Chelsea bid £62m to sign Nico Williams amid update on Athletic Club future

Chelsea have now submitted an opening bid for Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, amid a new update on his future at the La Liga club.

The Blues already have a plethora of attacking options, having invested heavily during the summer transfer window, with Jamie Gittens grabbing his first Premier League assist of the season in the 2-0 victory against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Gittens set up fellow winger Pedro Neto with a perfectly weighted ball from the left, before Enzo Fernandez sealed all three points with just minutes left to play, moving the Blues up to second in the Premier League in the process.

After the disappointing 2-1 defeat against Sunderland at the end of October, Enzo Maresca’s side look like they are starting to click, and there may be an outside chance they could even compete for the title, although BlueCo may need to strengthen the squad in January to make that dream a reality.

Chelsea submit opening offer for Nico Williams

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now submitted an opening offer of €70m (£62m) for Athletic Club star Williams, and they are willing to triple the winger’s salary in order to tempt him into a January move to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have been working on a deal for weeks, and they are now confident they will be able to get it over the line soon, with the 23-year-old being identified as a key target, although there is set to be competition for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur have now matched the west Londoners’ offer for the Spain international, with it being revealed his future at Athletic Club is ‘more open than ever’, amid interest from two of the Premier League’s top sides.

There are question marks over whether the Athletic Club star would be a necessary signing, given that Maresca already has a wide array of attacking options, as Chelsea have been obsessed with signing young forwards with high potential.

However, the Pamplona-born forward has certainly impressed in both Spain and Europe over the past three seasons, indicating he could be capable of displacing Gittens in the starting XI at left-wing.

Nico Williams’ performance by season

Appearances (all comps)

Goal contributions

2023-24

37

26

2024-25

45

18

2025-26

10

4

The Spaniard was also one of the stars of Euro 2024, scoring two goals and picking up one assist as his side went on to defeat England 2-1 in the final, while Statman Dave was left particularly impressed by his performance against Georgia in the round of 16.

As such, Williams, who is regarded as one of the best wingers in the world, could be a solid signing for Chelsea, as they look to mount an outside push for the Premier League title.

Chelsea plotting fresh talks to sign another winger alongside Williams Chelsea plot fresh talks with forward after failed £62m bid and 'very exciting proposal'

He’d be a stellar addition to Enzo Maresca’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 20, 2025

Chelsea now one to watch in Elliot Anderson race with new price tag revealed

Chelsea are now one to watch in the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who is being targeted by a whole host of Premier League clubs.

The Blues are already blessed with options in the middle of the park, with Moises Caicedo receiving high praise from Enzo Maresca for his performance in the 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Maresca said: “He’s top. We judge him inside the pitch, but I have said many times, the best thing from Moi for sure, is he’s so humble, he’s such a good guy. He’s always there to help everyone.

“For me, in this moment, him and Rodri are the two best defending midfielders in the world.”

The Ecuadorian has formed a partnership with Enzo Fernandez in the engine room, while Reece James is also capable of slotting into midfield when required, putting in a solid performance against Tottenham, which resulted in a 7.6 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest of any Chelsea player.

However, BlueCo remain keen on strengthening Maresca’s midfield options even further, having emerged as potential suitors for a Premier League star…

Chelsea one to watch in Elliot Anderson race

According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are now one to watch in the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, with the England international starting to attract interest from a number of top Premier League clubs.

Newcastle United, Manchester United and Manchester City are also keen on the central midfielder, with it being revealed he is now valued at the £70m mark, rather than the £120m that was previously reported.

However, with Ruben Amorim personally keen and Man United planning to step up their efforts to sign the 22-year-old in January, the Blues may have to move swiftly.

It is no surprise that interest in the Nottingham Forest star is growing, given that he has put in some eye-catching performances for both club and country this season.

The Englishman was particularly impressive in the Three Lions’ 5-0 victory against Serbia, completing 75 passes, the second-highest number of any player, while also winning seven duels against Manchester United on Saturday.

The former Newcastle United man, who is represented by the same agent as Liam Delap, is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, which is showcased by his performance across several key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

2.89 (88th percentile)

Aerials won

1.62 (83rd percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.22 (91st percentile)

Assists

0.14 (75th percentile)

Hailed as “incredible” by journalist Miles Starforth, the Whitley Bay-born midfielder clearly has the quality to succeed at Stamford Bridge, but he would arguably be an unnecessary signing, given the options Maresca already has available.

Fernandez and Caicedo have formed a solid partnership at the base of midfield, so it could be difficult for Anderson to force his way into the side, considering he also most often plays in a deeper midfield role.

Chelsea send exciting offer to Juventus star Kenan Yildiz Chelsea send 'exciting' offer to Kenan Yildiz as Maresca hatches new Cole Palmer plan

They’re already favourites for his signature.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 31, 2025

Zak Foulkes gears up for 'really special' homecoming at Hagley Oval

New Zealand allrounder Zak Foulkes is set to his play first home Test, in front of family and friends, in Christchurch

Deivarayan Muthu01-Dec-2025

Zak Foulkes claimed the best-ever figures for a New Zealand bowler on Test debut•Zimbabwe Cricket

New Zealand allrounder Zak Foulkes has had a whirlwind few months. The 23-year-old bagged 9 for 75, the best figures by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut, in Bulawayo in August and then in his first ODI bowling innings, made Joe Root look silly with his inswinger in Mount Maunganui in October. He is set to close out the year with his first Test, against West Indies, at Hagley Oval, his home ground for Canterbury in domestic cricket.Foulkes’ family has made plans to come down to Hagley Oval and savour the occasion. “Yeah, a few friends and family coming down tomorrow, which will be cool,” Foulkes said. “Yeah, obviously first Test match out in front of them, which will be really cool. A really special moment for me and my family.”Obviously watched a lot of Test cricket out on this venue. Yeah, being on the other side of the road this time would be very cool, very rewarding.”Related

NZ start their WTC cycle as favourites against WI

'Boult-ish' Foulkes is adding breadth to NZ's pace depth

Foulkes hails from a cricketing family – his father Glen and his brothers Liam and Robbie have all represented Canterbury Country. Robbie, a top-order batter, also played for New Zealand in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. Liam now works for Cricket Ireland as their national game development manager.Zak was also a top-order batter before bowling, more specifically swing bowling, became his primary skill. He opened the batting for Canterbury on first-class debut, but that didn’t go down too well. He has since climbed up the ranks in domestic cricket and emerged as a genuine swing bowler in international cricket.”There’s a running joke at the moment that Jacob Duffy is actually developing a wee inswing,” Foulkes laughed. “So yeah, just trying to tell him to stay in his lane a little bit. Yeah, definitely a little bit of a point of difference between the other guys [with my ability to swing the ball].”That swing has brought him success for Canterbury at Hagley Oval and he’s now preparing to harness it for New Zealand in Test cricket. “I think Test cricket is probably my No. 1 goal,” Foulkes said. “It has been for a while. I think there’s just nothing more rewarding than a red-ball win. All the toil, all the hard work that goes into it. Yeah, it’s very rewarding when you get a win.””Obviously when everyone is available there’s not too many spots up for grabs,” Zak Foulkes says of the future•Getty Images

No Kyle Jamieson. No Will O’Rourke. No Ben Sears. No Matt Fisher. No problem for New Zealand. Foulkes and Duffy, who also made his Test debut in Zimbabwe, have made a fairly seamless transition from domestic to international cricket while Central Districts fast bowler Blair Tickner has made a remarkable comeback after being out in the wilderness.”Yeah, I think we’re in a great space,” Foulkes said. “Obviously when everyone is available there’s not too many spots up for grabs. It sort of fits itself, almost. Yeah, but I guess being fast bowlers, we know there’s going to be injuries. So we have to build that depth and I think we’re in a good spot at the moment as New Zealand cricket.”Does the rise to the top feel like a blur for Foulkes? “It’s all happened pretty quickly really,” he said. “I had a big winter, had a few A tours and ended up in the UK. And then Zimbabwe obviously, where I debuted, which was cool. And then we’ve been on a little bit of a white-ball diet from then. Yeah, it’s now going to be nice to strap on the whites and bowl with the red ball for a change.”Foulkes suggested that he wasn’t expecting to play this home Test, but a surfeit of injuries has opened up another opportunity for him. He’s ready for it, with support from a cricket-mad family.

برناردو سيلفا قبل مباراة ريال مدريد: مانشستر سيتي لديه هدف محدد.. ولا جدوى من متابعة آرسنال

ظهر برناردو سيلفا، لاعب فريق مانشستر سيتي، في مؤتمر صحفي منذ قليل للحديث عن مباراة ريال مدريد المرتقبة في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساء يوم الأربعاء.

ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة فريقي ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي، في الجولة السادسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، موسم 2025/26.

وقال برناردو سيلفا، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “سيتي إكسترا” الإنجليزية: “اتخذ النادي قرارًا بتغيير العديد من اللاعبين، مما منح الفريق ديناميكية جديدة، ليصبح فريقًا مختلفًا مليئًا بالإمكانات والحيوية، نحن نتطلع إلى مباراة الغد، إنها مباراة صعبة”.

وأضاف: “لكن الشعور والحيوية في غرفة الملابس هذا الموسم كانا رائعين، حتى عندما لم تكن النتائج بنفس جودة الأداء، لذلك نحن متحمسون للغاية، إنه اختبار جيد لنا، ستكون مباراة ممتعة غدًا ضد ريال مدريد”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تشواميني: ألونسو ليس سبب الخسارة أمام سيلتا فيجو.. ونستطيع إيقاف هالاند

وواصل: “أعتقد حقًا أن الفريق مستعد لتقديم أداء جيد والحصول على النقاط الثلاث أمام ريال مدريد، هذا هو الهدف الرئيسي بالنسبة لنا، نحن نتطلع بكل تأكيد للوصول إلى المراحل الأخيرة من الموسم بفريق أفضل بكثير مما كان عليه في أغسطس الماضي، على سبيل المثال، أو مما هو عليه الآن”.

وشدد: “لقد لمسنا تحسنًا ملحوظًا، نحن نلعب ونؤدي بشكل أفضل بكثير مما كنا عليه، لنقل في الشهر الأول قبل فترة التوقف الدولي، آرسنال؟ كلا الفريقين سيُهدران نقاطًا كثيرة حتى نهاية الموسم! لن يكون الأمر مفاجئًا، لذا لا جدوى من متابعة ما يقدمه آرسنال”.

واسترسل: “هدفنا الرئيسي هو تقديم أفضل أداء ممكن وإعداد الفريق لتقديم أفضل ما لديه، وإذا فعلنا ذلك، فنحن على يقين بأن لدينا فرصة كبيرة للمنافسة على البطولات”.

واستكمل: “لا أستطيع القول إن ريال مدريد يمتلك بعض لاعبين سيئين، لذا إذا لم يلعب كيليان مبابي (شكوك حول مشاركته غدًا)، فبدلاً من إشراك فينيسيوس ومبابي، هناك فينيسيوس ورودريجو، لن أقول إن هؤلاء اللاعبين سيئون”.

وأوضح: “لذلك بغض النظر عمن يلعب، ستكون مباراة صعبة للغاية، ونحن نعرف مدى قوتهم، شخصيتهم وأسلوب لعبهم، وستكون مباراة رائعة غدًا، سنشاهد بعض مقاطع الفيديو لفريقهم لنكون أكثر استعدادًا ونعرف ما يفعلونه في معظم المباريات”.

واستدرك: “منذ انضمامي إلى مانشستر سيتي، أعتقد أنني لعبت ضد ريال مدريد خمس أو ست مرات في البرنابيو”.

Jacob Young Is Undeniably the Best Juggler in MLB After Circus Catch

Nationals center fielder Jacob Young is finding a routine of making incredible catches in the outfield.

He continued that trend Monday evening when he came up with a wild grab against the Braves where he bobbled a liner off the bat of Atlanta shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Young dove for the ball and got in front of it, but the ball popped out of his glove and he miraculously made the catch with his bare hand.

He made an eerily similar catch just a day ago against the Mets in New York where he tracked down a ball on the warning track that fell out of his glove, but he kicked it back up off his foot and brought it in for a wild out.

In an MLB talent show, Young may take the cake with his impressive juggling and hacky sack skills. The catch off his foot Sunday is one you rarely ever see, and then he follows it up with a similar play the next day. Incredible.

The Nationals' season will come to a close Sunday against the White Sox as they sit at the bottom of the NL East. Maybe we'll see some more new skills from Young with just five games to go.

Corinthians e Fluminense conversam sobre ingressos para visitantes na Copa do Brasil

MatériaMais Notícias

da premier bet: As diretorias de Corinthians e Fluminense conversam para definir a quantidade de torcedores visitantes nas partidas válidas pela semifinal da Copa do Brasil.

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da aviator aposta: +Confira os jogadores do Brasil que estão no álbum da Copa do Mundo

A ideia da diretoria corintiana é tentar uma divisão proporcional, evitando o que aconteceu nas quartas de final da Libertadores, contra o Flamengo, quando os times acertaram que 4 mil ingressos seriam disponibilizados tanto para flamenguistas na Neo Química Arena, quanto para corintianos no Maracanã.

As críticas por parte da Fiel vieram principalmente pela falta de proporcionalidade, já que o estádio do Timão tem pouco mais de 49 mil lugares, enquanto o Maraca possui cerca de 79 mil.

+ Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil e simule os próximos jogos

Diferentemente da Libertadores, que define que os clubes mandantes precisam disponibilizar 2 mil ingressos aos visitantes entre a fase de grupos até as quartas de final – aumentando para 4 mil na semifinal – a Copa do Brasil não prevê essa questão em regulamento.

A ideia é que a decisão sobre a distribuição de ingressos para os visitantes entre Corinthians e Fluminense seja tomada ainda nesta sexta-feira (19), para que os clubes já abram as vendas às suas torcidas. A CBF ainda não desmembrou a tabela, mas a tendência é que a partida aconteça nesta quarta-feira (24).

Hameed wants 'four more days of quality cricket' as Notts eye Division One title

The stage is set for one of the most memorable ends to a Rothesay County Championship season with the battle for the Division One title and relegation places still very much alive heading into the final round this week.Nottinghamshire put themselves in pole position to win their first title in 15 years after snatching a 20-run win over three-time reigning champions Surrey last week. It was a contest to highlight the very best of the Rothesay County Championship and leaves Notts needing a maximum of 10 points to be crowned champions when they host Warwickshire at Trent Bridge starting Wednesday.With excitement building in the east Midlands after their success at the Kia Oval, Notts captain Haseeb Hameed has warned they will still need to produce “four more days of quality cricket”.Related

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  • Rahul Chahar joins Surrey for final Championship match of the season

“We have to go into the game with that mindset and focus because Warwickshire are a really good team,” Hameed told ecb.co.uk. “I think you can see that across the whole County Championship this season – anyone can beat anyone. It has been a really tight and tough year and that’s probably why it’s so close at the bottom as well.”There are no easy wins in this division and we go into the final round knowing we have to play four more days of quality cricket.”Surrey have been the county to catch for the past four seasons as they have set the bar high for the chasing pack. They will draw on that culture of success as they look to become the first county, since the great Surrey side of the 1950s, to win four titles in a row when they travel to Hampshire.Rory Burns’ team know that anything other than a win will probably not be enough while Hampshire, who could welcome back talisman Liam Dawson from England duty, have plenty to play for themselves as one of five counties that head into the final round looking to avoid relegation.The south-coast club are just two points above Durham, who sit inside the relegation zone on 140 points, but the northern-most county do have their fate in their own hands as make the journey down the A1 to a Yorkshire team who need 10 points to be assured of staying up.Sussex and Essex both have 150 points and know avoiding defeat in their final-round matches against already-relegated Worcestershire and third-placed Somerset respectively would be enough to retain their place in the top tier.It sets the scene for an intriguing final round at both ends of the table and Hameed admits he’d have it no other way.”At the start of the season the goal of every team would be to put themselves in the position we’re in heading into the final round,” he said. “It’s a great position to be in, but there’s work still to be done and that’s the focus. There is going to be a bit of noise around and there will be some excitement I’m sure across the four days with everything that is going on at the top of the bottom of the division.”We just have to be ready to go on Wednesday morning and focus on doing what we’ve done in the 13 matches so far.”Hameed is not letting himself think about becoming a title-winning captain, after reviving his career since moving to Notts from Lancashire ahead of the 2020 season. The 28-year-old, who has 10 Test caps, scored 1235 runs when he helped Notts win promotion from Division Two in 2022 and could surpass that mark this week as this season’s second-leading runscorer.”I just want to lead from the front and do my job. I’ve been here five or six years now and it feels like home and I’ve enjoyed my cricket,” said Hameed, who also highlighted the influence of his opening partner Ben Slater, who could pass 1000 runs for the season this week.”It’s been great establishing an opening partnership with Slats. He’s had a great season and has loads of experience which is so important. But I come back to it – the whole team knows we have to focus on our job because Warwickshire are a quality team. I’d love to see a good crowd at Trent Bridge and hopefully we can make it a week to remember.”In Division Two, Leicestershire will head into the final round knowing the title – and a return to Division One for the first time in 22 years – is already assured. The Foxes’ star allrounder Rehan Ahmed, who has struck five Championship centuries in a breakout summer with the bat, was not born when they were last in the top-flight.Leicestershire make the short trip to Northamptonshire to round out their season while Glamorgan, who under head coach Richard Dawson have secured their place in Division One for the first time since 2004, will host Lancashire at Sophia Gardens.Kent welcome Derbyshire to the Spitfire Ground in Canterbury while Middlesex host Gloucestershire at Lord’s.

Ranjane, Ferreira and spinners bring TSK back to winning ways

LAKR hardly got going in the chase, as Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad shared four wickets

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-2025Texas Super Kings returned to winning ways and rose to second place on the MLC 2025 points table with an all-round display that brushed Los Angeles Knight Riders aside. It was TSK’s fourth win in six games and LAKR’s fourth loss in five matches as the tournament reached the halfway mark of its league phase.The stars of the game for TSK were lower-middle-order batters Shubham Ranjane and Donovan Ferreira and left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad.LAKR had started well, making good use of their decision to bowl by reducing TSK to 33 for 3 in four overs, all three taken by Shadley van Schalkwyk including the big wicket of Marcus Stoinis for a golden duck.Akeal Hosein struck twice before the Los Angeles Knight Riders batters even had time to settle down•Sportzpics for MLCOpener Smit Patel then resurrected the innings with a steady stand of 64 off 46 with Ranjane, nearly taking the score to 100 when Smit scooped Andre Russell to short fine-leg for 38 off 33. The wicket turned out to be detrimental for LAKR because there was no stopping Ferreira and Ranjane after that. Ferreira started with back-to-back fours off Ali Khan and then went after Russell with 6, 4 and 4. Van Schalkwyk then leaked sixes to both batters in his last over – which went for 23 – as the two put on 82 in just 40 balls. The stand ended in the 19th over after a big mix up led to Ferreira’s run out, and Ranjane also fell two balls later. Two more wickets fell in the last over but TSK finished on 196, which proved to be enough.The LAKR openers had hardly found their feet when Hosein struck twice in two balls, dismissing Nitish Kumar with a spectacular arm ball that swung in sharply to knock over middle stump. Unmukt Chand and Saif Badar struggled to score quickly, taking the team to 39 for 2 in the powerplay, before a cross-seam delivery from Stoinis had Badar edging behind. The asking rate had shot above 12 an over now and never came down as variations from the TSK bowlers – both spinners and fast bowlers – kept LAKR on a leash.Sherfane Rutherford struggled his way to 13 off 15 before being bowled by Noor, and even the hard-hitting Jamaican duo of Rovman Powell and Russell couldn’t turn things around. Powell hit the first six of the innings in the 15th over just before Russell was deceived by a sharp wrong’un from Noor that turned from leg stump with plenty of drift to dislodge his off stump. LAKR now needed 95 from 27 balls and never even got close.

Real Madrid face Dean Huijsen injury concern amid fears Spain defender will miss Clasico clash against Barcelona

Real Madrid are facing fresh injury concerns ahead of El Clasico as Dean Huijsen’s fitness remains in doubt. The 20-year-old centre-back, who suffered a micro-tear in his left soleus muscle against Villarreal, is racing against time to recover before the high-stakes clash with Barcelona. With key defenders like Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold also sidelined, Madrid’s backline faces a major test in the coming weeks.

  • Growing concern around Huijsen's injury ahead of El Clasico

    Madrid are hopeful yet cautious as Huijsen fights to return in time for El Clasico. Though the calendar shows 10 days to go, the club's optimism is mixed with anxiety. The Spaniard picked up a micro-tear in his left soleus muscle during the clash against Villarreal, where he completed the match despite discomfort. What was initially seen as a minor overload turned out to require a two-week recovery period. The defender left Spain’s national camp and began intensive rehab under Madrid’s medical team. He has since spent long hours at the training base, combining gym work with physiotherapy, while also taking short breaks in Malaga to stay mentally fresh, according to . The goal remains clear: to be fit in time for Barcelona.

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    Huijsen in race against time

    Huijsen’s injury was expected to sideline him for 12–15 days, meaning a return just before the showdown against Barcelona. However, his progress has been slower than previously hoped and this has already ruled out of the upcoming league clash against Getafe. The medical staff remain cautious, aware that soleus injuries are notoriously tricky and prone to relapse. Any miscalculation could set the defender back weeks further complicating Real’s already stretched defence.

    Madrid’s plan B is clear with Raul Asencio being the leading alternative, currently ahead of David Alaba in the pecking order. Coach Xabi Alonso could also reshuffle, moving Ferland Mendy to full-back and shifting Alvaro Carreras into the centre, though that scenario seems unlikely. The ideal pairing remains Eder Militao and Huijsen, provided the youngster proves his full fitness in time.

  • Madrid’s defensive dilemma

    Huijsen’s absence compounds Madrid’s wider injury troubles. Club captain Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold are both recovering from muscle injuries, while Militao is only just returning from a long ACL layoff. Carvajal, who suffered a thigh strain at the Metropolitano, is expected to return around the same time as Huijsen, while Trent continues light training but isn’t yet match-fit.

    If both miss the Clasico, Federico Valverde is likely to fill in as a makeshift right-back, a role he has handled impressively earlier this season, providing both defensive stability and attacking width.

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    Madrid hopes to retain top spot in La Liga

    With Barcelona just behind Los Blancos in the league and Madrid’s defensive depth being tested, Huijsen’s recovery has become a central storyline heading into the Clasico. The young defender has shown promise since breaking into the first team, earning praise for his composure and aerial strength. His potential absence could force tactical reshuffles, testing Madrid’s resilience. However, Madrid’s medical team are wary of rushing any player back, particularly with Champions League fixtures against Juventus and Liverpool looming.

James Anderson, Rocky Flintoff earn Hundred wildcard deals

43-year-old and 17-year-old the standout picks ahead of next month’s tournament

Matt Roller15-Jul-2025

James Anderson has been a star turn in the T20 Blast after more than a decade’s absence from the format•ECB via Getty Images

James Anderson will play in the Hundred for the first time this summer after earning a ‘wildcard’ contract with Manchester Originals, while 17-year-old Rocky Flintoff has been picked by his father Andrew’s Northern Superchargers despite never having played a professional T20 match.Anderson, who turns 43 this month, returned to T20 cricket this year after an 11-year absence and has taken 14 wickets in eight appearances for Lancashire in the Vitality Blast, operating as a new-ball specialist. He initially went unselected in March’s Hundred draft but will now play for the Originals in August after he was picked up in Tuesday’s ‘wildcard’ draft on a £31,000 deal.Flintoff’s selection will raise eyebrows given he is yet to play in the Blast and his father is Superchargers head coach. But he has already shown his obvious promise with a century for England Lions in Australia this winter and a recent hundred for England’s Under-19s against India.Rocky Flintoff will play under his father Andrew at Northern Superchargers•ECB via Getty Images

Elsewhere, Southern Brave became the first team to sign an overseas player as a wildcard – Australia’s Hilton Cartwright – after replacing Faf du Plessis with Jason Roy last week. They have also picked up the young Hampshire batter Toby Albert, who could keep wicket for them amid injury concerns around Finn Allen and Laurie Evans.Ben Kellaway, the Glamorgan allrounder and ambidextrous spinner, has signed for Welsh Fire after a breakout season at county level, while Ben Sanderson, who has enjoyed his best-ever T20 season for Northamptonshire this year, will play for Trent Rockets.The Rockets took left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson with the first draft pick and have also signed Dillon Pennington as a replacement for the injured John Turner.Yorkshire’s James Wharton and Will Luxton were both overlooked despite their form in the T20 Blast.Esmae MacGregor has signed for Manchester Originals•Getty Images

In the women’s wildcard draft, Esmae MacGregor earned a deal with Manchester Originals after taking 21 Blast wickets for Essex, while Hampshire’s Mary Taylor joins her twin sister Millie at Birmingham Phoenix.The Hundred runs from August 5-31, opening with London Spirit’s double-header against Oval Invincibles at Lord’s.Men’s Hundred wildcards (all £31,000):Trent Rockets: Callum Parkinson, Ben Sanderson
Birmingham Phoenix: Liam Patterson-White, Louis Kimber
Welsh Fire: Ajeet Singh Dale, Ben Kellaway
Northern Superchargers: James Fuller, Rocky Flintoff
Manchester Originals: James Anderson, Marchant de Lange
London Spirit: Sean Dickson, Ryan Higgins
Oval Invincibles: George Scrimshaw, Zafar Gohar
Southern Brave: Toby Albert, Hilton CartwrightWomen’s Hundred wildcards (all £10,000):Birmingham Phoenix: Mary Taylor, Phoebe Brett
London Spirit: Abi Norgrove, Kate Coppack
Manchester Originals: Esmae MacGregor, Darcey Carter
Northern Superchargers: Katherine Fraser, Sophia Turner
Oval Invincibles: Daisy Gibb, Rebecca Odgers
Southern Brave: Phoebe Turner, Amara Carr
Trent Rockets: Grace Thompson, Sophie Morris
Welsh Fire: Charley Phillips, Alex Griffiths.

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