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The 20-year-old seamer impressed on recent tour of South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-20242:19

Jon Lewis: MacDonald-Gay has ‘real steel in her character’

Ryana MacDonald-Gay has earned her place in England’s Women’s Ashes Test squad after making a successful debut in South Africa this month.MacDonald-Gay, the 20-year-old seam bowler, has played two ODIs and one T20I after making her international debut on England’s tour of Ireland in September.She impressed both captain Heather Knight and South Africa’s star allrounder Marizanne Kapp in taking 2 for 50 during South Africa’s first innings, though she was only required to bowl one over as the hosts were bowled out for 64 in a 286-run victory for England.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

She joins allrounder Freya Kemp and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, who are both part of England’s T20 squad only, in earning maiden Ashes selections, along with wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath, who returns from a fractured thumb which ruled her out of the South Africa tour and has been named as part of the T20 and Test squads. Fellow seam bowler Mahika Gaur will travel with the group as she continues her return to bowling from injury.Though Lauren Bell took the match award against South Africa for her four wickets in each innings, MacDonald-Gay arguably made the critical breakthroughs in the first innings, as she struck twice with the old ball – first, to break Kapp’s 99-run stand with Sune Luus, and then to dismiss the dangerous Nadine de Klerk for a duck.MacDonald-Gay had not previously played any professional red-ball cricket prior to her elevation to the Test team, as a replacement for the injured Kate Cross. Jon Lewis, England Women’s head coach, admitted that her selection had been made on an assessment of her character, rather than any genuine insight into her abilities at Test level.Related

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“It’s incredibly hard,” he said. “You’ve got to go with your cricket knowledge and your understanding of the person. Ryana’s got real steel in her character. She seems really unflappable at times and she’s really logical in how she thinks about a cricket match. She is able to see a task and go and do it.”I’ve been involved in professional cricket for over 30 years now, so you’re backing your understanding of what you think cricketers can do. You’re putting your finger in the air a little bit, I’m not going to lie, like we did Lauren Filer in the Ashes Test last year. But what I would say is that Ryana, in time, will have the tools to play all formats and be a really good competitor for England.”Maia Bouchier, who scored a century on Test debut in South Africa, was named in all three squads for the Ashes.The hundred was Bouchier’s second in professional cricket, both of which have come for England. Despite making a duck in the second innings at Bloemfontein, Lewis said the confidence boost she’ll have taken from that experience will stand her in good stead across formats in Australia.”It’s really important for Maia,” Lewis said. “She’s had some really big match-winning scores for us across this last period, so it’s great for her confidence. It was fascinating to watch how she prepared for a Test match, having never played a multi-day game before, and a really special day for her and her family when she got a hundred in the first innings there.”She came down to earth with a bump in the second innings but, again, that’s brilliant learning for her, to understand the ebbs and flows of Test cricket and the different roles that you have to play throughout the game. She’s a really talented cricketer and I’m really hopeful that she can go to Australia and score some match-winning runs.”Ryana MacDonald-Gay took two wickets on her Test debut•ECB via Getty Images

England travel to Sydney on January 2 and will play a warm-up match against a Governor General’s XI on January 9 ahead of the multi-format Ashes series, consisting of three ODIs and three T20s, worth two points each, and a four-day Test, worth four points.Lewis added: “We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience. Ashes series are always special. We want to go there, play our way, and are all excited about the challenges ahead.”Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart will host the ODIs from January 12 before the T20Is in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide. The day-night Test at the MCG will close the multi-format series for the first time since it was introduced in 2015.During the last Ashes, in England in 2023, Australia won the Test match, which opened the series at Trent Bridge, before England triumphed in both white-ball formats resulting in an eight-all draw overall.England Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women T20I squad: Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women Test squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge2025 Women’s Ashes schedule (UK dates and times)
CommBank Women’s Ashes ODI Series
11 January: North Sydney Oval, Sydney (11.30pm)13 January: Junction Oval, Melbourne (11.05pm)16 January: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (11.05pm)CommBank Women’s Ashes IT20 Series
20 January: SCG, Sydney (8.40am)23 January: Manuka Oval, Canberra (8.40am)25 January: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (8.10am)CommBank Women’s Ashes Test Match
30 January-2 February: MCG, Melbourne (3.30am)

Newcastle United have got better and better since Eddie Howe’s appointment three-and-a-half years ago, and though last season bred trophy-winning success and paved the way back into the Champions League, the best may still be to come.

Carefully, assiduously, Newcastle have developed a project which has been rooted firmly into the soil of top-level football, now sure to be regular contenders for a seat at Europe’s elite table; now regarded as a huge threat to the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’.

Despite finishing the 2024 summer transfer window with harboured frustrations over targets not landed, Howe led his squad to glory.

Suitors are inevitably swarming for St. James’ Park’s superstars, but, in the case of Alexander Isak, it would take an offer in the ballpark of £200m to convince PIF to sell.

Even so, the world-class striker needs a foil, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro has been identified as the man for the job.

Newcastle advancing on Joao Pedro deal

Newcastle have had Pedro on their radar for a while, and after missing out on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo (it seems), the Brighton star has been identified as the perfect addition for Howe’s cause.

Chelsea, typically, also want the Brazil forward.

Pedro is versatile and dynamic, but also a blooming goalscorer, someone who provides output to a pleasing degree: across 70 matches for the Seagulls, he has scored 30 goals and has laid on ten assists.

However, JP has converted 16 penalties for his current club, which means he has only scored 14 times from open play across 70 outings. This in itself isn’t a negative – a penalty counts just the same, after all – but Isak isn’t likely to forgo his duties from the spot.

Newcastle would get stronger with Pedro in their squad, but they may be more powerful still by bringing over one of the Premier League’s deadliest strikers instead.

Newcastle make contact for Premier League forward

According to Liverpool reporter Matt Thielen, Newcastle are among a host of Premier League clubs to have approached Liverpool for Diogo Jota.

Tottenham Hotspur and Jota’s former club Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in the frame, as well as further outfits overseas, but Newcastle’s interest dates back to the spring, when they were informed it would take around £43m to convince the Reds to part with their veteran.

It doesn’t seem likely that United would add both Pedro and Jota to their ranks, but if the bid for the former falls through, the Portugal international represents the perfect alternative.

Why Newcastle should sign Diogo Jota

Jota might not have the cleanest fitness record of all time, but there’s no denying he’s an incredibly cool and composed finisher, having posted 65 goals and 26 assists across 185 matches for Liverpool.

Last season, despite winning the Premier League, the Iberian marksman didn’t enjoy his finest season, only scoring six times and providing four in the league (albeit across only 14 starts) as he battled through injury and then struggled to find his usual sharpness.

However, at 28 years old, Jota has more in the tank and would arrive on Tyneside without the expectation of being number one at number nine, instead applying friendly pressure on Isak and perhaps filling in on the flanks too.

Pedro, 23, is five years his junior and would be a longer-term investment, but Newcastle need instant results next year to ensure they retain their position among Europe’s heavyweights.

And such results Jota would bring – and that’s without the usage of the penalty spot. Also, as per FBref, the Anfield star ranked among the top 15% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries, the top 8% for ball recoveries and the top 8% for tackles + interceptions per 90.

What does that tell us? Well, by examining his rate of recovery and by aggregating such data to form a clear picture of his work rate, we can see that the Portuguese ace is switched on and dialed in to help his team toward victory.

Energy and spirit are staples of Pedro’s faculties, to be sure, but in Jota, Newcastle would bag themselves a similarly industrious forward with a sharper sense in the final third.

It helps that he has a pedigree in the Champions League. Not one to be swallowed by a big occasion, Jota would prove a cool head in the final third under those glaring European lights to ease the burden on Isak’s shoulders and increase Newcastle’s overall fluency.

Of course, we would be remiss to turn a blind eye to the Liverpool forward’s shoddy injury record, but from purely a technical standpoint, he is one of the best in the business, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher even going as far as to say that he’s “the best finisher” Liverpool have had in the Premier League.

Pedro might have a “magical” style when on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, but Jota’s prowess is built on his mechanical skill set, efficient and almost economical in the way he approaches the game.

Newcastle have a range of attacking options but certainly not an overload, and an experienced and trophy-proven option in Jota might just prove to be the difference-maker Howe needs as he leads his team back into the Champions League.

Clinical and intelligent, Jota’s movements and underrated link-up play are elements that Newcastle need. Furthermore, he’s a wide-ranging forward, proven across each prong of the offensive fork, bringing goals and assists from each position.

Centre-forward

91

29

15

Left winger

61

24

8

Right winger

22

9

2

Attacking midfield

3

3

1

This is a move Newcastle need to make this summer, adding depth and dynamism to a fluid outfit which has now established its title-winning credentials and just needs a touch more experience to reach the next level under Howe’s wing.

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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 19, 2025

It’s the start of a new era for Rangers.

On Thursday, Russell Martin was unveiled as the Ibrox club’s 20th permanent manager, appointed 102 days after Philippe Clement was sacked in February.

At his introductory press conference, Martin vowed to “prove people wrong”, acknowledging he is under pressure to deliver a winning team instantaneously, so could the signing of a “world-class” new centre-forward aid Rangers’ cause?

Rangers looking to bolster their attacking option

As previously reported by Tom Victor of the Daily Mirror, Rangers are hoping to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer this summer, claiming that the England international is ‘weighing up’ an offer from the Glasgow giants.

Vardy has spent the last 13 seasons with Leicester City, with whom he won the Premier League, the FA Cup and a Community Shield, scoring exactly 200 goals in 500 appearances for the Foxes, very aesthetically pleasing round numbers.

Now a free agent, countless clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, Como, Wrexham and New York Red Bulls have all been touted as potential suitors, but could Martin convince his compatriot to make the move north of the border?

Should he do, it could be a Morelos-like move for Rangers.

How Vardy could replicate Morelos at Rangers

During six seasons at Rangers, Alfredo Morelos scored 124 goals in light blue, with the Colombian, almost unquestionably, the club’s best striker since suffering liquidation in 2012.

Of these goals, 29 came in UEFA competition, meaning Morelos is Rangers’ all-time record scorer in Europe, smashing the record previously held by Ally McCoist, one that had stood since 1997.

But is Morelos really Rangers’ best centre-forward of the modern era? Let’s find out.

Igamane

2024-present

46

16

166

Dessers

2023-preesent

109

51

134

Danilo

2023-present

48

12

165

Morelos

2017-23

269

124

152

Roofe

2020-24

102

38

127

Čolak

2022-23

39

18

123

Sakala

2021-23

92

24

199

Defoe

2018-22

74

32

100

As the table outlines, no Rangers striker in the post-promotion era has come anywhere close to the 124 goals Morelos managed, even if Jermain Defoe, Kemar Roofe, Antonio Čolak and current forward Cyriel Dessers do actually boast better minutes per goal ratios, helped by their smaller sample sizes.

So, could Vardy be the club’s best centre-forward since el Buffalo? Well, let’s assess his statistics this season to answer that question.

Goals

9

26th

Expected goals

11.2

14th

Shots

56

40th

Shots on target

23

33rd

Shots on target %

41.1%

48th

As the table shows, Vardy’s Premier League statistics this season do not immediately leap off the page, but it is worth considering that he was playing in a generally hopeless Leicester side, who won just six matches all season and were relegated.

Thus, the fact that Vardy still ranked 14th for expected goals and only 25 players managed to score more goals than him is impressive.

Writer Henry Winter believes Vardy is still a “world-class finisher”, while Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who knows a thing or two about scoring goals, believes “he is still producing”, describing his captain as a “leader”.

Also worth noting that, the previous campaign in the EFL Championship, Vardy netted 20 times across all competitions.

This underlines the fact he would be able to produce for Rangers given that, according to Global Football Rankings, England’s second-tier is the 11th strongest league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership is ranked at 43rd.

Thus, if the Gers can convince Vardy to move to Ibrox, possibly using the allure of potential Champions League football, he would surely be an excellent addition.

After all, this is a goal machine we’re talking about here, someone who bagged 145 Premier League goals.

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The two American Chivas stars helped Chivas overcome multiple rallies by Atlético de San Luis

Chicharito did not featureThe match saw multiple lead changesCowell scored his first Liga MX goal since November 2024Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Chivas pulled off a dramatic 4-3 victory over Atlético de San Luis thanks to goals from USMNT winger Cade Cowell, a brace by Armando González, and an own goal by Juan Manuel Sanabria – an action in which dual-national Richard Ledezma played a key role. With the win, Gabriel Milito’s side earned their first points of the Apertura 2025.

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took a 2-0 lead into halftime after Sanabria’s own goal, which came following a spectacular play by Ledezma, whose curling shot was denied by visiting goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez. On the rebound, Sanabria got to the ball just before Ledezma, but still sent it into his own net. Right before the break, Cowell made it 2-0 with his first Liga MX goal since November 2024.

What seemed like a comfortable win quickly turned into a nightmare for Chivas in the second half, as goals from Eduardo Águila in the 50th minute, Joao Pedro in the 69th minute, and Benjamín Galdames turned the score around, putting San Luis ahead 3-2 in the 75th minute. But in a thrilling finish, Armando González emerged as the hero, scoring in the 84th and 90th minutes to secure an emotional comeback win for

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Javier "Chicharito" Hernández has yet to play in the Apertura 2025 due to injury. He will also not be part of Chivas’ squad for the group stage of the Leagues Cup, the club confirmed.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

Chivas will kick off their Leagues Cup campaign on Thursday against the New York Red Bulls.

da doce： Leeds United did manage to seal the Championship title with a bumper 100 points come the end of the 46-game marathon, but Daniel Farke’s side certainly made life a lot harder for themselves in the goalkeeper department.

da casino： Illan Meslier’s error-prone performances between the sticks nearly proved costly, resulting in the German having to bring in stand-in keeper Karl Darlow for the final few tense clashes of the second-tier campaign.

Whilst the ex-Newcastle United stopper did prove himself to be a solid performer in goal, it’s unlikely that Farke will solely rely on the Wales international to be his outright number one in such a daunting division.

Therefore, a whole host of new faces are being linked to step up and take on the first team mantle in goal, with this alternative target now being tipped to make the switch to Elland Road over the heavily fancied Caoimhin Kelleher.

Leeds' pursuit of a new keeper

Kelleher is one of the main names being touted to become Farke’s brand-new number one ahead of Premier League football returning to West Yorkshire, with the Irishman reportedly available for around the £30m mark.

He is mentioned as a possible Meslier replacement by the Daily Mail too, but the new report from the Mail does suggest that other top-flight experienced ‘keepers are on the Leeds agenda, such as ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsdale.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ reserve keeper Sam Johnstone is also floating about as a potential number one option, but if Leeds want to land an even more impressive buy than Kelleher, they should be going all in for Ramsdale over other figures.

The 27-year-old has suffered from shaky performances here and there, but he was once Mikel Arteta’s concrete first-team choice at Arsenal, where he proved himself as a top performer at an intimidating level.

Why Ramsdale would be even better than Kelleher

Of course, Kelleher has never been able to prove himself as a number-one option at Anfield, having always played in the shadows to the likes of Allisson.

But, regardless of whether he’s been given a fair crack under Arne Slot and other Reds bosses or not, if Leeds can land a far more experienced keeper at the level in Ramsdale for a slightly cheaper £25m, it feels like a pick-up they should prioritise over the promise of the 26-year-old coming good as a main starting presence.

At one point during his topsy-turvy Gunners career, Ramsdale was on cloud nine with his imperious displays in between the sticks, with this unbelievable save coming during the 2021/22 campaign that saw the ex-Sheffield United stopper collect an impressive 12 clean sheets from 34 league outings.

Heralded as “phenomenal” by ex-Arsenal legend David Seaman off the back of his glimpses of quality at the Emirates, it will just be up to Ramsdale to try and reach these lofty heights once more, donning a Leeds strip.

After all, he is well accustomed to the trials and tribulations of a relegation battle, having just accumulated a high 4.2 saves per Premier League tie for basement side Southampton.

Ramsdale’s overall PL numbers

Stat

Ramsdale

Games played

183

Matches won

70

Losses

89

Saves made

595

Penalties saved

3x

Errors leading to goals

6x

Goals conceded

278

Clean sheets

41

Stats from the Premier League

The table above definitely reinforces how experienced Ramsdale is in the Premier League, despite only being a year older than Kelleher, with a near 200 games now played in the elite division. To add context, as a back-up face at Liverpool, his Cork-born counterpart has barely hit 30 clashes at 25 overall.

Therefore, whilst he will have an error in his back locker like Meslier, Leeds fans would surely feel more confident that the 27-year-old would come good over the gamble of Kelleher at £30m.

It will be fascinating to see who the Whites do eventually pick up in his vital position, knowing they cannot rely on Meslier if they are to beat the drop.

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One year on, we quiz you on one of the greatest (and most bizarre) ODIs of all time

Sreshth Shah14-Jul-2020

Manchester United are now closing in on their first signing of the summer as they have agreed personal terms with Wolves star Matheus Cunha, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd stepping up transfer plans as they lodge multiple bids

This summer is expected to be a busy time for the Red Devils as they look to address what has been a very poor campaign and give Ruben Amorim the ingredients to become a success at Old Trafford. The summer transfer window isn’t even open yet, but United have already started to make moves in the transfer market.

A report from Spain has claimed that Man United have submitted a £55 million bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – Mbeumo is seen as a player who can improve United’s attacking options, and the hope from Old Trafford is that the offer is enough to tempt Brentford into selling one of their star players.

As well as making an offer for Mbuemo, reports have claimed United have also lodged a staggering £113 million bid to try and sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig this summer.

The Dutch international is expected to leave the Bundesliga side, and United hope he will ease the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes. It is claimed that United are desperate to bring Simons to Old Trafford, and his signing would be a huge statement from INEOS in terms of them backing Amorim in the transfer market.

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ByKelan Sarson May 19, 2025 Man Utd closing in on £62.5m Cunha deal after agreeing personal terms

Mbuemo and Simons appear to be top targets for the Red Devils, but they are not going to be the first signing the Premier League side make this summer. That is because, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man United are close to signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Romano reports that United are close to signing Cunha, as the Wolves star has now accepted the project on offer at Old Trafford and has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, which means the deal is now almost completed. Romano adds that just the final details need to be sorted between all parties ‘and then, here we go’.

United have moved very quickly to sign Cunha, who has been dubbed “sensational” by pundit Micah Richards. The Brazilian international has a release clause worth £62.5 million, and the Red Devils are expected to trigger that to reach an agreement.

It was claimed last week that Arsenal had reopened talks to sign Cunha from Wolves, perhaps prompting INEOS to act fast with their move for the versatile forward, who has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season.

Apps

31

Goals

15

xG

8.04

Shots per game

3.2

Shots on target per game

1.3

Chance conversion

15%

Assists

6

Big chances created

13

Cunha’s arrival at Old Trafford will likely see him deployed as one of United’s number 10s in Amorim’s system. But his versatility means the Brazilian can also operate as a number nine, which Amorim may be more inclined to do, given the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund.

With Champions League qualification still up for grabs courtesy of the Europa League, Manchester United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Paris Saint-Germain star this summer.

Man Utd set for crucial Europa League final

After spending the current campaign closer to the relegation zone than the Premier League title, the thought of Manchester United qualifying for the Champions League seems absurd. But the Europa League has offered them more than just a slither of hope. By defeating Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, the Red Devils will have a place among Europe’s elite next season, having won the Europa League unbeaten this season.

Saving one of their best performances for the semi-final stage, Manchester United thrashed Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate to book their place in the final, leaving Ruben Amorim hopeful that a disastrous debut campaign could yet end with silverware.

That said, the former Sporting Club boss is well aware that even if his side win the Europa League, there’s still plenty of work to be done. He told reporters in the build-up to the semi-final: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results.

“That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title. So we will not change anything. We know that this season was disappointing.”

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With the transfer window now approaching, that aforementioned improvement could start as soon as this summer and with the potential arrival of a much-needed attacking star. Looking to solve their goalscoring problem once and for all, the Red Devils have reportedly turned their attention towards a Champions League finalist.

Man Utd join race for PSG striker Goncalo Ramos

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now desperate to sign a striker, with PSG’s Goncalo Ramos on the radar in an attempt to end their goalscoring woes. Joining Arsenal, Aston Villa and others in the race to sign the PSG forward, those at Old Trafford could certainly do with the boost of Champions League qualification.

Whilst Ramos is not the first-choice striker under Luis Enrique, he has still had his moments of importance this season – scoring 15 goals in all competitions. Now, at 23 years old, the Portugal international is open to looking elsewhere for game time and towards the Premier League. And although he hasn’t been deemed good enough for Enrique at times, Ramos could provide Amorim with the perfect upgrade at Manchester United.

Starts

11

20

Goals

7

4

Assists

3

0

Expected Goals

11.7

3.8

A player dubbed “prolific” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in March, Ramos’ record of seven goals in 11 Ligue 1 starts proves that he’s ready for a permanent starting role elsewhere. In comparison to Rasmus Hojlund, the PSG forward would offer Amorim an instant improvement.

Crystal Palace are now exploring a bid to sign an “incredible” defender, but there could be stiff competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Palace set sights on new centre-back

At the end of the campaign, Marc Guehi will have just one year remaining on his contract, which means it will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in on their captain for a large fee, and a number of clubs remain interested in his signature.

Chelsea chiefs are adamant about signing Guehi, while Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been linked with moves for the defender, which means Oliver Glasner may have to bring in a new centre-back this summer.

Last week, the Eagles made their first move to sign Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, making contact over a deal for the 23-year-old defender, who has been likened to former FC Barcelona centre-back Pique.

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IF Elfsborg’s Terry Yegbe is also of interest to the south Londoners, and they are believed to be leading the race for the Ghanaian’s signature, despite competition from rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Crystal Palace are pursuing some lesser-known centre-backs from across the globe, but there are also signs they could look at bringing in a defender with a plethora of experience at the top level, having now joined the race for Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Palace are exploring a bid for Skriniar, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce, where he has caught the eye with some impressive performances this season.

Fenerbahce want to sign the defender permanently, with PSG expected to demand a fee of €20 (£17m), but there could be competition for his signature from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Crystal Palace’s upcoming fixtures

Date

AFC Bournemouth (h)

April 19th

Arsenal (a)

April 23rd

Aston Villa (FA Cup semi-final)

April 26th

Nottingham Forest (h)

May 5th

Tottenham Hotspur (a)

May 10th

"Incredible" Skriniar could be coup for Palace

The 30-year-old has previously proven himself at the top level across spells with PSG and Inter Milan, chalking up 37 appearances in the Champions League, and his performances this season indicate he still has a lot left to give.

Since arriving in Turkey back in January, the Slovakian has made nine Süper Lig appearances, showcasing his attacking threat by scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The former Inter man has been one of Fenerbahce’s most consistent performers since his arrival, averaging a 7.05 WhoScored match rating, and his previous exploits in the Serie A indicate he could have what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

Lauded as “incredible” by former Inter chairman Steven Zhang, Skriniar could be a real statement signing for Palace this summer, and £17m seems like a very reasonable fee for his services.

da betway： Arsenal are set to open talks over the signing of an “underrated” player, following a decision made by new sporting director Andrea Berta just days into the job.

Andrea Berta making Arsenal transfer recommendations

da pinnacle： The 53-year-old was officially confirmed as Arsenal’s head transfer chief last weekend, replacing Edu, who departed the club in November after many successful years working with Mikel Arteta.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025

While Edu’s exit was seen as an almighty blow for the Gunners, Arteta has expressed his excitement over the Brazilian’s heir, whilst claiming Arsenal are set for a “big” first summer transfer window under his leadership.

Berta was responsible for an array of impressive Atlético Madrid deals over his impressive 12-year stint at the Wanda Metropolitano, including moves for Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente, Diego Costa, Yannick Carrasco, Luis Suarez, Jan Oblak and eventual Balon d’Or winner Rodri – who all went on to be major successes with the La Liga side.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Both the Italian and Arsenal will be hoping he can replicate similarly heroic business in north London, and according to various reports, he’s already well underway in terms of getting work done.

Berta has held talks with the representatives of Nico Williams, according to reliable reports in France and England this week, with the winger seemingly one of Arsenal’s top targets heading into the summer window.

All eyes will be on whether Arteta’s side can finally sign a prolific striker this summer as well, and it is believed Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres is a leading candidate to reinforce that area of the pitch.

The Sweden international has enjoyed a phenomenal return of 42 goals from 42 appearances in all competitions this season, following up his equally impressive 2023/2024 campaign with yet another prolific year in the Primeira Liga.

His displays are turning heads at the Emirates Stadium, as reported by the credible David Ornstein, with Portuguese media sources also claiming that Gyokeres wants to join Arsenal over Man United, despite Ruben Amorim’s presence at Old Trafford.

Arsenal set for Viktor Gyokeres talks after Andrea Berta decision

Now, GiveMeSport have provided another update on the situation. Berta apparently identified the 26-year-old as a key target just days after his appointment was made official, and Arsenal are set to open talks over a deal for Gyokeres as a result.

Considering the ex-Coventry City star’s incredible goalscoring record, it is perhaps surprising that he hasn’t yet sealed a big move to the Premier League. Called one of Europe’s most “underrated” strikers, it would be very surprising if Gyokeres remains at Sporting for another campaign at this point.

Berta has apparently put the forward on his personal list of choices to bolster Arteta’s striker options, and while Gyokeres’ deal includes an £84 million release, there is a consensus that he could be allowed to leave for less, with the BBC reporting his actual transfer fee could be around £62-70m.