Celtic are in the market for reinforcements this summer, and Brendan Rodgers may have found the answer in his search to populate the forward areas with healthy competition, per a report.
Celtic look to finish season strong before summer recruitment drive
While the other side of the city end the season trophyless, Celtic are on the brink of another domestic treble heading into their final six matches of the campaign. This weekend, the Bhoys can wrap up the Scottish Premiership title by claiming a point against Dundee United at Tannadice.
On the same token, Aberdeen await in the Scottish Cup final next month as the chance to record another clean sweep lays a gripping backdrop for Brendan Rodgers.
Undoubtedly, the Irishman’s first port of call will be competing for the two remaining trophies on offer to Celtic, but he will also have one eye on what is set to be a busy summer at Parkhead. Per reports, the Hoops remain interested in Stoke City winger Million Manhoef, even if his £10 million price tag threatens to put a dampner on their pursuit.
Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry is also a target for Celtic after refusing to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, he would likely be a developmental addition for years to come.
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With the Bhoys set to enter the Champions League at the final qualifying stage next year, targets will become public knowledge before too long due to the time constraints on their scope for business.
Bolstering the forward line is a key mission for Rodgers to support Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah, so it won’t be a surprise to hear that Celtic are now circling for a talented young striker.
Celtic position themselves to sign Moussa Soumano
According to Africa Foot, Celtic are in the mix to sign AC Ajaccio striker Moussa Soumano and have recently monitored the Saint-Denis-born man in action for the Ligue 2 outfit. However, Brentford are believed to be in the lead for his signature after putting forward a £2.5 million bid, though it is unclear whether his club have chosen to accept their proposal.
Moussa Soumano’s record in 2024/25 – Ligue 2
Appearances
27
Goals
4
Assists
2
Leeds United, Leicester City and Serie A clubs have also run checks on the 19-year-old, who will enter the final year of his deal come the end of the season. Primarily a centre-forward, Soumano can also play on the left flank and has completed 25 dribbles on league duty as AC Ajaccio veer towards the end of the campaign in mid-table.
Versatility is always a trait that can be put to good use at Celtic, especially considering the volume of matches Rodgers’ men need to encounter due to their involvement in multiple competitions.
However, they may have their work cut out for them in the chase for Soumano as Thomas Frank’s Brentford appear to be the primary contender to sign the prodigious talent.
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to enter discussions as they plan an offer to sign an astute Man United and Chelsea target, and he’s viewed as a potential snip if they can get a deal done this summer.
Tottenham eyeing new forward amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty
Amid the uncertain future of manager Ange Postecoglou, chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team must also get to work on planning for the upcoming transfer window.
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This year, a special edition window will be open from June 1 to June 10 – which gives some clubs the opportunity to sign players before the Club World Cup begins. It could also be an opportunity for Levy to strengthen early doors, but it is unclear whether the Lilywhites plan to make use of this early window.
What’s crystal clear, though, is Tottenham’s need to strengthen certain areas of the squad.
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
Their 2024/2025 campaign has been overshadowed by a plethora of injuries to key players, leaving Postecoglou with precious few options at times, and it has undoubtedly contributed to their lowly 16th-placed position in the Premier League table.
Spurs are reportedly in the market for a new striker to bolster their forward line, among other transfer priorities, with Richarlison’s long-term future also in question after a season blighted by injury for the Brazilian.
This week, reports claim Tottenham are targeting Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst, following the German’s exceptional Bundesliga campaign, and they’re ready to pay up to £30 million for his signature (CaughtOffside).
However, he is by no means the only centre-forward being looked at, with Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap coming as another name on their radar.
Tottenham preparing to enter talks for Ipswich striker Liam Delap
According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham are planning an offer for Delap and preparing to enter talks for the Englishman’s signature – but face competition from West Ham, Chelsea, Everton and United in pursuit of him.
The 22-year-old has been a bright spark in an otherwise torrid campaign for Kieran McKenna’s relegated side, bagging 12 goals in all competitions, and reports claim Delap’s contract includes a £30 million release clause tied with Ipswich dropping back down to the Championship.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Delap is viewed as a “bargain” behind-the-scenes, according to GMS, but a major obstacle could still form in the ex-Man City starlet’s wage demands. Indeed, it is believed Delap wants around £150,000-per-week from any new suitor, which would actually make him one of Spurs’ highest earners.
This could be tricky to navigate for Levy, who has managed to keep control of Tottenham’s wage bill, and may be reluctant to green-light moves for players with extortionate requirements when it comes to personal terms.
That being said, Delap is a homegrown player of serious quality and sky-high potential, so it could be worth the concession in this instance.
“He is a quality player,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson.
“He led the line on his own against Chelsea. At times, Chelsea were playing a back five with four players in front, and they defended resolutely, but he was always an outlet.
“He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available. When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team.
Sir Alex Ferguson always had an eye for homegrown talent, building his Manchester United dynasty on the backs of British and Irish stars like Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane.
The legendary Scottish manager was well known for not always seeing eye to eye with even his greatest stars however, and was not afraid to dish out punishment to some of the biggest names in the game.
Gary Neville recalled a dispute after he swore at the 83 year-old during their time together at United: “He fined me a week’s wages, battered me after the match.
“Did it again the day after in his office. Then he proceeded to leave me out for the next two weeks, put me on the bench. He shouted something on to me [in the game] and I knew it. I spent the next 15 minutes of the match thinking, ‘I am done. I’m done.’”
Perhaps the most well-known case of ‘Fergie’ taking on one of his own players came in 2005, leading to Keane’s departure as Red Devils captain.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder had been in and out of the team since an injury sustained due to a poor tackle from Liverpool’s Luis Garcia, and had also taken issue with the quality of the team’s accommodation during a pre-season camp in Portugal.
And after an outburst criticising his teammates on MUTV as well as several rows with Ferguson and assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, Keane left Old Trafford by mutual consent in November 2005.
Ferguson: Gerrard was the best midfielder in the Premier League
Suddenly United had a gaping hole in a team that had dominated the Premier League for years, and Sir Alex has since revealed the only man capable of filling that void at the time was Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
It’s little surprise the Scot was so appreciative of Gerrard’s talents either. At a time when United were dominating their north-west counterparts domestically, Gerrard was the sole constant thorn in their side.
Appearances
35
Wins
13
Draws
2
Losses
20
Goals
9
Assists
5
Yellow cards
6
Red cards
2
The Premier League has seen some of the best midfielders in the world throughout the years, leading to fierce debates as fans rank the likes of Keane, Gerrard, Vieira, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard.
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Sir Alex wasn’t the only one full of praise for Liverpool’s skipper though, with the legendary Jose Mourinho once admitting he tried to sign him both with Internazionale and while he was in charge at Chelsea.
It’s truly difficult to comprehend how England’s ‘golden era’ was unable to succeed with the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes leading the charge.
Going in pursuit of even greater success next season, Liverpool are now reportedly prioritising a move to sign an impressive La Liga midfielder in this summer’s transfer window.
Salah reiterates desire for even more success
Mohamed Salah may be a two-time Premier League winner and undeniably one of the greatest players to ever grace English football, but he is not slowing down. At 32 years old, the Egyptian has just broken the record for most goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League season, with 28 goals and 18 assists, and was recently crowned the Football Writers’ Player of the Season.
He still wants more, however. That new contract wasn’t signed with the intention of slowing down in the final stages of his Liverpool career. Instead, Salah reiterated that he still wants to win at least one more Premier League and one more Champions League at Anfield.
The winger recently told Gary Neville: “This year I won the Premier League and I think I never felt happier in the club for eight years like this moment in the Spurs game. I really wish we win the Champions League game. I know the Premier League is always nice for the club and that’s how it should be but I would love to win the Champions League and Premier League again.”
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To achieve exactly that though, Liverpool will need to back Arne Slot in this summer’s transfer window. As successful as the Dutchman’s first season has been at Anfield, there remains question marks about whether the Reds were simply in the right place at the right time. And those questions must be answered in emphatic fashion next season.
Well aware of that, FSG are already acting to replace the departing Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong in the coming months and have now reportedly identified another target who could help them to match Salah’s clear ambitions.
Liverpool prioritising Jauregizar move
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now prioritising a move to sign Mikel Jauregizar from Athletic Club this summer. Slot reportedly rates the midfielder and could finally land the type of reinforcement that he has wanted since targeting Martin Zubimendi last summer. Given that the Reds are set to miss out on Zubimendi to rivals Arsenal, welcoming Jauregizar would arguably make perfect sense this summer.
Starts
24
32
Progressive Carries
0.59
1.14
Progressive Passes
4.73
5.96
Ball Recoveries
5.78
4.32
The numbers highlight the similarities between the two midfielders, but also one key difference. Although Jauregizar has struggled to match Zubimendi’s ability to progress play, he has worked better out of possession – a trait that Slot has come to appreciate in Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool this season.
Labelled “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Jauregizar could be next in line to undergo the same transformation that Ryan Gravenberch has undergone in the last 12 months. From struggling star, the Dutchman is now a nominee for the Premier League Player of the Year award under Slot.
Mikel Jauregizar scoring against Manchester United in the Europa League.
As for matching Salah’s ambitions, an added controller in the middle of the park in Jauregizar could go a long way towards Slot’s Liverpool side becoming far more dominant this summer and winning the top honours once again.
Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy have some key decisions to make in the near future, which even stretch beyond manager Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham's transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty
With Levy yet to fully decide on whether to stick or twist with Postecoglou, following a season of extreme highs to the lowest of lows, the Lilywhites chief will need to commit to a direction soon as we enter the summer transfer window.
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Postecoglou’s position in the dugout will greatly determine how Spurs tackle their recruitment strategy, and with the first mini-window now upon us – open from June 1 to June 10 – supporters will be eager for the Australian’s future to resolved as soon as possible.
There are reports that Levy and technical director Johan Lange have identified targets, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze among the players attracting Tottenham’s keen interest.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
However, it is unlikely they can make any serious moves until they have some clarity regarding Postecoglou, who guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years but also set a dismal Tottenham record for most Premier League defeats in a single season (22).
It appears an attacker is firmly on the agenda at Spurs, amid links to Eze and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané, with Spurs chiefs reportedly keen to add more experience to their youthful squad.
“Spurs don’t have to sell to buy, with Champions League qualification huge for the club,” said Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge in a Q&A, providing some answers on the club’s transfer plans.
“All areas, apart from the goalkeeping department, will be looked at. Midfield and forward would be the priority if Cristian Romero stays.”
There are many intriguing market opportunities for Spurs to consider, and one of them comes in the form of wantaway £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku.
The France international bagged 14 goals in all competitions under Enzo Maresca last season, despite barely starting, and he can play in a variety of attacking roles – namely on the left-wing, attacking midfield, second striker and as a centre-forward.
Tottenham plotting bid to sign Christopher Nkunku on loan
Spurs made an enquiry for Nkunku recently, as reported by reliable GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs, so he appears to be a genuine target for Levy.
Now, Chelsea News, a site run by another reliable journalist in Simon Phillips, reports that Tottenham are considering a loan bid for Nkunku with an option to buy the 27-year-old.
The former RB Leipzig star’s final price tag could apparently be around £46 million plus bonuses, which would take it to £55 million, but both Spurs and Newcastle are keen to take him on an initial temporary deal before paying anywhere near that amount.
Even though Chelsea would prefer an outright sale, there is an acceptance within Stamford Bridge that they may have to green-light such a move, with the Blues keen to get him off their books.
Nkunku could be an excellent deal for Tottenham given his quality, experience and versatility, with the option of remaining in London also potentially attractive for the player.
The summer transfer window officially opened for business on Sunday and Manchester United have already completed their first signing to bolster the squad.
Matheus Cunha was officially unveiled as the first addition of the summer on Sunday, joining from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal.
The Brazil international will compete for one of the number ten positions behind the central striker in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system in the 2025/26 campaign.
Cunha racked up an impressive haul of 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League for Wolves this season, and could provide a big goal threat for the Red Devils.
The Brazilian star appears to be an exciting addition on paper, given that he has already proven himself in the Premier League, and there could be more forwards to come through the door yet.
Liam Delap, however, will not be one of them because the Red Devils look set to lose the race to land the England U21 international this summer.
Why missing out on Liam Delap is a blow for Manchester United
Chelsea are reportedly set to sign the English forward from Ipswich Town, following their relegation from the Premier League, for a fee of £30m, due to a release clause in his contract in Suffolk.
Champions League football is reportedly a big factor in his decision to make the move to Stamford Bridge, which may be why he is not on his way to Old Trafford, which will not be hosting any European football next season.
Liam Delap at Ipswich Town.
United were previously reported to be in pole position to sign Delap, before they lost the Europa League final, and missing out on him now should come as a blow to the club.
The 22-year-old joined the Tractor Boys on a permanent deal from Manchester City last summer and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League, despite failing to keep his side in the division.
Appearances
37
xG
9.34
Goals
12
Conversion rate
18%
Big chances created
3
Assists
2
As you can see in the table above, Delap was clinical in front of goal for Ipswich, scoring 12 goals from just 9.34 xG, and proved that he can score goals on a regular basis at that level.
The release clause in his contract also meant that he was available for a bargain fee of £30m, and the Red Devils may now have to pay more than that to find an alternative centre-forward option.
There is now a fresh report that reveals that the Premier League giants are looking at numerous other options to bolster their attack in the coming weeks.
Manchester United target Bundesliga centre-forward
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United missing out on Champions League football was a ‘major blow’ because it cost them a deal to sign Delap from Ipswich.
The report adds, however, that Amorim has other centre-forwards on his radar for the summer transfer window, as he looks to provide Cunha with a number nine to play behind.
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It reveals that RB Leipzig number nine Benjamin Sesko has emerged as one of the options being targeted by the Red Devils, alongside Sporting marksman Viktor Gyokeres.
The Slovenia international is said to be one of the strikers on their radar, after missing out on Delap to Chelsea, and he reportedly has a release clause of £84m in his contract with the German side.
This suggests that Sesko could cost a lot more than Delap would have, £54m more to be exact, unless they can negotiate a lower fee, but he could still arrive as an exciting upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund for Amorim.
Why Manchester United should sign Benjamin Sesko
The Premier League giants should swoop to sign the Slovenian number nine this summer because he has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad.
There is no hiding away from the fact that Hojlund did not produce enough in front of goal in the league during the 2024/25 campaign. The Denmark international ended the season with just four goals, from 5.24 xG, in 32 appearances in the division.
Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United’s first-choice centre-forward averaged a goal every 506 minutes in the Premier League, which is simply not good enough for a team that should have ambitions of challenging for the title.
With Sesko, the Red Devils could find a centre-forward who is more suited to challenging at the top end of the league table, given his form for RB Leipzig this term.
The 22-year-old star, who recently scored a sensational trivela goal against Bayern Munich, ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 21 goals and six assists in all competitions.
Sesko, who has been described as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, also scored 18 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig in the 2023/24 season, which shows that he has consistently scored goals at an impressive rate over a prolonged period of time.
Appearances
32
33
xG
5.24
9.89
Goals
4
13
Conversion rate
13%
19%
Key passes per game
0.5
0.6
Assists
0
5
As you can see in the table above, the Slovenia international performed significantly better than Hojlund did at league level this season, with nine more goals and five more assists, despite playing just one more match.
Sesko, who also scored one more goal than Delap, could be way better than the Danish flop due to his ability to efficiently find the back of the net at an impressive rate, outperforming his xG by roughly three goals.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
Whether that is enough to make him worth the £84m release clause in his Leipzig contract is up for debate, as it depends on how much money United are willing to spend and what they want to do in other areas of the squad.
Taking the financial aspect out of it, though, Sesko could be an exceptional addition to the squad to improve Amorim’s attacking options as a genuine goal threat in the number nine position, which is something that they have not had with Hojlund.
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Glasgow Rangers have yet to make a signing under new manager Russell Martin, but could all that change in the coming days?
The Ibrox side has reportedly shown interest in strikers Matija Frigan and Dor Turgeman recently as Martin seeks to bolster the club’s attacking options.
With Cyriel Dessers closing in on a move to AEK Athens, adding a striker or two could be vital.
Bringing in another centre-back is also high on the wishlist for the new boss, especially with Leon Balogun leaving at the end of last season.
The Nigerian defender was a superb servant for the Gers across two spells. But could Martin sign an upgrade on him this summer?
Rangers search for a new defender
Robin Propper is another defender who looks set to leave Ibrox while Ben Davies appears not to have a future at Rangers.
This leaves Martin with just John Souttar, Clinton Nsiala and Leon King as options at the heart of the defence.
According to The Rangers Review, the Gers are still interested in signing centre-back Harry Darling. His contract has expired at Swansea City, which means Martin wouldn’t have to pay a penny to reunite with his former player.
The Englishman played under the former Southampton boss at MK Dons and Swansea; therefore, he knows him well.
On a free, with the likelihood of Darling not breaking the bank wage-wise, the signing could be a shrewd one for the Glasgow side.
Balogun was loved by the supporters. That much is certain. Could Darling be an upgrade on the veteran, however?
Why Rangers must sign Harry Darling
Balogun was a titan at the back during his spells with the club. He won three trophies and helped Rangers reach the 2022 Europa League final.
Across 20 Premiership games last season, he won an impressive 62% of his total duels contested, while being dribbled past on just 0.3 occasions per game.
Leon Balogun
The 6ft 2 defender was a nightmare for opposition strikers as his physicality was superb, and that is also the case for the Swansea defender, who won 65% of his duels and was only dribbled past 0.3 times per game in the Championship.
In the second tier last season, Darling registered eight goal contributions for the Swans. Add this to the fact he recorded five the season before, and it is clear he thrives in set-piece scenarios.
Goals
5
Assists
3
Accurate passes per game
53.9
Clean sheets
12
Total duels won per game
4.9
Balls recovered per game
3.9
Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the Championship during 2024/25, the centre-back ranked in the top 12% for assists (0.08) and in the top 7% for non-penalty goals (0.13) per 90.
Furthermore, he even ranked in the top 12% for progressive carries (1.05) and in the top 23% for progressive passes (3.7) per 90, suggesting that he loves to bring the ball forward from the defence, whether he is passing or dribbling.
In this sense, he would make for an ideal upgrade on Balogun, especially considering he is also 11 years younger than the former Gers man and would provide far more long-term value to the club as an asset that could increase in value.
Dubbed “heroic” by manager Luke Williams earlier this season, Darling would be a dream first signing for Martin and a big upgrade on Balogun. No doubt about it.
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Manchester United’s glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson now feel like a distant memory given the slump that they’ve endured over the last couple of seasons.
The Red Devils won 13 Premier League titles during the Scotsman’s reign, helping them win the treble back in the 1998/99 season – a feat that remains remarkable to this day.
However, his side have failed to win the league title since Ferguson’s final year in charge at Old Trafford, with their drought now about to enter its 15th season.
Ruben Amorim is the latest boss to try and end such a wait, but his tenure has yet to lift off after a 15th-place finish after taking the reins back in November last year.
However, the summer transfer window presents an opportunity for the 40-year-old to transform their fortunes, leading to numerous players being touted with a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer
Over the last couple of days, Copenhagen winger Roony Bardghji has been touted with a move to United, handing the side an added threat in the final third after scoring against the Red Devils in the Champions League last season.
He’s not the only player on their radar, with Richard Rios emerging as a potential option after impressing for Palmeiras at the ongoing Club World Cup.
However, their ambitions in the market have been evident with their attempts to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, taking another step in landing the talent, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim that Amorim’s side have taken the next step in their pursuit, submitting a £60m offer for the 25-year-old after having their opening bid of £55m rejected.
It also states that the hierarchy see him as a key part of their ambitions for the future, which has seen the Cameroonian international agree to a move with the two sides needing to negotiate a fee.
Why United’s £60m target would be a better signing than Ekitike
Despite the interest in other forwards, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké has been another name that has been mentioned as a potential option for Amorim this summer.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year in the Bundesliga this campaign, registering 22 goals across all competitions, evidently catching the eye of the Red Devils.
However, they’re not alone with Liverpool and Chelsea also in the race to land the Frenchman’s signature ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Any deal for Ekitike’s services would cost the hierarchy a small fortune, given the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of €100m (£84m) to part ways with their talisman.
Such a fee may not be value for money, with Mbeumo certainly a better option for Amorim’s side in his attempts to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
He’s set to be available for a cheaper fee this window, whilst also having the experience in England’s top-flight – netting 20 goals this campaign, the best year in his professional career to date.
Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former teammate Pontus Jansson, has outscored the Frenchman and achieved a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical nature despite not being a centre forward.
Games played
38
33
Goals & assists
27
23
Shot on target accuracy
43%
38%
Progressive passes
3.7
1.8
Key passes made
1.9
1.5
Take-on success
47%
43%
Carries into opposition box
2
1.8
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
He’s also achieved a higher tally of progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes, having the ability to provide others around him with the tools to star alongside him.
However, the 25-year-old’s talents don’t end there, completing more take-ons and carries into the penalty area, demonstrating his direct nature with the ball at his feet.
If the offer of £60m is accepted, it would be an excellent piece of business by the hierarchy, handing Amorim the tools he needs for success at Old Trafford.
Whilst Ekitike would be a viable option, the difference in price and experience in such a division makes the Brentford talent a better option ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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The hosts recovered from 99 for 5 against South Africa in Bengaluru
Srinidhi Ramanujam16-Jun-2024Smriti Mandhana’s outstanding century and a clinical bowling performance led by Asha Sobhana headlined India’s massive win as they went 1-0 up against South Africa in the first of the three ODIs in Bengaluru, on Sunday.Mandhana’s 117, her first century at home and sixth in ODIs, rescued the hosts after they opted to bat first but suffered an early collapse. India added 166 runs after the fall of the fifth wicket, the most they have ever done in a women’s ODI, to push their total from 99 for 5 to 265 for 8, which proved too much for South Africa, who had an underwhelming outing with the bat on a surface that offered variable bounce and turn.The chase got off to a shaky start as South Africa lost Laura Wolvaardt, the returning Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch for 33 runs. Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus chipped in briefly but none of the batters could negate the spin threat under lights at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Asha, showing no nerves on her debut, starred with four wickets to skittle the visitors for 122, handing India a 143-run victory.India’s oldest ODI debutant’s two crucial oversA month after making her international debut at 33 in the T20Is against Bangladesh, Asha was handed the ODI cap, becoming India’s oldest debutant in this format as well. She was slotted in ahead of the offspinner Shreyanka Patil. That Asha has the knack of picking up big wickets in pressure situations was well-known after the WPL. On Sunday too, she showcased that control and maturity to tilt the momentum in India’s favour.After India’s pacers and Deepti Sharma strangled South Africa’s top order, South Africa slowly found a way to get back into the contest, thanks to Kapp and Luus’ partnership. The duo had batted for more than ten overs after the fall of the third wicket and India knew a well-set Kapp could be a game-changer.Asha Sobhana picked 4 for 21 on her ODI debut•BCCIHaving bowled two overs for eight runs, Asha came back for her second spell, in the 19th over. The legspinner started by conceding just two runs, getting enough drift and turn to slow down the scoring. After largely sticking to length deliveries in her first few overs, she floated one outside off this time, slow through the air, to deceive Kapp and force her to hit in the air towards cover where Harmanpreet was stationed. An easy catch for one of India’s best fielders gave Asha joy, and her maiden ODI wicket.In her next over, Jemimah Rodrigues dropped Annerie Dercksen at point but a mix-up between her and Luus ended Dercksen’s innings as she was run out at the striker’s end.At 75 for 5, South Africa were all but out of the game.India rejig batting orderD Hemalatha and Rodrigues were back in the XI. Rodrigues was returning from a back niggle after missing out on the Bangladesh T20I series while Hemalatha, on the back of good performances against Bangladesh, made her way to the ODI setup.In India’s last ODI series against Australia in December, head coach Amol Muzumdar had mentioned that Richa Ghosh would be suited for No. 3, with Harmanpreet and Rodrigues coming in after her. This was a deviation from her previous role where she was used as a finisher.However, on Sunday, with Shafali Verma departing early for 7, Hemalatha slotted in at No. 3. She perished after a 16-ball 12. Rodrigues and Harmanpreet were India’s Nos. 4 and 5 and Ghosh back to the lower-middle order at No. 6. She survived four balls but was then caught behind for 3.ESPNcricinfo LtdMandhana at home in BengaluruNinety-two for three became 99 for 5 in the 22nd over and India were desperate for a big partnership. An ODI after a gap of six months, players are bound to be rusty. But not Mandhana. She put on a brisk 81-run stand for the sixth wicket with Deepti Sharma to lift the team past 250. Switching to the long format, the India vice-captain curbed her aggressive instinct to play along the ground to play long.South Africa denied easy runs for India’s batters, with the likes of Dercksen and Ayobhanga Khaka targeting a stump-to-stump line. But Mandhana countered well, using the crease whenever the opportunity arose to play her pull and cut shots to manufacture runs. Though she and Deepti kept the scorecard ticking, there were also chances to convert the ones to twos.Mandhana hit 12 fours – seven of them on the leg side – and a six. She was all clarity and calmness. After 32 overs, she batted cramps on her way to hundred. But it also forced her to find a few quick boundaries and forgo the singles.Once Deepti departed for 37, Pooja Vastrakar joined Mandhana and this pair stitched a 58-run stand off 54 deliveries to give India the late push they wanted. South Africa let their guard down in the last ten overs, conceding 74 runs, with the humidity also playing a major factor in their sloppy fielding.Mandhana played for 193 minutes and 42.3 overs overall to make 117. In the end, South Africa could post only five more than her score.
Glasgow Rangers now know who they will be playing in the Champions League second qualifying round, and it isn’t the easiest of tasks.
Indeed, Greek side Panathinaikos will be the opponents as the Ibrox side aim to make it through to the third round of qualifying.
The two teams have met four times previously, with Rangers failing to win a single match. In the 2003/04 Champions League group stages, the clubs drew 1-1 in Greece, before Panathinaikos secured an impressive 3-1 win at Ibrox.
After being knocked out of Europe’s premier club competition at the group stages in 2007/08, the Gers found themselves in the UEFA Cup.
A 0-0 draw in Glasgow against the Greek giants was followed by a 1-1 result in Athens courtesy of a late Nacho Novo goal. Of course, the away goal rule was in place back then, seeing the Light Blues make their first step towards the final that year.
The game will be Russell Martin’s first competitive match in charge of the club, and the supporters will be hoping for a positive result.
Given what is at stake, Martin must wish he had a couple of previous Ibrox stars available at his disposal. The lack of an excellent striker has been the club’s biggest weakness in recent years, but imagine how good it would be to see a prime Nikica Jelavic at Rangers once again?
Nikica Jelavic’s Rangers statistics
Rangers have enjoyed an affinity with Croatian centre-forwards since the turn of the century. Dado Prso must go down as one of the modern cult icons in the club’s recent history, forging an impressive duo with Novo during the 2004/05 season.
A few years ago, Antonio Colak spent a year at Ibrox. While not everyone’s cup of tea, the striker still managed to score 18 goals in 39 matches across all competitions.
Rangers striker Antonio Colak.
It is Jelavic, however, who will go down as one of the most clinical strikers the club has had since 2000. Despite his stay in Glasgow lasting just 18 months, the former Rapid Vienna forward netted 36 goals across just 55 matches for the Gers.
Not one for having plenty of simple tap-ins within his repertoire, Jelavic was a master at making something from nothing.
Take his overhead kick against Aberdeen towards the end of the 2010/11 season, for example. The stunning effort secured a vital three points in the club’s efforts to chase down Celtic at the top of the table.
Just weeks earlier, Jelavic had scored a delightful winner in extra time against the Parkhead side to seal the League Cup for the Light Blues.
And who can forget the scenes at Rugby Park on the final day of the 2010/11 campaign? With Rangers needing a win to secure a third league title in a row, Jelavic scored a sublime free-kick and grabbed an assist in a 5-1 victory.
Rangers and Croatian centre-forwards go together like Lennon and McCartney. Could Martin be eyeing up another one during the summer transfer window?
Rangers searching for a new striker
It looks as though Cyriel Dessers might be the first big sale by Martin this summer, although there could be a slight hitch with the final transfer fee amid interest from AEK Athens.
Should the Nigerian international leave, another striker or two will be sought, especially with the clash against Panathinaikos just five weeks away.
According to a Turkish reporter, the Ibrox side are tracking Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Igor Matanović, with regard to bringing him to Glasgow.
The player still has another four years left on his contract with the Bundesliga outfit, but due to a lack of gametime, he could be available for a fee of around €5m (£4.2m).
That could be within Kevin Thelwell’s budget at Ibrox if he can move Dessers on for a substantial fee, should a move to Athens go through in the coming days or weeks.
Igor Matanovic
Matanovic is still only 22 and could be an ideal signing for the new manager to bolster his attacking department. Dare I say it, but might he be the next Jelavic?
Why Rangers must sign Igor Matanovic
Amid the recent link to the youngster, analyst and scout Kai Watson profiled Matanovic on X, saying:
“Matanović struggled for game time in the Bundesliga last season at Frankfurt but excelled in 2.Bundesliga the season before for Karlsruher on loan.
Goals
14
Assists
5
Key passes per game
0.9
Shots on target per game
1.1
Big chances missed
10
Total duels won per game
6.9
“Tall (6’4), powerful, technical, dare I say, Jelavić-esque?”
Taking a look back, Jelavic was one of the club’s finest strikers from a technical point of view. He could score from anywhere, and his movement in and around the box was excellent.
Matanovic appears in a similar mould. While he netted just twice for Frankfurt last term, it was a loan stint with Karlsruher that showed his true talents.
That season, he only scored one tap-in, scoring a mix of headers, counter-attacking, and goals from outside the six-yard box.
The 22-year-old scored every 167 minutes in the German second tier, while also finishing the season with an 18% conversion rate, creating six big chances, and succeeding with 55% of his dribble attempts.
Like Jelavic, the Frankfurt star loves creating opportunities for others and is keen on using his dribbling abilities to take on opposition defenders.
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When compared to his positional peers in the Europa League last season, Matanovic ranked in the top 9% for shots on target (1.55) per 90, along with ranking in the top 12% for touches in the defensive third of the pitch (4.64) per 90, indicating how well he can help out the team when they are under attack.
Bringing in a player of this quality as soon as possible would certainly make Martin’s job easier when it comes to making progress in the Champions League.
There is still time, but with July edging ever closer, the manager must start integrating players into the first team sooner rather than later.
Jelavic was certainly one of a kind. But from Matanovic’s statistics in recent seasons, he could be a wonderful signing who will only get better and better as time goes on.
The clock is ticking.
He'd be better than Darling: Rangers open talks to sign "immaculate" star
Having missed out on signing Harry Darling, Rangers have made an approach to land a new defender.