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Newcastle are eyeing Palmeiras star Allan Elias, who has a €100 million (£87.5m/$117m) release clause as the January transfer window looms. The Magpies have stepped up their interest with reports in Brazil claiming the Premier League side are pushing for an "immediate" agreement.

Magpies plot ambitious move for Brazil’s Elias

According to , Palmeiras have outlined a plan to generate €70m (£61m/$82m) from new player sales in 2026. The club will count only fresh transactions, excluding any instalments from past deals, and view Allan as a prime candidate to command a major transfer fee. Having developed into Abel Ferreira’s go-to "utility player", featuring across multiple positions and delivering decisive moments in crucial matches, the youngster is now counted among the club’s most valuable assets. 

Newcastle, aware of Palmeiras’ willingness to negotiate, are said to be ready to make a significant investment. The Palmeiras hierarchy admits that no player is considered "untouchable" for the 2026 season. Should a suitable proposal arrive, Allianz Parque officials are prepared to sanction a sale that supports their revenue objectives. Palmeiras have already turned down a €20m (£17m/$23m) bid from Zenit and expect future offers to approach at least €32m (£28m/$37m). While Allan’s release clause gives the club substantial leverage, their urgent financial targets increase the likelihood of movement in 2026 if negotiations progress. And the midfielder’s situation is being monitored closely in England, where Newcastle have been tracking him as part of their long-term squad rebuild. 

AdvertisementGettyPalmeiras’ track record of blockbuster departures fuels speculation

If Allan does depart, it would follow a growing pattern of record-breaking sales by Palmeiras in recent years. Their academy pipeline has become one of the most profitable in world football, producing talents snapped up by Europe’s biggest names. Endrick’s monumental €72m (£63m/$84m) switch to Real Madrid in 2022 set a new bar for Brazilian exports. That was followed by Estevão’s €61.5m (£54m/$72m) move to Chelsea, Luis Guilherme’s €23m (£20m/$27m) transfer to West Ham, and the most recent agreement for teenage defender Vitor Reis, whose €37m (£33m/$43m) package, €35m (£31m/$41m) of which goes directly to Palmeiras, further swelled the club’s coffers. Against this backdrop, Allan stands out as the next likely high-value departure. With the January window looming and Palmeiras openly embracing negotiations as part of their long-term financial planning, Newcastle’s interest comes at precisely the right moment.

Frattesi back on the agenda as Newcastle weigh midfield options

In parallel with their pursuit of Elias, Newcastle are also keeping a close eye on Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi. The Italian midfielder, who was strongly linked with the Magpies last summer, has seen his playing time shrink dramatically under new manager Cristian Chivu. reported that Newcastle were keen to sign the 26-year-old during the last transfer window, only for Inter to block the move following Simone Inzaghi’s departure. But with Frattesi logging fewer than 200 minutes in Serie A this season, a January move is now considered "very likely,” according to

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Getty Images SportFinancial realities cast doubt on mega-deals

Eddie Howe has repeatedly expressed his desire to expand his midfield options, particularly after injuries to Joe Willock and Lewis Miley disrupted Newcastle’s rhythm earlier in the campaign. The Magpies eventually secured Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but Howe made no secret of his concern that the squad were operating with fewer central midfielders than he wanted. Despite their interest in Allan, Howe has sought to temper expectations about Newcastle making extravagant purchases in January as the club remain tightly constrained by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

At the time, he said: "We want six [midfielders] and now we are down to four. That is an issue for us and it is a position we are looking at."

"Certainly paying fees like that (£100 million), and I am not sure we are going to be in a position to do that. I am talking about that without any knowledge on January. It is just not really a window that big fees are usually paid. There is always a long-term management of PSR and long-term management on our financial situation. We can’t let one transfer unbalance that."

Newcastle currently sit 12th in the Premier League and face Burnley on Saturday.

And was England’s 22-run win at Lord’s the closest there by margin of runs?

Steven Lynch22-Jul-2025Is it right that England’s win last week was the closest in a Test at Lord’s? asked Dennis McKinlay from Scotland

Last week’s exciting Test against India at Lord’s was the 149th to be played there, so it was something of a surprise to discover that 22 was indeed the narrowest victory margin by runs in any of them. The previous closest was 43, when Australia beat England in 2023. South Africa beat England by 51 runs in 2012, and Australia beat England by 61 in 1888.There have been two two-wicket victories in Tests at Lord’s, by Pakistan against England in 1992 and by England against West Indies in 2000. However, perhaps the closest Test of all at Lord’s finished in a draw: at the end of a famous match against West Indies in 1963 England were nine down but needed just six to win.West Indies were 11 for 6 during their horrendous collapse in Jamaica. Has the sixth wicket ever fallen at a lower score in a Test innings? asked Jason Cameron from Trinidad

The dismissal of skipper Roston Chase in the second innings in Kingston last week left West Indies perilously placed at 11 for 6. The only team to lose their sixth wicket earlier in a Test were Australia, who dipped to 7 for 6 in the follow-on against England at Old Trafford in 1888. Australia were also 11 for 6 at The Oval in 1896.That 1888 series, incidentally, is the only one of three or more Tests in which the highest score in the series was lower than the 75 (by Brandon King in Grenada) of the recent encounter in the Caribbean – England’s Bobby Abel made 70 at The Oval. There have only been five other such series which did not feature an individual century from either side.West Indies made it to 26 for 6 before Scott Boland’s hat-trick, and were grateful to a misfield for the chance to avoid equalling the lowest total in Test history, New Zealand’s 26 against England in Auckland in 1955. They still suffered the second-lowest; West Indies’ worst before this was 47, against England, also at Sabina Park, in 2004.Justin Greaves has been part of both 2025’s Test hat-tricks. Has anyone else been part of two in Tests? asked Colin Henderson from England

The unfortunate Justin Greaves was the first victim of Scott Boland’s hat-trick in the third Test in Jamaica last week, just as he had been when the Pakistan spinner Noman Ali achieved the feat in Multan in January.Greaves was the fourth man to be part of two Test hat-tricks. The first was arguably the most notable: the South African wicketkeeper Tommy Ward, making his Test debut in the Triangular Tournament at Old Trafford in 1912, was the third victim of the Australian legspinner Jimmy Matthews in both innings, thus completing a king pair.Another Australian legspinner, Stuart MacGill, was the middle man in the hat-tricks of Darren Gough (in Sydney in 1999) and Jermaine Lawson in Bridgetown in 2003), while the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Romesh Kaluwitharana was the first victim of Wasim Akram (in Lahore in 1999) and Abdul Razzaq (in Galle in 2000). Akram took hat-tricks in successive matches against Sri Lanka, but the batters were all different.England’s Stuart Broad remains the only man to be involved in three Test hat-tricks. He took two – against India at Trent Bridge in 2011, and Sri Lanka at Headingley in 2014 – and was the final victim in Peter Siddle’s birthday hat-trick for Australia in Brisbane in 2010.Boland was the tenth Australian man to take a Test hat-trick.Only Stuart Broad has been part of three hat-tricks – as the perpetrator or two, and a victim in the third•Getty ImagesThe just-retired Angelo Mathews, the Waugh twins, and Steve Smith were all born on June 2. They have amassed more than 37,000 Test runs between them. Is this the most Test runs “born” on a single day? asked Siddiqui Saleem from the United States

It’s a reasonable guess – and a correct one! In total there have so far been 38,282 runs scored in men’s Tests by players born on June 2: that’s 10,927 by Steve Waugh, 10,477 by Steven Smith, 8214 from Angelo Mathews, 8029 by Mark Waugh, 416 from Lindsay “Dad” Weir of New Zealand, 213 from England’s George Lohmann… and not forgetting six by Jayantha Silva of Sri Lanka. Second on this particular list is October 27, with 32,417. That includes 12,400 from Kumar Sangakkara, 8786 by David Warner, and Mark Taylor’s 7525.The best day for bowlers is July 3, with 1104 wickets, the main contributors being Richard Hadlee (431), Harbhajan Singh (417), Ewen Chatfield (132) and Henry Olonga (68). A close second with 1074 wickets is June 24 – made up of 604 from Stuart Broad, 246 byGraham McKenzie and 224 from Vernon Philander.Apparently there’s someone who played in the same Test side as Victor Trumper and Don Bradman. Who was it? asked Michael Hunter from Australia

Victor Trumper, who played 37 Tests between 1899 and 1911-12, and Don Bradman, whose 52 matches came between 1928-29 and 1948, are the two most famous Australian batters of the past – Bradman because of his phenomenal scoring feats, and Trumper because of the unusual elegance of his batting. Both have inspired shelves full of books.As Trumper played his last Test before the Great War – he died of Bright’s Disease in 1915, aged only 37 – it needed a long career to have played alongside both him and the Don. My first thought was that it might be another fondly remembered batter, Warren Bardsley, but although he made his Test debut alongside Trumper in England in 1909, he played his last Tests in the 1926 Ashes, aged 43, a couple of years before Bradman’s debut.And it turns out that the man who played with both is a less celebrated figure. The New South Wales allrounder Charles Kelleway made his Test debut against South Africa in 1910-11 alongside Trumper (and Bardsley). He appeared in most of Australia’s Tests from then until 1924-25, but missed the 1926 tour of England – but was recalled after three years out of first-class cricket for the first Test of the 1928-29 Ashes tour, in Brisbane, where one of his team-mates was Bradman, making his debut. It wasn’t a happy occasion for the Australians, who lost by a whopping 675 runs: Kelleway bowled 34 wicketless overs and was out for 8, and then went down with food poisoning, missed the rest of the match and never played again; Bradman was out for 18 and 1 and was dropped for the only time in his life.Eighteen months later, after Bradman scored a century in the first Test of the 1930 Ashes series in England – he went on to amass a record 974 runs in the series – Kelleway, who was in a unique position to judge, was asked whether he was a greater batsman than Trumper. “It is very sad, because it is very nearly true,” he said. “In a century there will be only one Trumper, and in a century there would be only one Don Bradman.”Three England players – Jack Hobbs, Phil Mead and Frank Woolley – opposed both Trumper and Bradman in Test matches.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Bryan Mbeumo has revealed his stance on a potential Cameroon national team call-up for the African Cup of Nations in December as the winger is determined to avoid the club vs country row. The AFCON 2025 kicks off in the last week of December, while the players are expected to link up with their respective national teams two weeks before the competition commences.

Mbeumo off to a stellar start at United

Mbeumo enjoyed a stellar campaign with Brentford in the 2024-25 season as he scored 20 league goals and provided eight assists in 38 matches and emerged as the Premier League's fourth-highest goalscorer. His impressive form for the Bees caught United boss Ruben Amorim's eye as the Portuguese coach splashed a whopping £65 million ($87m) to secure the winger's signing. Amorim identified the Cameroonian as a key part of his squad overhaul after overseeing a nightmare debut campaign at Old Trafford. 

The 26-year-old has so far had an impressive outing in his maiden season with the Red Devils as he has scored four goals and contributed with an assist in 10 league matches. Last month, Mbeumo recorded three goals and one assist, playing a pivotal role in United’s turnaround after a sluggish start to the season. His all-action displays reflected both his maturity and tactical intelligence under Amorim, who has given the 26-year-old the freedom to attack from the right-hand side while drifting into central positions. It also helped him bag the Premier League Player of the Month for October. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMbeumo wants to avoid club vs country row over AFCON participation

Mbeumo is expected to receive a national team call-up next month as Cameroon are all set to take part in the AFCON 2025. The tournament starts on December 21 and according to FIFA’s international competition regulations, clubs must release players two weeks before the start of major tournaments to allow for preparation. United are scheduled to face Wolves on December 8, the day Cameroon are expected to begin their preparations. 

reports that the Red Devils will urge the Cameroon Football Association, led by legendary striker Samuel Eto’o, to allow Mbeumo to stay in England for the club's crucial fixtures against Bournemouth and Aston Villa on December 13 and 21 respectively. 

The report adds that Mbeumo is very clear about his stance on this potential conflict, as he is determined not to upset either his employers or his country and wants a clear agreement between all parties in the coming weeks.

Amorim's stance on AFCON issue

Other than Mbeumo, United will also miss key first team figures like Noussair Mazraoui and Amad, who are expected to represent Morocco and Ivory Coast respectively, at the continental competition. Speaking about missing three of their star players in December, United boss Amorim said: "We will have time to suffer. We are going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it's going to be an opportunity. When I watch the training, there are players that should be playing, but it's hard with one game to take some players from the team, because they are doing well also during the training in games. So other players are going to have the opportunity to help us. They are understanding the way we want to play, so if we are improving on that, the change of characteristics is not going to change the idea or the momentum of the team. But let's use Amad and Bryan in these games and we will see in general."

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Getty Images SportUnited aim to get back to winning ways

After a brilliant run of form in October, where they won three games in a row, something United had failed to achieve earlier in the Amorim era, their form somewhat took a dip as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Forest last weekend. Despite the draw, United have moved up to the eighth position in the Premier League table, courtesy of collecting 10 points in their last four games. They will now aim to get back to winning ways on Saturday as they travel to north London to face Tottenham. 

For New York Mets pitcher Griffin Canning, the 2025 season appears to be over.

The Mets are putting Canning on the 60-day injured list with a ruptured Achilles, they announced Friday amid a flurry of roster moves. Canning left New York's 4–0 win over the Atlanta Braves Thursday with a non-contact injury after pitching just 2 2/3 innings.

The injury is a devastating blow for the 29-year-old, whose 3.77 ERA and 3.98 FIP both constituted career lows. This was Canning's first season with the Mets after five with the Los Angeles Angels.

Canning exited his start against the Braves with three strikeouts and just one hit allowed.

New York has enjoyed a terrific year pitching-wise, with starters Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill, David Peterson and Kodai Senga all recording sub-4.00 ERAs.

Players joining the Mets' active roster in Friday's moves include pitcher Colin Poche, pitcher Blake Tidwell, and newly healthy third baseman and designated hitter Mark Vientos.

Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 94 helped Perth reach their target of 165 with seven wickets to spare

AAP06-Dec-2025

Beth Mooney’s unbeaten knock took Scorchers into the finals•Getty Images

Beth Mooney has led Perth Scorchers back into the WBBL finals, executing the perfect chase against Brisbane Heat and ending Melbourne Renegades’ title defence in the process.Needing 165 for victory in a must-win game at the WACA on Saturday, Mooney hit an unbeaten 94 from 61 to help Perth reach the target with seven wickets and four balls to spare. The victory ensured the Scorchers would have a home final, knocked the Renegades out of the top four and handed the Heat the first winless season in WBBL history.With one game to play in the season, Hobart are guaranteed top spot and hosting rights for next Saturday night’s final at Ninja Stadium. Perth and the Melbourne Stars are also locked into finals spots, with the winner of the Sydney Sixers and Adelaide at North Sydney Oval on Sunday morning to join them.The WBBL’s finals system has third and fourth face off in eliminator on Tuesday, before the winner of that plays against second on Thursday for a spot in the final.The Stars could have wrapped up second spot on Saturday morning had they beaten the Sydney Thunder at Junction Oval, only for them to be well beaten. Instead Perth are now in second, and will stay there if the Strikers beat the Sixers on Sunday.Facing a tricky chase after Georgia Redmayne’s 57 helped the Heat to 164 for 7, Mooney took control of the game at the WACA. Australia’s veteran opener regularly picked balls up off her pads and hit them over the legside to the rope, hitting 12 boundaries in a near-flawless knock. The Scorchers’ chase threatened to wobble late when Maddy Darke (24) and Sophie Devine (13) fell, but Mooney held her nerve and Freya Kemp’s late hitting saw Perth home.The leading run-scorer in WBBL history, Mooney now has scores of 105, 75 and 94* for the season and will enter the finals as one of the league’s most dangerous players.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has offered his thoughts on Xavi Simons and his performances in training, while addressing the decision to bench him in Spurs’ last four matches.

Thomas Frank set for Brentford reunion amid poor Spurs run

Spurs welcome Brentford to north London on Saturday, desperately needing to end a dismal run that has seen them plummet to 11th in the Premier League table with just 19 points from 14 games.

Frank’s side approach this clash winless in their last five league outings, including three defeats.

Cristian Romero’s dramatic late overhead kick salvaged a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their last match, with a controversial VAR penalty to Newcastle denying them all three points.

Their home form has completely collapsed too, with the club now going six consecutive league matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a single victory.

16. Burnley

2

1

4

7

-2

17. Nottingham Forest

2

1

4

7

-5

18. West Ham

2

0

5

6

-9

19. Tottenham

1

2

4

5

-1

20. Wolves

0

1

6

1

-11

That shocking run includes 10 home defeats throughout the entire calendar year of 2025, matching the club’s worst-ever records for home losses in a single year.

Most concerning was their last appearance on home soil, where Fulham raced into a two-goal lead within the opening six minutes before securing a 2-1 victory.

The final whistle brought a cacophony of boos ringing around the stadium, aimed squarely at Frank and his struggling squad.

The ghosts of their 4-1 capitulation at Arsenal last month continue to haunt the team. During that humbling derby defeat, Tottenham managed an expected goals figure of just 0.07, one of their lowest outputs this season, highlighting their serious lack of creativity which has become a concern.

Injury problems compound Frank’s difficulties.

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Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined, robbing Spurs of crucial attacking impetus, with James Maddison not expected back until the new year. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma also has no set return date yet.

The Lilywhites really need Simons to step up right now after his marquee £55 million move from RB Leipzig, but the Dutchman has scarcely been given a chance lately.

Simons’ highlights in a Spurs jersey are few and far between, with the ex-PSG sensation putting in a Player of the Match display against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and notching an assist against West Ham way back in September.

That is, however, the sum of his contribution this season, with the ex-Eredivisie starlet attracting criticism.

Thomas Frank makes Xavi Simons training claim in response to Tottenham snubs

Simons could end up costing the club £125 million when factoring in wages, agent’s fees and other add-ons over a potential seven-year contract, but to be fair to him, it’s hard to justify that price with limited game time.

Speaking in his latest press conference, Frank addressed why he hasn’t been starting for Simons for Tottenham lately — claiming it is down to a matter of form with alternatives and different personnel for contrasting matches.

The Dane also shared how Simons has been impressing in Tottenham training lately, so it is absolutely not a question of work ethic.

With the pressure on Simons to perform, Saturday sets the perfect stage, and he could become a hero by helping to arrest the club’s barren home form through a convincing display against Frank’s former club.

Litton Das, Bangladesh’s T20I captain, had questioned the decision of the selectors after Shamim Hossain had been dropped for the T20I series against Ireland

Mohammad Isam30-Nov-2025

Shamim Hossain has scores of 0, 0, 1 and 1 in his last four T20Is•AFP/Getty Images

Bangladesh have added Shamim Hossain to the squad for the third T20I against Ireland, to be played on Tuesday.The move came after captain Litton Das had criticised the selectors for leaving Shamim out of the squad for the series, saying that neither he nor coach Phil Simmons had been informed about it. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said last Friday that Shamim was being dropped to give Mahidul Islam Ankon a run in the middle order.”I think it would have been better if [Shamim] was in the team. But this is not my call, [it is] totally the selectors’ call,” Litton, known to be a mild-mannered man, had said before the first T20I. “I don’t know why, but the selector dropped Shamim without giving us notice. I have known that a captain would know which player would be in the team, and which player would be out of the team. I don’t see any reason behind Shamim getting dropped. It would have been better if he was in the team.”Ashraf countered Litton later the same day, saying that he didn’t need the captain’s permission to select or not select a player, though there has clearly been a change of heart now.The relationship between the two has reportedly been frosty since Ashraf dropped Litton during the ODI series against Sri Lanka last year.For the record, Shamim had recorded scores of 0, 0, 1 and 1 in his last four T20Is.The T20I series is level at 1-1 going into the decider.Bangladesh squad for third T20I against IrelandLitton Das (capt, wk), Saif Hassan (vice-capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan, Mahidul Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shamim Hossain

Managing director Vikram Banerjee on tournament’s challenges ahead of transformative sixth edition

Matt Roller28-Aug-2025The Hundred’s squads will be overhauled ahead of the 2026 season in a “reset” evoking the IPL’s mega-auction, marking the arrival of new investors in the eight franchises. Vikram Banerjee, the tournament’s managing director, expects the move to prove unpopular with coaches but believes it is necessary to maintain the league’s competitive balance.Teams were allowed to retain up to 10 players from their 2024 squads for the ongoing season, which concludes at Lord’s on Sunday. Women’s squads were overhauled between the second and third seasons but some men’s teams – most notably Oval Invincibles, who are hunting a third successive title – have kept a consistent core throughout the Hundred’s short history.The ECB have started to discuss retention rules with teams, with some new investors pushing for an auction model to replace a draft. The regulations are yet to be finalised, but Banerjee – who has spent every day of the Hundred’s fifth season at a match – believes the timing is right to refresh squads as he bids to “supercharge” the tournament in its new era.”I’d like next year to be a bit of a reset,” Banerjee told ESPNcricinfo. “All these leagues do it over time, and next year should be one of those. There are three things that are non-negotiable. You want to make sure whatever you do brings the very best players in; whatever the mix is between draft, auction, direct signings, retentions, the very best players in the world choose to play here.Related

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“But you also need competitive balance… That ‘Any Given Sunday’ philosophy, that you don’t know who’s going to win this game, that’s a good thing. Coaches won’t like that, but from a league level, that’s an important thing. The third thing is that it has to work [for both] men and women, and that’s really important to us.”A handful of men’s players signed contracts this year aligning with new investors – such as Rashid Khan at the Invincibles (Reliance) and Steven Smith at Welsh Fire (Washington Freedom) – and that trend is likely to accelerate, with the four IPL owners involved seeking greater continuity across their global networks of franchises.The risk of a “reset” is that significant player turnover will further dilute the identities of teams that have only existed for five years. The Hundred will undergo significant change over the next 11 months, with centralised kit manufacture (New Balance) and sponsorship (KP Snacks) deals expiring. At least three team names are set to change, along with some colourways.But Banerjee believes the 2025 season has shown that the “tribalism” he hoped would develop around Hundred teams has started to emerge. “I stand by that objective,” he said. “I love the amount of yellow [in the stands] when I go to Nottingham, or green when I go down to Southampton… That fan affinity is something that we need to keep building on.”He was buoyed by the occasional needle between teams, most evident when Liam Livingstone, riled by Tom Curran allegedly calling him a “fat slob”, blazed a match-winning 69 not out: “I can’t condone the exact choice of words, but the fact that this means something to them is great… It’s so important for the high-performance element that this is the [league] that they love playing in.”The glut of flags in the Hollies Stand at Edgbaston has been a sign of the Hundred’s growing ‘tribalism’, according to Banerjee•Matt Lewis/ECB via Getty ImagesWhile new investors will not assume operational control of their franchises until October 1, they have all attended games this season: Sanjiv Goenka rang the bell at Emirates Old Trafford, the ‘Tech Titans’ posed for photos on the Lord’s pitch, and Akash Ambani visited the dressing room after an Oval Invincibles home win.”We take a lot of what we do for granted, but a full house at The Oval or Emirates Old Trafford, or 6,000 flags in the Hollies Stand, is something special,” Banerjee said. “We’re having some great conversations already about the tournament in general and while the 2026 season will come around fast, we’ve got a decent amount of time.”I would like us to be the unmissable event of the summer for families… If we can be that, then in season 20 – or whatever the number is, season 50 – I would love us to be standing shoulder to shoulder with all of the great sports brands… If I ask you what the very best sporting leagues are in the world, I would like us to be in that list [with] NFL, IPL, Wimbledon.”It is a lofty ambition, and one that many believe will only be possible if the Hundred becomes a T20 tournament. The 100-ball format does have some advantages – it suits the double-header model well, shaving an hour off each matchday, and fits into a tighter broadcast window – but has also proved unexpectedly bowler-friendly.While overwhelming support for a shift to T20 among new investors could, in theory, prompt the ECB to attempt to change ongoing broadcast contracts, a change appears highly unlikely for at least three more seasons. “People have bought into a product that is hugely successful,” Banerjee said. “[The format] allows it to go onto the BBC… It’s quite a complex conversation.”Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, set a long-term target to sell out a women’s Hundred match earlier this year, but the double-header model will remain for next season. Banerjee said he is “absolutely not” concerned that investors will only focus on the men’s competition: “The excitement, growth and equality that we’re trying to drive, they have all bought into that.”

I can’t condone the exact choice of words, but the fact that this means something to them is greatBanerjee on the ‘fat slob’ spat between Curran and Livingstone

Slow pitches remain a concern, with groundstaff stretched by the sheer volume of fixtures staged at major venues by the time the Hundred starts. “It’s easy for me to say, in my position, that I’d like, on every pitch, the ball to fly through at 90mph and scream into the middle of everyone’s bat so it goes flying out of the park,” Banerjee said. “They have a lot on their plate.”This season has been something of a holding year for the Hundred, the bridge between the tournament’s inception as a product run entirely by the ECB and its reincarnation as a league between privately-owned franchises from 2026. But Banerjee believes it has been the best edition yet, citing strong ticket sales and high attendances at women’s fixtures.”We were really keen that it wasn’t a transition year and it wasn’t a nothing year. Actually, I think this year has been the best year. It’s important that the tournament that people have bought into continues to grow, continues to be successful… It is a great tournament and it’s great fun to be at. I’m very pleased that it’s not really been a ‘transition’ [season]. It’s been a great start.”I see no reason why we can’t be that unmissable event of the summer… We need to be brilliant at knowing our fanbase on TV, digital, and in-bowl, and serving them brilliant cricket and brilliant entertainment… If we continue with our fan-first approach and philosophy and continue to invest in the things that are important to us, we can achieve that aim.”

Manchester United have registered their interest in signing an “incredible” star, but they will have to shell out a huge fee to get a deal done, with it being revealed his club could demand £120m.

Man Utd looking to sign new midfielder despite Casemiro resurgence

Ruben Amorim’s faith in Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as a midfield pair has paid off in recent weeks, with his side winning their last three Premier League games on the bounce, and the Brazilian has caught the eye with his recent performances.

Having returned to form, scoring in the 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend, Rio Ferdinand hit out at Jamie Carragher for his previous comments about the midfielder.

Ferdinand said: “Players lose confidence, they lose form, sometimes players’ legs go, but I think the call was too early and I thought it was highly disrespectful for someone who’s achieved so much in the game.”

However, given the level of Fernandes and Casemiro’s recent performances, with the former assisting Harry Maguire’s winning goal at Anfield, it has been difficult for Kobbie Mainoo to force his way into the side, and speculation over the 20-year-old’s future persists.

Doubts over Mainoo, coupled with the fact Casemiro is now 33 and has one year remaining on his contract, may exacerbate the need for Amorim to bring in a new midfielder, and Man United have now registered their interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

That is according to an update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, who states the Red Devils are “closely monitoring” Anderson, alongside Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

Forest are aware of the interest from elsewhere, and Plettenberg reveals the Premier League strugglers are expected to demand £100m – £120m to sanction a departure, given that there is no release clause in the midfielder’s contract.

"Incredible" Anderson could flourish at Old Trafford

Widespread recent reports have suggested United do not plan to trigger the extension in Casemiro’s contract, which means Amorim will need to bring in a new midfielder next summer, and the Forest star could be the ideal heir.

Spanish newspaper drops bombshell on 'new Messi' amid possible offer from Man Utd

What a signing this could be.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 27, 2025

Much like the former Real Madrid man, the English midfielder flourishes defensively, as showcased by his performance across several important metrics per 90 over the past year.

Average per 90 (past year)

Casemiro

Elliot Anderson

Tackles

4.11 (99th percentile)

2.95 (88th percentile)

Clearances

2.65 (91st percentile)

2.06 (76th percentile)

Aerials won

2.11 (92nd percentile)

1.64 (84th percentile)

While United’s current midfielder may have the edge at the moment, the England international is still very young at 22-years-old, meaning he has plenty of time to develop, and he is more impressive in possession of the ball.

Lauded as “incredible” by journalist Miles Starforth, the former Newcastle man recently put in a commanding performance for the Three Lions, completing 121 passes in the 5-0 victory over Latvia, 32 more than any other player.

That said, while Anderson has been impressing for club and country, it is probably a little early for his value to be £120m, which would make the central midfielder by far the most expensive signing in Man United history.

With the USMNT set to kick off their first match of the November break this Saturday, GOAL's writers discuss the biggest storylines revolving around the team.

It’s camp time. The USMNT have reported for training, leaving their clubs behind to strut their stuff for the national team. And because this is the USMNT, there’s always a bit of drama. Injuries have hit hard, with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Chris Richards all out – and Malik Tillman missing as well. If this window ever felt like “must win,” that mood feels even further away now.

So, what can we make of all of this? Paraguay and Uruguay are good teams – certainly better than Australia and Ecuador. This will be a very difficult pair of fixtures.

Perhaps it’s all down to individual performances. There are a few players fighting for a spot on the World Cup roster. Some of the chosen absentees – looking at you, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah – also speak volumes. And then there’s the Gio Reyna conversation, with the attacking midfielder brought into the fray unexpectedly. There are plenty of storylines here, and GOAL US’s writers break them all down in the USMNT edition of… The Rondo.

• Thoughts on the squad overall

  Tom Hindle: Well, it’s about as full-strength as possible, given who Pochettino rates and the injuries he has. Sure, he’d love to have Pulisic, Adams, Tillman, and Richards, but if none are fully fit, there isn’t much that can be done. It’s good to see Christian Roldán back, and Ricardo Pepi certainly deserves another shot to prove he can be either the main man or the No. 2 behind Folarin Balogun. Honestly? Also, welcome back, Reyna.

  Ryan Tolmich: It's fine, given the situation. There’s no navigating injuries at the moment, so Pochettino was forced to confront the reality that this team, despite all intentions, was never going to be as strong as it could be. In that sense, yes, it makes sense to take a look at Reyna and Scally to see if they've learned anything. Yes, it makes sense to sort out the center-back pool without Richards to see what that looks like. And yes, it makes sense to take a different path with McKennie, who always plays his best when he’s in that sweet spot of being under pressure and playing at Juventus. For all of those reasons, the squad is fine – even if there are a few things many of us would have done differently.

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  Who are you must looking forward to seeing this camp?

  TH: Pepi. Haji Wright and Balogun are known quantities at this point. Where does Pepi fit? Sure, the U.S. will take three strikers to the World Cup; Pepi isn't going to lose his spot. But is he the No. 1 guy? Or the backup’s backup? This camp could offer a few clues as to where exactly he stands in this setup.

  RT: The center backs, for sure. We know one of the three World Cup starters will be Richards. The other two? Pretty up in the air. With no Richards in camp, it’s up to everyone else to brawl for those spots. Will it be a familiar face like Tim Ream? Can Mark McKenzie and Miles Robinson convince? Will Auston Trusty make a late push? With so many positions accounted for, center back is still a question mark. Maybe we'll get some answers this camp.

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  Who is under the most pressure to perform?

  TH: It’ll have to be one of the center backs. Any errors at the back can prove costly – not only to results, but to reputation. Trusty is very much on the bubble and will need a solid camp to prove he deserves a spot.

  RT: All eyes are on the strikers, right? For the first time post-Copa America, the U.S. have what seems to be the top three strikers in the pool all in camp together. Now that that’s happening, the race for the starting job can truly begin. Balogun, Pepi and Wright are all directly competing – may the best man win!

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  Who could make a case to start with a good couple of performances?

  TH: Gio flipping Reyna. Do it, Mauricio.

  RT: Tanner Tessmann is in a spot where he could really convince. The U.S. are seemingly still searching for an Adams partner and, at the moment, Tessmann seems to be in pole position. If he can perform – especially without Adams next to him as a safety blanket – he could do a whole lot to convince Pochettino that he can be the guy in midfield.