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Warwickshire battle through six wickets for Rocchiccioli but stalemate beckons on final day

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay01-Jul-2025 Warwickshire 415 (Yates 93, Hain 87, Barnard 66, Crocombe 3-82) and 88 for 1 trail Sussex 533 (Hughes 151, Coles 150, Rocchiccioli 6-173) by 30 runsJames Coles made 150 and there were six wickets for Warwickshire offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli but despite their efforts Sussex’s Rothesay County Championship match against Warwickshire is heading for a draw.Coles’ second successive Championship hundred helped Sussex take a first-innings lead of 118 after their first innings ended on 433, 20 minutes after tea on day three.It left Warwickshire with 24 overs to get through to stumps and they closed on 88 for one, losing Rob Yates for 11 when he inside-edged a fine ball from Ollie Robinson onto his middle stump.Off-spinner Jack Carson nearly broke through late on but Daniel Ibrahim put down a tough chance at short leg to reprieve skipper Alex Davies, who has so far added 66 with Tom Latham as Warwickshire closed 30 runs in arrears. But the effects of a slow pitch and the Kookaburra ball are likely to ensure a stalemate, especially with some rain in the forecast on the final day.Coles, 21, made an unbeaten 148 against Durham last week and followed it up with his sixth first-class hundred, sharing stands of 73 with Dan Ibrahim (36), 59 with John Simpson (30) and 50 with Fynn Hudson-Prentice (45) before he was sixth out, caught behind via an inside edge off Ethan Bamber.He had to be patient for long periods. Even without Chris Rushworth, who injured his hamstring after sending down just three overs on the second day, Warwickshire bowled diligently and fielded well. Coles, unbeaten on 50 overnight, brought up his hundred with an edge to the third boundary just before lunch, but it was one of the few unconvincing shots he played in nearly six-and-a-half hours at the crease when he faced 294 balls, an outstanding effort on another day of sweltering heat at Hove. He hit 19 fours and pulled a six into the pavilion off Oliver Hannon-Dalby.Warwickshire’s hard work in the field was epitomised by Rocchiccioli, the Western Australian who arrived in England for his first taste of county cricket last month having taken 84 Sheffield Shield wickets since the 2023-4 season. Here he followed up his six wickets on debut against Somerset at Edgbaston last week with six more. Three came on the second day and he had to plug away from the sea end until his 18th over today for further reward when Carson (28) was smartly taken at leg slip.Rocchiccioli then polished off the innings by removing Gurinder Sandhu and Henry Crocombe with successive deliveries. The 328 balls he sent down was the most in an innings by a Warwickshire bowler since Ashley Giles bowled 68.3 overs against Yorkshire at Headingley in 1996. He just about had the strength to doff his cap to acknowledge the appreciative applause of the crowd after he’d sent down his 50th over.Bamber was the pick of Warwickshire’s seam attack, picking up Ibrahim who played around a straight one as well as Coles and there was a wicket apiece for Yates and Ed Barnard.

Home attack thwarted in battle between Division Two’s form sides

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 22-Jun-2025A maiden first-class century from young opener Asa Tribe saw Glamorgan lay the foundations for a substantial first-innings score in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match between Leicestershire and Glamorgan at the UptonSteel County Ground, Grace Road.The 21-year-old Channel Islander, making only his ninth first-class appearance, demonstrated a maturity beyond his years as having got off to a flying start against a much-changed and initially slightly out-of-sorts Foxes attack, he settled down to reach his century off 158 balls, including 14 fours and one maximum.The Leicestershire bowlers improved as the day went on, regaining some control over the scoreboard, but solid contributions from fellow opener Zain-ul-Hassan, Kiran Carlson and latterly Colin Ingram, who ended the day with an unbeaten half-century, ensured the visitors enjoyed much the best of the first day.Given both sides came into the match on the back of a run of victories – four for Leicestershire, three for Glamorgan – the number of changes made to their previous Championship line-ups came as something of a surprise, though injuries played a part. With Ian Holland and Josh Hull unavailable, and Rehan Ahmed nursing a niggle that meant he could not bowl, Leicestershire chose to leave left out regular wicketkeeper Ben Cox – one of their more prolific run-scorers this season – and with Handscomb taking his place behind the stumps, bring in left-arm spinner Liam Trevaskis and right-arm seamer Sam Wood for their first first-class outings of the season. Veteran seamer Chris Wright also came back into the side.Glamorgan too gave a spinner, Mason Crane, his first Championship appearance of the season, with Ingram, Ben Kellaway and Ned Leonard also returning. All will have been pleased to see skipper Sam Northeast win the toss and opt to bat first on one of the relaid pitches at the UptonSteel Ground, and certainly there was not too much to encourage the Leicestershire seamers during a first hour in which they gave Tribe in particular too many loose deliveries, meaning that even with his partner playing in a rather more restrained manner, the pair were still able to score at five an over before Zain somewhat unluckily became the only wicket to fall in the morning session, glancing a delivery from Wright down the leg side only for Handscomb to take a diving catch.Leicestershire’s attack improved in both accuracy and length after the break, and Tribe was fortunate when on 72 he edged Ben Green behind the wicket only for Handscomb, diving to his right, to drop the catch. He also lost Northeast, the captain looking less than impressed to be given out caught behind when hooking at a bouncer from Wood, but a cleanly hit straight six off Trevaskis took him into the 90s and he showed few nerves in going on to three figures before edging a tired drive at Logan van Beek, giving Handscomb a third victim behind the stumps.Carlson and Ingram put on 60 for the fourth wicket before Carlson used his feet once too often at Trevaskis and yorked himself, the ball squeezing on to his leg stump. Ingram, in company with Kellaway, worked his way towards his fifty, and although he lost Kellaway, trapped in front by van Beek delivery which came back, reached the landmark off 101 deliveries shortly before the close.

Nottingham Forest are suffering a mini-crisis right now and under-fire new boss Ange Postecoglou is under significant pressure, despite being just six games into his tenure.

Ange Postecoglou already facing calls for Nottingham Forest sack

Appointed just under one month ago after Forest parted ways with Nuno Espírito Santo, Postecoglou was brought in on the promise of a new attacking direction and a more positive, high-pressing brand of football.

So far, though, results have been extremely disappointing and dissatisfaction is mounting in the stands.

Chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ rang around the City Ground when Danish minnows FC Midtjylland secured a surprise 3-2 Europa League win in Nottingham on Thursday – a match which best summed up Forest’s serious fragility since Postecoglou took charge.

Forest remain winless under Postecoglou after six matches in all competitions, a stretch that has seen them lose four and draw two.

It’s the worst start by any Forest manager in 100 years, and frustration has spilled over into disdain among supporters.

Postecoglou’s trademark ‘Angeball’ — a philosophy built on possession, quick transitions, and aggressive pressing — has struggled to translate into needed results.

Forest’s squad, accustomed to a more pragmatic, counter-attacking style under Nuno, have looked pretty uncomfortable adjusting to the new approach so far — despite some flashes of brilliant play against the likes of Real Betis — where they really deserved to win that game.

Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Nottingham Forest so far

Competition

Arsenal 3-0 Forest

Premier League

Swansea 3-2 Forest

Carabao Cup

Burnley 1-1 Forest

Premier League

Real Betis 2-2 Forest

Europa League

Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Premier League

Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Europa League

Defensive frailties have been majorly exposed, with the team conceding crucial goals from set pieces and counter-attacks.

A trip to Newcastle awaits Postecoglou next, but while Forest are remaining patient with the 60-year-old (Fabrizio Romano), this could now change pretty quickly.

A loss at St. James’ Park could even spell the end for Tottenham’s former boss, who ended the Lilywhites’ 17-year wait for major silverware at the end of last season.

Fabrizio Romano reported this week that Ange will be given time at Forest, but according to TEAMtalk, ruthless Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis is already considering a bold replacement.

Oliver Glasner emerging as "prime candidate" to replace Ange at Forest

According to their information, as sourced by journalist Fraser Fletcher, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is now among the top contenders to succeed Postecoglou if he is sacked.

Glasner helped to end Palace’s history-long wait for a major trophy last term, guiding them to a 1-0 win over Man City in the FA Cup final, and the South Londoners are currently on an unprecedented 19-game unbeaten run.

The Austrian has also worked wonders on a limited budget despite losing the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, which has prompted links to the Man United job as pressure also mounts on Ruben Amorim.

It is believed that Glasner is emerging as a “prime candidate” for the Forest job now too, but it remains to be seen whether the Europa League-winning tactician would swap high-flying Palace for Forest given their contrasting fortunes.

That being said, Glasner’s proven track record of consistently overachieving with less-fancied squads in the Bundesliga, Austrian Bundesliga and, now, the Premier League, makes him a pretty exceptional option.

The 51-year-old’s flexible tactical approach has earned serious plaudits, and he’s known for building compact, organized teams that defend as a unit, which could address Forest’s vulnerabilities under Postecoglou.

Glasner was named as a managerial target for Tottenham at one point as well, with pundit John Wenham calling him a potentially “exciting” appointment.

While Glasner is currently employed and Palace will likely fight to keep him, reliable reports claim that he is hesitating on signing a new deal after being offered one in the summer, with his current contract due to expire in 2026 (BBC).

Manchester City have now exploded into the race for a “generational” £70m Premier League star, with Pep Guardiola said to be a big fan.

Man City looking to sign another new midfielder

Man City made major improvements to their midfield during the summer transfer window, with Tijjani Reijnders hitting the ground running at the Etihad Stadium, picking up a goal and an assist in the opening game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Sporting director Hugo Viana has also praised the Dutchman since his arrival, saying: “Manchester City in the past have had great midfielders like Gundo and Kevin.

“They were doing really well but unfortunately, they left but they are still club legends, and it is not easy to replace them, but I think Tijjani will be a really important player for the club for the next years.”

Man City racing Real Madrid and Arsenal for "jewel", same agent as Trafford

Pep Guardiola’s side are set to battle some of Europe’s top clubs for a rising star.

ByDominic Lund Sep 17, 2025

After returning to City for one season, İlkay Gündoğan has since joined Galatasaray, which means there could be space in the squad for Guardiola to bring in another central midfielder, and a shock move could now be on the cards.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Man City have now exploded into the race for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to start a game for the Red Devils this season, which has left him frustrated.

Guardiola is personally a big fan of Mainoo, viewing the young central midfielder as one of England’s brightest prospects, and there is a feeling the 20-year-old’s ability to dictate play could make him a perfect fit at City.

The Man United maestro has a market value of around £70m, given his vast potential, with the youngster’s future uncertain ahead of the January transfer window, amid interest from Guardiola’s side, alongside Chelsea and Newcastle United.

"Generational" Mainoo would be statement signing for City

It is difficult to envisage the United academy graduate crossing the Manchester divide, but the report makes it clear he is growing unsettled at Old Trafford, having been keen to go out on loan during the January transfer window.

City know all too well just how talented the midfielder is, given his performance in the 2024 FA Cup final, scoring the second goal in the Red Devils’ surprise 2-1 victory at Wembley, and receiving the Man of the Match award as a result.

The starlet has also received high praise from former teammate Rasmus Hojlund, who is now on loan at Napoli, with the striker describing him as a “generational” talent.

As such, Mainoo would be a statement signing for Manchester City, but it seems very unlikely that United would be willing to sanction the midfielder moving to their bitter rivals.

يختتم منتخب مصر مبارياته في التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026، غدًا الأحد، عندما يلتقي مع نظيره غينيا بيساو، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

منتخب مصر يلعب ضد غينيا بيساو، في الجولة العاشرة والأخيرة من منافسات المجموعة الأولى لـتصفيات كأس العالم.

ويخوض منتخب مصر مباراة غينيا بيساو، كتحصيل حاصل، بعدما حسم التأهل الرسمي إلى نهائيات كأس العالم الذي يقام العام المقبل في أمريكا وكندا والمكسيك.

طالع.. خاص | حسام حسن يدرس الدفع بثنائي منتخب مصر أمام غينيا بيساو موعد مباراة مصر وغينيا بيساو في تصفيات كأس العالم والقنوات الناقلة

وتقام مباراة مصر وغينيا بيساو، في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، مساء الأحد 12 أكتوبر، وتنقل على قناة أون سبورت وإم بي سي مصر 2.

ويسعى منتخب مصر، إلى إنهاء مبارياته في تصفيات كأس العالم، بسلسلة اللاهزيمة، حيث خاض 9 مواجهات، فاز في 7 وتعادل في مباراتين.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر، ترتيب المجموعة الأولى برصيد 23 نقطة، وتأهل إلى المونديال رسميًا للمرة الرابعة في تاريخه.

وسيغيب عن صفوف منتخب مصر، أمام غينيا بيساو، محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول والذي فضل الجهاز الفني إراحته والثنائي حمدي فتحي ومروان عطية بسبب الايقاف للحصول علي الإنذار الثاني.

وسيقود المباراة تحكيميًا، الغاني دانيال لاريا ويعاونه كل من رولاند ني دودو وأبارينجا أكورجي سيفوليس “مساعدين” والحكم الرابع، قدري عبد اللطيف.

يذكر، أن من المنتظر أن يسبق المباراة حفل غنائي لأحمد سعد وحمادة هلال كاحتفالية لتأهل منتخب مصر لنهائيات كأس العالم 2026.

وصف توماس توخيل مدرب منتخب إنجلترا فريقه بأنه الفريق الأضعف حظاً في كأس العالم 2026، وأنه لا يجب اعتبار الأسود الثلاثة مرشحين للفوز بالبطولة.

ويسعى منتخب إنجلترا لإنهاء انتظار دام 59 عاماً للفوز ببطولة كبرى، بعد أن تأهل إلى نصف نهائي كأس العالم ونهائي أوروبا مرتين تحت قيادة ساوثجيت لكنها لم تحقق لقب أي بطولة كبرى منذ عام 1966.

وقال توخيل في تصريحات خلال مؤتمر صحفي في تصريحات نشرتها “the straits times”: “سنصل إلى كأس العالم كمنتخب نملك حظوظ أقل لأننا لم نفز باللقب منذ عقود، سنلعب ضد منتخبات أخرى فازت باللقب مراراً وتكراراً”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. بعد مبابي.. ديشامب يتعرض لضربة جديدة قبل لقاء أيسلندا في تصفيات كأس العالم

وأضاف: “إذا لم تفز أبداً ببطولة ويمبلدون للتنس من قبل، فإنك قد تكون أحد المرشحين لكنك لن تصبح الأوفر حظاً، هناك منتخبات مثل البرازيل والأرجنتين وإسبانيا وفرنسا وحققوا ذلك مؤخراً”.

وتابع: “ما أقوله ليس معناه أننا لا نملك أي فرصة، نفكر في التأهل أولاً ثم سنعرف بالضبط سبب وصولنا إلى هناك، نريد بلوغ النهائي ويجب أن نكون واضحين فيما نريد”.

وشدد توخيل: “مع ذلك لا أرى أي سبب يجعلنا مضغوطين بكوننا المرشح الأوفر حظاً، متى فزنا بها آخر مرة، نحن نبني فريقا مستعد للتقدم خطوة بخطوة ولا أحد يرغب في اللعب ضدنا”.

وبرر توخيل قائمته واختياراته الأخيرة بعد استبعاد بيلينجهام وفودين حيث قال: “نحن لا نجمع أمهر اللاعبين بل نسعى لبناء فريق، الفرق هي التي تفوز بالألقاب، لا أحد غيرها، وسنسعى لضم الأفضل وأن نكون أفضل تشكيلة، أحياناً قد لا نجمع الأمهر ونأمل أن ينجح الأمر”.

Manchester United have conducted some excellent business in the transfer market this summer – addressing the problems that have plagued the side in recent times.

Ruben Amorim has had his first off-season to get his feet under the table, allowing him to make the changes he’s desired since taking the reins in November last year.

He’s made a beeline to the attacking department this window, a decision which is understandable given the measly tally of 44 Premier League goals in their 38 outings throughout 2024/25.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all been added to the Red Devils ranks, with the trio having the opportunity to nail down their starting roles in the side for years to come.

However, one area of the pitch is in desperate need of added investment before the window closes, with numerous players already in their hierarchy’s sights.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer

Over the last couple of days, Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has emerged on United’s shortlist, potentially taking the next step in his career after making 32 appearances in the Bundesliga last season.

Despite the interest in the German’s signature, reports of a move to Old Trafford for the 24-year-old appear to be wide of the mark – with other alternatives subsequently being drawn up.

One player the Red Devils have made a move for before the transfer deadline is Chelsea star Andrey Santos, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that Amorim’s side have requested information over a deal for the Brazilian, potentially handing him added game time for his development in the Premier League.

The report also states that talks have been ongoing due to the potential departure of Alejandro Garnacho, which could hand the Red Devils a boost in their pursuit of the midfielder.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno

Given the additions of Cunha and Mbeumo to the number ten role, captain Bruno Fernandes will likely have to operate in a deeper role throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The 30-year-old featured in such a role in the opening day defeat to Arsenal, but still managed to produce numerous impressive figures within attacking areas.

He registered five chances created at Old Trafford – the most of any player on the pitch – showcasing the talent he possesses when driving through the lines in Amorim’s side.

Bruno’s tally of 37 combined goals and assists last campaign proves he’ll be crucial in any success in the coming season – needing a free role to replicate such numbers this time around.

However, 30-year-old, who’s the club’s captain, may struggle to replicate such numbers in his new role, ultimately having to sacrifice his own numbers to allow the team to progress.

However, if he is to do such a thing, he will need a deep-lying option alongside at the heart of the side – something which Santos could offer should he join the side this summer.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at French side Strasbourg, a stint that gave him needed game time to continue his progression in Europe’s top five leagues.

His underlying stats showcase the ball-winning talents he possesses, able to partner Bruno in the middle of the park, which could allow the duo to star alongside one another.

Santos, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in the 94th percentile for tackles made (3.4), achieving a success rate of 59% – able to sit in a deeper role and regain possession for the Red Devils.

However, upon winning the ball, it’s crucial that any new addition is also able to thrive in possession to help the side impress in transition – something which the Chelsea talent demonstrated in 2024/25.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

4.7

Passes into final third

1.3

Tackles made

3.5

Interceptions made

1.1

Blocks made

1.5

Aerials won

1.2

% of tackles won

59%

He completed 88% of the passes he attempted, with 4.4 of which being into the final third – with such numbers able to provide Bruno with the chances to build on his impressive goal contribution tallies from last season.

Despite being a more defensive-minded midfielder, Santos still managed to post 13 combined goals and assists of his own – which could add a new dimension to Amorim’s side in his quest for success.

It’s unclear if the Blues would be willing to let the youngster leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but there’s no denying that he would be a superb addition for the Red Devils.

If he does move to the Theatre of Dreams, it could allow Bruno to continue his impressive career in Manchester – with the pair able to play a huge part in any success endured in 2025/26.

He's like Baleba: "Extraordinary" £35m star now wants to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United appear to have moved on from Carlos Baleba with a move for another star.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 22, 2025

There is no getting around it, next season feels like it’s do or die for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta has done incredible work over the last five or so years, turning what was a mid-table side at best into perennial title challengers, but after three failed attempts to claim the Premier League crown, they have to get it over the line this time.

Fortunately, while it’s going to require a Herculean effort from the Spaniard’s squad, Andrea Berta and Co have done their bit so far this summer in providing him with some exciting reinforcements.

The marquee signing so far has undoubtedly been Viktor Gyokeres, who joined the club from Sporting CP for a total fee of around £63.5m, and while that is a lot of money, there is already an attacker in the Gunners’ setup worth that little bit more, and no, it’s not Bukayo Saka.

Why Arsenal signed Gyokeres

So, there is no denying that Arsenal pushed the boat out to sign Gyokeres this summer, as while his fee of £63.5m might not break any records, it still comes in as the club’s fifth highest ever.

However, it’s easy to see why Arteta and Co felt okay spending that, as for all their defensive solidity last season, the Gunners were only the third-highest-scoring team in the Premier League and scored a whopping 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool.

So the best course of action in that situation would probably be to go out and sign a prolific number nine, and there were few, if any, more prolific than the Swedish monster.

For example, in 52 appearances for Sporting last season, totalling 4248 minutes, the goalscoring “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 54 times and provided 13 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 27-year-old machine averaged 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes, which is the sort of output that could fire the North Londoners to glory next year.

On top of that, the former Coventry City star has also scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 26 appearances, totalling 1568 minutes, for Sweden, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or every 74.66 minutes.

In short, Gyokeres is a lean, mean goalscoring machine, and it’s easy to see why Arsenal splashed the cash on him, although even with his lofty price tag, he’s worth less than one of his new and younger teammates.

The Arsenal star worth more than Gyokeres

While they are yet to win anything, Arsenal are a team stacked to the rafters with brilliant talents and, in this instance, we are talking about none other than Ethan Nwaneri.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

In a season in which it felt like nothing went the way of the Gunners and their fans didn’t have a whole lot to celebrate, the 18-year-old’s breakout was one of the few genuinely positive points.

Of course, the Enfield-born gem did make his first senior appearance for the club as a 15-year-old in 2023, but it was last season when he showed the fans and the rest of the league, for that matter, that he’s a serious talent.

In fact, he was so impressive last year that Football Transfers have valued him at a whopping €74m, which is around £64.5m, or £1m more than Gyokeres cost late last month.

Now, we aren’t saying for a second that the youngster is already better than the Swedish international, or will have as big of an impact as him in the first team next season, but given his brilliant performances in 24/25, it’s not hard to imagine him developing into a genuine superstar in a few years – hence the lofty valuation.

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

For example, despite starting the season as a 17-year-old, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, managed to score nine goals and provide two assists in just 1378 minutes.

In other words, the Hale Ender averaged a goal involvement every 125.27 minutes in his first proper campaign of first-team football, when playing in the Champions League and the toughest league in the world, per Opta Analyst.

Finally, it’s not just the output, as some of the teenager’s underlying numbers are nothing short of extraordinary.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 4% for crosses into the penalty area and the top 7% for total carrying distance, all per 90.

Ultimately, there is still so much to see from Nwaneri over the coming years, but based on his performances last season, it’s easy to see why he is currently worth more than Gyokeres.

Fewer touches than Raya: 5/10 Arsenal dud showed why Berta has to sign Eze

It was a game to forget for most of the Arsenal team.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 31, 2025

Rangers’ busy transfer activity shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Russell Martin has now made six new signings at Ibrox since being appointed manager last month, following confirmation of Nasser Djiga’s loan move.

Fellow new recruits Max Aarons and Emmanuel Fernandez made their maiden appearances in light blue during a pre-season friendly at the weekend, so how many more will be through the door at Rangers in the coming days?

Rangers targeting a new attacker

So far, Martin has prioritised bolstering his defensive and midfield options, as the table below documents.

Lyall Cameron

Dundee

Midfielder

Compensation

Max Aarons

Bournemouth

Right-back

Loan

Joe Rothwell

Bournemouth

Midfielder

Undisclosed

Emmanuel Fernandez

Peterborough

Centre-back

£3.5m

Thelo Aasgaard

Luton Town

Midfielder

£3.5m

Nasser Djiga

Wolves

Centre-back

Loan

Now though, Rangers will need to add some attacking reinforcements.

It is possible that all three Rangers players who scored more than six goals last season will depart, given that Václav Černý has returned to Wolfsburg, following his loan spell, while Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers are being courted by other clubs.

Thus, according to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Rangers are ‘monitoring’ Thierno Ballo, with Ajax, Mainz and others also ‘keen’ to sign him.

No potential fee is included in the report, but Football Transfers believe the 22 year old to be worth €2.3m (around £2m).

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Ballo has had an interesting career and life to date; born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, he moved to Austria at the age of four, spending time in the academy set-ups of LASK, Bayer Leverkusen and Viktoria Köln, before joining Chelsea as a 16 year old.

He represented the Blues over 85 times in the UEFA Youth League, EFL Trophy, FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2, without ever making a senior appearance, ultimately loaned out to Rapid Wien in 2021, before joining current employers Wolfsberger AC as a free agent a year later.

Now, could he be returning to Great Britain, only this time north of the border and for a hefty price-tag?

How Thierno Ballo would improve Rangers

Ballo’s recent form in the Austrian Bundesliga has certainly caught the eye, scoring 13 goals across league and cup during both of the last two seasons.

This is a feat three players have achieved.

Maximilian Entrup

Hartberg & LASK

12

12

24

Ronivaldo Blau-Weiß Linz

14

10

24

Thierno Ballo

Wolfsberg

12

10

22

Writer Kai Watson described the 23 year old as “rapid” and a “strong ball carrier​​​​​​​” who is a “strong finisher​​​​​​​” and a “solid creator​​​​​​​”, concluding he would be an “exciting” signing for Rangers.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout highlights his “great” form for Wolfsberger AC, performances that earnt the winger his senior international debut for Austria in June, introduced at half time as they smashed San Marino 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle.

This would be a particularly exciting addition for Rangers due to their lack of winger depth, a position that has been a problem since Ryan Kent’s departure on a free transfer back in 2023.

Nedim Bajrami

44

5

4

Óscar Cortés

18

1

2

Rabbi Matondo

67

8

11

Ross McCausland

66

7

7

As the table outlines, none of Rangers’ four current wide-attackers have particularly impressed, especially when compared to Kent who, in 218 appearances, scored 33 goals and registered 56 assists during five seasons in Govan.

The search to try and replace Kent over the past two seasons has largely proved unsuccessful – excluding loan moves for Abdallah Sima and Cerny – although Ballo’s form in Austria of late is certainly reason for optimism.

Thus, everything suggests that Ballo would be an excellent addition, one they’ll be desperate to get over the line before taking on Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying on 22 July.

Rangers agree deal to sign "fantastic" player as 49ers go into overdrive

The Gers are not messing about this summer…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 10, 2025

Aston Villa will have to sell players this summer in order to comply with PSR rules, as Unai Emery faces the prospect of losing some key figures in the dressing room.

As per a recent report from The Athletic, Villa can only register a loss of around £15 million for the 2024/2025 football financial year and remain in line with Premier League rules.

Aston Villa could be forced to accept £50m-plus Arsenal bid for mainstay

The Villans may reluctantly cash in for below value.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

Their marquee sales of Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran have seriously assisted NSWE’s mission to comply with PSR for the year ending 2024/2025, as has their estimated £70 million earnings from reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last season, but they’re still walking a tightrope when it comes to PSR.

Villa’s president of footballing operations, Monchi, is reportedly working “around the clock” to secure a big-name exit before the June 30 cut-off date (Football Insider), with the Man United-linked Emiliano Martínez, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana among their prime contenders to be sold.

Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi.

A major debate is surrounding the validity of PSR and whether these tight financial restrictions create an even bigger gap between the ‘big six’ and the rest of England, with clubs like Villa forced to actively weaken themselves just to stay within certain limits.

With Villa in such a precarious position after falling short in their bid to qualify for the Champions League next season, instead having to settle for the much less lucrative Europa League prize pool, reports they could lose goalkeeper Martinez to Old Trafford are heightening.

The Argentine mainstay is rumoured to be very keen on a move to United, and he could well be the illustrious sale made by Villa chiefs in their efforts to stay within the PSR limit.

However, there are other Emery starters who could leave prior to June 30 too, with £120,000-per-week left-back Lucas Digne attracting serious interest from La Liga.

Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne in talks to join Atlético Madrid

The 52-cap Frenchman was a firm regular under Emery last season, making 45 appearances in all competitions, even if he was in and out of the starting eleven towards the back end of 24/25.

Atlético Madrid are actively pursuing a new left-back and Digne is on Diego Simeone’s radar, with Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey sharing news this week that he could leave for around £10 million.

Atlético are preparing an opening bid of around £8 million for the 31-year-old, who’s out of contract next summer, but this will fall short of Monchi’s desired asking price, with Villa looking to gain as much breathing room as possible between them and the PSR axe.

Digne has opened talks to join Atletico from Villa, though, so discussions between the former Everton defender’s representatives and Simeone’s side have started.

Emery being in this situation of having to sell important players, amid their efforts to become an elite-level side, is perhaps a damning indictment of PSR and how the governing bodies need to re-assess these roadblocks.

However, at least for now, Villa will need to continue dancing around it.