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Wicketkeeper Nicole Faltum has been handed her first call-up for the three-match T20I series in late March

Tristan Lavalette26-Feb-2025

Alyssa Healy has battled a run of injuries and is now targeting the ODI World Cup in India•Getty Images

Australia captain Alyssa Healy will miss next month’s T20I tour of New Zealand, but there is “no doubt” over her status for the ODI World Cup as she rehabilitates after a wretched run of injuries.With Healy absent as expected due to a foot injury, Melbourne Renegades wicketkeeper-batter Nicole Faltum has been called up in Australia’s 14-player squad for the three-match series starting in Auckland on March 21.Tahlia McGrath will captain with Ashleigh Gardner to be her deputy, while Beth Mooney will again take the gloves in Healy’s absence.Related

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Faltum, 25, has yet to play international cricket but is coming off a strong season for WBBL champions Renegades and captained the Governor-General’s XI against England in January. She beat out Tahlia Wilson and Maddy Darke for the New Zealand tour.”We just see Nic slightly ahead of the others, particularly for the T20 format,” Australia chief selector Shawn Flegler told reporters. “It’s really unlikely that she will play. Obviously, Beth will take the gloves for this tour and she did a really good job during the Ashes replacing Alyssa.”But we just thought it was a great opportunity for Nicole to come in and be around the group, train with them and get to see the environment first hand.”Healy, who turns 35 in March, was not named in the squad due to the stress fracture in her right foot. She missed the T20I portion of the Women’s Ashes and had to prove her fitness for the MCG Test before playing as a specialist middle-order batter.Healy had ruptured her plantar fascia in her foot at the T20 World Cup in October last year which saw her miss Australia’s final group match and the semi-final against South Africa. She also suffered a knee injury in the early stages of the WBBL which meant she missed the remainder of the season and the subsequent ODI series against India.Healy had to skip the ongoing Women’s Premier League, but a return to the field could take place at the women’s Hundred ahead of an ODI series in India in September that runs straight into the World Cup.”My understanding is that there’s no doubt that she’ll get through to the World Cup, that’s for sure,” Flegler said. “She’s had a complicated last couple of years with some different injuries that’s been related to foot…some Achilles and stuff.Nicole Faltum will be part of her first Australia tour•Getty Images

“We certainly don’t want to rush it. As far as I’m aware, there’s no risk that she’ll miss out on that World Cup.”Allrounder Sophie Molineux will continue to be on the sidelines as she recovers from a knee injury that ruled her out of the multiformat Ashes series. “We want to make sure that she’s right for that World Cup, we think she’ll be an important member of that side,” Flegler said.”When she came back into the team, she played a really good role for us across all formats. We’re not going to rush her back. It’s a bit of a complex injury, but we want to make sure that she’s good to go in September.”But there is no set timeline for Tayla Vlaeminck, who dislocated her bowling shoulder just moments into Australia’s T20 World Cup match against Pakistan last October. She is hoped to return at some stage next summer.Australia will enter the T20 series against New Zealand in high spirits after their historic 16-0 Ashes triumph. But Australia should feel extra motivated facing the reigning world champions on their turf in what will be rare matches in the format ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in England.”We were really disappointed with how the T20 World Cup ended for us, and New Zealand did extremely well to win that World Cup,” Flegler said. “It’s a great chance for us to go up against them. There’s always a great rivalry against New Zealand and I’m sure they’ll be keen to play well against us.”We don’t have that many T20s leading into the next T20 World Cup, so every opportunity we get is really important to keep trying those different combinations and getting players used to those positions that they are now in.”Australia squad for New Zealand tourDarcie Brown, Nicole Faltum, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (capt), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

Manchester City may yet make some more first-team signings this summer, but Pep Guardiola will first push some of the flotsam out of the door.

The likes of Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips seemingly have no future of substance within the Etihad Stadium first-team, and will surely take their leave before the end of the month.

The Citizens have also rejected an offer from Nottingham Forest for James McAtee, though the Tricky Trees are expected to return.

Guardiola enjoys working with smaller squads; he’s been vocal on that matter. However, the Spanish tactician might be convinced to add one talented Premier League talent to his ranks before the market slams shut.

Man City considering Prem star

Manchester City’s interest in Morgan Gibbs-White this summer suggests that Pep would be interested in adding some robust technical quality to his midfield.

Exciting French talent Rayan Cherki arrived from Lyon earlier in the summer for £34m, but the 21-year-old isn’t a player who can shuffle between offensive and deeper-lying zones with the greatest ease, his exciting qualities best served toward the attacking third of the field.

That one appears to be dead in the water, but that’s not to say City wouldn’t push ahead with another deal, should Grealish and McAtee both leave.

Indeed, according to Globo Esporte in Brazil, Man City have revived their interest in West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta after the playmaker was exonerated in his high-profile spot-fixing case, which scuppered his £80m move to the club two years ago.

The 27-year-old is not priced in the sale towering ballpark anymore, with the Hammers seeking no more than £60m for his sale this summer.

What Lucas Paqueta would bring to Man City

Once hailed as a “magician” of a midfielder by reporter Robbie Mustoe, Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon for a club-record £51m fee in 2021.

He’s since played 120 times for the Londoners, scoring 18 goals and providing 14 assists. The Brazil international played the assist into Jarrod Bowen’s path to win the Conference League in 2022.

Paqueta’s contentious reputation following the events of recent years, partnered with the fact that his departure wouldn’t carry the same poignancy for those of an Irons persuasion as with two years ago, could lead him to become Man City’s own version of Eric Cantona, whose finest days as a footballer were found on the red side of Manchester.

Cantona is considered one of the most notorious and talented players to have competed in the Premier League, joining the Red Devils from Leeds United for just north of £1m in 1992.

Though the move was met with fury from the Whites fanbase, it was maybe an astute piece of business given that he was a turbulent part of the squad.

Hailed as being “the catalyst that really galvanised the team for the next 25 years” at Man United by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Frenchman was the real deal, posting 145 goal contributions from 185 matches in the nineties.

Could the £150k-per-week Paqueta have a similarly talismanic effect on this City side? They are hardly in disarray, but perhaps in need of some added inspiration and creative flair across the coming terms to reinstate this outfit as the indomitable force at the pinnacle.

Paqueta is confident and mature at 27. Likewise, Cantona was in the senior stage of his professional career when he made his big move, at 26 years old.

Paqueta lacks the same invincibility he might have felt when he wrapped up the 2023/24 season under David Moyes’ wing, having stumbled and fallen to the wayside over the past year.

But he’s now picked himself back up, absolved of wrongdoing in his recently closed court case. It means that Paqueta can focus solely on his football across the next few years of his prime, and where better to see those terms out than at Man City?

He remains one of the most talented and well-rounded midfielders in the Premier League, and a player who City could utilise to restore some of their former strength over the coming year – he’s proven in England’s top flight, as was Cantona, after all.

Matches (starts)

31 (31)

33 (27)

Goals

4

4

Assists

6

0

Touches*

65.7

58.6

Pass completion

75%

79%

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes*

1.4

1.1

Dribble success

59%

50%

Tackles + interceptions*

3.0

2.5

Duels (won)*

7.6 (50%)

6.0 (48%

Perhaps Paqueta lacked fluency and focus last season, but he didn’t endure a drastic drop-off, retaining the core elements of his skill set, which Pep could surely bring back to the fore. At his best, the one-time Flamengo man is Cantona-esque, with a certain Paul Scholes having even made that comparison:

As per FBref, Paqueta ranked among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for passes attempted, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 3% for tackles, and the top 3% for ball recoveries per 90, highlighting the wide breadth of skill and style that would be woven into the City fold.

Ultimately, Man City have so much quality in their ranks, and they would enrich that quality further still by signing Paqueta. However, Guardiola would also add a player with a combative mindset whose signature comes attached with more than a measure of controversy.

But, with Kevin De Bruyne having departed at the end of his contract, this might be a fantastic move to make for City as they gear up to reclaim their Premier League title.

After all, Paqueta was profiled comprehensively two years ago, and he could be a fantastic addition to a team in transition.

Bigger English talent than Trafford: Man City still pursuing £50m sensation

Man City are hoping to sign more players after Trafford

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 31, 2025

As Celtic gear up for yet another title defence, Brendan Rodgers now reportedly believes that they hold a key advantage in the race to sign an impressive midfield star.

Rodgers still aiming to "push" for arrivals

Despite welcoming as many as six fresh faces following another dominant Scottish Premiership campaign last time out, Rodgers admitted that he’s still pushing the Celtic board to secure more additions.

He told reporters: “We have gaps in the squad that are very clear. I have to convince the board to really push to get the players in that we really need. Clearly, I’m not doing that job well enough, but I will continue to push and hopefully we can get the players in by the end of the transfer window.”

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“When you lose important players, you want to fill those gaps. That attacking department is the strength of my team. It always will be. We were very, very good last year in that front in terms of both the score and both the creativity.

“I’m fairly confident that we will do the business that will fill those gaps and with the necessary quality that’s needed to keep the team moving forward, because that’s what we all want. That’s what the supporters want. They want to see a team that’s exciting and that can dominate games and really attack games and that’s our goal.”

Just who those additions will be is the question. It looks as though the Bhoys are at least set to welcome Manchester City youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan, but that’s not to say other targets have fallen away from their radar.

Those at Celtic Park have also reportedly set their sights on winning the race to land a bargain deal in the next month and Rodgers believes that they hold one key advantage over the rest of the chasing pack.

Rodgers believes Celtic have advantage in Brownhill race

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rodgers believes that Celtic have the advantage in the race to sign Josh Brownhill this summer thanks to their Champions League place. Whilst the likes of West Ham United and Everton chase his signature, the Bhoys will be able to offer the 29-year-old his first taste of Europe’s elite.

Dubbed “brilliant” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, Brownhill represents one of the few bargain deals still on the market and one that Celtic should go all out to snap up this month.

Everton’s ongoing search for a reliable winger has become one of the defining narratives of their pre-season.

Following the departures of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, both of whom returned to their parent clubs after loan spells last term, manager David Moyes faces mounting pressure to reinforce his squad’s attacking width.

The club has cast a wide net in pursuit of fresh talent, but so far, the results have been disappointing.

One key target, Lyon’s Malick Fofana, one of Ligue 1’s most exciting young prospects, looks to have turned down a £31.5m move, reportedly preferring a move to a club competing in the Champions League.

That has left Everton to identify alternatives capable of filling the void quickly.

Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo has also been linked with a move to Goodison Park, but the Spanish side’s insistence on his £51.9m relegation release clause makes negotiations difficult.

Meanwhile, Como’s Assane Diao, who has impressed since arriving from Real Betis, is another name in the mix, but competition for his signature is fierce.

One of the most intriguing potential signings is Southampton’s 19-year-old Tyler Dibling, with the Toffees said to have made a £27m bid for his services. That offer was swiftly rejected, with it yet to be seen if a renewed approach will arrive.

Dibling is a player with a promising future and has attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Dibling’s natural aggressiveness and ability to influence matches through direct running rather than intricate passing are traits increasingly valuable in modern football.

However, despite these qualities, Dibling remains largely unproven at the highest level.

Everton’s immediate needs may demand more than promise and potential.

Everton looking at Dibling alternative

Enter Jack Grealish. The 29-year-old England international has become a focal point of speculation in the Everton transfer saga.

Left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad last December and struggling to find consistent game time, Grealish is reportedly available for transfer.

As per TEAMtalk, while his hefty £300k per week salary complicates the possibility of a permanent deal, Everton are willing to make a substantial loan bid in order to bring him in. There is said to be optimism on Merseyside that a deal can be struck.

Grealish’s versatility is a major asset. He can operate both as a winger and as an attacking midfielder, providing Moyes with tactical flexibility.

Transfer Focus

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

While last season saw him limited to just 721 minutes, his previous campaigns have demonstrated his class at the highest level.

Why Grealish could be the upgrade Everton need

According to data from FBref, during the 2022/23 treble-winning season, Grealish was a creative powerhouse, boasting 6.27 progressive carries per 90 minutes and averaging 4.55 shot-creating actions.

His pass completion rate was an impressive 84.1%, and he made nearly 34 touches in the attacking third every game.

This kind of influence and creativity is precisely what Everton have been missing.

Pep Guardiola, speaking in February following an FA Cup fourth-round win, encapsulated this spirit perfectly:

“Jack is one of those players that came to fight in these stadiums when the people shout; he is a fighter.”

This, combined with a proven record in the Premier League and international football, marks Grealish out as a safer bet compared to younger, less experienced targets.

Looking deeper into the profiles of Grealish and Dibling reveals the dilemma Everton face between short-term reliability and long-term potential.

Dibling’s statistical profile impresses in terms of physicality and defensive contribution.

He ranks in the 90th percentile or higher for several key metrics: fouls drawn (2.49 per 90), tackles in the midfield third (0.86), and percentage of dribblers tackled (61.5%).

He also ranks highly for shots blocked and successful take-ons, underscoring his combative style and willingness to engage opponents directly.

In an era where many players focus on limited touches and rapid distribution, Dibling’s approach of moving the ball with pace by dribbling is a distinctive asset that could unlock defences.

However, Dibling’s end product at the Premier League level remains limited: just two goals and one assist in a full season of appearances.

Everton’s current squad demands players who can immediately influence the attacking phase, and Dibling still has work to do to reach that level consistently.

Grealish, on the other hand, offers proven creativity and goal involvement at the top tier. With 27 Premier League goals and 39 caps for England, his experience is vast.

His impact when fully fit is undeniable.

His progressive passing and dribbling numbers during his peak season reflect a player capable of dictating play and carving open defences.

Furthermore, Everton’s financial situation means a loan deal for Grealish could provide immediate quality without a long-term financial commitment, balancing ambition and pragmatism.

Ultimately, Everton’s winger conundrum highlights a broader strategic choice: invest in a young, unproven talent with high potential or secure an experienced player who can deliver now.

Given the team’s recent struggles and urgent need for creativity, Grealish appears to be the upgrade Everton need, even if only temporarily.

The new James Rodriguez: Everton readying offer for "special" PL star

Moyes wants to reinforce Everton’s attack this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 30, 2025

Liverpool’s diligence and careful planning over the past several years has allowed Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards to ride the crest of a wave of intent in the summer transfer market.

While the Reds’ defensive line was hampered by the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of last season, Anfield’s vice-captain now coloured in Real Madrid white, FSG acted incisively to wrap up deals for new full-back pairing Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, joining from Bournemouth and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

The latter was the first to arrive, and boasts an electric kind of skill set which lends itself to a more attacking berth too. In this way, he can contest with Conor Bradley for a starring role while covering for Mohamed Salah on the right wing.

Frimpong certainly has offensive quality, once hailed as a “monster in the final third” by The United Stand’s Beth Tucker. Excitingly, he’s not even Liverpool’s best Leverkusen addition this summer, with Florian Wirtz welcomed to the fold for a British-record £116m fee.

The attacking midfielder has the lot, and will likely upgrade on the club’s existing attacking midfield options while concurrently replacing Alexander-Arnold’s limitless creativity.

Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz

Slot opened with an interesting gambit this summer, reorienting Liverpool’s creative focal point. Trent has long been regarded among the crème de la crème of playmaking in the Premier League, but he’s gone, and the champions were right in signing world-class talent more aligned with tactical conventions.

Wirtz, 22, has been an utter menace for Bayer Leverkusen over the past several years, bursting from the youth scene with gusto, flooring seasoned professionals with his bounding strides. In 2023/24, he earned the honour of Bundesliga Player of the Year, vital in toppling Bayern Munich after an invincible domestic campaign.

He’s the real deal and will add more flair and flavour to a title-rich Liverpool team. Wirtz has something most every attacking midfielder yearns for: he brings completeness defined by its artful and industrious mix.

For example, Dominik Szoboszlai is a fantastic player, crucial for Liverpool, but he lacks the potency and speciality that Wirtz brings to the table.

League 24/25 – Florian Wirtz vs Dominik Szoboszlai

Stats (* per game)

Wirtz

Szoboszlai

Matches (starts)

31 (25)

36 (29)

Goals

10

6

Assists

12

6

Touches*

73.4

46.1

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (1.3)

1.9 (0.6)

Pass completion

82%

86%

Big chances created

17

12

Key passes*

1.8

1.6

Dribble success

2.6

0.6

Ball recoveries*

3.6

3.7

Tackles + interceptions*

1.3

1.4

Duels won*

5.2

2.8

Data via Sofascore

Harvey Elliott’s feet wear a similar magic, but he lacks the clear definition of his German counterpart. Elliott, 22, has been touted with a move away from Merseyside this summer, Brighton and Borussia Dortmund among the frontrunners.

Should the Young Lion leave, Slot will want a replacement, and while Liverpool have one of the very best in Wirtz, they appear keen on signing yet another attacking midfielder who could bloom into one of Europe’s finest.

Liverpool prepare bid for La Liga sensation

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are interested in signing Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez this summer. Fermin, 22, has enjoyed a fast rise from La Masia and is valued at €80m (roughly £69m).

Transfer Focus

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

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However, Hansi Flick’s focus on bringing attacking additions to Camp Nou has cast doubt over the Andalusian midfielder’s future, and Liverpool are ready to take advantage.

In fact, Anfield’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is believed to be preparing a bid for the versatile star.

Liverpool might have signed Wirtz, but there’s room for such a profile to work on improving and blooming into a player of the highest class.

Why Liverpool want Fermin Lopez

Fermin is still young but he’s already established himself in a Barcelona side currently celebrating their La Liga and Copa del Rey double last year. The Spaniard also played a part in winning UEFA EURO 2024.

In total, he’s played 88 matches for the La Blaugrana senior side. With 19 goals scored and 11 assists laid on for his teammates, Fermin has a developing sharpness that has been utilised both centrally and out on the left flank.

In this manner, he’s not too dissimilar to Wirtz, especially when considering he ranked, per 90, among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goal contributions, the top 12% for pass completion, the top 9% for passes into the final third and the top 20% ball recoveries, as per FBref.

His positional fluidity and ball-playing focus link Fermin together with Liverpool’s new record man. However, there’s more. Digging deeper into the comparison, Fermin has been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as being “simple and genius at the same time”.

There are exciting similarities in regard to the playmaking and pass-focused sides of the respective midfielders’ games, but don’t expect Fermin to bring as flashy and electric a game to Merseyside. He’s not that type of player.

However, Fermin’s alternate variation would give Liverpool the added dimension they need to continue to go from strength to strength under Slot’s wing.

Across 28 La Liga fixtures in 2024/25, as per Sofascore, he scored six goals and supplied five assists, so he might be a somewhat more pragmatic player but he’s certainly not without his offensive uses.

Without overextending with his creativity, Fermin manages to play that Wirtz-esque passing game in an industrious and controlled manner. He will collect the ball so many times across the 90, parcelling it out this way and that.

Liverpool enjoyed a stunning 2024/25 campaign, but they were felled at points – in particular in crash-out losses against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United – with both fixtures underscoring the need for more control and technical proficiency in the engine room.

Not that the Reds are lacking in that regard, just that they could do with that extra injection to win the lot next season. Wirtz and Fermin in tandem would likely help in that regard, for sure.

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 8, 2025

Durham have secured a key signing ahead of their first season as a Tier 1 women’s team in 2025, with the return of Dani Hazell, Northern Diamonds’ highly rated head coach, to Chester-le-Street on a three-year deal.Hazell, who made 141 appearances for England between 2009 and 2018, including two World Cups and three Ashes wins, is also head coach of the Headingley-based Northern Superchargers, a role she will retain alongside her Durham commitments.Having begun her playing career at Durham’s academy, Hazell was an obvious target for the club hierarchy as they set about establishing themselves as the new home of women’s cricket in the north of England, and her transfer may help to persuade other Leeds-based Diamonds’ players to commit to a relocation, rather than wait for Yorkshire to attain their own Tier 1 status in 2026.”It was clear from the off that Dani was the right person to lead Durham into our new chapter and begin to create history as a women’s professional team,” Marcus North, the club’s director of cricket, said. “She knows the club inside-out having played for us and worked within our women and girl’s pathway in recent years.”Dani has an excellent reputation following a successful period as Northern Diamonds and Northern Superchargers head coach, she had a winning mentality as a player and as a coach which is exciting for Durham. I look forward to working with her, as this exciting chapter for Durham Cricket begins.”Hazell, 36, took over as Northern Diamonds’ head coach in 2019, with the club winning the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2022, while Northern Superchargers reached the women’s Hundred final in 2023. She has also played a key role in the development of the Diamonds academy over the course of her tenure.”I’m delighted to take up the opportunity as head coach.” said Hazell. “This is an exciting new chapter for Durham Cricket and the whole of the region, and I wanted to be part of this historic new era for the club.”I feel aligned with the club’s ambitions and standards to continually grow and move forward in such a pivotal moment for women and girls’ cricket.”I knew after initial conversations; it was the right opportunity for me to return to my home club and I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”Tim Bostock, Durham’s chief executive, added: “We’re delighted that Dani has agreed to become the head coach of our women’s team and we are extremely excited to welcome her back to Durham. Her knowledge of the game globally is key, but also her knowledge of the game in Durham is vitally important for us, I believe she is the perfect fit for Durham Cricket.”

Manchester United’s central midfield department has been an area for debate over recent months, with Ruben Amorim having multiple options at his disposal.

Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have often operated in such positions, but Bruno Fernandes has often dropped into a deeper role, with Kobbie Mainoo also an option after his injury setbacks.

However, it’s unclear if the manager fully knows his best partnership in the middle of the park, which could see the Red Devils dip into the transfer market to make further additions.

Christian Eriksen has already been told that he will be released from the club at the end of his contract in a couple of weeks, with Casemiro potentially being moved on to raise additional funds.

With the window now in full swing after its one-week closure, it’s pivotal that the board land the right targets for the manager, with any additions having a bearing on his long-term future in the role.

United’s hunt to land new midfielders this summer

Despite the season not long ending, United have already wasted little time in the market, already pursuing moves for various players in the midfield department.

Ederson, Hayden Hackney, and Fermin Lopez have all previously been mentioned as potential additions, but no deals have yet been completed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, that could be about to change, with the Red Devils identifying Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi as a potential option, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that United have already begun making moves to bring him to Old Trafford this summer after only making nine Serie A starts in 2024/25.

Transfer Focus

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

It also states that he’s asked his agent to consider potential options away from Italy this summer, seeing Amorim’s current project at the club as an exciting one that could tempt him in the coming months.

Why Frattesi could be Amorim’s own version of McTominay

After leaving United for Napoli in a £25m deal last summer, no supporter could’ve envisioned the rise Scottish international Scott McTominay would have in Italy – subsequently taking his career to new heights this season.

The 28-year-old was offloaded by former boss Erik ten Hag, a decision that now appears to be a huge mistake after his form across Europe, which saw him net 13 times across all competitions in his debut year in Naples.

Such a record helped Antonio Conte’s side claim the league title, with McTominay being named the division’s Most Valuable Player, further highlighting the mistake made in allowing him to depart.

It’s a real shame that Amorim didn’t receive the opportunity to work with the academy graduate, with his skillset at both ends of the pitch certainly aiding the club in their chances of overturning their recent slump.

However, a move for Frattesi could allow the Red Devils to land their next version of the midfielder, possessing a very similar playstyle to that of the 28-year-old.

When comparing their respective figures from the recent campaign, the Inter star has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, subsequently able to inject the needed quality into the current squad.

Frattesi, who’s been labelled as “one of the best midfielders in Serie A” by Fabrizio Romano, has averaged a higher goal per shot on target rate, able to pop up with crucial goals in key moments – as seen with his winner in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

He’s also completed more key passes per 90, having the tools to provide the likes of Fernandes ahead of him with the opportunity to have a further impact in the final third.

The Italian has also dominated without the ball, winning more of the tackles he’s entered and also making more blocks per 90, handing Amorim the perfect box-to-box option in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Games played

27

36

Goals & assists

6

16

Goals per shot on target

0.7

0.3

Key passes made

1.5

0.8

Carries into opposition box

0.6

0.4

Tackles won

56%

48%

Blocks made

0.9

0.6

Fouls won

2.3

1.8

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal would set the Red Devils hierarchy back, it seems as though they could be about to take advantage of his lack of playing time in their ambitions of strengthening the squad.

When he has had the chance to impress, he’s taken such an opportunity with both hands, with his experience amongst Europe’s elite taking the side to the next level in the process.

If he can emulate McTominay’s success at Old Trafford, it would be an astute piece of business and one that would transform the club’s current two-man midfielder pivot ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.

More exciting than Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to sign "very special" talent

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could thrive under Ruben Amorim.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 18, 2025

The Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, with some of the best players of all time starring in the competition, previously known as the European Cup. But who is the top goalscorer of all time in the famous club competition?

Football FanCast has listed the top 20 Champions League scorers, with a detailed look at the top 11.

All information correct as of 14th May 2025.

Rank

Player

Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi

Robert Lewandowski

Karim Benzema

Raul

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Andriy Shevchenko

Thomas Muller

Kylian Mbappe

Mohamed Salah

Thierry Henry

Filippo Inzaghi

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Alfredo Di Stefano

Erling Haaland

Eusebio

Sergio Aguero

Didier Drogba

Neymar

Alessandro Del Piero

Antoine Griezmann

The 15 best Champions League/European Cup finals – ranked

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Here is a detailed look at the top 11 Champions League goalscorers:

11 Thierry Henry 51 goals

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry got his first taste of Champions League football with AS Monaco, helping the French side to the semi-finals in 1997/98.

The Frenchman would go on to turn out for Juventus and then Arsenal, where he suffered heartbreak in the 2006 final against Barcelona. However, Henry would finally get his hands on the trophy after joining Barcelona, defeating Manchester United in the 2009 final.

Arsenal's top 25 Champions League moments

Arsenal have enjoyed some of their greatest European nights in the Champions League.

ByMark Marston May 15, 2025 10 Mohamed Salah 51 goals

Mohamed Salah has been at the top of his game for a while now, so reaching a half-century of Champions League is a more-than-deserving accolade for a player of his stature.

The majority of his CL strikes have come for Liverpool, with whom he won the Champions League in 2019, thanks in part to the Egyptian scoring early in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, as well at numerous stages along the way.

9 Kylian Mbappe 55 goals

Kylian Mbappe has been around for ages, and yet he is barely into his mid-twenties. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Frenchman has already racked over 50 Champions League goals – overtaking the likes of compatriot Thierry Henry in the process.

Now at Real Madrid, we can maybe expect the goals to continue to flow for the striker, and with more group stage games these days, there’s every chance he’ll reach triple figures before too long.

8 Thomas Muller 57 goals

Thomas Muller has been a fantastic servant for Bayern Munich over the years, notching 57 goals for the Bavarians at the highest level of European competition.

The German made his Champions League debut back in 2009 and won the competition on two occasions, in 2013 and 2020.

Only Robert Lewandowski has more goals (69) in a Bayern shirt than Muller, putting him in some healthy company.

7 Andriy Shevchenko 59 goals

Best known for his time with Dynamo Kyiv and Milan, Andriy Shevchenko netted 59 times in the Champions League, including a famous hat-trick at the Nou Camp against Barcelona for Kyiv.

Shevchenko, who also turned out for Chelsea, won the tournament with Milan in 2003. The Ukrainian retired in 2012 and went on to manage his country between 2016 and 2021.

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ByFreddie Taylor Sep 25, 2023 6 Ruud van Nistelrooy 60 goals

Powerful Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy turned out for two of Europe’s biggest clubs in Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Upon retiring in 2012, Van Nistelrooy scored 60 goals in the competition and was the top scorer in three separate editions of the tournament, though he never managed to win the Champions League.

5 Raul 71 goals

Real Madrid icon Raul held the record as the all-time top scorer in the Champions League for a number of years and averaged a goal every other game in his 142 appearances in Europe.

The Spaniard lifted the trophy on three occasions with Madrid and became the manager of Real Madrid’s B side in 2019, so he could potentially be a future first-team boss at the Bernabeu.

4 Karim Benzema 90 goals

Another Real Madrid legend who scored plenty of Champions League goals at the Bernabeu is Karim Benzema, who also netted a number of his 90 goals in Europe for Lyon.

Now playing in Saudi Arabia, Benzema netted in a record 18 consecutive Champions League seasons, winning the tournament five times, as well as the top scorer award in 2021/22.

Ballon d'Or past winners: The best XI of former champions

Probably the only time you’ll ever see Messi and Ronaldo in the same team.

1 ByBarney Lane Oct 23, 2024 3 Robert Lewandowski 105 goals

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski became the third player to reach 100 Champions League goals during his time at Barcelona, with the ton secured in their league phase win over Stade Brest in November 2024, 13 years after his CL debut.

Previously of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski is Bayern’s top scorer in European football, scoring 15 times in 2019/20, when he lifted his only Champions League trophy.

2 Lionel Messi 129 goals

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi comes in as runner-up on the list, with 120 of his 129 Champions League goals coming for the Catalan giants.

Messi scored against 40 different teams in the competition, which is a record, but it was against Arsenal that he was most prolific, netting nine times against the Gunners.

The Argentine has also represented Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, winning the tournament with Barcelona on three separate occasions, the last coming in 2015.

In what would spark Liverpool’s frontline into life, the Reds are now reportedly strongly positioning themselves to sign an impressive La Liga midfielder, who has a release clause worth as much as £68m.

Liverpool's summer plans begin to take shape

In most circumstances, the question over just how the champions-elect improve such a talented side is the one posed. But Liverpool have been far from perfect this season and whilst they deserve their pending crown, there are still improvements to make in Arne Slot’s side. The glaring problems have come at both left-back and within their frontline this season – two problems that could be addressed this summer.

FSG must cash in on "world-class" Liverpool star who's the next Mane

Liverpool are planning for sweeping changes in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 16, 2025

Starting at left-back, Slot could replace the struggling Andy Robertson with the in-form Milos Kerkez. The Reds are reportedly interested in signing the Bournemouth star in a deal worth £45m in the coming months. At just 21 years old, there’s no doubt that the Hungarian would provide a permanent solution down Liverpool’s left-hand side.

On the striker front, meanwhile, the Reds have reportedly set their sights on Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, who has an increasing list of admirers. In a deal that will cost over £100m, it will certainly be interesting to see whether those at Anfield are prepared to break their transfer record.

Of course, their need for an attacking overhaul has been lessened slightly by the news of Mohamed Salah’s new contract, which will keep him at the club until at least 2027. Keeping hold of the Egyptian couldn’t be more important following the season that he’s enjoyed whilst those around him have faltered in front of goal on several occasions.

Away from both left-back and their frontline though, another Liverpool target has seemingly emerged and one that would complete Slot’s midfield once and for all.

Liverpool positioning themselves to sign Oihan Sancet

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now strongly positioning themselves to sign Oihan Sancet this summer despite a rumoured release clause worth €80m (£68m) at Athletic Bilbao. Whether those at Anfield skip the release clause and aim to negotiate with the La Liga club remains to be seen, but any talks will be made that much harder by reports that Bilbao are keen to keep hold of their midfield star.

Described as “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Sancet has certainly earned the chance to complete a big move this summer following another excellent campaign in Spain.

The 24-year-old has scored a stunning 16 goals in 29 games in all competitions from attacking midfield this season, highlighting the offensive spark that he would provide the current Liverpool side – one they’ve perhaps lacked at times when Salah has misfired.

Firdose Moonda and Valkerie Baynes chat to Nigar Sultana Joty to mark International Women’s Day

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-2024In the second episode of ESPNcricinfo Powerplay, Firdose Moonda and Valkerie Baynes speak with Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana about the hurdles she and her countrywomen have overcome to play the sport they love.