers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars), Sophie Ecclestone (Sydney Sixers), Shabnim Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes), Harmanpreet Kaur (Melbourne Renegades), Heather Knight (Sydney Thunder), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Laura Wolvaardt (Adelaide Strikers), Danni Wyatt (Perth Scorchers)

Confirmed pre-draft signings

Adelaide Strikers: –
Brisbane Heat: Nadine de Klerk, Colin Munro
Hobart Hurricanes: Chris Jordan
Melbourne Renegades: Hayley Matthews, Tim Seifert
Melbourne Stars: Marizanne Kapp, Tom Curran
Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine, Finn Allen
Sydney Sixers: Amelia Kerr
Sydney Thunder: Chamari Athapaththu, Sam Billings

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin on course to depart Everton as a free agent this summer, The Friedkin Group have now reportedly set their sights on signing an experienced Premier League rival as a replacement.

Calvert-Lewin to hand Everton fresh striker problem

Although Calvert-Lewin’s influence across the last two years can be disputed, Everton will still need to replace their striker if he goes on to depart as expected next month. Without him, the Toffees have just Beto to call on and whilst he showed glimpses of his true quality for the first time under David Moyes, he will still need ample competition next season.

The numbers suggest that losing Calvert-Lewin could even be a blessing in disguise for the Toffees. They’ll need to add more firepower as a result, but that should be seen as the chance to land a major upgrade and form a partnership with Beto, who is not far away from the level that Moyes desperately needs him at.

To that end, names such as Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto and even former forward Richarlison in what would be a sensational return. The Brazilian swapped Merseyside for North London in a move worth £60m in 2022 but could now be on his way back as Everton commence a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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Friedkin will undoubtedly want to make a statement as they head into a new era, especially in their first summer transfer window, and that could see Moyes receive some impressive backing.

Top of the Everton wishlist on that front should be signing a striker. That’s not to say it’ll be Richarlison or, indeed, Alberto, however. Instead, it could be a Premier League veteran who arrives in the coming months.

Everton eyeing Callum Wilson swoop

According to reports relayed by GiveMeSport, Friedkin are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Callum Wilson from Newcastle United this summer. The forward’s future is still undecided at St James’ Park. Although talks have commenced over a new deal, he remains on course to leave as a free agent next month, potentially allowing Everton to move in.

Losing Calvert-Lewin on a free and replacing him without spending a penny on transfer fees would be an impressive move by the Toffees, who could be helped by the fact that the striker is represented by the same agent as midfielder Dwight McNeil.

A player who is only 12 goals away from joining the Premier League’s 100-club, Wilson could take his place in the history books at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season.

His injury history will be a concern, but Wilson’s quality should be in no doubt. The forward has received impressive praise from Eddie Howe throughout his time in Tyneside, including when the Newcastle boss told reporters after thrashing Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023: “He’s been incredible and I feel that his performance was right up there with one of the best I’ve seen him play, purely from a tactical perspective.”

Rangers are “very keen” to sign an England international after making an approach over a transfer, according to Sky Sports.

Rangers want defenders and attackers after Cameron signing

The Gers secured the services of Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron back in February, with the 22-year-old penning a pre-contract agreement at Ibrox.

Cameron has now been pictured in a Rangers shirt and described a move to Glasgow as a “no-brainer” earlier this week.

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“It’s amazing to walk in the door, it’s a privilege really. I have been looking forward to it for a long time. It was a no-brainer as soon as Rangers came in, I was desperate to be here. It is obviously a massive club and the history and everything about it is just amazing. Being from Scotland, I know what the club stands for, so I just wanted to jump at the chance.

“It is a new project, they are looking to build, improve and win leagues again and I really wanted to be a part of it. I want to come here, make an impression, do as well as possible and get this club back to where it belongs.”

With a new midfielder though the door, Rangers and Russell Martin are now looking to bolster the defensive and attacking ranks.

In regards to specific defensive targets, Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons is a wanted man at Ibrox, and in attack, the Gers are keen on Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Rangers “very keen” to sign Leicester City’s Conor Coady after approach

As reported in Sky Sports’ live transfer blog on Tuesday evening, Rangers have made an approach to Leicester City over a deal to sign Conor Coady. The Foxes are open to selling the centre-back after their relegation from the Premier League, and those at Ibrox “are very keen” on a move.

Coady, who picks up £3.9m per year at The King Power Stadium, made 26 appearances for Leicester in all competitions last season, captaining on three occasions.

Best known for his time at Wolves, Coady has plenty of Premier League experience, has won 10 caps for England and has even played in the Europa League 12 times.

Called a player with a “real infectious personality” by Gareth Southgate, Coady is an out and out centre-back who Martin will be well aware of during his time as a player and manager in England.

Games

22

Goals

1

Pass completion %

91.5%

Clearances per 90

3.1

Blocks per 90

1.1

Average WhoScored match rating

6.17/10

A move looks like one to keep an eye on, and if Coady does move north, that may see Robin Propper seal a return to FC Twente following recent rumours.

Amid concerns that Ibrahima Konate could yet leave the club when his contract expires next summer, Liverpool have now reportedly made fresh contact in the race to sign his potential replacement.

Liverpool's Konate concern

After Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk put pen to paper at the same time as Trent Alexander-Arnold opted out of signing a new deal, some around Anfield may have been glad to just bring an end to an ongoing contract saga. As it happens, however, Liverpool aren’t far off from having the exact same concern with Konate.

As things stand, the Frenchman will leave the club as a free agent this time next year and rumours have already circled regarding Real Madrid’s interest. After already losing Alexander-Arnold on a free deal to the Spanish giants, the last thing that Michael Edwards and FSG will want is to see Konate go down the same route. And that could leave them with a decision to make sooner rather than later.

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The defender, himself, has recently had his say on his future, telling reporters: “I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here to be fair.

“This is another conversation with the club and my agent, we will see what will happen in the next few weeks or I don’t know when but we will see, let me say that. Progressing? Not really – but my agent met the club last week but I don’t know what will happen. I cannot say what my agent said to me but yeah we will see what will happen.”

Whilst the hope will be that he puts pen to paper and follows Van Dijk and Salah by securing his future at the club, Liverpool have already reportedly been planning for his potential departure.

Liverpool make contact in race for £75m Lukeba

According to Rudy Galetti of TeamTalk, Liverpool have now made contact in the race to sign Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig. The impressive defender could yet complete the same move that Konate made not so long ago by swapping the German club for Anfield, and given that he could be replacing his countryman the deal would certainly make sense.

That said, Castello wouldn’t come cheap. Reports have even suggested that the Frenchman has a release clause worth as much as €90m (£75m) at Leipzig. Arne Slot is reportedly a fan of the defender, however, and that could certainly go a long way to making a deal happen in the near future.

Praised for an “amazing” debut season at Leipzig by U23 scout Antonio Mango, it may not be too long before Lukeba is making another debut elsewhere. As Liverpool’s Konate doubt rumbles on, he’s certainly someone to watch.

West Ham United could cash in on one of their key players this summer, in order to fund a major summer rebuild, according to a report.

Hammers now seven games without win after Brighton loss

Luckily for West Ham, last season’s three promoted Championship sides have found it very difficult to adapt to life in the Premier League, which means they are now mathematically safe, but it has been a season to forget.

After the 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend, the Hammers are now seven games without a win, and they are sitting 17th in the table with just four games left to play, which indicates a major revamp of the squad could be needed.

In light of the poor results, questions are now being asked about manager Graham Potter, who admitted he was in “pain” after his side capitulated against the Seagulls, conceding two late goals to lose the game 3-2.

It remains to be seen whether Potter is given time to turn the situation around, but there could be a major rebuild regardless of which manager is in the dugout next season, although the Irons may have to cash-in on a star player to fund it.

That is according to a report from The Express, which states West Ham are now considering the sale of Lucas Paqueta to fund the overhaul of their squad this summer.

Mohammed Kudus’ departure could also be sanctioned, amid interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who will have the opportunity to sign the Ghanaian for £85m.

As such, Paqueta and Kudus’ futures at the London Stadium appear to be up in the air, but one player who the Hammers are unwilling to sell is Jarrod Bowen, with the England international deemed to be untouchable.

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ByDominic Lund Apr 21, 2025 "Incredible" Paqueta underperforming this season

The Brazilian has been a key player for the Hammers this season, making 30 appearances in the Premier League, but he has largely been ineffective, picking up just four goals and failing to record an assist.

The attacking midfielder is without a goal contribution in his last ten outings, and he is clearly finding it difficult to rediscover his best form, having previously been lauded as “incredible” in a West Ham shirt.

That said, the whole team has fallen way short of expectations this season, and the 27-year-old may flourish in a better side, should the Irons make the correct additions to their squad this summer.

It may be a little early to cash-in on the £150k-a-week maestro, and his sale is unlikely to raise a great deal of money regardless, with recent reports suggesting Paqueta could be sold for just £20m.

Who are the players unavailable? And what have been the key takeaways?

Hemant Brar28-May-20253:45

Moody: ‘A clear gap’ in GT’s middle order

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Players unavailable for playoffs: Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Lungi NgidiReplacements: Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Blessing MuzarabaniKey takeaway: Tim David sat out of RCB’s last league game with a hamstring injury and remains “a work in progress”, according to team mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik. Among those who have scored at least 100 runs this season, David has the sixth-highest strike rate (185.14). If he stays unavailable, it will rob RCB of the lower-middle-order firepower. Can Liam Livingstone, who has a strike rate of 126.08 this season, up his game in David’s absence?On the bright side, Josh Hazlewood is likely to be available for Qualifier 1. He has been outstanding both in the powerplay and at the death. RCB’s flawless away record this season – seven wins in seven matches – should also boost their confidence.Related

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Likely best XII: 1 Virat Kohli, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Mayank Agarwal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6 Krunal Pandya, 7 Tim David/Liam Livingstone, 8 Romario Shephard, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Yash Dayal, 11 Josh Hazlewood, 12 Suyash Sharma

Gujarat Titans

Players unavailable for playoffs: Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, Glenn PhillipsReplacements: Kusal Mendis, Dasun ShanakaKey takeaway: Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler have scored almost 73% of GT’s bat runs. Therefore, Buttler’s unavailability leaves a massive hole for Kusal Mendis to fill. Another concern for GT is Rashid Khan’s form. No matter what parameter you look at – average, strike rate or economy – he is having his worst IPL season. In 14 games, he has picked up just nine wickets at an economy rate of 9.47. He has been hit for 31 sixes, the joint-most for any bowler in an IPL season.Likely best XII: 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 M Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Gerald Coetzee, 9 Arshad Khan, 10 R Sai Kishore, 11 Mohammed Siraj, 12 Prasidh KrishnaPunjab Kings sealed their top-two spot with a win against MI•Associated Press

Punjab Kings

Players unavailable for playoffs: Marco Jansen, Glenn Maxwell, Lockie FergusonReplacements: Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell OwenKey takeaway: PBKS’ biggest strength this season has been their Indian core, be it in the batting department or bowling. That said, Marco Jansen’s absence will take away some sting from their bowling and lower-order batting. Can Kyle Jamieson step into those shoes? Yuzvendra Chahal missed the last two league games because of an issue with his right wrist but he is expected to be available for the playoffs.Likely best XII: 1 Priyansh Arya, 2 Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 3 Josh Inglis, 4 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6 Shashank Singh, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 Azmatullah Omarzai, 9 Kyle Jamieson, 10 Harpreet Brar, 11 Arshdeep Singh, 12 Yuzvendra Chahal

Mumbai Indians

Players unavailable for playoffs: Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, Vignesh PuthurReplacements: Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, Richard Gleeson, Raghu SharmaKey takeaway: Despite losing two of their last three games, MI remain a formidable unit. Moreover, Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks’ unavailability should not affect them much. Jonny Bairstow can replace Rickelton at the top of the order and behind the stumps. To cover up for Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav can move up to No. 3 and one of Charith Asalanka and Bevon Jacobs can slot in the middle order. Asalanka can also chip in with his offspin if required.Likely best XII: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Charith Asalanka/Bevon Jacobs, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit Bumrah, 12 Karn Sharma