Man arrested after burglary at home of Ben Stokes during Pakistan tour

Test captain’s wife and family were home during theft of ‘irreplaceable’ memorabilia

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2024

Ben Stokes was captaining England in the second Test when the break-in happened•PA Images via Getty Images

A 32-year-old man has been arrested following a burglary at the house of England Test captain Ben Stokes.The incident took place on October 17 at Stokes’ house in Castle Eden in the North East, with his wife, Claire, and two children, Layton and Libby, present in the house at the time. Stokes said his family did not come to “any physical harm” but stated the trauma “had an impact on their emotional and mental state”.In a social media post on Wednesday, Stokes pleaded for the return of a number of “irreplaceable” items after a masked gang broke into his home while he was in Pakistan for the recently completed Test series. The 33-year-old was playing in the second Test in Multan at the time, and only returned home earlier this week following the conclusion of the three-match series, which England lost 2-1.Durham Police said a 32-year-old man from North Yorkshire was arrested overnight on suspicion of burglary. He has been released on bail while the investigation continues.Of the items taken, which includes jewellery and a designer bag, was the medal awarded to Stokes for his OBE, received in 2020 for services to cricket following a 2019 summer in which he was integral to England’s ODI World Cup success, starring in the final, before putting in a miraculous performance to help them win the Headingley Test against Australia in the Ashes.

“By far the worst thing about this crime is that it was carried out whilst my wife and 2 young children were in the house,” said Stokes in a statement accompanying the missing items.”Thankfully, none of my family came to any physical harm. Understandably, however, the experience has had an impact on their emotional and mental state. All we can think about is how much worse this situation could have been.”I am releasing photographs of some of the stolen items – which I hope may be easily identified – in the hope that we can find the people who are responsible for this.”Although we have lost cherished possessions, to be clear, my sole motivation in sharing these photographs is not the recovery of material items. It is to catch the people who did this.”

Vitória é obrigação? Elenco do Palmeiras vale 12 vezes mais do que o do Deportivo Pereira

MatériaMais Notícias

da cassino: O Palmeiras encara o Deportivo Pereira nesta quarta-feira (23), na Colômbia, em jogo válido pela ida das quartas de finais da Libertadores 2023.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasNotíciasComo foram os últimos jogos do Palmeiras na Libertadores?Notícias22/08/2023PalmeirasCinco pontos de atenção que o Palmeiras precisa ter com o Deportivo Pereira na LibertadoresPalmeiras22/08/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras goleia o Atlético de Madrid em torneio sub-17 no México, e goleiro comemora: ‘Impusemos nosso jogo’Palmeiras21/08/2023

da gbg bet: + Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Grande surpresa entre os oito melhores do continente em 2023, o time de Pereira tem um elenco modesto e que vale muito menos do que muitos clubes que disputaram a atual edição da competição continental.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Segundo o site ‘Transfermarket’, o elenco do Deportivo Pereira somado hoje está avaliado em 12,95 milhões de euros, cerca de quase 70 milhões de reais na cotação atual.

continua após a publicidade

Já o do Palmeiras, um dos mais valiosos do Brasil e da América Latina, vale um pouco mais de 12 vezes o valor da modesta equipe colombiana.

O time de Abel Ferreira está avaliado em 162,8 milhões de euros, o que daria cerca de 875 milhões de reais na cotação atual.

+ Cinco pontos de atenção que o Palmeiras precisa ter com o Deportivo Pereira na Libertadores

Somente em termos de comparação, Endrick, o jogador mais caro do atual elenco do Verdão, vale duas vezes mais do que todo o elenco do Deportivo Pereira.

Apesar da grande diferença de jogadores e de estrutura, o Verdão precisa de muita concentração para não ser surpreendido pelo time do técnico Alejandro Restrepo.

continua após a publicidade

No início desta temporada, o Palmeiras sofreu uma lição importante que pode ser muito bem comparada com o duelo desta quarta-feira pela Libertadores.

+ 24 anos depois, Palmeiras encara um colombiano em mata-mata de Libertadores

Na final do Paulsitão 2023, o Palmeiras encarou o modesto Água Santa, e com uma folha salarial 22 vezes maior do que o time de Diadema, acabou sendo derrotado por 2 a 1 no primeiro jogo da decisão. Por competência do alviverde imponente, a segunda decisão foi uma goleada por 4 a 0 e o Verdão ficou com o bicampeonato Estadual.

Deportivo Pereira e Palmeiras se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (23), a partir das 21h30 (horário de Brasília), e o jogo terá transmissão da Rede Globo e dos Canais ESPN.

Romano: Star Arsenal approached has just said "yes" to a different club

Arsenal supporters are desperate to see new faces come through the door this summer and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on their latest pursuit.

Arsenal look to find title-winning formula in transfer window

The Gunners have plenty to be optimistic about heading into the new season as they finally look to claim the Premier League title for the first time in over 20 years.

However, Sporting Clube de Portugal president Frederico Varandas has hit out at Arsenal and Manchester United regarding the bidding process for star striker Viktor Gyokeres, making his feelings clear on the way negotiations will be handled.

Geny Catamo celebrating with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting.

He stated: “I see the agent in the press releasing information. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word. Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.

“Now, blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”

Of course, Gyokeres isn’t the only target Mikel Arteta has identified to bring to North London; the Gunners’ pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is still very much on the agenda.

Arsenal set to bid for £40m star who has heart set on move to Emirates

The Gunners could land a long-term target…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 16, 2025

Real Madrid star Rodrygo is also being pursued by the Gunners, albeit bringing the Brazilian to the club would be a tall order in light of the financial details needed to make that happen.

The La Liga giants have been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in the past. Nevertheless, Arteta may need to concede defeat for another target following recent reports.

Romano: Arsenal target Brahim Diaz set to pen new Real Madrid terms

Recently, reports in Spain suggested that Arsenal were willing to offer roughly £42.6 million to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid having made an approach to tempt the Morocco international to the English capital.

However, despite being seen as a cheaper alternative to Rodrygo, Romano has now confirmed that he is set to sign a new deal at the Santiago Bernabéu, quashing any rumours of a switch to North London.

Diaz has already said ‘yes’ to new terms in Madrid, and finding an agreement is set to be nothing more than a formality, which may leave one or two Gunners fans feeling frustrated.

The man himself registered six goals and seven assists in 52 appearances across all competitions last term and is now involved with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, so it may have taken Arsenal a while to get their hands on him anyway.

Chelsea seriously keen on £21m ace who was on verge of joining Sunderland

da apostebet: Chelsea are now seriously keen on signing a “sensational” player, who was recently on the verge of signing for Sunderland, according to reports.

Blues eyeing new signings amid Club World Cup campaign

da esport bet: The Blues have been faring well in the new-look Club World Cup, progressing out the group before most recently dispatching of Benfica 4-1 in the round of 16, setting up a very winnable quarter-final clash against Palmeiras.

However, manager Enzo Maresca was less than impressed by the two-hour break which interrupted play, saying: “I think it’s a joke to be honest, it’s not football. It’s not for us.

“You cannot be inside. I struggle to understand. I can understand that for security reasons, you suspend the game. But if you suspend seven, eight games, that means that probably [this] is not the right place to do this competition.”

Fabrizio Romano: Star now set to sign new deal instead of joining Chelsea

Enzo Maresca won’t be signing him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

Despite being out in the USA for the Club World Cup, the west Londoners remain active in the transfer market, with widespread reports suggesting deals for Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro are edging closer to completion.

Having already signed Liam Delap, it is clear Maresca is very keen to bolster his attacking options this summer, but the manager is also looking to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch, according to a report from Caught Offside.

The report states that Chelsea now hold a serious interest in OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, who is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League, with it being revealed he was on the verge of signing for Sunderland just days ago.

Marcin Bulka.

Manchester United, Leeds United and Aston Villa are also in the race for Bulka, who is set to be available for the affordable price of just €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m), so there could be fierce competition for his signature.

The Blues’ interest comes amid doubts over Robert Sanchez, with the Spaniard failing to convince Maresca he should be the first-choice option between the sticks moving forward.

"Sensational" Bulka could be solution to Chelsea's problems

Maresca clearly wasn’t impressed by both Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen at times last season, with the goalkeepers being used interchangeably, and there are signs the Nice goalkeeper could be the answer to the manager’s problem.

Once lauded as “absolutely sensational” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Pole caught the eye in Ligue 1 on a number of occasions, being voted as Player of the Month after impressing in September 2023.

More recently, the 25-year-old proved himself against European champions Paris-Saint Germain, making nine saves from inside the box to keep the Ligue 1 title-winners at bay and help his side secure a 3-1 victory.

Bulka could be a bargain signing for Chelsea at just £17m – £21m, and they should move swiftly to ensure they win the race for his signature.

Um sinal? Botafogo guarda lembrança vitoriosa de seu mais recente treino aberto para a torcida

MatériaMais Notícias

da cassino online: A manhã deste sábado (30) trará um gosto especial para os torcedores do Botafogo. O reencontro com a torcida será marcado com um treino aberto no Estádio Nilton Santos, sinalizando que a mobilização do grupo se estende à arquibancada.

da dobrowin: Vindo de três resultados abaixo do esperado, a equipe de Bruno Lage tem um estímulo a mais para acreditar em uma reação no Campeonato Brasileiro. O mais recente treino aberto para os torcedores culminou em uma reação alvinegra.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

O Botafogo vinha fazendo uma campanha entre altos e baixos até que, antes da partida com o Corinthians, decidiu abrir a atividade para seus torcedores no Niltão. A reação em campo aconteceu prontamente: com gol de Rodrigo Lindoso, a equipe venceu o Timão por 1 a 0.

Depois, vieram mais vitórias nos confrontos com Flamengo, Chapecoense, Internacional e Paraná, além do empate em 1 a 1 com o Santos. Uma sequência que o Alvinegro precisa para retomar sua confiança no Brasileirão.

Porém, o desfecho da edição de 2018 deixa o alerta: na última rodada a equipe perdeu por 2 a 1 para o Atlético-MG e o sonho de classificação para a Libertadores escapou. O técnico Bruno Lage tem de deixar seus jogadores com atenção redobrada até o final.

Líder do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Botafogo vai a campo contra o Goiás no dia 2, uma segunda-feira, às 20h, no Niltão.

£85k-p/w Man Utd ace decides to leave as Inter Milan close in on £38m deal

It’s all change at Manchester United so far this summer, with Matheus Cunha signed, Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on his way and now one struggling striker increasingly likely to depart the club.

Man Utd commence attacking overhaul

Starting by triggering Cunha’s £63m release clause, Manchester United’s attacking overhaul is officially underway. The Brazilian is set to hand Ruben Amorim an instant upgrade in his frontline and could slot straight into one of the two attacking midfield roles in his 3-4-2-1 system. He’s unlikely to be the only fresh face in United’s frontline too.

The Red Devils are also pushing to sign Mbeumo from Brentford with reports going as far as to suggest that they’re willing to offer the talented forward a £13m-a-year salary to join. All of a sudden, from a blunt frontline, Amorim could have two options at his disposal who scored over 15 Premier League goals each last season and two options who should finally push United away from the bottom half next season.

Both have earned plenty of praise in recent weeks as they potentially prepare to combine at Old Trafford and that includes from Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who told Sky Sports: “Cunha and Mbeumo have obviously got Premier League experience. They’ve got plenty of games under their belt. [English football] is not new to them and actually they are the right type.

“When I watch Manchester United wide players, they have to be able to get from box-to-box quickly. They have to be able to run, to travel with and without the ball. Mbeumo and, to be fair Cunha, can do that.”

Man Utd submit bid for once-£57m ex-Man City ace who’s desperate for move

He won six Premier League titles at Manchester City.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 7, 2025

What those arrivals will mean for one player, however, is a likely departure away from Old Trafford to bring an end to what has been a nightmare spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

Hojlund gives green light to Inter Milan move

According to Saturday’s print edition of Corriere Dello Sport, as relayed by TeamTalk, Rasmus Hojlund has now given the green light to Inter Milan, who are closing in on sealing the Dane’s signature in a €40-45m (£33-£38m) deal.

Rasmus Hojlund

The struggling forward has looked desperate for a fresh start for at least a year, as have several others in a Manchester United shirt. Unlike some around him, however, Hojlund is seemingly set to get his wish courtesy of Inter Milan.

Rasmus Hojlund at Man Utd

Record (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

95

Goals

26

Assists

6

After scoring 26 goals and creating another six in 95 appearances across the last two years, to say that Hojlund has far from lived up to his £72m price tag would be a major understatement. Many expected the Dane to lead United’s frontline for years to come. As it happens, though, he may have lasted just two years before moving back to Italy.

Given that the struggling forward earns a reported £85,000-a-week at the club, INEOS should be keen to clear his salary from their wage bill to make room for the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo this summer.

Polly Inglis earns maiden NZ call-up, Lauren Down returns for India ODIs

Wicketkeeper Polly Inglis has received a maiden call-up to New Zealand’s squad for the three-match ODI series against India starting later this week. Inglis, 28, plays for Otago Sparks in the Women’s Super Smash and earned her first New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract earlier this year.Batter Lauren Down has also made been included in the 15-member squad after she made her return from maternity break in July. The pair’s inclusion is the only change to the squad that helped New Zealand win their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.From the victorious squad, fast bowler Rosemary Mair has been rested, keeping in mind her workload management following her return from a serious back injury, while offspinner Leigh Kasperek has been left out.Related

  • Lauren Down back on NZC's central-contracts list

The core of the T20 World Cup-winning team, including the senior trio of Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu are part of the touring party. Devine will continue to lead them in the ODIs following her decision to step down as the T20I captain after the World Cup.Inglis’ strong performances in domestic cricket first helped her earn a contract and then a spot in the national squad. She scored 324 runs – the second-most in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2023-24, the 50-over competition – at an average of 54 and a strike rate close to 80, largely batting the middle order. She also scored 103 in the three-match one-day series between New Zealand A and England A that they won 2-1.”We’re really excited to introduce Polly for her first tour,” Ben Sawyer said in a NZC statement. “She put her hand up in last season’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition and throughout the New Zealand A series against England, so it’s a great next step for her.”Touring India is one of the great experiences in world cricket. It’s such a special place to come and I know everyone is looking forward to the challenge ahead.”The three ODIs, to be played in Ahmedabad, are part of the Women’s Championship. New Zealand are currently placed sixth on the table with a three-match series against Australia to follow. The top five teams plus hosts India qualify directly for the Women’s ODI World Cup next year.

New Zealand squad for the women’s ODIs against India

Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (wk), Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

Drake inspired by Cole Palmer: Rap superstar hints new album title is a tribute to Chelsea forward in surprise Instagram post

Rap superstar Drake has hinted at the title of his new album being inspired by ‘Cold’ Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer.

  • Canadian rapper releasing new music
  • Nod to Palmer in social media video
  • Drake is known for being big sports fan
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    England international Palmer has seen his stock soar since completing a transfer from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge in 2023. His goal celebration has become iconic, while his celebrity status means that an A-list friendship group continues to grow.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images/Goal/Centralcee Instagram

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Palmer was recently spotted at an event alongside British musician Central Cee, allowing him to make acquaintances with Canadian rapper Drake. The ‘One Dance’ performer is a big sports fan and is famed for his elaborate bets on major events.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Drake would appear to be an admirer of Palmer, having seen him inspire Chelsea to FIFA Club World Cup glory on American soil, and has offered a nod towards the 23-year-old No.10 playing a role in the naming of his latest album.

  • THE GOSSIP

    Drake has settled on ‘Iceman’, which is the name that Palmer said he would take on if he were to become a rapper. Drake has included a clip of the Chelsea star saying that in a montage of images and videos on social media.

Who will be the biggest disappointment of the 2025-26 Premier League season? GOAL writers make their predictions

The summer has not gone well for certain managers, while certain high-profile signings are under intense pressure to justify their fees

The new Premier League season is about to get under way, with defending champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth on Friday, so it's time for us at GOAL to stick our necks out and make some predictions.

Ahead of the big kick-off at Anfield, our writers have already started having their say on the biggest talking points going into the 2025-26 season, including the Golden Boot winner, the first manager to be sacked and potential surprise packages.

Here, though, we're focusing on flops, by trying to figure out which teams will be the biggest disappointments of the coming campaign. Last term saw both Tottenham and Manchester United finish in the bottom six, so is there a team who could follow suit this time around? Our writers have their say…

Getty Images Sport'Villa run the risk of regressing'

Mark Doyle: It's difficult not to be a little worried for Aston Villa. Unai Emery has done a sensational job with a club the hapless Steven Gerrard left in relegation trouble and reached the quarter-finals of last season's Champions League, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. However, Villa's failure to qualify for this season's competition has hit them hard by seriously restricting their market movements. Emery's squad has barely been strengthened at all; in fact, it's even weaker than last season and when one considers Thursday night football is never really conducive to a good Premier League season. As such, Villa really run the risk of regressing this year.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Newcastle may struggle to finish in the top eight'

James Westwood: Newcastle will fall out of the Champions League places after failing to land almost all of their primary summer transfer targets. Eddie Howe does not have the tools to build on the club's historic 2024-25 campaign, and things could yet get worse with star striker Alexander Isak pushing for the exits. The Magpies may struggle to even finish in the top eight if Isak leaves, because no one in the squad is even close to capable of replicating his goal output.

Getty Images Sport'Brentford could be relegated'

Amee Ruszkai: After being a wonderful addition to the Premier League in recent seasons, I'm really concerned about Brentford this term. Not only have they lost a fantastic manager in Thomas Frank, and replaced him with the inexperienced Keith Andrews, they've also bid farewell to top scorer Bryan Mbeumo, club captain Christian Norgaard and could yet lose starting striker Yoanne Wissa as well. It feels like too much all at once and could well result in the Bees losing their place in the top-flight.

Getty'City's signings have been a little strange'

Sean Walsh: The case for Manchester City improving on last season is that Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers ever and they have too much quality to fail so spectacularly again. That said, the Catalan coach is already talking of taking a post-Etihad sabbatical, while their signings have been a little strange. They'll need Rodri to get back up to speed to compete for the title again.

Arsenal: Berta could now hijack Liverpool move for "world-class" £85m star

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could now look to hijack Liverpool’s move for a “world-class” star, who is valued at £85m, according to a report.

Gary Neville urges Arteta to sign new striker

Teams have been successful without out-and-out strikers in the past, with Gary Neville highlighting Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City pre-Erling Haaland as examples, but the Sky Sports pundit has urged Mikel Arteta to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

Neville said: “To not have a recognised striker in the squad: Kai Havertz is half a striker, Gabriel Jesus is half a striker – they can play there. But they do need one or two other forwards who can really be people who can play and lead that line.”

It certainly appears as though Arteta plans to finally pull the trigger on a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres among the most talked-about potential targets, fresh off the back of impressive campaigns.

Player

Benjamin Sesko

Viktor Gyokeres

League appearances

33

33

Goals

13

39

However, according to a report from BILD (via Sport Witness), Berta is now considering alternative options, given that progress is slow, and a Liverpool target has now entered the frame.

The striker in question is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with the report stating Berta could now look to hijack their Premier League rivals’ deal for the 23-year-old, but a deal is likely to be on the expensive side.

Saka will love him: Arsenal agree initial fee to sign £60m "monster"

Arsenal could be growing closer to signing a new striker.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

The German club are thought to be holding out for a fee of £85m, which means a deal for the Frenchman would be more costly than Sesko or Gyokeres. Consequently, the former Paris Saint-Germain man is unlikely to be viewed as a priority target.

"World-class" Ekitike could be ideal Sesko alternative

It has previously been revealed that Sesko is Arteta’s preferred striker target, but there are signs that Ekitike could be an ideal alternative option, given the level of his performances in the Bundesliga last season.

The 23-year-old outperformed the Slovenian in front of goal, finding the back of the net 15 times, while also registering eight assists, leading to him being dubbed as “world-class” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Frankfurt star is also just one year older than Sesko, meaning he could be a long-term solution for Arsenal in attack, while Gyokeres is considerably older than the Bundesliga duo, having recently turned 27.

The only thing that may deter Arsenal from making a move is Ekitike’s huge price tag, with a fee of £85m far too high for a striker yet to prove himself at the top level over a consistent period, but he could be a solid signing if Frankfurt lower their demands.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus