Fast bowler had previously indicated he would be unlikely to play another away Test after modest record

Matt Roller21-Aug-2024

Chris Woakes celebrates dismissing Nishan Madushka, the first of his three wickets•Getty Images

Chris Woakes believes he could lead England’s bowling attack in Pakistan and New Zealand this winter, despite his modest Test record overseas.Woakes has a bowling average of 51.88 in his 20 away Tests, compared to 21.57 in 32 at home, but said that he will not “shy away” from touring either this winter and beyond, despite having last featured in an overseas Test at Grenada in March 2022.Woakes took 3 for 32 at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday as England bowled Sri Lanka out for 236 on the opening day of the first of three Tests, and has now taken 14 wickets at 19.07 this summer. At 35, he has led England’s attack since James Anderson followed Stuart Broad into retirement earlier this summer, and is not ruling himself out of fulfilling the same role overseas.”Naturally as you get older, the more Test cricket you play, you pick up new skills, you have more experience to fall back on and are a little bit wiser,” Woakes said. “I haven’t played an away Test for a little while, so it’s hard to look back at that – but that might be a good thing as well, that I haven’t in a little while. It gives you a little fresh look on things.”Woakes was not involved for England’s only Test tour of the 2023-24 winter, instead playing for Sharjah Warriors at the ILT20 after appearing to concede that he was unlikely to play another overseas Test, saying: “My away record speaks for itself.” However, after bad light brought an early close in Manchester, he insisted that he remains available for selection.”I certainly wouldn’t shy away from it,” Woakes said. “I’ll play for England where I’m picked to play for England. I certainly wouldn’t rule myself out, and obviously that will be a discussion for probably further down the line, but I’m certainly not ruling myself out. The selectors will have their plans, but I’m certainly not going to turn down a tour if selected, so we shall see.”England will play six overseas Tests this winter, three each against Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December. Brendon McCullum, their coach, said after their whitewash against West Indies that it would be “hard to rub him out right now” from selection overseas, not least as perhaps England’s only seamer capable of contributing regularly with the bat from No. 8.Related

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He will bat one spot higher than that in this series, promoted to No. 7 in Ben Stokes’ absence. “I’ve worked hard on my batting in my whole career,” he said. “It’s not something which I’ve always found easy. I’ve put in some hard yards to make sure that I’m capable of doing that, and it’s an extra string in the bow which allows you to potentially be selected ahead of someone else, who maybe can’t quite fulfil that role.”I feel like batting at No. 8 in the Test side, it’s probably a role which sometimes goes under the radar. You do have to be able to contribute with the bat and it’s not necessarily just the runs you score; it’s the time you spend out there to bat with the genuine batters that you come and join in the middle, who can then add more runs for the side.”Having spent most of his Test career as a change bowler behind Anderson and Broad, Woakes has thrived with the new ball this summer. “It’s not like Ben and Baz have come up and said, ‘you are the leader, you have to lead this attack’. It’s just a role which I’m taking on this summer as the opening bowler and the oldest to try and give options and communicate with the other bowlers as much as I can.”He struck twice in his fourth over on Wednesday, having Nishan Madushka caught at first slip when he went chasing after a wide outswinger, and setting Angelo Mathews up to pin him lbw playing no shot. “It was a big wicket for myself, and it’s always nice when you’ve moved a few away and then you get one to come back like that,” Woakes said.In the afternoon session, Woakes had Kamindu Mendis caught behind to leave Sri Lanka 92 for 6, with poor light denying him an opportunity to dismiss debutant Milan Rathnayake, who made 72 from No. 9. “We’re really happy,” he said. “To bowl a team out on day one of a Test match and to be none down at the close is a superb day.”The Sri Lankans will probably still feel with how the surface played for the first half of today that you can get on a roll and you can pick up wickets on that pitch, but we will see… it felt like today it was more of a new-ball pitch or a hard-ball pitch, where it moved around with that harder ball. Once it got soft, it actually looked really nice and easier to bat.”

Nottingham Forest are working hard to secure new arrivals and could be given a helping hand by claiming a sizeable windfall from one of their first-team assets, according to reports.

Nottingham Forest remain in deadlock over Morgan Gibbs-White

Truthfully, nothing of note has changed in Morgan Gibbs-White’s precarious situation at Nottingham Forest after they threatened to take legal action against Tottenham Hotspur following the latter triggering the England international’s release clause.

While it remains to be seen whether the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man stays in the Midlands, the Tricky Trees have reportedly identified Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey as a replacement.

Everton and West Ham United are also interested in the midfielder, though Ben Jacobs has also confirmed that Bilal El Khannouss is another Nottingham Forest option.

Addressing their interest in the Leicester City playmaker, he stated: “It’s buying Forest time and in the time taken, Forest are looking at Morgan Gibbs-White replacements, which tells you they still think there’s a chance he could go to Spurs.

“Bilal El Khannouss, at Leicester, is one name to watch. He has a 26m euro relegation release clause, and Forest are one of at least three Premier League clubs that have expressed an interest in the Moroccan international.”

Dream Elanga replacement: Nottingham Forest in contact to sign £25m "menace"

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ByJoe Nuttall Jul 15, 2025

Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus have arrived at the City Ground from Botafogo, albeit Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled to follow up on bringing in the duo as the marketspace becomes increasingly competitive.

Nevertheless, there is plenty of time left to secure new arrivals, offering optimism that he will eventually put together the components needed for Nottingham Forest to have a successful window, though he will also need to sell players to balance the books.

Botafogo agree deal to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo

According to Globo Esporte, Botafogo have agreed to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo and only the final details of a deal remain to be ironed out before his transfer back to Brazil is sealed.

An agreement is in place between all parties, and it is said that the value of his move equates to around £19 million. The former Palmeiras man will sign a four-year contract after negotiations accelerated due to Gregore’s departure to Al-Rayyan.

Danilo’s record at Nottingham Forest

Appearances

62

Goals

6

Assists

4

Labelled “wonderful” by Nuno after unfortunately breaking his ankle, the Salvador-born man has struggled to get back to his best form since and now appears set to reignite his career back in familiar surroundings.

It should be noted that he was initially hesistant to commit to Botafogo amid his association with their rivals, Palmeiras, but he is now ready to take the plunge under Davide Ancelotti’s stewarship.

Nottingham Forest may be losing a talented squad player, though his exit may offer up further funds to pursue reinforcements in the engine room once all documentation is signed and sealed.

سقط فريق الكرة بـ الأهلي في فخ التعادل أمام منافسه إنبي بهدف لكل فريق، بالمباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ضمن لقاءات الدوري المصري.

وحل الأهلي ضيفًا على نظيره إنبي بالمواجهة التي أقيمت على أرضية استاد المقاولون العرب في إطار لقاءات الجولة السادسة من الدوري المصري.

وتصدر فريق الكرة بـ الزمالك، ترتيب بطولة الدوري المصري، بعد حقق فوزًا هامًا على حساب المصري بنتيجة 3-0، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء أمس السبت.

وانطلقت منافسات الجولة السادسة من مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، أول أمس الجمعة، وذلك بعد انتهاء فترة التوقف الدولي بسبب ارتباط منتخب مصر بـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وأقيمت المباراة بين الزمالك والمصري، على أرضية استاد برج العرب في مدينة الإسكندرية، ضمن لقاءات الجولة السادسة من الدوري.

طالع | ترتيب هدافي الدوري المصري

وغاب فريق بيراميدز عن منافسات الجولة السادسة للراحة من المباريات، بجانب انشغاله بمواجهة أوكلاند سيتي في كأس القارات للأندية. ترتيب الدوري المصري

1- الزمالك – 13 نقطة

2- المصري – 11 نقطة

3- وادي دجلة – 10 نقاط

4- سيراميكا كليوباترا – 10 نقاط

5- مودرن سبورت – 10 نقاط

6- زد – 9 نقاط

7- إنبي – 9 نقاط

8- بتروجيت – 9 نقاط

9- غزل المحلة – 8 نقاط

10- بيراميدز – 8 نقاط

11- حرس الحدود – 8 نقاط

12- طلائع الجيش – 8 نقاط

13- البنك الأهلي – 7 نقاط

14- سموحة – 7 نقاط

15- الأهلي – 6 نقاط

16- الجونة – 6 نقاط

17- الاتحاد السكندري – 5 نقاط

18- الإسماعيلي – 4 نقاط

19- المقاولون العرب – 3 نقاط

20- فاركو – 2 نقطة

21- كهرباء الإسماعيلية – 2 نقطة

يمكنكم متابعة ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، بشكل محدث وباستمرار من هنا

Nishan Madushka, Kasun Rajitha and Nisala Tharaka make way from the group that toured England

Madushka Balasuriya16-Sep-2024

Oshada Fernando impressed in Sri Lanka A’s tour of South Africa•AFP/Getty Images

Top-order batter Oshada Fernando has returned to Sri Lanka’s Test fold following an 18-month absence, but this means there is no room for opening batter Nishan Madushka in Sri Lanka’s 16-man squad for this month’s two-Test series against New Zealand at home. Of those that toured England, fast-bowling allrounder Nisala Tharaka and seamer Kasun Rajitha are the other two to be left out.Oshada’s return follows an impressive showing with the A team, who are currently touring South Africa. The 32-year-old batter, who has played 21 Tests, struck 122 and 80 on the way to a Player-of-the-Match showing, as Sri Lanka A won the first of two unofficial Tests in Kimberley. The performances were enough for the selectors to curtail his time in South Africa and shoehorn him into a Test squad for the first time since March 2023.Madushka was unsurprisingly the odd man out, following a difficult tour of England where he accumulated scores of 4, 0, 7 and 13 over the first two Tests before being dropped for the third. His replacement at the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka, struck a match-winning century in the final Test, which now means there is no natural spot in the playing XI for the 25-year-old wicketkeeper.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Neither Tharaka nor Rajitha played a game in England, and with the seamers that did – Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Milan Rathnayake – impressing, Sri Lanka’s seam contingent was already overstocked considering the spin-friendly conditions expected in Galle.Despite his recall, though, Oshada might find it difficult to secure a spot in what is a fairly settled batting order. Dimuth Karunaratne, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis are all likely to retain their places in the XI, while Ramesh Mendis might slot in at No. 8 to bolster both the batting and spin-bowling ranks. There is also Sadeera Samarawickrama waiting in the wings.Related

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With the remaining three slots going to lead spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and two others – likely two seamers, or possibly even an extra spinner in Jeffrey Vandersay – it’s hard to see where Oshada fits in unless one of the senior men in Mathews or Karunaratne makes way.Both Tests will take place in Galle with the first Test beginning on September 18.Sri Lanka Test squad against New ZealandDhananjaya de Silva (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake

تواجد رئيس النادي الأهلي، محمود الخطيب، في مقر القلعة الحمراء بالجزيرة، لحضور الجمعية العمومية المقامة اليوم الجمعة.

ويعقد النادي الأهلي، اجتماع جمعية عمومية، اليوم الجمعة، للمشاركة في التصويت على لائحة النظام الأساسي، ورسم خريطة المستقبل للنادي.

ونشرت الصفحة الرسمية للنادي الأهلي، على “فيس بوك”، “ظهور محمود الخطيب رفقة أعضاء الجمعية العمومية، داخل النادي الأهلي”.

طالع | الأهلي في مهمة صعبة أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا بـ الدوري لتصحيح المسار والعودة للانتصارات

وكان أعضاء النادي الأهلي بدأوا في التوافد للمشاركة في الجمعية العمومية بمقر النادي في الجزيرة، منذ التاسعة صباح اليوم والتي تستمر حتى السابعة مساءً.

ومن المقرر أن يكتمل نصاب الاجتماع قانونيًا، بحضور 5000 عضو على الأقل.

يذكر، أن محمود الخطيب كان قد أعلن في بيان رسمي، عن عدم استكمال مدته في رئاسة الأهلي وعدم الترشح لفترة جديدة في انتخابات الأهلي القادمة.

Lack of overs and suggestions that he is struggling with multiple injuries have raised questions about Shakib Al Hasan’s appearance in the ongoing Chennai Test against India. Shakib, who on Saturday became Bangladesh’s oldest Test cricketer, bowled seven overs on the third day after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto brought him into the attack belatedly. Shakib was uncharacteristically poor, with Rishabh Pant hitting him for six fours and two sixes.Shakib eventually finished with the most expensive match figures of his Test career. It was also only the fifth time that Shakib had gone wicketless in a Test after bowling at least 20 overs. As Shanto kept him off the attack for most of the morning session on Saturday, Murali Kartik, the former Indian left-arm spinner, said on air that Shakib had informed him about discomfort on his spinning finger and shoulder.”Having seen him and known him for such a long period of time, I did go up to him and ask the reason why he has not bowled enough,” Kartik said. “And the thing which he said to me is something I completely resonate with. He’s had a finger surgery on his bowling finger which is the point of his finger of his left hand. It is swollen, it is rigid, there’s no movement no suppleness to it. So he feels he is not getting any feeling out of it. As a spinner you need the feeling. Also he is having issues with his shoulder so it’s a combination of both and it’s tough to bowl in Test cricket where you need that feel as a spinner.”Related

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Shakib sustained the left index finger injury during Bangladesh’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka last year. He also missed the match against India during the same tournament due to a shoulder injury. The finger injury kept him out of action for a few months, and then Shakib also had an eye problem that prolonged his absence from the Bangladesh team.Tamim Iqbal later said on air that if Bangladesh have knowingly picked Shakib despite the discomfort in his spinning finger, then the visitors are playing with a bowler short.”Murali Kartik said that Shakib is having trouble gripping the ball due this finger injury. If that’s the case, Bangladesh are playing with four frontline bowlers. The team management should inform whether they knew about this injury or not,” Tamim said.BCB’s chief physician Dr Debashish, however, said that they are not aware of any discomfort for Shakib due to the finger or shoulder injury.”Shakib had a fracture in his finger from the World Cup in India,” he said. “Before that, he had an infection from another finger injury a few years ago. Shakib though hasn’t recently complained about a finger or shoulder injury. A broken finger however can cause discomfort.”There’s some concern that Shakib may have overextended himself in recent weeks. He bowled 63.2 overs for Surrey during a county match in Taunton last week. He had left for the UK from Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan, played the game, and then reached Chennai one day before the first Test.Besides failing to take a wicket in the Test, Shakib got out to an untimely reverse sweep shortly after Litton Das got out in the first innings. Shakib is also trying something new in his batting approach, biting down on a strap around his neck apparently to keep his head from falling over when playing the ball.

A mixed start to Newcastle United’s pre-season fixtures.

First, the Magpies demolished Carlisle United 4-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with the now-departed Sean Longstaff breaking the deadlock, before Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and youngster Ben Parkinson were all on target.

However, on Saturday, with over 10,000 Geordies in attendance in Glasgow, Eddie Howe’s side were embarrassingly battered 4-0 by Celtic at Parkhead, with Nick Pope responsible for an absolute howler, gifting the Hoops their second.

Next up, the Toon Army will take on Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday, but will they have a new signing to get excited about before then?

Newcastle United's latest transfer news

So far this summer, Newcastle have signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £55m, making him the club’s second-most expensive signing of all-time, behind fellow-Swede Alexander Isak.

Meantime, they’ve seen a £25m bid rejected for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, although the DR Congo international has left the Bees’ pre-season training camp in Portugal, and it is widely expected this deal will be finalised in the end.

While Wissa would be an excellent addition, representing a major upgrade on the released Callum Wilson, are Newcastle also turning their attention back to their top target?

Well, as reported by Chris Waugh of the Athletic, Newcastle ‘remain interested’ in signing Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, noting that internal discussions during recruitment meetings have been held.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Fair to say, Newcastle hold a long-standing interest in the England international, having had four bids rejected for Guéhi last summer, the highest of which was £60m, with Palace owner Steve Parish telling BBC Sport back then that it would require “superstar money” for the Eagles to consider selling their captain.

Guéhi is purportedly valued at £70m by the South London side, so should Newcastle push the boat out to bring him to Tyneside?

How Marc Guéhi would improve Newcastle

Howe will be looking to bolster his centre-back options this summer, ahead of a very busy schedule, given that his side have qualified for the Champions League.

The table below underlines his limited options in that position last season.

Newcastle United’s centre-back options 2024/25

Statistics

Dan Burn

Fabian Schär

Sven Botman

Appearances

46

42

10

Starts

44

40

8

Minutes

3,974

3,629

581

% of total minutes played

91%

83%

13%

Statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table outlines, due to Sven Botman’s injury issues, Dan Burn and Fabin Schär started the vast majority of Newcastle’s 48 fixtures last season in league and cup, something that’ll surely not be possible again with, at a minimum, eight Champions League ties thrown into the mix.

Should Guéhi arrive, he would certainly become first-choice in that spot, given that then-England manager Gareth Southgate described his performances at last summer’s Euros as “exceptional”, while former teammate Josef Buršík, now of Club Brugge, labelled him an “absolute tank”.

Meantime, Nathan Jackson of Total Football Analysis outlines how he has the potential to become the best centre-back in the Premier League, with Elias Burke of the Athletic praising his ability to complete ‘ambitious’ forward passes, due to his top-class quality on the ball, citing Roy Hodgson, who asserted that he is a future England captain.

So, let’s see how he compares to Burn, the man he’d surely be usurping in the Newcastle pecking order.

Marc Guéhi vs Dan Burn 2024/25 Premier League comparison

Statistics (per 90)

Guéhi

Burn

Pass completion %

84.15%

88.62%

Forward passes

20.8

17

Duels contested

8.4

8.9

Aerial duel success %

53.91%

66.07%

Ground duel success %

63.46%

50%

Tackles

1.8

1.1

Interceptions

0.9

0.8

Blocks

0.7

0.7

Ball Recoveries

4.3

2.8

All statistics courtesy of Squawka

As the table outlines, Guéhi comes out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics included; it is little surprise that Burn boasts better numbers when it comes to aerial duels!

This is exactly why Guéhi would be such a key signing for Newcastle, as he would represent a massive upgrade in a position of need.

Wissa, on the other hand, while an excellent player, not so much.

The Magpies already have Isak, who Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show asserts is one of the best four centre-forwards on the planet, alongside Erling Braut Håland, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski.

Of course, an Isak back-up is necessary, but this is why they signed William Osula last summer, a player who Beth Limb of Breaking the Lines believes has a ‘bright future ahead’, praising his ‘strong physical profile’ and ‘wonderful burst of acceleration’.

So, while Wissa will be a useful squad addition, Guéhi would represent a transformational first-team starter, hence why Newcastle should go all out to secure his signature.

Related Better fit than Ekitike: Newcastle lead race to sign £44m Wissa alternative

Newcastle eye highly-rated French forward after losing out on Ekitike

Posts ByWill Miller Jul 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s activity in the transfer market over the last few days has been frantic to say the least, with huge moves being made by new boss Thomas Frank.

Mohammed Kudus appears to be the first major signing of the Dane’s tenure in charge, after a £55m deal was agreed between the Lilywhites and West Ham United.

The Ghanaian could prove to be an excellent addition for the club, with the 24-year-old scoring 19 times during his two years with the Hammers after joining from Ajax.

It certainly would be the start of what’s going to be a huge window for the club, especially if they are to rise up the Premier League table throughout 2025/26 after their dismal finish last year.

However, numerous other players still remain on their radar between now and the end of the window, but it remains to be seen how many more deals will be completed.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has been labelled as a potential option for Spurs this summer, potentially following Frank in moving across the capital to join the Lilywhites.

A £50m price tag has been mooted for the 28-year-old, who registered 19 league goals for the Bees during the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

However, another player in England’s top flight has emerged on their radar, with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White a key target, according to The Athletic.

They claim that direct talks have been held between the two clubs, with a deal now being given the famous “here we go” by Fabrizio Romano who has suggested that it is a “massive” move for the club.

Whilst no deal has yet been formally completed, journalist Ben Jacobs has stated that the player has “agreed” to the move and will head to north London for around £60m, a bargain for Frank’s side.

The player is set to undergo a medical on Friday, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Kudus & Wissa

Whilst a deal for Kudus is pretty much in the final stages, it’s evident that the board are serious about completing moves for numerous players ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Daniel Levy evidently wants to back Frank in his quest for success, looking to build on the Europa League triumph they achieved at the end of last season.

Kudus and Wissa would add further quality to the frontline without a doubt, with the pair registering a combined total of 24 league goals throughout 2024/25.

However, despite their pending arrivals, a move for Gibbs-White would undoubtedly be a better option, with the England international one of the most sought-after talents in the division after being on Manchester City’s radar earlier this summer.

When comparing his stats to those of the aforementioned duo, he’s massively outperformed the pair in numerous key areas, handing Frank the attacking quality he has craved this window.

How MGW compares to Kudus & Wissa in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Gibbs-White	Kudus	Wissa
Games played	34	32	35
Goals & assists	15	8	23
Progressive passes	5.3	2.7	2.1
Passes into final third	4.2	1.6	1.3
Shot-creating actions	3.7	3.6	2.1
Take-on success	50%	44%	30%
Aerials won	1.3	0.3	0.9
Key passes	1.3	1	0.8
Stats via FBref

Gibbs-White, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Jamie Martin, has registered more progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes completed – having the creativity ability to allow those ahead of him to thrive in front of goals.

He’s also registered more shot-creating actions despite his deep-lying role, whilst completing a higher percentage of his take-ons, subsequently able to create chances for himself or his teammates.

The 25-year-old has further showcased his dominance with his higher figure of aerials won per 90, with his skillset handing Frank a superb all-round option within the final third.

£60m for a player of his talent in today’s market would be an excellent piece of business by the hierarchy, offering the side yet another incredible talent within the final third.

There’s no denying that Kudus or Wissa would also be impressive signings, but given the stats produced and his current international status, Gibbs-White would blow the pair out of the water, potentially playing a huge role in any future success under Frank.

A better signing than Eze: Spurs set to make bid for "magical" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have ended their pursuit of Eberechi Eze with a move for another talented star.

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Ethan Lamb

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Newcastle United have been in contact to sign a new striker who has been likened to Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres.

Eddie Howe addresses Alexander Isak’s Newcastle future

The Magpies’ pre-season fixtures began last weekend with a 4-0 victory over Carlisle United, however, on Saturday, Eddie Howe’s side fell to a 4-0 defeat to Scottish champions Celtic.

One man missing from the friendly at Celtic Park was Alexander Isak, amid speculation over interest from Liverpool and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

As to be expected, Howe was quizzed on Isak’s exclusion from the squad and his future, to which he said:

Howe then added: “It’s difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I’m confident he’ll be here at the start of the season.”

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ByKelan Sarson Jul 19, 2025

Even if Isak stays at St James’ Park, Newcastle and PIF are still on the search to bring in a new forward, amid interest in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman may well be on his way to Anfield with the Reds looking unlikely to sign Isak, and that has resulted in Newcastle moving on to another French attacking target.

Newcastle in contact over Kolo Muani move

According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle and Manchester United have both entered the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.

The 26-year-old spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Juventus, and those at the Serie A giants are ‘doing everything to convince him that the Turin project is made for him’.

However, Newcastle and Man Utd have both initiated contact over a deal for Kolo Muani. At St James’ Park, the Magpies are ‘convinced that his well-rounded profile and international experience would make him a key part of the project’.

His speed, versatility, technical ability and intelligence are seeing him become a man in demand this summer, with the France international seemingly now a firm target for Newcastle.

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

Omar Marmoush

Man City

Lois Openda

RB Leipzig

Evanilson

Bournemouth

Marcus Rashford

Man Utd

As can be seen, Football Transfers have likened Kolo Muani to Arsenal target and Sporting CP star Gyokeres among other top centre-forwards, and the prospect of seeing the Frenchman alongside Isak next season is an exciting one.

He scored 10 goals and provided three assists for Juventus in just 22 matches earlier this year and a move to Newcastle appears to be one to watch.

Tottenham are reportedly now favourites to sign a “remarkable” defender this summer, with Thomas Frank’s side earmarking the addition of a centre-half as one of their key priorities before deadline day on September 1.

Levy told key condition to sign £47m Frank target as Tottenham open talks

Spurs have been informed of the requirements.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 22, 2025

After Spurs triggered the obligation to buy clause in Kevin Danso’s deal, Frank currently boasts around six centre-backs in his squad right now – even if that number does include youngsters like Ashley Phillips and Luka Vuskovic.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Despite this, The Telegraph and journalist Matt Law confirmed earlier this week that Tottenham are still looking into signing another central defender – with Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi remaining on their agenda after Daniel Levy failed with an audacious £70 million bid for him in January.

While the focus right now appears to be finally concluding a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, amid an ongoing legal dispute with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men over the transfer, it appears a new defender is also in Tottenham’s sights.

“Tottenham remain confident about their chances of signing the player. But, obviously, now this is a legal topic. They need to have discussions directly with Nottingham Forest to find the solution,” said Fabrizio Romano on the GMS Market Madness podcast a few days ago.

“Of course, it changes the timing of the deal. Tottenham’s perfect plan was probably to sign Kudus and Gibbs-White in 24 or 48 hours. It is now going to take a bit longer, but they remain intent on signing the player. That is still their plan, so let’s see how it continues on the legal side. But, for sure, Tottenham still want Morgan Gibbs-White.”

In terms of the defensive addition Levy could make, a lot of noise has surrounded Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi, despite PSG’s lengthy talks for the Ukranian which stretch back for weeks (Fabrizio Romano).

He was a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s backline last season, helping the Cherries to their best-ever Premier League points tally, and Bournemouth will undoubtedly be reluctant to lose another star defender after Dean Huijsen.

While media sources suggest that Zabarnyi has already agreed personal terms with PSG, a new report from journalist Pete O’Rourke states that Spurs are definitely not out of the race just yet.

Tottenham emerge as "the frontrunners" to sign Illia Zabarnyi

According to O’Rourke, in a piece for Football Insider, Tottenham “have now emerged as the frontrunners” to sign Zabarnyi ahead of PSG – with Spurs said to be advancing a move for the 22-year-old.

The Lilywhites could now hijack PSG’s deal for Zabarnyi, it would seem, but Levy will have to fork out north of £60 million, as Bournemouth attempt to make a handsome profit off the £24 million they originally paid for him.

Interestingly, Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claimed last week that Spurs are prepared to do just that, so this could be one to keep an eye on in the coming days.

In terms of Zabarnyi’s obvious quality, there is little doubt he’d upgrade Frank’s current options, with pundit Jamie Redknapp suggesting the Euro 2024 star didn’t quite get the credit he deserved last season.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”